CORSO

Perched on a crate, he watched his colleague pace back and forth in the empty hangar, checking the time every so often. For some reason, the gunslinger seemed different today. More distracted and tense, almost…jumpy. He didn't know why and he didn't really care either, to be honest. The two of them had disliked each other's guts from the moment they had met, a few months ago. The others had all told him to give it some time, reminded him that he hadn't opened up at first, either.

Now, Corso considered himself a rather easy-going fellow, and he'd tried being friendly, he really had. But something about the older man just rubbed him the wrong way. From his sly smiles and slickly words, not to mention his abhorrent way with women…he'd lost count of how many girls he'd had to send away on the cowardly bastard's behalf, before he'd put his foot down; told the barve that if he wanted to dump anyone, he could do it his damned self. All in all, the guy was about as trustworthy as a snake, except more cold, and maybe more slippery…Hm, considering all the stuff he put in his hair…yep, definitely more slippery, he decided with a snort.

"What did you say?" Skavak suddenly asked, glancing back at him.

Had he thought that aloud? "Huh? Nothing. Was just wondering if they're gonna show up," he shrugged casually. No need to be nasty just because the guy was a jerk.

The gunslinger checked the time once more, and scowled. "She's just late. She'll come -she better come..." he muttered to himself, resuming his pacing.

She? Well, it was good to know that Skavak had at least done his research on their 'supplier'. All the Boss had told him was that it was their first time dealing with that particular captain, but that Skavak had it all under control. Pff, right. He almost wished the person wouldn't show, just for that. Only not really, because the cargo Mystery Captain was supposed to bring two hours ago was for Rogun Matt'rik, aka Rogun the Butcher. The delivery wasn't due until tomorrow noon, but it'd be a pain to arrange a replacement if that one fell through, and the Chagrian wasn't exactly known for his patience, or tolerance of failure...

.

Even Corso was starting to get worried, when the ship finally came into sight, growing bigger as it got closer. It wasn't an imposing model, more of a small, transport-type freighter smugglers tended to favour, but he was still impressed at the flawless way it came to rest on the landing pad, graceful as a bird. Whoever that captain was, she wasn't a newbie, he thought slightly in awe.

SKAVAK

He cursed, kicking the console. Today was supposed to be the end of it; he'd finally gotten the damned ancient rust bucket he'd come here for, and his getaway plan was perfect. Except it wasn't, apparently... Nothing had gone right. And it was all that little bitch's fault! First, she'd showed up more than three hours late! No one made him wait, and certainly no girls, ever! But he'd taken it all in stride. It had taken him three months to get to that point, three month of carefully playing both sides, of waiting for the right moment. What was three hours? Nothing. He even threw a compliment or two, before sweetly offering to unload the blasters for her and sending her on her way, with that earworm country boy along.

He had thought the hardest part was behind, but he hadn't accounted for the ship to have that stupid lock system he'd never seen before. Surely, no more than an unexpected bump on the road, right? Yet, here he was, an hour and a half later, and not one durned bit closer to getting anywhere! No wonder she just left like that, leaving the cargo bay open without a care. Karking kark! And that wild bantha chase he'd sent them on wasn't gonna keep them away forever; they could be heading back for all he knew. It probably wouldn't take much longer for the idiotic Separatists to realise he'd duped them and come knocking and shooting either. He was so farkled.

Unless… Starting at the beep of his holocomm, he glanced at the flashing display and took the call with a sigh.

"Skavak, are you almost done? I've got everything ready, just like you told me, when do we meet up? I don't-"

"Look, I said I'd call you when I was ready," he irritably cut her off, before she could prattle on.

"I know that," Syreena replied, narrowing her eyes at him. "But I think Viidu's on to me. You have to hurry, or I'll have to leave without you." The brunette looked away, visibly bristled.

He let his expression soften, drawing his brows together in concern. "Yes, yes, I know. I'm sorry, babe," he cajoled. "I know it must be difficult for you, but just bear with me a little longer. We'll be out of here; we'll leave this backrocket planet behind us, just like I promised, alright?"

For a moment, she was silent. But he could tell she was pacified by the look in her eyes. "…Not like I have a choice," she said at last, just like he knew she would.

"Now, I trust you have the tickets?" He waited for her to nod, before continuing. "Good. Then listen, I've got something to do first, so just stay on standby and wait for my call, okay, babe?" He winked, giving her a smirk he knew no woman could resist. "Come on, don't be upset, we'll be together soon."

She seemed to fight it, but a small smile soon formed onto her lips. "Okay, okay. I'll try be patient for you, I…" she suddenly looked over her shoulder, "I have to go, bye," she whispered hurriedly, bringing an end to the call.

Skavak let out a weary sigh. While it was good to know his last-resort option was still viable, he really didn't like the idea of being stuck with that woman with no ship and no cargo…Perhaps he should just start unloading the fripping blasters, or better yet, get Corso to do it and just hide somewhere on the ship. He could always highjack the thing once he was far away from that backwater rock.

.

He was getting the bulky droid onto the cargo lift when his comm rung again. This better not be Syreena again, or… It was not.

"Hey, Risha babe, what's up?"

The woman rolled her eyes. "Don't call me that. Wait, why are you not on your way? Don't tell me you…Do you have the droid, at least?"

"Sheesh, of course, I've got the droid. I'm Skavak, remember? Anyway, I'm running a little late, but not to worry, I'll meet you there as planned. Just be-"

"Fine, just don't kark this up," she replied, before disconnecting.

Oh, if he didn't need her as well… He took a calming breath, running at the end of his own patience. This day couldn't get worse...

As though in answer to his thought, there was a rumbling of canons, much too close for comfort. Dang, the country boy had been right, he realised. The Separatists had managed to take over the turrets, after all. That was gonna make getting out of here a problem, though if he played it right- He squinted at the sky. There, flying right through the middle of it all, another freighter. He watched on in disbelief as the ship landed on the other side of the hangar, a mirror image to the first one. A few moments later, the XS Light Stock freighter's ramp lowered, and out came a young, lone woman.

"Phew!" she exclaimed, eyes falling on him. "What's with the crazy welcome?" she asked.

Well, maybe it just got better.

A/N: I think it's safe to say that everyone here agrees that the Smuggler and Corso Riggs belong together. Right? Right. ;) But do we know WHY they do? Wasn't their meeting just the work of random chance?

This got me thinking and one question stood out from the rest: Could it have been any smuggler? (Lol, I know the short answer to that would be "yes", but you know what I mean XD). Was it love at first sight, or was it more like an alignment of coincidences, a progressive sort of deal? :P

Anyway, I came up with an alternative scenario that delves into the question a little further, digs into the what-ifs. I actually had a draft, which was no more than an outline and could fit into a single chapter, but then this happened... It's all very experimental, but one or two more chapters should be enough to wrap it up.