Impact

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile’s breath caught when Asmus brought his lips to hers. The entire affair was a slow, heady haze. The warmth and flex of his fingers at the nape of her neck. The manner by which lips coaxed hers, feeling herself naturally give way and return it with movement of her own. Stars, did he ever make her insides flutter. Her breath hitch. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It was but a small kiss, nothing certainly like the ones edged with lust. This one was coated in affection, gratitude, in a simple pleasure of her company. Maybe a little bit of need for that time that it had been since they’d last let their mouths touch. All this time, each had been determined to focus on the mission at hand, barely any small temptation given leeway save the touch of a hand or the quick embrace of the other. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Seconds ticked past, and Kaile’s lids slowly fluttered open as Asmus and she parted again, their faces but a few centimeters away. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile bit her lip, large brown eyes staring up into a hue of jade the Lorrdian knew she’d never forget. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Umm..” Kaile began, a bit awkwardly flustered. She was well over thirty years old to be acting like this! [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Okay[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt].” She finally said, coming to her feet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Let’s get some food.”[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

He just let his index finger lazily slide down her neck to her collarbone as she stood before pulling away. Such a subtle gesture but the cadence of his own heart increased for a few seconds. It was almost a counter to the Okay on its own. As if Asmus was agreeing with the sentiment layered behind that single word yet making it clear he didn’t like relinquishing his hold on her. It also gave just the slightest tug at the neckline of her top, which came with a narrowing of his eyes. The kiss hadn’t been tinged with lust, but that didn’t stop his body letting hers know that was still there, simmering beneath the surface.

As she turned he permitted himself a grimace as he stood. “Going to have some fun rehab on this shoulder I’m sure,” he mused as he walked after her. Even with the quick treatment from the machine the muscle tissue and nerves weren’t going to completely heal themselves on their own. It was fortunate that the bolt hadn’t damaged the bone or ligaments, that would probably have required a series of operations.

“I’ll probably have Quey making me do all kinds of exercises to get it back to the way it was,” he added as they turned up the stairs. “Everything fine up there?” he called loudly towards the cockpit.

[We’re still travelling in a straight line, yes.]

Asmus shook his head and turned for the kitchen space. Everything was well concealed so it might take a few minutes to find the things they needed. Not like the Quin. That was a galley that felt lived in, everything out in the open.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]Okay, mind on the task at hand Kaile girl. Like food. Before they left Kaile slipped on her own boots, giving them a good quick zip along the sides. They were made for ease of comfort and for being in a rush. Not the fanciest in the ‘verse, but they did their job. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]En route, the espion took a hair tie from her wrist and popped it into her mouth, holding it steady between her lips. Both hands came up to finger comb her hair, brushing it back as much as she could so that she could tie it back into a ponytail. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Once in the galley, the pair gave it a customary glance around. There was a small circular hydrophonic garden that served a dual purpose; food and decoration. The entire galley had a layout that was more of an elliptical design, with seamless cupboards along the right decoratively hidden against a backsplash of geometric patterns. Yeah, they were both going to have to play hide and seek to figure out where everything was stored at. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I’ll take the right.” Kaile said, finishing off her ponytail, indicating she’ll start searching at the right side of the galley. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“He had a pair of boots with a zipper,” Asmus said in a conversational tone. “But they were… red suede. Just… no.”

It took him a moment to realise that each door had an electromagnetic catch that requires the handle to be given a firm press in before pulling open. The first bottom cupboard had a reasonable bounty of plates. He took a few out.

“Caf beans!” He remarked happily at the top cupboards contents. If there were caf beans in with the other condiments it naturally followed that behind one of these panels was a caf machine.

He paused at the next cabinet. The inside was pearly white with nothing but a small dial with numbers on as a clue to its purpose. Asmus gave a shrug.

“No idea what that is, but it's not an organic slab…” he said before moving on. Maybe it was an advanced food processor. Or maybe just the sonic cleaner and the racks for it were elsewhere.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


[SIZE=9pt]Asmus held all the enthusiasm of a connoisseur of caf. Or more aptly, any spacer on the constant search for that perfect cup of joe. The Lorrdian gave a small press of the cupboard in front of her, shaking her head as the pilot went from bag to bag and then on towards the next curio. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A brief glance over her shoulder and Kaile confirmed his assumption. "Aye, looks like a smaller on of the more rugged design I've seen around." her cupboard held various spices. That got her attention. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Aldaranian cinnamon, Thyferra sage, and oh-!" she gave a pause, plucking a small bottle with bright red filigree strings. "Eriaduian Saffron." Kaile even gave it a small shake. There was also a curry, but saffron... goodness. A pinch of it was enough to, well be well worth it's weight in platinum. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

[SIZE=9pt]“Oh goodness really?” Asmus asked, appearing on her shoulder in an instant. “So it is,” Asmus confirmed as he reached for it. He brought the container to his left hand to unscrew it so he could take a sniff. A sweet peppery scent, a hint of spice. “Still fresh enough to cook with. Probably not for breakfast, but we could make something later. Seems like we’re going to be on Kayri at least a night and there’s no need wasting credits on food out I suppose.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]He passed the bottle back and continued on his search. The freezer unit was at the bottom, stocked well with vacuum sealed packets. He made a clicking sound with his tongue, concerned that there would be no thawed meat. Yet the next door had the fridge. It was stocked with juice, some fresh produce and some thin frying steaks. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]“There’s a distinct lack of eggs going on here, but there’re organic slabs,” he said, slapping them down on the counter in their packets. “What do we want later to give the spice rack a test?” he said, turning to Kaile with a stupid smile on his face.[/SIZE]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]“Well eggs can be quite expensive.” Never mind that the entire yacht was an example of ostentatious wealth. Go figure that Kaileann would be the one making a commentary on the expense of fresh eggs. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Popping on over, Kaile had a gander at what Asmus held in his hand. Her experienced waitress eye surveyed the meat, “Reckon those are proper Nerf steaks.” Another pricy addition. At any other place, they’d be well running well over her standard tab. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Umm, I -- don’t know.” This was by far overwhelming in options. Kaile was used to being able to make do with processed foods and a select amount of fresh produce. The previous Nobleman’s taste certainly ran into the extravagant. However, Asmus’ keen observation about eating in suited her budget conscious eating. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I can figure it out once I get stock of what else is here. “She said, setting back the spices. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Need salt and pepper?” Kaile didn’t even consider butter. Now butter would be quite a delight.[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“Yes please,” Asmus replied. He gave the steaks a quick seasoning and found a pan. Everything in the unit fit together perfectly to take up the least space. That meant his own was shallow and almost square with a folding handle. No open flames here. He was confused for a moment until he placed the pan down on the surface. A temperature display appeared on the counter next to where he had placed the pan, a little red outline appearing around it.

“Oh,” he murmured. He shifted the pan towards the back corner and the temperature display followed. He turned it on with a swipe of his finger and it started to heat just the base of the pan. Somehow the entire counter was induction heater, display and touch screen at the same time.

“Right, well, there was a good selection of meat in there but it's not always easy to recognise frozen in vacuum sealed bags.”

The kitchen was entirely removed from that of the Quin, but she was here, they were cooking and that was enough to make it seem very familiar.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]“I'll look to see what else I can find,” Kaile added, leaving Asmus to pan frying the thin steaks. In her mind, her thoughts were drifting. She kept catching Asmus through brief glances as she sorted through the rest of the cupboards. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]His smile was back, demeanor brighter. Every now and then he gave a small grimace of his lips. Lightly due to the pull of his shoulder and the ache rearing back. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]At that Kaile spoke up,” I can take care of that. Don't want to over stress your shoulder.” Coming by his side as if to take the pan. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“I’m…” he started to counter. Without another word he gave up the pan. She would know of course, there was no point in pretending he wasn’t in pain. “Thank you.” He felt more than a little useless being down to just one arm. It brought back concerns about how long it would be before he could fly. Only the doctor on the Subversion would be able to give him that answer.

“You know they let you back out pretty quick after that concussion. It certainly sounded like you hit your head hard on the bulkhead.”

Asmus stepped back away from the counter. The Kaile he’d met in the medical ward had been as anxious as the one he’d found on the Quintessence that first morning. He turned his eyes towards her, looking from the pan up to her expression as she flipped the steaks, She blew some strands from her face that had already fallen free. He hadn’t quite lived up to his promise to give her space, but in the end she had seemed far more relaxed around him before they left the Subversion. When she was clearly hurting he couldn’t help but… He looked to the pan she had taken from him and thought of how much concern she had shown the night before. His mind was drifting towards topics that weren’t for the day. They were still on the run with an imperial defector, heading to a neutral world with a stolen ship. That was why he changed the subject so suddenly as a question popped into his head.

“Do you have a lightsaber?”

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile had just begun to flip one of the steaks when Asmus’ abrupt question caught her off guard. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I - “ stammering, she adjusted the pan and her head gave a swivel over towards the pilot. Only to quickly swing right back to check on the food. Visibly flustered, the brunette made an attempt at gathering her bearings as she spoke,” A, what a lightsaber?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She began to blink rapidly, the soft wisps of steam rising along with the aroma of pan fried steak. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“What makes you think that?” A lightsaber wasn’t inconspicuous at all. Not that it was really what bothered her. She had figured that eventually, he’d have questions. Just, she hadn't quite expected it now. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]It seemed out of the blue. As if he needed to say something, anything. His body still seemed to vibrate with it. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“Erm…” there was confusion as he turned away for a moment. He turned back with an abashed little smile, running his hand through his hair.

You really need to think before speaking, he silently chastised himself.

“I just thought… or I didn't. That was a silly question.” Asmus shook his head at himself and sighed. He clearly wasn't upset at himself, somewhere between amused and exasperated.

“I should probably go and check on Jay and the ship anyway,” he offered. Feigning interest in the steaks he took a half step closer and placed his hand on the small of her back, as if seeking reassurance he hadn't just sent her scrambling back within herself again.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]That soft rub and press of his hand along the small of her back was comforting. It also made her equally feel guilty for reacting like that. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Sorreh[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt].” She added quietly before Asmus turned away. Her right hand held the handle of the pan and she didn't glance up. Yet the brunette appeared right sheepish then. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just caught me of guard s’all.” More than she'd ever admit in the past. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“It's alright,” he replied softly. He chewed the corner of his bottom lip thoughtfully. His head did a subtle wiggle as he decided if he should say what he was thinking of saying. At least, he supposed, he gave it a moment's thought this time.

“I was thinking about us instead of what's going on now and blurted that out to distract myself. I'm sorry.”

Asmus gave a little shrug and light-hearted sigh. “Different parts of my head start to go down different rabbit holes. Right now I'm thinking about how we studied mandalorian battle tactics and wondering how weird it must have been for you to keep an ysalmiri. No matter how cute he was.” He chuckled. Asmus have every intention of meeting the colourful lizard again.

“Some things, well they don't leave me room to think of anything else at the same time. And they're not for today.”

She'd been honest, but he'd gone and upped the stakes. With a soft sigh he leaned in and placed a kiss on the curve of her neck.

There was a noise from one of the other cabins.

“Looks like the smell has woken our man. I'd best go and see what's happening up front. You alright to carry on?” It was a stupid question, but he was just being polite. Still a middle class Eriaduan at the end of it all.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Yeah[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt].” The quiet murmur barely rose above the sound of the flank steak crackling on the pan. There was a weighty feeling that settled upon the Lorrdian. She didn’t need to read Asmus’ body language to understand what he meant. Kaile already knew. It's as just about the same Lepi hole that her own mind wandered to, knowing full well that it was an abyss that she’d only lose herself in. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There were things between them. Unfathomable things that could shake foundations. It hadn’t really even been two weeks, if that, since Kaile and Asmus crossed paths together. In the wake it left them both equally floating on air as much as petrified of falling back to ground. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Nay, things between them could never be so easy. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A deep breath and a rise of her shoulders followed Kaile’s quick nod. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]I’ll be fine. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Been so all along. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Or who was she kidding?[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“Okay, alright,” he murmured. He was making things worse. In the years they'd been apart he hadn't managed to avoid thinking about her. She knew that too thanks to his talkative squadron. “Good old Omar spilling the whiskey girl thing,” he muttered.

His hand found her shoulder blade and his thumb gave a reassuring run. He could lose himself thinking about Kaile, but he wasn't so unprofessional that his mind wasn't on the present when it needed to be.

“I'll go see what's on.”

As he turned away he heard the sound of a cabin door opening behind him. Asmus walked to the cockpit. It wasn't big heavy levers and industrial looking banks of lights like many ships has. It was smooth, curved consoles and high resolution displays.

“How far out are we?” Asmus asked.

Jay remained in placed but his head swivelled around. He removed his data spike from the console and his left hand snapped back into place. [We're one hundred and thirty seven minutes out at current velocity. I was in low power mode and connected in case the ship raised a warning.]

Asmus slipped into the copilot's chair and brought up a diagnostic screen. The amount of internal sensors on the ship was far in excess of the norm. Nearly every component was reporting on its status. There were several yellow lines of systems with errors. In his mind he correlated this with the list of parts they'd sent up the evening before.

“Good job, I'm just going to put a pulse through the induction coils to check how they're holding up.”

It didn't take much of his brain to carry out such a mundane task. It was obvious where the rest of it went.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt][ Are we going to blow up now? ] Jay Four inquired out of the blue to Asmus, provoking the the pilot from his thoughts. However, Jay Four didn't pause there. He was quite an incessant droid. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ because if we are I rather know now so that I may work on getting a full charge prior to that. ] one couldn't be sure just how serious he was. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ you have the expression of one looking into doom.][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Not too far off. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A low footfall and Colonel Hacken appeared just off to the right. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Someone cooking?” Oh he sounded rather hopeful. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

“Morning,” Asmus called. “Viktor wasn't it? Yes we found some thin steaks, Kaile is frying some up now.” He kept his head down towards the console, turning a small dial to manipulate the display.

“Colonel Hacken is fine too.”

“Is it still?” Asmus asked, turning up from the display with a smile. “One second Jay, we're fine but…” he trailed off.

The old man sighed. “No I suppose I won't hold that title for long even officially now. Thank you…for the drink last night. I'm sorry you had to lose your temper with me. Made me think back to being a lieutenant and having to shout at nervous recruits. Embarrassing really. How’s the shoulder? Did you get some rest?”

[His vital readings are normal though suggest some discomfort. They slept for six hours and seventeen minutes in the master suite.]

“Oh.”

Asmus didn't know if that noise was because Jay had just told him the two agents shared a room or because Viktor had thought he has found the master suite.

“Alright. Jay I don't think we're going to come out of hyperspace and try the probes. I'd rather not stress the power system with another jump. I'm going to bring us out nice and close to Kayri. Just altering the route now.”

[I am capable of...Oh you've already done it. That was quick for an organic]

“You should have seen my instructor's face when I walked from his astronavigation exam in fifteen minutes. Let's head back and get some food. You can come Jay if you want a chat. Been up here all night alone.”

Jay turned to face him. Again the mouthpiece illuminated with no words coming. The tall, slender droid stood up and walked after them both, ducking his head low to go through the cockpits entrance. At least Asmus had stopped thinking about how to ask Kaile to stay.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]By the time the trio entered the galley, they caught Kaileann in the midst of plating. A quick turn of her head over her shoulder and she gave them a brief half smile. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“All done. Just fixing some caf. Found some biscuits and they are currently warming.” she added, turning back towards platting. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Go on, sit. Won’t harm you none doing so.” keeping busy kept the Lorrdian free from her mind going back over what had occured between Asmus and she some minutes prior. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Slept well Colonel?” came her inquiry, unknowing of the small back and forth that Asmus and Victor had earlier in regards to the merit of the title anymore.[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

“My word, the beds are comfortable aren't they?” He asked. “Any word from your ship?”

Asmus heard the note of concern as he moved up beside Kaile. He flashed her a warm smile, a hint of apology in his eyes. He took the first two plates she finished up and took them back towards the table.

“No, but they went covert mode to avoid detection. They must have moored up next to the holonet beacon for a time to transmit, then moved on. Don't worry, they'll either make it here in a couple of days or we'll head back to Alliance space and meet them there.”

“Oh. Alright.” He looked down at the plate.

“Thank you Kaile,” Asmus called.

“Oh, yes, thank you,” Hacken echoed. There was a pause.

[Thank you Kaile.]

Jay was stood beside the table. It was a little odd, but then Asmus supposed it was just as comfortable for the droid as sitting down.