The Beast Within [Nallia]

[Syravari Elik]

Steel-blue eyes surveyed the interior of the new casino he had spent a ton on renovating knowing that this new venture was going to make him many more tons eventually. Not only had the pirate risen above the streets of Ord Cestus and through the ranks of other pirate families back home, but he had made enough money on his businesses to now start another one. Two managers had been roped into the enterprise and he could say that at least Molly was one that he trusted. He had grown up around women like her and knew all too well that they would always be trusted to do what was best for them, which in this case meant what was best for him. She would keep an eye on Mory, the one overseeing the casino as their mutual success depended on one another. That and he would kill either of them if they screwed this up.

"Sir," Mory interrupted from his left. "I got a band lined up for the opening and think they'll set the right tone for this place," the middle aged human grinned.

"Type of music?"

"More mood setting than some of the noise makers that came in here to audition," he explained, arms crossed as a stream of aliens of various types carried in the chairs to the tables already placed.

Nodding, Syravari continued studying everything all at once, the chandeliers, carpet, bar on the far wall, booths around the outside of the room for dining as well as the bandstand in the near corner and dance floor that fronted it. Everything shining and new. "Keep it along that style, gamblers don't need to be distracted from losing all their money."

"That and some really expensive alcohol and gorgeous serving girls."

Glancing to the casino's manager, he grinned. Twi'lek, Zeltron and several human females had already been lined up for the jobs as well as several bartenders. The cooking staff wouldn't be seen, so the choices weren't near as strict, beyond being able to cook fantastic meals. "Looking forward to many years of success out of this place."

"So am I," he nodded. Relaxing, the well dressed manager pat Syravari on the left arm, and smiled. "Don't worry, this place's in good hands."

Amusement melting with the presumptuous pat on the arm, the middle aged pirate nodded again. "Better be."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia sat in the small office off theback of the main casino area. Syra had wanted her familiar with thebooks on this end. She had settled down to the accounting booksdespite a slight frown she noticed on the other man's face as he tookSyravari on a tour of the club as it was set up.


She had been impressed with the booksat first glance. The projected profits were incredible and the priceshe was getting some of the items for the club were, in her opinion,at a really good price. She was about ready to log out and tell Syraeverything looked good when something caught her eye. A frown creasedher brow.


Grabbing out her personal comm stick,she jacked it to the side of the console, downloaded the copy ofbooks, and pulled it out. There were things she needed to check outbefore telling Syra her suspicions. She was good with numbers,excellent with the prices things 'should' be, and knew what the clubwould take to open. But what she wasn't familiar with were prices anditems in this section of space.


Heading into the main room, she saw theman pat Syra's arm and bit her lip. If he was lucky, he'd still bewhole and intact at the end of the day. Syra hated being touched byanyone he didn't invite such things from. When Syra responded towhatever it was the manager said, she came up beside him smiling asif nothing was wrong. “Boss... everything looks good. The projectedprofits are pretty impressive.” She acted like nothing was wrongand couldn't think of a valid reason to pull Syra away from theinspection of the place he had barely started. So she stood besidehim, smile on her face, like a good crewmember.

[Syravari Elik]

Seeing Nallia approach, Syravari put his arm around her waist and nodded, grinning at her report. Mory eyed the brunette and admired the female on the pirate's arm, though instead of commenting walked away. Smartly. "Yeah," steel-blue eyes glanced to Mory's back and then to his girlfriend. "Be happier once those become reality and in our account," he stated, his voice low as if a secret that he didn't wish anyone else to know. Scanning the casino's interior again, "We'll stay another day or two, got some meetings to set up with the powers that be." His quieter, peaceful demeanor now that she was around fading quickly. "Ensure that their cut won't break us," he chafed, turning his attention back to her again.

Background noise of activity kept their conversation private for the most part. "Why don't you grab Bethany and the girls and do some shopping finally. Fashion on Ord Cestus is a bit different, so."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia felt Syra's possessiveness mark her in Mory's eyes as the man smiled then turned to go. He had watched her approach, her body feeling his covert gaze, and it had made her skin crawl. Grateful her man had once more put the stamp of denial on any thought the man may have had, she smiled up at him. "The profits will be ours, for sure." She said.

As he spoke of her shopping, she was elated. Not because the idea of seeking out clothes to show off in made her happy, but it gave her a chance to see to the things she needed to. But then he mentioned grabbing the others and she bit her lip. "Dress differently? How so?" She didn't want to have to make excuses to slip away from the women, so she quickly turned to face him, her hand resting on his chest as she looked up at him. "I want to surprise you on my own. Tell me what would be a good place to go where someone can help. Or perhaps just tell me what kinds of things I need to get. I promise to spend some of my credits." She laughed knowing he would have doubts on that score. She could probably tick off one her fingers the amount of credits she had spent since being given the chance to do so.

"Please, Syra... let me do this for you?" She smiled her best smile and rose on tip toes to kiss him lightly hoping the coercion would work.

[Syravari Elik]

Smiling, he kissed her in return. "Whatever you want, just thought it would be good to keep one of them around. Especially once word gets out that you're with me. I haven't made any enemies yet, but," he shrugged and took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, now scanning those delivering furniture and other items to the kitchen and bar. "I know there's a large shop not far from here," he began, looking back down to her. "Couple blocks at most. Only thing about my family and where I'm from is their clothes have more red and gold in them. That's it." Chuckling lightly, "They can be a bit ostentatious during parties and such, so. Girls keep the sexy on too," his brow wagged as he smiled.

Ord Cestus was going to be a culture shock for Nallia he knew. A world of pirates who had a long tradition at that profession.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia hummed contentedly at the kiss and listened as he spoke of her being safe. "I'll be safe, I promise, Syra. I have my blades on me and I am sure my scream will echo halfway round the city if needs be." She laughed. "I will be fine this short time. I promise to take the girls later and do a longer trip. Maybe even by some carmine for my lips." She pouted and batted her eyes. She couldn't see herself made up like some girls she had seen, but she wondered if she would get a chance to 'clean up' as Bethany had mentioned when they spoke of shopping last night.

She cupped his cheek gently then turned to go. "You have deliveries I imagine. Make sure he only got 100 chairs in the imported steel. It's expensive and a good way to cap on some funds." She winked to him and moved off thru the doors to the promenade.

**
Less than half an hour later, the opposite direction of the clothing shop Syravari had recommended, she was two doors down from the club in an open market that sold beverages of a 'harder to obtain nature'. She was browsing, making comments here and there to various people about the best ways to tell if something was worth it. She wanted the proprietor to know she wasn't just some kid, she knew her business. She wanted to see what she could learn about the three cases of nearly impossible to procure liquor the manager had managed to acquire and why such a high price. True, it was nearly impossible. But three cases meant a supplier. And a supplier meant lesser costs. She knew what it costs the station she grew up on, and this was nearly twice as much. Something told her it wasn't right.

"Can I help you, young lady?" A voice at her back said as she took a sample sip of a fruit concoction that did nothing for her desire to want more, despite its bright purple coloring. She plastered a sweet smile on her lips and turned.

"Ahh, perhaps you can. Are you the owner?" She asked with a more grown up demeanor than anyone on the ship would recognize from her.

"Proprietor, yes, Ma'am. Would you like to purchase this beautiful bottle?" He gestured to the purple drink and smiled with liquid sweetness that had her aching for a shower. His eyes roamed down and up her form as if already trying to figure out how much of her was real, and how much was the material she wore. His eyes also glanced through the local area to see if she were with someone.

"Actually, I'm here about the Palatial Bubbly." She smiled with equal sweetness as she watched his features falter a moment. "A friend of mine is acquiring three cases from you. I have it on good faith I can get one at the same price, with perhaps a standing order of half a dozen several times a cycle should it prove to be the genuine... bubble." She said the last word as she tapped his nose teasing. As long as she remained in public she was safe. No one would think to harm her amongst those gathered. This was a seedy place, but everyone pretended to be respectable, for the tourists.

"I..." the man had been about to protest when he realized he was cornered. The only three case deal he had made was to Morey. And the man had assured him regular orders for the club with a split from the profits of the ridiculous price the manager planned to sell each glass for. Morey had also told him he was padding the bill to the boss and they'd split that as well. So Johan had been more than happy to make receipts with Morey's altered price on the sheets. But if Morey had sent this woman, than the real price was what she was seeking. And a regular standing order like she promised... his jaw began to drool at the thought. "I believe I have just what you desire. Come this way." He lead her too the counter and pulled a small locked case from beneath it.

Nallia moved to follow him, hoping he wouldn't go into the back behind the curtain. She was grateful when he stopped at the counter and procured a box from beneath it. She listened to him give province on the bubbly as he opened it with a small key from the ring on his waist. She nodded and ood and aaahd at the appropriate times as he poured her a glass and offered it to her. She had only tasted it once, a small reward from a shipper she had helped get a deal for long ago. But she never forgot the taste. Sipping it now, able to appreciate it more, she smiled with appreciation. "It's magnificent, Sir. If you will be so kind as to name your price, I will be happy to make the order this afternoon and bring you the credits to make the sale before the night is out." If the price was the same, she would be stuck, but knew they could still make a killing on the sale in the club, and perhaps take some to use as barter on the Grosetto as well.

When the man named a price a bit more than half what the billing had read, she was grateful she wasn't taking a sip. The mark up from Morey, or this guy, was ridiculous. "Are you sure that's the right price?" She smiled sweetly wondering just how bad the mark up really was.

Johan smiled. Morey must have told her the real price. He named the real price and was glad when the woman stuck out her hand to seal the deal. "I shall have the sales slips waiting when you return, Ma'am." He said as he shook her hand and watched her move away.

"Thank you, Sir. I shall return shortly. Thank you again for being so honest. I look forward to dealing with you again soon." She smiled and turned to head back to tell Syravari how bad the manager had lied.

As the woman left the stall, Johan tapped out his comm and was nearly dancing with joy. "Morey... wanted to thank you for sending the young woman. Her orders will make the shipments here even cheaper because of the volume. Your mark up just went up another ten percent."

**

In the bar, Morey was beside Syra when the comm came in. "Woman? What woman?" He asked and frowned. As Johan described the young slip of a thing he had seen with Syra, he glanced at the man, excused himself saying it was a personal call and stepped a few paces away. "Catch her, you fool! She is the bosses, dame! She'll blow the whole thing. Gods ... I'll be there soon as he leaves." He swiftly turned off the comm as he heard Johan calling to the woman.

**
As Nallia was waiting for bodies to pass to move back across the promenade, Johan came back. "Miss, please... forgive me. I wish to show you one more thing your young man purchased I think you will like as well. The price is amazingly low." He named off another drink at nearly a quarter what the billing had been. Peaking her interest, Nallia turned back to see what it was. With one drink, she had a no good manager, with two... she had a thief. But just as she reached the counter, a man stepped from behind the curtain and grabbed her. A scream high pitched and shrill rose just before her mouth was covered and she was dragged behind the curtain.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari smiled at the suggested touches that would only make the woman he had fallen for more enticing and attractive. Being a prestige point with his family back home, he knew the more attractive she was when she was being introduced, the more they would admire him, regardless of how he had left Ord Cestus. He watched her leave, admiring her curves and sway as she walked until Nallia disappeared through the entryway. Sighing, he turned his attention back to the casino's preparations and walked among the workers, heading to the kitchen and passing the bar. Shapely females passing him, smiling as they recognized their boss and gaining the same in return, though his attraction to them was on a different level than they may be hoping. He was still a guy.

Entering the kitchen, the lead chef busily went over his inventory of vegetables and other stock. Knowing how Nallia and the girls inventoried things aboard the Grosetto, he recognized the same attention to detail. "You getting everything you need," he inquired, gaining the older man's attention.

"Yes," the tall, bald human replied and returned his eyes to the datapad. "So far anyway."

"If you have any issues, don't hesitate to let us know."

Chuckling, Samuel glanced to him again. "If this ass doesn't deliver what I ordered, he's out and I call someone else."

Syravari smiled at the reply and nodded. He knew he liked this guy for a reason. Lingering a few moments, he turned and headed back out and slowed as he neared the bar's edge. Alcohol was another important issue that Mory seemed to have under control and he had seen some of the name brands on the list, recognizing a few of them. "We able to get any bottles of the Manzarene Gold?"

Mory and the bartender glanced to him, the manager shook his head. "Not yet, but we're on the list. Should arrive in a week or two," he smirked. "That stuff's not easy to get."

Leaning on the polished wood, the pirate knew he had two bottles aboard his yacht, though didn't need to mention that. "The highrollers are going to want some, eventually. This place's going to attract crimelords and others who love drinking the most expensive stuff they can get."

"I know," Mory grinned. "Been living here a while now, so."

Syravari turned his attention to the ebon haired human female as she tended and arranged her bar as Mory then received a call on his comlink, then gained the pirate's attention as he seemed concerned about something, then soon after disappeared. Only keeping Syravari's attention momentarily, the slaver then noticed Braddon enter the casino and make his way to Syravari. "What's up?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Morey was furious. The young woman would ruin everything! Coming back in the room her smiled. "Sorry...supply issues. I'll see to it about the 'Manzarene Gold'. Did get couple cases of 'Palatial Bubbly', though." The manager made a more about the drink in his comm pad.

When the stranger walked in, Morey held his breath. While remaining calm he watched the two interact hoping the boss had to leave. He needed to get across the way to deal with the little slip of a girl. Things happened to pretty young things alone on Cloud City. He'd just have to make sure to have plenty of drink to console the boss on his loss.

**
Braddon waited till Syra acknowledged him then slid a small ear comm in his hand. "Brannoc said to find you. Something wrong with the directional system?"

The young man had been told to seek out the boss asap and give him the comm. When Syravari slipped it in his ear and tapped out on, Brannoc's voice recording would come across loud and clear.

"Hey, boss...I'm hoping you sent her with an escort, but the little nexu's tracker has her in slugger alley heading away from the club. I'm tracking but need to know everything's cool." While the man wasn't panicked, it was clear from his voice he wasn't happy on the recording. He was trusting Syra was aware, by that didn't mean 'he' approved.

[Syravari Elik]

Listening to the recording, Syravari straightened with alarm. What was she doing in an alley, he mused concernedly? His blood went cold and immediately he pushed around Braddon and headed for the main entrance, ignoring everyone else, with Braddon on his heels. Pushing the door open, the pirate stepped out into the busy thoroughfare, foot traffic and speeders passing him in either direction. Glances his way were ignored as the tall, well built business owner turned left and headed for the alley. She was supposed to head to the clothier in the opposite direction, he recounted. Anger that she may be in trouble and frustration in her independence roiled through his mind as he meandered through human and alien alike.

"Boss," Braddon interrupted from behind and to his left. "You want me to call the guys?"

"They won't reach us in time," Syravari replied, edge to his voice. "If she is in trouble, these assholes are going to have to deal with me."

Without replying, the mechanic and hired gun just quietly nodded having seen Syravari in this mood before. Once reaching the alley that Brannoc had mentioned, steel-blue eyes scanned it's many hiding places as he slowly entered. Being three stories high, fire escapes and windows abounded as well as trash reclamator's along it's length on the paved alleyway. A single, small speeder parked within a small alcove, facing them, gave him a moment of pause as four individuals worked at the back of it, loading something from a storeroom behind.

Unbeknownst to the concerned pirate, Braddon had called for backup anyway.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia woke up in the back of a ship of some kind. She could feel the power of the engines but they were in idle. Her head felt fuzzy and get mouth was dry. Moving to roll over, she cried out realizing her arms were bound behind her.

Suddenly a face appeared. "Woke up, finally, didja? Good. We'll bre leaning shortly. Need to load a free things. Hadn't planned on leaving till morning but," he shrugged, "ya had to be nosy. Btw, space is cold." He laughed and came in pulling a blanket of a nearby crate. "Can't say I was completely ungentleman like." Covering her he turned and laughed as he left.

It was then Nallia realized her clothes were gone. Probably to keep scenters from finding her. Squirming against hey bonds she realized they were one way cargo ties. They were meant to ratchet tighter but not come loose.

Looking around at her predicament she tried to clear her mind enough to figure a way out.

Realizing all the commotion was to her feet and it the door, she looked to the other side of the room and saw another door. Maybe it led to a hall as well. Slowly she began working her arms down her back hoping to get her get thru so she'd be bookings in front and not behind.

***
Down the alley a small going lady came out of a doorway and moved to the speeder to help unload it. She was wearing Nallia's jacket, breaches and boots.

If Syra asks her, she just put them on. She got them at a shop down the way near the new casino. Gentleman there said she'd look great in them when she'd picked up six cases of Corellian Ale for her bar.

The description of the man matched the one he knew supplied the alcohol for the club.

[Syravari Elik]

As they moved up to the crew unloading the speeder, steel-blue eyes scanned for any clues that she was nearby and then Braddon pointed toward an older woman.

"Sir, that's Nallia's jacket."

Syravari stopped in his tracks, now taking in the shapely woman and knowing that she was wearing Nallia's clothing made him even more angry. Stalking toward her, "Hey," he shouted, gaining everyone's attention. "Where'd you get that jacket?"

Eyeing the tall, older man and his companion, three of the men went for weapons as the woman straightened, right hand caressing the blue cloth. "Johan gave it to me, said it looked good on me," she smiled. "You know him?"

It took a moment, but then the name clicked. "Where is he now?"

Pointing into the warehouse, her joy at the gift waned. "In his office."

Moving past them, Syravari stepped up to the loading dock with a swift leap and continued into the storehouse, purpose now in his steps. However, the farther he moved in passing crates of other supplies and vintages that he supplied to other bars and clubs, the more his blood pressure rose. The thought that Nallia could be kidnapped or worse didn't help matters either. Angry tears stung his eyes as adrenaline filled his body, wanting to tear this man limb from limb. And as he neared the open doorway to the office, their eyes met and Johan immediately jumped up from his chair, eyes wide. Going for his pistol, the liquor connoisseur didn't move fast enough as the pirate was on him, strong hands lifted the suited man and slammed him into the wall behind. Head bouncing, Johan tried to free himself.

"Where is she?!"

Wounded and head swimming, Johan's hands gripped Syravari's wrists. "I don't know!"

Dropping the smaller framed man, Syravari punched him in the gut, then fired a cross into his chin, dropping the man onto the tile floor. Before Johan could crawl away, Syravari's adrenaline filled body lifted him again by the collar, turned and slammed the man onto the desk, utensils and small items flying in all directions. "I'm only going to ask this once more. Where is she?!"

"Okay! Okay! She's aboard the Rikaya! They're leaving in about twenty minutes."

"What hangar," Syravari yelled, nearly seeing red now.

"Four-A. Lower level," Johan replied, nursing his head.

"Why was she on that ship to begin with," Braddon finally asked, equally pissed off.

"Nosing around where she didn't belong."

Syravari rose and moved to leave, face red with rage, letting the man think the information had saved his life, then quickdrew his pistol and fired into the man's chest. The report from the blaster echoed through the warehouse, leaving a neat, smoking hole in Johan's heart, his eyes wide in surprise as the pirates left him.

Now to stop a ship from leaving.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia finally managed to get her arms in front of her, but the way the ratchet cuffs bound her wrists, she was pretty sure she had messed up her shoulder but good. She then inched her way over to the opposite door and when the chance rose, she scooted around on her back, lifted her legs and used her heel to activate the door. Glancing behind her once more, she lowered her legs into the now exposed area and she scooted around to sit herself on the door frame to look through the door. It was another passageway out the back of the ship. Since they had taken her boots and jacket and jeans, leaving her in woolen leggings and a work tunic, she didn't have her knife. Looking around the room she had come from and the one she was in, she bit her lip trying to think of a way to at least release the ties on her ankles. They wouldn't break easily like rope. She would need something sharp.

The good thing about growing up on space stations, and seeing as many ships as she had, she recognized this kind almost immediately. Knowing there was an access panel nearby, she rose to her hands and knees, wrists still bound making the movement awkward, as inch by inch she moved towards the panel. Finally there, hands and knees nearly raw from the rough deck plates, she quickly undid the four corners and quietly lifted the panel off. The access area was too shallow for her legs but she set her wrists over the open panel's lower edge and rubbed till she managed to sever the cuffs on her hands. A bit of skin got left behind on the final motion leaving the outside edge of her hand raw and bleeding. She then used the panel itself like a giant saw and managed to cut through her leg bindings.

Able to stand, wrists and ankles raw from abuse, right shoulder not wanting to move much, she finally set the panel back, and rose to her feet. Peering around the next corner she watched and waited to count how many were loading and unloading the ship. Making sure the count and pacing was right, she made a run for it. She had gotten to the bottom of the ramp and was about to sprint across the hanger, then a shout went up behind her.

"She's here!" A voice hollered and she heard thudding beats as feet started converging on the ramp. Glancing back real quick to see her plight, she then bolted with the three men now close at her heels. If she could make it to the crowd, maybe she had a chance. "Get her! Johan wants her alive!" she heard at the same time an energy shot smacked a box to her left. Thanking the gods he was a lousy shot, she cradled her arm and put on a bit of speed. Just a few more meters....

[Syravari Elik]

After commandeering Johan's speeder, Syravari juked through traffic, narrowly avoiding crashing into others who no doubt would mark his vehicle for a future visit. The only thing he knew was he had to get to Nallia before she disappeared forever. A desperation that he hadn't felt in a very long time and with that past experience, knew that this time wasn't going to be like the last. Pushing the vehicle as fast as it would go, the engines whining in protest, steel-blue eyes soon noticed the sign for the hangar complex which prompted the pirate to slow, banking hard to the right as they both searched for the one that the Rikaya was parked in.

"There it is," Braddon stated, pointing to the large 4 A over the access doorway.


*********


Having gotten the call earlier, Brannoc, Tomas and Bodil raced to the hangar as well from the opposite direction and arrived only moments before their boss. Weapons out, the trio moved through the personnel entrance and sprinted through the wide, tall corridor toward the still unloading ship. As they reached the exit into the main hangar, they noticed a female running from the ship and being chased by three men, one of them brandishing a pistol. Without thought, the pirates fired into the chasing crewmembers. Taking up positions behind crates and a hoverlift, Brannoc hit the armed mercenary in the left arm, spinning the man around and watched him hit the floor. Surprised, the other two ducked and turned their eyes to the strangers in their hangar. Blaster bolts continued burning the air, wounding the other two men as they tried to dodge for cover, one of them catching a shot in the abdomen and pitching him into the side of a parked speeder.

Three attackers down, Brannoc soon heard the sound of more activity aboard the ship as the cargo ramp raised and the repulsor engines revved for takeoff. At least they wouldn't be leaving with Nallia, Brannoc mused.



*********


Hearing the blaster fire from the entrance only spurred Syravari and Braddon on, concerned now that they would be too late. Sprinting through the main hangar doors, both men brandished their pistols and moved along the left wall, keeping to cover as they moved until they could figure out how many assailants there were. The sound of the ship now preparing to leave, Syarvari's desperation became more pronounced as he saw the ramp rise. Pushing his legs as fast as they would go, he nearly didn't see Nallia as they almost ran into one another....

[Nallia Oberon]

Blaster fire shot past her ear, then someone behind her cried out and fell. Nallia covered her head and kept running as if her arms would protect her. Not realizing the ruckus was for her, she cried out when someone was suddenly in her way.

She fell to the ground from the impact and instinctively rolled to the side to get away from reaching arms. Scrambling to her feet, the young smuggler didn't look back to see who her assailant had been. With no idea that Syra's solid body had knocked her down, she bolted for the side of the hanger hoping to find way out. The rising pitch of the shuttle's revving engines, now extremely close, made her want to cover her ears and scream.

She stumbled, pushed off the plascrete to keep from going down completely and headed towards a pile of crates. Ten more yards and she could catch her breath.

[Syravari Elik]

Pitching sideways, Syravari nearly aimed and shot at the brunette out of instinct, then realized fairly quickly who it was. Sitting up as the freighter rose from the stained tarmac, it's landing gear retreating into the hull, "Nallia," he called out in disbelief. Chuckling, he pushed himself up and turned, moving toward the wall as the ship was escaping them for now. Steel-blue eyes turned toward his love as she sprinted for a collection of stacked crates near the doorway and pursued her, Braddon in tow.

Glancing back to his mechanic, "Find out who those other gunmen are."

Nodding, the armed ex-mercenary turned and then headed for the opposite side of the hangar as the ship then exited the hangar, banking and turning to port as it's sublight engines kicked in, pushing it away from Cloud City. Running up to the obviously frightened girl now cowering behind cover, Syravari holstered his weapon and crouched, arms out.

"Hey, it's me."

[Nallia Oberon]

With nothing in her hands but a small shard of metal, Nallia's instinct was to turn and slash, but there was something in the voice and as her hand rose it stopped midair and with eyes the size of saucers, she stared at Syra as if not quite able to believe it was him. "You're gone... they took you..." she whispered, then remembered he had been back a while. She wasn't escaping to find him, she was escaping to get back to him.

Slowly she lowered her hand, the metal still in her grip. There was a strength in her eyes he probably had never seen in her before. A survival mechanism nearly forgotten since being with him that had risen to the surface to serve her once more. A reminder she was no frail female. As her breath came in ragged exhales and inhales, she looked at him. "It's him... the manager. The deal with the high end booze was to scam from you up front, and then take profit off the back end as well." She knew the rage in the man before her, had seen it on more than one occasion. And even now, sitting there staring at arms she longed to be wrapped up in once more, she still wondered if he would yell at her for being reckless, foolish and putting herself in harm's way.

After several heartbeats, and seeing his eyes glance to her hand, she dropped the metal shard and sat crouched. Nallia's ponytail was half out, her hair a mess from moving around on the ragged deck plates of the shuttle and from the bag over her head before that. Her jumper was loose, two sizes too big for her slight frame, and her feet were bare on the cold floor. She crouched with her back to the wall, like a small animal about to flee. Her body was resting on the balls of her feet as she balanced with one hand on the plascrete between her legs, the empty one was now holding her steady against the nearest crates. As she fought desperately against tears of relief, the adrenalin no longer able to keep her tense, she whispered the only thing she could think of, "I had to be sure...."

[Syravari Elik]

Just glad that she was alright, his heart sank at the news that Mory had tried to double cross him already, and they hadn't even opened yet. "I'll deal with him later," the pirate stated, sighing. Dropping his arms, he instead moved to Nallia and picked her up, then wrapped her tightly in his arms. "You're safe now." Though it appeared that she ensured that on her own, he mused with interest. His head atop her own, he turned slightly. "How'd you get away from them?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was almost instantly grateful Syra had picked her up. The fatigue was beginning to overtake the adrenalin. "I opened panel the hall to use the edge to cut my straps. Then took piece from the cover that have easily to use as a weapon...and I ran." It sounded so simple in her mind. Saying it out loud seemed foolish.

Realizing she was barefoot in over sized coveralls she shuddered. "They must have taken my clothes to plant someplace else to lead you away."

Suddenly it dawned on her hee was really there. Lifting her head from his shoulder, her eyes narrowed slightly. "How did you find me? How long was I gone?" Because of being knocked out, the little hell cat had no idea if it had been hours or days since she'd left his side.

[Syravari Elik]

"Braddon recognized some old woman wearing your jacket, so we went into the warehouse and talked with the supplier. He told us where you were," he backed a bit and looked into her eyes. "Been about three hours now, I guess." The more he thought about what had happened, the more angry he became. Turning, the sound of approaching boots prompted the pirate to draw his pistol, then lowered it as he recognized his crew.

"There you are," Brannoc sighed as they slowed, grinning. "What the hell?"

"Nallia escaped them and now I have to talk to Mory," his voice growing deeper with the statement.

Nodding, all three of them realized what had happened as they turned their attention to Nallia. "You alright," Brannoc inquired as they approached.

[Nallia Oberon]

Still cradled protectively in Syria's embrace, Nallia nodded and smiled. "I'm ok, Brannoc....i promise." She knew there was more to what happened on their end, but she knew better than to ask.

Glancing up at Syra, she bit her lip a moment then spoke. "I want to get dressed and go with you to Mory. I know, now, what the bottles cost. I want to see the books first," she then grinned as a dark look filled her eyes n "And I want to see his face when I walk in. I need to know he's behind this."

When Syra had taken her to confront the Overseers and had offered the leader up to her, fear and shock then relief had lit her young eyes. The look in them now was anything but young. The rage, pain, and desire to destroy was as deeply set there as the soft color of her irises.

[Syravari Elik]

Not totally patient, Syravari glanced down to her and nodded quietly. "Let's go." Turning, he led her and the quartet of crewmembers from the hangar and out to the speeders. Sliding in, Braddon took the wheel and started the vehicle, turning it around and sped off. Still steaming over the attempt, Syravari's mind flashed with a host of ideas for how he was going to rid himself of Mory and not in a polite way either. Their ride quiet back to the apartment, followed by Brannoc as Brannoc took the other three to the casino.

"Going to make sure he doesn't leave," Brannoc stated over the comlink. "Don't worry, I won't approach him unless he moves to a door."

"Alright. We won't be far behind," Syravari's dark voice personified how angry he still was.

Soon, they arrived at the apartment and Syravari turned to the driver. "Keep it running."

Nodding, Braddon remained patient as their captain opened the door, and held it open for Nallia. Closing it once she exited, he followed her into the building and then upstairs.

[Nallia Oberon]

Grateful to not be carried upstairs, Nallia's adrenalin was rushing as much as her lover's. Because of his longer stride she was barely half a step inn front of him as she palmed the door. The bio lock recognizing her and allowing the door to woosh open.

Already stripping of the too large jumper as she strode across the small living space, she was soon in her room slipping on fresh denims and plowing thru her small bag for a t-shirt. Tears stung her eyes and it didn't take long for her arm to be damp with rubbing them off her cheeks.

If Syra followed her into the room, he'd find her topless and barefoot, bent over her bag, back to the door as she rifled thru her small duffle, oblivious to the two t-shirts already discarded on the bed from her roughness. Her voice slightly tear choked as she cursed herself for her stupidness, not really seeing what was in front of her.

[Syravari Elik]

His mind abuzz, Syravari paced into the living room as he did his best to keep his emotions in check, though that was becoming harder as the moments passed. Hearing clothing hitting the bed and floor, he glanced into the master bedroom and the sight of how upset she was only made him more angry. Shaking his head, the pirate moved into the room and took her up in his arms, holding her close. He had never let himself feel anything like this before for anyone, outside of his mother. Allowing himself to care beyond a mere acquaintance was a foreign concept to the streetwise criminal.

But, here he was tearing up along with her.

"It's going to be alright," he pushed out finally. Hands on her back and in her long hair, he pressed his cheek to hers. "I promise."

Sniffing, he was a bit reluctant to let her see him like this, feeling the burn of tears in his eyes and doing his best to keep them at bay.

[Nallia Oberon]

She stiffened as his arms turned her and pulled her close. Tears she had been fighting suddenly let go and she shook in his arms. "I'm sorry, Syravari. I should have told you. I shouldn't have done it." She shook her head and gripped the front of his shirt as his arms held her close.

As the man's words assured her, she felt his voice catch. Instead of looking up at him, she rested her cheek against his racing heart and closed her eyes. Something told her this was new for him...for them both.

Somehow just as she had learned to trust him, he had come to care for her. She had no idea how much, nor what it cost him. But she was smart enough to know that even being 'liked' this much by the smuggler was more than anyone else had been privileged with on a very long time.

She had no idea she was the first, nor that his fear was in more than almost losing a crewmember.

[Syravari Elik]

Holding her tight, he then eased as she apologized to him and his first instinct was to lash out and be angry at her for not saying anything, but he lost that inclination right afterward. He had made mistakes on his own, but she was still learning the ropes and the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to just remain here now and love her. Sighing, Syravari wiped his eyes quickly, trying his best to make it more of a casual, subtle thing which totally failed. Swallowing hard, he relaxed, composing himself.

"Mory's gotta pay for what he's done and Brannoc and the others aren't going to wait too long before they take things into their own hands, which is only gonna piss me off more." Backing, he turned from her and headed into the refresher, doing his best to avoid her seeing his moist cheeks and watered eyes. "Just grab something and we'll go pay this ass**** a visit." Closing the door, he took a long moment to collect his thoughts as he realized now he had no idea why he was hiding in here. Going to the bathroom for a moment, he then moved to the sink and washed his face. Thoughts about all that he had experienced since meeting Nallia rose to the fore, pushing back anything else that had been in mind. Strong hands now on the edges of the porcelain sink, he glanced to himself in the mirror.

How had life gotten so complicated?

Girls cloud the mind, he recalled a friend back home saying long ago. Boy, was that the truth.

Drying off, he opened the door and stepped out again.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia knew better than to say anything. She was still waiting for Syra to give her 'hell and what for' for going off on her own. She mistook his silence and sudden withdrawal as leaking rein on his anger, and let him go.

"Yes, Sir..." She called obediently to his back as he told her to hurry up and dress before the others got out of hand waiting for them.

When Syra came out of the bathroom, Nallia would be in a white t-shirt with a black button up over it, though opened like a lightweight jacket. Sleeves half rolled up and black jeans have get the look of someone stepping from the shadows. She had her old black boots on and he'd see the telltale sign of a dagger in the right one as she turned to him. Her face showed signs of crying and peaking from under one rolled sleeve he'd see a rough patch where her arm had been scraped. It wasn't bleeding anymore, and she thought it was hidden enough to not worry anyone. Right now the club was their destination. And she wasn't gonna let Syra send her packing to a medical facility to get checked out. She was fine enough to do whatever needed to be done.

She was glad the other girls weren't around either. Their mothering and hen pecking would have driven her mad. She turned to face Syravari as her hands finished tugging her hair into a ponytail then tugging it into a knot.

Despite the fact it had only been a year, even Nallia knew she looked much older than she had appeared that first day he'd pushed the box aside and found her.

Wanting to reassure him she'd done as he asked, she dropped her arms and nodded. "I'm ready to go." Eyes of blue, rimmed in red from crying, finally looked up at him with a determination that surprised even her.

[Syravari Elik]

Noticing her red-rimmed eyes as he exited the refresher, Syravari felt that odd adrenaline rush race through him again and mentally shrugged it off as anger with Mory instead of what it was. He nodded as she was ready to go and by the look of the color in her clothes, he knew that was right. They were going to have to travel to Ord Cestus sooner than he expected, just to take time to relax again. But, first thing's first.

Turning, he headed for the bedroom door, ushering her out into the living room and then toward the main entrance, his mind now shifting to business at hand. Opening the door for her, he followed her out and locked it, then headed for the turbolift. Taking out his comlink, he quick dialed Brannoc as they waited for the lift.

"Yeah," the veteran soon replied.

"He still there?"

"Yep," the tough crewman and trusted lieutenant informed. "Apparently hasn't gotten the memo from his supplier's pilot, so he's totally clueless."

"On our way." The ding of the lift signified the arrival as the doors then slid aside. Clicking off the comlink he stepped in and took a spot next to Nallia, there already being two other males inside: one human male and one Twi'lek male. Waiting for the lift to lower them to the main floor, Syravari kept his senses piqued just in case these two made a move, though once they arrived, all remained quiet. Leaving the lift, he continued leading her back to the club, quietly keeping himself poised even though his insides were in turmoil.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia looked at Syra and nodded following him to the livingroom and eventually the lift to the lower level. Once outside, she matched his stride with ease. While determination drove him, rage drove her. She knew Mory was part of this, and the reason Syra had needed to find her. That, in and of itself, rankled her to no end. Anyone who pissed Syra off, pissed her off as well.

As they neared the corner where the club was going to be, they met up with Brannoc and Braddon. Brannoc looked at Nallia and frowned, but the smile and nod from the young woman gave him enough satisfaction to let it rest without question right now. She was standing a bit closer to Brannoc than to Syra at this point, something not lost on the cargo handler. Braddon, still too new to notice or know the crew dynamic, placed a hand on her shoulder. "You ok, kid?" Despite Nallia realizing they were probably similar in age to one another, she merely nodded and turned her steady smile to him.

"I'm good, Braddon. Thanks." Before Syra could ask, she looked at Syra, then to Brannoc. "I'm going in there. And no one will stop me, understand? He gave the order for this to happen and if he's still there, then he doesn't know I'm not on the ship. I want to see his face." Her eyes narrowed and a deepness set into her voice that made her suddenly seem a bit more menacing than she had a few moments before. She was no longer the timid girl hiding behind crates to escape the 'bad guys'. This time she wanted to be there when it all happened.

Without glancing to Syra, or giving the men any choice, she turned to head down the final building stretch between them and the club opening. She wasn't running, so if they truly wanted to stop her, they could.

[Syravari Elik]

Steel-blue eyes watched as Nallia made her declaration and a sudden warmth came over him, knowing now that she was ready to prove herself a full crewmember of this pirate gang. He had done all he could to protect her from all the evils that she might witness, especially with their previous run and capture. Selling slaves wasn't high on the list for girls wanting to fall for someone, but all of a sudden here she was wanting to lead the charge. A grin arced upon his stubbled face, appreciating now that the scared stowaway was becoming a full fledged warrior.

Brannoc and Braddon both eyed Syravari and he instead followed her down the alley and around to the rear entrance. Walking into the kitchen, staff and the chef already at work, the smells of cooked and fried food wafting up to his nose, making his mouth instinctively water. Moving past the main stainless counter for staging dishes, the chef moved to intercept Syravari.

"I have a few things...," he began, but was stopped by Brannoc's strong hand.

"Later," the loadmaster and lieutenant stated.

Quietly nodding, the chef understood by the look on his face that something was wrong, so backed away. "Later then."

Pushing the door open on the kitchen, the pair of escorts fanned out, keeping as casual as they could while Syravari continued following Nallia to the long bar, newly unveiled and brass polished, to see Mory leaning on the counter, back to them, as he went over numbers on his datapad. Upon sight, Syravari immediately felt his hackles raise, his blood boil, as eyes narrowed and fists clenched. Breathing rose with each step, though the pirate and slaver was now on guard duty instead.

A nearly impossible task right now, with the way he felt.

As Nallia moved up to Mory, Brannoc headed to the bar just beyond him while Braddon moved to their right, slowing as he reached within ten feet of the target, standing and quietly as the ass kicking was about to commence.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia didn't hear the chef and Brannoc. She had eyes and ears for the man in the main room, only. Her shoulders squared as her pace became deliberate. As she neared the man she wanted to do nothing more to than subject to what she had been through, and perhaps a bit more, like the conclusion she knew her abduction would have come to, her demeanor changed slightly. She drew a smile across her face and stopped a few feet behind Mory.

"You know, it's funny. I found the liquor much cheaper when I went straight to the source." She balled her fists as the man spun in surprise. His eyes widened visibly as he took half a step back and bumped into the bar he had paperwork spread over. Suddenly his gaze flickered up to Syra, then he saw himself boxed in between Braddon and Brannoc. Turning back to the girl, her arms now crossed, he forced a smile as he swallowed.

"I... I was given a fair price. That's all. Shouldn't be a problem if you can get it cheaper. Right?" He glanced up at Syra once more as Nallia's smile faded and without warning her fist rose to punch him straight across the jaw. He staggered back into the bar, his hand rising to the struck spot and a growl fell from his lips. "Why... you little bitch!"

Nallia wasn't trained to hit. The punch had been off, her fingers crashing into his jaw bone at an odd angle due to the man's slightly higher frame. She drew her right fist to her chest and cradled it protectively as she watched his reaction. Her own anger as red and high as his own. Her chin as high as it could be as if expecting him to reach for her.

[Syravari Elik]

His surprise only spurred Syravari on whose vision was narrowing by the second. He felt his heart pumping a mile a minute and then heard Mory's voice, initially trying to defend his choices. Her amateur hit to his jaw, his surprise and then his angry shout to her made time stand still...

Syravari's vision clouded to blood red, the large man from Ord Cestus erupted as Nallia recoiled, her fist now to her chest. The fear in the man's eyes was the last thing that Syravari could lucidly make out as he lunged, roaring like a rancor set loose on his prey.

"Wait...," Mory yelled, hands up defensively as the first hit landed, pitching his head back so far it bounced off of the counter behind.

All activity in the casino stopped as workers, staff and droids turned to eye the scene as Syravari continued pummeling the man mercilessly. Face and body were victims of his rage as fists became like stone, ignoring the sting from each strike as the club owner grabbed Mory by the collar with his left hand and continued striking, rearing back and hitting the man again. Blood streamed in every direction, spraying not only Syravari's face, but clothing, bar top and nearby chairs. Going limp, Mory still received the rewards for his treachery as Syravari still had a tangible target in his sights. Head bouncing sickeningly with each punch, bloodied and swelling with the abuse, Syravari heard nothing and no one else as he continued screaming his battle cry, tears streaming and mixing with crimson coursing down his face.

Still gripped, Syravari turned right and slung the limp corpse away from him with another mighty roar, Mory's body careening into tables and chairs, now crashing to the floor in heaps until the victim of his rage stopped moving forever.

Seething, Syravari's clouded vision only saw blurred shapes and light as he stood there, chest heaving and fists still balled, appearing now like bloodied maces.

Silence in the casino's interior lingered as some slowly backed out of sight, heading into the lobby or back into the kitchen.

Brannoc and Braddon headed toward the evidence of the crime, Brannoc glancing to Nallia for a moment, then continued on to Mory's body as Syravari fell to his knees, still totally oblivious to what had just happened, but his heart burning hotly as tears continued to course down his face.

[Nallia Oberon]

A year or more ago, Nallia had watched Syravari punch the head Overseer to his knees and offered to let her shoot him in revenge. She had nearly thrown up all her meals that afternoon.

This one was different...she was different.

This time, as Syra reeled on the man and literally beat him to death, the young woman stood there like a statue and watched. Now, as Brannoc and Braddon moved towards the dead man, she glanced back as Brannoc looked to her. She merely nodded. There was nothing in her eyes. There was no sickening look, no sympathy, no anything. Whatever made Brannoc's brunette friend perky and bubbly...was just not there.

Turning away from the others as Syra hit his knees, she walked silently to him and used her good left arm to cradle his head to her. She leaned down, kissed his head and whispered, "It's over. I'm right here, Syra."

Her knuckles on her right hand were split and red as blood pooled between the swollen joints. She turned her hand towards her chest in case it wanted to drip. Both Syra, from the pounding, and her from proximity, were blood splattered and breathing heavily. There was something different in Syra this time. This fight had been personal.

That's when she looked down and realized that's exactly what it had been...personal. The Overseer had been business. A supplier her boss had been disgusted with and helped her get revenge on. This had been a man who had been behind her kidnapping.

As the realization dawned on her, the light on her eyes slowly returned and she hugged him a bit closer. Leaning down to rest her cheek on his head, her voice barely a whisper, for his ears alone. "Thank you, Syra...." was all she said as she bit her lip to try and keep from crying herself.

Behind her chairs were righted, tables stood back up and damages assessed. Straightening up slightly, she looked around the room at the mayhem. It had been quick andcthe damage to the bar was minimal. Tomorrow she'd help Syra find another manager. For now she wanted to only worry about him.

[Syravari Elik]

Her touch only made him more tense initially, though as the moments lingered and she spoke to him, Syravari relaxed finally. His fists aching, the pirate let the tears fall and slowly wash some of the blood from his cheeks. He had never been so angry before, but this was a reason that had been justified in his eyes. Someone had threatened the life of someone he cared for very much and there was only one action to follow through with after something like that. Mory hadn't cared about Nallia at all, so why would Syravari care anything about him? Action leading to reaction.

Wiping his face, hearing her thanks for what had been done, steel-blue eyes rose to her face as he blinked out his tears. "I love you." The words slipped from his lips before he could stop them and for the first time in his life, he was truly honest with himself and his feelings for someone. Keeping someone at arm's length was no longer an option and as the words prompted a swelling in his chest, his heart burning from the emotion now roiling within, he reached up with both hands and touched her neck on either side. Kissing her, he rose to his knees, reaching down to her shoulders and raising her up with him as the tears resumed as he kissed her more passionately than he ever had before.

Staff worked around them, already having to draw up the courage to approach their boss and the owner of the casino from repeating the horrifying scene they had just witnessed and were glad they had been only bystanders. Droids cleaned the carpet and bar, relieving the scene from any evidence of the crime. The last thing that had to be done would be having the perpetrator take a shower and change of clothes.

[Nallia Oberon]

The eyes that looked at her were unlike anything she'd seen in him. When he said loved her, her heart stopped all over again.

His kiss stole her breath. And as he rose and drew her in, the pain in her hand disappeared as her arms wound around his neck as he lifted her. The soft whimper he drew from was a surrender unlike she ever felt from herself. Her body, she realized, fit against him perfectly. The kiss was as hot and tender as his rage had been brutal and vicious just moment before.

Breaking the kiss just long enough to stroke her fingers down his cheek to dry the tears, she whispered, "Take me home, Syravari... Please.." She then kisses him with every fiber of her being while his hands shifted and cradled her to him as if she weighed nothing. And his grip, though possessively tight, made her feel like she was made of Naboonese Crystal.

Once they both pulled from the kiss, she rested her head on his shoulder and whispered softly, "I love you, Syra," against his skin.

Ignoring everyone who tried to say something, grateful for Brannoc stepping in to let them leave, Nallia let Syra take her out of the cleaning madness and back to the ship.

Something had changed today for them both. How it affected them after today would remain to be seen.