Single Blue Twi'lek

[Valgærd]

I had no idea where Mentyor was.

That was just fine by me. I shivered, fingers curling around my drink. Hell, I don’t even know what was in it. That… phantom… gave me chills, and not the fun kind. For now, I’d given him the slip. He’d said he wasn’t going to hand me into my old Master but having him holding my leash didn’t feel any better. I settled further back down into my seat, against the wall. Nestled in the far corner of this middle-of-karking-nowhere cantina, I kept my eyes on the door.

For all his many, terrifying flaws, however, that horrible… thing had had an excellent point.

So instead of flaunting my cerulean blue skin, I had my lekku wrapped in cloth head wrappings. A little unconventional for Nar Shaddaa, perhaps. I assume everyone who looked in my direction would otherwise assume I’m just one of the dancing girls. In fact, they weren’t far off. This little moon was the place I’d first given my master the slip, making off with a shuttle and a million creds.

So, while I lay low, getting my bearings again, what better place to hide than his own backyard?

… Maybe somewhere less infested with bounty-hunters. I’d been here for nearly half an hour, and already I’d counted no fewer than eight of them come and go. Near as I could tell, none of them had yet noticed me, or if they had, they hadn’t connected me to the bounty on the holonet for a cerulean blue twi’lek.

Then the door opened, and in walked a large twi’lek with dark red skin and a scowl on his face.

I recognised him instantly, and apparently, he recognised me. Our eyes met, and he crossed the cantina towards me.

“Well, chit.”


[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I brought the cup to my lips and took a sip as the red twi'lek slid into the seat in front of me. The drink burned my tongue and throat as it went down, but I savoured it. Hells, depending on how this went, it might be the last alcohol I tasted in a while. I took note of his black spacers leathers, scrutinising him for weapons. None. A scoff escaped my lips as I let go of my cup and leaned back, doing my very best not to appear too shaken by his approach.

"What do you want, Zic" I spat.

Oh yes, I remembered him. He'd done work for my master before. He wasn't strictly speaking a bounty hunter... he was a cleaner. Whatever problems master had had, he made them go away. I can remember not too long ago, watching him work, being grateful that I would never find myself on the wrong end of that man's anger.

Well, so much for that.

"You, my pretty little thing." He purred.

I scowled at him. He thought he was so charming, had he forgotten that I had seen what he did with quarries like me? Zic wasn't known for respecting the Alive part of 'brought back alive'. My heart had begun to race in my chest, my breaths had become quick and shallow. My eyes darted around the room, spying a couple of Mandolorians that had sat in a booth nearby. One of them seemed to have his helmet tilted ever so slightly in my direction. Friend or foe? If Zic and I came to blows, would he rush in to help a damsel in distress? Or aide the bounty hunter in capturing the troublesome slave?

Too early to tell. I had to keep this as as civil as possible, at least until I knew whom I could count on. I turned back to the twi'lek,

"Oh sweetie you couldn't afford me... even if I was for sale."

Well... I tried to be civil.

"Alright, queen," Zic's charming smile fell to an ugly frown, "you're coming with me, or I'll break your legs and drag you. You think your master would keep you alive if you couldn't dance anymore?"

I gasped, leaping up from my seat just as the twi'lek stood from his. He stood between me and the edge of the table, blocking my escape. For the moment, we were in a standoff.

Guess wait time was over.

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

The Mandalorian, the one that I was sure had been looking at us, had quietly risen from his chair.

My heart was already in my throat, with Zic sitting and threatening me, but now it felt like it was going to explode as the unknown man silently approached, seeming to keep just out of the red twi'lek's view. Was he going to back him up? Help him break my legs? Or was he going to help me? And if he did... what if he then found out how much my bounty was? Would he just take over the bounty for himself? I had had only a few face-to-face encounters with Mandalorians, they had certainly earned their reputation. I swallowed, forcing myself to keep my gaze on Zic.

Then the Mandalorian stepped in. As Zic stood, the man placed a hand on his shoulder, warning him not to lay a finger on me.

Well... that answered a few of my questions at least. I drew in a sharp breath, pushing myself back against the seat, wishing silently to disappear into the leather and making myself as small as possible. Zic, on the other hand, seemed to do the exact opposite. A tiny gasp escaped my lips as the red twi'lek turned away from me to face the man. I could feel relief washing over me as he turned his gaze away from me.

He pushed his chest out, either unaware of the reputation Mandalorians had, or he didn't care. Shrugging off the hand on his shoulder, Zic stepped forward, fully intending to push the man back with his chest,

"Is that what you think? You think that little helmet makes you a big man? Where'd you find that bucket, anyway?"

Unlike the man, Zic made no effort to keep his voice low. While he wasn't shouting, he certainly wasn't being quiet. Every question was met with a little shove. Although as I watched from my corner, I wondered if Zic was putting on the show so the man wouldn't realise that he didn't have his weapons on him. The moment I noticed, I was immediately offended. Did he really think I would have been that simple of a capture?

Then, an idea occurred to me. If those two were to get into a tussle, I could potentially slip by unnoticed. Then it wouldn't matter if the Mandalorian wanted to collect my bounty for himself, they would be fighting and I'd be far away. Right now, however, they were still at the end of the table, so I had to bide my time.

Coming to Nar Shaddaa had been a horrible idea.

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I let out a squeak as suddenly the Mandalorian, whom had let Zic push him around thus far, lowered his head and head-butted the other twi'lek--right in the face.

Clearly, Zic hadn't been expecting it either. I shoved myself back in the seat, swiftly drawing my knees up to my chest as the red twi'lek stumbled backwards, clutching at his nose. His expression had fallen to into one of utter shock and disbelief, before a hideous scowl of pure rage and unadulterated fury scrawled onto it. That scowl alone chilled me to my very core. It was cruel, vicious, like the snarl of an angry, wounded beast. The Mandalorian spoke, telling Zic it was rude to shove people. Despite the other twi'lek's rage, I couldn't help but snicker quietly. A headbutt? Very original. I liked it.

But he wasn't done yet. Stepping in to close the gap between them, he delivered a vicious punch to Zic's gut. It was so powerful even I felt it from where I sat. Phew, glad I wasn't on the receiving end of that. I wrapped one arm around my knees, watching keenly as the Mandalorian spoke again, telling the man it was rude not to keep his hands to himself. A smile tugged onto the corners of my mouth, I liked this guy's style. I liked it a lot. Before Zic could react, the man punched straight up, delivering a blow with a sickening crunch to his nose. The twi'lek crumpled to the ground. As I watched, my heart leapt. I'd wanted to do that so badly ever since I'd first met him. Take that, motherkarker.

Then the Mandalorian turned to me, and my internal fireworks instantly fizzled out. Still pushed into the back of the set, my knees up to my chest, I'd made myself as small as possible. Quickly moving a hand to my lekku revealed that the fabric wrappings on them were still in place. Even though my cheek tattoos were visible... there was still a descent chance he hadn't recognised me. I was grateful, but I knew I wasn't out of this yet. Taking a moment to let my heartrate return to normal, I faced the man.

"Just so you know, I totally had that." I began, "you didn't save my life, so you don't own me. If you and your buddies are looking for a shag, you won't find it here."

I glanced at the T helmet, suppressing a shudder,

"... Sir."

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I kept my eyes on the Mandalorian as he sat down at the table opposite me as a few Gammoreans approached Zic’s crumpled form. The cantina was quiet, as if no one was quite sure exactly what to do now. I could still hear my blood pounding in my earnodes, although my mind had stopped spinning enough for me to get my breathing under control. I stiffened as the man reached up for his helmet, however, he simply took it off, clipping the thing to his belt.

The man underneath was not some plucky young upstart like I had expected, but rather, a slightly older man, his wisdom seemingly etched on his handsome features. Alright, fine, he was good looking. My previous statement was still relevant. He wasn’t that special.

But then he spoke, revealing that he was against slavery.

In that instant, he could have asked for anything and I’d have given it. Nar Shaddaa seemed to attract the bottom feeders of the galaxy, so it was easy to forget that decent people actually existed. It’s highly possible my surprise and elation were etched on my face, so as I lowered my knees again and leaned my elbows on the table, I hurriedly buried the expression. I narrowed my eyes at him, studying his features as I casually pushed my lekku back over my shoulders. He nodded at the red twi’lek as he was being dragged away, asking if Zic was okay with it. I rolled my eyes,

“That motherkarking race traitor loves nothing more than to parade around with some poor chained thing trailing behind him. Makes him feel like a man, I guess.”

I turned my head to one side, spitting on the ground where he’d been. But I had been steadily calming down and leaned back in my seat with a sigh as the din of cantina life slowly began to return.

“Look, thanks for your help…” I said, looking back up at the Mandalorian through my eyelashes. “You can call me Nibsani, Commander…?”

I was just guessing at his rank, he seemed to be the leader of the group he’d come in with but I had no idea how to tell beyond that. I chewed on my bottom lip as I studied him, trying to glean what I could from the man I begrudgingly accepted had become my rescuer.


[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

General.

He was a general, and I'd basically told him and his buddies to sod off. Even though the realisation caused my stomach to flip, I couldn't help but chuckle as he introduced himself. I'd spent my whole life treating everyone as a superior, bowing low, showing the upmost reverence to those, who more often than not didn't deserve it. It was kind of nice to be able to make the choice for myself for once, who did and did not deserve my respect.

The general, I decided, did.

"Kaine," I repeated, letting the name roll off my tongue, "it's... a pleasure to meet you too."

Huh, that was something I hadn't expected. To actually genuinely be glad to meet someone. I didn't have time to ponder the sentiment, however, as he posed me an offer. Immediately my brow raised, Mando style? My first thought was one of vengeance. Immediately, several face came to mind of people I wouldn't mind visiting a little Mandalorian justice upon, not the least of which was my former master. The view Mandalorian's I'd met had had all the best toys, to boot. However, I was hardly eager to sign myself up for service again, so soon after escaping servitude. I opened my mouth to decline, when Mentyor crossed my mind. My former master concerned me, but Mentyor, whatever he was, terrified me. Perhaps having an ally or two wouldn't go astray.

Although, I was hardly about to let this Kaine get a big head, so I met his gaze with the most devious smirk I could muster,

"Learn?" I began, pointedly maintaining eye-contact, "there are entrances doors to this place, the front one, that one to the kitchen that squeaks when it's opened, and a hole in the ceiling with some scaffolding on it behind me. The guy tending bar is packing a blaster pistol under his apron, but he's got a rifle up above the counter. He reached for it when you were showing Zic who's boss. The guy in the corner who didn't leave fancies himself a bounty hunter of some kind, but he's green as hutt-puke. And you," I finished with a wink, "go into a fight expecting to win, you like to show off."

Now that I was done thoroughly showing off myself, I shrugged, leaning back in the chair,

"So don't for a moment think that I'm some lamb you can tuck under your arm and feel good about yourself. However... if you've got real skills to teach? I'm game."

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I'm quite sure that this Kaine enjoyed one-upping me just as heartily as I'd enjoyed showing off for him.

I remained sitting back against the seat, raising one knee to rest it against the edge of the table as he spoke. He mentioned a few things that I'd apparently missed. With as much subtlety as I could, I glanced around, noting with part frustration and part admiration that he was right. I also took note of the way he'd referred to the Anzati, there seemed to be something there, he didn't strike me as the type to have unjustified racism. Then the Mandalorian's eyes came back to me. I held his gaze. After a lifetime of being forced to look at the floor, it felt good to look someone in the eyes... it didn't hurt that he was easy to look at, either.

He spoke, saying that anyone could learn to shoot, but that my observation was a rare talent.

That... gave me pause. For perhaps the first time in my life, someone saw value in me beyond the blue skin and lekku. I don't like being caught flat-footed, but I couldn't deny, it was nice to be admired without being scantily-clad for once. He mentioned that Mando women didn't get tucked under people's arms, which sounded right up my alley, then he called me a word I didn't recognise.

I watched his reaction, trying to glean whether the word was an insult. He seemed perhaps surprised that he'd said it, but nothing he'd done so far let me believe that it was in any way derogatory. I made a silent note to look it up later, as he put forth his most convincing argument yet: that I could live how I wanted. That brought a genuine smile to my lips that I didn't even try to smother. Maybe he'd read me, maybe he was taking a wild guess because I'm a twi'lek, either way, he knew exactly how to get me on board.

I nodded, lowering my knee and sitting up straight to indicate that what I was about to say was serious,

"Alright, General," I began with a nod, "I want the toughest training you've got. I don't want anyone to go easy on me... and I'm going to need a weapon."

I chewed on my bottom lip, considering for a moment whether or not to add what I was about to say next,

"and... thank you. I do appreciate the opportunity."

I felt my cheeks flush a little, although I had no idea why. So he was handsome, so what? Maybe I was just not used to saying anything genuine... yeah, that was definitely it. Still... I was eager for my blushing to pass so I glanced around at the cantina briefly,

"So, can I buy you a drink? Or are you ready to leave this dump before someone comes in asking why there's a red twi'lek in the dumpster outside?"

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

The Mandalorian general said that it would be best to leave, a sentiment I agreed with.

As he broke my gaze to give the room another once over, I did the same. Narrowing my eyes, I scoured the room. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes passed over the main doors, I would have to walk out there very soon. If we hadn't attracted enough unwanted attention already, it would be surely inbound... and not far away. I became aware that I was chewing on my bottom lip as I considered this conundrum, right as Kaine asked me a question.

My gaze snapped back to him, seeing the helmet poised and ready to go as he spoke.

And I got an idea.

I shook my head, feeling the wrappings beginning to slide loose on one of my lekku. Hastily lifting a hand, I tucked it back into its leather band, unsure if he'd seen the black tattoos underneath. That would be something else I'd eventually have to square with him, I suppose. If he hadn't recognised me by my cheek markings, then there was a good chance he didn't know about the bounty.

I can be a queen... in fact I quite enjoy doing so... but I wouldn't let that little detail remain obscured for too much longer. He had a right to know. But perhaps... not just yet. Even if the Mandalorians didn't know about the bounty, there were plenty around here who did. That would make getting out tricky. Although... they would be looking for a single blue twi'lek, not one flanked by heavily armed men like these.

So as I stood, I casually slid my hand into the crook of his arm, flashing a subtle but determined look I hoped he would understand as meaning just go along with it. Getting the casual smile back onto my face was easy, even with my heart fluttering in my chest as I answered his question,

"Everything I have is right here." I tapped my hip, where he'd be able to see a pouch for holding credits. "But I'm eager to see this ship of yours, General, shall we?"


[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I was a little relieved the general accepted my hand on his arm and turned to face the gathered crowd as the T-visor helmet again slipped into his head.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw the numerous eyes upon us. Surely one of them would have recognised me, if not from my bounty, from my past here on this very moon. Gritting my teeth, I narrowed my eyes and lifted my chin. Let them stare. Who could hurt me now? I was on the arm of a Mandalorian general, one whom had already shown that he was not afraid to get rough with those who wronged him... or me.

By the gods that felt powerful.

He tilted his head, that blank, metallic T-visor staring out at the crowd. They parted. I didn't even try to hide the smirk on my face as Kaine spoke, beginning to walk through the throng of people.

"We shall."

I replied, looking around to throw a wink at the bartender as I walked with Kaine through the cantina. I couldn't believe it. I'd come back to Nar Shaddaa to hide from Mentyor and my former Master. I had the money I'd stolen, the clothes on my back, and nothing else. Now, I was about to leave it with a direction, a hope... a future. I glanced at the other two Mandalorians that had been with the general. Perhaps I even had new allies.

We emerged from the cantina, our senses immediately assaulted by the acrid smell unique in this city of all cities in the galaxy. The general commented on it and I agreed with a nod,

"Neither did I. And I served here for more years than I'd like." I replied.

For now, I let Kaine take the lead in where we walked. I didn't know where we were headed after all. However, now that we had a modicum of privacy, I bit my lip. I should tell him. It would be proper to do so now, rather than wait until I was on his ship and we'd left this slum of a moon. It had been my original plan to wait until he couldn't easily change his mind and throw me off... although... perhaps it was not a good idea to test the old man.

"Look, Kaine," I began with a defeated sigh, "there's something you should know about me."

I stopped, hoping to draw his attention directly to me so I could meet that cold, steel visor as I spoke,

"I have a bounty. A pretty big one, too." I nodded to the little screen built into his armor, "look me up."

I drew in a deep breath and braced myself for him to do so and read the results. If he did, it wouldn't take long to find the posted bounty. A picture of me, a description of my lekku and face tattoos, a note of the shuttle and jewels I'd stolen, and a big fat half a million credits in reward for my capture. I actually hadn't checked it recently, when it was posted it had mentioned that I was to be brought back alive... but I don't know if my Master's memory of me had faded enough to hold back his anger, he had posted "alive or dead" bounties in the past.

"I'm somewhat popular." I explained with a casual shrug and slightly witty inflection, "if you and your folk don't want that kind of attention, I would understand."

[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I waited, heart in my throat, as Kaine stopped, checking on the holonet for the details on my bounty. I didn’t know what to expect. Would he just turn and leave? Drag me back for the reward himself? No… he had done nothing so far to suggest that he’d do that.

He chuckled, complimenting the hefty price on my head and assuring me that it would be taken care of.

Of course, the flood of relief crashed over me like a wave at those words, sending my racing heart into overdrive. How could it be that on all the cantinas on all of the smuggler’s moon, he’d walked into mine? My thoughts for a moment drifted to Zic, and how easily the Mandalorian had seen to him. Boy, was I glad they were on my side. But along with the relief came a slight smirk of pride. It was a pretty decent reward. Sure, stealing away into the night might have worked out better, but racing away on a stolen shuttle wearing close to a million creds in your Master’s jewellery just seemed… more me.

Kaine moved a hand to his helmet, speaking to presumably, the guys he’d left inside. At his response, I assumed they’d come to their own conclusion about our exit from the bar. For perhaps the first time in such a situation, I blushed. Perhaps because for once, that was not the case. Perhaps it was because, while that sort of reputation was normal for a twi’lek, it was unbecoming of the general that had been nothing but kind to me. Either way, I shook my head of the feeling and glanced up to wink at his visor. There was a witty remark on the tip of my tongue but for now I just bit it.

Once they’d finished speaking, the Mandalorian turned back to me, explaining what was going to happen now. Mando territory? Even my old Master was hesitant to get too close without very diplomatic reasons. I felt Kaine’s grip on my arm as we climbed the last flight of stairs, walking the final two blocks to the landing pad.

“I’ve never been to Mando space.” I mused, “don’t imagine there are too many of my kind around. Suppose that means I’m gonna have to keep the mischief to a relative minimum.”


[member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I saw the ship as we emerged onto the landing pad. It was sleek, pristine, looked relatively harmless but with a hint of the power being mostly on the inside. It was kinda sexy… not unlike I liked to imagine myself. As I admired it, Kaine gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before speaking. At his words, I turned my face towards him and smirked. Mischief was encouraged? Oh I couldn’t wait.

“I hope you know what you’re inviting” I warned playfully.

He held out his hand to help me climb into the craft, but I only winked and with the sweetest smile I could, gently pushed it away and climbed in unassisted. The vessel seemed to be just as sleek on the inside as it was on the outside. Immediately I sauntered over to one of the couches and draped myself over it comfortably with one leg over the armrest and grinning as Kaine followed in after me. As he strapped himself in, I raised my brow,

“Like a rocket? I can’t wait.”

I pulled myself up from the couch and hopped into the seat next to the general, engaging my own safety belt. He turned to me, declaring our next stop to be Myrkr. I met his words with a grin and a nod before he began the startup sequence. As the engines roared to life, purring as they prepared to carry us away, I turned my gaze to our surroundings.

For the second time in my life I watched the smuggler’s moon grow smaller and smaller. Just like the first time, I was in a ship that wasn’t mine and heading towards a future of which I was not sure. Like last time, my heart was in my throat and blood pounded in my earnodes.

However, unlike last time, I was sitting next to a powerful ally, heading towards what I hoped would be a new home. And unlike last time… Now? I had hope.


[member="Kaine Australis"]