Warning: Small amounts of mature content. Nothing too heavy.

Moira sauntered proudly back into the conference hall with the box of heirlooms in her arms and the all-important datapad on her hip. Corso had the bag slung over his shoulder and was not happy to be back. When Lenn and Cedonia saw them, they both stood anxiously. "Rumors are filling the holo frequencies of a daring robbery at our old estate. You've set a lot of tongues wagging."

Mara pulled the datapad from her belt with a flourish and set it on the table, smirking as she did. "House Baliss is missing a datapad from their new library. Lenn was almost giddy as he took it and handed it to his sister. "I'll let my sister have the honors. I never could decipher that blasted thing. Cedonia chuckled as she took it and made her way to the droid. "It's a simple code woven through the genealogical entries. You just need to assemble the letters correctly, Lenn."

Corso coughed to hide a snicker. He wasn't the greatest at codes and ciphers but it sure sounded simple enough. Moira ignored him as she waited eagerly. "I can't wait to see what's inside."

Lenn was gazing at her as he murmured, "Well I hope it isn't a huge explosion. That would be most anticlimactic."

Cedonia read and re-read the file before saying anxiously, "According to this, we must pry open the droid's ventral servomotor and disable the lateral conduits. Moira and Lenn leaned forward eagerly and even Corso's curiosity was aroused. Slowly, Cedonia reached for the droid with shaky hands. Seeing her trembling, Corso cleared his throat and said, "Um... Ma'am, have you ever done anything like this before?"

Cedonia looked sheepish and said, "Well... no but how hard could it be?"

Corso moved over beside her and said, "It's not that it could be hard, it's more that it could be delicate. Would you mind?"

Cedonia stepped aside, motioning for him to take her place with a smile. "Of course, Sir."

Corso murmured quietly to himself, "Alright, pry open the ventral servomotor;" and he very carefully did with a soft clank. No explosion - good start. "So far so good; now disable the lateral conduits. Here goes nothing."

With the distinct pop of disconnecting wired, Corso disabled the conduits. Cedonia was peering around him. She whispered excitedly, "The holochip is hidden within a false power storage unit behind that detonite charge."

Corso examined it carefully and said, "It should be safe enough to enter the code. After you."

Cedonia very carefully entered the code. There were several nerve wracking beeps before the detonite went dormant and Corso ever so carefully removed it. Examining it, he asked, "Mind if I keep this?"

Moira chuckled and Cedonia waved her hand absently. "Of course, of course;" and she was silent as she found the false power storage unit. Suddenly, she shrieked with delight. "I've got it! After all these centuries, we finally have our proof! The information on this holochip proves that House Teraan is owed a considerable number of credits! When the other families hear about this, we will reclaim out status among the nobility!"

Moira smiled happily and said, "Well then I guess congratulations are in order."

Lenn chuckled and said rather dryly, "Please, there is no need. We're just happy to be rich."

Cedonia was a bundle of nervous energy. "I must leave at once to have this data authenticated by the Royal Council. Lenn, do see to our heroes' payment."

Lenn turned his bright eyes on Moira, obvious desire burning there. "Nothing would please me more, dear sister."

Corso rolled his eyes and turned towards the exit. "Oh brother! Let me know when you're done with Slick."

Moira chuckled and said, "See you tomorrow."

Corso couldn't help but growl just audibly. "This had better be business. I don't trust this stuffed shirt."

He left the conference chamber gloomily, heading towards the market. Maybe there was a vendor here where he could get a replacement blaster rifle.

Moira watched him go, just a little worried about his obviously poor mood. Lenn's voice brought her back to reality. "Well here we are. Perfect. I have a little surprise for you."

Moira cocked her hip and replied in a husky voice, "I like surprises, Handsome."

Lenn blushed again. Moira couldn't help but compare this man's boyish charms to Corso's. The difference was that Corso was honest, earnest, modest and selfless. Lenn was possible one of those. "I've arranged a private dinner in your honor. House Organa's chef is the best on Alderaan. I even hired musicians to serenade you while we'll eat and talk... and dance... and, well, who knows what else."

Moira found herself resisting the urge to laugh. No, this man was absolutely nothing like Corso. "Are you planning to propose?"

That brought him up short. "Pr-Propose? You mean marriage?"

Unable to keep joking with the young man, Moira placed a hand on his arm. "Relax, Lenn. I'm only joking. I would love to spend some time with you."

Making a supreme effort to hide his relief, Lenn chuckled and said, "Why you sneaky little jester! You're even more fun than I thought. Follow me to the parlor. The food and musicians are already waiting."

He gracious offered Moira his arm. The banquet their looked fantastic and the musicians were very good. A servant pulled Moira's seat out for her. "I feel as those I'm under dressed;" she murmured, looking at the small armory of utensils next to her plate. She remembered how this all went - mostly. The big fork was for the salad, right?"

Lenn chuckled and replied, "On the contrary, my Dear - you look ravishing."

Corso was not happy. He had managed to find a nice, shiny, knew blastech blaster rifle - one that he could modify and customize to the point of not even being recognizable and had found a number of modifications, enhancement parts and so on that would go a long way to making the weapon a real work of art. Even so, all he could think about was the sniveling noble who would have his hands all of Corso's captain. He made his way to a restaurant, reminding himself rather severely, "She is not your captain - not in that way anyway. She ain't anybody's Captain. But I swear if Slick come aboard this ship, I'm off on the next stop. Hell, I might just get off here."

The a pretty young waitress seated him as soon as he entered and he was placed at a booth next to a table of three. Suddenly, a voice broke into his melancholy brooding. "Hey! Corso Riggs!"

Looking up, he found himself looking at two familiar faces and one not so familiar face. Grinning he stood and clasped hands with a wiry Cathar in Republic army uniform. "Sergeant Jorgan! It's been a long time since the Esseles. How goes all of your super secret missions and what not?"

The Cathar offered a massive, toothy grin and said, "Can't talk about it - but it's going very well. How are you - still traveling with that smuggler lady?"

Corso nodded as he took the second person's hand. "Yeah, for the moment. How are you, Lieutenant?" he asked the second man, a very broad fellow, also decked out in the uniform. "I'm doing fantastic, Corso. I recommend the nerf by the way. I don't know what they do to them here, but it's the best I've ever had."

Corso chuckled and said, "I'll do that."

Lieutenant Dren Antilles motioned to the third person, a very attractive young woman with blonde hair in a very tight bun. "Corso, I'm not sure if you had the chance to meet my medical officer Elara Dorne. Elara, this is a friend of mine Corso Riggs. Don't let the fact that he's a merc trouble you 'cause he is one of the best and most honorable men I have ever met."

Sergeant Dorne shook his hand with a pleasant smile as she said, "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Riggs."

Corso didn't even bat an eye at her Imperial accent. "Likewise, Sergeant."

Before an awkward silence had the chance to stretch out, Dren turned to his squad mates and said, "Why don't you two head back to the ship? I'll meet you there soon and then we'll leave."

They saluted and headed out. Dren turned back to Corso and asked, point blank, "How's Moira? Where's she at?"

Corso tried to hide the fact that his mood was darkening again. He motioned to a seat across from his and perused the menu as he replied, "You know the captain, Lieutenant. She's off with some slick Alderaanian noble at the moment."

"Really? You just let her go?" asked Dren casually. Corso looked at him over the top of his menu. "Yeah; she's the captain. I'm just one of her crew. There isn't much letting and not letting when it comes to her. Hell, Lieutenant, you know her."

Dren nodded and, when the waitress asked what he wanted, ordered a drink. When she had left, Dren said, "Yes; I do. I also know that if you don't show her what she stands to lose, she's going to keep doing this to you."

"Why should she care?"

Dren laughed quietly, "Corso, when you came in, you were mad. You were mad as hell. Couple that with the fact that Moira isn't with you and you can put the pieces together. I know her ship is still here. I checked before greeting you. It's obvious to anyone with eyes that you're falling for her fast and hard."

Corso sighed and slumped down into his seat. "But to her, it doesn't matter."

Dren leaned forward and said, "I think it matters to her more than you think and more than she thinks. If you were to try and leave, she would talk a tough game but I doubt she'd let you go through with it easily. Now I'm not saying that you should leave. I'm just saying that I think she likes you more than you think."

Corso chuckled and said, "Oh, I've no doubt that she likes me, Lieutenant. I just don't think she cares all that much."

Dren frowned and said two words that sent a chill down Corso's spine. "Vaverone Zare."

Corso glared at the man across from him. "That should be enough to remind you that she cares about you. Now I wasn't there but I talked to Moira and Nedeser Thul and they both give me the impression that she was horribly, desperately worried about you. Apparently the situation was also a breakthrough for her too."

Corso was still glaring and Dren couldn't help but chuckle and say, "Look, I'm sorry Corso for bringing up a painful memory. Just think about, alright? Don't let Moira do something dumb to do even more damage to herself. Besides, and I'm speaking from experience, after sleeping with her once, she's kinda hard to quit."

Corso straightened and demanded, "Who told you we slept together?"

Dren leaned back, that blasted Corellian smirk on his face. "You just did, my friend. I suspected as much though, when you said that you have no doubt that she likes you. I guess you told me twice."

Corso blushed and said, "Yeah, well..." and trailed off. Dren laughed again and downed his drink, dropping a credit chip on the table. The waitress dropped off Corso's food and Dren said, "Hey, Sweetheart, this man's meal is on me."

Turning back to Corso, he said, "Take care of yourself, Mister Riggs. Take care of Moira, too. The force knows she needs someone to."

With a wink and a pat on the shoulder, Dren was gone, leaving Corso a lot to think about.

The meal had been excellent and the music equally so but Moira was quickly deciding that she was not staying too much longer. Lenn was sweet and fawning and charming. He was also childish and innocent and ridiculous. He was talking about going away with her and how much fun it would be. Finally, she had to reach across and take his hand. "Lenn, I have to be honest with you - this romanticized life as a smuggler you're talking about is nothing like you think it is. It's not often fun and it's always dangerous - always. There is no wealth. There is no safety. In fact, a lot of the time, my crew and I are praying for a job so we can eat and fuel the ship. I wouldn't feel right pulling you into that life without you knowing the truth about it."

Lenn considered quietly before saying, "I see."

Moira smiled gently and said, "Besides, you just got everything back. Why on Alderaan would you want to leave now? You and your sister need to regain and rebuild your estate and your positions. What good would all your, and my, hard work be if you just decided to leave?"

Lenn smiled a little sadly and said, "I suppose you're right, Captain. I'm just taken with you, I suppose and it's impossible not to be romantic when you're here."

Moira leaned back with a laugh and said, "That's adorable. I really appreciate the meal and the music, Lenn. You know how to treat a lady."

Lenn put his cup down and stood, proffering a hand. Moira took it and he led her to the open floor where they danced slowly. After a few moments, Lenn asked resignedly, "You'll be leaving shortly here, won't you?"

Moira looked up at him and said, "I never said that."

He chuckled and said, "I don't think that you and I are as, shall we say, compatible as I first thought; through no fault of your own, let me assure you. I just think that, well if I'm being honest, you and that servant of yours have something between you."

"He's not my servant and there isn't anything special there, I assure you;" replied Moira. Lenn cocked a brow and said, "I see. Well, I would let him know that. I'd hate to think I'm coming between two people."

The number came to an end and Lenn bowed. Moira smiled ruefully and said, "I think you're right. I should go. But before I leave..." she grabbed the lapels of his tunic and yanked him into a blood boiling kiss. Lenn froze, not know at all what to do. After several long seconds, she separated from him and resisted the urge to laugh. The nobleman had the most ridiculous, surprised and delighted look on his youthful face. "Take care of yourself and your sister, Lenn. If you ever need help, you have Risha's frequency."

Lenn snapped out of it, blushing fiercely. "Yes, of course. Take care of yourself Captain and thank you for joining me for dinner and a dance. It was delightful. Oh, and before I forget, here take this datapad to your associate Risha. It contains one of house Teraan's old family recipes - the design for a powerful anti radiation shield which makes your starship immune to all sorts of nasty cosmic rays. I honestly can't even imagine what you might need it for but I'm sure whatever it is will be quite exciting."

Moira gave him a hug and said, "Thank you, Lenn. The best of luck to you and yours."

With that, Lenn escorted her to the hall and, with a squeeze of the hand, she strode down the corridor to the main entrance, putting a swing in her hips knowing that the young man would be watching her go.

Corso stepped back into the light and wondered what he was supposed to do next. He didn't want to go back to the ship. Risha would, without a doubt, heckle him about the situation, something he wasn't in the mood for. Stretching, he turned back towards the market and was about to go through it again when he heard someone calling his name. Turning, he saw Moira coming towards him. When she caught up, he said, "Hey, Captain. I thought you'd be busy all day and night with sl- with Lenn."

Moira chuckled and said, "Jealous? No he just - wasn't really my type."

Corso felt about twelve different snarky remarks coming to mind but decided to keep all of them unsaid. They would help anyone - especially not him. "Did you eat, Captain?"

Moira laughed and said, "Yes. He was kind enough to treat me to music and food and a dance."

Corso nodded as they approached the docking bay. Risha was outside, surrounded by pieces and parts of something or another. Moira looked dismayed, "RISHA! The hell did you do to my ship?"

Risha popped out from behind a head-high pile of who knew what and smiled, "I was getting ready for that radiation shield. I assume you got it."

Moira tossed her the datapad. "Excellent!" crooned the mechanic. "And I'm already ahead of schedule. Alright so, next is that severed head in the jar. Got it right here. It's going to a sniveling little stuffed shirt named Peema Ahuff. Now Peema is at house Alde's estate so you'll have to sneak through some tough battle zones to get there."

Moira took the jar gingerly, pulling a face. "Why the kriff does some noble need a head in a jar anyway?"

Corso chuckled as Risha replied, "It's a history thing. If you're that interested, ask Peema. His lectures are thrilling."

Corso shivered and said, "Cannot wait to ditch that creepy head. I swear its eyes are following me around the cargo hold." For affect, he paused and looked at the head before growling, "What are you lookin' at?"

Both of the ladies began to laugh. Moira began to head towards the hanger exit and Corso said, "Hold on, Captain! It's getting late and House Alde's not exactly an easy ride away. Shouldn't we take a night to get some rest first?"

Moira checked her chrono and chewed a plump lower lip before sighing. "I suppose you're right, Corso."

Risha crossed her arms and said, "What about me?"

Moira smiled sweetly and said, "Oh, well since you pulled my ship to pieces, I guess you'll have to keep at it. Night, Rish'"

Warning: Mature content ahead.

Corso sighed contentedly as he took off his armor plating. He was down to his under armor body suit when a low whistle came for the doorway. Turning, he saw Moira there with an impish grin on her face. Corso grinned and said, "Hoping for a free show, Captain?"

Moira walked right in, slapping the door control behind her. "I was hoping for a little more than that, actually. Those zippers are always in the damnedest places. Here let me get that for you."

Corso grinned as he felt the zipper slowly sliding down before it bottomed out just above his rear. "Thanks, Captain. Those zippers can be a bit of a pain."

He turned to face her as he shrugged out of the suit so that it hung loosely around his narrow hips. Moira grinned and pressed herself against him. "Moira;" she corrected softly before pulling him into a kiss. It was moments before they were on his bed, kissing passionately and getting all worked up. Corso was naked and Moira was only wearing her tight undershorts as she ground against him. She separated for a moment to coo into his ear. "You know, taking the night was a great idea, Corso. I might even decide to let you sleep for some of it."

Corso chuckled as his hands began to run over soft skin. "I still haven't decided whether I want to or not."

He reached up and took one taught nipple into his mouth, causing Moira to moan as he suckled. "Oh yeah. This was a great idea."

Most coherent thought left her as he flipped her over and continued his passionate assault on her.

Updated 12.19.2017