A/N: Still a bit mature to end this story arc, nothing explicit, but consider yourself warned. New arc coming for twenty, enjoy!
Chapter 19: A Knight
He woke…alone.
Jas Dar Bynn sat up with a start, his head throbbing slightly from the hangover from the night before. In that moment he was grateful for the dull light in his quarters, the last thing he wanted at that moment was bright lights shining in his eyes.
"Strong stuff, but it did the trick," that is what she said.
Those words had been a gross understatement to be sure.
Damn, he thought, whatever was in those flasks…never again.
He pushed off the blanket and sat up. His clothes lay scattered around his quarters, yet there was no sign of her. He ran his fingers over the mattress. The spot next to him was still warm; she had not been gone that long.
Jas closed his eyes and reached out with the Force, he could have dispelled the after effects from last night, but he did not. It had been a learning experience, a life experience.
He wanted to make sure he missed nothing.
The memory of what had happened came flooding back. In hindsight, he should have resisted, should have said no and showed Val back to her quarters…
…Of course, if he had done that, last night would not have happened. He was not at his best this morning, but one thing he knew for sure.
What had happened, he wouldn't trade those moments for anything. It had been…something.
The thought made him chuckle.
"Well," he said to himself, "That was…different."
Once again, his words were an understatement.
Different was not enough, it was not strong enough word; in fact…he had no words.
What had happened; had happened, and…
…he was content.
He rubbed his temples and looked around his quarters. Part of him hoped that she would still be here. It would have been nice to talk more. He…he was starting to like what he had heard from her, and was curious to know more.
He wanted to think that last night was more than just…physical.
You're imagining things, his conscience chided, Val told you very clearly what last night was, don't make it more than that.
Don't make it strange.
He sighed heavily.
Accept what it was, enjoy the moment, and let it pass.
That had been her advice to him as she lay in his arms last night. She had needed a bit of comfort, and found it for a time. She had offered him a chance to be like everyone else in the galaxy…
Did it have to be more than that?
…Probably not, but still…
Jas shook his head.
…he was starting to realize just how inexperienced he was when it came to such things. Char Valenthyne had been a good teacher he had learned much about his desires last night, far more than his years of Jedi control had allowed him to experience.
It had begun as something of a frenzy, his inhibitions had been lowered by the drink they had shared, and she not been above enjoying the experience, she had whispered in his ear as they had begun; as they had found their way into his bunk.
She had taken upon herself to teach him, and he had been a willing student…
…extremely willing.
"Touch me here," she murmured.
"That's it…right there…yeah…oh…oh…yesss!"
"Kiss me here."
"Oh gods…I want it!
"Please Jas…please."
He had obeyed her commands, desire like this was new to him, but it did not feel like the dark side, this was…something else, more primal, instinct and not emotion.
He remembered staring into her beautiful green eyes as she smiled down on him.
"Ooh, slow down there, hotshot, you've already scored; let us not rush the experience."
He nodded, her words had been enough, brought him back to the now.
There was no reason to rush; he wanted to savor this moment.
He wanted…to enjoy it. He wanted her to enjoy it too!
He had obeyed her command; he had slowed down and took his time.
The wondrous experience they were sharing continued.
As it turned out, making love in a ship's bunk was not as easy as one might think. Both he and Val had bumped their heads at least once, and when they had rolled over, they had almost fallen out of it, twice.
Val didn't care; she had eyes only for him, that and what they were doing.
Jas briefly thought of their first meeting in that alley on Bantoon, of her blaster pressed against his head.
Oh what a difference a few days had made, they had made…all the difference.
She had moaned with pleasure when they had finally found what they had both been looking for.
He fell back, gasping.
Damn, he thought.
Wow!
Val smiled down on him again.
"Mmmm," she sighed contentedly, "Someone is a fast learner."
He had given her a shy smile, unsure of what to say next.
"Did…did you like that?" he asked, "I wasn't…wasn't really sure that I was…"
She gently touched his cheek. Her expression was warm, her smile gentle.
Somehow, she knew what he was going to confess.
"Was this your first time?"
He had nodded, he felt silly, but he had no reason to lie to her.
She did not tease him about that, or belittle his lack of experience. She simply sighed and lay down next to him resting her cheek against his heart.
"You did catch on quick," she purred, running her fingers down his bare chest. Her breath warm against his chest.
She sighed contentedly.
"Your future girlfriends are going to thank me."
Jas had nothing to say to that, the liquor, and the exertion, was finally catching up to him.
He put his arm around Val, and smiled.
"Stay with me," he whispered, "Please."
She did not move, merely stretched and snuggled closer.
She's so warm, he realized, her heart beat strongly against his chest, he could feel it, her skin soft against his.
The Force around him felt warm and comfortable, like a freshly cleaned blanket, or a summer breeze.
They had both fallen asleep a few moments later, he could not say for how long.
It had been a good start, and the night was not quite over yet.
He awoke some time later, feeling her lips on his skin.
He looked down and saw her green eyes, they were dark with desire.
She looked up at him, hungrily.
"Love me," she murmured, "Please."
He nodded, and drew her in for a deep kiss. He rolled her onto her back, and did as she asked. Again, he took his time. Her happy sighs and moans turned into cries of passion.
As they finished he found himself once again lost in those green eyes.
"Oh gods," she said, "Oh…Rabb…I missed you."
Her words made him blink.
"Who is Rabb," he asked her.
Val blinked, her brow furrowed.
"What?"
"You called me Rabb."
"Did I?"
He nodded.
"An old flame?" he asked.
She frowned.
"I…I don't know. I…don't."
Her expression turned cool, he felt a shift in her; he felt confusion…frustration, sadness, fear.
She tried to push him away. She sat up, and tried to leave.
"Whoa there," he said, "You don't have to go."
She sat on the edge of the bed, holding herself, he was not sure, but he thought that the tough young security chief was trembling.
She is scared, he realized.
She was in pain.
He sat up and put his arms around her, she did not try to push him away, so he figured that she did not wish to go.
"What's wrong," he asked, "Did I say something wrong?"
She shook her head no.
"Tell me, Not a Jedi, do you ever…wonder if you are still you. Do you ever see a face on a crowd and know that that person was important to you, but you can't remember why. Do you ever hear a voice and know that it once brought you comfort or anger, but now…it belongs to a stranger, and you can't figure out why it ever mattered?"
"I can't say that I have," he admitted, "Is…that what it is like for you?"
"Sometimes," she said glancing over her shoulder at him, a sad smile on her face. "My instructors used to tell me to ignore those feelings, that they were nothing, shadows of what I was, left by the system, no longer important to me and my duties."
She shook her head.
"Sometimes I wonder what I gave up to become what I am now. Not just what I was told, but what I truly gave up. Maybe…maybe my brothers were right, maybe I'm not the woman I once was."
Jas said nothing, he simply held her. She could tell him anything, he would not judge or make light of it.
"I can't speak for that woman," Jas said, "I never met her, but I…think that I'm starting to know you, Val."
He smiled.
"What I've seen so far…it is pretty impressive."
She giggled at that.
"Are you sure your saying that because you mean it, or are you just trying to sweet talk me back into your bed?"
He shrugged.
"It is a bit of both."
Now she did laugh.
"Well, your honest I'll give you that."
She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
Again, her expression turned sad.
"Vess is going to miss you when we leave tomorrow. She has grown quite fond of you, you and your crew."
"What about you," he asked, "Will you miss us?"
She sighed.
"I have a feeling I'm going to be very busy. Vess is going to need help, support, credits, and people. I have a few contacts back home, I'll see if I can get ahold of them. Try to stage our own reverse coup, find a way to put my queen back on her throne."
Jas nodded, a worthy goal, but…
"You didn't answer my question."
"No I didn't," she replied, her hand came up and stroked his cheek.
"I learned long ago, not to look back Jas, to live in the moment, enjoy it, and let it pass. Sworn Protectors are not people; we are tools, swords and shields. We cut our noble's enemies. We shield their backs, and break when we fail."
She pursed her lips.
"The system leaves just enough of who we once were to interact with other people and each other. It allows us to seek out pleasures, but not to embrace them completely. We can fight it, and gods' know I tried, in beginning, but in the end the system always wins…always."
She leaned in again and kissed his cheek.
"I don't have the luxury of missing people, of wanting for myself. Vess is my responsibility, and she will be until the day I fall to one of her enemies. I'll die in her service, all protectors do, that is simply the way it is. From what I've heard about the Jedi, your people live a similar life, don't you?"
He nodded.
"We make that sacrifice, yes, but it is our choice. No one programs a Jedi Padawan to be a tool."
"And what do you call teaching a child from infancy; telling them that they must be willing to die for your order and the Republic. Is that any different from the system? Are the Jedi any different from the Sworn Protectors?"
He was about to protest, to try and defend the order, but as he thought about it, as he considered what she had said…
He had no argument.
She was not wrong…not entirely.
"When the Republic first came to our world, they brought a Jedi with them, a human male. He addressed my queen and the matriarchy, told us about their order, how they live to serve. He said that they were the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic; Champions of the Force."
"You didn't believe him?"
Val shrugged.
"It is easy to say such words, actions speak louder. For all his talk, he still came in with representatives of the mining guild and Republic Senate."
She shook her head.
"My queen let her own doom in the front door."
"Do you blame the Jedi? Do you blame me?"
Val gave him that sad smile again.
"Not you," she said, "after what you have done…never you."
She looked down at her feet; he felt her pain, her sadness and confusion.
It must have been hard for her, to take these small moments for herself, knowing that she would have to return to her duties when they were done. That she would one day die carrying them out.
It was…sad.
"I should go," she said bending over and picking up her shirt.
"Vess will need me in the morning. I…"
He reached out and stopped her, pulling her back into his arms.
"Hey," she said, "what are you…"
He kissed her again, and again, and again.
She sighed.
He smiled.
"Let us have one last moment then," he said, "No regret, no recrimination."
Val squealed as she scooped her up and pulled her back into the bunk. He had her on her back; he looked down on her, his eyes warm and hungry.
She let her shirt fall from her hand.
She giggled.
"Uh oh," she said, "I fear I've woken a monster."
Jas gave her a cruel smile.
"No, you just reminded a man that there is more to life than simply the Force and his duty."
Val groaned as his hands moved over her.
"Okay," she gasped, "One…last…time."
Her legs wrapped around him.
"Yes," he said in a husky voice.
"One…last time."
"Jas," murmured happily.
"Oh, Yesss!"
IOI
Jas left his quarters and made his way to the bridge. He could feel the rumble of the engines beneath his feet, the gentle hum of hyperspace.
Last night had been last night, but now…it was time to move on.
It was time to get back to work.
He felt no shame; he understood what had happened, and what had been gained.
Last night…it had been nice; maybe that was all it had to be.
He would not make any more of it than what it was.
He arrived to find the rest of the crew at their stations. Tessa was at the comm station making adjustments. Figgy was typing on his console, likely double checking their exit vector.
Jas smiled as he looked at the helm. Coop was in his chair, and sitting next to him…
Jas chuckled.
"Have I been replaced?" he asked.
His chair turned. Vess smiled at him. The little queen was dressed in her school uniform, with his nerf hide jacket draped over her shoulders like a heavy cloak. She had rolled up the sleeves so that her hands did not get lost within them.
"Hello Mister Jas," the little girl said brightly, "Captain Cooper was teaching me about flying a starship."
"It never hurts to know such things, Your Highness," Coop said, "The galaxy can be a rough place; it never hurts to know more than the other guy."
Jas nodded, some might call such a view as cynical, and personally he found it realistic.
The panel in front of Coop beeped loudly, a red light flashed over the hyperspace levers.
"Reversion to real space in forty seconds," Figgy called out.
Coop looked down at Vess.
"Jas is going to need his seat back, kiddo. We're about to arrive at our destination."
The little girl got up without complaint. Jas sat down and checked his instruments. Vess did not go far, choosing to remain close to him.
He hit the switches that would begin to feed power back to the sub-lights.
"Reversion to real space in five seconds," Figgy called out, "Three, two, one…MARK!"
Coop pushed the hyperspace lever up.
The blue glowing tunnel that was hyperspace broke up as the stars snapped back into their usual position.
The Coop's Folly emerged; a green and white world filled the main viewport.
Jas nodded thoughtfully.
They had made it.
They had reached Alderaan.
Jas felt the wonder radiating off the little girl. He looked over and saw her eyes were wide as saucers.
"Is that it," she asked, "Is that Alderaan?"
"Yup," Coop said, "Home of artisans and philosophers."
"Sounds boring," Tessa said with a dry chuckle.
Vess blinked as she stared at the world, her new home.
"What is all that white down there?"
"That would be snow, kid," Jas said, "I can't imagine you saw much of that on Bantoon?"
"No," she said shaking her head, "Bantoon is a tropical world; we have small icecaps, but nothing like this."
The girl shook her head.
"I've never seen snow before, only holos of it, and…there is so much green, I've never seen so much land before."
Jas smiled.
It would be a change for the girl; Alderaan was a far more…cosmopolitan than Bantoon. The Republic had a strong presence here; it had been, after all, one of the original members.
The door to the bridge hissed open. Char Valenthyne entered, once again armed and wearing her leather coat.
Vess grinned at her protector as she entered.
"Val!" she cried out, "We made it! Look!"
"Yes, Your Grace," the young protector said taking her place at her queen's side.
"We are here."
Jas looked up at her, Val barely acknowledged his presence; her eyes were cool and all business.
She turned to Tessa.
"Miss Calican, please broadcast the hail on the channel I provided you with. Lady Dorma will be expecting us."
Tessa looked at Coop, who nodded.
The Captain did have final say on such matters after all.
Jas once again looked at Val. He thought she might have already moved past what they had shared, that she would not even acknowledge what had happened.
He was about to turn away, when she finally looked at him, her smile was small, but it was there.
"Thank you," she mouthed.
Jas smiled.
Protectors were just tools, huh?
He didn't believe that.
Val was more than that.
Programming or not she was willing to die for her mistress.
That did not make her a weapon.
That made her a hero.
IOI
The Coop's Folly cut through the cold morning air. The sun was rising over the snowy mountains in the distance. The Alderaani estate rose up before them, its crimson and gold pillars jutting out of the mountainside.
Jas started the landing cycle, the landing pad for the estate looked too small to accommodate a ship like the Folly but he knew that that was just a trick of the eye.
The building grew larger as they approached, not simply an estate, but more of a castle. The pad was likely big enough to hold two ships the size of the Folly with still room for row of small speeders.
It was clear that the Lady Dorma had not married into some small house; the Alderaani family she had joined clearly commanded both power and respect.
Good, he thought, how else would Vess be kept safe?
As the Folly touched down on the landing pad, a group of nobles emerged, flanking by four guards. No sooner than they were down, the crew made for the loading ramp, escorting their two guests. Jas found himself curious to meet the mysterious Lady Dorma, Val said that the woman was a friend; he hoped that it was so.
Vess had seen too much tragedy and betrayal.
She deserved to have at least one thing go right.
Through the cloud of steam the crew of the Coop's Folly disembarked. Coop and Jas led the way followed closely by the two Bann and the rest of their people. Burr whistled as he regarded the estate.
"They people must be loaded, Cap'n," he said with a smirk, "Maybe this was not such a bad idea after all."
"So pleased that you agree, Mister Burr," Coop said smiling as the Alderaani finally made their way up to them. Their leader was a petite young woman with curly strawberry blonde hair. Though she was dressed in the traditional Alderaan style, her eyes and the way she moved pretty much screamed that she, like Vess and Val, had been born on Bantoon.
She was also several months pregnant, the gown did little to hide that fact.
She smiled in the way of someone used to a life in a royal court; she curtseyed to the new arrivals.
"I'm the Lady Dorma," she said, her accent identical to Val's, "In the name of House Rist, I welcome you to Alderaan."
"AUNTIE DORMA!" Vess screamed and ran to her.
"Hello, Starfish," she said embracing the little girl, after a moment she stepped back and looked at her.
"By the gods, you have gotten so big."
Vess beamed, happy to be around someone who greeted her like family.
The lady turned to Val.
"Chief Valenthyne, welcome to Alderaan, and thank you for your service."
"Lady Dorma," Val said bowing to the noble, "In the name of her grace, Annara V, I thank you for your aid and your hospitality."
"It is my pleasure," she answered, "Annara was not just my queen, but my friend as well."
The noble sighed.
"Caring for her child is the least I can do."
"I have you heard from my father, Auntie?" Vess asked.
"We had hoped that he would arrive before us, he did leave even before the queen."
Dorma's expression turned sad.
"We have received no word, I'm afraid. The high general has neither contacted me, nor reached Alderaan, as far as I know."
"Oh," Vess said sadly.
Jas winced.
Poor kid, he thought.
She was likely an orphan now.
He looked over at Val.
At least…she was not alone.
Dorma embraced the girl again, after which she rose and turned to the Coop's Folly and her crew.
"Captain Gabriel Cooper, my lady," coop said bowing slightly, "Jas, my first officer and clan brother."
"My lady," Jas said bowing as well.
The Lady Dorma smiled.
"You are most welcome here, Captain, you and your men. You may not realize it, but you might just have saved a way of life today."
"It was our pleasure to be of service, Coop added, "My crew is always willing to help."
"If the price is right," Dorma said with a smile.
Coop fell silent; he had not wanted to broach the subject so openly, but…
The lady laughed.
"Chief Valenthyne had already informed me of your arrangement captain. House Rist has no problem compensating you for your time and service, and…in fact."
The woman's smile widened.
"We may have a new arrangement for you, if you are of a mind."
"I'm always willing to listen, my lady," Coop replied.
"Good," Dorma said, "My husband and I will discuss it with you tonight over evening meal, if you would join us?"
"We would be honored," Coop replied.
Jas chuckled.
He and the rest of their crew weren't exactly dressed for a noble dinner; still…it was nice that they would not have to haggle with Lady Rist over services rendered.
"Auntie Dorma," Vess said.
"Yes Starfish?"
"There is one thing that I must take care of before we go any further."
She turned to Val.
"Chief Valenthyne, may I see your combat baton, please."
"Of course, my queen," Val said pulling out the weapon, she seemed confused. Both Lady Dorma and Coop were equally so.
Vess turned to Jas.
"Mister Jas," she ordered, "would you be so kind as to kneel, please."
Jas was not sure what was happening, but he did as he was asked.
This was not Vess the little girl speaking right now, but Queen Vessaria IX.
He was curious to see what she had in mind.
Vess looked at the baton. She wrinkled her nose.
"This should have been done with one of the honor swords of my people, but these are strange times."
"You need a sword?" Jas said, "I think that I can help with that."
He reached into his sleeve and withdrew his lightsaber.
Vess nodded and handed the baton back to Val.
Vess looked at the lightsaber; she turned it around in her small hands.
"The black switch on the side, Your Grace," Jas said.
The girl nodded, and activated the weapon, its violet blade humming in the morning light.
"Yes," Vess said, "This will do nicely.
Dorma blinked, likely recognizing the weapon and what it meant.
The little queen turned to Jas while his crew and the Alderaani bore witness.
"It has been many years since this has been done," the little girl said, "But today, it is long overdue. A queen may do this for a great warrior, even if her kingdom is very far away."
Vess lowered the blade so its beam floated over Jas's shoulder. She passed it over his head and to the right.
"Mister Jas, for your courage and bravery, let it be known that you stand above the rank and file."
The words sounded strange from the girl's mouth, but it was clear she had learned them long ago.
Vess smiled as she turned off the blade and held it out to its owner.
"Arise Sir Jas," she said, "Arise a Champion of the matriarchy, a Knight of Bantoon."
Jas blinked.
He…he…
A smile came to his lips; he didn't know what to say.
He was touched.
A few days ago he had walked into an alley, knowing that he would never be a knight.
Today, that had changed.
He may not have been a Jedi Knight, but the fact that it had been Vess who had done this.
It was important…to him.
Jas took his blade and bowed deeply to the little.
"My lady," he said, "You honor me."
The little girl flushed and looked away.
"You have earned it, sir, defender of my life and my people."
She turned back to Val.
"I said it right, didn't I Val?"
The protector nodded; a smile on her face.
"It was perfect, my Queen."
"Good," the girl said.
She giggled.
"I was afraid I messed it up."
Dorma chuckled and kissed the girl on the cheek, she put her arm around her leading her away from the ship, towards the estate, her home in exile.
Shusk, Tessa, and Figgy congratulated Jas. Burr snorted and said he had no intention of kissing any tail, he didn't care what title Jas now had.
Val came up to him, her smile warm and gentle.
"Can I offer you a piece of advice, Sir Jas?"
"Yeah," he said, "please."
Her smile turned sad.
"Don't end up like me, have a life, live it and find happiness."
She reached out and touched his cheek, just as she had done the night they had been together.
"Don't let the past deny you that. You don't owe the Jedi a thing, remember that."
He nodded.
"I will." She turned to catch up with her Queen and the lady of House Rist.
Jas shook his head and laughed.
"Quite a first mission, huh?"
Coop came up beside him watching the girl and her protector leave.
Coop smirked.
"Is it just me or is Chief Valenthyne walking a little funny this morning?"
He chuckled.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you buddy?"
Jas flushed.
"Maybe." He said.
Coop laughed.
"You realize that I'm going tease you mercilessly about this, right?"
Jas shrugged.
"That is okay, it was worth it."
Coop put his arm around his clan brother's shoulder
"I know buddy."
"I know."
A/N: I've come too really like Char Valenthyne as a character, would any of you like to see a one shot story with her? One came to me while I was writing the last chapter. If you would like to hear it, let me know in the reviews. Until next time dear readers.
DG