The woman crushed her eyebrows together as she rigged the wires inside the utility droid before her. Her small, black-gloved hand could barely maneuver in the tight space of the older model. Her light, creamy skin was smudged with dirt and grime from the day's work, spilling just slightly onto the sleeve of her black shirt that cut off just below her elbow. She pulled out a hydrospanner from her tan vest with three large pockets that lined the outside of it along the front to get to work on some oddly shaped bolts and screws on the inside. After a few minutes, she pulled the hydrospanner back and inspected her handiwork with her deep blue, almond shaped eyes. She took out a handkerchief from her utility vest and wiped it down her rounded face and slightly angled jaw, then shoved the cloth back in one of the many pockets of her vest. Standing up to stretch, she instinctively placed a hand on the back of her head, ensuring that her long black hair was still in the simplified traditional Deralian style - pulled back and looped high on her head into a hooped ponytail. She placed her hands on her hips, just above where her shirt ended and her tan pants with numerous pockets running down both legs began to show itself.
[Vara, how's that droid coming?] another woman's voice called from the front of the repair shop she was working in. She had asked in Deralian.
[Looks good from where I'm standing,] Vara replied, closing the top of the utility droid with a satisfied smile, [When's Lous coming to pick it up?]
[He just called - he said he'd be here in a few minutes,] the other woman called back. The woman who had called her was Nila - she was the one who ran the droid and repair shop. The business began with her great grandfather, and it stayed in the family, along with the new expectation that any immediate family members would learn the skills to repair, and possibly build, almost any droid of any model. It was high standards for a Deralian working-class family, but they never ran out of business, and the native people always appreciated the skills the family had developed.
Vara walked from the shop to the back of the front desk where Nila was leaning on and leaned next to her. Her face was similarly round to Vara's, though a little longer, and the corners of her eyes were sharper. Her irises were hazel and her hair, although pulled up into a similar style, was much shorter. When the two unraveled their hair, Vara's reached the back of her hips while Nila's only reached just below her shoulder blades. Nila's ungloved hands, while slimmer, where longer, especially in the fingers. Although Vara wasn't exactly shapely, she still held together a decent pair of hips and a small waist, while Nila was slim as a board. Nila also stood at a good 5'3" while Vara stood at a solid 5'6".
[I see the shop hasn't burned down yet,] Vara said, smiling. Nila let out a humored cross between a laugh and a gasp.
[You've always had the strangest humor,] Nila pointed out, though she couldn't keep from smiling, [It's a wonder you get so many proposals.]
[I guess awkward jokes just turns these guys on,] Vara said, never changing her expression. Nila snorted and rolled her eyes.
Nila scrunched her eyebrows together then turned to Vara and said, [I'm sure you've been asked this a thousand times by the other townsfolk, but why aren't you married yet?]
[What do you mean by that?] Vara asked, raising her eyebrows.
[Come now, it's not like you haven't had any suitors since we brought you into our household,] Nila responded, raising her own eyebrows, [You're nearly thirty! Have you no interest in a family of your own?]
Vara looked out to the front of the shop, taking in a sharp breath as she tensed up. Nila wondered for a second if she should have said anything or not.
[I guess I've thought about it, but...] Vara said softly.
[Is there something about it that worries you?] Nila asked gently.
Vara let out a harsh sigh and said, [I guess I'm afraid of... how my child, or children, would be.]
[You're afraid you wouldn't be a good mother to them?] Nila more clarified than asked. Vara just bit onto the inside of her lower lip.
Nila let out a sigh and looked forward towards the shop entrance and said, [I can understand that. I've been terrified since accepting Rico's proposal. I'm the youngest of two in our family, and all I've ever really lived around were droids. How am I supposed to raise a family?]
Vara stayed silent, teeth still pressing on the back of her lip. A small chime resounded as the door to the shop opened up, and Vara immediately stood up and forced a polite smile on her face with a relaxed pose. The one who was walking into the shop was a male, green skinned Twi'lek, probably in his forties. He smiled and waved at the two of them as he came up to the front desk.
[Ah, ladies!] the Twi'lek spoke in Huttese, [I hope you are well today. You really should step outside when you can; the weather is absolutely lovely!]
Nila laughed a little, and said in Huttese, [Good to see you too, Lous. I hope the locals aren't giving you too much trouble.]
[Eh, they don't shy away from me as often,] Lous replied as he shrugged, [I've grown quite comfortable with this planet.]
[Glad to hear it,] Nila replied. She turned to Vara about to say something when Vara raised her hand with a slight smirk.
[I'm on it,] Vara said in Huttese as she walked back to where she left the utility droid. She crouched down in front of it, opened a flap and punched in the code, then closed the flap again. The droid powered up, it's photoreceptor lense glowing. It swerved it's head back and forth, taking in its surroundings before looking at her and making a series of beeps and boops.
[You're owner's in the front, ready to bring you back,] Vara said to the droid in Huttese. The droid made a series of beeps and started to roll its wheels, heading to the side door that lead to the front of the shop. Vara stood up and walked up with it, opening the door to let it out of the room. The droid rolled up next to Lous and made a few cheerful beeps.
[Ah, there you are my little U1 unit!] Lous greeted the droid cheerfully, [You look as good as ever. Be sure to thank the nice woman for your upgrades.]
The droid turned around and made a few grateful beeps to Vara.
[No problem,] Vara responded, then said to Lous, [If you have any issues, be sure to call us back.]
[Oh, absolutely,] Lous chimed, [The locals weren't lying when they said that your family was the one to go to for droid help. Speaking of which...]
[Is there another droid you need work on?] Vara asked, only afterwards noticing the thoughtful face that had suddenly fallen on the normally amiable Twi'lek.
[No, that's not it,] he said, then addressing both of them, [Normally I wouldn't be concerned about this, but considering the other locals were, I think I should bring it up. There are some rumors that Republic soldiers have come to the area.]
[Republic soldiers?] Vara repeated.
[What are they doing here? The last time they came to Deralia was during the Mandalorian Wars,] Nila added.
[I've heard that they are looking for someone, but I cannot say for certain,] Lous said, [Most of this is rumor, and in the end, a rumor is a rumor, no?]
[I suppose,] Vara muttered. Nila looked up at her.
[Vara, you've traveled around Republic space,] Nila began before asking, [What do you think would bring the Republic here?]
[Well, it depends on how many are here,] Vara said, [The most likely scenario I can think of is that they're chasing a criminal of some kind. Either that or looking for a place to erect a memorial from the Mandalorian Wars; although it's been ten years since they ended. Or they might be investigating a possible threat along the Outer Rim; though I'm sure if there was one, we'd have heard of something by now.]
Nila didn't move from her spot, but she had clearly tensed up during the conversation. Vara reached over to pat her on the shoulder, a concerned look in her eyes. Lous sighed.
[I hate to leave on such a sour note, but I should finish my errands for today,] Lous said regretfully, [Do enjoy the nice weather before the sun sets, ladies. I hate to see your pretty faces so gloomy.]
[Thank you, Lous,] Nila replied. He flashed them both a concerned smile as he waved and walked back to the door, the droid following faithfully behind him.
It was evening now, when Vara and Nila closed and locked up the shop and returned to their shared home. Nila's brother, Deren, had gotten home earlier from his business taking at-home calls for repairs. Nila and Vara stripped out of their grimy work clothes and took their turn in the refresher, then changing into long gowns that wrapped around their bodies and tied along the sides, with long, wide, square-ish sleeves. Vara's home gown was a deep blue with gold and silver embroidery flowers scattered along the soft cloth. Nila's home gown was a vibrant red with pink and orange petals flying about the cloth design. Nila walked down into the kitchen to cook and Vara went off to dust some of the corners and sweep the floor. Yesterday their chores were swapped. As Vara finished cleaning the steps, Nila was plating the table for dinner. Nila rang a small bell when it was done, and the sound echoed throughout the house. The three placed themselves around the low table, Vara and Nila sitting on their legs while Deren crossed his. They bowed their heads quietly in thanks and began to reach for the foods, filling their plates, as the meal began.
Deren looked up at Vara as he began to eat, while Vara kept an absent gaze on her own food. He looked over to Nila.
[How is Rico?] he asked in Deralian. Vara tensed a bit but continued eating.
[I haven't seen him today,] Nila admitted.
[Has he revealed any of the wedding plans? He can only keep so many secrets from the bride's family,] he said.
[His mother is doing most of the planning,] Nila commented, and added, [But he did tell me yesterday that they are planning on the Spring, around the first bloom.]
Deren smiled and said, [Ever traditional a family. I was able to speak to his father today. He praised you quite a bit.]
[I didn't realize I made much of an impression,] Nila flustered slightly.
[You keep selling yourself short,] Deren said with a slight smile. He then turned to Vara, who was quietly eating the whole time.
[I've received another request today: one from Tobis,] he said, his tone a little sharp, [And you never responded to Mart's request.] Nila's eyes fluttered from Vara's face to Deren's, and she quickly went back to her food.
[Let Mart know that I am sorry, but I cannot accept his request,] Vara said calmly, taking another piece of food to her mouth and chewing it slowly, never looking at Deren. Deren glowered at her and rubbed his lips along his teeth.
[You know, Serel has recently accepted my proposal,] Deren said, annoyance written deep within his voice, [And Nila will be wed within the next year. In time, there may not be a place for you.]
Vara quietly ate. Only the sound of utensils scraping plates entered the air.
[Your proposals are also wavering significantly,] Deren added, [You are getting old, and there may soon not be any men willing to take you as their bride.]
More silence, as Vara kept her gaze away and Nila continued glancing between the two.
[Have you nothing to say?] he asked darkly.
Vara looked up at him.
[And just what should I tell you?] Vara said, a slight challenge in her tone.
At that, Deren groaned loudly, throwing his head backwards.
Tossing his head forwards again, he announced, [How about what kind of man it would take to get you to start a family? Or how about why you've refused every proposal you've received since we've accepted you into our household six years ago? Or why you embrace many of our traditions but will not uphold the most basic one?]
Vara sighed and nearly groaned, [Haven't we already been down this path?]
[Unless you point me the way out, I cannot help but walk it,] Deren nearly growled.
[And you would care for this Outsider's opinion?] Vara snapped.
[Your blood is pure Deralian - look in a mirror and surely you can see that!] Deren yelled, slamming his fist on the table, [You may have lived your life apart from us, but you came to your home, embraced your mother tongue, and followed our life. Because you are one of us, born as one of us, and you will die as one of us.]
A loud buzzing noise sounded from the front door. Nila quickly excused herself and fled the room. Deren shaked his head and buried it in his hands, Vara no longer touching the food on her plate.
[I just don't understand,] Deren said quietly, desperation weaved into his voice. He looked up at her, clasping his hands together.
[We are your family,] he said, voice straining, [Why can't you talk to us?] Vara bit the inside of her lower lip, letting her eyes drift down to the plate. Deren groaned, letting his face fall back into his hands.
[Um, Deren,] Nila spoke up from the doorway that left the dining room and kitchen area. He slowly lifted his head up to face her.
[There are some men here...] she said, [They... would like to be our guests.]
[Who are these men?] Deren asked, letting his voice waver.
[They're Republic soldiers...] Nila's voice trailed off. Deren's eyes shot open and he sat up straight. He quickly stood up and wiped his hands along a cloth.
[Make however much more we need. I'll see to our guests,] Deren said abruptly before brushing past Nila. Vara and Nila quickly went back into the kitchen, making double the servings of what they had made before. Nila mentioned quickly to Vara that they have a Huttese translator, but none of the other soldiers could speak it even though they seemed to understand her. Vara nodded as she swiftly chopped vegetables and herbs and meats and handed them to Nila for cooking. After Vara had finished with the preparations, she ran to the cupboard to grab a few large party plates and laid them along the counter, washing the dirty dishes and giving a quick rub to the counter as she went. Just as they were plating the new food, Deren walked in with five Republic officers. Speaking in Huttese, he made an apology about the table and how they were not expecting guests. He turned and made gestures towards the furniture and artwork of the room, commenting proudly on their family as he did. One of the officers turned around, clearly uninterested, and squinted his eyes when he saw Vara as she cleaned off the food from the table and Nila replaced it with the new food and clean dishware. The officer that noticed her tapped the officer next to him on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear. The second officer turned with his upper body, looking her up and down with his eyes as she tried to ignore them. The second officer nodded. Vara stepped back from the table when they were done making it.
[Dinner is ready for our guests,] Nila announced in Huttese, bowing low with one hand against the folds of the top of her shirt and the other outstretched towards the table.
[Good, good!] Deren said in Huttese, feigning cheerfulness, [Please, everyone, enjoy yourselves. I do hope you find our preparations satisfactory.]
Four of the five Republic officers gathered around the table, picking food off of the various serving dishes and chattering in Galactic Basic. Vara was a little surprised she still understood any of it. The one officer that didn't sit down was the first one that spotted Vara, and he was talking to Deren lowly in Huttese. She saw the officer point to her and Deren gave her a wave for her to join them. She walked hesitantly towards the two men, and gave a small bow with her hand placed upon her chest when she was close enough.
"Good evening miss," he said in Basic, "I am Commander Taryn of the Harbinger."
Vara gave another small bow and said in a roughly accented Basic, "Vara Mindor, sir, and welcome to our humble home." Deren blinked at her after she spoke. The Commander smiled.
"Well, Miss Vara Mindor," the Commander said, "I'm not so sorry we interrupted your dinner now. We were sent to collect you." Vara blinked and her eyes widened slightly.
"Why is a Republic cruiser sent to collect me?" she asked.
"I wasn't given any details," the commander begrudgingly admitted, "But it is of the utmost importance that you accompany us and return you to Republic space." She stammered a bit, while Deren looked back and forth between the two, completely lost at the conversation.
"I suppose if it's important enough to send a cruiser after me..." Vara muttered, and asked, "When will you be leaving?"
"We will be leaving in the morning," the commander said, "I suggest you pack light and get to sleep as soon as you can. I appreciate your cooperation." He nodded to Deren and joined his fellow officers at the table, who had already eaten most of the food.
[What was that about?] Deren asked in Deralian, still blinking, and a little agitated.
Vara sighed inwardly and looked at him, and said a little sadly, [They're going to take me back into Republic space.]
[What?] he blinked again, [Why?]
[I don't know,] she admitted quietly.
A moment of silence passed between them.
[I... should go pack my things,] Vara said softly, looking to the floor. With that she walked out of the room and rounded the hall and up a set of stairs. Once at the top, she entered her room, the second door on the left. She pulled out a bag and filled it with a few personal items - toothbrush, hair ties, hydrospanner, handkerchief, and the like. Then she took her work clothes and gave them a quick wash before laying them out for use the next morning. The black, heavy working boots she wore were downstairs by the door. She looked through her closet for something nice - a non-traditional gown that would work well in case she had to accompany a private dinner or a formal party. She frowned as she scanned through the clothes that hung there. Then her eyes glanced off into the dark corner of the closet. Reaching down, she pulled out the old gown she had purchased almost eight years ago; it was a rich, forest green, velvet dress, littered with dust and lint. It had a low scooping back, dipping and rising sharply, the lowest point between the shoulder blades. The front also had a scooping neckline, but much more shallow, barely breathing past the collarbone. She held it up against her body and saw that the gown still just barely brushed the floor. Then she wondered if she still had the shoes she bought with it.
Tossing the gown on her bed, she went digging through the closet, finding numerous things she had forgotten even existed: chokers and old jewelry she never wore anymore, expired hair dyes of various extreme colors, leather straps and chains with no obvious purpose, an old blaster that didn't work. She slowed down her sorting as a sadness filled her eyes, with each old, painful memory. Somehow she could almost smell the dirty cantinas and rough hotels behind them. Somewhere in the mess she found a hunting knife, and images of wild jungle and vicious beasts blurred through her mind. She tossed it on her bed and reminded herself to sharpen it later. Then she found them: a pair of dusty, black shoes with a slight heel, a cover and strap for the human heel and ankle and a slip along the front with a small, tear-shaped hole where the second toe would be, next to the big one. She set to cleaning her old clothes before throwing them in the bag she had, and then sat down to sharpen the old knife. When she opened it, she was surprised to see that it hadn't rusted in the slightest. There was a light knock on her door.
She looked up and said in Deralian, [Come in!]
The door slid open and Nila peaked her head around into Vara's room, her fingers wrapping themselves around the wall she stood by. She looked sadly at the clothes, the small bag, and the weapon that she didn't know Vara had comfortably held in her friend's hands.
[It's true, isn't it?] Nila asked sadly, [You're leaving us. And so soon after you've found your way home.]
Vara gazed at Nila, her lower lip slowly retracting itself between her teeth.
[Yeah,] Vara finally said, [They said it's important too.]
[Why?] Nila asked in a harsh whisper, [Why you? Why now? Why ever?]
[I don't know,] Vara admitted.
[What do you mean 'you don't know'?] Nila's voice began to raise.
[Just that - I don't know!] Vara let out in desperation, [I'm not even sure if they know.]
[How could they not know? They come charging in to our little planet to find you. How could they not know?] Nila stared at her, angry, confused, hurt all in the forefront of her eyes.
[And you!] Nila continued, accusingly, [How is it that you're so important? What did you do? What are you?]
Vara shook her head, just as lost as her friend was, and said weakly, [I'm just a nobody. Wandering the Outer Rim until some kind family decides to take me in. I haven't been in Republic space for ten years.]
Nila's jaw clenched, as she stood in the doorway and crossed her arms.
[You're lying,] she accused.
Vara looked at her, wide-eyed and blinking, and said, [Why in the world would I lie to you?]
[Why don't you tell me?] Nila jabbed, [Have you been hiding? On the run? The Republic wouldn't want you so badly if you were 'just a nobody'.]
[But I am!] Vara protested weakly, [There's nothing special about me.] Letting her head drop, she added under her breath, [Not anymore.]
Nila waved back and forth on her feet, still glaring at Vara.
[I guess it's a good thing you've never taken a husband,] Nila said darkly, [You're family would be heartbroken to find their wife and mother was wanted by the Republic.]
With that, Nila spun on her heel and left. Vara stared down at her partially sharpened knife, and returned to the rhythmic practice she was doing earlier. Time passed, the sun quickly setting, and she heard the guests leave. She tucked away the newly sharpened knife and placed it in her bag, which she then tossed next to her clothes for the next day. Before she was about to change into her night clothes she heard someone clear their throat behind her. She turned around to see Deren standing in the doorway.
[Anything you'd care to say to us?] he asked sternly, his brows raised.
Vara looked at him puzzled and said, [Goodbye?]
Deren placed his hand in front of his eyes, groaning.
[You're never going to tell us?] he moaned.
[Deren, I don't even know what this is all about,] Vara nearly spat, [I'm just as lost as you are.]
[The Republic consider's you important, and you're important for a reason,] he spat back, [You can't even guess?]
Vara opened her mouth and then shut it again, her mind both whirling and blank at the same time. He shook his head and left, letting the door close behind him. She shrugged off her clothes and loosened her hair, threw on a knee-length nightshirt, and crawled into bed.