Lessons Learned From The Mist-Walkers

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ice cream.

Minna immediately perked up, hearing the words she had been wishing to hear for some time. "I want ice cream!"

Ghorua looked down to Kay, feeling a bit weirded out by the concept. It was a very... common thing to do, for a trio of very uncommon people. A President, a Shark, and his Human daughter. He smiled, simultaneously surprised and delighted. "Well, I suppose..." Ghorua rubbed the back of his neck, obviously feigning indecision. "Or we could just sit here on the beach for an hour..."

"Ice cream, please!"

"Or we could head to a nice, dusty museum..."

"Ice cream..."

"Or even go to a field and watch grass grow. That would be fun, don't ya think, Minna?" Ghorua cracked a grin, unable to contain his mirth any longer.

"Stop! We are getting ice cream." Minna straightened royally, as if she were all-powerful, ordering around both the important official and the two-ton bounty hunter. The imagery was simultaneously adorable and hilarious.

"Well, I suppose if that's what you want, we'll get that." Ghorua gave a knowing look to Kay, and turned around, his footsteps creating large craters in the beach.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ice cream.

Minna immediately perked up, hearing the words she had been wishing to hear for some time. "I want ice cream!"

Ghorua looked down to Kay, feeling a bit weirded out by the concept. It was a very... common thing to do, for a trio of very uncommon people. A President, a Shark, and his Human daughter. He smiled, simultaneously surprised and delighted. "Well, I suppose..." Ghorua rubbed the back of his neck, obviously feigning indecision. "Or we could just sit here on the beach for an hour..."

"Ice cream, please!"

"Or we could head to a nice, dusty museum..."

"Ice cream..."

"Or even go to a field and watch grass dry. That would be fun, don't ya think, Minna?" Ghorua cracked a grin, unable to contain his mirth any longer.

"Stop! We are getting ice cream." Minna straightened royally, as if she were all-powerful, ordering around both the important official and the two-ton bounty hunter. The imagery was simultaneously adorable and hilarious.

"Well, I suppose if that's what you want, we'll get that." Ghorua gave a knowing look to Kay, and turned around, his footsteps creating large craters in the beach.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just stood there grinning as she watched [member="Ghorua the Shark"] tease Minna. It was quite the spectacle and really showed how well the two got along.

As Ghorua turned, so did Kay, leading them from the beach to the nearest ice cream parlour. This one boasted to have over a hundred different flavours, everything from fruits, to nuts, to chocolates, and even tea flavours. Some were spicey hot, while others were super sweet. And there were sour ones too.

Not surprisingly, Kay picked out a Sapir tea flavoured one, two scoops. She looked over to the two. "What would you like? My treat. Even Bones could have some if she'd like. Or maybe just a cookie. I don't know what she'd like."

There were also icecream cookie sandwiches, and ice cream cupcakes and sundaes. But Kay was happy with a simple cone.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua perused the selection of fine treats with a curious eye, debating within himself.

Minna, on the other hand...

"I want... that one! No, that one! No..." She looked between two of her favorites, a popsicle shaped like a lightsaber, or a batch of caramel ice cream. Her beaded hair whipped back and forth as she looked between them, indecision crumpling her face.

"Well, if you're paying... Three scoops of jogan for me, and..." He looked down to Minna, a sparkle of what only could be considered unadulterated love in his obsidian eyes, "what would you like?"

"That one!" She pointed to the caramel batch.

"Kid's cone of the caramel, please." Ghorua accepted the treats, handing one down to his daughter, who happily grasped the small cone in her small hand.

They stepped outside of the parlour, where chairs were set up to enjoy the beautiful day, none of which were large enough to fit the Shark. Minna parked herself on one, and Ghorua breathed in deeply, scenting the vast array of smells in the area, enjoying most of all the saltiness of the water.

"This is nice," he said, staring off into the distance. "This is... really nice."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed as Minna had troubles picking out what she wanted. That tended to happen with many when there was too many choices in front of them. Once they had all made their orders, she paid for them and wandered outside, taking a seat on a chair next to Minna.

She started on her icecream, taking in the tranquility of the area, just as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] was doing. "Yes, it is. Whenever you two need a break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Galaxy, you are welcome here. There'll always be a room for you. I can imagine that I'll still be here, even after my term as President is over. I'm not sure if I'll go for re-election yet, but we'll see. I know that Veiere wants me to step away from public life and to live in some hideaway somewhere for the rest of our lives. But we'll see what happens."

The Force had an odd way of being sure that she stayed in politics. She had left it a few times, even exiled herself for 5 years, but she was always pushed back into public life, serving others and leading. Perhaps death would be her only release.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua licked his ice cream disinterestedly, instead keeping his eyes on the surroundings. Inversely, Minna tore into her ice cream, well on her way to finish it. Ghorua listened to Kay, grinning as she mentioned Veiere.

He had yet to meet the Jedi, but he had heard good things about the man. The Shark nodded, seemingly agreeing with both her words, and her inner commentary. "Mr. Arenais seems like a good man, that much I can tell." He stared off into the street again, watching a family of four purchase food from a vendor. "I don't like peace. It unnerves me. I'd rather be submerged in chaos, where I know I'm in my element, you know? I'd rather be wrapped up in a war of some kind, or on a Hunt, or in the ring with an Esoomian," he feigned a few boxing punches, "than retire somewhere quiet."

"I think you're kinda the same way. Politics call to you, Lady Kay. And I don't think that's a bad thing."

"I'll be sure to take you up on that offer," he said, smiling. "Minna is... uncharted territory for me, and I'll definitely need some help with that."

Ghorua the Shark, bane of the Outer Rim, wanted by two factions, single dad.

Despite the absurdity of the statement, it had a nice ring to it.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had to smile and nod in agreement. [member="Veiere Arenais"] was indeed a very good man. In a perfect galaxy, she could see herself marrying him some day. But the galaxy wasn't perfect. And she wasn't so sure that she wanted to risk becoming a widow again.

She listened to [member="Ghorua the Shark"] talk about not being a fan of peaceful times. It probably gave him less of a sense of purpose. She understood that. Perhaps Minna would help with that.

"Politics does call to me, or rather it seeks me out. I don't go to it. I try to get away, but just like trouble, it has a way offinding me. I jyst worry that one day, the wrong person will come looking for me, and I won't be able to escape or talk my way out of it." She frowned a little before eating more of her icecream. Kay had a habit of attracting powerful people, and she didn't know why. But it's always been that way.

"I'll help you where I can. Always."

(You're my 8000th post )

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua raised an eyebrow as he worked on his treat, delighting in the simple task of licking ice cream. Kay's concerns were very real, that much he knew. It had happened before, he had been instrumental in that, and chances were people would try again. She attracted attention and respect, for better or for worse.

Ghorua let his eyes trace his daughter as he replied to the Lady, feigning confidence. "That may be true. But if that happens, I'll come and get ya. Maybe blow up a few buildings, rough up a baddie or two." He smiled, then let it fall as sincerity leaked into his mannerisms.

He turned his head to Kay, eyes soft. "That's a promise, y'know." Ghorua folded his hands over his chest, debating to say anything else. "Despite all the people that I'm sure would love to get their hands on you, all of the Darth Carnifex's, and Knights of Ren, and Bounty Hunters out there, there are many more that care about you."

Ghorua looked back down to Minna as she hastily finished a section of her cone. "Like Mr. Justice, wherever he is, and Veiere." And me.

Ghorua didn't say he cared for her, content to let the implied meaning of his words tell a story.

"As for your political hullabaloo..." Ghorua rubbed the back of his smooth head, wiping away some sweat. "You'd always be welcome in my home. I mean, I don't own a palace, or an entire planet," the Herglic chuckled into his hand, "but I figure if you ever need an escape from the 'hustle and bustle' of Commenor, my apartment is yours. After all, there's no better place to hide from the galaxy than Nar Shaddaa."

The large being shifted in place, wondering how the Lady would react to his invitation. No matter how much one might try to sugar-coat the Smuggler's Moon, it was no place for a president. In that regard, if was perfect for someone trying to escape the pressures of presidency.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had to laugh as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] remarked on blowing up buildings and roughing up some bad guys. She had no doubt that he'd do that. More than likely he'd enjoy it too.

She blinked as he made his promise, her eyes studying him while he folded his hands across his chest. Ghorua's expression told her a lot. It was a stark contrast to how things were between them when they first met.

Again she laughed as he offered her up his apartment as a getaway. Had she ever been on Nar Shaddaa? Not that she could recall. It was the least obvious place for her to go, which would make it perfect. But why some types of people would want to get their hands on her, she had no idea. Bounty hunters had an obvious reason, but the others? She never understood it.

"I might have to take you up on that some time. I'd have to disguise myself of course, just in case. But it'd be nice to see where you call home. And you know of course that whenever you need help, I'm here for you too. I'd break you out of jail if I had to." She wasn't sure how others saw him, nor where he stood with the major powers in the Galaxy. But she always had his back, regardless.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

"Kind words, Kay." Ghorua had yet to find a jail cell he couldn't tear out of, but when the day came that he found himself trapped in a maximum security prison, it would be great to have a president and powerful Force-User on his side. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

"Although I find it slightly offensive that you think that I, a law-abiding citizen, would find myself in jail." The twinkle in his eye gave away his joking attitude. "Very rude."

He snickered to himself, looking back down to Minna, then to his datapad. His laugh died, replaced by wistful eyes. He cleared his throat, frowning. "We... ah... We have to go." He stood, and helped his daughter up. He turned to the President of Commenor, a sudden softness overcoming his fearsome visage.

"Walk us back to my ship?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well [member="Ghorua the Shark"] spoke them first. She just shared the sentiment. Kay grinned as he made his little joke. Law-abiding citizen. Ha! Maybe on Commenor he was, but elsewhere was another story. Although she figured that he at least tried. It wasn't always easy though in his line of work.

Kay finished up her icecream as he spoke of them needing to leave. That made her a little sad, but she was confident that she'd see them both again. She got to her feet and dusted herself off, nodding to his suggestion of her walking them to his ship. "I'd love to." She then approached Minna and smiled, doing her best to uplift their spirits as they start to make their way to the port. "Oh you'll have to tell me all about his apartment and what Nar Shaddaa is like. I haven't been there before." It was true. She'd never been. But from what she'd heard, Minna should have no issue while having Bones and Ghorua with her.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua quickly chomped down on his cone as he, Kay, Minna, and Bones began the slow, but steady trek through Chasin City. He smiled as Kay asked him to describe Nar Shaddaa. "I'm not surprised. When I think 'Nar Shaddaa', I don't exactly imagine a perfect vacation spot."

Ghorua looked down as Minna tugged on his shorts, then reached out her hands expectantly. It took Ghorua a second to figure out what she wanted, but finally, realization dawned on him. He scooped up the small child, and swung her legs over his neck. She giggled, looking over everything she now towered over. Ghorua responded to the Lady with a smirk.

"Hmm... Well, I will say if you go there, don't go alone. It's nasty reputation is well-deserved. I live in a nicer part of it, but that doesn't mean you can go around by yourself." Ghorua looked up to his daughter perched on his shoulders, a bit of doubt twinkling coldly in his eye. "Now that I think about it, we should probably move. The Smuggler's Moon isn't really a place to raise a child."

The Shark pondered his predicament. He had plenty of credits, perhaps he could buy a cabin somewhere out of the way. He had a few ideas, one being the location where a certain life debt was created.

"Maybe you should hold off on visiting us. The more I think about it," the Herglic chuckled darkly, "the more I think living in Hutt-Space with Minna is a bad idea."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed a little at the notion that all of her travels had been for vacations. On the contrary, she had spent a lot of time in Hutt space on missions to rescue slaves, even while she was a Senator. The Republic couldn't protect her when she was out of their space. The Republic couldn't even protect her on Bakura.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] warned her to never go alone. Well there was a fat chance that she'd be able to anyways. Being the President of a world meant that there was hardly a time when she wasn't without bodyguards.

And then he changed his mind. Kay smiled and gave him a little nod. "Alright. When you find a place and are settled, then please let me know. Then maybe I can stop by with housewarming gifts." Toys. Oh yes, there will be plenty of toys for Minna. Just so long as Bones doesn't decide to chew on them.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Just like that, they were at the spaceport.

The time flew by quickly for Ghorua. They continued to make small talk, about whatever came to mind. Ghorua was at ease, a certain calm enveloping the storm that usually lurked under the surface of his stony exterior. Minna spoke to Bones, seemingly having a one-sided conversation with the beast, explaining how the day had been, and how she was having the best time of her life. Ghorua couldn't imagine what she was going through. To have next to nothing, and suddenly have a family.

It must have been a big change for such a small thing.

In no time, they were at the shambling form of the Whalebone. Minna looked up at the thing in awe. "Is that your ship? Wow. I've never been on a ship."

Ghorua looked down, nodding. "Yeah. It's not the prettiest, but it flies." Then, to Kay, "I suppose this is where we part ways, for now."

Ghorua knelt down, almost at the height of the President, a look of veiled anticipation behind his eyes. He had a future before him. He had a condition to overcome, a reputation to forgive, and a daughter to care for. For the first time in a while, his goal wasn't just to amass a fortune, or fame, or even 'help society', whatever that meant. His purpose was clearer, more precise now.

"See ya soon?" He cracked a grin, before hesitating a second. Before he could stop himself, the Shark enveloped Kay in his arms, a thankful, friendly hug he had never given before. Slowly, he released her, and stood.

"Bye, President-Lady!" Minna ran up and hugged Kay as well, quite the size difference from her father. She then darted up the ramp of Ghorua's ship, Bones bounding behind her.

Without another word, Ghorua turned away, and marched up the cargo ramp. He stopped at the lip of the entrance, and looked over his massive shoulder. The ghost of a smile.

Then the door hissed shut, and the Whalebone began it's subtle ascent into the galaxy.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Time flew by quickly for Kay too. She was enjoying their company, enjoying a 'normal' day. No politics, no stress, just taking it one minute at a time. She savoured it.

They soon arrived at his ship. When [member="Ghorua the Shark"] embraced her she couldn't help but let herself be enveloped in it. A friend for life, that's what he was now. It was sad to see him go. No sooner did he let go that Minna ran over and hugged her too. Kay laughed. "I'll see you both soon."

As the two headed into the Whalebone, she offered them a small wave until the ramp closed, the ship took off and they disappeared from sight.

For now.

~The End~​