A Star Wars Tale

A story of the Old Republic Era

Chapter 1: New Adventures and The Best of Friends

The gunslinger known as Iz'phal Trua had only just managed to swerve her sleek vessel through the streams of turret fire to touch down at the Republic's main base of operations on Balmorra. The landing cycle was far from smooth and she had done better, but she placed her prized ship on the pad without a scratch. Being a captain of the stars, a paladin to House Organa and having advanced schooling in piloting she was one of the most skilled Captains in the galaxy, not to mention one of the wealthiest. Having amassed a huge amount of favour with the galactic senate and Republic, made allies on many worlds and delivering and receiving cargo from all manner of species it was time to make an unscheduled stop. Iz'phal Trua was a smuggler of great intelligence, not to mention a master with all forms of galactic tech and her trusted blasters Flashy and Sparky. Flashy, a double TC-2 blaster made of the strongest arodium was a gift from her best friend and to her knowledge he didn't know she was here. She and her best friend had first met on the war ridden world of Ord Mantell and since then had travelled the galaxy together, earning all the riches they could make while making lifelong friends along the way. She had allowed him to travel freely to Balmorra to settle some debts with a law enforcing syndicate and it had been at least a few months since the pair had seen each other, or even communicated to catch up on old times. The Captain of the Star-Runner, a Phantom XS class, had not had time to even pick up a comm unit on route from planet to planet, meeting various dealers and people of Republic importance. Once all the wheeling and dealing had been done she thought it prudent to make a stop here to see her lifelong friend and she welcomed the change of scenery, as she was beginning to tire of the dark, shady presence of Nar Shaadaa. Once the ship touched down Iz'phal released her harness straps and called to the working deck below.

"I'm going to the surface Risha. I'll let you know how he's doin'" Iz'phal said in her usual laid back, yet friendly tone, eager to stretch her legs after the long hours to space travel and breathe the clean air. The woman named Risha popped her head into view, her brown hair tied into a neat bun behind her ears while she was working. Risha was a slicer and was the engineer of Iz'phal's ship, installing hyperdrive's and new systems whenever she needed them. The Captain was glad they could work as part of an effective team and so far they were getting on very well.

"Of course girl, just don't get involved in any of that fighting. Say a big Hi to Corso for me" Risha replied before burying her head back into the stash of wires, installing the latest tracking system.

"You can count on it. Ol' Corso and I have a lot to catch up on" Iz'phal said as she left her friend to her work and disembarked the boarding ramp and drew a flimsi map from her pocket, showing the rough co-ordinates of the Republic's main base. Iz'phal was a Twi'lek of the Irothian race and of beautiful face. Her long, winding lekku etched with black patterns were slicked behind her head, while a leather head band kept them back. Her blue skin and face was always full of colour and she mostly had a rosy tinge to her cheeks and full lips. She possessed deep brown eyes and tried to always wear a smile, while her simple, sleek brown and grey tunic and leggings showed she was not dressed for formalities. The scenery around her was mechanised and mostly contained buildings in the middle of construction to aid the Republic's war efforts, however she hoped with her time here she would get to explore the lusher, greener parts of this world. Her trusted blasters rested on holsters attached to a fine Corellian belt that was clicked around her waist as she buried her face in the map and started to search for the main base. After a while of twists and turns she came across what looked like an old, abandoned warehouse and knew she had taken a wrong turn. She was about to turn around when a click sounded at her back and instantly, with her smuggler's instincts she knew she was being watched. Iz'phal wheeled around in a flash and before she could comprehend her own actions Flashy had been whipped from its holster and into a strong handed grip, one of her slender fingers on the trigger, eyes narrowed, pointing it to the entrance of the warehouse. She waited for a moment listening intently then cautiously moved forward keeping locked on Flashy loaded in front of her. Creeping ever steadily forwards she entered the building, a derelict, old creaking mess of decrepit steel joints that she felt were going to fall down on her head. Having decided the threat was over for now, she stroked Flashy once over (a ritual she always provided a weapon that demanded such respect) before slotting it back into her belt and examining an activated computer terminal in the room. The map had been no use to her but maybe the correct co-ordinates of the base were to be found on the database. Within a few moments Iz'phal had deciphered the passcodes and was already accessing files and data banks.

I wouldn't have done this without you Risha…Really appreciate the help… Iz'phal thought as she clicked on a file which drew up a map of the facility. Risha had taught her the basics of computer hacking and terminal technology and it had come in very useful, if ever she used tech of a foreign source. Within moments the co-ordinates were in her head and she knew where she had to go.

Now this is more like it! Iz'phal harped excitedly to herself as the foreboding nature of the other building was gone when she saw the grandeur of this one. This was sure a facility for troops and forces alright and looked like the place where she would find her best friend. She strode across the concourse, her step firm and confident as Republic soldiers saw her, some saluting her, some just letting her pass by. They knew who she was from her powerful reputation so saw not to question why she was here or where she was headed. One soldier's eyes lingered on her for longer than she would have liked as she wondered into the main bunker of the holdings.

He obviously finds me attractive…She thought, the young Twi'lek Captain taking it as a compliment but she had been told that by several men on nights out with her friends she was attractive but never done anything rash or out of the blue. If she did fall for someone, it would be for how they made her feel, not just because of her looks. All the while she kept her eyes peeled for her best friend, knowing that she was among allies here and Flashy would not be being needed. After a few moments she decided he was not here and so decided to wander into the weapons armoury and admitted it was an impressive stash of equipment, with only the finest tech in Republic space. Iz'phal immediately fell in love with a blaster she'd laid eyes on, identical to Flashy but with upgraded cells and implants. She ran a hand lovingly over the handle but barely had time to revel in her excitement when a familiar voice sounded on the opposite side of the room and she turned around beaming to see her closest friend, engaging in conversation with a Republic Commander, obviously leader of the troops by his war ribbons she knew and was in charge of this facility. She merely beamed in happiness, leaning against the weapons rack, just waiting to see if he would spot her, knowing the surprise he would get when he recognised her after all those months. She was however a little disconcerted to hear his voice was agitated, perhaps catching on the cusp of anger.

"I told you before Commander and I will not tell you again I need a replacement for Torchy. You know how much I value that thing!" Corso snapped, seeing the Commander sigh at his impatience and gestured broadly to the weapons around them. Corso had been an ex-solider when he had left the Republic army to join his best friends crew, but when the need had arose for him to join the forces again it was with a heavy regret he left his best friend to enlist with the army again. She respected his decision to leave but it still weighed heavy on his heart. He was a very protective man of his friends, especially his female companions, and was strong his beliefs and principles as he ever could be and valued honour, truth and valour over all. He was extremely fair in the face, with olive coloured skin and dark brown eyes, his long brown hair tied up while neat strands of it fell over his ears. It would be a fool for a woman to refuse him purely on looks alone but when Corso thought about his future with a partner he wanted it to be a lifelong commitment and to be the right person whom meant everything to him, not just a girl with good looks.

"She is in good health Corso my friend and will be in fine condition in other few days. In the meantime I suggest you choose a replacement…" The Commander replied gesturing to the wall of fine looking weapons and blast tech which Iz'phal had been standing in front of and when Corso turned his attention to the far wall he knew instantly the eyes of that Twi'lek woman. The eyes of his nearest and dearest friend: Iz'phal Trua. His heart grew another three inches in size as he completely ignored the confusion of the commander and leapt at her, flinging her arms around her, embracing her in a tight hug. For a moment Iz'phal could only grin at the Commander over his shoulders before she placed her arms around him in return, clasping onto him for a sudden fear he would leave her again. After the reunion had passed he pulled away from her slightly, to gaze into her eyes, ever happy to see she was in good health and looked as keen and spritely as ever.

"Hw'd you know I was here Izzy girl?! You could've told me you were coming to pay me a visit!" Corso scowled playfully, his face lighting up when he saw the expression of contentedness in her eyes. It had been a while since he had called her Izzy…His nickname for her always reminding her of the close friendship that they shared, after all those years of trading and battling across the stars.

"I wanted to surprise you! Wouldn't be a surprise now if I told you would it Riggsy!" Iz'phal chuckled as he nudged her in jest in the ribs, raising his eyebrows at her, a grin playing across his handsome face.

"What did I tell you Izzy stop calling me that!? You know how much I hate that name!" Corso laughed, knowing that through all the years of trying to wind him up and tell her jokes she was not going to get the better of him in a friendly way. The commander left the room leaving the best of friends to converse.

"Oh alright then, Mr grumpy chops!" Iz'phal laughed as Corso rolled his big brown eyes at her before helping her to her feet with a strong pull from where he'd almost knocked the breath from her when he saw her. "Oh man it's so good to see ya. How you been doin'?" She asked, her voice its usual laid back tone, always filled with life and intrigue to hear his stories and about the warring exploits on Balmorra.

"Can't get over the fact you dropped your busy schedule to come see me Izzy…Means a lot" said Corso his voice tinged with meaning as Iz'phal understood it then. She knew he wanted to get on board the ship with her, to become a part of her crew and join the fast life again, but ever since he had enlisted again with the Republic army she saw progressively little of him as the conflict drew on and feared one day she would never see him again, if at all. Her bottom lip trembled slightly as she lowered her head, her lekku quivering slightly and at this Corso immediately knew something was wrong. From studying Twi'lek behavioural patterns he knew the movements of the lekku meant different emotions and an unwanted twitching meant deep sadness or regret. Wandering what the sudden deterioration of her mood was he pulled her close to him, looking into her deep brown eyes as tears began to spring up below her eyelids. She had lingered on the future for too long, saw what could happen to her friends, what could happen to him and she couldn't bear the fact of it coming true. He gripped her shoulders softly to steady her as she looked back at him, her gaze mirroring worry and anxiety.

"Hey Izzy what's wrong. You know you can tell me anything right?" he whispered kindly as she lowered her head, looking at the floor, not having the courage to look into his eyes anymore.

"I'm sorry Corso it's just I've lost so many friends, so many members of my family…I just think with you with me, with us life was better. I only feel like something will happen to you…I've…" She took a deep breath and continued, his ever attentive heart listening to her all the while, wanting nothing more than to reassure her, to comfort her and to be there for her. "This war is going to destroy everything around me that means so much and I don't want to lose any more friends. I just want you to come back. I know what this life means to you but I don't want you to die…I don't want anything to happen to you…I just want everything to be alright…" Iz'phal stammered in a weak voice as her shoulders began to shake slightly, as she let out her crying, let out all the emotion that been bottled up for so long as she sobbed into his chest, tightening her gloved hands into fists, screwing her eyes shut. For a moment he was so taken aback by the sudden change in her mood he found no immediate words to sooth her distress, then the words did come, ringing in her head like a healing chime but she still continued to cry, not relenting in how she felt.

"Izzy…I didn't realise you felt like this…It is a difficult time for you I understand and I feel the same as you…I don't want to fight, I don't want to lose anyone else close to me. I just feel as if my life has a purpose here but you gave my life meaning after all and so it is you I have to thank Izzy after all these years and I should have said something about it to you…" He looked down, eyes swimming with concern to see her still huddled against his chest, the tears not relenting as she planted her face in his neck and let her hands hang limp by her sides. "Everything will be alright Izzy, I promise you. Everything is going to be alright…Iz…" He sighed, trying to comfort her in every way she could and that soothing voice seemed to lift some of the angst she was feeling as she dried away her tears and scolded herself for showing her emotions, but in the end it was good to open up and he would always be there for her, she just hadn't realised that yet.

"I'm sorry Corso. I didn't mean…It's just…" She paused trying to get the right words out but he was still concerned for her condition. "Things just aren't so clear cut anymore. I just want to help…" Iz'phal replied, as she wished she could turn back time more than ever now but she did feel a weight of her chest for letting her true feelings out.

"It's okay Izzy. I understand how you're feeling and what you're going through. We can get through it. You're a strong girl and never let anyone tell you different okay?" He paused before continuing, his large brown eyes filled with sympathy and that kindness she always felt comforted by "I want to come with you, of course I do. It would mean the world to me but I would have to complete my duties here first…To travel the stars again, see the sights, see the crew again like the old times…It would mean a lot…" He explained seeing her face light up again as she threw her arms around his neck, ever glad she had a shoulder to cry on when she needed to. Risha wasn't the emotional type and with Bowdaar her Wookie, she'd poke her eyes out with all his fur. She always felt with Corso she had someone stable and trusting to talk to and to spend time with and it always comforted her to know that. She knew she was lucky however to have the bunch of friends which she had and she intended it to stay that way.

"I know Corso…I know…Of course we will. We always pull through in the end don't we? After all we've survived death enough times already!" Iz'phal laughed feeling him return then embrace before leading her over to the stash of blasters and spied the model which she had been examining with interested earlier.

"We sure have. I'd have to have more than two hands to count on! Ah now this one! Izzy I see now why the TC-2 always catches your interest" Corso said gesturing to the sleek weapon resting on the working bench then instantly knew what she was going to ask next as she glanced at his own holsters.

"Where's Torchy?" Iz'phal asked, knowing his mood wouldn't be to light if he'd parted with his favourite weapon, one of his most precious possessions.

"Another thing I forgot to tell you Izzy and it's my fault. Some credit thieving gang robbing our soldiers around the Balmorran battle grounds that's what. I managed to convince them not to come back but Torchy took the brunt of the attack in the process. The commander told me repairs won't take longer than a week but it's been nearly a month and all these weapons are well…You know…" He tailed his way to silence seeing the Captain quirk an eyebrow his way, a light smirk flashing across her face.

"And what is wrong with a TC-2 model. They are the fastest draws in the galaxy" Iz'phal harped competitively as before Iz'phal could get to Flashy, Corso had already drawn another model of blaster which his belt had been concealing the whole time. He flashed the same cunning smirk back to her and she knew she had been outplayed, yet she had taught him all that she knew and it pleased her to see how quick his draw was. "Maybe not faster than that one…A T9-N2…You got a name for her?" Iz'phal asked as Corso spun the elegant blaster over in his right hand before engaging his weapon with an intrigued gaze.

"This one's a he…And I'm letting you decide that one…" Corso smiled seeing her eyes widen in excitement, shuffling her feet in almost a dance of happiness as before she could react and slightly surprised, he pulled her close to him, arms firmly, yet gently around her waist yet this embrace seemed to be more intimate, different from the one before. She gazed up into his eyes, their caring, ever doting expression always pulling her in, always pulling her heart towards them.

"Corso what are you doing…?" giggled Iz'phal, blushing slightly, her rosy cheeks becoming even more colourful as the innocent nature of her face was all it took him to place his forehead to hers. "This isn't exactly the best timing!" She joked, raising the corners of her mouth as he flashed the same expression back at her, remembering fondly the time when she'd outplayed him quite handsomely at a game of Sabacc and winning quite a substantial amount of money from him.

"Come on just one Izzy…You know you want to…" he whispered gently against her head, as that comforting voice almost sent her off into another world entirely, feeling a warmth rush up her spine, calming every tendon of her being as she looked deep into his eyes, arms resting over his shoulders.

"How do you know I'll be any good…?" Iz'phal laughed feeling him grip her waist, always wanting to see if their close friendship would grow into something more, but never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable or force her into anything. He could tell she was at ease, a world away from how she felt earlier as she smiled warmly at him.

"Are you serious Izzy…You could probably take off with any star studded man in the galaxy if you wanted…Hey what's stopping you…I'm here, you're there so…" Corso again silenced his speech thinking now was not the best time to be talking. All he wanted to do was hold his best friend, just make up for the months they had spent apart from each other and this was the moment he had longed for. Just to be there for her, to always care for her…And perhaps in time love her.

"Yeah I could that's true…" she smirked seeing his gaze turn serious on her then but she immediately pecked him on the forehead and sniggered. "Oh Corso, you take it all so seriously. Course I wouldn't. I'm happy here. I'm happy with my life and I'm just glad we met on Ord Mantell all those years ago…" Iz'phal purred as she placed her hands on his chest as he leant ever closer towards her.

"I've never told you how much you mean to me Iz, but I suppose this can…" he replied as stunned slightly he placed a delicate kiss on her lips, finally expressing a part of how he'd felt from not seeing her. Completely lost in the moment and the way in which he was holding her, she closed her eyes as she had never felt so at peace, so cared for…so looked after. She fought back on the impulse to express her feelings in return as this would all take time and was a sudden development, but if the time was right for the best friends to take their bond further then it would be decided. As he pulled gently away from her, her face again tinged with colour she lowered her head, giggling slightly but he caught her chin in his hand and lifted her face to meet with his. "I've wanted to tell you how beautiful you are Iz, but I've never had to the chance to say it…" Corso crooned softly as beaming from ear to ear Iz'phal's heart swooned at those words. Just as with her permission he was to kiss her again a sharp voice snapped behind him and he whipped around suddenly, the Captain still in his arms to find his commanding officer standing before him, hands on hips, a look of surprise on his face. His tone was as stern as the expression in his eyes and at this Iz'phal's heart sunk. She dreaded to think her actions could get her best friend in trouble.

"Sergeant Riggs I dare say you've got yourself into a bit of a situation this time haven't you…You are lucky you aren't bearing the Republic banner at this time or I'd have you reprimanded" The commander snarled as he strode up towards them, seeing Corso instantly take a defensive stance at her side. His superior was of strong build and at least two feet taller, with green eyes and a body built almost for war itself, his face blemished with scars and a neat crop of blond hair covering his head.

"Commander Juna Sir I can assure you that…" Corso began in their defence as he strode towards them menacingly as if meaning to teach him a lesson as Iz'phal's hand twitched towards Flashy on her right hip, tightening her grip on his arm as she flashed a worried glance at him. For a moment there was a deathly silence before the Republic commander loosed a hearty laughed a cuffed Corso on the shoulder, Corso scolding himself for not remembering his superior's very dry sense of wicked humour.

"I'm only joking around with you Corso my boy. You need not take me so seriously…And who have we here?" Juna asked seeing Iz'phal, gaging her beautiful face as she immediately whipped her hand away from her blaster knowing the situation was friendly as she bowed to the military leader in respect.

"Iz'phal Trua Sir. I'm honoured to serve the Republic in any way that I can…" Iz'phal replied seeing Juna's face light up as he recognised her instantly as the Captain who had broken the spice ring on Nar Shaadaa and closed the Black Market operations of Coruscant.

"I'm the one who should be honoured Iz'phal It's a pleasure to welcome you to Tarik Base." Juna said before whispering something to Corso but Iz'phal heard and was satisfied with his reply. "You should keep your heart with this one Corso. She's a fine looking one…" Juna laughed as he shot his superior a serious stare as he loathed people talking about women as objects in front of him before replying, knowing that in the future their friendship may develop but for now they were just happy to see each other again.

"Erm Commanded Juna Sir, we're not together. We're just…" He flicked a gaze as Iz'phal who nodded, smiling endearingly at him. "Very close friends. I'd be honoured if she could stay with us, in the Camp I mean…Just for a while. We have so much to talk about, like old times!" Corso said, punching his superior with a friendly gesture on the shoulder as he winked at Iz'phal, the young Captain not able to wait for the night ahead when finally they would be able to sit down and talk, away from the warring and the battle field. She would get to hear about his dangerous fights and he would get to hear about all her crazy adventures with the rest of the crew. It would be perfect.

"Why of course Corso my boy. It would be heartless of me not to invite her to stay with us. However there is something I must show you and I would be honoured to have Iz'phal's expertise towards it" Juna spoke as Iz'phal grinned again, Corso taking her hand, not in so much a gesture of intimacy but just one of protection and closeness and she appreciated his kindness.

"Of course we'll go right away" Iz'phal replied, seeing Corso nod as they followed the supreme commander out of the weapons facility and towards the main communications room. "Sergeant hey, you never told me that Riggsy…" She jibed in a friendly tone seeing him flash another glare her way but in the end he just laughed at the playful note in her voice and knew she was kidding him.

"Just some fancy title I gained when I enlisted here Iz, it's nothing to write home about" Corso replied dismissively waving a hand in mid-air to see Iz'phal shrug her shapely shoulders and flash a knowing glance his way.

"Ah don't know about that Corso, It's better than what I'm titled anyway" Iz'phal chuckled seeing him gaze at her seriously for that remark, knowing that her trade and actions were honourable for the greater good of the galaxy and if she couldn't see that something needed to be set right. Her contributions were worth more than anything and she had been hired by the galactic senate themselves, a feat unachieved by most mercenaries.

"What you do, what you give to this galaxy…It's the greatest job you could ever hope to have. Never give up what you do Captain. It's an admirable thing" Corso complimented as she smiled immediately, knowing that she had his full support in everything she did and this was what she wanted to do, what she wanted to achieve and travelling the galaxy, earning all she could to set things right made her happy. Before she could reply with a compliment of her own, knowing returning to the battle field was just an honourable as her work; the commander turned them into the communications facility and gestured to the collection of comm units, top of the range military devices on display.

"Just wanted to give you a token of our esteem Captain. It's not much but it will upgrade your communication activity to no end" Juna offered gesturing at Iz'phal to choose the device of her choice. She eyed Corso anxiously but he nodded, knowing when his superior was serious, flashing her wide smile.

"I'd take one of these if I was you Iz. You can communicate for miles around space with that thing. It's an amazing piece of tech. I recommend the P5 models they're the ones worth getting from free" Corso explained, releasing her hand so she could examine the device for herself as her eyes lit up at the signature on the base of the tech, knowing this was more than just a simple model from prax or blast tech: It was the finest military hardware. She turned the comm over in her gloved hand, feeling the lightness in the structure until she nodded, noting the commander of her satisfaction.

"It'll last me a while this one. Thank you commander" Iz'phal said bowing stiffly at the waist in a military fashion as he was just about to offer another piece of equipment when Corso chimed in, determined for him and his closest friend to catch up on all the lost time. Stocking up on ammunitions could wait.

"I take it Iz'phal can stay for a few nights. We are here until the battalion moves on and we have so much lost time to catch up on" Corso explained to his superior, but Juna's face lit with a friendly smile as he gestured to the Captain knowing the finest holdings would be provided for her.

"It's already been arranged Riggs. Any ally of the Republic is a friend of mine and please show her the hospitality of our troops and allow her to eat and drink as much as she wants on our behalf" Juna offered but Iz'phal was interested to see the army barracks and where the soldiers trained so she was more than happy eating a readymade meal and sleeping in a standard bunk. Corso caught her eye and knew this was what she wanted.

"That won't be necessary commander. Me and Izzy have our own plans" Corso winked in her direction as the pair of best friends thanked the military leader before engaging in conversation heading for the exit.