Madrugada

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
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Well, it was a stroke of coincidence that she was so very adept at handling burdens. Second nature really.

The right flank was a disaster zone. Narrowing her eyes at the field once more she moved a Knight out of formation to take the Pawn, leaving it to be the lunch of the Bishop. Right now, all that mattered was the King, his own flock of Pawns sitting around him. The Queen, some ways away, teetering close to the falling right side.

"I wouldn't expect you to, honestly. Most of us know better than to associate with handsome young smugglers leading us astray, I just have bad luck when it comes to opportunities."

 

[Rook Lokar]

Either way, Ayessa was going to have to learn to deal with burdens anyway. Rook was many things, but a burden was among the most of them. Typically in the troublesome nature, for wherever he went it wasn't too far behind.

"Hmph." Rook huffed with further amusement, nodding his head off to the side just once in acknowledgement of the 'handsome' remark. Yes, good, stroke his ego because that's what he needs more than anything. I reality, his ego was already soaring. Rook didn't particularly care for the opinions of others, how he was perceived in any way. Combined with his own foolhardy confidence and it created one heck of a dangerous being. No for others, but typically himself... and, well, those who align themselves with him.

"Bad luck?" The Smuggler questioned in jest, sliding his Rook further along to tear a not-so-vital piece from the board. Smiling with satisfaction as the holographic creature tore apart it's adversary. Something sickly amusing there. "If anything, meeting me'll be the best of opportunities."

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

"Yes, of course, since you've proven yourself to have excellent foresight and planning, I can't go wrong with you." The sarcasm dripping from her voice was impossible to miss, unless he was deaf (The jury was still out on that matter) but there was a touch of amusement in it to balance things out. She didn't fully believe it was like that. Not really, anyways. Only slightly. Kind of. Maybe just a little?

Her own pieces, those desperate creatures, kept pulling back to protect the largest of them, rally to the King. If she was going to lose, she didn't intend to make it easy for him at least, and his would have to get through a number of Pawns held in reserve to claim victory.

Stifling a sigh, she moved to rest her elbow on the now-empty side of the board, using it to prop her head up.

 

[Rook Lokar]

He knew sarcasm, trust that. He knew it all​ too well. He didn't really have anything to say in response to it, however. Only, yet another, amused huff escaped his nostrils. His attention had become diverted to the game itself, not to her in this moment of tactical planning. He was no tactician, only some 'boy' who knew how to make a good enough distraction. It made sense too, proving on multiple times to be rather shootable in comparison to others. Vin had seen that first hand when those Trandoshans ran by Cradossk had begun firing at the Smuggler whilst Vinon slipped away to take whatever loot was present at the time. They'd come a long way, but Vin more than Rook. That was easy to tell. Perhaps the Smuggler preferred it that way, though.

Rook managed to pick up on the... what was it, a lack of interest? Maybe, that's what it appeared to be, at least. As a result, Rook was able to offer some more comforting words, or so he thought, "Don't worry." He briefly mentioned, moving another piece up the board to further entrap Ayessa's holographic creatures in what may resemble a kill box. "It is your first game."

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

His words elicited a short burst of slightly-bitter laughter, "Yeah, well, I never was good at tactics and planning, games just aren't really my thing. S'alright. I concede, you win, I can't get out of it." He wins, for now. But that only got her thinking -- Did she even have a thing? Outside of killing and spirituality, which often intersected each other. Maybe dejarik just wasn't one of those things she liked.

Sitting back in the seat she studied him after his win, almost appraisingly, to gauge his reaction to sweet victory. Watching people was a Jedi talent, or at least, it should be, and she always took a little satisfaction. Emotions, as a more empathetical Jedi, were her bread and butter after all.

Game, set, match.

 

[Rook Lokar]

Pride.

That is what Rook felt in the instant moment. The man enjoyed winning, but so did everyone. No matter who he was facing there was always a great deal of satisfaction with taking the knowledge that you won. You beat them. Maybe it made you better than them, or maybe it was luck. None of it really mattered much, though, nothing of the sort ever did. It was another pointless activity for enjoyment, and entertainment. Of course, there were more entertaining things Rook could think of in the moment but that wasn't exactly a social norm after only just meeting someone. So, really, as a result the thought of such never even entered his mind. It was the chase, and he was running at a jog for now. Might end up in a sprint soon enough, though.

​His head, once again, cocked off to the side with a half-smile of the same aforementioned satisfaction. In the process of leaning backwards in the booth itself, his calf had raised to rest across his knee. "It's just what I'm good at it." He replied, an almost skeptical expression on his face in the form of mockery with his eyebrows tensed together. "Don't have to beat yourself up about it." The teasing continued.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

Pride was something she knew all too well and immediately connected with, her expression not betraying how easily she had just trampled into his mind. Pulling back slightly, she rolled her eyes, almost looking down at him with the way her chin raised a little, "I wasn't. You're good at some things, I'm better at some things. That's just how it goes."

Dully, something registered in the back of her mind, and it was that whilst Rook was obviously aware of what a Kiffar was, he clearly had no knowledge of their Psychometry. Or maybe he did and didn't care enough. Either way, that was a card she could still keep close to her chest, along with her lightsaber and her title. Secrets broke partnerships, she knew that all, all too well -- But for now there's was a working relationship. She had to hide things, even if it was because she didn't know how to explain them.

"...We're not going to play another game, are we?"

 

[Rook Lokar]

"I hadn't planned on it." His response came quick, surely shutting down even the potential of playing another game. Rook enjoyed playing it, but not that much. There were only so many times you could cut someone, their spirits, and still have them enjoy your company aboard your own ship. Well, you could make them a captive or a hostage and bring about the age-old Stockholm syndrome. That wasn't likely to end well, though. Especially with the fact she was a secret Jedi. Rook wouldn't really understand the reasoning for keeping it a secret, but then again, he was rather hypocritical in the sense he'd immediately think differently of her.

Oh the Paladin of Light that did nothing for the poor Slave.

"Is there nothing you'd like to do." His tone smarmy, almost suggestive. He wasn't really implying that, was he? Might be. Rook was the kind of man to go all in on a bad hand with a bluff. Here it was in execution.
[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

Maybe one day he'd understand.

That was all she could hope for, anyway. Or maybe she could keep this charade up. Who knew?

Nostrils flaring at his suggestion, she nearly scoffed, if the short laugh didn't follow right after to cut it off, "Have some peace and quiet, maybe?"

Part of her hoped he'd go have another shower or something. Not because of that, wel-- No, not because of that. Because with the cat away the mice could play and she could resume her invasive exploration of his home that was going to quickly become hers. Actually, that thought did raise a point and she tilted her head a little to the side, looking past him, "Oh, does this thing have crew quarters? I've got some stuff to put away."

 

[Rook Lokar]

This was, uh, well, uhm, you see, erh.

​Mixed Signal central, really. Her physical reaction may have meant one thing, whilst the verbal meant another. It was all so very confusing, and he didn't really know what to do. Almost ready to jump from his seat, but at the same time more than willing to remain seated with his mouth shut.

​Rook had begun to stand up, ready to move off elsewhere and anything, maybe just get the blood flowing in his legs once again. "Depends on what you consider to be peace and quiet." His sharp reply shot back with precision, planting two hands on his back and stretching forwards. A soft crack escaping, filling that area of his body with some modicum of relief.

"Uhh." his mind fumbled, briefly, "Yeah." Rook's booted feet shuffled along the metallic interior once more, waving in the direction he was heading whilst saying, "Follow me." Soon to find themselves in a 'crew quarters' area, one that wasn't exactly luxurious, especially in comparison to his own quarters. That might prove some incentive.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

Little victories, right? Ayessa's smile was bright enough to warrant UV protection the moment he turned his back, and she silently rose to her feet to follow, only pausing in her perusal to grab at her bag once more. The prior smugness was wiped clean of her face the moment he could catch drift of it, though. She liked keeping people on her toes, even though she really shouldn't like it, but it wasn't as enjoyable when they knew.

"Seems nice." That was a lie, it really wasn't, but it was better than where'd she been before. She set her bag down with mild care onto a bunk, clearly, meant to be hers now. Then again, not like she needed much sleep -- Meditation could do in a pinch and that way she had her wits about her.

It wasn't like she didn't trust him, but... But yeah. She stuck a hand into her bag and rifled about, fingers connecting with the edge of the datapad she was searching for; the sounds of that whiny, warbling droid-voice echoing in her mind from the memories of various Seppie commanders that had handled it. For once she didn't mind. Pulling it free, she glanced over to Rook, if he was even still there, "I'll, uh, come find you in a bit." She offered meekly. She wasn't trying to be rude, but early days, space was still needed.

 

[Rook Lokar]

Don't lie to me.

Rook knew well enough that those quarters weren't fantastic. Hell, he'd been living in them. The Smuggler had tried to make renovations on one room to turn it into a legitimate bedroom, but nothing worked out so far. It was difficult to keep something such as that on a ship that made some... unconventional manoeuvres. They appeared to be similar to slots in the walls with bed-lining, yet the beds themselves weren't exactly uncomfortable and happened to be reasonably sized. They just weren't excellent, is all.

He'd found himself leaned up against the doorway in the moment Ayessa began her inspection, his arms folded over his chest and his ankle crossed over the other. "Right, yeah." He gave a dismissive wave, turning to face the opposite direction and move off elsewhere. Whatever Ayessa was to do, he'd be lying if he wasn't the least bit curious. But, it was time he left the poor girl alone. She'd endured enough of his bravado to earn a rest.

The Smuggler descended into the pilot's seat within the cockpit, his eyes scanned over just about everything to ensure it was all in check. Which, of course, it was. They were on a straight course to Nar Shaddaa, and with luck would be there soon enough. Hyperspace was a finicky thing, that is.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

I wish I didn't have to.

Exhaling heavily once he'd left, as though she could finally breathe again, the Jedi moved to sit on her bunk, well, lean against the edge. It really, really was as bad as it looked, but she'd already concluded to using it as infrequently as possible. Subconsciously sensing him shuffle off to the cockpit, she closed her eyes and let herself be awash in memories, holding the datapad in both hands.

The memories were very odd. Droids couldn't technically affect objects the way a living, breathing, Force-affecting person could, but they still left imprints. These imprints were what she flipped through like the pages of an old-style book. Unfortunately, it was a sparsely written one and she was soon forced to disconnect from reading the object, with there being little to search through for satisfaction. Perhaps the datadump she downloaded would have more for her to peruse.

This was a little more than odd, but it was soothing, cathartic. Reminded her that everything she'd experienced up until now wasn't just a carbonite-fueled dream, but actual memories of actual events that actually happened. They just happened a long time ago.

So, pressing the archaic button on the side of the datapad, she fired it up and began to pore over Separatist data, like she would have back in the glory days.

 

[Rook Lokar]

Boredom.

Rook found it thrust upon him once more. The electronic beeping and ambience of the ship itself, and in addition to the wormhole that they traversed, filled his ears. Those sounds were soft, and in any other sense of communication may they be missed. Yet, now, in the period of nothingness it was deafening. Maybe he really did need a co-pilot, a partner, someone to just be there for his own entertainment. And if it was Ayessa? So be it. There was something about her that he didn't find in most of the women he met, and it was for an obvious reason if one more gear in his head was able to tick over. He didn't know what it was, but he liked it. Maybe the mystique.

Ayessa kept to herself, apparently busy with something. Rook didn't follow a lot of etiquette, but this time he was willing to leave her to things and emerge when ready. That's just how it was.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

Nothing of use, just her luck. Information about supply lines in the Mid Rim-- Did droids really need supply lines? --Some information recorded about the local population that she knew to be hilariously untrue, a line or two about a Vos Jedi that she couldn't recall clearly, despite the shared species and origins. All in all, not quite the rush she had been seeking.

Rush. That wasn't a healthy way to describe it. Shoving the datapad back where she'd found it, she found herself on her feet again. You're finally alone and it's the last thing you want to be, a voice commented inside, isn't that ironic?

She could still feel him like a flickering flame a couple feet away. Oh, damn it all.

Her feet carried her to the cockpit and she didn't even knock before taking a seat, "How's hyperspace?"

 

[Rook Lokar]

How's hyperspace? It's, uh, there?

Rook didn't have a witty response, nothing sarcastic to dryly retort with, or even anything to make a smile or laughter come about. It seemed that was one of the only things he was good at, and now his tank had run dry; moving on fumes at this point.

"It's there." Rook replied in the process of turning his head in the direction of Ayessa, catching another glimpse of her and that snake tattoo. Everyone on Kiffu had a tattoo on their face, so it must only be a cultural thing. Rook didn't bother to question for that reason alone, and he assumed it was a fairly good one in his defence. As he had said that his left hand waved out in the direction of the blue, wormhole that got brighter in the centre. They were right in it now.

Silence had taken over the cockpit once more, even with the two of them present. That was a first.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

It ran deeper than culture, but, yeah. A cultural thing. It was probably the wise choice not to ask lest Ayessa have to delve into family trees and break out a couple diagrams to help with the explanation. A qukuuf was more than a tattoo, more than a marking, it was all you were and all you came from. It was her only link to her mother, as well, which gave it doubled important in her eyes.

Just Rook's thinking of it made her idly rub a knuckle under her eye, against the blocky scales of the design, and she made a mental note to try and pull back from outright scanning his thoughts like a probe droid all the time, "Well, I'd be worried if it wasn't." She offered, head flipping to steal a glance. Yeesh. Things really had run dry, if he wasn't even trying.

"...Come here often?"

 

[Rook Lokar]

​A breathy chuckle escaped his lips, and an eyebrow raised in conjunction with the smirk that formed. Thought that was supposed to be his line, no? The seat had creaked in the process of turning to face, his entire body doing so opposed to just his skull. His left arm had grasped at his right elbow once he began to raise it up to his face, caressing the skin above his mouth but beneath his nose, feeling the slight whiskers of facial hair.

"Hmm." He queried to himself in jest, directing his eyes from the ceiling back onto the unknown Jedi, "A few times a year." Rook had furthered with the bobbing of his head, as if it were to confirm it. "What about yourself?" A straight faced expression was present, treating it as if it were a genuine question and conversation.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Open Space, Rook's Ship, Undetermined Time
Interacting with [member="Rook Lokar"] ~ Trouble
——————————————————————

"First time. Can't say I'm impressed, honestly." This felt like a new game, but one she could throw herself into for a bit to pass the time. A slight smile crossed her face after speaking, letting her head roll to openly look over at him as she spoke casually, body still facing the cockpit's front, "I do hope it gets better."

And with that her head turned to look out at the blue expanse of the dimension, almost a little smugly, waiting for his retort. Maybe none would come, which would be fitting, but still.

The mere fact she was trying said a lot to her, at least. Hm.

 

[Rook Lokar]

There was always a new game to play. It only had to wait it's turn to come around.

"It only gets better, trust me." He sounded sure as hell on that one. "You've just got to give it and it's owner a chance." There came that blend of sarcasm in jest and a suggestive tone, once more. It was all too obvious, but he wasn't trying to be subtle, that just wasn't how Rook rolled. Life was too short to conceal certain things, and this was something he'd wear openly on his sleeve without a care for who saw it.

Rook only lounged in the seat, there was nothing particularly interesting with his mannerisms, but the sly grin expressed across his face. Beyond that, he was just sitting there. Amused by himself. Perhaps a little curious as to how serious she may interpret that.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]