Private Cruise on Naboo

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael Virex wasn't used to being rewarded.

Most of the time, his victories were silent. Hard-won. Forgotten the next day. But apparently, running the Gilded Veil like a smooth-talking ghost while Sommer vanished off-world had earned him more than whispered thanks and half-spilled drinks. A voucher had arrived—shiny, official, and stamped with a Nabooian crest—and for once, Kael didn't ask questions.

He'd packed light. A few changes of clothes, his blaster (for old habits), and a bottle of Corellian whiskey just in case the ship's bar was all flair and no fire. He passed customs with a wink and a lazy smirk, his thumbprint still recognized despite a few colorful flags on his record. Must've been a very exclusive list.

Now, standing at the edge of the Naboo starport, sunglasses slouched down his nose and a breeze tugging at his short-sleeved shirt (patterned, unbuttoned halfway down his chest, of course), Kael let out a slow, appreciative whistle.

Palm trees. Marble columns. Air that smelled like salt and fresh fruit.

He ran a hand through his tousled black hair, then adjusted the strap of his duffel over one shoulder. His skin already felt warmer under the sun, his vibe effortlessly confident, with that roguish edge that said: Yes, I'm trouble. Yes, I'm worth it.

Nearby, holo-screens shimmered with the name of the vessel: The Empyrean Kiss – A floating paradise promising seven days of pleasure, play, and perhaps, a little chaos.

Kael cracked a grin. "Alright, Naboo. Show me what you've got."

And with that, he strode toward the cruise terminal, every step radiating vacation energy and just the right amount of flirtation.

Tag: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

Usually, these types of contests were bogus, false, and Xian never won anything. This one was different, and when she got a letter telling her she had won, she had to sit down before she fell down. Rereading it to make sure she wasn't dreaming, she let out a squeal and started packing. Telling her master she would be gone for at least a week, she boarded the public transport to Naboo.

Grabbing her bag when she arrived, she was wearing a close-fitting top and pants. Both looked like they might have been tailored for her. On her belt, she openly carried one lightsaber hilt. No purse, though, all of her small belongings were in pockets or her suitcase.

She wasn't even sure if she was old enough for this, but she could always mind-trick somebody if they questioned her. Nobody did as she flashed her boarding pass and walked on board The Empyrean Kiss. She had only ever been to a beach once, so this was going to be a new experience for the teen.

Taking a breath, she was given her room key, and a map was downloaded onto her device. Once that was done, she was left to do her own thing. Smelling the salt of the air and tang of the citrus, she let out a happy sigh and headed for the nearest bar.

Everything was included and if you didn't think she would make the most of it...you would be mistaken. Picking it up once it was placed in front of her, she turned around to take a sip and stopped with it halfway to her mouth. Walking into the area had to be the most attractive and confident man she had ever seen. Deciding it would be best to either drink or set it down, she gulped it down and set the empty glass down behind her.

A crash happened as she totally missed the bar, and the glass fell to the deck at her feet.

"Oh boy, what a way to start this cruise."

Muttering under her breath, she bent over to try to clean up the glass before she could hurt herself.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

The sound of shattering glass was crisp, sharp, and completely out of place in the lazy hum of vacation murmurs and ambient music. Heads turned. A few patrons blinked, then went back to their drinks.

Kael Virex wasn't like most patrons.

He had just stepped into the open-air bar area, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his light linen trousers, his shirt fluttering a little with the ocean breeze wafting through the space. He caught the tail end of a girl—no, young woman—scrambling to gather a broken glass at her feet.

He tilted his head, lips tugging into a smirk as he approached. "Tsk, tsk," he offered, voice as smooth as aged whiskey. "You drop one glass and suddenly everyone forgets how charming the entrance was."

He crouched beside her, one hand bracing on the bar rail, the other reaching to help. "Though I've gotta thank you. Been looking for the bar, and here you are—clearly it's this way."

His eyes met hers, a touch of amusement glinting in them beneath the shield of his dark lashes.

"Kael Virex," he said, offering his hand, not even flinching as a tiny shard crunched under his boot. "Part-time bar magnet. Full-time good decision."

His smile widened just a bit.

"And who might you be, saboteur of stemware and bringer of happy accidents?"

 

[Xian Xiao]

Oh, she had not forgotten his entrance. She didn't say that, though, and stared silently at him for a moment. Probably longer than she thought, but she wasn't feeling the silence to be uncomfortable. Her black eyes met his and sparkled like a star in the sky when he thanked her.

"You're welcome."

Picking up the last piece of glass except the one his boot was, she took hold of his extended hand as he introduced him.

"Xian Xiao. Party goer and great dancer."

Why had she just said that? It might be the truth, but she didn't usually state it. Her eyes looked away from his and down to his exposed chest before returning to his eyes. He was even better close up. He knew this, and Xian didn't tell him.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael's grin deepened as he helped her to her feet, fingers briefly wrapping around hers—warm, smooth, steady, with just enough pressure to let her know he was paying attention.

"Xian Xiao," he repeated, as if savoring the syllables. "Now that's a name that belongs on a dancefloor. Or maybe in neon lights."

He released her hand with a touch of reluctance, then brushed the back of his wrist against his open collar like the sun had just gotten a little warmer.

"Pleasure to meet you, Xian. Can I get you another drink? One that doesn't come with a side of cleanup."

He gestured to the bar, and when the droid bartender glanced their way, Kael smoothly lifted two fingers. "Her choice, and a glass of the house fizz for me."

Then, turning slightly toward her with the relaxed confidence of someone who never had to force conversation, he leaned against the bar. "Did you get the fancy little invite too? Gold trim, cursive font, made you feel like royalty and question your life choices all at once?"

His dark eyes sparkled beneath the shadow of his lashes, teasing but warm.

"I wasn't sure it was real at first. I thought it was some prank from a Zeltron ex. But turns out—" he gestured toward the crystal blue sea in the distance, "—we're really here. Sun. Salt. Drinks. Mystery. Can't say I hate the summer vibe."

A pause, not uncomfortable, just deliberate.

"So, Xian… what are you hoping to get out of this trip? Adventure? Relaxation? Something… new?"
His tone dipped slightly on that last word, not flirtatious exactly—but inviting. Curious.

 

[Xian Xiao]

"Maybe both?"

Standing up with him, she brushed her hands off together and nodded at the offer of a drink.

"Same as the last one."

It had been something orange and fruity, and she had liked it probably too much. The last time she'd had anything to drink, it had been a good evening, and she had met two extraordinary men. Neither of whom had followed through with any interest. That was okay with Xian. The right man hadn't come along, but that might have changed, and she was looking at Mister Right.

"I did indeed. I kept mine as a souvenir. I didn't think it was real either, honestly. I had to sit down and reread it to make sure. I don't have any exes to worry about pranking me. A Zeltron, huh? I bet she could party hard and leave you wanting more."

Then he asked what she was hoping to get out of this. Leaning against the counter of the bar, she slowly tilted her head, and some of her hair fell to the front before she answered.

"I little of this a little of that and something new would be grand. What about you?"

Slowly taking a sip of her drink, there wasn't need to slam a second one.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael chuckled low in his throat, something easy and genuine that buzzed like electricity under his skin.

"Both. I like the way you think."

He watched as she sipped her drink this time instead of downing it—his smile widening in appreciation. The girl had poise when she wanted it, and spark when she didn't. Dangerous combo.

"Good call keeping the invite. Might be worth something one day. You know, first edition of a legendary week. Frame it, put it on your wall next to your lightsaber rack."

At the mention of his Zeltron ex, he feigned a wince and put a hand dramatically over his heart. "Oh, she could party all right. But let's just say… she knew how to exit a room very quickly after starting the fire."

He downed his drink in a single, practiced motion, then slid the glass back toward the bar droid with a tap of two fingers. "Another, please."

Then he glanced sidelong at her, expression shifting from play to genuine interest. "I'm here for... a reset. Recharge the charm batteries. Shake off the city smog. Meet people who don't owe me credits or want me dead."

He leaned a little closer, dropping his voice just enough. "And if I find something new—hell, someone new? That's just the universe being kind for once."

Then, standing straight again, he looked around the bar, noting the patrons who had simply watched her drop the glass earlier and gone right back to their sipping.

Kael raised his voice, arms spreading with playful offense, "And by the way, I love how nobody helped the lovely lady pick up shattered glass! Class act, everyone!"

A couple heads turned. One Rodian looked confused. A Twi'lek snorted into her cocktail.

Kael turned back to Xian, grinning. "See? I stand by my saboteurs."

Then, gesturing toward the boarding ramp of the cruise ship behind them, he offered his arm like a gentleman from an old holodrama.

"Shall we board, Miss Xiao? I think this is where the real trip starts."

 

[Xian Xiao]

Chuckling as he complimented the way she thought, Xian turned her drink in her hands as she listened to him. That grin wasn't missed, and she considered returning it. When he noticed and commented on her lightsaber, she was surprised even more. It wasn't like she was trying to hide the weapon or anything, but not many mentioned it.

"I don't have one of those. If I did, though, I would for sure. Don't worry, if a fire is started, I can put it out."

Releasing her light grip on her glass, she held one hand out flat with her palm facing up. If he followed the motion, he would see a small fireball rest on her palm. Closing her fingers, it went away, and she got an answer to her question. Her eyes once again went from his face to his chest and back up.

"I don't think you need to recharge your charm batteries. They seem to be performing quite well."

Giving him the grin she had been fighting, she drew in a slight breath when he mentioned finding someone new. Could he be thinking the same thing she was? He was something new for sure, and Xian smiled to herself as he stood up for her and her accident. He had been the one to help her clean up her mess. Picking up her drink, she finished it with almost as much grace as he had his and set the glass down next to his.

"Yes, let's get this journey started."

Picking up her suitcase, she laid her empty hand on his arm.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael's eyes tracked her hand as she held it out, casual at first—until the tiny fireball bloomed into existence on her palm like a sunflower igniting in slow motion. His brows lifted, impressed, and for once, he didn't have a comeback. Not right away.

"Well, damn," he said, a slow, crooked grin spreading across his face. "Here I was about to offer you my jacket if you got cold, but looks like you are your own central heating unit."

His gaze lingered, not just on the flame—but on the ease, the confidence. It wasn't every day someone showed him something that genuinely made him pause.

"Color me intrigued, Xian Xiao."

Her words about his charm made him let out an amused breath through his nose, the grin deepening as she finally returned it. "Well then. I guess I can redirect the power to the fun reserves."

With her hand on his arm and her suitcase rolling behind, Kael led her up the boarding ramp of The Empyrean Kiss, the grand luxury liner gleaming in the Naboo sun. The music got more luxurious as they walked—the kind that made your shoulders drop and your wallet feel slightly lighter just by being in the building.

"Alright, so here's what I've gathered," he said as they passed through the atrium—where floating orbs drifted overhead casting soft rainbow light over champagne-tinted marble and holographic koi swimming beneath the glass floor.

"They've got three pools, including an infinity spa that hangs off the side of the ship. A casino deck with sabacc tables—high-stakes, of course. Daily parties, a masquerade night, and apparently some kind of exclusive midnight beach rave on the fourth evening."

He pulled out his holopass, flicking it with his thumb. "I'm in cabin C-137. Seaside view, hot tub on the balcony. They said I was randomly selected for the luxury tier—right after I said I was a business investor in aromatherapy sabers."

He gave her a wink.

"I can show you around if you're still new to this cruise life. Or," he glanced sideways at her, "if you'd rather explore something new… we could do that too."

He let it hang in the air just long enough before adding with a playful smirk:
"No shattered glasses this time. Scout's honor."

 

[Xian Xiao]

"I hadn't thought of that. I used to fill barrels with trash and light that on fire to keep warm..."

If he put things together, he might realize she had spent time on the streets. That was usually the only time a person burned anything in barrels to keep warm. Her voice trailed off for a moment, and she let out an amused little huff through her nose.

"I am as well, Kael. You are something else. You'll have to help me discover my fun cells then. They seem to have evaporated."

Sharing the grin as they walked on board, her eyes followed the orbs and holographic fish. They reminded her of some she had seen several years ago when she visited Atrisia with an old friend.

Laughing just a little, her dark eyes glittered. Maybe in combination of the drinks, his proximity, or being on this ship, most likely a bit of all three. Shrugging her shoulders, she handed him her pass to check out.

"I entered a contest, naturally assuming it was bogus. Yet, here we are. Showing me around would be grand. I've never been on one. How many have you been on? No broken glass. Got it!"

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael glanced at her when she mentioned burning barrels, his expression shifting—just slightly. Enough for someone watching closely to catch it: the recognition, the quiet understanding that only came from someone who'd walked near the same shadows.

He didn't press. He just said, gently and without pity, "Well... guess we've both graduated from fire barrels to floating palaces. Not a bad step up, huh?"

He let the silence breathe for a second before letting his grin return, warm and deliberate.

"And if your fun cells evaporated, don't worry, Doc Virex is in." He tapped his temple. "I specialize in reviving lost senses of adventure and—when necessary—reckless flirtation. Side effects may include laughter, surprise dance floors, and the occasional midnight escape."

Taking the pass from her hand, he flicked it to life and whistled softly. "Well now… look at you. Same deck as me. Cabin C-138." His brow arched, lips twitching. "Either fate's got a sense of humor, or the cruise algorithm's a romantic."

He handed it back with a little flair, fingers brushing hers. "We might as well consider ourselves neighbors—with excellent taste."

As they passed by a pair of staff droids offering complimentary garlands, Kael dipped his head politely and slung a gold-and-coral colored one around his neck, then lightly placed one around hers. "There. Now we look festive enough to get into trouble."

Her question pulled a chuckle from him. "Cruises? Two before this one. One with a bounty hunter I was dating—ended in an arrest, not mine. And the other? Hired security detail on a Twi'lek bachelorette party. Great tips. Less great glitter allergies."

He opened a side hallway door for her like a gentleman, glancing at her with the kind of mischief that always meant he had more planned than he was saying.

"But this one? This one feels different. No work. No drama. Just me, the sea, and... well, now you."

He winked. "So where to first, Xian Xiao? Casino? Pool deck? Or shall we check out the mystery of what the cruise brochure called 'Celestial Lounge – A place where stars get closer'? Sounds cheesy. Could be fun."

 

[Xian Xiao]

His comment caught her attention, and it endeared him more. A small piece of her heart felt for him, and she thought that might happen to grow larger as the week progressed.

"Not a bad step up, indeed. I don't want to go back."

Shaking her head as she spoke, Xian wasn't embarrassed but maybe felt some sadness. About how people had to live that way, and some never made it out.

"Oooo, sounds like magic, Doctor Virex."

Elbowing him lightly, she tipped her head back in laughter.

"Neighbors...I think the neighborhood is going to get noisy. Let's say the algorithm is being romantic. I like that a lot. I want to get my bag to my room. Check out that balcony hot tub. Do you think there are bars in the rooms?"

Allowing him to place the garland around her neck, she hooked her arm through his again as they continued the walk. The wind of the sea ruffled her hair, and the sun made her skin glow slightly.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael grinned wide at her elbow jab, tilting slightly with the motion but never pulling away. That easy laughter from her—honest and rich—was more satisfying than any luxury spa or overpriced cocktail.

"Well, Doctor Virex does dabble in the occasional miracle," he said with mock professionalism, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. "And you're absolutely right—this neighborhood's about to be the life of the upper decks."

Her mention of not wanting to go back struck something in him, though. He didn't say it, not yet, but the way she said it made his chest tighten just a little. That kind of conviction didn't come from vacation hype—it came from survival. And he respected it more than she probably realized.
At her question, he nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes ma'am, there are bars in the rooms. Full mini-stocked. Even the mixers are fancy—little chilled spheres of flavor you drop into the drink like some kind of alchemist." He leaned in, voice low and conspiratorial. "I may have already scoped out mine. Purely for scientific reasons."
As they turned down their hallway—plush, warmly lit, and lined with golden accent lights—Kael tapped the wall panel and the door to C-138 swished open with a pleasant chime. He gestured for her to enter first.

Inside, the room was luxurious in a way that felt more indulgent than sterile. Warm wood tones and soft cream textiles, windows that curved outward to reveal a stunning view of Naboo's glimmering ocean, and yes—yes—a hot tub sunk into the balcony corner, rimmed with mood lighting that shifted hues subtly like a sunrise stuck on loop.
Kael stepped inside after her, setting her suitcase just inside the door.

"Oh, this is ridiculous," he said, voice full of glee. "They gave you the same layout as mine. Look at this." He strode to the minibar, opened it, and whistled. "We got actual glass bottles, not just synth packs. Look at this one—'Molavar Sunburst,' aged in Bantha-wood barrels."
He popped the cork and sniffed dramatically. "Smells like poor decisions and rich people. My favorite combo."

Glancing back at her over his shoulder, he grinned. "Toss your bag down. Shoes off. Hot tub's calling your name and I'll mix you a drink. You game?"
He reached for two elegant glasses and held one out toward her, not filled yet—just waiting for her answer.

"First toast of the cruise. Make it count."

 

[Xian Xiao]

Keeping pace together, she whistled when he said there were minibars in the rooms. And then chuckled when he admitted he had already scouted his room out before she had even seen him. Then again, it might have also been because he'd been on cruises like this before. It didn't really matter, and Xian didn't care.

Stopping when he did to open her door, she walked in when he motioned for her to. Spinning around and looking at the room, she poked her nose into the bathroom and wrinkled it—nothing special in there. Just a typical bathroom, but the robe looked divine and fluffy. Running a hand over the downy material, she grabbed it and held it over her body.

"Purely for science. I understand that, doctor."

Kicking off her shoes as he requested her to, she wasn't going to strip down in front of him. So Xian got her swimsuit out of her bag and sauntered back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Taking several deep breaths, she had to fan herself before getting out of her clothes and into the suit.

"Once I'm done relaxing for a bit, let's go see what else is on board. I'm looking forward to this soak, though. Are you going to join me?"

Accepting the empty glass, she thought about what kind of toast she would make.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael watched her vanish behind the bathroom door with a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, the soft click of it closing behind her followed by the subtle rush of air from the balcony. The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and summer citrus across the room. He turned his gaze toward the tub as it bubbled steadily beneath the open sky, golden light dancing on the water.

He could already hear the clinking of ice as the drinks settled.

When Xian emerged, Kael was standing barefoot near the edge of the tub, swimsuit clinging perfectly to his frame, towel laid neatly on the nearby chair. One glass in each hand. And when he saw her, he gave a slow, appreciative smile—but didn't leer. He knew better.

He handed her the glass as she stepped forward, the warm glow of Naboo's sun catching in the amber liquid between them. Raising his own, he didn't offer a cheesy pick-up line, or something that might've cheapened the moment.

Just—

"To new friendship," he said sincerely, eyes meeting hers. "And to a cruise we'll both remember."

His tone was warmer now—quieter, grounded.

The glasses clinked softly, the sound delicate as seafoam.

Then he stepped into the tub and sank back with a long, content sigh.

"Alright, Doctor Virex officially prescribes total relaxation," he said, shooting her a sideways glance with a smirk. "Take two hot jets and call me in the morning."