The market square was like a hundred others she'd seen throughout the galaxy. Stalls set up with a variety of goods from food to handicrafts to random bits of machinery and a few droids. Shada and Aves pretended to be fascinated while keeping their eyes open for any odd activity.

"These ghost women are really creeping me out," Aves said indicating the figures walking around with large sheer veils completely covering them to their knees. Rather like children might cover themselves with a sheet pretending to be ghosts.

"You're not the only one."

Shon was very young, very enthusiastic about his duties, and very curious about the galaxy beyond his world. He peppered Aves with questions that he answered as good naturedly as he could.

Shada could feel the eyes of the locals on them. Especially the women's eyes on her. They were likely focused on her because she wasn't following the strictest customs of dress as they were. Perhaps she should have worn the veil covering her face as they did, but that would have hampered her ability to fight should the need arise.

They were exiting a stall when the end of Shada's veil got caught on something pulling it off the back of her head.

Aves laughed, "Watch it, Grace." He unhooked the fabric from the protruding piece of metal it had caught on.

Shada quickly pulled the veil back over her hair, but it was too late. A large group of women surrounded them. "Come with us," they said grasping at her.

"No."

"These are offworlders. They don't understand our traditions," Shon protested.

"It doesn't matter."

"Her husband is a powerful man doing business with Inspector Valtz. Neither will be pleased at this treatment."

"It doesn't matter," they repeated and more women came, continuing to encircle them.

Shada saw Aves's hand go to his blaster.

"Don't do it, Aves."

"Shada?"

"I'll go with the," she told him "Just get Karrde and Valtz to sort this out."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. It will be fine."

"Well, kriff." Aves released his grip on his blaster. "Karrde's going to be pissed."

The women took her to what looked like some sort of temple complex made of white washed stone. They didn't speak to her. They led her down long twisting corridors and down steps to the bowels of the building. Everything was white and brightly lit.

Finally they reached a big round room with silver metal doors set into the walls. They took her to one of the cells. A bundle of cloth was thrust into her hands and they began tugging at her clothes.

"I'll do it," she told them.

They stared at her as she quickly disrobed and pulled the rough long sleeved shift over her head. They pointed to her boots and she took those off as well. They pulled the zenji needles from her hair and her thick braid fell down her back. They took her clothes and the door slid shut behind them.

Now alone, she looked around the tiny cell. It was white washed stone, same as everything else, with a bright glow panel on the ceiling. There was a metal bench attached to the wall and a basic refresher behind a half wall.

Shada sat down on the bench and leaned against the wall. There was nothing to do but wait. Hopefully, this would be sorted out soon.

Shada jerked awake as the door slid open. She stood up hopefully, but a small bowl was pushed through the door before it slid closed again. She sighed and went and picked it up. It contained some sort of unappetizing gruel and a round piece of bread. She set it aside and sighed deeply. Surely, Karrde would get this sorted out soon. It felt like she'd been here for hours but she really had no way to gage how long she'd been here.

The door opened again and Shada stood. Another bowl of food was slid in before the doors closed. She went over and picked it up. It seemed like she was going to be here for a while. Might as well eat.

It was cold. Shada sat on the bench hugging her knees to her chest rocking slightly to prevent herself from shivering. She reached around and unclasped her braid. She shook her hair out and huddled down again

Shada lay curled on the bench trying to sleep, but it was all but impossible. Every time she fell asleep she awoke shivering. She wished they would at least turn the light off.

The door opened again and this time she didn't jump up. She knew it wouldn't be Karrde. She'd been here for days and he still hadn't come. He'd abandoned her. She knew she shouldn't have cast her lot with him. He was just a low fringer with no honor.

A bowl of food was slid in. She just lay there staring at it.

TBC