Vardossk produced his copy of the album and diary chips from a case in his jacket pocket, and handed them off to Kyl'likki in the elevator. "The Sanguine Sunrise would be the best place to enjoy them, given its surround sound and big screen. It's a custom setup, in fact. Spared no expense," he added as he refitted his jacket over his shoulders. "Now, we're off to find Zylas. You have my com-link if you need anything, Kyl'likki." He paused. "I might need you, though, so do pay attention." "Will do, lizard man. See you around," she replied as the doors opened. The two women left and went for a corridor that led to more elevators, and Mina spoke once inside.
"Since I actually did get permission to be off duty from the Captain, earlier, could I go back to my private quarters, real quick?" she asked, and she sounded far more relaxed than before. "I'd like to get into something more comfortable than this stiff uniform." "You have other clothes?" The Twi'lek laughed. "I thought Imperials only had dress blacks and body armor." "Mostly, but the Captain suggested I finally take some time off." "What about that military etiquette from before?" "Okay, look! I'm sorry! I clearly see that was a really bad idea, being abrasive towards you. I'm still recovering from what happened, and I-" She sighed and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry. Like, really really sorry." There it is. She won't be getting to act up, again. "You admitted it, so..." Kyl'likki sighed. "I'll let it go. Lead the way, Lieutenant."
She did through several more corridors, and Kyl'likki peered into her room. The interior was dark, though backlit and well furnished. The bed featured crimson bedding with black floral printing. "Nice digs. Have a lot of guys in here?" Mina simply blushed and shook her head. "I'm not into that," The Twi'lek sensed she was honest, and with a smile stepped out. Once she changed, the Lieutenant emerged in a red leather moto jacket, black choker, dark, well tailored spacer garb, and black buckled boots. Kyl'likki finally saw her russet hair, too, and noted the style was merely bangs swept to the left and a ponytail with sideburns.
"Stealing my style?" "No, I-" she replied, flustered. "I actually go to concerts and have fun, too, just so you know."
"Well, now you finally open up, miss whatever's playing," Kyl'likki smiled. "You look better out of uniform." "Thanks," she quietly replied.
The two made their way to the hangar Sanguine Sunrise was docked in. They stopped for a moment to appreciate the sight, and Mina spoke, impressed. "I've only heard about the Sanguine Sunrise from stories the older garrison used to tell back on Orinackra. They talked about it like it was magic. It's kind of a legend, now."
"I can easily see how," Kyl'likki agreed. The rear cargo door was lowered, and service technicians were all over the ship as they welded blood red armor plating, ran fuel lines, and carefully reloaded its payload. The duo strolled up, and a black uniformed sentry halted them with a black gloved hand. "Stop where you are!" "Lieutenant Tarkin, TK-127. I'm off duty, Captain's orders. The Colonel himself said we could board." The sentry recognized Mina's face, and changed his tone.
"We haven't exactly shown warmth since you've boarded, but the crew here give you our condolences for Orinackra. Glad to see you're recovering." he paused. "Even still, let me clear it," he replied. "Of course," nodded Mina. "Deck security to Colonel Vardossk, did you clear a Lieutenant Tarkin and a tattooed Twi'lek gunslinger to board?" "Absolutely!" the Trandoshan replied. The officer stepped aside with a neat salute, and the two women boarded the ship. Kyl'likki lead them through the sandy tan halls to the kitchen. "I'm gonna make some caf, just a cup or two to perk up with."
"Sure," Mina shrugged, and the Twi'lek bobbed her head in turn. "Good, as otherwise we'd just be drinking Ziffy's meal shakes there or Lola's sippy cartons. Ran out of my energy teas, earlier, and it's making me sad." There was a short silence, and Kyl'likki knew the small jab had its effect. "The Commissary might have some, it stocks a lot of fresher goods, considering what this ship does. I can go check, later, if you'd like," Mina spoke. The Twi'lek hummed as she carefully measured four and a half scoops of roasted grounds.
"I'd definitely appreciate it, Lieutenant. The Molator Star Berry ones are my favorite. Ever have 'em?" "Mhm," hummed Mina in return. "How else do you think I survived those years on Orinackra?" she finished with a small laugh.
In ten minutes' time, the two had mugs of caf, and the Twi'lek powered up the ship's speaker system. In moments, a menacing orchestral intro march echoed through the interior, and soon the women were immersed into the hidden album of Obsidian Void.
The album itself was a frigid dive into the creative abyss of Alyssa Sykes' twisted mind. With aggressive, agony fueled highs and melancholic, sorrowful lows, her lyrics were filled with her emotional scars. Metaphors were abundant in the dark lyrics, and the Twi'lek couldn't help but sense there was more to the music than was apparent to her.
"If she made that," Kyl'likki spoke slowly as the last orchestral string fell silent. "This girls's a complete basketcase. Absolute genius, but that was dark, even for me." "Yeah," Mina chimed in. "There's one song, though, probably the second, the instrumental, I'm guessing, that I really liked." She hesitated, then continued. "I'd like a copy of it, if you don't mind, Kyl'likki." She said my name all cutesy. How sweet.
"Sure, I'll see what I can do," she replied, and refilled her own caf. Kyl'likki remembered she promised she would keep track of her com link, and pulled it out. Oh, snap! The light was green. "You called for me?" "I've been calling for you, Commandant," the Trandoshan spoke, irritated, and was less than patient. "Head to the bridge, at once! We've got important guests I'd like you to meet..." "Want a cup of caf?" "Use my steel cup with the lid, in the cupboard, but hurry! I have another meeting to conduct in half an hour." "We'll be there in a few. Kyl'likki, out."