Alone In The Station [Nallia]

[Syravari Elik]

Seated in a comfortable, high backed chair, reclined with his left ankle perched atop his right knee, Syravari pondered all the numbers now coursing across his small datapad screen. Credits made from the last few strikes, the pirate and slaver was finally starting to see the level of profit that he had expected some years back. Being on the spacelanes instead of one town on a backwater was like night and day when it came to the money that could be made. Taking a sip of his Corellian Whiskey, the older ship captain set the glass back on the table before him as other crewmembers and private businessmen went about their dealings around him.

A buzz from his comlink grabbed the well dressed gambler's attention, reaching into his jacket pocket and removed the slender, white device and glanced to the frequency. A furrowed brow denoted his surprise as he then accessed the message:

"It's Nallia...

I don't know if they found you yet. And I don't know if they ever will. But if this message ever finds you, I forgive them.
I was left at the Station because they said the help they would need to find you wouldn't put up with a new member of a ship where the Captain was missing. Without you to vouch for me, my life was in danger.

True or not, I forgive them.

I hope you read this someday. I worry for you. I keep my ears and eyes peeled for information on where you went and how to get to you. Perhaps, someday, I can rescue you as you did me.

If you ever want to find me, send a message to the station cantina. I work there now and sleep in the back when they aren't busy.

I hope you are well...

I never prayed before now... I can only hope it works.

Sincerely
Nallia


Grinning at the greeting from someone that he had nearly lost track of over the past three months, Syravari finished off his drink, turned off his datapad and pushed himself up from the chair. Knowing he had to find her and bring her back into the fold, the ship's master chef and up and coming executive officer would be welcomed back to the crew as most of them had been asking about her since they left the Core. Leaving the cafe', Syravari casually headed for the cantina knowing how rough this station's lower levels could be.

[Nallia Oberon]

Take the glasses to the kitchen... wipe the table... slap away a stray hand... Repeat

Her days and nights had begun to blur together. Listening to anyone, and everyone, who may lead back to the descriptions she had received the day Syravari had been escorted from the station. She was dressed (http://kingoftheflatscreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screenshot-2015-09-23-07.51.21.png)as she always was. The sapphire shirt a new addition to her wardrobe, but the sleeveless cut tank top design was similar to the rest in her small bag. She had a bag shoved under the bar with all her possession in it. She slept on the bar floor when they closed each cycle, and she worked here when they were open. She didn't get paid much, tips and room and board. Once a day she got her choice of anything to eat. Beyond that, she had resigned herself to working here till she managed to save up for passage elsewhere.

Sighing as she came back from the kitchen with a rag in her hand, she began wiping down the table she had just cleared. Suddenly a hard slap on her backside echoed in the air around her. Out of reflex, her right hand swung up to hit the offender as a growl if indignation left her lips. "Why you..." But the hand was anticipated and a grin stared at her as the fingers that had captured her weapon tightened on her wrist. She bit back a yelp and bit her lip as the man smiled. "Now is that any way to treat someone who tips so well? You should know better than that, little nexu."

"No, it's not." She growled as he tightened just enough to make her gasp. "No, SIR!" she added as the eyes that glared at her began to darken with displeasure.

"Then next time, I suggest you smile and say thank you like a good girl." He twisted just a bit more and Nallia bit her lip till she tasted copper, her body backed the final few inches to press against the forgotten table behind her. "After all, you work here as a gift. I can't imagine someone as pretty as you having to sleep in one of the lower levels with the scum and ruffians." His laugh was deep and malicious as if he wished just such a thing to happen.

Nallia's silence seemed to anger him even more, and she liked that. Suddenly stubbornness filled her mind and body. Eyes glistening with fought back tears, suddenly shone with determination. As the grip of the man tightened till even his own knuckles were turning white, the young woman found her strength. She felt for the small season shaker on the table behind her and balled her own fist around it. As she braced her feet, her left hand rose as if in slow motion hurtling towards the man's head. If it connected, her improvised weapon would make her simple slap become an iron punch. His temple would be rattled and she would suffer the wrath if she didn't knock him out. If she missed, the consequences would probably be more severe.

She wasn't thinking about either... only that she had had enough and no one around seemed to care.

[Syravari Elik]

Already imagining the greeting they were both going to get, Syravari smiled to himself as he opened the door to the cantina, a regular dive appeal that had seemed to be prevalent on this station. Though he had every intention of making his own club and brothel the talk of Cloud City, what he saw when his eyes noticed Nallia washed all that excitement away. Dressed more like a businessman than the thug that he was, the tall, older man in black leather jacket, round hat and dark sunglasses moved with purpose toward the scene that seemed not to catch the attention of the owner. Another point that would be addressed when this was over, he determined. Weaving through the crowd of busy tables, Syravari approached from behind the man who's hand was gripped tightly to Nallia's wrist. Drawing his Morellian pistol from his belt, under the coat, he planted the barrel into the man's shoulder muscle, at the base of his neck, then leaned in.

"Wise men would remove their hand from the lady or get their ass blown out of their chair," he hissed. "Now."

Glancing sidelong to the pirate, the equally seedy looking male grinned, lightening his grip. "You make the rules, boss."

"Damn straight. Now apologize to her," Syravari stated, his teeth bare as he also watched the man's three friends take notice of the discussion.

[Nallia Oberon]

The fist heading for her assailant's head stopped a hair's breadth from the man's skull as a ghost appeared behind her attacker.

"Syra!" The gasp of his name was filled with relief, and disbelief. How... when... Her mind spun more from the shock of his arrival than the pain in her captured wrist.

As the regular customer, and harasser of most of the women in the cantina, released Nallia's arm, the rush of blood was almost as painful as the grip had been. Dropping the seasoning shaker, she cradled her arm and watched the scene unfold at an almost surreal slow speed.

As the man's jaw ground in anger, his gaze turned back to the brunette leaning on the table just before him. "I apologize." His lips made the words but the sarcasm was clear. He was saying it only cause a gun was to his head. Leaning forward slightly, the man grinned with a malicious purpose that sent ice down Nallia's spine. "Your hero won't always be here. And I'll be sure by tonight you have no corner to rest your head in, much less hide in." Knowing no one was going to shoot him in cold blood, the man stood up, winked at Nallia and nodded to his buddies as the three left the bar.

Nallia shook her head and fought the anger, surprise and relief that flooded through her. And not one of those emotions were tied to the bully who had just manhandled him. Her instinct was to throw her arms around his neck. He was alive! That made up for all the other things she had endured in seeking him. But the look in his eyes, as he followed the strangers walking out, made her think twice. Instead, she turned to pick up the dropped shaker and finish wiping off the table. As she winced at the pain of her nearly crushed wrist, she switched the rag to her left hand. Tears filled her eyes, unseen by Syra as she suddenly felt a need to finish what she was doing. Her voice cracked as she tried to be nonchalant. "So they found you...."

Squeezing her eyes tight a moment as she paused to gather herself, she shook herself and took a shaky breath. "I am glad..." Her voice was barely a whisper. How long had he been free? Had the crew told him she was here? Or was her message, sent a week ago, the reason he had come here? She squared her shoulders and turned around with her best tough girl face. She crossed her arms to enhance the look, but the shot of pain stopped her short and she let her arms drop to her side. Her jaw tightened at she looked at him in silence, unable to think of what else to say.

One of two things were about to happen... a tongue lashing from him for allowing herself to be caught that way. Or a suggestion to change her occupation, because obviously she wasn't cut out to make it here. It was just a matter of which it would be.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari knew that wasn't the last he had seen of these thugs, either by his own design or theirs. He had seen his share of those types and no doubt, Brannoc would state that the captain of the Grosetto was one himself. Holstering his pistol now that the quartet was gone, the pirate returned his gaze to the magnificent chef, now turned waitress and he grinned as she commented about his status being alive. Sniffing with indifference, he stepped toward her taking her wounded wrist in his gruff hands, caressing it to try and massage away some of the pain. At least temporarily.

"It's good to have friends in low places," he grinned, his deep voice product of many cigarras while drinking his expensive brandy aboard the yacht. "Got back with the crew and left that place for good. Found our way here after some lucrative hits, sold most of them and now getting ready to sign paperwork on a warehouse. Been thinking of starting a casino and brothel on the side, just to have another avenue for some credits." Still mindlessly massaging her wrist with his strong fingers, he grinned. "My ship had this great chef at one point, but she bailed on us. Happen to know where I might find a replacement?"

As Nallia was about to reply, a suited human male approached, "Hey," he glared at the waitress. "Tables need cleaning. I don't pay you to talk."

"You the manager," Syravari's demeanor darkened quickly.

"Yeah," he nodded, indignantly.

"Don't care that your staff are being abused by the clientele?" Syravari's tone growing deeper and angrier by the minute as he felt his blood boiling.

"Comes with the territory," he scanned the crowd as more listened in on the conversation now. "They know what they're signing on for," he motioned for Nallia to get back to work. "But, she has things to do, so let go of her."

"**** off. She doesn't work for you anymore. Pay her what you owe her, then she's leaving," the pirate turned his attention back to Nallia knowing now there was no way he was leaving her here.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia tensed as Syra took her hand, but as soon as he began to rub her sore wrist, despite the hiss of pain of that seeped through her lips, she relaxed a bit. When he spoke of having friends in low places, she managed to smile at him for the first time since he had come to her rescue. “Seems I am in a pretty low place, huh?” She winked, teasing.

She had been about to comment on his need of a new chef when Denco, the owner of the cantina, came up and growled at Nallia to finish the table, she flinched as if he had actually struck her. She jerked her hand back and had reached for her rag out of pure reflex as Syravari turned to face her current boss.

When Denco said the girls here knew what they were getting into, she could almost feel Syra's rage roll off him like a heat wave against her back. She closed her eyes and was about to turn to say something when her hero came to her rescue once more.

“She doesn't work for you anymore. Pay her what you owe her, then she's leaving.” The deep set voice at her back caught her attention and snapped her out of her habitual motions.

“Take her! Good riddance. And she got room and board. She didn't finish her shift today and I lost 3 customers cause of you and her! She should be paying me to leave here.” He nodded to the bartender who stepped down the bar, grabbed her bag and tossed it over the counter to land on the bar floor. “Take her and go before I call the station authority and tell them you are inciting a riot.” The man turned and laughed as he started to move away from Syra.

Fearing Syra would put the man in his place as he had Tarn when he man handled Nallia a moment ago, the young woman put a hand on Syra's arm. “Don't.... It's all right. It wasn't that much credit anyway. Let's just go?” She had tried not to say his name. If Denco didn't know it, she wasn't going to hand it to him.

If Syra turned to look at her just then, he would see a difference in his little stowaway's eyes. There wasn't weakness, or even a beseeching. There was a knowledge that she knew if she let her friend go, he'd do something to the cantina owner they would both regret.

But the other thing he would see was a light that betrayed her desire to do that exact something to Denco, herself. She let go of Syra long enough to take the few steps to her bag and swipe it up in one motion. There wasn't much in it. And she only took it because her leather jacket was in it.

[Syravari Elik]

"Haven't seen a riot yet," he shot back as Nallia grabbed her bag and moved to follow. Knowing he would mop the floor with the manager, Syravari also knew that most of those in here were either crimelords or those that had connections and the pirate had already made his impression on them without more preamble. Time to leave, he mused and led his friend from the cantina, opening the door for her and following her out into the busy, interior avenue. Glancing either way, his right hand falling to his pistol once more, steel-blue eyes looked for the thugs from earlier, but didn't see them in the light crowd. Sighing, he turned right and guided his chef away from her old life. "Sleeping on the floor, huh? Your bed in the Grosetto not to your liking? Thought you would miss it," he teased, grinning as they walked.

It was good to have her company once more.

[Nallia Oberon]

She followed Syra out in silence, glad they hadn't shed blood... either of them. She had punched a customer once when first arriving. His blood had been all over the table and chairs in the vicinity from the surprise shot. She had received a harsh enough punishment that she had learned to take what happened, smile sweetly and move along. All she had been focused on was finding Syra.

And here he was...

As he asked about her bed on his ship, she couldn't help but smile. "I preferred the floor..." The joke was an inside one no one but they would understand. It had taken over a week on his ship, in the company of good people, before she slept on the bed in the luxurious cabin she had been granted. And even then, it had taken Syra placing her on it in the middle of the night, two nights in a row, before she began sleeping in it on her own. But she doubted she would need nearly a week before relaxing in its softness again.

As they rounded the corner, she slung her bag over her shoulder. She had a million questions running through her head and a million explanations for him as well. She decided to start in the middle. After all, it gave plenty of chance to ignore the painful spots... more or less. "They said I had to wait here. The people they needed help from to find you wouldn't understand a new crewmember." Her jaw tightened as she remembered the day Brannoc, the Grosetto cargo chief, had told her they were leaving, but she wouldn't be joining them. But her own insecurities had made her wonder, on many nights afterwards, if it had been a good excuse to get rid of the little minx who had stowed away onboard and distracted their Captain and turned them all a little soft.

Her deeper mind knew that wasn't true. But alone, on the floor of the cantina at night, or even with each backside tap of her bum, or wink of disgusting offers, she still wondered. And the whisper of doubt had grown loud enough to overpower the reasoning that she was being foolish. She bit her lip after the statement. It hung between them like a question. Was it the real reason? Or had they wanted her gone? And if it was the latter... why was he here now? Was it only because of her comm, or again, was there some other reason?

She took a deep breath, realizing she had been holding it, and keep following him as she matched his stride.

[Syravari Elik]

Chuckling at the choice of sleeping on the floor as they passed a quartet of Weequay and Twi'lek, Syravari glanced to his companion. "I know the carpet's nice, but come on." Had he never carried her to the bed and tucked her in that night, she probably would've remained on the floor, though he understood her background and being used to that sort of life. Deprived of nicer things, she had assumed that would remain the way life was and though the pirate and slaver wasn't an outwardly sentimental type, he did care about those that ran with him.

Crossing a narrow avenue, he kept his senses alert and shook his head at the crew's decision to make Nallia remain behind when he had been captured. "Have to have a talk with them about that." He had a feeling they were just trying to protect her, but sometimes the crew were overly protective of one another. Especially those that had been traveling with him the longest.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed, for probably the first time in a long time. “Well, I admit I will probably sleep on the bed tonight. Had enough of floors for a while. And something besides soup would be a nice change of venue for dinner.” She nodded to the musicians as they passed them.

Turning the final corner as they headed into the berthing wing of the station, Nallia touched Syra's arm lightly as he mentioned needing to talk to the crew about leaving her behind. “Please.... don't.” She smiled reassuringly at him. “It's ok. You....” she wasn't even sure what word to use about his absence and looked back the way they were walking as her voice dropped slightly. “Without you, everyone was lost, Syra. We... they... managed to get a hold of a woman, family member of some kind, I forget. She went on ahead, told Brannoc to meet her someplace. We all knew that favors would need to be called in. And with me being the newest on the crew, and them losing you, I can't blame them for making it a family issue. I understand. Honest I do.”

She managed to look back up at him and tried to smile again, but it missed her eyes. “Please, don't make a big deal about it... for me...” She wondered what kind of homecoming she would receive. Perhaps that would be the best tell of all. “I'm back now... and so are you. That's all that matters.”

Nallia looked forward again. It was several heartbeats before she asked quietly, not looking at him. “Where were you.....?” The pain in her voice was evident, if Syra listened. Her heart raced with nervousness, scared to hear the answer but needing to know. She sucked in her bottom lip, a habit when nervous, and the hand not steadying her bag was alternating between being balled in a white knuckled fist, and stretching itself out to keep from cramping.

She had missed him more than she was outwardly willing to admit. And her concern was far more evident without words, than she could have spoken out loud.

[Syravari Elik]

His mood softened considerably, not usually taken by any female as he had grown up around those that worked in his mother's brothel and knew how shrewd they could be. Sometimes worse than men. Nodding he finally relented to her pleading. "Yeah.... fine." Grinning over at her as they walked, he knew the Grosetto wasn't that far now.

Her query about his capture and subsequent interrogation by those thugs brought him back to a sore point, though his revenge on them for what they had done more than made up for it at the time. But, some scars would take longer to heal. "Don't worry about that anymore." His tone equally pleading, as far as his deep voice and cooler demeanor would allow. "It's in the past. They all paid for what they've done, so," he shrugged. His signature grin arced as he glanced at her momentarily, "Just be good to have you back in the kitchen aboard the ship again. Wouldn't believe what we've had to endure since you left. Plumbing'll never be the same." Syravari chuckled recounting some of the comments made over the past few weeks on that subject.

Soon, he noticed the entry to the hangar complex as crewmembers filed in behind one another, waiting their turn at the security station. Slowing his pace, he glanced back out of habit, then to Nallia. "Food's stocked and your room's been left untouched. I have some more business to attend to here on the City with that contract and some other things, so relax. Get reacquainted with everything and go spend some money," his shaded eyes scanned the clothes she had been wearing now for probably the entire time.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed at the fact they had suffered without her cooking. “It will be good to be back. I did miss everyone.”


A slight frown creased her brow.Perhaps another time, over some of his favorite drink, he will explain where he had been. But in all honesty, she was willing to wait because she was just glad to have him back, safe and sound.


Then he said he was leaving again and the growl that tightened her throat wasn't muffled. Her hands tightened to near white knuckles in worry and anger. She spun fast enough that her bag banged the wall beside her. “How can you? No!” She shook her head as fear filled the large eyes staring at him. “Not again! Syra, please... let me go this time. I'll stay out of the way, I'll even wait in the hall. But please, Syra...” he would hear her heart racing as panic filled her. “Don't go alone. I couldn't stand to lose you again.”


Realizing that a little girl tagging along probably was the last thing he wanted, she quickly added, “Or take Brannoc... but please... you can't go alone...” She even tried to bargain with him. “I'll be good, I promise. I'll stay out of the cantina, I'll get new clothes, anything... just promise you won't go alone this time!” Her voice cracked as she stood there, defiant and pleading, her body so tense in concern and panic it was almost tangible.

[Syravari Elik]

Hands outward and angled toward her, "Okay, okay. Relax," he chuckled again. "This station isn't that big." Feeling again more like her big brother, her feelings for him obvious and suddenly endearing her to him as more than that. He also tried to keep in perspective that she had basically been an indentured servant for so long without family, so giving her a home and life no doubt ensured that Nallia would protect he and the crew when the need arose. "We get you situated on the ship again, we can go out and hit a shop or two, then come with me to finalize the forms for the warehouse. How's that?"

Stepping closer toward the security station as they talked, he took out his ident card and palmed it.

[Nallia Oberon]

“Thank you...” She whispered as a response. As he chuckled and reassured her he wasn't leaving without her, she sighed, nodded and relaxed. “The other station wasn't that big, either... and they still got you.” She mumbled under her breath.


As they turned back down the corridor,she exhaled and bit her lip. She had acted like a petulant child and it embarrassed her now that she had started to calm down. She suddenly wanted to throw her arms around his neck and hug him for relenting. Instead, she fell into step just behind him. When he palmed his id card, she slid hers from her back pocket and tapped it after him. “I won't be any trouble, Syra. I promise. I just...”


She shook her head. “Never mind...I'm sorry for getting hysterical.” She moved down the short hall to the ship connecting ring. “I won't be a minute.” She murmured as they boarded the ship. She had taken a couple jogged steps when Brannoc stepped around the corner and she nearly plowed into him.


“WHAT THE...?” The man grasped Nallia's shoulders to keep them both from staggering.


Nallia's eyes widened. “Syra found me. Said I could come back.” Her glance darted back at Syra to make sure he was behind her and hadn't ducked out in the moment of awkwardness.

[Syravari Elik]

Ignoring the fact that he had basically been caught unawares by the bounty hunters the last time, they made it through the security station and eventually to the awaiting ship docked within it's own hangar. Out beyond the sleek yacht, puffy white clouds and pale blue sky painted the backdrop. It's docking collar and tubeway open, he continued on and into the plush interior of his ship. Grinning as Brannoc and Nallia were reacquainted, Syravari continued into the main entryway. "Yep, found our cook that way we don't have to keep enduring Tomas's new concoction in the kitchen."

"I could kiss you right now," Brannoc replied without missing a beat, then glanced to the cute girl in his grasp.

"Easy there," Syravari interjected before the loadmaster and gunner went through on that promise.

"Great to have you back, Nalli," the rugged, dark haired pirate smiled. "Definitely be great to have someone that know's how to put up with this rabble," he motioned to their captain now heading for the main sitting room and the bar.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia went three shades of pink a tBannoc's proposal, but two deeper shades added themselves when Syravari's voice overode the man's motion above her. “You heard the boss...” She laughed and quickly ran off down the hall to drop her bag in her room. She was worried that if she didn't scurry, Syra would take off without her. “And I like this rabble,” she called back over her shoulder with a light laugh. It was good to be home.


The panic of getting back to find her boss gone, again, made her toss her bag into her room and head back to find him as quickly as she could. Glancing into the bay when she arrived and seeing no one there, she frowned a moment. He wouldn't leave, would he?


She took a deep breath and turned around to head back into the depth of the yacht. Moving through familiar corridors she found herself at the sitting room. Stepping in, she smiled at Syra. “Thank you for not leaving.” She closed the door behind her, perhaps thinking to keep him from leaving at all. She couldn't have said if asked. She moved to the bar to get his favorite decanter and turned to see if he had a glass yet.


“If you take Brannoc, I'll stay here if you don't really want me going. I just don't want you going alone. No one would question him being with you.” She leaned on the bar a moment and watched him. It was like seeing him for the first time all over again, but without the fear. His face, lines she had dreamed of every night since finding he had been kidnapped, was just as she had remembered. His eyes, that could glare with such rage she sometimes wondered if he was a Sith in a previous life, had also looked at her with a calm that had stilled her panic on more than one occasion. And his body, like a finely tuned weapon, had filled her memory as well. She had vague images of being lifted by him, perhaps the night he had carried her to the bed from the floor where she had slept those first few nights. She remembered, or liked to, that they were strong arms that cared more for her than merely lifting a timid mouse to the comfort that she was due.


“You haven't eaten today... have you?” Her head tilted in query as the old question rolled from her tongue. She had learned, the first week she had been on the GROSETTO that he had rarely eaten. She had changed that quickly enough by making sure he ate at least two time a day. One always being dinner. His evening drinks sat better on a full stomach. Even she knew that. Something told her no one else had figured that out... or seen to making sure they all ate while she was away.

[Syravari Elik]

As he sat there in the large living room, reclining on the long leather couch, Syravari swirled the ice in his drink slowly thinking on how nice it was to have a female doting on him again. It had been so long, he mused, since that feeling had been in his life. Now that things had become so convoluted and hectic, his mind was more on survival than anything else and being a part of the Tenloss Syndicate now, he was going to have to keep looking over his shoulder. Their reputation on this station was growing and sooner or later Black Sun thugs were going to come calling.

Glancing up, his steel-blue eyes now revealed as his dark glasses sat upon the small table at his right, he grinned as she leaned against the bar. "He's going to be supervising a transfer of goods to one of our new customers, so it'll have to be you." Taking a sip, he then pondered her next question. "Lunch at one of the cantina's on the fifth level, so," he glanced at the chronometer on the wall, over the large fireplace. "Guess we could eat first and then leave after, if you wanted. Should give us more than enough time to get to the real estate office."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia set the decanter down seeing he still had plenty. She moved to sit beside him, one leg curled under her as she turned to face him just at arm's reach. It felt good to be here again, with him. And the rest of course. “I can make something if you want. I don't know who else is on board to cook for, though. But I can make enough for them to eat later if they aren't here, too.”


She bent her arm and leaned against the back of the couch. Last time she had been on it, she had gotten drunk and embaressed the hell out of herself. “Can I ask what the real estate broker is for? I mean you mentioned getting a place. Are you planning on settling down then? Or having someone else run it?” She couldn't imagine him not flitting around the galaxy and doing the things they did. But she could imagine that at some point it would be more mundane than fun.


“What made you decide to want a permanent place? I mean, thought you always said not being known was something of an imperative. Won't this place be tied to you?” The thought of more people coming after him made her heart skip a beat. Biting her lip she took a breath and calmed down. Syravari was shrewd and cunning. He wouldn't do this if he hadn't already thought about that. But it still didn't sit easy with her. She had just got him back. The idea of people coming after him again scared her.

[Syravari Elik]

"I've got a warehouse that I'm buying for a casino and brothel," he stated, thinking he had already told her that earlier. "I have one guy that's going to help with security so far, and another that may run the brothel for me." Molly hadn't actually said yes yet, but he had a feeling that she had already decided to have a piece of that pie.

Taking another sip of his drink keeping his focus on her, Syravari knew in a way he was breaking his rule about settling down. "Yeah," he shrugged. "But, this place'll be a waystation that I can secure some money in to. Cloud City's got a lot of promise and future, so why not invest a little nest egg for later? Might want to think about that as well," he grinned. "You've got some money sitting in your account now." He had made it a point to ensure that her cut was always input to their private account along with everyone else's.

[Nallia Oberon]

She was feeling mixed about his choice of semi settling. And it troubled her that people will know how to get a hold of him easier. Realizing her paranoia was getting the best of her, she smiled. “You have a good head for business, Syra. I have no doubt it will be more than a little nest egg for very long.”


When he mentionedshe had money in her account, she frowned slightly. Shaking her head, she tried to correct him. “I used it up since coming here. That's why I was working the cantina. I have about 20 cred left. I saved it in case I seriously needed something, but that's all. The rest went to rooms and meals till I realized, or thought anyway, that no one was coming back for me.” It sounded rather rude when said out loud and she looked down at her leg, tucked under her on the couch, and started picking at invisible pieces of lint. “Sorry... I should have known you wouldn't leave me once you were back.”


She looked back up and hoped he would forgive her lack of faith. He had done so much for her, and after only a month, she had given up on being back with him. Somehow, now that she was finally back, she was ashamed like she hadn't been in a long time.


“I can earn the money back, you know I can. And I have learned a thing or two as well. There is a Weequay who loved the Twi'lek girls. He spend tons at the cantina. He offered me a chance to come on his ship about three weeks ago. Said he was tired of always having to come out herefor a nice lady friend. I bet if you could get word to him of your place, he would choose to use you instead. And I bet he would bring a fair amount of friends as well.”


If it helped even a little, it made her happy. She wanted him happy and successful. He deserved it.

[Syravari Elik]

He watched her as she spoke, knowing her lack of confidence was borne from a life of servitude and he hated that. If there was going to be one thing that he would accomplish in this one it was to make her harder. She already had that trait in her from years of abuse from the warehouse foreman on the station that he found her on, but it wasn't enough yet. Finishing off his drink in one long gulp, he leaned over and set his empty tumbler on the table, then reclined again. "Stop apologizing," he stated, his eyes colder than she was used to. "You do with your money whatever you want to; you earned it. No one's ever going to tell you what to do, ever again. Not while I live." His adrenaline began pumping at the thought of someone else hurting her, eyes narrowed. "This life's not an easy one and no one gives you anything. You've gotta take it for yourself."

Turning on the couch to face her more squarely, he sighed. "There's a beast in there," he glanced to her heart, then back up. "Gotta let it out once in a while, especially if you're gonna stick with me. People I deal with and meet aren't always the nicest ones in the galaxy. Some will even try to manipulate you or take you for their own. Gotta beat their ass first and show them you're not someone that's gonna take any of their shit. Let that fighter in you, out." There was more that he would have to do to get her ready, if she was willing. "You're not that victim anymore. Take all that shit that he put you through and turn it into fuel."

Relaxing a bit, he grinned wryly. "This Weequay sticks around here once the place is done, then talk to him again. May have a new position for you at the casino if you want it, and we're on the station." Though they would be gone more than here, he knew.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had but her lip at the reprimand. There was something different in her Captain and she had to think for a minute before realizing he wasn't actually angry at her.

As he declared no one would hurt her as long as he was around, made her think less of him as an overseeing boss and more as someone who cared about her and would see to it he never saw her in pain again. When Syravari turned to face her and spoke of letting out her beast, she looked at him and her voice was stay as she asked, "You mean like you let out yours, Syra?" While the comment was merely meant as an innocent question, it didn't sound like it.

She had never seem him change, knew nothing of that part of himself. But the phrase would certainly be an odd one coming from her.

As he spoke of a possible job at the casino, she nodded and took this as a chance to be a bit assertive. "I'd love to help with the casino when we are docked. But only if I can walk away from it anytime the Grosetto departs. I won't be left behind again."

While the welp before him had gashed her teeth and growled, her eyes hesitated to back up her words. The far it was TOO much aimed at the wrong person, she'd said it and couldn't take it back.

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled at the thought of leaving her on Cloud City, "No way," he shook his head. "Need you onboard here as well, especially when it comes to keeping everyone happy. No one can cook like you do, but don't let that be the only part you play with this crew. You're more than that." Pushing himself up, he grabbed his glass and walked over to the whetbar and poured himself another drink. "You know what I do for a living and yet you stick around," he capped the decanter and turned, taking up the glass once more. "Not many would."

He winked and took another drink, his darker side now fading once more into the background. "So, what's for dinner?" It was hard to be mean around her and the pirate and slaver hoped it wouldn't be his downfall, for everyone had a weakness and up to this point he had hidden his quite well.

[Nallia Oberon]

As Syra reaffirmed that on the ship was where she would stay, her shoulders visibly relaxed. "I'm trying, Syra... honestly I am." She responded to his desire to see her be more than a mere cook on the ship, the words a promise this time and not a simpering apology. She knew the others liked her, Brannoc had openly showed it on more than one occasion. And the others had been nothing but kind, some even more than merely. But it was the man before her that intrigued her and kept her here. Though she couldn't have said why.

When he stood at the bar with his drink, she rose to walk over to him. "I don't see a reason not to stick around. Do you?" Her words were bold and her body, well within his arm's reach, was closer than she normally stood to him if given a chance. She locked eyes with him for a moment more before smiling. The words were meant to make him think. Though think of what, she couldn't have said.

When he asked what dinner plans there were, she laughed. "Changed your mind about eating on the station before the meeting?" She crossed her arms and her body shifted to place all the weight on one leg, her hips shifting in accordance. She would seem a little older suddenly as she spoke to him. "Well if you have, perhaps we should do the meeting first so we aren't rushed for the meal. I am not going to have my first dinner back on this ship scarfed up because you are in a rush." She was a little nexu minx and at times like this, he saw it with clear definition. Now if only she could find this part of her when she wasn't just alone with him.

[Syravari Elik]

Smiling at the fire suddenly rising her, Syravari was definitely seeing someone else in that smaller frame as he finished the last of his drink and placed the glass on the bar behind him, his steel-blue eyes fixed on her smooth features. Rising within, he felt the familiar adrenaline pumping and without further thought, he moved in, wrapped his arms around her shoulders and leaned in for a kiss, taking her up against him. It was hard to deny this feeling that had been growing between them for more than a month now and though he normally didn't care about the girl that he slept with, this was totally different and he was sure Nallia would make it that way.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia only had a moment for her gasp of surprise before Syra's lips were on hers. Instinct made her hands clutch the front of his shirt as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Despite her lack of knowledge, her body knew what to do and it leaned towards him as a whimper of please filled his mouth from her. Her eyes closed as she surrendered to the embrace. Something told her this was why Syravari had snapped at Brannoc's threat to kiss her. She was his... and now she knew it too. Once her body got over the shock of what was happening, she melted to his touch.


When he finally broke the kiss, the flushed face of the woman he held looked up at him. “Syra...” her whisper fell between them and in that single word she told him she had felt the same way. She had often wondered what kissing him would feel like, what it would taste like. He felt like safety and protection, and he tasted like pleasure and warm caramel liquor.


As he eyes looked up at him, there was no more timidness. Whatever was left of little Nia from that replenishment station that had stowed away on his ship... was gone. The small hands gripping the front of his shirt kept her grounded, kept her upright, kept her legs from collapsing her to the ground. Her right hand rose to cup his cheek as she bit her swollen lips, plump from the passionate pressure a moment before. “I'd say that's a very good reason to stay on the ship.” She laughed softly at a loss for words.


“We... we should go meet....,” she realized she didn't know who they were meeting and laughed at the ridiculous need to suddenly know. “We should go meet the person you needed...” She didn't move, despite the suggestion. There was something behind his eyes, something more feral, and as her hand cupped his cheek, her thumb lightly brushed his temple as if it would help her bring out whatever was behind his eyes. Softly, the meeting once more forgotten, she whispered to him, “Tell me what you are thinking... please, Syra....”

[Syravari Elik]

The warmth of her touch on his skin made goosebumps rise throughout his strong frame, and having her near now made him forget everything else. Feeling her breath as she looked up and spoke, and everything else that was rolling through his mind during those moments prompted a torrent of emotions that he hadn't felt in a very long time. A familiarity that his lifestyle had pushed away into some dark corner that Nallia was now revealing once more, made him drink in her eyes, hair and how she felt.

Her question was barely heard as he pulled her up near again, leaning in for another and more passionate kiss. "What meeting?" His normally gruff nature washed away as the reintroduction of what it meant to be alive returned, as if a blind and deaf person had suddenly been given the chance to see and hear the world around him again. It had definitely been way too long. Crouching slightly, he lowered his right hand down, then lifted her up and turned toward the counter, setting her on the counter before him and moved in once more as they kissed, pressing himself against her once more. Drinking her in, he soaked up every moment as if it was his last knowing from past experiences that great and beautiful things in life never lasted.

Syravari needed this feeling to last a lot longer than just a weekend, and he was determined to see that dream come true.

Kissing her chin, then lowering to her neck and exploring with his lips, the door opened as Tomas and their copilot, Eddie stepped in, then stopped talking immediately as they took in the scene.....

[Nallia Oberon]

She had expected him to let her go,back to the all business manner she knew him as. But when he asked “What meeting?” and lifted her to the counter, she realized something more was happening. Her arms went around his shoulders as she balanced herself and the ground disappeared from under her in more ways than one.


His kiss this time elicited a small growl of pleasure and desire from her as she found her right leg raising to rest on his hip to pull him closer. The hands around his neck rubbing his shoulder and base of his neck as her body melted to his expert touch. As he broke the kiss and went lower, his name once more fell from her swollen lips like a plea, “Syra....mmmm”. Her eyes were closed and her head back in ecstacy as the door opened. A small yelp left her as she snapped up and stiffened under his touch.


Reality slammed back in like a flood gate crashing an entire planet of water over her. She bit her already red lips and held her breath as the world slowed to a crawl as she awaited Syra's reaction. Her cheeks red with passion and not embarassment, nails reflexively digging into his shoulders as both panic and possession ran through her mind. Her mental scream reaching out to them as her leg tightened around him. * NOOOooooo please....he's mine... * She worried it wasn't true, a heat of the moment thing, and her plea fell on deaf ears since the whole crew was Force deaf. But a small part of her was still willing to fight to keep him from walking away.

[Syravari Elik]

Having lost himself in the moment, the pirate nearly didn't notice her reaction to the interruption, though as everything stopped he immediately turned, keeping her in his embrace as it was evident that Nallia wasn't letting him go, and glared at the two crewmen in the doorway.

"Sorry, boss," Tomas raised his right hand defensively and moved back, shoving Eddie out as well, then shut the door once more.

Sighing, he turned to eye the newfound love in his arms and though every fiber of his being wanted to take her right here, he knew that shouldn't be the way as his mother's voice echoed in his mind. "Treat a woman like a lady and she'll be yours forever."

Grinning, he eased back a bit, though still keeping her in his arms. "Should probably take this elsewhere," he suggested, though seeking her approval and hoped that she understood what he was referring to as steel-blue eyes searched for something in her face and eyes that Nallia was needing the same things he was.

[Nallia Oberon]

As Syra turned his glare on the interlopers, she didn't realize a soft growl had fallen from her lips. The possessive side of her rearing its ugly head in that split second. Syra would probably be the only one who heard it, but the flare of her eyes was still present as he turned back to her. The desire as plain on her face as the blush on her cheeks.


She was unable to talk a moment and merely nodded. She opened her mouth to speak and a soft whimper came out. She swallowed hard and bit her lip. Composing herself, she looked down at his chest and nodded. She got the courage and looked up in his eyes, “I'd like that...please...” The last word falling almost as a plea. She would have agreed to anything to feel his hands strong on her once more, his lips forcing the breath from her lungs in a feeling that mixed dying and living into a single moment. She had no idea what was happening, only that she didn't want it to stop.


She let her nails release his skin taking note of the small red half moons on the flesh where she had pressed. She didn't know what possessed her. Her lips bent to lay a kiss on the side where it was worst. Syra was a wild animal. A creature she couldn't dream of truly possessing, but even if just for this moment, she wanted him in the ways she had dreamt of in the moments when the moon of some planet had shone through the shuttle windows, or the sun beat down on a field of grass the first time she had seen it. Looking into his eyes once more, her finger lightly traced his temple as she watched the beast behind his eyes stir once more, mistaking it for his lust for her. Completely unaware what truly was within the man... or that it was for her completely.

[Syravari Elik]

Dinner and the meeting would all wait as he took her to his private suite, the lavishly decorated room one more of opulence than utility and during those next few hours, he explored all of her. Taking care that she may not have ever been with someone before, his initial exuberance for being with her steadily toned back. Ecstasy that eventually moved to the large bathroom and a much needed shower which he continued tending to his new companion, washing her and eventually making their way back to the bed which had been changed by the pair of maid droids that normally tended to their master's room.

In the afterglow, he lay on his back, left arm around her as his hand gently caressed her back. Nothing but the faint glow from the fireplace, he enjoyed her warmth and softness. Though he had never explored a relationship with anyone for more than a week or more, Syravari had a feeling that things were about to change.

[Nallia Oberon]

Despite her bodies desire to be devoured whole, to press on with the ferver Syra's kiss had ignited in her, her lover was more than patient and slow. His tenderness made her ride the crest of her first experience with no thought of pain, only pleasure. His own ecstasy culminating in the rise of them both with a crash she would have felt sure the whole ship heard, from her own lips at least. His own growl had been low and deep on her neck and had set off fireworks of their own in her again and again. Between her first, and their final, she had lost track of how many times he had risen her to heights, each higher than the last, only to smile in pleasure as she crested and exploded over the edge again and again.


Even the shower had shown her his attentions and talents went far beyond those of a mere smuggler and flirt. Languishing in the firelight afterwards, her body stretched along the length of his, she felt a contentment like she had never even known existed. Her body bent to the curves of his, her left leg lay over his as her hand lazily caressed his stomach. She kissed his chest then looked up at him with a face as flushed and bright as any lover on their first night. “I had no idea.” She smiled and reached to caress his cheek before looking back down and resting her cheek on his chest once more.


A small giggle shook her body. “This explains why Brannoc's threat of a kiss nearly sent you to slugging him.” She closed her eyes a moment as her body arched to his caresses once more. “Mmmmmmmm...I'm glad...” With a boldness grown in the last few hours, she propped herself up on her elbow and looked at him, her hand now still on his chest. “You know they are going to talk. What am I supposed to say? I mean, about this?” She seemed at a loss for what was going through her mind. “I mean, I know you are the only one I will ever be with, now. Until you don't want me, I mean.” It never occurred to her she had changed something deep inside him. She was just hoping whatever had prompted this would last a long time.


Laughing once more, a finger boldly moving to trace his lips. “And if this is the bribe for extra desserts and personal liquor service afterwards, then you have it most assuredly.” She laughed softly knowing it wasn't why he had done it and hoping he would understand she knew that. She was still curious about the look behind his eyes. But for now she was content with what they had shared. She hoped to learn more of this side of her boss very soon.

[Syravari Elik]

The crackling from the fire soon interrupted by her voice, he smiled as he turned his attention to her. Indeed, the first few girls he had been with in the past paled in comparison and he knew there was something much different about her. Tips of his fingers gently gliding down the curves of her lower back and hip, then back up again, he mused on what they would tell everyone else. Even though he was sure they already knew. "They know already anyway, so tell 'em whatever you want." Backlit by the orange glow, he admired her as they lay there. "Gonna have to move your stuff in here also," he suggested as emotions began roiling within him at her suggestion that he was a player. "I'm not into hit and runs," he shrugged. "Not anymore." Leaning in, he kissed her and backed, laying his head back upon the plush pillows.

Chuckling at her comment on meals and dessert, "No bribes here," he said, then sobered. "Nothing about this evening was for fun. I meant all of it, so get used to that." Though he wasn't sure he had the strength to go again, everything about tonight had been like a dream. "If you wanted something before we fell asleep, I can have one of the droids bring us up something."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was expecting a lot of things.The invite to move her things in there was not one of the things sheexpected. Propping herself back on her elbow, she looked at Syra ascrimson touched her cheeks. “Move... into here... with you?” Shehadn't expected that at all. “Are you sure?” She knew he was, butfor some reason, the surreal feeling was still washing over her. Howhad things ended up so good for her? it also occurred to her that all her possessions still fit into a single bag. There wasn't much to move anyway.


As his lips met hers to reiterate hisdesires, she laughed. “Well then, if no bribes, then no dessert.”She laughed and winked teasing him. Her own body didn't want to movebut as he spoke of them falling asleep again, she knew it wasn'tgoing to sate her to only take an hour nap. “What about themeeting? I can still go with you if you want me to.” She knew shewouldn't be much help if she had to run or fight, and that thoughtmade her laugh softly. “Ok, so I wouldn't be the greatest bodyguard right now, but if we need to see to business, I can manage it.”She wasn't going to let him go anywhere alone... not anymore. Notever again if she could help it.


When he offered her something from thedroids, she shook her head. “I have everything that matters, righthere.”

[Syravari Elik]

"I'll reschedule the meeting in the morning. It's not a formal thing anyway, just signing a few documents." Having her in the room with him and waking up to her every morning was exciting to him, even though he would never admit it to anyone else. "And yes, I'm sure about you moving up here with me. Wouldn't have offered otherwise."

Not as hungry as he thought he was, he turned toward her and relaxed, his strong arms around her as if afraid to let her go. Kissing her goodnight once more, he closed his eyes. "Sweet dreams, then." Holding her close, the warmth of being with her and encapsulated by the silk sheets and comfortable blanket, he could remain here forever as the pirate soon drifted off to dream.

[Nallia Oberon]

When he reassured her it was his desireto have to always close, and clearing up the worry of the meeting,she smiled and settled back into his embrace. His hand absentlyrubbing now and then over her skin sent her into perhaps the deepestand best sleep she had had since leaving the station and stowing awayon his ship.


How had she come from being an abusedtwit on a trade station to the lover of the man she molded her bodyto once more? She didn't know... and at this moment she didn't care.For the first time, sleeping in a bed was the most wonderful thing inthe world. “G'night, Syra....” She whispered as she drifted off.

[Syravari Elik]

Quietly rising later on that morning, Syravari did his best to remain as quiet as possible, letting Nallia sleep as long as she wanted. Admiring her as he dressed, the faint light from the tiny emergency lights over each doorway gave him just enough to see her slumbering form under the comforter. Stepping from his suite, he headed downstairs to find the others.

Entering the kitchen, he grabbed a piece of fruit as the staff prepared lunch, glancing up to him as he stepped in. "Morning," he greeted briefly, noting their smiles. "No, Nallia won't be helping you anytime soon."

"Didn't think so," Veronica replied, grinning. "Did you wish something more than that," her blue eyes motioned to the fruit.

"Nah, this is fine for now. Have to get to that meeting shortly, so." Turning, he exited and left them to their rumor mongering and headed through the dining room and to his office. Within, he noticed Brannoc and Tomas going over the latest numbers, turning to him. "How we looking?"

"Hey boss," Brannoc greeted. "Thirty-seven's been put into that new account like you wanted. The rest is stored for now until you determine what we're going to do about the warehouse. I told that idiot that you'd be there this afternoon."

"Alright," he sighed, finishing the pear-shaped fruit and tossed the remainder into the trash reclamator.

Tomas smiled at the captain. "Nallia still going to be able to help out, or you keeping her up there for the duration?" Being criminals just like him, their attitude's were going to take some time to adapt to the new situation.

"No, she's part of us just like she's always been," he glared at the pilot. "Hands off or I'll cut them off. Understood?"

"Already figured."

"Boss," Brannoc interjected. "Everyone already knew what was going on since you were kidnapped. She was desperate, so there was no way anyone else was going to be hooking up with her. And I told everyone that if they tried pushing the issue, you'd kill us all."

Syravari smiled at his loadmaster and gunner. "Damn straight."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia woke and stretched in thelanguid way that cats stretch after being curled up. Her body achedin places she hadn't imagined. But it was a pleasant feeling, like agood work out where you pushed your muscles and knew the resultswould be worth it. “Syravari?” She called out as she sat up andpulled the sheet around her. It seemed silly to cover herself afterwhat they had done the night before, but she couldn't help it.


When she didn't hear his response, sheguessed he had gone to eat and see to the meeting they had put offthe night before. She felt a bit bad that she had been the reason hehad missed the meeting. But she told herself that Syra wouldn't havedone anything he hadn't wanted and she should put it out of her mind.


It was good to be back on the Grosettoas she moved about the room gathering up her clothes from theirpassionate strewing of the bits of material that evening. She washedher face, ran her fingers thru her tussled hair and then gave up andtwisted it into a knot. Moving to the kitchen she smiled as Veronicasquealed and came to hug her. “Oh we missed you, little minx,”she said and set Nallia down with a cup of juice and made her sometoast. “When the boss said we were coming to get you, we allcheered. Even Brannoc had sworn to come fetch ya if Syra hadn't. Sonever think one minute we had abandoned you, little bit.” Shelaughed.


Nallia smiled. “Thank you, Veronica.I had hoped, but I admit I worried. I mean, I know WHY you did it, Iguess. But it doesn't matter, I am here now.” She sipped the juiceand ate the toast obediently. “We need to see if there is anythingwe need supply wise before we go. I know how much Syra likes thosesteaks. I know the kitchen has some because I helped place the lastorder.” She laughed and winked. “Some things are good to know andwhat customers liked to eat was one of them.”


Veronica shook her head and clucked hertongue. “Here you go, already trying to move back into the kitchen.Never you mind about that. Brannoc and the Boss have seen to thereplenishments already. And you have better things to do than hoverin this hovel of a kitchen anyway.” The woman's wink sent Nallia'scheeks to blushing so hard she covered them with her hands.


“VERONICA!” She cried helplessly asshe giggled. “Nothing has changed, honest.” But she knew thatwasn't true either. Everything had changed.


The two exchanged pleasantries a momentmore as Nallia finally finished her toast and juice and was told Syrawas probably in his office. Nallia hugged the woman once more, toldher she'd be back to help with dinner despite the protests, andlaughed heading for Syra's office.


Nallia finally arrived at Syra'soffice. The door was open and the three men were pouring over commpads and talking about credits and such. She coughed and tapped thedoor. “Morning all.” She smiled to the other men and nodded. “Hi,Brannoc. And Tomas, good to see you again.” She finally looked atSyra and the look on her face was plain as day. “Good morning,Syra.” She lit up seeing him there as images of him over her andbeneath her flitted through her mind. “What do you want me workingon today, Boss?” She smiled as she assumed everything else wouldjust go on as it always had. She had no real idea just how muchthings had changed.

[Syravari Elik]

Glancing over their budget, his eyes immediately snapped to the door as Nallia stepped in, a smile arcing on his face without thought and he reached out with his left hand to her as she entered. "Meeting's been pushed to this afternoon, so we can leave here in a bit," he informed, kissing her.

Brannoc rose as he closed out the file and moved around them, "Good to have you back, Nalli." Passing them, he motioned for Tomas to follow, but the pilot reluctantly did so as he admired the female among them.

Once they were gone, Syravari moved to his highbacked, leather chair and pulled her with him into his lap, then clicked to the file they had just been observing. Pages of numbers and names scrolled down the last page to the final half. "This is our working budget, names of contacts for merchants and buyers that fence our things," he stated, his left hand upon her hip and enjoying her nearness more than the subject right now. "We're still gaining ground here on Cloud City, so the ones that we're dealing with so far is selective. Most of them, hopefully, will be our customers once the casino and brothel are open."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia took Syra's hand expecting him to just want her at his side. When he tugged to pull her to his lap, she gasped and but back a laugh. One arm went around his neck as he kissed her and the greetings of the others was lost for a moment. She managed a hasty good bye as they departed then watched Syravari call up the list.

Without thinking, or asking, she leaned over and tapped the screen back a few names. "Be careful of this one, Syra." She pointed to one of the names. "He's a good man at the beginning, but if he sees you making enough that he can come up with an angle to get a cut from you, he'll purpose it." She frowned leaning back into his body realizing the lack of height she had next to him made no more difference now than it did in bed. She settled back smiling. "And if he thinks he's being jilted or treated unfairly, he can do some pretty horrible things."

She took a moment to tell him how the man thought he deserved a cut of the profits from the station years ago. Claimed they wouldn't be doing HALF their business if he wasn't spreading the word. When he didn't get what here wanted, lots of odd things began to happen. From shipments being shorted to kids going missing after his ship had been in dock. It had taken the Overseer going to the Hutts to make it stop. He'd never been seen at the station again.

She pointed to one or two others that were going to be good choices cause of their connections.

"Those are the only ones that stick out." She finished and looked to see what he was thinking.

[Syravari Elik]

Putting an asterisk next to both names, he knew now that it was a great thing that they had found one another again. "I don't trust any of our contacts initially, even when we've known each other a while. Most of these guys that we deal with are criminals, so that goes without saying." He mused on the life that he was asking her to be a part of now and knew there were a lot of things that she needed to learn, beyond the business side of things. "Which means that you're going to have to learn how to defend yourself." Steel-blue eyes looked up to her. "Not too late to make a run for it," he grinned, hoping that she wouldn't and assumed that his concerns were unwarranted. He had seen this look before and knew she was hooked now, but it still felt odd to assume things right now.

Growing up in a brothel was starting to pay off, it seemed.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed, "Honor among thieves, but not trust."
When she hard him ask about staying, she nodded. "You don't think I'd run, do you? I just got you back."

Realizing what she said, she blushed and nodded. "And I guess by 'defending myself' you mean fighting?"

The idea of actually learning to fight wasn't as scary as some things in her life. She could already kick, bite and claw with the best of them. But something told her if she were up against anyone with half a brain, it wouldn't be enough.

"What do you want me to learn? And who's gonna teach me?" She knew that if it were serious, Syra wouldn't think twice about dumping her with someone for a couple weeks to learn what she needed. Despite being his lover, she had a feeling the ship and crew as a whole were sill his primary concerns. And she was a weak link right now.

She just didn't realize she was 'his' weak link, as much as he was hers.

[Syravari Elik]

"Once we get back from the meeting I can start training you how to shoot. Rather you know that first," he stated, knowing firing a blaster was typically the easiest and quickest skill to pick up. "Might come in handy here and I know for a fact it will once we leave and get back to work." Sniffing, he glanced again to the computer screen as it's random symbology rotated quietly. "There's a firing range up a level so we can start there. I don't have anything here aboard that would suffice, and I'd rather most of my crew know how already, but," he shrugged, returning his attention back to her again. "Don't worry about it, we'll get you situated before you get into any firefight."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia nearly laughed when Syramentioned her learning to fire a pistol. “You really are desperate,aren't you?” But she knew he was right. If she couldn't helpprotect him and the ship, then staying in the galley was her onlyoption. And that didn't sit right with her.


Despite her anxiety at firing a weapon,she knew her new lover wouldn't steer her wrong. Nodding as sheglanced at the screen after him, she turned back to smile. “I willbecome the best shot you know.” She assured him. It might take awhile, but she would make sure every lesson he taught her she wouldtake seriously and excel at. How else would she be able to help thosewho couldn't help themselves.


How could she help Syra, Brannoc andthe rest, then she wasn't really worth the rescuing was she?


“Is there anything I need to knowabout this guy we are meeting this afternoon? I don't have to sitwith you while you talk business, unless you want me there. So longas I can keep an eye on you,” she winked and set her hand on hischest, “then I will be content with that.” She knew it would be aslow process, being allowed information and learning the ropes. Butthe fact he was willing to let her tag along, though she sensed itwas partially because he didn't trust the others not to give hergrief about their new relationship, was a big step. Something shewouldn't have imagined in the Syra she knew a month ago.


She wondered what really happened tohim to cause such a change.

[Syravari Elik]

"If you're going with me, then you'll be sitting next to me. Devon's got at least four with him at all times, so Brannoc and Eddie will be there with us just in case. This guy's not going to pass up on money and we've already established that the casino's going to draw a lot of business that he may be able to help cash in on with shipments of various types of rare alcohol and things like that. He blows this and he's ass out as well," his demeanor sobered as he glanced toward the door on the opposite side of the room. "Then I'd have to kill him and take the warehouse anyway."

Glancing at his chronometer, he knew they should probably get going so patted her on the hip and thigh with the left hand that hadn't left yet. "Come on, let's get the guys and get this over with." Rising after her, he followed to the entryway and tapped on the comm panel to the left of the door. "Brannoc, you and Eddie meet us at the ramp."

"Be right there," Brannoc's signature voice replied.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was glad she wouldn't be theonly one at his side. She bit back a squeals as he slapped her hip,unable to reach her backside. Laughing as she kissed him she rose andfollowed him as they left.


A thought struck her as they wereheading down the hallway to meet the others. “Just curious... wouldyou consider letting him use the Casino as a place to ship elsewherefrom? You may get a tighter hold if you offer to be a small waystation for him. Being able to cut one more station out of his stopsmay not only make him more eager to join and behave, but give youextra leverage if he starts to sour. And knowing who HIS customersare, because of them coming there, would also give you an additionbusiness base to draw from as you grow.”


As they rounded the final corner andsaw the others, she finished. “If you are just another purchaser,you have no leg to stand on other than his lost money if he tries topull out on a cranky day.” She paused to wave to the others smilingand continued. “But if you are a station point, then he couldn'tjust pull his business without losing more than just his cut at thecasino.” She knew it made sense in her mind, she just hoped it didcoming out of her mouth. “The Overseers liked that most about beinga switching station as well as resupply. If someone got ornery, theycouldn't just pull out. If they did they also lost all the businessthat picked their goods up from the station. Wasn't sure if somethinglike that was a consideration. Just a thought.” She grabbed herleather jacket from the hook at the entry to the bay slid her bootknife out setting it on the shelf. She didn't trust the station tonot 'lose it' and no weapons were allowed. Seemed easier to justleast it on the ship.

[Syravari Elik]

Listening to her ideas, he was pleased that she wasn't just a great cook and pretty face as they headed for the main lobby aboard his yacht. Nodding, "Good idea. May have to put you in charge of finance once we get things going, and help me with the business side of things," he motioned to Brannoc and Eddie as they approached the two pirates. "They have no clue."

Brannoc smiled wryly, "Yeah, yeah".

Armed and ready, they left the Grosetto and headed into the deeper parts of Cloud City's underbelly. The eventual address of his new casino which lay on one of the main thoroughfares and Syravari was excited about all the ideas that he had in mind for the business. Hopefully Molly would help with the brothel side of the business and with that, just a few more key people to find and hire to keep an eye on things while they were away on the main moneymaker. As they approached the warehouse district, he became quieter as steel-blue eyes scanned alleys and those hanging around a maroon colored speeder in the avenue, brightened by the overhead lights and luma lamps on the fronts of each large building to either side. Soon, he noticed Devon who straightened and took in the entourage with the pirate and slaver. "Showtime," Syravari stated.

[Nallia Oberon]

The brunette laughed as Syra mentioned putting her in charge of finance. "I don't know about that!" She laughed. "I know a thing or two about people, that's all. You learn a lot when folks treat you like you are invisible. But I don't know anything about keeping books or payroll." She knew she could help, but even she wouldn't get ahead of herself and pretend she could handle anything he tossed at her.

As they joined up with the others, she smiled and nodded. Brannoc looked from her to Syra and back again. His smile grew brighter and he merely nodded before falling into step with the group. "'Bout time..." he muttered and coughed as Nallia frowned at him.

Nallia had grown up shuddering in the face of the type of men they were approaching. But even as she felt that side of her rising to the surface, she glanced sideways as Syravari. She was to he a partner, and lover, to the man then she had to straighten up and pretend they were the type of men she dealt with every day. Cloud City was enough like a station to not intimidate the space girl, but still open enough to make her realize that her upbringing had been lacking and the worlds and galaxies around her were full of wonder.

As Syra mentioned Showtime, the girl settled her shoulders square and kept just behind and to his left. Brannoc was behind and right and Eddie brought up the back of the diamond shaped entourage.

[Syravari Elik]

"Was hoping you'd make it," Devon greeted, glancing to the pair of gunmen, then to the young woman with them, smiling. "Damn, you sure know how to pick 'em," the mercenary's gaze returned to the slaver. "She have a sister, or you up for sharing?"

Not amused in the least, "No and no," his tone more than evident and Syravari was finding how much easier it was to get to that point now, having shared his most intimate moments recently with Nallia. "Let's just get down to business. How's that?"

"Okay," Devon grinned, nodding. Turning, he motioned to the datapad laying on the hood of his speeder and picked it up, handing it to the new owner. "Everything's there, just sign and date on the bottom." His hands lowered to his sides, continuing to eye Nallia as Syravari began reading.

Brannoc and Eddie keeping an eye on the others in attendance, not all of them males, Syravari noticed how both of his men stepped to either side a bit, keeping better angles on the other group. Perusing the main points of the contract, he knew the previous owner was going to try and get everything he could for the property, but money wasn't an issue right now and Syravari knew he was going to make more than enough in the first year to cover it. Removing the stylus on the side, he began signing his name and then dated the entry and once done, took out his own comlink and inserted it into the small slot on the top right corner, gaining a copy of the contract. Now that the formalities were completed, he retrieved his comlink and slipped the slender, white device into his jacket and handed the datapad back to Devon.

Glancing over the signature, the mercenary then handed him the passcard to the locked building. "Looking forward to this place," he stated, handing the datapad back to his Twi'lek associate. "Heard you're going to have a brothel as well," he smiled, eyeing Nallia up and down. "Going to make a ton."

"That's the plan," he replied, knowing they were all going to look, but touching was another matter entirely. "See ya around."

"Yep," Devon winked at Nallia.

[Nallia Oberon]

It took every ounce of self control tonot want to take a swing at the man who propositioned her thru Syra.But as Syra's negative responses sounded loud and clear, withabsolutely no room for misunderstanding, she settled for tighteningher fists and remaining a bit more behind him as Eddie stepped to herleft to cover them all a little better should trouble ensue.


When everything was said and done, shewatched her lover slip the data stick into his pocket and she halfturned to go. Unfortunately it wasn't quick enough to miss the winkthe man gave her. Without thinking, she muttered under her breath asshe turned, “Not a chance...” She then bit her lip and hoped noone heard her. It wasn't her intention to start trouble, and shehoped it wasn't going to happen by accident. With her back to thebusinessmen, she scanned behind them to make sure no one was movingin at some silent order given by the stranger.

[Syravari Elik]

Devon chuckled as Syravari and his pair of gunmen turned to leave, "Definitely like her spirit," he complimented sarcastically. "Might wanna keep a tighter leash on her before she gets into trouble."

Not appreciating the stab, the pirate and slaver's eyes narrowed through the dark glasses that he wore. "Worry about yourself," he warned. A statement that garnered more than one sneer and move toward a weapon, though none drew. Smartly. Continuing on now that the veiled threat had gone unanswered, Syravari kept Nallia close and in front of him as they moved, waiting for that signature sound of a weapon sliding from a holster, but none came as the quartet soon disappeared into the crowded walk.

"Want me to pay him a visit later," Brannoc inquired, stone faced.

"Nah," Syravari replied, right hand on Nallia's right shoulder. "He makes a move, I'll do it myself."

Nodding lightly, as if disappointed, they headed for the nearest turbolift cluster and soon left that lower suburb, heading back to the ship.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia apologized as they reached thelift's upper destination. Syra's dismissal of it eased her mind alittle, but she also knew she would have to learn to bite her tongueor one day they wouldn't get so lucky.


With Syra's hand on her shoulder, shefelt better and let her pace match his as she moved closer. Back atthe ship, she watched the others go off to do their thing. Turning toSyra, she laughed. “Guess I will go see to making sure yourfavorite steak is on board for dinner.” She rose and kissed hischeek. “Can't have the celebration dinner on slop.”


Before he could stop her to say thatwasn't her job anymore, she ran off, tossing her jacket onto the hookand grabbing her knife off the shelf to shove back in her bootmidstride.