Impact

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]Her faint smile mirrored his. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Ain’t no trouble.” the brunette replied back, brushing her hair away from her face. A small gesture and she encouraged them to eat. Well, Asmus and the Colonel that is. Jay merely stood there. Although come to think of it he didn’t seem to be too put off by it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“How much more we got?” she inquired, turning to head off for the caf machine. It was a rather fancy thing and while Kaile wasn’t one to be unfamiliar with how such things worked, getting acquainted with everything took a spell. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Til we get to Kayri at least.” she could go and inspect a few things. See what else they might need. Setting a mug in the machine, the woman went searching for those grounds. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[One hundred and thirty two minutes] Jay replied before Asmus could. The pilot was looking down at his steak, his knife and fork and his sling. [Would you like me to cut that for you Asmus?]

Asmus looked up at the droid. “Erm.”

[It is quite alright,] the droid said. Asmus felt warmth across his cheeks as the droid slid the plate aside and cut the slice of meat into strips. His mechanical hands worked at almost a blur before he push the plate back before the pilot.

“Thank you,” Asmus replied. He felt thoroughly embarrassed over that. Nobles had servants to dress them and cut their food, not his family.

As he pushed some food onto a fork he turned up towards Kaile as the caf machine groaned and started to fill a mug. “Not going to risk coming out early. Engines are fine, but I don’t want to risk stranding us a light week away from Kayri until we get those parts.”

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile’s brows rose high when Jay Four began to slice Asmus’ steak into bite sized pieces. She had to pinch her lips tight for a second to prevent the half snort chuckle from escaping, poor Asmus already embarrassed enough. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I reckon that over cooking it might of made it a bit tough, but I am sure it would have been fine slicing through it.” she teased. The steak wasn’t overcooked but it was an attempt to try and be light about how Asmus let Jay slice his food for him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Well, more like there was no stopping a towering droid from doing so.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“You don’t have to slice anyone’s--”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Oh I don’t mind.” the Colonel piped up, sliding his own plate over. Clearly he was well used to that sort of thing. Kaile only shook her head, grabbing a cup of caf and asking, “Anyone else want one?”[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

After having had his steak cut up for him Asmus placed his knife and fork back on his plate, slid his chair back and took his plate with him. He was still chewing his food as he walked over but finished his mouthful to talk. “I’ll grab a caf myself it’s alright. You go sit before yours gets cold.”

A part of him truly wanted to ask the colonel what it was that he had to offer the alliance. He wanted to know if the mission had been worth it. Asmus wasn’t a young carefree smuggler any more. He wasn’t even a Rogue these days. Working for the SIS he knew when it was he couldn’t ask questions. This was one of those times. As he fetched himself a mug he started to wonder if he was capable of vetting his questions to Kaile in the same way.

Do you own a lightsaber? You tit.

Interestingly he noted that Jay’s body language suggested he wasn’t quite as enthusiastic to get on with cutting the colonel’s meal for him. [Is your arm damaged as well?] he asked, looking down at the plate.

Asmus caught Kaile’s eye as he stifled a laugh. He had to turn back to the caf machine to hide his face.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]This time, the snort wasn’t quite muffled. Jay Four had only been trying to help Asmus considering his wounded arm. The Colonel, however, didn’t appreciate the snickers or Jay Four’s sarcasm. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“No, but that’s what you are here for right? Being of assistance?” Ah, there was the turning point. The slight twitch of Kaile’s brow at the passing comment. Hacken might not have thought it to be anything, but for Kaile, droids were more than just service units made to service anyone. They had their quirks and personalities as much as any organic. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Jay Four isn’t here to tend to whims, Colonel.” Kaile ended up saying, in the process of adding sugar to Asmus’ caf. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

“Even if he has made himself very useful so far,” Asmus added without missing a beat.

The Colonel looked between the two of them. He considered the way that the pilot had spoken to him yesterday, but decided to press on. He wasn’t used to his opinion being challenged to bluntly by such juniors. They were probably only Majors or lower regardless of their division.

“Well he doesn’t have…”

“It’s Mr Hacken now anyway Kaile,” Asmus interrupted. “You’ve given up a great deal to do the right thing and I’m sure the Alliance will be grateful.”

Hacken turned to look up at Asmus. There was a hardness behind that friendly smile again. Between the pilot who snapped and swore at him when he got in the way and the one that poured a toast to his defection he decided he preferred the latter. “Yes a lot of changes to get used to,” he agreed and returned to cutting his own steak.

Asmus used his fork to take another mouthful as his caf finished pouring then returned to the table.

“I was thinking of heading for one of the mid-sized starports. Should have the parts we need without us getting too much attention. The new transponder codes should do the trick regardless. What do you think?”

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]A grateful smile was granted at Asmus’ direction. Kaile had read the Colonel’s body language. He wasn’t too keen on having anyone question his judgement or authority. Maybe just smoothing things over with some chit chat might work out well enough. The last thing they needed was to have him regret the reason why he switched sides to begin with.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Would you like a cup of caf?” Kaile caught Hacken’s eyes. He gave a short nod, as if that was as much of an olive branch as the old military man would give. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“We could do that.” the brunette turned to answer Asmus’ question. “Don’t need to stick out too much. With the Solaris being what she is, we already stand out enough.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Is that so that we may remain undercover and conduct smuggling business? ][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile gave a small cough, hiding it behind her hand. Poor Jay Four, wanting to simply explore outside of his shiny coffin. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Not quite… All we will be doing is trying to barter for supplies.” [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

Closest to the machine and having just set down his plate Asmus returned to the caf machine and slid a mug under it. The machine whirred into life once more.

[That caf machine is going to need more maintenance than it used to.] Jay observed dryly.

“You can keep what we’re doing a secret can’t you Jay?” Asmus asked. “We’re just on a trip and need some parts.”

[Nothing about the theft, spycraft and defectors.]

“Quite.”

---

Asmus popped the pill out of its foil wrapper. Kaile had been urging him to get one down him since she’d caught him grimacing in the co-pilot’s chair. He’d insisted on being up front as they glided into orbit without issue and aided Jay in the landing. The droid was actually perfectly capable of flying the yacht, but that didn’t make him an experienced fighter pilot in the event of finding trouble.

For now, Asmus felt his job was done enough that he could allow himself the comfort of the painkiller and the associated dizziness and disorientation.

[Controls locked up] Jay said. Asmus had a private word with the droid on the way. Hacken was staying on the ship out of sight incase his face had already been plastered over the news. They considered it unlikely given the chaos caused by Pute, but still a prudent move. The ship would be locked up and it would take a battle walker to get through the ultrachrome hull. The greatest threat to him would be his own fears about the defection, hence locked controls.

Jay peered over the console, catching another glimpse of the market he had noted on the way down. Asmus wondered if he was thinking about getting out of the ship. [I’ll just get the ship wound down.]

Asmus took that as his cue and pushed himself out of his seat, catching Kaile’s eye. A spare jacket they’d found in the other spare cabin was a little less conspicuous than Atherton’s clothes. One empty jacket arm hung limp at his side. He palmed the door release.

They were on a landing pad with several other ship. The sound of the bustling market reached them as well as the smells.

“Street food,” he exclaimed to Kaile with a broad grin. He started off down the walkway but came to a halt near the bottom. In the light he took another look at Solaris. It was a truly beautiful craft.

“Nice ship,” someone muttered. He turned to see a rather downtrodden looking human who leered at the vessel. Clearly the blaster at his hip wasn’t enough to put him off.

“Yes,” Asmus replied without missing a beat. “My battle droid is very protective of her.” Jay appeared in the entrance right on time. Asmus waved.

[Hellooo] Jay called down, waving back.

“Right,” the man replied. He was clearly not educated enough to recognise that Jay was no battle droid. There was something disconcerting about the way Jay stood over seven feet tall whilst innocently hailing them and waving. The droid sealed the door behind himself and made his way down the ramp towards Asmus and Kaile whilst the miscreant scarpered. Asmus could have sworn there was a spring in his step.

“Best get you to a bank and see how many credits we have,” Asmus remarked. Hopefully the SIS had sent Jay the details for an account with enough to see them through without too much haggling.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]Jay Four kept waving. Much like a child exploring for the first time, the two meter tall droid practically strutted - yes strutted - down the ramp. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Will we be stealing a bank?] he immediately inquired, ducking his head close to Asmus in avid curiosity. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“No, Jay Four.” Kaile would reply, shaking her head. The scent of more food was already tickling her belly, even if they’d already had their meal not a few hours ago. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just making a withdrawal.” with only what they would need. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]The space port was rather busy. Not full, but one could see that it got a fair bit of traffic. A bit of hesitation came to the Lorrdian as she gave Solaris a departing glance. There she was, all shiny and chrome. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Yeah she sure does stick out.” Kaile worried about the attention the yacht would receive. The last thing they needed was another scuffle. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“What sort of security does Solaris have again, Jay Four?” weaving to catch up, Kaile mulled aloud. Asmus mentioning street food had perked the woman a bit. More so the more that they ambled from the spaceport towards what would appear to be the market area. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There was dust everywhere, and spacer attire of the common man. Sounds of patron’s bartering and the sizzle of grilled meats on a stick, smoke rising up with a savory char.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It was a complete difference from the clean white lines of the fancy city they had left behind.[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[The electronic security is top of the line. External cameras and sensors will alert me to any ingress attempts. Cutting the ultrachrome hull is virtually impossible without specialist equipment due to its superconducting nature.]

“So pretty much if someone wants the ship they'll wait till we've got the door open and the controls unlocked, shoot us and take it.”

[I believe that tactic has proved effective… yes.] Jay replied cautiously. He had been specifically instructed not to mention that the ship was stolen.

“Outstanding,” Asmus replied sarcastically. But he was distracted by something he could smell. He sidestepped to the other side of stalls. A moment later he could be heard bartering. The local merchant in his local tongue and Asmus in huttese, which seemed to be the common language of commerce here.

He returned a few seconds later holding two skewers that still sizzled between the fingers of his right hand. The smelled both spicy and fruity and he couldn't wait to take a bite as soon as they cooled a little.

“Mystery meat?” He asked Kaile joyfully, holding out his hand.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]Lub-dub.[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Yep, there it was. The quickening of her heartbeat at the carefree and rather loopy manner that Asmus radiated. Dust rose around him, the smoke of the nearby meat grills curling round. His dark hair flopped over his brow, and the combination of those dark forelocks, the scoundrel grin, and the joy of his eyes just about made her heart skip a beat. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]How can I even say no to that?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Flashback to the Quin, much like in every other instance that reminded the Lorrdian that just a mere look could get her to do practically anything the pilot would want. It was easy to read in her face again, the way the subtle nuances swept over her face in her train of thought softened her expression. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Yeah[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt].” she replied, extending out her hand to take one.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ You are hungry again? ] Jay Four interrupted, confused. [ Did you not have enough organic meat? Are all humans so bloodthirsty and gluttonous? ][/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

“You can complain when I get as round as your last master was around the middle, and not before!” Asmus said, waving his skewer at the droid in warning. The grin didn’t leave his face, particularly as Kaile had accepted his offering.

“Besides, this is just a snack really. And a healthy one. Probably.” He furrowed his brow as he considered the skewer once more. “Maybe should have asked what meat it was. Oh well, nothing ventured…”

He let out an appreciative hum through his full mouth. It was as good as it had smelled. As they walked he changed direction. The man behind the grill had also given him the direction to the nearest bank with galactic connections. Kayri wasn’t such a backwater that they didn’t have that kind of infrastructure.

He found that he was watching Kaile closely. Her liking the skewer suddenly became the most important thing in the verse. It was almost an apology for catching her off guard with his sudden questions. He had always wanted to take her on one more trip on the Quintessence. To explore somewhere new with her.

“Always said coming into port was my favourite…” he said quietly between mouthfuls. Once the Solaris was fixed up she would get them between ports in very short timescales too.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]Asmus would not be disappointed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Kaile eagerly, and quite delightfully, ate her mystery grilled meat on a stick. It was evident the more that the trio ambled throughout the marketplace, the more animated and well normal the Lorrdian would appear to relax. It was the sights and the sounds. The diversity in hues and species. Ports were always the best places to be just to observe people save a cantina or a diner in her book. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Mmm, it’s [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]really [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]good though.” and at least her food wasn’t troublesome,” Better than a ball on a string,” that rare flash of a grin about a particular episode of that Space Opera series where the characters had been in a bazaar much like this one. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Bantha buns! Get your pulled bantha buns here!” another stall owner cried out. He had three large baskets of steamed buns lined up in front of him, each with carefully steamed pulled Bantha buns lined under the straw lid.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Oooo.” instant reaction. Kaile’s eyes went wide and she immediately ducked over. It had been a long while since she had a steamed bun.[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[Really?] Jay asked. He was walking behind the pair. With the sun behind them and the droid standing a few heads above them they were walking in his lanky shadow.

Asmus was already accelerating towards the stand. He popped the skewer in his mouth and mumbled “Hang on,” through it. With his free hand he fished out a few credit chits from his pocket and passed them to Kaile. He couldn’t recall if she had brought any change.

He stood back and let Kaile go and barter.

[You’re watching her closely again.] Jay observed quietly.

Asmus looked down at the toes of his boots. “I know,” he said. “Like you we’ve both been kept in confinement. Of a sort. It’s good just to get out into the world again. We were having a very nice meal before we were interrupted yesterday.”

Jay pulled up alongside him and crossed his arms over his chest. His head swivelled a full three hundred and sixty degrees. [Does sharing your enjoyment make it stronger?]

“Yes.”

[Then you should know that I am enjoying getting out too.]

“Good for you,” Asmus chuckled, “I’m glad.” He then returned his attention to the skewer. But he kept his sidelong glance on Kaile as she leaned across the stall to pass over some bronze chits.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]“ Four credits.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Four[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] credits?” Kaile shot right back, eyeing the food salesman. The bartering would gather momentum, the low discussion Jay Four and Asmus had muffled against the backdrop of the bazaar’s chaos. Eventually they settled down to a price of two credits, both leaving rather happy with the end result. For Kaile, she had bought a meat bun but she immediately split it in half to share. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“You want some?” she inquired, already tearing it in half, steam rising to release that tangy smell. More mystery meat - or maybe it really was bantha - who knew, but it was more street food all the same. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Hazel caught the jade of Asmus’s lingering gaze and Kaile felt heat rise over her face again. “Sorreh, shouldn’t have ran off like that.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ It is quite alright. Asmus was already watching your every move and it was easy to track your trajectory. ][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Well that was [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]one[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] way to get caught.[/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

Asmus had opened his mouth to state that yes, he would love some thank you. His expression froze and his eyes turned towards Jay. Turning back to Kaile he gave her an easy smile and a shrug.

[He says he likes to see us enjoying ourselves. Though why he particularly watches your hindquar…]

“Alright Jay I think you've had your fun there,” Asmus said. That Jay didn't protest confirmed, in Asmus’ mind, that the droid had enough self awareness to know he was being cheeky.

“And yes please,” Asmus said, tossing his finished skewer towards a bin and taking the offered half. “Thanks.” They continued on towards the bank. There were species and fashions from all corners of the galaxy. A group a Ninian Monks with their violet headdresses, a group of falleen traders looking down their noses at everyone else.

“I've always liked this regions of space,” Asmus remarked to them both. “The ports between the mid rim and the outer rim and beyond are where you get the most eclectic mix. Eclectic, I've always loved that word.

“Oh dear.” He cast Kaile a sideway glance. “Think that tablet has gone to my head already. Might be best you do the bartering. Otherwise we'll end up with a new sound system or something frivolous.” He laughed and took a bite out of the bun. The roll was soft, the meat falling apart in his mouth.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[SIZE=9pt]The half grin didn’t fade, amusement glinting in the hazel eyes of the agent. Maybe it was the environment or maybe it was just the bit of joy from enjoying her meat bun that had Kaile adding, “I heard that.” the soft tease flowing between Asmus and she in relation to the additional attention to southerly parts of her form. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]An upbeat melody joined another catchy tune, a Orlotan street performer playing a small guitar while his mate shook a tambourine. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Come in, come in! We have specials today! Come, see what I have! The best on Kayri!” a merchant cried out. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Silks from Lasha! The finest in the ‘verse! No one can beat these prices!” echoed another. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]They were in the fabric sector of the market, with a few food stalls in between. The heavy scent of incense would tickle the nose, used to ensure that the fabric kept a perfumed scent. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Yeah well… first we need to find the proper area to shop in. Silk isn’t going to do us much good with the engine.” Kaileann added, turning to look over at Asmus. He had the loopy smile, infectious as ever. Her heart grew tight again.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Jay Four, make sure he doesn’t wander off.” she joked, only for the droid to take the request very seriously. He moved up alongside Asmus and said, [ Affirmative. ][/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

Jay had been considering making a joke that Asmus was unlikely to go anywhere without direct line of sight to Kaile. However he'd already been told off for getting a little too cheeky. He didn't know what the future held. He was away from Atherton and that was important. Whilst he hadn't made his mind up about the officer back on the ship he had made his mind up about these two. Perhaps they would need a droid of their own on their adventures if he made himself useful.

Asmus caught Kaile's eye as she looked over. The broad grin became slightly twisted as he made a semi-apologetic face at being caught out. It was clear he wasn't really very sorry. He took a half step in her direction. He had intended to bump into her in a silly fashion before realising that would have really hurt and straightened up again.

“You can get some good fabrics places like this, for a lot less than in the Core,” Asmus remarked. “Even if we aren't here for shopping. Though I did once promise a dress I believe.”

[I don't believe those are yours.] Jay Four announced. Asmus turned and then followed his line of sight. A young, malnourished looking wookie had his paw stretched out towards his belt. The boy froze as the droid looked over him.

Asmus raised an eyebrow at him and fished a chit from his belt. “Be off with you,” he said, flicking the coin. The boy snatched it and vanished into the crowd.

[I see a sign for the bank I think.] Jay sounded more than a little pleased with himself.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


[SIZE=9pt]A dress. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Another lifetime ago, Kaile mused, her thought suddenly broken by Jay Four’s direct tone of voice. The entire event was done within a matter of seconds, but it left Kaile rather stunned. At Jay Four’s prompting, Kaile would have moved along but Asmus managed to catch the lingering smile that hung upon her lips. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Aye, a good man. Even loopy on medicine Asmus did what he figured would be best. His kind hearted manner only made her heart ache more for him. Only made her fall in love with him all the more. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Good job, Jay Four,” Kaile turned her head from the Wraith, knowing that if she kept staring at him she would do something terribly foolish. Terribly, [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]terribly[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] foolish. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]“Reckon we can get enough for what we need and leave it at that.” yeah, focus on the task in hand, she told herself, taking another bite of her bun. She was almost done with it, her cheeks a little bit puffed out as she ate. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

Asmus watched her carefully for a second after her reply. There was a knowing smile on his face. One he tried to cover as he returned to his bun. She hadn't needed to say that last bit, but the comment wasn't for him or Jay. He kept his thoughts to himself for now. That wasn't actually the easiest task with the drugs giving him a slight buzz.

She was right of course. They should get what they needed and return to the ship and stay there until the Subversion arrived. Maybe even stay in orbit. But he liked being here with her. And she did too. He couldn't help but think that no matter where the ship was that they would be here another night. She could be gentle with him and his wounded shoulder. He wanted her in that way that made him feel certain they would never be apart again. He wanted to hear her hoarsely whisper his name right into his ear.

[Here we are] Jay interrupted his quiet contemplation and eating. They lined up outside a terminal on the bank wall together. Asmus couldn't see a bin in sight so folded up the greasy napkin and tucked it into his pocket. The droid approached the terminal and locked in his dataspike. Rather than say how many credits he waved them towards the screen. Asmus was surprised at his subtlety.

Three thousand credits for repair. It was enough that they could hire a ship if they couldn't fix her up. Asmus was relatively certain they could do the latter. She was so well built he reckoned they could probably risk another jump to lightspeed if forced to.

[I have an electronic payment certificate now]

Asmus nodded his head. “That will do. It will take time to withdrawal that as credit notes. We'll have to head towards the city centre and find a fairly reputable dealer that takes electronic payment. Wasn't much we needed anyway, but we should get tools too.”

Jay had the list of parts, but Kaile would know what tools they wanted the most.