Corso was sitting on the bridge in the co-pilots seat as he always did, humming a song under his breath when Moira walked in and plopped down into the pilots see. She watched Corso out of the corner of her eye. He had looked up and smiled at her, bobbing his head respectfully before going back to examining the blue tunnel of hyperspace. Moira was wondering exactly how offended or hurt he was by the fact that she had to keep secrets from him but didn't know how to ask. Before she could figure it out, Corso turned to her and asked, "So how'd you end up out here, Captain? Was there ever a time that you wanted something more... normal - a husband, kids, someone to take care of you?"

He had asked the last part before thinking about it and turned red with embarrassment. He was about to apologize and say that he knew she really didn't need anyone to take care of her but she answered before he had the chance. "I'm just doing this until I make enough to retire rich."

They were quiet again for a few minutes before she asked him, "How bout you, Corso? Ever want to go home and start up a normal life on Ord Mantell?"

Corso was quiet for a moment before murmuring, "I don't know. It's hard to go back from this life."

Moira watched him with both interest and concern, waiting for him to say more. He did, but it was slow in coming. "I met this mercenary out on Clak'dor VII when I was with The Peace Brigade. He had spent twenty years fighting for the Republic. Me, I was sixteen, fresh off the ship. This guy gave me my first blaster."

Moira chuckled and said, "Wait, I thought you country boys grew up shooting."

Corso blushed and said, "I mean yeah, I'd handled a huntin' rifle but never anything... aimed at people. This old guy told me 'A gun's just a tool. You can use it to destroy or use it to protect against those who would destroy you.'"

Moira nodded. She had heard similar words before leaving home. "And you took it to heart;" she murmured. Corso nodded, scratching the stubble on his chin. "Made me think different 'bout guns. You can't protect the people you love if you're afraid to get your hands a little dirty. I brought Torchy home and my parents made me lock her up, said that we shouldn't 'wish away peace.'"

He was real quiet for several long moments. "I didn't have her when the separatists came."

Moira was somewhere between being uncomfortable and wanting to comfort him. She leaned over and placed a hand on his forearm. "For as long as you want, you have a berth on my ship, Corso - whether that's just until you get Torchy back or even after."

Corso smiled at her. "Thank you, Captain but I think you'd get awful tired of me after awhile."

"No! No such thing! I like you big, tough farm boys. You help me keep my manners in check."

Corso laughed, "Captain, when has me being here ever helped you keep your manners in check?"

Moira smirked impishly, "Oh if you could only read my mind..."

Corso shuddered in mock terror at the idea and said, "Your mind is probably a scary, SCARY place, Captain. I'm just as well out here."

They chuckled together for awhile.

They arrived on Taris and Moira had a long talk about what to look for and expect from Risha. They were searching for a vault beneath the destroyed city and, to do so, they needed someones help. Moira had shaken her head in incredulity when Risha had mentioned that this person hated her. "There must be a story behind that."

Risha gave her a pointed look and said, "Let's just say that she and I have history - which I might tell you about when I get to know you better."

Moira couldn't argue with that. Risha continued, "I made our contact and irresistible offer and one of our deal's terms is that she doesn't have to see me. Now, I need you to get that vault's location. Impress the stars out of her."

Moira smiled sweetly and replied, "People are always telling me how impressive I am."

Risha chuckled dryly and said, "That must be a TERRIBLE burden for you. Oh, I also need to warn you - Skavak also knows about the vault. We can't let him catch up."

Moira shrugged noncommittally and said, "Hey, it's me we're talking about here."

"And I have every confidence in you - well almost every confidence. The astrogation chart in that vault is essential to finding Nok Drayen's riches, Captain. Your contact's name is Beryl Thorne. When she gives you the vault's location, come back and see me."

Moira nodded and turned to leave until Risha added as an afterthought. "Oh and try not to let anything eat you, Captain."

Moira gave a mock salute and chuckled. This was going to be interesting. It had surprised her that Corso hadn't come up suited up in his armor and ready to go. Frowning, Moira went to the cabin Corso had claimed and knocked on the door. There was a few metallic clangs and some thumping before the door opened up. There stood Corso, wearing some regular denim trousers and a sleeveless shirt that showcased his large, well formed arms. "What's going on, Captain?"

Moira cocked an immaculately groomed eyebrow. "Why aren't you suited up yet? We're supposed to leave now."

Corso looked confused. "Wait, you want me coming with you?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I?"

Corso looked as though he was trying to hide some of the resentment and hurt he was feeling when he shrugged and looked away. "I figured that I didn't need to since everything with you and Risha seems to be all hush, hush."

Moira sighed and asked, "Can I come in?"

Corso motioned to her and Moira promptly went over and sat on the bed. "Look Corso, if I had my way, I'd let you in on everything but it's not up to me. Risha knows about a HUGE payoff but the only way she shares with me is if I don't share with you. I know that's not fair and I'm sure it hurts but I need you to trust that I'll tell you everything I can or that you need to know."

Corso's arms were crossed across his broad chest and he studied before smiling and saying, "I understand. I don' like it but I understand. Give me five minutes and I'll be ready and rearin' to go."

Moira smiled and said, "Thanks, Corso."

They both stayed put and Moira said, "Aren't you getting changed?"

Corso blushed and said, "Yeah Captain but you're still in my room and..."

He let his sentence trail off as if it were obvious. Moira just cocked an eyebrow, mischief in her eyes and a tiny smirk on her face. "...and? What, are you uncomfortable getting dressed and undressed in front of me, Farmboy?"

Corso was nearly purple with embarrassment. "A little, yeah;" he muttered and turned away. Moira sighed and stood, heading towards the door. "You are no fun, Corso, won't even give a girl a show. Oh well. I'll see you when you get out here."

Corso nodded and waited for the door to shut to quickly get out of his regular clothing and into the body glove that went under his armor before grabbing his blasters and vibroblade. It was less than five minutes before he and his Captain were going down the ramp.

Not ten meters from the bottom of the ramp was a trio of men waiting for them. They were wearing uniforms and Moira frowned. "Great. Customs."

Before she could say more or Corso could ask what the problem was, the man in charge, identifiable by a darker uniform than the other officers, spoke up. "I'm Agent Soganti with the Republic Customs Office. What brings you to my planet, Captain?"

Moira and Corso both scowled and Moira answered, "Last I checked, Taris was REPUBLIC territory."

The dark skinned, dark uniformed man sneered, "When you have as many responsibilities as I do, you develop a sense of ownership about a planet. The Republic Customs Office monitors all starship traffic and insures no illegal goods are transported on or off this planet. Now there's a lot of contraband making its way around Taris. If you see anything suspicious, I suggest you report it immediately."

Moira widened her eyes and made an obviously fictitiously innocent face. "I have no idea what you're talking about - honest."

Agent Soganti looked like he was beginning to get frustrated. "That's right. You have 'solid citizen' written all over you. Listen, I take special interest in every new arrival to MY planet, Captain. Keep your nose clean and we won't have any trouble. Clear?"

Moira crossed her arms. "Do you give this speech to everyone?"

"Just those who I think need to hear it. Enjoy your visit to Taris."

Moira watched with a scowl as the Customs agent strode off with his lackeys. Corso sighed, "Well, I guess gettin' help from the local law is out now - not that I ever had a great deal of hope for that."

Moira chuckled. "Oh Corso - you are so idealistic and yet practical at the same time. If they weren't down-right antagonistic, how exactly could we have asked them for help?"

Corso shrugged. "You'd know better than I would, Captain. Anyhow, we should get goin'. There's only so much daylight on Taris."

Moira nodded and they stepped off, leaving the docking bay and heading out into the mugginess that was Taris. The very planet itself smelled awful and even during daylight hours, you could still here the sound of monsters screeching and shrieking in the swamps outside of the Republic Base. All around them were prefabricated buildings, armed soldiers, war droids and also civilians who just appeared to be milling about. Moira checked her datapad and said, "Risha said that her contact was over in -" and she looked around until she spotted it. "That building over there, I think; Come on. Let's go. The sooner we get off this nasty planet the better."

They hurried across and went into the building. It looked to be a warehouse that was converted into some kind ops center. Inside, they heard a woman cursing and saying, "Argo, you're leaking oil again. Do you wanna set this whole warehouse on fire?"

Coming around the corner, Corso and Moira saw an interesting sight. A battered, rusty looking droid was working at a console while a woman berated him and tapped away on a datapad. The droid replied to the comment directed at him. "The maker said that it is better to burn out than to rust away. Perhaps I am simply testing that theory, Mistress."

Corso covered his mouth to hide a chuckle and Moira cleared her throat. "I'm looking for Beryl Thorne."

The woman turned to face them fully. Aside from a wicked looking scare down the right side of her face, she was fairly attractive though she seemed to have hard edges. Her quick eyes studied first Moira and then Corso. "That's me. Argo's what passes for a second-in-command around here. I recognize you from Risha's holo."

Beryl pursed her lips for a moment before saying, "Let's get one thing straight: the only reason I agreed to help is because my contract supplying the Taris reclamation project is at risk. It looked like an easy way to make credits. Turns out nothing about Taris is easy and there are a lot of interesting ways to die."

Moira chuckled and said, "Take it from me, Sister, as long as you're breathing you're still in business."

Beryl snorted a short laugh. "Some business - I'm barely covering my own expenses here. If I can't finish my contract, I don't get paid. Tyrodall - my partner - died on a supply run and put me in a real bind. I'll find that vault you want but I need to finish my contract to do it. You work for me and I'll work for you. Deal?"

Moira thought about it for a moment before asking, "Can't your walking rust bucket handle things?"

Beryl scowled and said, "Not a chance. The scavengers would be on Argo like gundarks on fresh meat. Besides, I only have two deliveries left. Soon as you handle them, we'll find your vault. Now, the first job's for a Republic scientist named Vernan. He's got his research camp in the rakghoul territory."

Moira laughed incredulously and said, "Rakghoul territory? That's funny. You should really take that comedy act on tour."

To both her and Corso's surprise, Beryl sighed and leaned back against a table. "I wish I was joking. I don't know how anyone lives with those man-eaters running around. I'll stop working on your job while you start working on mind. Isn't cooperation grand?"

Moira was about to answer when the sound of thudding boots reached them from the entrance to the warehouse. In stepped Agent Soganti and his two goons. He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face as he said, "Hello again, Captain. I didn't know you and Thorne here were acquainted."

Beryl Thorne was trying maintain some semblance of composure. "Agent Soganti - what a lovely surprise. It has only been a day since your last inquisition - I mean inspection. Don't you Republic Customs boys have better things to do than turn my warehouse upside down again?"

Agent Soganti smirked and said, "I can inspect this warehouse whenever I want. It's the law."

He nodded at his two officers and they began opening and dumping crates, looking into cabinets and generally ransacking the place in the name of 'Republic Law'. Both Moira and Corso glared at them as they did. Moira didn't have any love for law enforcement or government agencies and Corso, who did respect the law, was all the more disgusted for it, seeing a government official abusing his authority just because he could. Beryl turned to them and said with a tired sigh, "Go and take Doctor Vernan's delivery, Captain. There's no reason for you to stay."

Corso objected. "Are you sure, Ma'am? It wouldn't be a problem to help you clean up this mess when Mr. Agent man is done with his games."

Beryl gave a chuckle and said, "That's awful kind but I'll be okay, thanks. Go on."

Moira sighed and said, "Well then have fun with Agent Fancypants."

Soganti glared at her and snapped, "You're a regular comedian. Maybe I'll find a reason to keep you around so that you can make me laugh all the time."

Corso scowled again and was about to make a sharp retort but Moira nudged him in the ribs none too gently and Beryl redirected his attention by saying, "Poke around my warehouse if you want, Agent. You won't find anything out of order."

The Agent took a step toward her when he stopped and looked down. He was standing in a puddle of dark chemicals that gave off a pungent smell. "Ehh... what did I just step in, Thorne?"

Moira and Corso had to struggle not to laugh but couldn't keep huge grins from covering their faces as the droid replied, "My apologies. I believe that is my hydraulic fluid."

Both of them couldn't help it. They both burst out laughing at the look of embarrassed disgust on the agent's face. Turning they left. Moira was practically leaning on Corso for support, she was laughing so hard. Corso gasped out between laughter. "I'll bet he spent hours cleaning and polishing those shiny boots."

Out behind the warehouse was a loaded hover truck that looked like it had seen better days. "Fantastic. This thing isn't going to get anywhere;" muttered Moira. Corso was looking at it, checking under the hood and even taking a quick peak beneath it. After a moment, he crawled out and said, "I dunno, Captain. It might look a little shaky but all the important parts look to be in working condition. I think this baby's good for a ride."

Moira smirked and said, "You could have said so before we left the ship and I would have been happy to oblige, Corso but I was referring to the hover truck."

Corso looked confused for just a moment before he blushed and said, "Captain, that's terrible. I was talking about the truck too."

Moira nudged him with her elbow. "Too bad, I was hoping for a ride when we get back to the ship. Guess I should just forget it."

To her surprise, Corso smiled and, in a low, husky voice, he said, "Who knows. A lot could happen 'tween now and then."

He then hopped up into the drivers seat and looked at her slack jawed face, "Coming, Captain? These goods ain't deliverin' themselves to the Doctor."

Moira jumped up into the passenger seat and yelled over the roar of the hover trucks engine. "Wait a sec, who gave you permission to drive?"

Corso's smile only grew and he said, "You did. You said you wanted me to take you for a ride, didn't you?"

Moira just shook her head. "That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Sorry, can't hear you, Captain. This engine's mighty loud."

Outside of the safe confines of the settlement areas, Taris was a terrifying world. It reminded Corso of the biggest, scariest haunted houses that he would go up during the harvest holidays but it was worse because, this time, the monsters were all real. The crumbling buildings around them gave off eerie howling noises and the structures creaked and cracked as they passed beneath. The worst was the shrieking. You could hear it from the settlement but it was utterly different being out in the ruins. It was only a couple hours before Moira stopped complaining about Corso's driving and pulled out both blaster pistols from her their holsters. Every now and again, one of the shrieks would come from very close in and Moira would heft a blaster, pointing it in that direction. Corso was lock-jawed, concentrating on the map that had been pre-programmed with the Doctor's location and the overgrown path ahead. Suddenly, they came to a dead end. A section of building had collapsed and massive chunks of metal and duracrete were in the way. Corso rolled to a stop and hoisted his blaster rifle, keeping it ready as he got out and examined the blockage. After only a few moments, he ran back and climbed back into the driver's seat. "Nothing we can do that way. Give me a moment, Captain."

He fiddled with the map, trying to find an alternate route. Time seemed to crawl by as he did and Moira grew increasingly anxious. "Come on, Corso. I'm getting really freaked out here;" she muttered. Corso didn't reply. A minute later he sat up and said, "Right, let's go."

Before he could move the truck, an ugly creature leaped up on the front of the vehicle and rushed at them. With sheer instinct, they both raised their weapons and fired. The report echoed off the ruins and they looked at each other. Moira turned ghastly white and Corso set his jaw. He gunned the truck into reverse and spun them around before heading in the direction that the map indicated. They hadn't gotten far when Moira gasped. There was a group of the strange creatures behind them. "Corso, rakghouls! Get this thing moving!"

Corso tried, putting everything he could into the accelerator but the truck was fully loaded and going at half what its speed should have been. Moira began to blast away, killing any that came too close. "Faster, Corso. Faster!"

But he couldn't go any faster. Corso kept driving with one hand as he yanked a blaster pistol with the other. Whenever one came too close, he would fire at it while trying to maintain some semblance of control on the vehicle. Suddenly, as soon as they were attack, they stopped, shrieking loudly and turning back. Corso gave a sigh of relief. In a cluster of ruins was a small camp site. "We made it;" sighed Moira in relief. A grouchy looking old man pointed them to an open area. "We'll unload over there."

Corso did and they headed towards a larger tent. They grabbed one container and Corso carried it himself. They entered the tent and an older man with very little hair left looked up. "Ah! I recognize the symbols on that container. MY bio-alarms have arrived. Good, good. If only they had arrived in time to save my associate - your not at fault certainly. We knew the risks in studying rakghouls."

Moira shook her head, "How do you manage to survive out here with all those monsters?"

The Doctor shrugged and said, "We have managed to beat the odds. My colleague and I were studying the rakghouls behavior to try and find a means of containing them. We can't afford to let them impede our progress. The Republic's rebuilding efforts on Taris are paramount to future prosperity."

Moira and Corso were both impressed. "You know, you're pretty fearless for a scientist;" chuckled Moira with a smile. The Doctor gave a small smile and lifted a hand. "Fear obstructs understanding. Besides, my prospects for survival have just improved. I've isolated an identifying element in the rakghouls physiology making it possible to detect and track their movements. The bio-alarms you brought will reveal how the creatures hunt. However, installing them will be a challenge with most of my assistance dead and the rest unwilling to leave the camp."

Moira nodded understandingly before shrugging, "If you got the credits, Doc, I've got the time."

The old man smiled with pleasure and said, "Thanks to the rakghouls, I have a budget surplus for staff expenses. You're hired."

Corso couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Well gee, that's a real comfort and no mistake;" Moira elbowed him to shut him up. The doctor didn't even seem to notice. "Place a bio-alarm at each survey station we've established and I'll see that you are amply rewarded."

Moira rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "Amply rewarded is my middle name."

The Doctor chuckled and said, "Well your parents must have been interesting people."

Moira's face tightened and, though the Doctor didn't, Corso noticed it. The Doctor continued, "Come back when you're done and we'll celebrate properly. Normally I would ask for your next of kin's holo-frequency but I would rather maintain some optimism. Good luck."

As soon as they were back out into the wilderness, Moira and Corso had their weapons ready. Corso had the sensors in a case strapped to his back. "I would like to go on record and say that this was a really bad idea;" he murmured. Moira gulped and tried to sound casual. "You can go back if you want, Corso."

He looked at her in horror. "WHAT? And leave you alone out her with the monsters? There isn't a way in the universe I'm leaving you alone out here."

Moira was relieved and tried to smile seductively but it looked more nervous than anything. "My hero;" she tried to coo but her voice shook. This was the scariest planet she had ever been on by far and away. Corso was wearing thick duraplast armor. She wasn't even wearing an amormesh jumpsuit. As if he realized this as well, Corso said, "You should go a little in front of me, Captain. You got no armor and if one of us were to be jumped from behind, I stand a better chance of survivin' it."

Moira nodded and stepped slightly forward. Corso kept his blaster rifle at the ready. They made it to the first survey station without incident but as soon as they set the bio-alarm, a shriek sounded near them. "Shavit!" said Moira and they both began to head out towards the second. Every few minutes, another rakghoul shriek would sound and it was always considerably nearer than the previous one. "Can you tell where they're coming from, Corso?" asked Moira, here teeth all but chattering in fright. The big farm boy seemed to be utterly calm as he kept his three hundred and sixty degree awareness and replied, "I think they're followin', Captain but I can't be sure. The noise just bounces off everythin' down here. Stay close to me."

She glared at him and muttered, "How the kriff are you so calm, Corso?"

He gave a nervous smile and said, "This is still nothing compared to bein' in a firefight at night when yer enemies know the terrain better than you do. There was this one time on Vantooine..."

Suddenly, a shriek cut him off. It was extremely close, almost right behind them. "Lead on, Captain. Keep yer eyes forward and I'll cover our back trail. We're okay. You hear me? We're okay."

Just as he finished, a dozen of them pounded up behind them and he said, "Contact rear, Captain - looks to be about twelve of 'em! No! I got 'em. You keep an eye ahead of us and keep moving forward. I'll let you know if I need help."

Moira didn't want to listen, throwing a worried glance over her shoulder. Corso fired quickly, methodically and accurately, dropping the monsters with every burst. The last one in that swarm slid to a stop less than a meter in front of him. "All clear. How far do we got, Captain?"

Her voice was almost rough with fear, "Another third of a klick, Corso."

Corso nodded. "Alright. Let's keep trucking on then."

Moira was drawing comfort from the mercenary's calm confidence even though she would bet her ship he was just as terrified as she was. She had faced Imperials before, and Separatists and pirates and Mandalorians and even a Sith Lord on the Esseles but this place - the massive, crumbling ruins and the monsters - they were beginning to get to her. She was beginning to feel like a little girl who was afraid of the dark. Suddenly, an arm circled her shoulders and she looked up with a start. "Hey Captain, we're okay. We're okay. I'm not gonna let anythin' happen to ya, alright? We'll make it just fine."

They came on what appeared to be a small collection of abandoned prefabricated shelters - which also happened to be the next point for the bio-alarms. They set it up and Moira took a deep breath and smiled widely. "Two down, one to go, Corso. Minus that one spat, this hasn't been too back after all."

As if to mock her statement, a long, deep roar came from the darkening surroundings and Moira and Corso looked at each other. Moira's eyes were wide and terrified. Corso's had narrowed and his mouth was a single, serious line. They were about to move out when a huge, brown figure plodded into the square of structures. It was a rakghoul but it was huge and had spines sticking out of its back. Even hunched over as it was, it was as tall as Corso. It raised its head and gave a long, loud roar - and then it charged! Moira and Corso opened fire, Corso taking several steps forward, ready to place himself between the monster before them and Moira. It seemed to shrug off the blaster bolts as if they were low power sting bolts. Corso dropped to a knee, pulled out his ridiculously over-sized vibro-blade and stuck it into the ground before setting his rifle on burst and firing slowly and methodically. The creature began to slow, a limp making its way into its charge but it still leaped - at Moira!

Corso grabbed is vibro-blade, activated it and flung his armored body between his captain and the charging monster with a snarl of his own. Moira danced to the side as the two plowed through the ground. The first thing Corso did was shove his gauntlet-armored forearm into the creatures mouth like he would a kath hound or a nexu or any other wild creature. The second thing he did was stab into the creature's chest repeatedly. His eyes and mouth he kept shut tied and his face was turned to the side. Suddenly, he hear the whining sound of a blaster powered for a charged shot. The weapon barked and the creature assailing him gave a roar of pain and wrenched away, taking Corso's vibro-blade with it. Corso whipped out his blaster pistol and charged, holding the trigger half pulled as his own weapon charged. The creature writhing and Corso managed to put a blast right into its slashed up chest. It yelped and swung its arm, connecting with Corso's armored chest and sending flying into one of the prefab shelter's outer walls. Corso lay where he fell and Moira ran to him as the rakghoul still writhed from pain.

Thinking fast, she pulled the big farm boy into the shelter and manually shut the door before retreating into an inner room and shutting the door to that room behind her. The shelter was clearly for housing soldiers or groups of armed settlers. There were empty blaster racks, beds left unmade and each bunk had a small refrigeration unit in it. There was also an emergency medpack on the wall which Moira grabbed. "Please be okay, Corso. I need you to be okay;" she murmured over and over again.

One piece at a time, she removed Corso's armor, checking for signs of blood as she went. The more she removed and covered the more relieved she became. When she got to his mangled left gauntlet, she found that it had been crushed around his arm and was cracked in several places. Working carefully despite her high anxiety, Moira pulled the ruined gauntlet off and carefully checked it over. Corso groaned. Moira nearly wept with relief. The limb had not been cut or punctured but the forearm had been broken. Moira stroked his head a couple times and whispered, "It's okay, Corso. I'll take care of you."

She unzipped the sleeve of the bodysuit he wore beneath his armored plating up to his elbow and shuddered at what she saw. Moira wasn't squeamish and it wasn't the massive swelling or the black and blue bruising that made her shudder. It was the pain the Corso must have endured - to keep her safe from that monster no less. Suddenly, the prefab shelter shook and Moira was sure that the huge rakghoul was trying to get in. She tried to ignore it as she scanned his arm with the med scanner. The good news was that it wasn't displaced. However, the bone had completely broken in half - or rather thirds since it had in two places. Moira quickly injected kolto down to the bone at each break point before wrapping it in a kolto-infused bandage and then cutting a blanket into strips before making a sling and totally immobilizing his left arm. She also set aside some pain killers for when the numbing effect of the first kolto injection wore off. When she finished, she looked down at him before taking what was left of the blanket she had shredded, rolled and folded it and placed it under his head. That done, she looked around, going through the lockers and cabinets. There wasn't much there. She took an empty ruck sack and shoved the medkit inside. She found a couple ration bars which she pocketed and she found two spare blankets. Making a mental note to check the rest of the structures in the area when she got the chance, she went and laid down on a bunk next to Corso. She jumped when he murmured, "You gonna share one of those ration bars, Captain? I'm a little hungry."

Moira was too happy to have him conscious to be mad that he had startled her. "Of course, Corso. Here;" she said as she took one out, opened it and handed it to him. "Thank you kindly, Captain. So tell me, did I get bit buy it?"

He sounded so calm and nonchalant and Moira, almost angry that he wasn't freaking out like she wanted to, replied, "Yes but your lucky cause your gauntlet took the brunt of the bite. What the hell were you thinking anyway, jumping in the path of that monster? You could have been killed or worse!"

Corso looked in surprise at her angry tone. "I was tryin' to keep it from you, Captain. I figured I had a better chance of survival on account of my armor. It just seemed reasonable and more logical is all."

Moira narrowed her eyes. "Bantha shavit! You were just being over protective again! I can take care of myself! I've told you a hundred kriffing times that I can take care of myself. When are you going to get it through your thick skull?"

Corso looked away and said simply, "Never. When it comes to keepin' people I consider friends safe, I'm never goin' to get it through my thick skull. That thing woulda tore you apart, Captain. I wasn't gonna let that happen and you can yell and scream and do whatever you want but that ain't gonna change."

Moira glared at him. Suddenly, and to her surprise, Corso rolled over onto his right side, turning his back to her. "Don't turn your back on me, Riggs! I'm talking to you."

He didn't reply and she got so mad she wanted to spit. "What? You giving me the silent treatment now? Fine, be that way. You never have anything useful or helpful to say anyway."

With that she rolled over on her bunk and glowered at the wall, muttering to herself. "Big, dumb farm boy! Always doing stupid things like catching blaster bolts and jumping in front of attacks. 'Oh I got better armor so it makes more sense.' Fine. I'll buy myself a nice set of armor and that way, there won't be a reason to. We'll see your excuses then. Big, over protective merc."

She didn't realize that Corso was biting down on his blanket not to laugh at her antics. For all her skills and her attitude, she could really be ridiculously childish some times. He didn't say anything though. He just listened and began to dose off to sleep. Suddenly, a shriek from the other side of the wall woke them both from a doze and Moira whimpered, "Corso..."

He sat up and answered, "It's alright, Captain. They won't get us in here. By the time the morning comes, we'll be able to walk out of here. In the mean time, I'm gonna give myself another kolto injection. You don't worry your head none. Just go back to sleep."

Moira was smiling and happy, stirring berries into the muffin mix as she hummed a happy song. Suddenly, the door opened and she turned. In walked Aaron, her fiance. With a breathtaking smile, she went over and hugged him, kissing him fiercely. "How was work today, my love?"

He smiled and held her. "It was uneventful. Nothing worth talking about. How bout you?"

She smiled and whispered, "Well it seems that pregnancy has its perks. I've been thinking of you all day, getting more hot and bothered as the day goes along. Do you think you can help me with that?"

His grin widened and he growled, "It would be my pleasure, Darling."

Suddenly, the doors blew open and in came seven armed Imperial soldiers. Aaron turned to face them and, without a word, without a warning and without a reason, the man in charge, a big man with a beard and hard eyes, shot Aaron dead. Moira screamed in anger and grief, grabbing a kitchen knife but the big man knocked it aside and pinned her, leering. "If you want to play, Sweetheart then let's play."

One at a time, they each took a turn and Moira forced herself to close her eyes and shut the world out. Pain lanced through her body again and again. When all of them were sated, one of them asked, "What should we do with her, Sir?"

The man in charge sneered, "Leave her. If we return, we may want more."

Suddenly, all seven of them shrieked and turned to rakghouls. They hissed and shrieked and advanced on her but she couldn't move. She was alone and hurt and crying for help.

"Captain! Captain, come on, wake up!" said Corso desperately. Moira had been tossing and turning and crying. With a scream she punched him hard in the jaw and then in the chest. A third blow connected with his broken arm and Corso staggered back, groaning as a lance of pain shot through him. It was so intense that his head swam and he nearly vomited. When he was under control, he saw Moira there, her eyes shut tight and sobbing. She was curled into a ball. He went back over, trying to ignore his still-throbbing arm. He touched her shoulder and said, "Come on, Captain, wake up."

Her eyes flew open and she sat up, backing into the corner of the bunk. "Get away!" she said, terrified. Corso sat on the bunk, a hurt and worried expression on his face. "Captain, what's wrong? You know I'd never hurt you."

Finally, recognition crossed her face. She looked at him, tears on her cheeks and her breasts heaving. Corso stood and backed up, his right hand up and said, "It's okay, Captain. You're safe."

Moira was focusing on her breathing as she got her emotions under control. She just stared at Corso, using him as the focus she used to regain control of herself. Corso is here. He'll protect me whether I need it or want him to or not. He'll throw himself between any danger and me even if it does drive me nuts. He'll keep me safe.

Corso seemed to take it the wrong way. "I'll leave you alone for awhile until you feel better, Captain."

"No!" said Moira. "Stay with me, please!" She crawled out from the corner of the bunk and stretched her hand out as if to grab him. "Stay with me;" she whispered, a quiet plea for comfort. Corso nodded and walked over, sitting down on the bunk beside her. "I'll stay with you if you want, Captain."

Moira laid down but the nightmare had been so vivid that she couldn't sleep. Suddenly, a shriek came from outside, far off in the night and she shuddered. "Hold me, Corso? Just 'til I fall asleep, can you hold me? Please?"

Corso hesitated for a moment, thinking this was another attempt to seduce him but it was just a bare moment and he slipped behind her and lay on his back. Moira laid an arm over his chest as he wrapped his good arm around her. Another shriek rent the night and Moira winced and whimpered. "Shh. It's okay, Captain. Nothing will get you here."

They lay silent for awhile before Corso started singing quietly in her ear. He had an alright voice, nothing to write home about but the song was comforting. As the vibration of his singing went from his body to hers, Moira felt herself lolled to to a blessed, dreamless sleep.

Updated 12.15.2017