Party! Party! *runs around throwing streamers and confetti*

Are you listening to

Are you listening to

maybe?

Maybe...

Few days later on Nar Shaddaa and the night of the 'party'...

'Home again...' Mako sighs and walks up the few steps that lead into the cockpit. 'Hope this visit is better than the last.' She shakes her head. 'Come on, ready to hit the promenade in style?' She smiles and radiates excitement. She didn't get to join in on my adoption party. Don't know why she sulked over it. Didn't take Gault either. Could do it again, I still wouldn't take her.

I have thought about this all the way here. That and how this party is about to be the most bizarre thing that has ever happened to me. I smile a little at that. Don't think everyone would agree with that assessment. 'I'll need a date first.' I lean back in the Captain's chair in the cockpit and smirk at Torian. 'Torian, you up for it?' I look him up and down. 'Want to be my arm candy?'

He bows his head. 'Ma'am'. A yes. And a small serious, happy smile. Inside, I breath out my relief. Wasn't so hard. Never asked a man anything like that before. When the time called for it, my job was to make sure they asked me. With Torian, I could be waiting forever. Wonder if I would really mind. He is worth it. Inside, I punch myself. Stupid thinking pointless things like that. What happens, happens. In the long run, don't think a Mando punk will change anything much. Smirk a little. Haven't been called 'ma'am' in almost two years either. A little weird. Gotten used to 'Bounty Hunter'. And Champion from him. Not sure I like 'ma'am'.

'What? And have me lock up the ship by myself? That will take forever!' Or maybe it is. God, Mako complains. Such a child. Don't really want to have to babysit at my own party. I sigh. Didn't even say she had to do that. I was thinking it but I didn't say it yet.

'I'll help'. Torian. I feel a flash of anger. I clench my fists and resist the urge to punch the wall again. Gault is amused and watching in the shadows. I had thrown away my suspicions of them. My jealousy of Mako. But at that moment, it all came back. An old and hated friend. I felt hurt and betrayed. And that made me irate. I haven't changed that much.

I consider changing my mind. Asking Gault to come with me. Knew Gault would take the opportunity to make a move. He hadn't tried since the moment after Torian came aboard. Thought it might make Torian jealous. Stupid thought. If Torian did like Mako there wouldn't be anything to be jealous about. And when did you become so petty?

I sit in pseudo consideration as I try to hide how angry I am. So I don't notice the reluctance in Torian's body language, the disappointment and hesitation in his frown. But I do notice Mako's happiness. And under that, her gloating.

'Gault will stay and help. That's an order.' Revenge. I smirk in Gault's direction. He glares at me, but is still amused. And that makes me more than a little angry. If I didn't want Mako there, I would tell Gault to shut down the ship alone. 'I need you with me Torian. You too, Blizz. We'll meet them at the party.' I don't issue orders often. I expect my crew to follow without them. But I did then. Try to make it sound strategic. Professional and a necessity. Not a desire. Not a need. And not a plea. I never beg.

I look at Mako. At Blizz. But not Gault; I can't look at the mockery in his wrinkles, the laughter in his eyes. And I can't look at Torian. To see whatever is there. I can't always do what's harder. So I don't see the happiness that is somewhere amongst his serious expression and the pride is in his straight back.

'I'll meet you both at the exit in fifteen. Gault and Mako, I suggest you start following my orders immediately.'

We leave. Mako is furious. And that makes me more than a little bit happy.

-----

I take out my old dress, hidden in my closet behind guns and armour. I hold it in my hands. Feel the material. Look at the silver plates.

One of the General's many gifts after he mutilated me. I would always wear that dress at his parties. I was his body guard. His mistress. I didn't have a choice. He didn't trust me then. Early years. I had just finished my two year training when he first presented it.

In training, it is never to the death. The Republic was smarter than the Sith. Why waste a good asset in early training? Instead, they will starve you. Sleep deprive you. Fill you with adrenals. Force you to keep going until you get it perfect. Flawlessly. Everyone is a quick learner in these conditions. No one wants the consequences. I'd rather death.

The General didn't want me to wear a slave collar. Bad impression. Shows no discipline. Not intimidating enough. Instead, he had a small control to the cybernetics over my right frontal lobe. It would deal lethal volts. Smart. Eventually, he grew lazy. Forgot the controller. His mistake. Not smart.

I shake my head out of my reverie. I slowly get undressed. Thoughts clutter my mind. Old memories. New worries. I plan this taxi trip. Think about the present as I put on a little make up. Dark coal around my eye. I leave my red hair free fall. All a little too familiar.

I stare in the full mirror when I am done. The dress is black. Undefinable material. It shimmers. Slim silver chains are straps that clip behind my neck. Leaves my shoulders exposed. I lift up a hand and touch them. A small gun emerges from the right one. I stroke its head and sigh. It disappears again. The metal grafted to the bones in my arms shines a little under my crystal skin. The dress is tight. It clings to my flat, plated stomach. It follows the bend of my generous chest. Highlights my curved hips. It's V neckline is low.

The back is open and loose. Ending in a point at the very end of my lower back. It reveals the thin silver plating the decorates and protects my spine. The dress is long, giving an air of elegance. Two long slits along either side of my body that stop at my waist. They reveal clear, lean legs and white hips. Under the black silk is a layer of small, rectangular plates of steel joined by tiny silver circles. Flashing when I walk. There is a heavy silver belt of chain hanging tightly around my waist. It has a holster. I leer at myself. Not much more than a conservative dancer outfit. An expensive conservative dancers outfit.

I know why the General had it made for me. I become alluring and dangerous. Lust and fear are powerful emotions. He used me against the enemies of his rank. The Military are like the Sith. All battling to achieve individual goals. All others are expendables in their war games and grabs for power. But the General still put the Republic first. It was a bonus when the good of the Republic correlated with the good for him. And that seemed to happen a lot. Could make any circumstance suit him.

I look in the mirror and sneer at myself. Think about taking it off and just wearing my armour. This feels far too familiar. Like looking at an old friend after years that you're not sure you ended on good terms with. I shake my head and shrug. I pack the present in my bag. Check my blaster. Rockets.

I glance one last time in the mirror and walk down the steps cautiously. Walking in heels is like riding a bike. You never completely forget how. It's been over fifteen minutes. Torian and Blizz are already waiting. Blizz is actually in something close to nice. Same as his usual misshapen, dirty outfit only this one is black and still in one piece.

I quickly glance at Torian, approve of his shining armour, notice his opening and closing mouth and then quickly look away. I am vulnerable and self-conscious under his gaze. It roams over me; a man who has seen water after days in the Dune Sea. I shift uncomfortably. Only Torian can make do that. I haven't enjoyed lust in another man's eyes for ten years. I never thought I would really see it again. Not in Torian's eyes. Not after my decay. Do not hope.

I stand between them, eyes on the exit.

'Ready to go?' I walk out before they can reply. I feel his eyes watch my back. Red and hot.

-----

Note:

I normally don't respond to very much here, but this is an EXCELLENT addition to the BH story. Really fleshes it out..

I'm enjoying it very much, in fact I woke up today and hoped that more was added, and there was!

Anyway, thanks for sharing this and I look forward to more.

I'm enjoying the darkness of it, the intimate feel, you've captured the image of the female bounty hunter in my mind perfectly.

Party! Party! *runs around throwing streamers and confetti*

/dance

I thought the voice was perfect, and wish Miriah could loan her something that didn't bring back such memories.

Thanks

I normally don't respond to very much here, but this is an EXCELLENT addition to the BH story. Really fleshes it out..

 

I'm enjoying it very much, in fact I woke up today and hoped that more was added, and there was!

 

Anyway, thanks for sharing this and I look forward to more.

 

I'm enjoying the darkness of it, the intimate feel, you've captured the image of the female bounty hunter in my mind perfectly.

Yay! You've just made me sooo happy

I wake up and hope that people have commented

And they had! Win for all

asdfkjalsdf .. if Torian and your Hunter don't kiss soon...

Wouldn't that just be annoying??

You'll just have to keep reading and see...

Now on with the show...

----

In the taxi....

The taxi ride was long and a little awkward. At first.

Torian, me and a Jawa in between. It sounds like a joke. I sigh and stare out of the window. It's almost raining. The air is polluted, smoggy and moist. The sky is darker than usual and the lights pass by in a blur of purple and red. I should have left Blizz to shut down the ship with Mako and Gault.

I call to the taxi to pull over on a landing. I give him some credits and tell him to get out. It's more than the taxi is worth. I drive. Torian is in the front. I can't tell what he is thinking. We haven't been alone except out in the hunt since we both returned to Hoth. We had a lot of ground to cover and catching up to do mission wise. We didn't really speak until the end of the long days. I decided at some time not to hold back in my fighting. My score tripled Torian's at the end of every day in the weeks we spent on Hoth.

I look at him slyly out of the corner of my eye. He is in Mandalorian armour, helmet and gloves off. Often, it is passed from father to son. Under the circumstances, I don't think this the case. Though armour is also often created by Mandalorian's when they reach adulthood I don't think Torian made that. It looks a little old but still well made. It looks good on him.

'So where'd you pull that armour from?'

He doesn't hesitate. His voice is layered with respect. I want to meet the man that can make Torian swoon. Wonder what he sounds like when talking of me. 'Corridan. Was for his son. But he died in combat a few years back.' He pauses. 'Thought I might need it soon.'

'Looks good on you.' We drift into silence. I drive the taxi in a long route. I don't want to get there before I'm ready.

'Where'd you get the dress? Never seen anything like it. Practical and-' He cuts off. He isn't looking at me. His sober face is almost blushing. 'And... nice.' I try not think of the synonyms or words he was going to use instead. I try and concentrate on driving. Haven't done it in years.

'The General. From when I was his body guard at parties in between missions.' I try to sound indifferent. Nonchalant. I don't look at him. So I don't see the frowning pain that spasms on his face. 'He liked showing me off. Didn't think I'd ever wear it again. Do you think it will be ok? Does it look good enough?' Questions I have never thought before. Should have shot myself back on Taris.

He doesn't look at me. 'Looks good on you.' My smile is small. It's a sad little thing. 'Very good on you.' I feel him turn to look at me. I can't meet his gaze. So I don't see the yearning in them. The liking and desire. It would be too hard.

'Got something for you.' I dig into the small bag I bought. Big enough to carry a small blaster and a few other things. I toss him a packaged of rough leather. 'Open it. Just wanted to say ah... sorry for almost killing you... a lot. And-' I'm thankful I no longer have sweat glands. If I did, this dress would be ruined. I don't know why, but they decided to remove them. No scent, I suppose. Wonder what's there instead. I despise my own nervousness. Unforgivable weakness.

I concentrate on driving. But I am aware of his movements. The quiet rustle of the leather on leather is loud in my earpiece. His hands slowly take out what's inside. 'It's a tooth from the queen monster on Dromund Kaas.' I saved it. A little memento. I sneer at myself. So sentimental.

He looks at it. Evaluating it. He beams under that concentrating, stern face and winces when he cuts his finger. 'Saw the beast in the cave dead. Impressive.' I don't let it go to my heart. My head already knows I'm amazing. 'Showed a holoimage to Corridan. Left a strong impression him. Wants me to-' He stops a little, voice stumbling. 'Wants to meet you. It cleared that hunting ground, though.' He drifts into a description of Drumond Kass's monster inhabitants.

'I'll keep it close.' I look at him sharply. We almost hit the vehicle in front of us. Something swells in me.

'Thank you, Torian.'

I am content. It is a small and quiet flame, and I know that it can easily be extinguished. But for awhile, and in this moment, I will let it glow.

Ok, this is three short ones in one... I was a little too lazy to divide them XD

At the Casino/party...

I must admit. The casino was mildly impressive.

The three of us walked confidently around, Torian's arm through mine and hiding awe. Blizz does a better job of that than Torian. But then, you can only see the Jawa's big glowing eyes and they never seem to change from being yellow orbs.

We walk to the elevator and take it up to the penthouse. When we walk out, I hear the gun shots from further up. I give a warning to Torian and Blizz. We sneak along. Everything looks normal for a while. Then we see the fire. And that Zabarak huntresses body. I like her armour. Its stylish. Well made. New and light but tough. Very expensive. A little Jedi inspired.

We keep walking slowly. By now, Torian and Blizz can also hear people talking. We crouch around the corner out of the room and look in. There are spots of fire around the room. Everything is broken. I see the same Jedi Master from Quesh on a tiny holloreceiver. Ten soldiers and one Jedi. These people will die. Sooner now, rather than later. No one crashes my party.

I walk out and they all turn to me, Torian and Blizz flanking me. The Jedi Master smiles. 'This is your last chance opportunity to surrender peacefully.'

Why do people ever think that will work? 'Don't you know? Bounty Hunters set their own rules.'

We fight. The Jedi was easy. It was a little pitiful. She could have had potential. But her teachings were flawed. It was a swift fight. When isn't it? For a second time, Torian and I stand amongst dead men with a Jedi Master watching. Somehow, he still thought I was stoppable. Fool, no one can stop me.

'There will be no more even handed offers. Only swift retribution.' His sage voice is grating.

'I will find you. I always do. And when I do, I will kill you. There is no where safe to hide. Not your temple. Not Tython. Nowhere.'

'You'll try. But t-'

'Shut up.' I switch off the holoterminal.

We turn and look at the dead. I didn't really like the other hunters. But I feel angry and sad at their deaths. There was no honour in such an attack. Typical.

'What do we do with them?'

'Leave them. We have no time for burying bodies.' Torian nods in reply. 'We pay our respects by putting a hole in that Jedi's head.'

His mouth twitches. He stops nodding a little. 'Skirra. I can get behind that.' I nod. There may be no honour in the galaxy, even amongst Madalorians, but there is in me. A righteous fury. And it will be satisfied.

We leave quickly. There's blood on my dress. It makes me a little sad. I should have been more careful. I'm slipping. 'I liked this dress.'

Torian looks at me with a grin on his face. 'I liked it too. A lot.'

-----

Mako is urgent when we arrive. She stops pacing and almost runs up the stairs, calling back, 'quick. There's something you got to see.'

We hurry after her and see Gault already leaning against the wall, eyes fixed on the holoterminal. Make goes to the control panel and turns up the volume. I look at the old man that is blue and flickering, his voice loud and righteous. It's the Republic Chancellor. It's not hard to pick up on what he's talking about. We are wanted. Public enemies. Never thought I would be public knowledge, despite all of my efforts to the contrary. Not a turn I expected this game to take. I smirk. Guess I underestimated them.

The speech ends and Mako switches the terminal off. No one says anything for a moment. 'Care to explain what that is about?' Mako is confused and angry. I don't appreciate her hostility. Trying to think of my future moves, what this will mean. 'Why did the Republic Senator just give an address about you?' And she's worried. Don't see why she should be that worried. I'm the one they want.

I sigh and look for something to sit on. Wish I'd bought those couches now. I wave my hand away, dismissively. 'The Jedi from Quesh was there. His second attack failed. This must have been his backup plan. Seems he has the Chancellor in his pocket. Doubt it's the other way around.'

'This is bad... real bad.' I roll my eyes at her and give her a brief glare. Mako has an annoying way of stating the obvious. If she wasn't so handy, I would have ditched her by now. Or killed her. I don't need to look after a whinging child.

Mako continues, oblivious. 'The Republic just placed you at the top of its most wanted list.' Officially. I'm surprised it has taken this long. I break in to their secret base, destroy it, and I'm slaughtering their Jedi and destroying their factories and bases daily. I thought they would go for subtle. I guess the time for that has passed.

'The list of charges is kilometre long.' Mako is so disbelieving as she scrolls through her datapad. If they are going to go at me, they will dig up all they can. Recent and past. Mako reads many things out. I nod along and smile at some of them. Good times. I'm still proud. Most people I've killed deserve to die. More like all, really. 'The list goes on. Half of this stuff we didn't even do.'

'That's not entirely true. I have done them. And a lot more. That's just what they can share. I didn't waste those five months before going to Hutta on just small time bounties. I hit them. Hard and everywhere.' Mako looks at me incredulously. Still. I stare, long and cold, into her eyes. 'It's time to expand the list a lot more. If they want to make me a monster again, then that's what they get.'

She shakes her head and holds up her hands. 'I know your angry but that might not be the best strategy at the moment. It gets worse. There's a ten million credit reward for you.'

I laugh. It feels good. 'It's a little ironic. The best bounty in the galaxy and I can't claim it.' I pretend to be deep in thought. 'You know, ten isn't too shabby. I'm sure the General would be proud.'

Gault breaks in, stepping off the wall and grinning. 'Congratulations. That is more than all of my bounties combined.' That really isn't saying very much. But I suppose I am used to the low time Gault and forget he was most wanted by many Hutts as Lokai. I still find it hard to believe.

I return to ignoring Gault. 'They're dead. All of them'. And just like that, I declare a war on this galaxy. The Imperials and Republic will burn. Then the Hutt's. My list is long, but it will not take me a life time. Time to stop holding back. Been distracted for too long.

'Better get off Nar Shaddaa.' Torian is already thinking ahead. I agree. I had forgotten that this ship was docked and not in space.

Gault. 'Kids right. Every low life on this moon is going to be gunning for you.' It's a kind of sobering. Never been in the spot light. Except after winning the Great Hunt. I like it.

We all move to the cockpit and begin to take off. As we do, Mako fills us in on what else is happening. Seems the Imperials don't want me now I might cause a war they can't win. The people in the know want me as dead as the Republic. What I have done to assist in the last year and a half does not make up for even a fraction, no matter how small, of what I have done. And what I will do.

As we break into open space, steadily flying away from Nar Shaddaa. 'Come on people. I need ideas. Where can we go? We can't float forever.'

Blizz is the first to talk. He's so small, so new, that I forget he is there. He has friends on Tatooine. I have enemies on Tatooine. Even lost in the Dune Sea they would still find us. Gault has a plan already. I hear the word Hutt. The rest is meaningless. I will never work with those back stabbing scum bags.

Torian says it before I can. 'Become Hutt lackey's? Pass.' His word is final. It's beneath his honour. It's just beneath me.

Somehow, Gault and Torian start arguing. Both stand close, facing each other in the middle of cockpit. Never really saw them talk much. Didn't know how they felt towards each other. Guess I know now.

I swivel in my chair to face them and lean back. 'Waiting for something, Torian? Gonna hit him? I won't mind. No? Then Gault, stop antagonising him or I will shoot you dead and Torian won't stop me this time.' They both scowl down at me. Then each other. Torian nods once to me and reclaims his seat next to me and Gault returns to leaning at the far wall and sneering at me, as Mako briefs us on the message we received as they argued.

It's Imperial. From a Sith Lord. They want to meet me. It's a demand. Potentially a trap. Mako makes it clear we have no choice but to go. There's always a choice. But I think this time, she is pitching for the right one.

The Tyrant. It's a start.

-----

I lie awake at night for a long time. I like to hear the crew sleeping. There breathing, their whispered thoughts. Gault dreams of credits and Hutts. He dreams of women and ruling the underworld. Sometimes, he whispers one name: 'Hylo.'

Mako dreams of her new found 'sister'. Her fantasy family. They are sometimes sad. But sometimes happy. Blizz speaks about his old crew. His home planet. His heart beats so fast, his breathing filled with yearning. When I listen to him, I become filled with a yearning for the barren, hot planet and the scorching touch of the orange sand. Sometimes, it's nice to pretend I really feel that way about somewhere.

I don't know what Torian dreams. He has never muttered any words. He stays awake for a long time. I want to know what he thinks. I have thought of going down and asking. Sometimes I hear strange noises. Not sure what they are yet. It sounds like welding and forging. They are a little too quiet and lost in the buzz of the engine. Most nights though, I hear him sitting in his usual place at our crates. As if waiting for me. But I don't go down. I can't always do what's harder.

For now, it is enough to listen.

-----

Note:

 

Just want to say....

so angry they crashed my party! I was seriously pumped for it! Obviously something bad had to happen but I thought it wouldn't happen till half way through not I rock up and everyone's already dead -_-

Kill them just for crashing my party

That's all Yay for reaching Act Three and it conveniently fitting in with everything

 

Lol, I believe my reaction was "Can't I have one &%^&%^# nice day!?!?"

Note:

 

 

Just want to say....

so angry they crashed my party! I was seriously pumped for it! Obviously something bad had to happen but I thought it wouldn't happen till half way through not I rock up and everyone's already dead -_-

Kill them just for crashing my party

That's all Yay for reaching Act Three and it conveniently fitting in with everything

 

It's weird, I hate him, but I'm kinda excited to see how your BH handles Skadge.

Yeah, I've just met him but haven't got him yet (only just started Belsavis). Not going to spoil my plans for that one but right now, his only use seems like it would be to scare some children and take their candy.

Lol, I believe my reaction was "Can't I have one &%^&%^# nice day!?!?"

Exactly! Why can't something nice happen for a change?!

Maybe I will let her have a good day soon... *wanders off and thinks*

 

Hehe.. love your story.. so dark and different from how mine is going. But yeah. I was upset my party was ruined, but for me,in my story its in a much different way. (some day I will get this posted) In Game though I was so excited and friends went with me and GAH!! everyone dead. sad party

You should post it! BH's need more love.

------

Somewhere...

When we go to Dromund Kaas to do something for Mako's extremely long lost and dodgy 'sister', two of her arrive

in the room after us.

They ignored us. They looked a lot like Mako. Nicer hair though. It didn't turn out well. We killed them. Nothing surprising there. I think they are clones. That she is a clone. But I don't suggest it. I know she would be too fragile to handle being a monster like me.

Mako has been strange recently though. Blanking out. Moping for more reasons than usual. It grates on my nerves. Her whining was bad. But the silent moping and constant sighs are worse. Her dreams have turned bad. She relives that day on Dromund Kaas. Suppose it's not surprising. Weak and predictable.

Torian goes to sleep earlier on those nights. Fair enough. Don't think anyone would want to be awake and listen to that. Don't know how Blizz stands it. Only plus side was it meant she went days without talking, let alone flirting, with Torian. Meant I didn't have to leave the same room she was in as much so I didn't kill her.

Think Gault was just as annoyed by her moping. Was more than a little eager to return to our drinking. Even almost begged to go planet side with me. Don't know how Torian felt about Mako's moping. Not sure how I want him to feel about it. Requests for training did increase though, despite already having two - three hours a day. Torian begging is an interesting thing to watch. Body language refuses to sound pleading and so does his voice. His back straight, body rigid and his face serious with so much pride. Only his eyes change. They plead. And I can't resist.

She slowly bounced back in a few weeks. I could tell because her flirting with Torian slowly increased. Seemed to correlate with even more requests for training. He suddenly had an immense desire to learn how to fight with a vibroblade. I could tell from his fighting that he was already proficient. I don't know what to read into that. Spend a few hours every night turning it over in my mind. Never get anywhere. But I appreciate the distraction from other things. I smile a little. Torian makes a good distraction.

But Mako also attempts to become secretive. I know she's snooping in on the SIS again. I know everything that happens in my ship. Don't really care if it gets her taken away, just don't want her stupidity to endanger us.

So I confront her about.

She only has 'bad news'. Says ten of the twelve family members she was able to find are dead. I know she planned the dinners they would have, the catch ups. What kind of lives she wanted them to have. I think it's foolish. To hope for the unattainable. Guess I'm not one to talk anymore though.

But I don't hope to ever meet my family again. And I don't want to. I don't see what part of her life she thinks they will complete. What she will gain. It won't change anything. It won't change her years of being alone. And it won't change who she is.

Hope is for fools.

Errgg. Happiness. She needs it.

That was kind of happy... she's spending time with Torian... (though it wasn't very romantic and he just wanted to get away from Mako and the BH is busy thinking about other things...)

Ok, I'll try and have something happy happen soon. No promises

Gotta go meet Tormen first

That was kind of happy... she's spending time with Torian... (though it wasn't very romantic and he just wanted to get away from Mako and the BH is busy thinking about other things...)

Ok, I'll try and have something happy happen soon. No promises

Gotta go meet Tormen first

You're such a tease.

This is a few in one so it's a little long. Just wanted to post the end scene of this post between the BH and Torian really bad XD

Arrival at the Tyrant...

I didn't go to the Tyrant immediately. I am not an obedient dog to be whistled for. I will not go running. I am free.

Went to Drumond Kaas to get some info from the Secret Service. Decided it's time I start looking harder for It. Found a few things. Used Mako's sister thing as a cover for it. Didn't take her in there with me though. Took Torian, of course. Gault would want money for his discretion and ask questions, Blizz would let something slip, and Mako would start snooping around. Guess I'm trusting Torian.

So we went to a few different to follow these leads. Was able to find moderately decent bounties on each as a cover. The leads didn't go anywhere and the bounties were quick. Still have a few good ones left. Think I'll leave it for now. If It suspects I'm looking, then it might come looking for me. And I want our meeting to be on my terms.

I stand behind the pilots chair and look out the window. 'We're coming out of hyperspace. Everyone up front.'

I stare at the few dozen Imperial cruisers as the crew come in. I'm not impressed. I refuse to be. Stubborn. The main ship was large. Screamed Imperial command ship. Not exactly a smart tactic to take. Suppose they figure in a fight no one would get close. We would had no chance in a fight, that's a fact. We had no chance fleeing. They could find our ship easily and beat it at every intersection.

Mako stands at my shoulder. 'There's the fleet.' Obvious, Mako. What else would it be? A f*****g circus of womp rats we decided to stop and watch? 'I hope your right about this,' she continues, unaware of my growing irritation. I notice how it has has changed from 'I' to 'you'. She was the first who said we had no choice.

Gault takes his usual stance in the least used corner and leans against the wall. He makes what he think is a witty remark. He is scared. He reeks of it. Hides it under mocking comments. No one laughs.

'Battle stations?' Torian eases into one of the co-pilots seats and starts preparing the plasma canons before I can reply. Always the Mandalorian warrior.

'Warm the turrets, prepare the targeting, raise the shields.' I may not give commands often, but when I do, I like it a lot. I can see how people become tyrannous dictators. Doesn't make me forgiving of them though.

'Charging to full. Blizz, shields.' I grin. I love Torian giving orders. Blizz immediately salutes him and slides into the other co-pilot seat and follows out his orders. They make a good team. And when it comes to space missions, have some actual use. Unlike Gault who pays me to drop him at the nearest civilised planet first and Mako who spends her time with her head in the toilet, vomiting.

Blizz has made improvements on the ship. A lot of improvements. I allowed him to. Made him happy. And useful. Reason any of them are here is because they were useful to e in some way. Soon as that runs out, they're gone.

Mako explains the obvious as she describes out limited options in either going to them silently or not so silently and more painfully. She also mentions the Imperials might be cooperating with the Republic for my capture. I doubt it. For starters, we're meeting a Sith, not a Moff. Sith would never work with the Republic. They have far too much pride. And they can hardly work with each other half the time. We have already gone over tactics and possibilities for this. Repeatedly. For three weeks.

'I'm aware of the predicament, Mako. But I doubt the Empire wants to do the Republic any favours.'

We are told to dock over the ships comm. Hanger eight. We try to demand answers. Only gets us silence and tractor beamed. I had for the exit and prepare my blasters.

Let the fun begin.

-----

It's dark, like all Imperial vessels. Same interior too. Red, black and gray. Lots of hard angles and pentagons.

A Lieutenant Parson meets us with only a dozen soldiers. Fool. We can take them easy. I smirk at them as the raise their guns and point them at us. They want me to come quietly. Why do they ever think that will work? They are as foolish as the Republic. And it is seriously getting tiresome.

But still. It is smart to try and unarm me before I come into the presence of a 'Lord of the Sith'. Such pomposity. But it is nice to know they know who I really am. Should be enough to know that a dozen soldiers can't stop me. And I can take a Lord of the Sith.

'Anyone still around by the time the Lieutenant hits the floor will share his fate.' Nine of them run. Predictable. And generous on my part. I look at Torian out of the corner of my eye, hoping he is ready. He is, naturally, and his mouth is twitching. I feel his pride. His strength. His approval. My blood runs quicker. I return my gaze to the Lieutenant and Torian and I smile together as we quickly dispatch the Lieutenant. It's so much funner with someone to share this with.

As he lies bleeding to death he whispers sincerely, 'you won't get away with this.' Last whispered words. I swear they make an unofficial manual for military personal to read that's full of cliché death lines. And just lines for all kinds of typical situations.

'Actually, I will.' I shoot him. Pow. Dead.

I turn around to face Gault as he whistles. 'Quite a body count we stacked up.' Gault is impressed. And alive. And found a few credits in the Lieutenants pockets. More than enough to make him happy. Hardly say four is much of a body count, though.

'So, what do we do now? Do we make a run for it?' Mako. So eager to run from good fights. Something she has in common with Gault.

'We wouldn't make it far in our ship. That's why we're taking this bird.' I smile. Steal of the century.

Gault brightens and grins immediately. Mako's response isn't as appreciative. 'You want to steal an Imperial capital ship? Oh man, that'd have them red in the face.' Always stating the obvious. No point doing it if no one gets angry over it. Been the basic rationale for the past two years of my life.

I point at Torian. He flinches and I realise my gun is in my hand. I roll my eyes and continue what I was going to say. 'Torian, you're with me.' I turn to the others. 'Everyone else, block off this hanger.'I turn around again. 'You know the rest.' I wave my hand dismissively. Already walking away.

'No sweat. We're all counting on you,' Mako calls after me. No different from usual then.

Torian and I head for the Sith Lord. I wouldn't have this any other way.

----

Darth Tormen is rather tall. A pure blood. So better connection to the force. And higher arrogance. He has his hood up. So dramatic. His face is redder than most. I feel his power. It is quite significant. But I am better. I think.

He doesn't follow standard greetings and starts with 'I see you have dispatched of your escort.' I'm not sure I like a man that doesn't introduce himself formally or with a simple 'hello'. I smirk at the thought of a waving Sith saying 'hello'.

'Didn't care for their welcome. Never really appreciated Sith Hospitality.' I smirk slightly. I would rather not fight. That's a lie. I would. I just want answers first. And to know if I could win. A little out of shape against a Sith.

'Start. Destroy what is mine again and I will do the same to what is yours.' He raises his hand. Yes. Very dramatic. And predictable. I don't need to turn to know he is choking Torian. I can hear his gurgles. I know he is clutching at the invisible hands. Trying to removing the intense, severe pain.

I keep my face impassive. Inside, something is screaming in anguish. In torment. I want to step to his defence. But I don't. Torian's heart is beating fast. I can hear his laboured breath. It is loud in my ears. It bleeds a part of my soul. It maddens me. I hate this man. More than I have hated one in a very long time. This Sith wants to see my fear. Have me a terrified and yielding dog. Instead, he will see my fury. I will never yield. For no man. Not even for Torian.

He lets go. Torian scratches his neck. Rubs it. His voice is coarse and crackling when he speaks. 'Gonna remember that.' A blade goes through my chest. Something is twisting and burning my torso. As if his hand was around my heart and his grip was becoming tighter. And tighter. I will never forget it. Torian's laboured breath will always haunt me. And I will never forgive it. I will kill this Sith for that.

He moves to business now that he believes he established the chain of command. He wants me to kill the Supreme Chancellor. I want to kill the Supreme Chancellor. But not with him. And not to aid him. I am not his puppet.

'You have a lot of nerve. I have killed thirteen three Sith more powerful than you.' A slight exaggeration. Though I have killed a lot more than thirteen Sith, I've only killed five more powerful than him. I'm not that good. I don't think he knows that though. And I'm prone to exaggeration. 'What makes you think I will work for you?'

'It would be unwise to refuse.' He raises his hand and examines his nails. The threat isn't lost on me. I know he can sense my rage at it. Foolish to bring Torian with me to meet a Sith. What did I think they would do? Guess it's a little obvious how I fell.

'And it would be unwise for you to treat me as an Imperial slave. I am a free woman. And I can kill you.' Not sure about that yet. I stare evenly into his eyes. He stares back. I win. He pretends I haven't.

'I thought revenge would have been enough of an incentive for you.' He goes on to explain what I can gain. I hear mention of credits. 'So long as our enemies remain on Coruscant, they will remain even beyond your reach.' I acknowledge it would be difficult. That is why the Jedi still breathes. But not impossible.

'I don't work for free.' He makes vague promises. I consent. I will kill him in the end. When all others are dead. And I will choke the life out of him as he has threatened to do to Torian. The Sith will never hurt him again.

Apparently there will be obstacles in getting to the Supreme Chancellor and the Jedi Master. There always are. 'As long as I get paid. Person, place or thing?'

He describes them. Sounds easy. Some pilot or other and a General. My specialty. Pilot was last seen on Belsavis, and the General is stirring trouble on Voss. First to go after is the pilot. Waste of my skills. I just have to think of end game. The Chancellor's death. And then his.

I call Mako. 'Unlock the hanger. The situations been dealt with. I'll brief you back on the ship.'

She sounds surprised. And tired. Lack of sleep. Bad dreams. Have to speak to her about that. Don't want performance to drop because of a few nightmares. She needs to toughen up and soldier on. No matter what. I do.

When we leave Tormen's quarters, I take off my gloves and after walking around a corner or two, I pull Torian into a small empty walk way, just big enough to fit both of us. I take off his helmet before he can protest and hold a finger to his lips.

'Don't talk. I need to assess the damage.' I sound a little too severe and angry. I look at his throat and see dark purple already blossoming around his neck. 'I'm going to touch your neck in different places and I want you to make a noise, not a word when it hurts. Ok?' He gives a sharp nod.

I feel around different areas of his neck. He makes a noise now and again but there's no severe damage. 'Say something.' His mouth opens and closes for a moment and then settles on some words.

'I'm fine.'

I snort in derision but pleased to hear no damage to his vocal area or wind pipes. Breathing is even and unblocked as well. I take a step back in the small space and crouch down to take out some med supplies. He only watches me silently. I stand close again and start to do as much for his neck as possible. Never did this in those weeks after I... I should have. Unforgiveable not to. Guess I'm angry with myself as well as the Sith.

I ignore how close we are and focus on treating his neck. When I finish, I don't look at him directly. But I can hear the quick beat of his heart and that makes me uncomfortable enough. I crouch back down and throw him a container of something and give him orders to apply it twice a day to avoid swelling etc.

'Thanks, cyare.'

I stand and spin to face him, my fist punching a dent in the wall next to his neck and my lips inches from his. I can taste his breathe and it's surprisingly a little sweet. 'Don't thank me for this,' I hiss to him, my eyes not leaving his. 'There is nothing to thank me for! My fault he did that. Should have predicted this happening. Wasn't thinking. Once this is over, I'm going to kill that f*****g bastard. Understand?'

Torian eyes me warily and I glare back. He opens and closes his mouth, and leans in a little. I don't draw away. He settles for a sharp nod. I turn around and crouch over my bad. 'Good.'

'But my point still stands.' He crouches down next to me and holds my fist in his gloved hand. He tries to hold my gaze. But I look away and he stands up again. 'Thank you, cyare.'

I pack away the supplies, shaking my head. I ignore the moment. And what could of been. I try not to think about how much I wanted him to lean in and kiss me. How much I wanted him to close the space between us. And I try even harder to not think about why he didn't.

We walk in silence back to the ship. As I walk back through the empty corridors, I'm a little sad. I resolve to blow this ship up after all this is done. After the Sith lies bleeding at my feet.

----

Note:

 

 

You should post it! BH's need more love.

.

I am working hard on it. Stuck on a bit of the second part and wanted to have at least two bits together to post. I have lots of the later story in my head but figure I should get it out in some kind of order to make sense

This is a few in one so it's a little long. Just wanted to post the end scene of this post between the BH and Torian really bad XD

 

 

Note:

 

 

Closer to being happy?

 

Almost. You're taking the story in such even strides, I love it. Makes me want to go and give hugs and attention to my lonely and neglected BH on Prophecy. Much love for this story. <3

I am working hard on it. Stuck on a bit of the second part and wanted to have at least two bits together to post. I have lots of the later story in my head but figure I should get it out in some kind of order to make sense

Darn things having to make sense

Could at least post a teaser? *looks hopeful*

Almost. You're taking the story in such even strides, I love it. Makes me want to go and give hugs and attention to my lonely and neglected BH on Prophecy. Much love for this story. <3

Thanks!

Got a plan for something happy. Just wait for my next post. 'Almost happy' will become 'very close to happy'

-----

Updated Yours to Hold. Not amazing but please read anyway

http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=5308293#post5308293

Got a plan for something happy. Just wait for my next post. 'Almost happy' will become 'very close to happy'

YAY for closer to happy.

Ok, just wrote this an hour ago on impulse. Wasn't the 'very close to happy' post I was talking about but this one is too XD

----

Some time later on arrival to Belsavis...

We arrive on Belsavis.

I have heard of it before. I am excited to go down onto the surface. I don't care for the political intrigue or prison that spans across the planet. I want to see the planet's surface. In the holonet, it described the weather and climate as opposite extremes right next to each other caused by volcanic activity. Snow one moment and two meters later, volcanic and barren, or tropical and humid.

Tormen calls and I'm extremely impatient. He gives a briefing of the target and orders. Should be an easy target. A Republic pilot of some sort called Zale. Picked up other bounties on the way too. Mako dug them up. Seems the freed prisoners and the strange alien race called Esh-ka will be a constant problem, though. Something's got to keep it interesting.

As soon as his figure flickers away and the transmission is cut, I glance at Torian. We race to the exit. He takes the stairs and I summersault down. I win. We run out the exit and I grin at him and we race to the shuttle. When we land on the planet, we find another large job waiting for us. I sigh and hurry to the Sith who has the job.

They want to free the Dread Masters. I had heard of them. And even to me, they pose a threat. A handful of Sith that even I may not be able to beat. I'd rather they were locked up. I don't like threats running around. But the pay is too good. Too good to refuse. A Republic lawman of sort might cause some trouble for a while though. I am free to dispatch of him. Like they could stop me anyway.

Torian and I leave the 'city' and walk for a few hours. We go in the opposite direction from the prison. We don't talk much, just stay close and look around. Occasionally, I comment on a plant and it's properties. He does the same. Like how he knows botany. I smile to myself and shake my head. Like a lot about him. Gave up trying to think otherwise a while back. Just don't know what to do this now.

Planet's as amazing as I imagined. Favourite parts are where the snow trespasses into the forest and lies as a thin blanket over the grass which in places stubbornly refuses to be hidden, sticking out like green needles.

I like plants. Wish I knew more than I did. Only know the basics and which can be used for various poisons. Even then, using natural memory it's their appearance and not names I remember. But I like them all. I like the ones that are beautiful yet poisonous or deadly; the ones that can kill, stun or catch skin and tear it off. But I like the ones that are ugly better. The ones that can heal and mend, yet look and smell repulsive. I feel sorry for them. They can't help what they are, yet they can still heal and give joy. Stupid naivety. They only have to boiled, crushed, torn or cooked first. They only have to become unrecognisable.

In these places of light snow, there are blue flowers with eight petals. I stop and look at one. It's centre is sticky with silver dew and the petals have flecks of darker blue. I smile down at it. I like naturally pretty things. Things that are born so beautiful, you cry because it hurts to look at them yet you can never take your eyes away. All you can do is look at their beauty, never really touching it and knowing you can never have it.

Torian silently watches me. He comes over and swiftly picks the flower off the ground. He looks at it for a second and comes closer. His eyes are gentle. I don't realise until then how much the flower resembles them. He takes another step closer and smiles down at me. He raises a hand and I flinch back. His smile doesn't fall or waver but his eyes become slightly sad. I look away but don't move back, and I don't walk away. I don't want to.

I feel something move above my right ear and raise a hand to touch it. There's something soft and something sticky. It's the flower. I drop my hand and look back at Torian. So close and his hand still hovering near my face. He's not smiling anymore, but there's something earnest there. Guess it's my turn to stand with an opening and closing mouth. Don't know what this is. My eyes stray to his neck and I see the angry purple and blue bruise that circles his neck. I turn and walk away. Got hurt again because he was with me. Don't think that will ever be ok.

He runs and catches up with me, taking my hand in his. It's warm and a little sweaty. But that makes it nicer. Guess mine must feel a little dead to him. But he doesn't let go. We wander back to the base, neither really looking at the other, both keeping our eyes on the ground in front. I can feel his smile, but I don't dare look. And I don't take my hand away. I don't know what this is, but I like it.

When we make it back to the ship, I quickly walk to my room. He follows half way up the stairs but when I reach my door and turn around, he's gone. I sit for a long time, looking at the flower. I don't cry because I can't. I touch my mouth and find that it's smiling, my ear and cheek still feeling his hand and the feel of the flower. But when I think of Torian, I see his neck crimson and purple, and hear his gasping for air. I crush the flower in my hand and throw it the bin. I shouldn't have something this beautiful. And I know that means I shouldn't have him.

But that's the thing about beautiful things. You can never look away and you always have to get as close you can, hoping it might rub off on you.

So I go down to dinner, and I can't take my eyes off him.

----

Note:

Love all of this. All all all of this.

The piece on the Tyrant - your bounty hunter is darker in many ways than mine was, but almost every reaction to Tormen - it was perfectly perfect. And seeing the piece right after in both her and Torian's perspectives was just excellent. And then her reactions to flowers on Belsavis - I love how she wants to be pretty. I love how that concerns her.

Just, really really love this.