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Ninety Seven Percent


irishfino

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I like your story and your take on Quinn (though I myself would like to fling him out an airlock).

 

 

I just am a little confused about your last line, I've read it three times now and it still makes no sense, unless its a secret quinnism I don't know about. ;)

 

"Not courting her his face mole."

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I like your story and your take on Quinn (though I myself would like to fling him out an airlock).

 

 

I just am a little confused about your last line, I've read it three times now and it still makes no sense, unless its a secret quinnism I don't know about. ;)

 

"Not courting her his face mole."

 

Basically "Not courting her, his ***," but more politely and custom-fitted to Quinn. As in "He totally is courting her." That's what I figure, anyway.

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I like your story and your take on Quinn (though I myself would like to fling him out an airlock).

 

 

I just am a little confused about your last line, I've read it three times now and it still makes no sense, unless its a secret quinnism I don't know about. ;)

 

"Not courting her his face mole."

 

Poor Quinn. Everyone wants to fling him out an airlock over a silly misunderstanding and murder attempt. :p. As Magdalane and bright_ephemera said, it is, indeed, sarcasm and a way to say he's totally courting the crap out of Jaesa's face.

 

I read it as being sarcasm from the grandfather, as in, he says he's not courting her but he really is. Please correct me, irishinfo, if I'm wrong.

 

You are correct madam.

 

Basically "Not courting her, his ***," but more politely and custom-fitted to Quinn. As in "He totally is courting her." That's what I figure, anyway.

 

You, too, are correct madam.

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Ohh....now I get it. I was not thinking of the always reliable "your face!" response, which I say to my husband when he has outwitted me.

 

Thanks for clarifying, I was totally left scratching my head.

 

I can see why it was confusing. I appear to have missed a comma and I went back and italicized the text so it appears as more of a thought than an out of place statement.

 

 

 

I say "Your face!" to my husband all the time. Just 'cause, usually. :p

 

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Just came across this story today. Love it. It most closely reflects my own vision of Quinn's personality than other stories, but you put a nice spin on his possible background. I've wrestled off and on with trying to determine his possible age which seems to me a hinge point to a lot of things. Being held back and only now promoted to Captain (Army junior O3 rank) made me think late 20's but then it's been at least 10 years since the Battle of Druckenwell which argues for 30's or more given early training time. Oh well, your story has me wool gathering which I credit to your level of detail. Now I'm going to be back here daily looking for my Malavai crack hit. Keep up the good work. Edited by Reil
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Just came across this story today. Love it. It most closely reflects my own vision of Quinn's personality than other stories, but you put a nice spin on his possible background. I've wrestled off and on with trying to determine his possible age which seems to me a hinge point to a lot of things. Being held back and only now promoted to Captain (Army junior O3 rank) made me think late 20's but then it's been at least 10 years since the Battle of Druckenwell which argues for 30's or more given early training time. Oh well, your story has me wool gathering which I credit to your level of detail. Now I'm going to be back here daily looking for my Malavai crack hit. Keep up the good work.

 

I'm glad you're enjoying it. I only recently rediscovered my love of writing and fanfiction is a way for me to stretch those writing legs.

 

As for Quinn's age:

 

Quinn's age is a bit hard to pin down. He was in exile for ten years, but he was probably a quick riser in the ranks because he's insanely good at planning attacks and such. I don't think he's older than 35 by the time the Sith Warrior story comes to its interlude. Hard to say, most of my research (lol wookieepedia) doesn't have birthday information. He does mention offhand that he was at the top of his career at the time, so he probably hit his stride at around 25.

 

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In which Quinn reveals a bit of his family make-up...

 

 

 

They left Barnabus a few hours later with promises to return. Barnabus was quite happy to invite Jaesa to come on her own if young Malavai persisted in being “a stiff child”. Quinn blushed with indignation as Jaesa giggled next to him. Barnabus was a breath of fresh air compared to his much younger counterpart, but she nearly preferred her stiff Captain to the joking and jovial man lying in bed. Almost. Kind of. It was a tossup.

 

Quinn was quiet and stiff as he led her to the nearby cantina. He needed a drink. Badly. They settled into a mostly private booth in companionable silence while the drink service droid beeped and scooted away with their order.

 

“I didn’t know you drank, Captain,” Jaesa said with a small smile.

 

I’ve been known to imbibe on occasion,” he said stiffly.

 

“You and your grandfather are quite different.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Was your mother anything like him?”

 

“I wouldn’t know,” he said softly.

 

She opened her mouth to ask why when the droid returned with their drink order: the hardest liquor available for Quinn and a non-alcoholic fruity drink for Jaesa. He nursed his drink quietly and stared at the table in thought. He could tell her his parentage, his origins. Would she run? Would she stop speaking with him? Stop helping him? Stop being there when he needed someone most? It was too new, too fresh, he decided, this, whatever this was between them.

 

“How have the dreams been lately?” she asked gently.

 

He stiffened, his glass hanging in his hand midair.

 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up,” she said quickly.

 

He downed the rest of his drink with a small grimace and set the glass on the edge of the table. The service droid came up quickly and refilled his drink. He nodded his thanks and took a large gulp from his new drink.

 

“They’ve been… different,” he said quietly.

 

She waited quietly for him to continue, but he had turned his attention to one of the many Twi’lek dancers.

 

“I can’t often differentiate between the waking world and the dream world,” he said quietly.

 

She strained her ears to hear him, but remained quiet. If his grandfather was any indication, poking and prodding Malavai was a bad idea. He seemed to shut down at the slightest hint of probing.

 

“My grandfather was a Cipher Agent,” he said as he turned his attention back to the table. “He told me wondrous tales of espionage when I was a small, sick child. He’s never been clear on how much of it actually happened, but I enjoyed it while I recovered.”

 

“Why were you sick?” she asked quietly.

 

“A combination of things,” he responded. “I told you before I am a product of the Watcher program. A portion of my genetic material came directly from Barnabus. We are similar in looks, but little else otherwise. My biological mother was an unnamed Watcher and my remaining genetic make-up came from a particular donor male.”

 

“Your father?”

 

“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but yes, my ‘father’ for these purposes.” He took a large swallow from his glass and continued. “My grandfather, Barnabus, as you have seen, is a bit happy. He followed orders well enough, but his personality was overbearing to say the least. The Empire decided to test a serum, a corrective serum on his closest living relative. I had enough of his genetic material to qualify.”

 

“That’s terrible,” Jaesa murmured sadly.

 

“I was rather happy to serve the Empire. It was my duty as an Imperial and I was happy to know I was one of the youngest Imperials with a purpose.” He finished his drink and set it on the edge of the table. The service droid immediately refilled it. “It made me quite ill, but it had the desired effect. A person with the right word could control those injected with said serum. Overwrite personality, memories. Quite useful.”

 

“But you were just a child,” she said unhappily. “They took your childhood away. That’s hardly fair or worth it.”

 

He fixed her with a cold stare. “It makes little difference now.”

 

“I think I need a stiffer drink,” she said lightly. He signaled to the drink service droid and ordered her the alcoholic version of her current drink. She took a large sip then shuddered. Sweet stars, it was strong.

 

“Is that your first taste of alcohol?” he asked, amused.

 

“Not my first, but I haven’t had many,” she explained.

 

“Only drink half of that drink,” he said stiffly. “I have no idea how to handle an inebriated Force user.”

 

She giggled quietly, the warmth of the alcohol spreading from her belly to her limbs. Her giggles slowly turned to laughter at Quinn’s head shaking. She laughed harder and he felt the corners of his mouth drift in an upward motion. He let them.

Edited by irishfino
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I'm glad you're enjoying it. I only recently rediscovered my love of writing and fanfiction is a way for me to stretch those writing legs.

 

Yup, yup. Rather than go crazy all over your story thread I sent you a PM. Or I think I did. This forum has been rather buggy for me today. Anyway, my whole response should be in your message basket for when you get time for it.

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Yup, yup. Rather than go crazy all over your story thread I sent you a PM. Or I think I did. This forum has been rather buggy for me today. Anyway, my whole response should be in your message basket for when you get time for it.

 

I got it. I'll respond a bit more thoughtfully later. For now I will say: Holy cr*p we think alike!

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“You’ve been staring at that dancer most of the evening, Captain,” Jaesa said with a bit of a slur in her words.

 

It was true; he was oddly fascinated with the gyrating green Twi’lek across the room. She was a little attractive if Jaesa admitted it to herself, which she didn’t. Having long since switched to water while Jaesa slowly drank the entirety of her drink (much to Quinn’s dismay), he took a small sip and licked his lips.

 

“I knew her,” he said stiffly.

 

“Did you have sex with her?” Jaesa asked in a stage whisper.

 

“Don’t be crass,” Quinn chided.

 

“That’s not an answer,” Jaesa teased in a sing-song.

 

“It’s as much of an answer as you will get from me,” he said stiffly.

 

Jaesa stuck out her bottom lip in an over exaggerated pout. The man across from her simply turned his attentions back to the Twi’lek in question. Jaesa huffed into her empty glass and poked at the fruit at the bottom with the end of her straw. That Twi’lek must have been important to him if he refused to talk about her. Well, she had been rather crass with her question. Maybe if she asked a different question he would open up a bit. Probably not. He held onto his secrets better than a Hutt hording credits. She quickly came to a decision. As elegantly as a mostly drunk woman can, she slid from the booth and walked over to where the Twi’lek was dancing in place.

 

Quinn watched with wide eyes as Jaesa began chatting animatedly with the dancer. He had had enough of a visit with his past today, he didn’t want another. He sighed when Jaesa grabbed the Twi’lek’s arm and pulled her toward the booth.

 

“Hey, Captaaaaain,” Jaesa sang excitedly. “Look who I broooought!”

 

“Hello, Teala,” Quinn said politely.

 

“Lah’vay,” Teala nodded.

 

“Who’s ‘Lah’vay’?” Jaesa asked as she retook her seat.

 

“It’s a bastardization of the last part of Malavai,” Quinn explained stiffly. “She didn’t speak a word of Basic when I met her.”

 

“Sit, sit, siiiiiiiit!” Jaesa squealed, gesturing furiously.

 

“Can’t, I’m on duty,” Teala said quietly. “It was good seeing you again.”

 

Teala walked away without another word. Quinn watched her go, his face a firm mask of indifference.

 

“So…” Jaesa said quietly. “What’s the story there?”

 

“Teala was my companion at my grandfather’s estate until I was sixteen, at which time I was accepted into the Watcher training program,” he explained stiffly. “I lost contact with her after that.”

 

“You sound fond of her.”

 

“You could say that,” he said quietly.

 

“I’m sleepy!” Jaesa whined.

 

Quinn shook his head with amusement. She was an annoying drunk. He stood and made her promise to stay put while he checked for an available room. She nodded furiously, her brown hair flying in all directions. As soon as his back was turned, she bolted from the table and headed to where Teala was now dancing. The green Twi’lek eyed her wearily, but did not stop her dancing.

 

“Heeeeey,” Jaesa said happily, “Quinn ran to get a room.”

 

“I’m sure the two of you are a lovely couple, but I don’t do couples,” she said angrily.

 

“We’re not a couple! Why does everyone think that? Is it because I’m adorable? Barnabus said I was adorable and that I have good child bearing hips!”

 

Teala paused her movements. “You’re not together?”

 

“Noooooope!” Jaesa said happily.

 

Teala opened her mouth to respond when she noticed a disgruntled Quinn approaching them. She smiled warmly in greeting.

 

“I told you to stay put, Miss Jaesa,” he said reproachfully.

 

“I was just talking to your friend!” Jaesa whined quietly.

 

“Precisely why I told you to stay put.”

 

“You’re no fuuuuun,” Jaesa pouted. “I – I think I need to sit down.”

 

“Go to the booth, I had the service droid bring a glass of fresh water for you,” he said stiffly.

 

Jaesa hunched her back and walked slowly back to the booth, pouting the entire way. Secure in the knowledge that Jaesa had no one else to bother, Quinn raised his hands to the slave collar on Teala’s neck. She flinched violently and opened her mouth to protest when she heard the locks hiss and felt them disengage.

 

“Malavai,” she said softly as he pulled his arm back.

 

He laughed quietly. “That’s the first time you’ve said my name.” He turned the slave collar over in his hands a few times before dropping the device to the floor and stomping on it. It hissed and crackled under his boot.

 

“I can’t repay this,” she said thickly, trying to swallow the knot in her throat.

 

He tilted his head in thought. Obviously she couldn’t pay for her freedom or she would have done so years ago.

 

“I need no repayment, if that is what you mean,” he said stiffly. “Gather your things and come to this room.” He handed her a small keycard. “I must escort Miss Jaesa to her room.”

 

 

***

 

 

Jaesa had been a bit difficult to round up. She had managed to convince the drink service droid that she was allowed one more alcoholic drink before bed and she gulped it down long before Quinn returned to escort her to her room for the evening. He wondered if that Jedi mind trick worked on droids because he had left specific instructions for the drink service droid not to give her anything more than water. She would pay for it in the morning; it pleased him greatly.

 

Teala was waiting for him in the room when he had finished tightly tucking Jaesa into bed. She was sitting on the couch, flipping the keycard in her hands nervously. She was still in her dancer’s outfit, Quinn noticed unhappily. Probably didn’t have any other clothes. Why would she?

 

“Hello, Teala,” he said quietly as he entered the room. She visibly started and jumped to her feet.

 

“Hey,” she said softly. “Thanks for – I mean you’re – just – thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome,” he said stiffly.

 

They stood in an awkward silence for a few long moments before Quinn cleared his throat and motioned for her to sit. She sat back down, her outfit tingling as she moved. Quinn removed his uniform jacket quickly, then his undershirt. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably. Nothing was ever free. She was quite surprised when Quinn’s undershirt landed on her lap.

 

“I apologize, it’s the only bit of clothing I can spare at the moment,” he said stiffly as he put his uniform coat back on.

 

Teala laughed and slipped the shirt over her head. He was still chivalrous in his own, rigid way. She flipped her lekku from under the shirt and patted the spot next to her. Quinn nodded and sat near her.

 

“Do you remember that time we got lost in the jungles near the estate?” she asked quietly.

 

He coughed nervously. “Quite.”

 

“You left for the Watcher tests after that,” she said sadly.

 

“Yes,” he said quietly. “It was rather bad timing.”

 

“I felt a little used after you left.”

 

“I know. I apologize,” he said stiffly.

 

“I know Imperial alien relationships are frowned upon. I understand now why you didn’t reply to any of my messages. When I was in the moment, though, it hurt.”

 

“Yes,” he muttered absently.

 

“Would you like to rekindle an old flame?” she asked hopefully.

 

He turned to face her with an unreadable expression. “That’s not why I freed you.”

 

“I know,” she said softly.

 

She twisted her body to straddle his lap. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. He felt as if he were sixteen again, huddling for warmth in one of the many natural caves on Dromund Kaas. They had been trying to refind the path when Teala fell down a small cliff and injured herself. Quinn pulled her into a nearby cave while they waited for help to arrive. Their huddle for warmth turned into something more rather quickly. Luckily for them, Barnabus was the one to find them. He tsked and lectured, but was otherwise accepting.

 

“Teala,” he said quietly. “I’m not sure that is wise given the circumstances. I don’t want to take advantage of the situation.”

 

“You’re not taking advantage of anything if I’m offering,” she said lowly.

 

“You are not in the right frame of mind. You have just been freed by a person you haven’t seen in –“

 

She interrupted his boring speech with a searing kiss. He always got chatty when he was nervous. He pulled away from her with a grunt.

 

“I cannot take advan-”

 

She interrupted him again and slipped her tongue into his mouth. He groaned and reluctantly pushed her shoulders.

 

“I will not-”

 

He never learned, but he finally stopped fighting.

Edited by irishfino
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Quinn woke Jaesa early the next morning and handed her a small case filled with a change of clothes and toiletries. He left her with instructions to meet him at the booth they shared last night and a small packet of liquid that contained a hangover cure. She nearly kissed him. She quickly cleaned herself up and changed into her nice, clean, vomit free outfit. He knew her well enough to know she would be much more comfortable in a set of plain brown robes. She found Quinn in the booth waiting patiently.

 

“Where’s Teala?” she asked as she sat down.

 

“I sent her on to Barnabus,” he explained.

 

“Breakfast?”

 

“I already ordered for you. It will be here shortly.”

 

They sat in silence while they waited for their food to arrive. When it arrived they ate quietly.

 

“I heard you last night,” Jaesa said quietly. “And again this morning.”

 

Quinn nearly dropped his fork. He cleared his throat nervously and set his fork on the table.

 

“I understand,” she said gently. “You hadn’t seen her in a while.”

 

“That’s no excuse,” he said stiffly. “I apologize.”

 

“Just – you didn’t take advantage of her, did you?”

 

“Never,” he said lowly.

 

He was clearly insulted by her insinuations. He went back to eating with an increased vigor, hurrying to finish his meal and get on with his day. He finished quickly and pushed his plate to the side. Jaesa was still slowly working on her meal, her stomach still a bit queasy from the previous evening's alcohol fueled silliness.

 

“My grandfather was often away,” Quinn said stiffly, focusing his eyes on the table. Jaesa continued to eat in silence. “I was bedridden most of my childhood from the experiments. It was lonely. I would often modify the servant droids to chase around the staff.”

 

Jaesa watched as a wistful smile briefly crossed his features before his ever present frown reappeared.

 

“My grandfather returned one evening with a Twi’lek girl around my age. Said he had rescued her from slavers as an aside to his mission. She didn’t speak a word of Basic so I taught her. She became my friend for a time.”

 

“Then something happened?” Jaesa asked quietly.

 

He briefly turned his eyes to hers. Something flashed in them before she could identify it and he turned his attention back to the surface of the table.

 

“When I was thirteen, I was healthy enough to get out of bed and travel the grounds,” he continued in monotone. “Teala followed me everywhere. She was a reminder of all the pain I had suffered. I sent her away from me. I didn’t see her for two years after that, though we still inhabited the same estate.”

 

Quinn raised his hands to the table and slipped off his gloves. Jaesa watched as he traced the stitching several times. Still awake.

 

“When I finally ran into her again, we had both changed. We became close again. When I was sixteen we were lost in the jungles surrounding the estate when things escalated,” he finished quietly.

 

Jaesa reached across the table and grabbed one of his ungloved hands. She pulled it to her palm up and traced the creases she found. She held his larger hand in her two smaller ones. His hands were soft, but he still had workman’s callouses.

 

“She was your first love?” she asked quietly, still tracing patterns on his palm.

 

“Yes,” he said quietly.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For sharing,” she smiled.

 

He turned his eyes to hers and graced her with a small smile as he cupped one of her hands in his.

 

“Thank you,” he said softly.

 

“For what?”

 

“For listening.”

 

She squeezed his hand gently and smiled.

 

“You’re welcome,” she said quietly.

Edited by irishfino
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I got it. I'll respond a bit more thoughtfully later. For now I will say: Holy cr*p we think alike!

 

Indeed we do! Roger... take whatever time you need. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the latest installments.

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After breakfast, they walked in companionable silence to Barnabus’ home. As promised, Teala was there speaking in hushed tones with Barnabus. Jaesa stopped in the doorway and gaped. New furniture had been delivered and set-up. The small home was a bit crowded, but it was a home now more than ever. She smiled beautifully and turned to Quinn.

 

“You had furniture delivered, too?” Jaesa asked in astonishment.

 

“Yes,” Quinn replied.

 

“Wow, you must really care for your grandfather.”

 

“Contrary to popular belief, I do have emotions and develop attachments.”

 

She noticed the corner of his eye crinkling with unexpressed mirth. She laughed at his strange sense of humor. Barnabus noticed the two of them standing in the doorway, Quinn facing straight ahead and Jaesa facing sideways and smiling at Quinn and waved them over. Quinn motioned for her to enter first. She nearly skipped to where Barnabus was. Barnabus laughed happily at her eagerness. Teala excused herself to the kitchen and Quinn followed her silently, nodding hello to his grandfather as he passed. Barnabus was ready to jump from the bed and give that boy a good whacking when Jaesa grabbed his hand and shook her head.

 

“I should thump him but good,” Barnabus grumbled.

 

“It’s fine,” Jaesa said quietly.

 

“No it most certainly is not ‘fine’, Miss Jaesa. It’s incredibly rude and short-sighted!” he huffed angrily.

 

“It’s fine.”

 

“He’s being the selfish child he’s always been! If I hear so much as a flirtatious giggle from there, I will get out of this bed and whap them both!”

 

“Barnabus,” Jaesa said softly, squeezing his hand gently, “calm down. I understand.”

 

Barnabus huffed and pouted a bit, but let the subject drop. She may have understood, but even he could feel the angst rolling off her. Whatever her relationship with Quinn was, it was still underdeveloped and new.

 

“How was your night?” he asked instead of ”Why aren’t you dragging that idiot out here!?”. Patience, Barnabus. Patience.

 

Jaesa laughed quietly. “I had a bit too much to drink. I vomited after I got settled in. Quinn was rather nice about it. Helped me get mostly clean then tucked me into bed. Super tucked me. I nearly had to use the Force to break free.”

 

Barnabus laughed a carefree laugh, but his mind was screaming. Idiot boy! His mind stopped screaming when a cup of tea was placed under his nose. He took it without looking up at the giver, the gloved hand was a giveaway it was his grandson. If that boy ever took off his uniform and wore casuals, the Galaxy would implode.

 

He took a small sip and winced. “Too sweet,” he said angrily. “Make it again.”

 

Quinn took the cup without argument and left to remake the tea.

 

“Don’t be mean to him, Barnabus,” Jaesa said quietly. “He needs all the support he can get right now.”

 

“Yes, Teala told me of his scars,” he muttered thoughtfully.

 

“He’s been through a lot in a short time.”

 

“That’s no excuse,” Barnabus huffed.

 

“He said as much himself. It’s fine, Barnabus, really.”

 

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” he said gently, patting her hand.

 

“I – I don’t know,” she said softly.

 

“Want me to thump him?” he asked sweetly.

 

She hid a laugh behind her hand and sniffed. Tears were beginning to pr*ckle at the corners of her eyes when Quinn returned with another cup of tea. Barnabus took a sip and nodded approvingly. In truth, it was the same cup he had been presented with earlier, but he let Malavai get away with it for the moment; if only because he was looking at Jaesa with something akin to concern. Jaesa quietly excused herself to the refresher and all but bolted from the room. Quinn watched her leave then took her place next to Barnabus. As soon as Jaesa was out of sight, Barnabus reached over and slapped the back of Quinn’s head as hard as he could.

 

“What was that for?” he asked angrily, rubbing the spot tenderly.

 

“For being an arse to Jaesa!” Barnabus growled.

 

“I already apologized,” Quinn grumbled.

 

Barnabus slapped him again.

 

“Stop it!” Quinn hissed.

 

“I’ll hit you as much as I damn well please, boy.”

 

Quinn muttered something under his breath, but did not argue for fear of being hit again. He crossed his arms and sulked a bit while his grandfather glared at him with barely suppressed rage. Jaesa returned to find the room thick with tension. Quinn was pouting and Barnabus was barely restraining himself to the bed. She cleared her throat daintily. Barnabus turned to her and his entire demeanor changed. He shooed Quinn from Jaesa’s seat with an impatient hand. Quinn stood and pulled the chair out for Jaesa. She smiled, but did not make eye contact as she sat down. Thoroughly brushed off, Quinn made his way back to the kitchen where Teala was busily stocking the shelves with plates and food.

 

“I told you not to be mean to him,” Jaesa said reproachfully.

 

“He deserved it,” Barnabus said happily.

Edited by irishfino
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While Jaesa and Barnabus chatted, Teala and Quinn conversed quietly about the things they experienced in their time apart. Teala ran from the estate several months after her last attempt to contact Quinn and was later captured by Imperial scouts. With no one to vouch for her and no slave collar to identify her owner, she was put to work in the Nexus Room Cantina where work was pleasant for a few years. She caught the eye of a wandering Sith apprentice who took her on a few grand adventures before tiring of her and leaving her in the Mos Ila spaceport.

 

“So I looked for work after that. Only place hiring mildly attractive Twi’lek girls was the Cantina you found me in. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a credit to my name and had to buy my dancer’s outfit. It was a ridiculous amount of credits,” she explained. “You?”

 

“I was removed from the Watcher program at eighteen by one seriously meddling Darth. Joined the Imperial Navy. Successfully turned the tide of a battle at the disapproval of that idiot Broysc. Was court martialed and sent to Balmorra where my career might have died had not the previously mentioned meddling Darth saved it with the promise of being useful in the future. Later assigned to the meddling Darth’s apprentice who I attempted to kill on said meddling Darth’s orders. She beat the ever loving hell out of me, dumped me on Balmorra, then picked me again a year or so later after I had reentered Major Ovech’s command,” he said in monotone. “The usual.”

 

Teala laughed at that last bit. His frown lessened considerably, but it was not a smile. Teala handed him a dish to place in the open cupboard in front of him while an uncomfortable silence slowly filled the room.

 

“About last night,” Teala started quietly.

 

“Let’s not,” Quinn grumbled unhappily.

 

“You should probably see someone about that.”

 

“No.”

 

“Well, it happened again this morning. That’s not normal for a man your age,” she said.

 

“Let it go, Teala,” he sighed.

 

Teala dropped the subject for a moment while Quinn busied himself with organizing the cupboard. He seemed entranced by such a simple thing. It was something to distract him from a difficult conversation. He always took the easy way out. He called them “logical decisions” to justify it; they were anything but.

 

“Does Jaesa know?” she asked nonchalantly.

 

He dropped the dish in his outstretched hand. It bounced off the counter then clattered to the floor, circling until it finally fell.

 

“I’ll take that as a no,” she said quietly. She watched him pick the plate up from the floor and continue his task without a word. “Look, I don’t know what your relationship with her is, but I’m sure she’d understand.”

 

He barked a harsh laugh. “Yes, I’m sure there are plenty of women who would enjoy the company of a man who can’t perform at optimum,” he said with false happiness. “Don’t be foolish,” he growled harshly.

 

“Well, I had a good enough time,” she said airily.

 

“I’m sure,” he said bitterly.

 

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

 

He slammed the cupboard door shut and turned on her. “How exactly did you mean it then?”

 

“Well I – I mean I had a good time so not all is lost,” she stuttered pitifully.

 

“Be silent.”

 

She snapped her mouth shut as he glared at her. He grabbed the cup of tea on the counter and left her alone in the kitchen.

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

But, wait, crazy irishfino, didn't he have a dream he woke up from that needed to be *ahem* cleaned up? Why, yes, dear not-crazy reader, he did. I'll give you three guesses why that is and the first two don't count.

 

Edited by irishfino
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As soon as Jaesa was out of sight, Barnabus reached over and slapped the back of Quinn’s head as hard as he could.

 

“What was that for?” he asked angrily, rubbing the spot tenderly.

 

“For being an arse to Jaesa!” Barnabus growled.

 

“I already apologized,” Quinn grumbled.

 

Barnabus slapped him again.

 

 

I am too pleased about this too worry about what happened next :)

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Quinn reentered the living space, cup in hand and sat down. Barnabus glared at him until Quinn offered Jaesa the tea. She smiled gratefully and took the cup, blowing off a bit of steam before taking a tiny sip. She smiled in thanks. Quinn nodded stiffly.

 

“Jaesa was just telling me of her family. Her father sounds rather nice. You should meet him sometime!” Barnabus said happily.

 

“Grandfather, please stop,” Quinn said quietly.

 

“Her mother bakes a lovely cake from what I’ve heard!”

 

“Grandfather…”

 

“They live on Dromund Kaas, you know. You should visit them.”

 

“Stop this nonsense!” Quinn yelled, exasperated.

 

He inhaled deeply to calm himself then stood and headed for the door. “I’m leaving. I will return shortly,” he said over his shoulder.

 

“Stop being so disagreeable, lad,” Barnabus said stiffly.

 

Quinn stopped his quick pace. “I will return shortly,” Quinn repeated firmly.

 

“Stop pouting and get back over here.”

 

“No,” Quinn said with a huff, “I need to leave for a moment. Leave me be.”

 

“You petulant child,” Barnabus said angrily to Quinn’s retreating back.

 

Quinn turned on him then, his rage boiling forth uncontrolled.

 

“’Petulant child’? ‘Petulant child’!?” he yelled as he stomped toward his grandfather. He stopped at the end of the bed and continued his tirade. “Who was the child experimented on from the age of three on!? Who was the child who watched as his mother was choked to death by his father!? Who was the child who begged you every day to take him away!? Who was the child you abandoned to his fate at the hands of his twisted Sith of a father!? By the time you gathered the stones to interfere, it was too late for me! I was never a child!”

 

“What did you want me to do!?” Barnabus roared. “I couldn’t interfere! I had no right to interfere in Sith business! The best I could do was make you as comfortable as possible!”

 

“For what!? My death!?” Quinn shouted angrily, his face turning red. “You’re a horrible man, you have always been a horrible man and you will always be a horrible man.”

 

Barnabus visibly deflated, sinking back into the pillows that kept him propped up.

 

“I’m sorry, Malavai,” he said thickly. “I know I failed you and I’m sorry. I can never make it right. You’re right, I am a horrible man.”

 

Quinn wiped a tired hand down his face. He hadn’t meant to explode like that. His poor grandfather was silently crying while Jaesa tried to comfort him. Jaesa handed him a small kerchief. He grasped it tightly as he cleared his face of tears.

 

“Jaesa, would you leave us for a while?” Quinn asked quietly.

 

“I don’t think I should,” Jaesa started to say. Barnabus patted her hand reassuringly and nodded to her. She closed her mouth and nodded reluctantly, vacating the chair. She headed toward the kitchen to stay within shouting distance, but outside of hearing range. Quinn watched her leave with dull eyes. He sat next to his grandfather and sighed. There was so much to tell, so much to say, and if he didn’t get it out soon enough he would never get the chance again. He took off his gloves and set them on the nightstand.

 

“What have you been through, lad?” Barnabus asked quietly.

 

Quinn told him everything. How he had turned the tide at Druckenwell only to be court martialed and sent to Balmorra in disgrace. How Baras had gotten wind of this and approached him with a career saving option. The Wrath, the betrayal, his near death, his abandonment. By the time he finished his tale he was emotionally spent and physically tired.

 

“Well, that’s enough to send a normal man into an early retirement,” Barnabus said quietly. “Luckily, you’re a Quinn and we Quinns are made of sterner stuff.”

 

“I’m tired, grandfather,” Quinn said wearily. “I want nothing more than to sleep, but when I sleep I dream. When I dream, I’m tortured for hours before I can finally awaken. Very rarely do I have a decent dream and those dreams are confusingly pleasant.” Quinn reached for a glove and began to trace the stitching. His grandfather eyed his motions curiously. “They’re so realistic at times I have to carry a token of some kind with me to reassure myself that I am, in fact, awake. The things I will do or say will have lasting consequences.” He put the glove back down. “As long as I hit all the marks on the stitching of one of my gloves or can assess the weight of my modified blaster with certainty, I know I am awake. I re-stitch my gloves every few days to ensure they remain a viable option.”

 

“Are you awake lad?” Barnabus asked quietly.

 

“Yes and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

 

“I’ve never told you much about your mother, have I?”

 

“No,” Quinn said stiffly. “I only remember that she was a Watcher before her… before…” Quinn squeezed his eyes shut.

 

Barnabus patted Quinn’s hand reassuringly. “It’s alright lad. It’s high time we’ve talked about this. Call Jaesa back in, won’t you? And send Teala away, this is a family matter.” Quinn opened his mouth to question his grandfather’s request. “No, don’t argue. I’m sure you’d end up telling her later anyway.”

 

Quinn nodded brusquely and set about his assigned task. Teala left without argument. Barnabus made her promise to return. She laughed happily and promised to return when called. Jaesa was a bit harder to convince to come out of the kitchen.

 

“I really shouldn’t interfere with family matters,” she said quietly, wringing her hands fretfully.

 

“Jaesa, look at me,” he said softly. She turned her eyes to his. “I…” He released a shaky breath. “Jaesa… I need someone here.”

 

“I’m sorry, Captain,” she said softly. “I can’t.”

 

He nodded and swallowed. She was distancing herself from him. Teala must have mentioned something to her. He inhaled a calming breath and let his mask slowly slip into place.

 

“Return to your room at the Cantina, then. I will meet you there later,” he said stiffly.

 

She was torn. She didn’t want to leave him entirely. She could wait in the kitchen until he needed her or he lost his temper again. He eyed her with his usual nonchalance, but his eyes screamed at her to stay. In the end, she decided to leave the two men alone. She made her excuses to Barnabus and was gone before he could raise an argument to stop her. Quinn reentered the room and took a seat next to Barnabus.

 

“They all abandon me in the end,” he said sullenly.

 

Barnabus placed a reassuring hand on Quinn’s knee. “She’ll be back,” he said softly. “After all, I’m utterly amusing.” Quinn laughed a short, sad laugh then let his face slip back into an unsteady mask.

 

“Do you… do you really think she’ll come back?” Quinn asked uncertainty clear in his shaking voice.

 

“Yes, my boy, I am,” Barnabus said with great confidence.

 

Quinn smiled a small smile. “Thank you, grandfather.”

 

“I only tell the truth, lad.” He paused for a moment. “Now, are you ready to hear about your mother?”

 

Quinn inclined his head slightly, swallowing the knot quickly tightening in his throat. He grabbed a glove from the nightstand and traced the stitching shakily.

 

“Are you awake?” Barnabus asked gently.

 

“Yes,” Quinn said quietly. “Please continue.”

Edited by irishfino
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