Private The Smuggler, the Flower Girl, and the Mask.

[Sorr Kortu]

Location: Nal Hutta

Smuggler Outfit

When Sorr found out that Nal Hutta meant Glorious Jewel in Huttese, his lungs nearly fell off from his rib cage from laughing so hard. Either the Hutts have a great understanding of Irony or they truly believe that this wasteland was truly beautiful probably the latter given the Hutts' grotesque history. For a bunch of gangsters, the Hutts managed to worm their way (no pun intended) into the political sphere of every faction in the Galaxy history. From the Galactic Alliance, to the Mandalorians, and even the Sith Empire. The Hutts were always willing to do the dirty granted that said "ally" look the other way of their criminal enterprise. Even Sorr's father as disgusted as he was working with the Hutts had dealings with them. Sorr remembered meeting the Hutt as well Kloshi the Weak she was called. She was far from weak given how she was able to convince his father: A man not easily swindled a deal that could land him in a favorable position in Alderaanian politics in exchange for her large donation.

Sorr saw first-hand how much power the Hutts wielded and now he is working for them as a Smuggler. He knew the risks that came with living the dream as a Smuggler but Sorr didn't like the Hutts at all. The young Smuggler approached one of Nal Hutta's many palaces this one belonging to Gogor the Hutt. A Hutt whose criminality revolves around gun running and racketeering. Sorr did a couple of guns running missions for Gorgor nothing too major just a bunch of Galactic Alliance blaster rifles that were lost in manufacturing. Sorr only communicated through Gogor's men never seeing the Hutt personally not that he didn't want to. Yet Gogor sent him a Holomessage saying to come to his palace for a special mission. It was an unusual proposition, but Gogor offered triple the pay so Sorr immediately took his ship to Nal Hutta.

As he walked towards the entrance, Sorr could see two of the Gogor's men looting the corpse of what he assumed to be a rebel fighter. From what Sorr read, the Evocii while driven to near extinction still fought the Hutts utilizing guerilla tactics in hopes to fight for their home. It was a noble but futile cause, taking a deep breath, Sorr entered the large doors where he saw Gogor staring at him and at his left was young woman around Sorr's age being watched by two large soliders. "Your excellency," Sorr said. "You wanted to see me?"

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC

The stench of sweat. It lingered in her quarters. It was her own. Though, it was also from others. Several girls shared her cell. A chamber fit for their master, the guards claimed, but they were just slavers in another way who served their cruel master. There was no freedom in those chambers. There were only slaves who were fools to think that they would be treated fairly in the midst of their master who considered them fairies.

They didn’t even need wings. These women had arms and legs, fair skin, pretty faces, from Human to Zeltron to Twi’lek. Yet freedom was long gone for them. They no longer had wants or desires that mattered beyond their imaginations and, as they were promptly reminded, thinking was dangerous. Better to obey and live another day than be fed to Gogor the Hutt’s rancor from being bored.

From wasting time idling by in her quarters in the morning to the main chamber of the palace, the throne room of the Hutt, was one prisoner in a number. Sure, there were other slaves with her from men to women. The latter were scantily clad just like her in her outfit. There were others; servants who served food and drink to guests and, if they didn’t, would be treated the same way as enemies in the midst.

Stay focused. Valenya told herself, curled up beside the tail of her Hutt master, gazing the same way he did as a new guest entered his grand chamber. Don’t lose hope. She couldn’t. Wouldn’t. She certainly wasn’t in this position out of choice but circumstance. She owed Gogor a debt and had no voice to reject his advances once he decided to collect. Don’t become the petals of the flowers that drift and go to never return home…

“Ho ho ho!” Gogor laughed at the man who had entered his chamber. He spoke in Huttese, naturally. It was a language that Valenya could understand. “I did want to see you indeed. I have a mission for you, Kortu. See it through and you will be rewarded. Fail me…” He licked his lips. “And you will suffer worse than this woman.” At that, the Hutt yanked the chain tethered to the collar wrapped around Valenya’s neck and she grimaced in pain.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Sorr never liked working with Hutts, there was always a catch with these corrupt sleemos and of course he walked into a trap like an idiot. "What kind of Smuggler am I?" Sorr thought miserably. No way he could shoot his way out, there were many guards surrounding Gogor besides the two armed guards in front of Gorgor and the girl, there were Snipers perched on both sides of the palace, their weapons trained on Sorr ready to fire on Gogor's command. Also, even Sorr does shoot Gogor, Hutts were notoriously tough capable of tanking multiple blaster bolts before dying.

"Ummm," Sorr stared at the scantily clad woman, sympathy filled his eyes. Now they were both trapped under this Hutt's slimy thumb. "What is the mission my Lord?" Sorr mumbled. "I'm at your service."

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

“HO HO HO!” Gogor laughed. “At my service indeed.” His Majesty's mighty voice boomed across the floor. “From the day you were born, Sorr.” Well, Valenya didn’t know about that but she didn’t know about the Hutt’s guest either. This Sorr seemed like an honest enough man but what smuggler was honest? Perhaps it’s a trap.

There was a trap underneath her feet, unfortunately, and if Gogor decided to open it then there went Sorr into the deep darkness. He would never be heard from again. His screams would be his epitaph and that would be that. No. Enough death. Valenya sighed. There has been enough pain and loss of life.

“The mission,” Gogor continued as he sucked squid fluid from his thumb. “Is to deliver a package.” There was a delay in expectation. Just then, the Hutt yanked on Valenya’s chain. “You are to deliver a slave to a particular Pyke as a token of my…appreciation…” He licked his lips.

Oh. I certainly don’t like the sound of this. Though Valenya’s expression was quiet despite her silent defiance. “I want her alive and in good condition when you deliver her to my colleague, whose name and description you will find in this datapad.”

Gogor the Hutt gestured for a henchman to deliver said pad to Sorr the smuggler. “If I find that she has been…damaged…then you will find your head on a pike.” He laughed. “Pike. Pyke. It rhymes. HO HO HOOOO!”

At that, the chain around Valenya’s neck unclasped, and it was then she realized that she, yes, Valenya, was indeed the package. “Oh my…” She spoke low.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Sorr raised an eyebrow when Gorgor unshackled the young woman, she was the prize? But why? Sorr gulped seeing the two guards push the scantily clad woman towards Sorr, the woman falling to the ground in the process. Sorr rushed to the woman's side and helped her up. "Are you all, right?" Sorr whispered in her ear afraid if the guards picked up any semblance of sympathy, then they'll beat up Sorr and her. Hutts and their minions can be the petty type.

"Slave trading isn't my thing my Lord," Sorr said. "I thought I made that clear, people aren't cargo."

That probably means that the woman would be in the Hutt's custody, that was something Sorr did not want to do. "But I guess....." Sorr said bitterly. "I'll make an exception." Though what Sorr really meant was finding a way to free her and the other slaves in the Gogor's care. Sorr read the dataslate and frowned. "A mask?" He said. "What for?"

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Picked up. First by her kidnappers. Grabbed when she was unaware. That’s why she was here, in this forsaken palace, to begin with. There was no morality in this place. There was only the mortality of the slave. The immortality of the master. However, slaves like her knew that nothing and nobody lasted forever.

Gogor the Hutt would get his comeuppance soon enough. For now, however, one of his slaves was picked up. Her chains were taken away as if to say she was free. Hands grabbed her again, unclasped the shackle at her neck and, bereft of manacles, they picked her up—only to throw her forward across the floor.

Slaves. We are treated the same way. She had danced, she had sang, but her master never appreciated her. But we have each other. She thought, taking a deep breath into her chest; not out of fear or pain but in sadness. There she was, a lady being taken away, a slave being given away, and she just wanted to hold the cold breath in her soul as reality took its toll. Stay safe. She would be back to free them one way or the other. I promise this.

Eyes closed, she breathed out on the ground and, when she did, hands grabbed her again. When she opened her eyes, she was picked up, but saw someone and he wasn’t a thug. All over again, breath was caught in her chest. The slave met the smuggler’s gaze. Her heart froze, though she was warm with hope. He asked if she was all right. “I’m…fine…” She replied in that whisper-feather line. Eyes into eyes.

“Ho ho hooooo!” The Hutt bellowed. “Slave-trading becomes your thing today, Sorr Kortu, if you wish to leave this place.” He licked his lips. Putrid. Thought the woman now standing on her own two feet thanks to the courtesy of this man. Who is he? It didn’t sound like he wanted to hurt her at least. Yet he is my transporter for another master.

“The mask is for me, of course.” Gogor licked his fingers. What a horrid demeanor. “A trade for this…slave…” He looked her way that instant. It made Valenya grimace. Her first instinct was to step closer to the smuggler as if trying to hide behind his shoulder. I must be bolder. Hard to do when you were in this outfit surrounded by others, however.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

When he was a kid, Sorr thought that being a Smuggler was fun but over the course of his short career reality came crashing down on him. A Smuggler's life was filled with danger, little credits to his name, and working for morally questionable people. The stories seemed to gloss over the fact that a Smuggler was a criminal and would always be on the run. The worst part is now Sorr was unwillingly engaged in the slave trade. "What have I done?" Sorry mumbled when he locked eyes with the woman.

"All right," Sorr said looking away. "I'll deliver her to the client."

The young man glanced at the datapad frowning. Tatooine, the dustbowl of scum and villainy. He gave the woman mournful glance, regret washed over his face. "Listen to me," he whispered. "I'll try to find a way to free you. I promise."

 

[Valenya]

When she was a kid, Valenya thought that exploring the stars and crafting stories from her heart would be worth it. That she would grow to become, not just a good honest person, but a gift for the universe. Not for the sake of her own power, no, but simply in the way one buds and blossoms, yes, and gives…flowers…

Then one day, the flower girl became a slave, and there was no ‘lady’ before her name. Her master had the power and he held the chains. His slaves lived in hell. They were his property. One day, however, the woman would break free, would return, and the Hutt would be sorry.

Her brows quivered as she thought of such punishment. The very moment they crossed her countenance, however, they softened, arcing high. It wasn’t because of the mercy behind her eyes, those serene oceans of green, but from the words of this other person, this other captor, who had spoken to her.

“Free…me..?” Valenya whispered in disbelief. Why would he? Who is he? Just a dishonest man, perhaps. She just stared into his eyes for a moment. Just a glance. Yet it was frozen in time. His strong soft eyes were colored chocolate. “You…promise?”

“MOVE FORTH, SORR!” Gogor roared.

So Valenya stepped forth but ignored the Hutt. “Thank you…” She whispered at the smuggler’s side. She saw no lies in his eyes. Did he see the smile in hers? Just a frown on her lips, however. Maybe he would remind her how sometime.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Sorr gave a small nod when the young woman gazed at him her green eyes glistening with hope. He did not know how long she was chained to this Hutt but at this point, Sorr didn’t care. She was trapped underneath this slugs care and he was going to save her. Sorr just needed to find the right opportunity.

He could see the woman’s brief smile but Sorr focused directly at the henchmen who pulled the woman’s chain dragging her towards him. Sorr watched in horror as they placed a bomb collar around her neck while Hutt smiled.

“Hey,” Sorr said. “What’s the meaning of this?!”

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

It was just a moment. Some insignificant fraction of time. With her eyes opened, feeling her green seas glistening, they gazed into his brown irises. Magnificent. In that instant, her frown turned upside down. Standing by his side; a trader braver than this slave with her fragmented mind—hanging in his eyes.

“Not so fast, lass,” hissed a henchman, yanking her forth. She gasped, eyes wide, bidden to him by a metallic chain with malice in his gaze. Before she could open her lips to protest, he twisted his grip and clasped something cold and heavy around her neck.

She tried to jerk her head aside out of instinct but it was a mean feat and, as she did, she glimpsed the Hutt and grimaced. He sat proud amid his crowd of slaves and slavers, with no soul in his gaze. Her chest heaved, yet she did not shout, just breathed. Steady. Be braver.

“HO HO HOOOO! Just an insurance policy,” Gogor assured. “Honestly, I have no interest in ruining my merchandise.” He swallowed something squirming and licked his lips. “But such is the nature of this enterprise if you two do something…funny.” He clapped his hands at that but didn’t laugh. “Money’s money.”

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Anger formed inside of Sorr but he fought to remain calm. "Of course Lord Gogor," Sorr said through clenched teeth staring directly at the Hutt. "If we detect any funny business," the guard who pulled the woman held out a small device with red button the middle. "Boom!"

"I understand," Sorr said while the guard yanked the woman's chain smiling in the process. "She's Lord Gorgor's most prized possession," he said pushing the woman to the ground. "Take good care of her."

Sorr rushed towards the woman nodding in the process. "Yes sir," he said helping her up and placing her chain in her hands. "I'll find a way to remove that collar," he whispered. "You have my word."

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC (Recurring)

Money’s money. Lord Gogor spoke the word twice though it rang inside Valenya’s mind three times. Over and over. Money. Merchandise. She might have sighed if she had half the mind. It was all she could do to stand there upright in some semblance of holding her shoulders high, bare though they were amid her dancer’s outfit: Golden bra, half a purple skirt, gold chain in case the bomb collar wasn’t worth remembrance. Do something funny? Boom. Bloody.

Words rang out loud inside her mind more times than she could count. When you lived the life of a slave before Lord Gogor and his court, you kept quiet most of the time, spoke only when spoken to, bowed your head and hoped for the best. Danced, too, of course. Valenya was good at that much. Most prized possession. Though, how this was a lie would be one of the Hutt’s silent confessions.

“UGH!” His prize yelped as she fell, the irony in her captor’s tongue for her to be taken good care of just as sharp as the hard ground striking her knees. Sighing, she didn’t even try to plead. At least her skin wasn’t bleeding. Not yet, at least.

Head bowed, hair veiled her countenance; long locks and loose strands of ash brown. The slave-frown marred her lips but somehow her heart was not dark like his. The Hutt, if she looked up, was blind to his own scars. I must be the light in the darkness. If one could conquer a mountain as this, it ought to be her.

Hands balled into feeble fists, all she wanted to do was stand tall and spread her wings like an eagle. Yet, heavy was the chain, the collar on her neck more or less; a death sentence evil as one Hutt king’s breath.

“Huh!?” Velenya gasped as she felt hands near her chest. Fear fell over her visage, her hair in her vision as she lifted her head; though it wasn’t the face of a henchman but…his. Sorr. His whisper slithered into her ear, the promise of his word woven within, such as it was. Words are wind. Her eyes flickered between his, and bored. A promise that is not honest is dust.

“Why?” She whispered back. Eyes into eyes.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

"Because....." Truthfully speaking Sorr didn't know why he was doing this. He was only relying on his sense empathy which to Sorr's surprise he maintained throughout his Smuggling career. He was still very young which meant that it could erode as he continued to travel the Galaxy but if there was a hardline Sorr took, it was slavery. "It's the right thing to do." Sorr whispered in the woman's ear.

Sorr wasn't here to free slaves but seeing how Gorgor was just abusive to this young woman, he'll do what it took to make sure she was free from his chains figuratively and literally. "The Mask is loaded in your ship Captain," the guard said.

"Without my consent?" Sorr responded raising an eyebrow. "No offense but I don't take kindly to-"

"Are you defying Lord Gorgor himself?" The guard growled.

"No......" Sorr said. "I was just wanting to take a look at the cargo before I take my leave."

"This mask is rather....... dangerous," the guard said. "We've taken steps to secure it."

"Okay......" Sorr gave a slow nod.

"Now go," the guard said. "And take care of Lord Gorgor's prize."

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC (Recurring)

The right thing to do. Valenya chewed on those five words like they were jerky. Sweet, savory, something she didn’t often get to eat. A treat. Sure, they softened her with their delivery, but wasn’t it treachery that had brought her into this coffin to begin with? It felt like a century with the lechery of this Hutt’s hell and then some.

“...The right thing to do…”

Even as she whispered the words, standing on her feet, having been lifted to her knees by this man, he was busy speaking with a guard. The Mask. She didn’t know what it could mean, this thing, but if there was something that Valenya wore during her torture here, one thing to cover the fear in her heart, it was a mask.

Dangerous. What was more dangerous than a slave’s existence under the whip of a Hutt? To serve day by day as his mistress. Pyke. Lord Gogor mentioned. She was to be his recipient. Would this Pyke be more or less dangerous than the Hutt? Will this explosive wrapped around my throat be more or less dangerous than my emotions if they are exposed?

“Now go,” the guard said. At that moment, Valenya looked at her host: the Hutt, his henchmen, his slaves. She took in all their faces and separated them like fruit from veg. I will return. She promised in her head as one woman, scantily clad as her own person, sat beside the Hutt’s throne, knowing of no way to go, gazing vacantly.

“I will return!” Biting her lip, fighting the urge to quit, Lord Gogor’s prize decided that the right thing to do was…move. “You have my word!” Eyes on the women—those Twi’leks and Zeltrons and Humans and otherwise who had been mistaken for a lord’s prey, wrapped around him like linen—she stepped forward. Resist it. “I will be back!”

Brows crossed, quivering, fists balled, delivering. Her spirit could not be stopped as she stood tall, clad in gall.

“HO HO HOOOOO!”

Only for them all to laugh.

Like I’m nothing. Like I’m nobody.

“Take me away…” Valenya breathed into Sorr’s ear. “Take me from here.” She demanded, commanded, and had no fear.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

The woman announced that she will return to Gorgo as if she was making a grand declaration of love. Sorr was confused at first but realized that she was just appealing to Gorgo's massive ego. It figured that she would that considering it was probably the only thing bigger than his stomach. "She'll be unharmed," Sorr said playing along and grabbing the woman's chain. "I'll see to it."

"Good," the guard smiled. "She can also..... entertain you as you see fit. Lord Gorgor has given you permission to do so."

Sorr shuddered at the thought. "Very generous of him," he said his tone laced with sarcasm. "I'll need to take my leave then."

"You are to head to Jakku," the guard mentioned. "There you will meet the buyer of the Mask."

Sorr nodded and gently yanked the woman's chain urging her to move.

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

It really was all too confusing indeed. Lord Gogor had commanded for his prized possession to be taken care of at the same time as wrapping a bombed collar around her neck. Whether he emphasized his insurance policy in case she tried to run away, or for Sorr to play nice with the merchandise or have it explode in his face, there was only one thing that Valenya had in mind.

I will return. You have my word.

She looked between the other slaves, faces made up mostly of women like her, but there were others no different. Each one had a name, a purpose beyond servant, but in the service of a creature like Gogor it didn’t really matter. They did to her.

To break your chains. By hand or dagger.

She blinked away from them just then, turning back to her captor, whoever this man really was besides a kinder slaver. It could all be a disguise, of course, but Sorr had an uncanny compassion in his eyes.

At least, his chained slave could only hope he didn’t intend to take Gogor’s offer on her being his entertainment. Valenya shuddered at the thought. Her thoughts were robbed at the mention of Jakku. Though, whether it meant anything to her, she did not show it on her face as her chain urged her to move.

“I will remember your words,” she whispered to the smuggler as they made their exit. “About the collar.” That he might have lied was not lost on her. Yet, whether Hutt, Pyke or this Human as her master, it was some time until Jakku, and the slave’s skirt could hide the hilt of a dagger.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Walking alongside the woman, Sorr grabbed her bony arm pulling her towards the ramp of the Tiaza's Purr. Thankfully, the spaceport aside from a couple of Droids were empty which made the escort a lot less tense. As he climbed the ramp, Sorr immediately pressed the button which closed the ramp and took a deep breath. "That was good that you convinced Gogor that you were loyal to him," Sorr said breathing a sigh of relief. "I had a feeling that slug was on to me."

He didn't want to think about it, all Sorr wanted was to get out of the planet, do his job, and somehow free this woman. "Man where's Brinna Dara when I need her?" Sorr grumbled. "Ugh probably somewhere boinking her boyfriend."

Sorr recalled Brinna joining Shoan in a heist at Courscant. She claimed that there was a lot of credits involved but Sorr knew that Brinna was using the excuse to sleep with Shoan again. "So ummmm," Sorr walked towards the cockpit. "I didn't get your name? And how did you end up being enslaved under that Gogor?"

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Had that hand have been from Lord Gogor, or from one of his henchmen, the slave girl would have thought nothing of it and just did as bidden. She was used to being grabbed by them and commanded, led in this direction, sent in that direction, with the promise of another hand to cause her harm if she did not get on with it.

Yet the hand that grabbed her arm just then was a different man’s and, had that man have had a different face, this girl might have just slapped him away regardless of the consequences. She did not. Even for a smuggler, his grip didn’t hurt and he didn’t lift a fist to harm her. Sure, he was warned not to by Lord Gogor, yet even in his eyes she did not detect the intent. If he meant what he said then…perhaps I can find a way to escape my fate in the end.

“I…convinced him of nothing…” She responded feebly, though at least he acknowledged her presence as more than property. If perhaps no less than an object to trade with a collar on its neck. Whatever the case, whatever his intentions with her, she would find out one way or the other.

“Brinna Dara?” She asked as they paced down a corridor toward the cockpit, taking in even as simple a sight as the color of the hull, controls and other consoles. “Oh.” She pursed her lips and bowed her head, suddenly nervous at the mention of this Brinna Dara “boinking” her boyfriend. Silly, really, given the way of the world this slave girl had just left.

More words came toward her, more questions, but all she could do was turn to face the wall or gaze at the floor, this desk, that table. Her eyes absorbed warning signs, equipment labels and otherwise. The air was cool against her skin, fingertips curving hair back behind her ear to take it in amid bare shoulders all the way to her feet. This ship wasn’t humid like her cave. It was a tighter space but teased freedom for her. Tiaza’s Purr. That was its name.

“M-My name?” Suddenly she remembered she was in somebody’s company. No, her captor’s, this smuggler’s. She turned to face him, eyes wide and bright, not with hope but in surprise. What’s this!? She bit her lip, trying to fight back the liquid that began to coat her irises.

“It’s…” Her lips parted like the darkness in her heart, at least for a heartbeat. “...It’s…” She breathed, but it was hard to breathe, like when you wanted to take in all that oxygen at the same time as being caught up in a tug of war between breathing and weeping.

“...Valenya…”

She whispered, yet it was as loud and proud as this ship would give her.

It was a name that had not been uttered ever since this lady became a slave and a number.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

The young woman still wasn't used to being free it seemed. She looked around Sorr's ship with awe and wander. Was it the first time she had been in a freighter? When he asked her name, she paused green eyes shimmering as if she were on the verge of tears. Sorr heard about how slave girls under the Hutts suffered. All that dehumanization to the point where she probably forgot her name. Sorr wanted to say that it was all right and that she could take her time but Valenya said her name regardless which bought a smile across Sorr's lips.

"Nice to meet ya Valenya!" Sorr said. "Welcome to my ship!"

Valenya needed to feel safe and secure around Sorr. She probably spent most of her time under constant stress. "You want to have a seat?" Sorr asked flashing the woman a nervous grin. "Go ahead we're about to take off shortly!"

The young Smuggler quickly got onto the pilot seat and flipped a couple of switches and the Tiaza's Purr began to lift off. Pushing the accelerator, Sorr drove the Tiaza's Purr into space and as soon as they entered it, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad to be outta there!" Sorr smiled at Valenya. "Now let's jump into Hyperspace."

With a couple of button presses and the coordinates set, the Tiaza's Purr zipped into lightspeed.

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC (Recurring)

Nice to meet ya, Velenya!

Awe and wonder. It was all Valenya could do to stand and gawk as the man’s own lips parted. She caught herself gasp, not even at his words so much as their candor. He seemed…casual. Simpler demeanor for a smuggler. Not stupid but…ordinary. Unusual at that. He was captain and commander of this ship and his cargo, which meant her, and she was the outlander.

Welcome to my ship!

Her prison. Tiaza’s Purr. However, would it prove to be her…sanctuary? She blinked away the uncertainty, sending a frozen tear to cascade down her face. She wiped it away, blinking between Sorr and the seat, tilting her head at him instead of saying “Me?” To think, only moments ago, she was braver than the wind, promising her fellow slaves she would return. Now, all those emotions were on the verge of breaking her down.

“I…” Straightening her back, clearing her throat, flexing her fingers, Valenya paced over to the seat designated for sitting. “...Want to have a seat.” At that, she sat, fell silent, submissive. She watched him flick his switches, fascinated at the way he did it, and sat back as the ship began to lift. “Oh my.” Yet she wasn’t about to cry again. There was a loud purr, not within her, but from the Tiaza’s Purr. She spread her wings with her in the seat. Free as a bird.

Beneath her, through the viewport, Velenya could see the swamps of Nal Hutta grow smaller and more distant as the ship lifted higher and higher. Squeezing her fingers together, she breathed, steady as a sea breeze. Hopefully, where they were going, the air would be less misty and fetid and hot. And there will be one less Hutt in whose debt to rot from misery.

“Now let’s jump into hyperspace!”

“H-Hyper sp-space..!?”

Valenya looked right, looked left, almost lifted a finger in protest. The stars aren’t that far. She remembered what someone once said. You’ll get there one day, girl. The tears almost came back but she sniffed them away. One girl in all the world.

“OKAY!”

Thumbs up, Valenya bit her lip as her eyes went wide. Not to cry. No more tears. No more fears. From the light as the ship purred and zipped and the stars ripped apart before her sea-green eyes in a river of lights.

Sorr Kortu