The Present

He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. She let out a low laugh, something of a giggle. Together, they drunkenly slammed against the wall of the hotel hallway. "Almost there," she whispered into his ear. He laughed on his own, but with her face turned away from him, she made a disgusted face. They slid along the wall for a moment longer, at last reaching the door to the room. She used the key he had had in his pocket and opened the door. There, with the uneven weight against her as the door opened, they slammed heavily against the wall just inside the room. She winced and was almost pushed to her limit, but let it last a moment longer. She glanced out into the hallway, closing the door against unwanted guests.

He guided her to the bed, attempting to throw her down on it. Instead, as though taking charge, she threw him down. She smiled slyly and leaned over towards him, him staring up at her greedily. He reached up for her, trying to kiss her on the lips. And suddenly, the scene drastically changed.

Jaina threw a punch at the man's face. He stared at her, enraged. "What was that for?" he demanded. She glared at him, turning her nose up.

"Where's the information you owe Darth Tyranus?" she whispered harshly, glancing around the room, taking a step back, brushing herself off disgustedly. "You owe it, and you have long missed your deadline. This is your last chance." He started to get up, but she hit him again, and he collasped upon the bed.

She turned around, taking a few steps to get to the table with a few dirty bags upon it. She reached out for the data pad. Then, quickly, she spun around, elbowing the man in the face. He fell back a few steps, just enough time for her to grab her lightsaber, the deep red blade humming to life. And seconds later, he lay still on the floor. She leaned over and took the small holographic file from his pocket, and then turned to leave through the window balcony.

"I don't care for second chances."

The Past

"If you'll please follow me, your Highness, I'll show the room where you will stay," Jaina said pleasantly. The Queen of Naboo nodded her decorated head and began to follow Jaina down the wide halls with her handmaidens. She finally reached the spot where the security had guarded the Queen's suite. She opened the door and walked ahead of her inside. "And here is where you shall stay under the safety of the Republic and the Jedi."

"Thank you, Mistress Jedi," the young Queen said, stepping inside past her. Jaina bowed slightly and left the room, her lightsaber hilt swinging at her side. She walked down the long hallways of the Senate building through the thick crowds of people. She was due back to the Jedi Temple in an hour to receive her next true mission.

She was nearing the exit to head towards a taxi when a man with silver hair brushed past her. She would have continued, had she not made a double-take and recognized him. He kept her gaze for a moment, and then walked purposefully away outside of the Senate building. Jaina quickened her step and followed him, continuing down an outside hallway of the building, somewhat of a porch to the building around the side of it. The crowds died down in this region, and at last, Jaina caught up with him as he stopped in the shadow of a pillar.

"Will I ever have the chance of seeing you again?" he asked softly. Jaina lowered her head, then looked up at him with sad eyes.

"I found I needed your help on that mission. I didn't know you would find me again and wish to see me more."

"Do you want me to just forget you forever?" The question stung her, even though they hadn't known each other long.

"No," she replied earnestly, barely above a whisper, just loud enough to be heard. She took a step forward. "But...I'm a Jedi. I'm not supposed..." Her voice trailed off. She looked up at his face longingly.

"I understand." He brushed past her and walked away.