Author's Note: Based on an episodes of an animated Television series. Request.
Chapter One
The landing on Tatooine was rougher than expected. For most of the trip the only organic occupant had been awake, checking the order and the cargo, making sure everything was accurate. This wasn't the first time she'd gotten a large contract but this was how she usually handled them. It was better to see to things herself rather than place the responsibility to anyone else.
The Red Dwarf Stinger quickly settled on the sandy planet and she paused momentarily, glancing through the front view port of the cockpit. It was quite early in the morning and from the pilots seat she could only see one person. With an indifferent shrug, she got up and started to head for the exit. But she didn't get past the doorway when she stopped, noticing that her droid, RA, hadn't moved. A tiny smile and faint sigh emitted from her lips as she moved forward and leaned against her chair.
"What's the matter, RA?" asked Murata.
"Nothing, mistress," the droid replied astutely before standing.
"Good, let's go," said Murata, giving a single wave with her hand.
On the way out, Murata grabbed a few things she knew were needed and together, she and RA stepped off the ship and onto the dry sand. On the second, more thorough glance, Murata saw that there were four other people around the Mos Eisley spaceport, along with a bunch of seemingly inactive droids.
A glare of cerise red hit her eyes as a cold hand touched her arm making Murata turn and she watched as a green-skinned Rodian approached them. He was wearing loose fitting beige pants and an oversized white tunic that reached just past his knees. Even from where she stood, Murata could tell that his black eyes were focused on her. In silence, she stood firm, her fingers twitching slightly in anticipation.
"Welcome to Mos Eisley," he said rather politely. "I am Chaalo."
Relief flooded Murata and for a second, surprise showed through on her face before she hid it. By species she knew what most Rodians were capable of and how quickly situations could get out of control. But this one almost seemed different. His voice was soft and his mannerisms were introverted. It was startling to witness it first-hand.
"Nice to meet you," said Murata, wanting to keep things civil. "I have a delivery to the Lucky Despot."
"Very good," said Chaalo. "We should discuss the fee to dock your ship here."
"Sure," said Murata, nodding once before looking to her droid and lowering her voice. "RA, go get those other droids and instruct them to unload the cargo to the docking area."
The protocol droid gave only slight acknowledgement of his assigned task and he quickly shuffled over to the other droids. Murata instantly placed her attention back on the Rodian who was still watching her with feigned interest. Of the two things she took from the ship on the way out, one was a pouch which she pulled off her belt. As she opened it, the coins inside jingled slightly.
"How much?" asked Murata plainly.
"Five hundred," replied Chaalo instantly.
Disbelief hit Murata. That was twice as much as it had been the last time she visited Tatooine but that it had been a while ago. The coins hit each other as she tipped the pouch and poured them into her free hand. When it amounted to five hundred credits, she handed them over and Chaalo turned and walked away, heading towards the next docking space where a ship was currently landing. Murata passively wondered if the other pilot would be as understanding.
The mechanical sounds of the droids were heard behind her as they walked between the ship and docking area but Murata didn't supervise. Instead, she watched as two young Twi'leks conversed just outside the open gate while a male Askajian passed through, looking as though he knew exactly where he was going. Murata watched him with slight interest until he was gone from sight and she exhaled deeply, waiting for the unloading to be finished.
With her mind on it, Murata thought about the current job. The person the delivery was for she had never met but she knew the woman was a Whiphid rumoured to have a short temper. In her line of work, Murata had come across some questionable people and most she never had a problem with. All she hoped was that this job would be easy. After the last one, she needed it.
"Mistress," said RA, coming to stand at her side. "All cargo has been unloaded and the ship secure. We can leave as soon as you're ready."
"I'm ready," said Murata, not skipping a beat.
The spaceport was quickly behind them and they walked through the familiar streets of Mos Eisley. The further they walked, the busier the streets became and Murata's hand twitched again, this time coming to rest on the blaster at her hip. This definitely wasn't her first visit and she knew how dangerous it could be here. Whenever she visited, she made sure to have a weapon close by.
It wasn't long before they reached Outer Curved Street and headed south. A little way ahead of them Murata watched as two Saurins struggled with a dewback that wasn't interested in carrying their gear. Murata supressed the urge to giggle even as they passed, turning onto Kerner Plaza.
"You shouldn't have to do this in person, Mistress," said RA. "This planet is not safe."
"Relax, RA," said Murata, noticing the worry in his mechanical voice. "We've been here before. Just a short walk, a short, hopefully pleasant conversation and we'll be gone."
They soon walked past the open air bazaar that was empty. A few merchants ahead were settling up, Murata eyed food at one and jewellery at another as they went Curved Street was there next road and they walked to the end, coming to Dune Street. Halfway down, Murata slowed somewhat, sensing trouble as two male Twi'leks argued, both of them standing beside a closed shop. RA instinctively moved closer to Murata but she barely noticed as her hand tightened on the blasters grip.
They managed to walk by without being noticed but Murata looked back a couple of times to be sure, watching as the argument seemed to escalate. They soon turned another corner before anything happened though and their destination was right in front of them at the end of the road.
The stairs leading to the entrance of the Lucky Despot was high but it was open. They came into the reception area. It was slightly more run down than Murata was expecting. The walls were painted an olive green that was faded and chipped, small pieces of it sprinkled along the floor boards creaked beneath Murata's boots and she turned once, continuing to look around. A landscape picture hang on the wall opposite them but Murata didn't recognise the planet. The reception desk was unattended but it wasn't long before they were approached.
"I am Lady Valarian's majordomo. State your business here."
A Gran wearing dull, light red robes stood a few feet, his face set and his eyes hard. Murata gave a sideways glance at her droid but she quickly cleared her throat. "My name is Murata Ichi. I have a delivery for Lady Valarian."
"I will inform her of your arrival," said the Gran in a monotone voice. "It would be appreciated if you waited either here or in the café."
"That won't be a problem," said Murata.
The Gran seemed to look between Murata and RA before he turned and walked away. Murata waited a moment before she headed further into what was once a ship. She cocked her head to the side and headed into a wide open area. RA followed her and they passed a closed door that looked as though it led to an office. Towards the left corner was a counter and in the centre were a few round tables and chairs. At first glance, it looked more like a cantina.
Murata took a seat at one of the tables and RA took the chair beside her. The Lucky Despot looked as though it had seen much better days. The walls into the café were grey but patches of it were dark as though the previous colour had been painted over. The lights embedded in the ceiling were on but were almost unnoticeable from the natural light that came in from the two wide arched windows on either side.
"Would you like something while you wait?"
Murata turned to see who had spoken. A young, female Twi'lek stood there, looking down at her expectantly. She had pale blue skin and faint blue eyes. She was wearing a plain black skirt that hugged her thighs and a white top that had an intricate design in the left hand corner, the entire thing silver. It wasn't something Murata recognised but she did find it pretty.
"I wouldn't mind a ruby bliel," said Murata.
The Twi'lek said nothing but smiled and nodded once before she went behind the counter. In the seat beside her, she watched as RA shifted. From one glance she could tell he was nervous. In truth, she felt it as well, but this was far from her first job. She would have thought he'd get used to it eventually.
"Don't show them your nervous," said Murata quietly. "We're just delivering ice, nothing more. Simple and easy transaction."
"I wish I had your confidence, Mistress," said RA.
"Look, I know you're worried but there's nothing to worry about," said Murata. "I don't sense any danger here and as soon as we're done we'll go back to the ship and leave."
The sound of soft footsteps neared them and Murata turned her head. The young Twi'lek was heading back towards them and she placed a clear glass on the table in front of Murata. Instantly, Murata recognised the red liquid that filled it. The last time she came to Tatooine, she tried the drink and loved it at first sip.
"Thank you," said Murata.
Again, the Twi'lek smiled and walked away. Murata picked up the drink and took a long sip. The drink was gooey, sweet and cold. It was perfect. Murata took a couple more quick sips before putting it back on the table. This was the one part of deliveries she wasn't very fond of. Waiting. She was always waiting for the client to be ready and sometimes they'd keep her waiting for hours.
"Murata? I'm Lady Valarian's assistant. She will see you now."
Murata turned at the new voice, seeing a slender Chiss wearing a flattering, floor-length raspberry gown. The hem and shoulder was decorated with two strips of gold embroidery. The fringe of her sleek black hair was pulled back and secured into place with a silver clip. She stood tall with both hands clasped in front of her and a tiny but soft smile pulled at her light blue lips.
Murata and RA both stood up and moved to follow. "You may bring your drink with you."
Murata clutched the glass in her right hand and they preceded in following the Chiss past the other tables and chairs and behind a junction in the wall that she hadn't noticed. She thought the entire back wall was one piece. The Chiss knocked on the only door they came to and there was a quick response on the other side which told them to enter.
"Lady Valarian, this is Murata Ichi. She's here for the delivery of ice you ordered."
"Yes, of course," said Valarian, standing up from behind her desk. "Thank you, Siri. You can leave."
The Chiss assistant left without a word and Murata quickly focused her attention on the Whiphid. She was easily twice her height which was a little intimidating. The room altered the feeling and Murata watched, feeling slightly nervous, as Valarian moved out from behind her desk and moved towards a couple of armchairs that sat beside a curtain-less window.
"Join me," said Valarian, offering one of the armchairs.
Without hesitation, Murata walked over and sat down, noticing that RA instantly followed and stood to the side, just behind her. Valarian smiled as she sat in the other and Murata, despite being hit with the strong scent of a perfume, took the small opportunity to look the Whiphid over. She was wearing a plain, sleeveless blue dress and on the end of each tusk was a jewel, one blue, the other yellow. Her golden fur was clean and tinted with a shade of red and the ends had been recently curled upwards.
"When our mutual acquaintance set this up I was unaware that you're just a child," said Valarian bluntly. "Not that it's a problem, of course."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Murata, feeling somewhat relieved. "I've had the ice unpacked and it's waiting in the docking area near my ship, Red Dwarf."
"Excellent," said Valarian. "I will send some of people to pick it up shortly. Forgive me, child but my curiosity is getting the better of me. Why are you doing deliveries all over the galaxy?"
"I need the money," said Murata honestly. "I also enjoy travelling. My parents are gone. It's just me and my droid now."
A new look overcame the blank expression across Valarian's face but it was evidently one of pride. "I have never had a child work for me in any capacity but I am glad that it has gone smoothly. I am willing to pay you fifty thousand for the ice. That's five thousand for each block."
"Sounds fair," said Murata, keeping her emotions in check, taking an extended sip of her drink.
The amount was better than she had expected. The conversation fell flat as Valarian's attention fell on the communicator around her wrist. With one, long, wide finger she pressed a button on it once and it beeped twice. But it seemed to end there as Valarian said nothing into it. It was only moments before the door creaked open and the Gran appeared, his gaze immediately focused on his employer. He stepped into the room but he approached Murata, holding out a small case.
"The payment," said Valarian, confirming Murata's thoughts. "Thank you, Yoan."
The Gran majordomo left, closing the door behind him. Murata placed the case in her lap, not bothering to open it. Valarian shot a surprised look at the young girl but she remained in silence as she leaned back in the armchair, lying her arms across each rest. Her gaze stayed on Murata. She almost felt as though there was more to say.
"Are you not going to open it?"
"No need," said Murata. "Our mutual acquaintance spoke highly of you, said that you were a fair employer. I trust you."
"That's nice to hear, child," said Valarian, smiling. "I think that concludes our business. Unless there is anything else…?"
When Murata stood up so did Valarian. At first she turned to leave before a question came to mind. "Just one thing, out of my own curiosity. What is the ice for?"
"I plan to sell most of it," said Valarian. "The rest I plan to use in my inner is my homeworld. I miss it and as much as I've become accustomed to Tatooine's heat, I still find myself longing for the cold. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes," said Murata, smiling. "Thank you."
"I look forward to doing business with you in the future," said Valarian, turning her back on Murata and heading for her desk. "By the way, the drink is on the house."
With RA behind her, Murata left Valarian's office and they left the Lucky Despot. She finished her drink on the way out and placed on the table they had sat heat hit Murata hard and in silence, they started their walk back to the ship. It was a couple hours from lunch time and Murata noticed the difference between early morning and now. There were many more people around, making the market area crowded.
As they walked, Murata barely saw any faces, her body walking automatically as her mind was elsewhere. The last time she came to Tatooine was to see an ally, a friend and she hadn't seen him since. Thinking about it now made her feel guilty. Despite the demands delivering placed on her, she knew she should make an effort to keep in contact with people and this friend was definitely no exception.
"RA, we have to make a stop," said Murata, stopping abruptly.
The droid froze at Murata's words and he turned, the cerise plating glaring in the bright sunlight. Even before a word came out of his mouth, Murata knew there were strong objections coming her way. It always happened when she changed her mind or when things didn't go as planned.
"M-"
"I know," said Murata, holding up a hand to silence him just as he started to speak. "I said we'd leave as soon as the deal was done but there is someone I would like to see before we leave. But don't worry, we're leaving Mos Eisley. Come on, we have to see when the next shuttle departs."
Murata changed directions and for a moment RA watched, seemingly in disbelief at the change of plans. But he soon followed, deciding it was best not to argue. They headed towards the terminus without another word passing between them.
The city of Arnthout was aesthetically similar to Mos Eisley but it was much smaller. There were a few official buildings near a small residential area and it was mostly shops and few market stalls that took up much of the settlement. It was just about the middle of the day when Murata and RA stepped off the shuttle along with a few other passengers and instantly, everyone went their separate ways. Murata exhaled sharply at the heat as it felt hotter and she gestured to RA to follow and he did, still in silence.
"Do you remember Vesat?" asked Murata as they wandered down the main street.
There was a pause before the droid answered. "The Harch that once rescued you?"
"You mean us," said Murata, giving a sly sideways glance. "But yes, him. He lives here. Runs quite a successful business, a diner, I think."
The two companions walked down another couple of streets before they arrived at the right place. Murata glanced through the window and despite not being sure, she could have sworn she saw someone familiar. Just before entering Murata took a step back and looked up at the dusty sign; Diner's Delight. Murata smiled faintly as she shook her head. Only her old friend could come up with such a name.
"Hello, how may I assist you?"
The question had addressed Murata before the glass door had even closed behind them. Before them stood a young Twi'lek with violet coloured skin. She was wearing a bright pink bikini, flat sandals and a black collar around her neck. For a moment Murata stared at the girls brassiere, feeling somewhat stunned by the amazing ruby jewel that hung down the middle of it. Murata quickly remembered herself and cleared her throat, meeting the Twi'leks grey eyes.
"I'm here to see Vesat," she explained clearly. "He's an old friend."
The Twi'lek smiled and turned to face the kitchen, taking a few steps towards it. "Master Vesat," she called. "You have a young visitor."
Murata smiled as Vesat poked his head out from in the kitchen. "Ah, Murata!" he called happily.
A tall, male Harch stepped out from within the kitchen. Murata watched as he came closer and she looked him over. He was wearing a plain white shirt, suitable for his six arms and a long grey trousers. As soon as he reached her, she was grabbed and pulled her into a constricting hug, four his hands patting her lightly on the back. Murata instantly returned the hug, just as happy to see him as he was to see her.
"It's been a while," stated Vesat. "I thought you'd forgotten about this old timer."
"Of course not," said Murata, when the hug ended. "I was here on business and…"
"Unusual for you to have business on Tatooine, isn't it?" interrupted Vesat, seeming surprised.
"I do a lot of business… everywhere really," said Murata, chuckling breathily as she felt lost for words.
"Well… not the safest place to be," concluded Vesat. "I take it your business is finished?"
"Yes," said Murata.
"Good," said Vesat, clapping four of his hands together. "It's lunch time and you must be hungry. Reblog, take over in the kitchen. Murata, come sit with me."
The stir of noise that sound in the kitchen turned Murata's head and she watched as an Ortolan stumbled around, muttering to himself. The only thing Murata could see was his white shirt and grubby cooking apron that was covered in an oily substance. On the other side of the diner was two customers that were sitting together, being served by a Twi'lek with lemon yellow skin. She was wearing a bikini similar to the other but hers was a bright teal blue and tiny beads hung off the brassiere rather than a jewel in the centre.
Beside the kitchen, a door opened and a small astromech droid rolled out and by them carrying a tray of drinks on his head, accompanied by a male Wroonian who was wearing nothing but a simple undergarment. It was white and the fabric looked as though it had been tightly twisted before placed on his body. It left the rest of him exposed and Murata could see how the diner did so well, having him and the Twi'leks walking around with barely anything on.
"Sit," said Vesat.
Murata slid into the booth and RA plopped down beside her. The booth seats were laid with a soft red cushion and the tables were glass and wholly spotless. Vesat pushed himself in and sat opposite Murata and after a wave from him, the Twi'lek who had greeted them, sat down next to him.
"This is Mylin," said Vesat. "She's my favourite. Meet Murata and her droid RA-S15."
"It's nice to meet you," said Mylin. "And please, ignore him. He says we're all his favourites."
Murata smiled. "Nice to meet you as well," she said earnestly. "So, who are the other favourites?"
"Ellia, she's the one serving the couple down there," said Vesat, pointing behind him. "Drea is in the back, cleaning the security droids. She'll be out soon. The hunk that walked past you is Olog and don't get any ideas young lady."
"I wasn't thinking anything," said Murata, holding her laughter.
"Good," said Vesat, pulling out a menu and waving at something else in the diner. "What would you like for lunch?"
Murata released hold of the case and placed it between her leg and the wall before taking the menu and giving it a quick glance over. "I don't know. What would you recommend?"
"The ahrisa is particularly good," boasted Vesat, as a serving droid on wheels pulled up at their table. "But maybe it might be a little spicy for you…"
"Nonsense," said Murata. "I'll have the ahrisa."
"I'll have the same," said Vesat, dismissing the droid.
"So, tell me how you've been," said Vesat. "It's been a couple years since I've seen you. I'm sure you had a some adventures."
"Yeah… a few," said Murata coyly. "Maybe you should tell me about yours first and how you've been since I last saw you."
Briefly, Vesat's eyes narrowed as he looked at his young friend. "Be lucky you're cute," said Vesat. "But be warned. It won't last." The Harch merely got a poke of Murata's tongue at him before he spoke again. "I know you think I've gotten soft since opening a diner but I've had a few run-ins with people. The last was on Coruscant. I was trading and almost got on the wrong side of mean looking Wookiee."
"That doesn't count," said Murata, pointing a finger at him. "Everyone one knows the undercity of Coruscant is a dangerous place."
"This diner was in the sights of a gang here on Tatooine. Weequays mostly. Thugs, all of them," spat Vesat. "Olog took them down singlehanded."
"What happened?" asked Murata, clearly interested.
"It was just after lunch," started Vesat. "Customers were slowly filing out after the rush and a group of Weequays and a couple Twi'leks busted in, demanding money and alcohol and whatever they could carry that was valuable or useful to them. The leader, had a brutish expression, got right in my face and jammed his gun into one of my eyes. It was then Olog appeared from within the kitchen and took them down."
For a moment, Murata stared at her old friend, wondering if he was making this up. "I thought they were armed?"
"They were," insisted. "After Olog attacked the first one, he was then armed too. Took them down without any fuss and dropped the gun once he was done."
"Wow," said Murata.
"Now, little one," said Vesat. "I'm certain your life is far more interesting than mine of late. Spill."
Murata shifted on the seat, hearing the case hit the wall lightly. "Well…" she said, giving it some thought. "About six months after I last saw you I had a slight malfunction on my ship and had a rough landing on Arkania. The ground was hard and cold and there was nothing but rolling mountains of white as far as the eye could see. RA couldn't leave the ship or his circuits would freeze and I couldn't see anything worth walking towards."
"Must have been scary," said Vesat.
"It was," admitted Murata. "It was the first time something had ever really gone wrong with my ship. I was about to send out a distress call when I heard a ship approaching. It was a shuttle actually and two male Arkanians asked if I needed assistance. They helped me fix the ship so it would at least get to the city. I fixed it up, stayed a couple nights and left."
Across from her Vesat leaned on the table, closer to her. "Tell me another."
Murata smiled broadly as she racked her brain, trying to think of a story exciting enough for Vesat. From the Harch's own past experiences, he was hard to please when it came to tell stories. As Murata thought, she saw the side kitchen door open and a third Twi'lek stepped out. She was just as young and beautiful as the other two with midnight blue skin. The bikini was vibrant white, both pieces adorned with white beads that sparkled even in natural light.
"Last year I had a shipment of weapons to deliver to a bounty hunter on Ord Mantell," said Murata. "The bounty hunter, a Zygerrian named Verun, ordered the weapons from a friend on Nar Shaddaa. I landed and delivered them where I supposed to. He was different to any Zygerrian I've ever met. He was on edge and jumpy. It wasn't long before another bounty hunter jumped out, with a few others and a fight broke out. I hid and it was over in seconds. One of them found me and wanted to know how I knew Verun. I told them I was just doing my job. They gave me a few credits and told me to get lost."
"You could have been killed," said Vesat, shocked. "What about the credits Verun gave you."
"I kept them," said Murata with a shrug. "I still did the job after all and the other bounty hunters never asked about it."
Vesat's body jiggled as he bellowed with laughter. "That's my girl," he said proudly. With barely a sound Mylin gracefully got up from the booth and headed towards the kitchen. "Ah, lunch must be ready. Would you like a drink, Murata?"
"Water is fine," she answered with a smile.
With two plates in her hands, Mylin came back to the table and placed one in front of Murata and the other in front of Vesat before she sat back down. The smell hit Murata before she looked down at the ahrisa. Carefully, she broke off a piece with her fingers and popped it into her mouth. The outside was slightly crunchy while the middle was soft. The spices were strong and Murata inhaled sharply but it still tasted good and just as she remembered.