Both In Bespin.

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

They had only just begun to pull into the planet's atmosphere when the Fanblade began to rattle. It was slight, and nothing out of the ordinary, merely entering the thicker air and submitting to the now-present pull of gravity. Unneeded accessories and uncomfortable clothing had been removed and now lay in piles around their feet, leaving them with only what was needed to serve as basic coverings. The red sphere of the cockpit had long since heated, even against the sheer cold of deep space. Xenia, once at the forward controls of the ship now lay sideways, draped across Kail's body like a small child, legs hanging off of the right edge, and the rest of her body curled against his chest; still bare. His skin felt warm against hers, though it wasn't a conscious feeling. Her eyes were closed, and had been for at least a few hours. Even so, a small smile remained on her full lips, her hair now in a tangled mess, the white fabric of her clothing blown apart, dirtied, and now torn away; in part from the attack on Naboo.

"-- Bespin air patrol, your landing permit and vehicle registration code."

Automated voices began to cycle through at annoyingly loud volumes; Bespin's air patrol, in request of the various landing codes and registration. It was information only Xenia would have known off the top of her head, which was more or less standard procedure among pilots, preventing others from really using a stolen ship should they have the nerve to try it. The bright orange of sunset cloaked the two humans in a flattering light, tanning them beyond what was normally visible. She stirred in response to the harsh, mechanical sounding humans on the other end of the com-unit, but didn't fully wake. Her hands, not subject to any real command, stretched over the man's pectorals and clenched into a fist right at the pit between them both. Again the Bespin officials called in for the information, as persistent as ever, the raising noise of their own air patrol cornering them on either end. The strange cabs, armed with stranger placed weapons, displayed pilots who peered into their own cockpit, flashing hand signals to suggest a response.

"You are not cleared for landing, I repeat not cleared for landing, you'll have one last warning. Landing permit and registration--!"

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

…the Skye horizon was beautiful at this height, and Kail exhaled proudly as he crested the lip of the monastery before him. Dating back to eons ago, with markings he didn’t recognise, Kail rubbed the days’ worth of stubble over his chin, tapping both sides of his jaw as he looked around. The mountain range was struck by the low setting sun and faint specks of snow drifted down around him…

…and then he jumped to the floor, falling on his knees, kicking up the dirt under his boots as he pulled himself along to the bloodied and battered girl laying before him. Blood painted the white snow around her, her face wet and hair dirty, eyes flickering to battle with staying alive. He licked his lips and assessed the situation as he examined her body…

… he turned around to see a girl in white standing atop a huge alter, radiating blue energy and hair seemingly alight with flame, but looking radiant and beautiful. The blood on his hands started to fade, looking down and seeing his skin appear under the crimson fuel for all humanity vanish before his eyes. Around him the temple began to shake, and the girl in white started to convulse in a flash of blue energy and shouted "- Bespin air patrol, your landing permit and vehicle registration code."…

…a stark flurry of beeps bounced around his head and he looked around the temple, reaching forward for the girl vanishing before him…Matsu…Xenia…both seeming to take over the other…the girl screamed…

Kail didn’t jump as he woke, but for a second forgot where he was. The gorgeous atmosphere of Bespin was coated by the orange sunset that warmed the cockpit of the Fanblade. And Xenia was curled on him, and both were half naked, dressed in basic clothing with the rest strewn on the floor around the chair.

With his arm around her shoulder, she was half-asleep and not really with it. He craned his head out to see the familiar sight of two Twin-Pod vessels circling the ship. The pilots could be seen and also heard over the comlink in their ship, again requesting landing permits. Kail blinked to bring himself out of a relaxed state and gently shook his girl.

”Xenia….Xenia, wake up – we need your landing permit and code, quick.”

Glancing around the control panel, he noted the flashing blue light to his right on a display that featured an image of the Bespin security ships, and he stretched his arm and leaned over to press it.

”Um, we understand – please hold – uploading now.”

He turned to Xenia and slapped her thigh gently.

”Hey, c’mon, or this’ll be the shortest relationship you ever have if they blast us out the sky.”


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

This was a quick awakening, and relatively turbulent. First and abrupt noise, an alarm of the man's voice, followed by the taps and nudges. Her eyes widened and stretched, dazed in her state and made to think. "Uhh," she said out of reflex, before shifting out of her position hurriedly. "poodoo, um," of course now the numbers seemed hard to recall. Though it didn't take her long to slap in a long series of various numbers, quick swipes adding various files from her Fanblade's internal systems. Landing permit, as well as landing codes. Even more than that, she had her own landing pad access, reserved for guests of honor. One of the perks to come from a long and dreadfully boring charity she had conducted; spending massive money to aid in the relief of various technical issues. Another time, she had helped aid in a potentially deafening crisis, donating a large sum of money which bought them additional man power. Turned out, it also created jobs, and trickled down into good programs. The gratitude here seemed endless, and Xenia had always enjoyed the place. On occasion she even joked of retiring here when she was older, though mostly only to passing strangers who bring the small world up in conversation.

"Geez-- you scared me," and she laughed, a bit embarrassed.

Xenia brushed the hair to her left behind her ear. A dangling spin of wavy hair. As if deciding it was in fact a good idea, she spun around and punched the man's chest, right about the shoulder. Nothing too rough, but a punch nevertheless. It wasn't until she recoiled the hand, smiled, and began to giggle that she realized-- "Oh, sshhhiitt, Kail--" Her hand fell back on his chest, fingers sprawling out across the inked tattoo. Another laugh, this one a bit more stressed, yet strangely more genuine, ending in a cruel glance at Kail. All in humor. Her hand raised to cover a gaping mouth, and she quickly directed her attention to their location. Bespin, right beside to air patrol ships. Ships which could clearly be seen, and therefore could clearly see. "Kail--!! Oh my god, my-- our!! Our clothes! I can't be seen like th-- at all! Ohmygod--" As if the red, goofy looking air patrol ships were going to devour her alive, she shrunk against the man and slipped her dress back into place. It had been all the way turned around, and somehow slid down to bind her lower legs.

"Seriously-- I thought you'd, poodoo, I thought you'd-- I don't know-- be awake!?"

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Kail watched her desperately punch in the required transmissions – it was beyond him all this, he was used to hiding away in public transports and letting other people do the work, he was never up front where the…action….was.

He smiled and traced his hand around her bare back as she did, toying with her hair between his fingers. It was when she turned to him he remembered how beautiful she was, and how unpredictable she was as a punch landed on his shoulder, making him wince and chuckle.

”Hey, don’t blame me!”

Wrestling with her hands, their flesh pushing against each other, the ship maintained a steady course, but his pilot was having none of it. She was clearly conscious of an image to keep and started to panic about where most of their clothes were – or weren’t. Kail looked away and raised his hands to let her fumble at the dress, hiking it up from where it had been discarded down her legs, but it was too good a chance to miss.

Kail grabbed hold of her wrists, the dress half-way up her body. He only had his black boxers on, so why should he face the brunt of embarrassment, not that he was. He held both arms and grinned at her.

”What are you so afraid of? Not regretting anything…are you?”

He moved in and kissed her inviting lips, pinky and moist. He swore a small sigh came from her as he did.


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

Her face fell white when Kail's hands restricted her. A neutral look of natural disaster. "No, no, no," she began, and quickly followed with "Kail, oh my god please, you don't understand--" But her struggling was completely misunderstood. And she was stuck, the identities were separate. That was the point, and there could be no exceptions. poodoo. "Kaaiiiillll--" she whined. Literally staring at the pilot. Oh no, oh god, the man looked at her, shocked. No, no, he couldn't know who she was, that was not good. But he continued, and pulled her close, using his superior strength to handle her as if she had little input. Though, she had to have input. Stripping one hand free, she covered Kail's lips just before impact and pushed herself away making a muffled "Uhm-mm," shaking her head, fiery eyes lit once again.

"They can't see me, please--!!"

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Kail looked down at her hand over his lips, her face showing she wanted to be anywhere but right here. Inside, his stomach surged and he felt embarrassed – what was she so worried about on Bespin? What was she planning? Kail didn’t like the anger that bit him…rearing its ugly head…

”Ok…ok.” He turned his head away from her and raised his hands to let Xenia go.

Not wanting to stay in a position that had his defences lowered, Kail slipped up off the chair to the left with Xenia on his right and he leant over to take his combat trousers first, slipping into them and buckling the belt. Next he learnt down to get his tan shirt which he threw over his body, stinging a little from fresh nail marks.

Glancing over, Xenia was sorting herself out but not even giving him a reason why she was so…tense.

Socks and boots. Armoured vest. Waist holster. Done. The KX-60 was still by Xenia’s feet and he pulled it over by the strap and put it over his arm and on his back. Ruffling his hair a little, he suddenly felt this whole thing was a bad idea.

He’d lowered his defences, given himself to Xenia – more than either expected – and now…now there was something else but he didn’t know what. Standing with his back to the viewport and the planet fully before them, he watched Xenia.

”Don’t go anywhere.”

Leaving the cockpit, Kail moved down the narrow passageway to the middle section of the Fanblade and rested his arms on the wall, head between his arms as his fingers tapped and fidgeted awkwardly.

”Dammit Kail...”

He steadied himself as the ship noticeable began to lose altitude steadily; coming towards a destination he was sure Xenia had planned all along.


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

"Enjoy your stay, miss Nastassia."
The patrol had literally said that.
So he knew. Frack.

Soon after Kail left, she would follow, the hatch snapping open. She had already landed, and the patrol units were long gone. It was clear that her guard wasn't up, and she froze when she came out to see Kail obviously swept away by-- something. A quick tongue licked drying lips, and her eyes fell to the wall. "Look, there are," the final hatch began to open, dropping them to the ground on a small, slanted walk way, "some, things--" but she couldn't tell him; not yet, just the day before he was trying to kill her. She had to be smart, she had to be. "Look, just follow me," and she grabbed his arm, yanking him into a jog. The orange tone of their surroundings sure was beautiful, but she didn't even notice it, her eyes trained on all of the openings. Each and every door-- until one opened. She sucked in a breath, and began to walk faster. Her dress was still torn with ash smears and dirt. Her skin was no different, and her hair was now a mess of wild waves.

"Kail, they-can't-see-me, they-can't-see-me."

The landing pad they were on was like a bridge between two buildings. To the left was a long walk way, leading to an empty door. To the right, what looked like an approaching crowd-- the media. A wave of whatever social information gathering this small city had. The press, as it were. "Hurry, left-left!!" She whirled round the ship and began her retreat. Quickened pace lead her with blazing speed down the walk way, making sure Kail followed at all costs. At the far end, a small input code rendered the door locked for all of about three seconds before it slid open. Lord, it took forever, she had never noticed that before. As soon as she made it inside, provided 'the man' was right behind, she'd close it and continue walking. If he were to say anything, her reponses would be barely revealing at this point, she had no idea what she was to tell him. He was different, it felt like, but she was just-- telling herself that?

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He didn’t give her anything as he walked through, a powerful and attractive sway in her walk, looking rougher around the edges with her smoky dress and wild hair. But she was yet again operating in a strange urgency as she lowered the ramp and practically dragged him out.

The chill from Bespin hit him, but Kail savoured the fresh air that whistled around them both. It made Xenia look almost angelic, blowing her dress and hair back as she moved with purpose across the landing pad, up and over to the buildings above that were soft and plain in colour, but very spherical and almost like bubbles built in and on the other.

Kail hated running from something he didn’t see or understand – he was a fighter, he faced down danger, not run (unless it was literally blasting away at him or his cover) . So as Xenia went back and forward, calling him to keep up, his patience was thinning as he was being kept in the dark from something.

He skidded to a halt behind her as she hit some access keypad, glancing left and right for some hidden danger he couldn’t see. Only the occasional citizen and protocol droid. The door opened with a soft swish and she pulled him through. More corridors, leading deep into the city, wherever the hell this city was.

”HEY!”

Kail shook his head and stopped, banging an open palm on the white wall beside him.

”Who the hell are you? What is this all about? I’m not running from anything until you TELL me.”


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

"Kail, don't-- don't do this, please, not right here, just-- just please."

She motioned in the direction of the corridor they had been traveling. Most of the civilians were looking at the pair, and Xenia lowered her voice. Even so, she looked important. Dramatic aesthetics and a well known reputation rendered her more than vulnerable here. But she couldn't play this game here, not now, and not like this. "Kail, I'm serious, this is important-- and, yeah-- please!" Her tone was desperate, and she turned half way as if she would continue walking if he didn't come. And she half told herself she would.

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Kail stood his ground; he wasn’t going to be weak and pathetic anymore. No-one would walk over him and label him as that ever, ever again.

”Who are you.”

He watched Xenia move and he chewed his cheek, disregarding the glances of other.

”I don’t want to hate you Xenia, but if you don’t tell me what is so important you not being seen…or, hang on, is it me?”

Kail looked around and scoffed, sauntering forward.

”Good enough to sleep with but not worthy enough to be seen stood by?”

Looking at her green eyes again, he raised his eyebrow a little and shrugged.


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

Her eyes looked pained when he made his stance. She was being unfair, and she knew that. She had already picked his side, given herself to him in a very literal way. But something inside of her told her it still wasn't safe, paranoia dictating that the first person she trusted would get her killed. Or worse, ruin her life completely. Kail's voice was loud, and it seemed her glances into the surrounding audience only agitated him further, so she stopped. Her hand raised, waving for him to keep his volume lower. Stepping closer to him, the struggle in her eyes was apparent. They were glassy, as if she was steps away from tears; tears of frustration and confusion.

"Shh-- stop that, Kail-- please. Alright, alright, I'll tell you-- can we please just-- please!!"
Her tone was desperate, as if this was life threatening. And, to some extent, it was.
"It's like... right there!"

She motioned in the direction they had been going, and pointed to a door that was rather close, facing them, and at the end of one more corridor. Submissively grabbing at Kails hand, as if timid to his reaction, she tried once more to move him, hearing the voices and footsteps of media representatives just around the corner. It was clear that it wasn't danger in a conventional means, that was for sure. A bunch of fancily dressed civilians, carrying cameras and audio devices, note pads, and scurrying with their companions in her pursuit.

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Looking away from her pleading eyes to the growing sound of excited conversation coming behind them, he turned and indicated to the door she pointed to, letting her lead him. Passing a few gawkers, he stood behind and looked across the wonderfully crafted halls, the Bespin sunset striking behind them, and saw the group she was running from.

The door chimed open and Xenia nearly fell through. Kail stopped and stared at the crowd of beings – some sentient, some droid. Hovercams floated around them – it was the media. He scowled and shook his head, feeling Xenia’s hand on his drag him through with her, the door closing behind.

Stepping into the small, cosy white room, with only a large sofa, sideboards and a long panoramic window looking over the planet, Kail turned to her; she looked worn out, and almost a shadow of the girl he had encountered on Naboo hours before.

”Are you ok?”

He slowly stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently stroking his thumbs on her skin.

”Tell me what’s going on. Who are you?”


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

She was panting when they finally made it through, and yes, she was exhausted. After the door shut, she let Kail's hand fall and she moved further into the room's center. The concern in his voice was evident, though she couldn't place if it was selfish or not. Either way, she needed to think of something, and fast. Was she to tell him the truth? Or was she to lie? No-- she couldn't lie, it would come out as such at a later date and could cause massive problems. If he posed to be a threat in the future, well, god forbid. That bridge was one she didn't want to think of crossing. She managed to get her shoes off, and it should be noted that she threw them across the room; and one can hardly blame her, she had been doing far too much running in the high stilettos.

"Kail... I don't know what to tell you... I--"
But she she was forced to decide. Truth.

"I'm not who you probably think I am-- My name is Xenia," she made clear. But it was hard for her to find a place to start, and when she tried, she failed to do so in a gentle manner. "I'm the daughter of Naboo's previous queen," but she gaped and stopped, "and my dad was a lord on her council, as well as Senator, and-- and representative of the entiiiire Chommell Sector in the galactic senate." It seemed like the list had ended, though she had hardly even begun, "and... so much more..." she pointed to the two of them, as if lumping the two together and shook her head, "this-- this is like... soooo dangerous, you, a-- a, what, mercenary? You have criminal records, you must, and me-- and," but she just looked defeated.

"Kail, I don't know what to do. I'm scared-- my house, I don't even have a house any-- Kink, oh my god, Kink..."
She was just about at the end of her rope. This had been so much stress.

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He didn’t apply any pressure to her shoulders, just a gently stroke to let her know he was there right behind her. A passing cruiser was the only sound that could be heard for a moment. Kail glanced around at the door that still stayed shut and smiled softly at the disbanded stilettos.

And then she spoke.

Spoke of her heritage, her inheritance – it seemed to make so much sense. Not the fact he was introduced to her as a bounty hunter on Tatooine, but with the luxurious house on Naboo and fleeing from threats on her life and media hounds.

His eyes darted around the room, but he stayed still; what to think; what to do? What did this mean for them both? Was there even a “them”, or was his heart betraying him again.

Xenia turned to break his thought, her soft face open and honest as she placed a gentle finger on his vest and spoke. Her voice cracked and trailed off into dangerous territory, placing them both at polar ends of a social scale that made them near incompatible in the eyes of who she was – is – to the galaxy.

He placed his hand on her shoulder gently, but not trying to cage her in should she want to move around.

”Thank you for telling me. Now, I don’t care WHAT you are or what you stand for – I only care for you, Xenia. I am a little confused what the daughter of such royal decree was doing hunting a mercenary in the backlots of Tatooine, but that’s history now.”

A small smile broke and he cupped her cheek in his hand.

”Xenia – “ he hesitated, ” – I…do…I can lo…”

He sighed and licked his lips, looking over her shoulder outside, composing the confusing thoughts in his head about the girl he thought he knew.

”Xenia, I can help you. Well, no, but I can…I can work with you. Be with you. I don’t know. Listen…you obviously have connections greater than I know about, and I am sure you have residences dotted around you probably didn’t even know about. If not, you could easily buy one I am sure and make a base there.”

Kail brought his hand down to hers before them both and held it.

”A mercenary I may be, but I am a man; flesh and blood. I can help you, I can protect you. I will be whoever you want me to if you let me stand with you. I care for you, really, I do. So much. I want to be with you. Look, if I…if you don’t need this, you must tell me now and let me go before it endangers you and whatever you are trying to do.”

He sighed in frustration at his own choice of words Breaking off, he reached up into his chest pocket on the armoured vest and pulled out a chip, holding it before Xenia.

”Remember this? You dropped it going down the escape hatch on Naboo. You took it from your droid, Kink?” He placed the chip in her hand and closed it.

”Maybe you’ve not lost everything. Not yet.



@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

There, it was out.

She spoke, and he listened.

Then he spoke, and she listened.

It seemed odd, all of this, Kail, his words, what he was saying. It seemed almost sudden, or, thrust upon. She couldn't breath through the thoughts which caved in around her mental space. Who was he. Sure, she knew, but she didn't know. He could be anyone, have any history, and any number of dangers attached to him, and yet that feeling hung between them. Sticking them together, even when it was dangerous. And even when they couldn't stand the other, they were still right there. Somehow. But it only made things more complex now, so much more complex. Her life, one of duality, was becoming mixed. Before, she had lived one life separated from the next. No person was a carry over, no one knew about the other Xenia. Only whichever they met, and she had promised herself to keep that rule. Promised herself the same thing for years, and in one day he had uprooted her so completely. She bit her lip in frustration, his words seeming annoyingly perfect, though she knew it would never be as easy as what he suggested. It just didn't work like that.

But when he held up the mechanical device and waved it, her eyes seemed to crack. There they were, tears began to dump from bright green spheres, now glassy and clouded with emotion. She felt silly, such a victim to the emotions which ran over her. Or at least, it seemed to be the case around Kail. But those tears weren't even at the discovery of the mechanical chip, something she had just previously thought to be lost, but because with every step closer to her Kail took, the harder it became to think clearly about her options. Illogical ideas of grand romance, adventure and fairy tales racing through her mind only to be crushed under the firm boot of reality. Her embrace was imminent, a lunge forward and a tight wrap around the man's neck, hiding her face in the nape of his shoulder. He smelled of their past couple of days, everything was there.

"Oh my god! Kink's codex chip! I dropped it!?--"
Her sentence was muffled when she continued.

"Thank you so much, Kail, thank-you-thank-you-thank-you." She squeezed tighter, blind hands finding his own and taking the chip from his fingers. When she pulled back, it was clear that while she had been greatly relieved by Kail's gift, the stress was still very much present in her head, like a whirlwind. "It's not the house, it's-- it's why. Why was the house a target, my house? Why was my house a target-- and right after Coruscant, frack, there were already so many questions about that." Her problems were of a world Kail simply couldn't fully understand. A noble's terms and customs were a code in and of themselves, every bit as complex and binding as a Jedi order, she had long since convinced herself; this despite knowing almost nothing about the order itself. "They'll want to know who, Kail. What am I supposed to tell them?" But she wasn't really asking him so much as proving the source of her anxiety.

"Unless..."

She held the chip up as if it was supposed to mean something obvious. "Unless, no way," but she didn't finish her thought.

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

She wasn’t giving anything away, except never breaking his gaze. Everything was laid out before her now – yes, there were things he hadn’t said but that would come in time should he trust her more than he did right now. And he felt the feeling was mutual.

It was the chip that broke her down; the droid must have meant a lot to her. Taken aback by her hard embrace, he patted her back with his free hand, his other broken open by her hungry fingers to take the memory of her protocol unit. If she had no-one close to her, he could understand how much a companion, artificial or not, could mean. It was something had lost too.

Kail simply nodded in acknowledgement of her emotional thanks.

Stepping back, he listened to her talk half to herself, half to him about the recent turn of events. Standing before the large window, Kail held onto his vest and watched the city below quieten down for the night, as well as losing himself with the flying dual pods above them and the activity of twinkling lights and busybodies out for the evening.

”They were Rodian, Xenia. They probably traced the ship I brought to you. It’s my fault you lost your home. You didn’t deliver me on a slab, so they came for me personally and to hell with the house I was hiding in. You were made an enemy the moment you left me in that ship.”

He turned to check the walkways visible from the panoramic window stretching around the small room and he could see the faint chatter of activity in the outer corridor. Kail looked back to the window.

”I don’t know what you were doing on Tatooine, and Coruscant, no, I’m sorry. That’s your own story to tell them. Hell, you could always use me as the scapegoat. I’m nameless to many, and so just say…I’m…I don’t know, meeting you for some inter-planetary security operation and I’m working undercover for the Galactic Intelligence Agency. I don’t know Xenia, I don’t even know WHAT you are still. Princess? Politician? Bounty Hunter?”

The merc turned to her, still shaken, but still looking at her chip. He pointed at the door.

”Unless what? Look, I’m telling you right now I can be out of your life in 5 minutes and I can take away half the troubles you think you have if you want me to.”

If there was an escape pod from these feelings he was developing for her and the opportunity was given to use it, he’d have to, for her sake.


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

Kail sounded like a child who simply didn't understand a thing of which he spoke. Politics were not just something which could be faked, the people were as real as anyone else. At least in that one couldn't merely create their own scapegoat. Not like that. Not like that. Yet, he wouldn't be able to understand, really, and there wasn't much point in trying to explain anything to him just yet. But his thoughts were sweet enough, the smile on her face accompanied with under-the-breath mumblings about him bringing the Rodian ship to her house. It didn't sound pleased, to say the least, but it was mild enough.

"Yeah, if only it were that easy."

She mocked him by imitating the voice of someone trying such a ludicrous cover up. "Hi, my name is Kail Ragnar-- oh what? You've never heard of me? Well, that's because-- oh, my documentation? Yeah, I don't really have... that... on me right now." Her point was clear, but she babbled nervously on. "You want proof that I am who I am, yeah, well, I don't have it." But she finally stopped, realizing that she was being cutting when she need not be. One hand raised, and she apologized simply. "... I'm just-- sorry, I'm just stressed. I've never been in a situation like, thiiiiis bad before." Her hands pressed against her temples, and she leaned into Kail, hoping that he'd just hold her. She wanted to feel the support of something.

"I'm not framing you, Kail. I'm here because I want you around..."

That didn't come out as she meant it, nor as she had played around with it in her head. She withdrew and made sure her eyes met his, offering another apology of sorts. "That's-- that's not what I meant--" yet it was true, and there was no way around it. The realization was a rather grim one, and for a second she contemplated the idea of him just... leaving. Just, gone. But the thought ended, and she drew in a large breath, stepping back and looking out the window Kail had seemed to be drawn to. There had to be something to do, and she was merely too worked up to see it clearly. She had always been able to find an answer. A solution and solvent for anything. Everything thus far, she'd be damned if this was what drowned her. Another breath, and another, and another. Apparently whatever idea she had come up with in relation to the microchip in hand simply wouldn't cut it. Not by itself.

"Alright... think, think. First... Coruscant... Official reports talk about a building's collapse... but that's a... skeletal story I guess."

She turned to Kail with a look of annoyance. "The... bounty hunter who took me to the... hospital, and ohmygod staaayed there with me until I woke up--!!" She lost her thoughts for a moment, speaking of customs and rules which were obvious to her, though may not sound as astounding to someone else. Before long she connected her thoughts again and continued, "he gave them that piece of crap. A building collapse--!? Yeah, except where's the building, genius? Right!? What if they had asked that." She shook her head, thinking a verbal storm and not leaving much room for Kail to interrupt. "Alright, so then Naboo, there's no easy way to explain that..."

Here, something peculiar happened. Sure, she was quirky, but there was something beautiful working in her mind. It was her weapon, and she wielded it with extreme grace. Her eyes, in thought, looked glazed and hardly attached to real life events.

"No, it can't be that... simple. I have to control the narrative. Tell the story, my way, before the story is told any other way. And it can't be a random building collapse-- I was the target. Yes," and she read her thoughts aloud, as if reading the headline of a holo-report. "Xenia is targeted as a result of her prolonged peace campaign on Coruscant. The perpetrators, unruly criminals from the underbelly; now, that's a believable story--" and she added "stalked by rugged bounty hunters," which concluded with a giggle at Kail. She was talking to herself more than anyone else, aside from the last bit.

"I make myself a victim, a strong pioneer of justice, and something that they'll have no choice but to... rally behind. Running to Bespin for cover and hiding. And as for the Rodians, and my home, well, it was obviously a second attempt at what had failed before, anyone could believe that. I wasn't killed the first time, so they tried again-- they, who's they?"

Her face lit up and she spun around to Kail.

"You know anyone with a public image who should be burnt out of the sky? Someone from the Rodian government, someone with considerable power who would be a believable villain? I've made sure to deal with clean politicians when I deal with any at all," she coughed with a haughty tone, staring back at Kail as if expecting him to have a... different experience. "And the same goes for most of my other connections-- I already killed those two Rodians, uhh, Siloos and Dim Bek," two men of notable political power, "so then, who sent those Rodians over? Who in the world knew where you were-- or me, for that matter?"

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He didn't appreciate being mocked, but he let it slide this once. Regardless SHE was the one who had thrown his life upside down, but he had saved her life probably twice and...given so much more of himself in the process. He stood by the window and just...watched, and listened. He was able to keep a straight face and blank his emotions, save a wry smile as she goaded him, and then apologized, and then frowned, and then smirked, and then smiled...

...she was a wreck, and it was sad to see.

She came over to him, into his chest, and Kail rested his chin on her head and wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her gently to sooth and comfort her. This was a situation out of his depth, caring for another he felt so strongly for who actually reciprocated his affection and his touch. It felt almost normal to the cold blooded killer.

And she moved again; talking, thinking, formulating.

Kail just smiled and watched her in action. Even after the tragedy she had suffered and the rollercoaster ride she had been thrust into with him, she still looked beautiful and full of life, even behind her obvious worries and uncertainty. Brains and beauty. Jackpot!

"How..." he started.

She continued.

"But..."

Another idea, she was on fire.

"Xe...

She turned to the window, eyes full of wonder as she pieced together her jigsaw. Kail chuckled to himself and shook hid head before she spun back around with her thoughts. He paused before trying to talk.

"Are you asking ME to formulate the enemy for this front of yours? I can give you a list of names if you want, all stemming from the Senator I took out on Rodia. And no offence, I was told that the Galactic Intelligence Agency were on my trail a while back before the Sith...took over, so I can easily link the incidents to me."

He frowned a little.

"With your background, your history and your heritage, whatever you say will be believed, honey. That's the perk of your position. What you need to think about is when you open those doors - " he pointed to their left, "- how do you explain the mercenary standing with you?"


@Xenia Nastassia

 

[Xenia Nastassia]

Outer Rim Territories;
Ivax Nebula;
Bespin.

"Uhhhh, no, I'm not linking you to... any of this. That's what this is about in the first place."

She fell back from him, his points were more than valid though. She needed a reason to emerge. Something to explain what exactly she was doing with a formerly wanted mercenary. "Wait, the G.I.A. is onto you-- wow, yer'a'real keeper," she said it with a smile, so it wasn't entirely a comment made out of spite. She was between a rock and a hard place, without much wiggle room. What was more, she couldn't merely remain hidden indoors for long, she would have to face the begging public which pulsed outside the room. "Kaaiillll, I don't know what to do, poodoo, we're cornered in here-- I should have gone straight to administration." The thought, again, of using Kail as the scapegoat ended in a bit of guilt, and another 'no.' Problem was, she wasn't able to quickly find an alternative. No, that wasn't an option.

"How would we... even use you like that...? Just, what, put a gun to my head?"

She faked a horrified face, as if practicing for when they opened the door, a fake trauma. But it was obviously over dramatic and her face fell quickly back into neutrality. Large orbs of green and inquisitive wonder studied Kail's face for thoughts and ideas, trying to detect them as they came up, bathing him in an explorative stare. "I mean... you've worked with them before... it wouldn't be..." but her voice trailed off, and she began to shake her head. The idea almost dismissed, she looked back up with the shadow of a grin on her lips. There were certainly schemes in her head, there always were.

[member="Kail Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

As the girl shook her head, the mercenary looked to the door. There was no other viable option, really. For the meantime, he was an expendable asset, and if it got her out, it would do the job. Kail walked slowly behind Xenia and slipped his hand up her back, spreading his hand around the nape of her neck.

"Maybe you shouldn't cancel out all options. Your "Highness".

As he curled the last word off his tongue, he reached and pulled the SSX from his holster and yanked back the lowers coils of her hair in his left hand, snapping her head back with a gasp. The barrel of the gun met her temple and he whispered into her ear slowly.

"You should have killed me when you had the chance."

Aiming over her shoulder with deadly precision, Kail shot a bolt at the datapad on the door, causing it to spark and circuit, allowing the door to open with minimal effort as a small jet of steam hissed from the fried unit. Outside, a small crowd was conversing and suddenly turned at the sound of the door opening, and started to move.

However they stopped and gasped as the armed man stepped forward, gun to the head of a confused and frightened looking girl. Kail brought the gun forward and shot down one of the Holocams hovering above them, sending it down in a shower of sparks and burnt metal, thudding heavily on the ground.

"ALRIGHT! Back...off. Anyone even MOVES and this dignitary GETS IT for your headlines!"

Kail pulled harder on Xenia's hair, allowing a small cry to escape her, bare feet stumbling forward under his tight control. He brought the blaster back to her temple. her body making brilliant cover.

"You TELL the people of the galaxy that NO-ONE tells us what peace is when they don't understand why we are fighting! Coruscant, Naboo - this was just the start. You make a move or follow us and I kill her RIGHT now and end her little campaign to save this stinking galaxy."

His eyes burned into the faces of startled humans, Twi'leks, Ugnaughts and other beings out for a scoop. Kail backed off down the corridor, opposite to where they came until they were nearing a large glass elevator and more corridors.

"Direct me. Direct me where you want to go and quick." Kail pushed his head to Xenia's and hissed.

A human in the crowed started to reach for a com, and Kail spotted him, firing a blast upwards taking out a section of the ceiling. He just shook his head as the man stumbled back, hands in the air.


@Xenia Nastassia