Hello again eveyone.

Well, time for the "good news, bad news" game. Good news is I update and will have more time to write up new chapters. Bad news is...I have COVID 19, so I'm stuck at home. Good news is I feel fine and have next to no symptoms, so I'm just on house arrest for the time being. In any case, I hope everyone likes the update and drops me a review.

Everyone stay safe and best wishes to you all. Thanks again for all the support.

It had been suggested that Din leave his ship on Chronos and travel with the bulk of the crew on Zechs larger vessel, a YT-1150 light freighter. He'd immediately objected to that plan, feeling incredibly uncomfortable not having his own transport assessable. But Valriya had stepped in, agreeing with the idea and stating to him bluntly.

"You wanted in Shiny, you're in. Part of working with a crew like this is understanding, knowing and trusting the people involved. You can't do that locked away all by your lonesome."

So, despite stepping far outside his comfort zone, he'd reluctantly agreed, packing up his weapons and supplies and transferring them to Zechs ship, the Vespira. Which also included his Ad'ika. That had been the part that Din disliked the most, he was distrustful of how this group would handle his foundling. Maker knows Ran's team hadn't been particularly stellar with the child.

However, he was pleasantly surprised at how open and accepting the team was to the presence of the tiny alien. Chips in particular was quite enthused about the kid, happily taking care of him when Val and Din were occupied. The two seemed to get along very well and Din was taken aback at how careful the eccentric Ardennian treated his son. Chips had grinned up at him while cradling a sleeping baby in his arms,

"I've had two of my own, they were a handful. Actually...scratch that, they still are."

Din had been shocked that the man was mated, let alone had kids of his own, given how he acted towards Valriya. That had led to a rather long discussion between the two men, telling of their experiences in childrearing and the differences between the species. Apparently, Chips persona wasn't terribly unusually among his kind, a lot of the mammalian Ardennains were somewhat quirky. The slicer was rather easy to get along with. Laze, however, was a whole different kind of man.

Din had always drawn attention to himself. As a Mandalorian it was only natural for people to stare, quietly point and murmur softly about him. Some were brave and stupid enough to approach or challenge him. He'd always considered it a minor issue, even after receiving his new armor that made him stand out even more.

But the grifter of the team was a different story altogether. Laze made it glaringly obvious from the very first moment that he was attracted to Din and hadn't stopped teasing and flirting with him since. It was very odd and a little unnerving. He'd had many a women look at him with lust and desire, but never a man before. At first, Din had tried to avoid the blond male or made sure Val was around when he did need to be near him, but that just appeared to encourage the man, who seemed to think his actions were simple him being shy and playing hard-to-get. It had taken Din being cornered in the engine room, bluntly stating that he wasn't going to sleep with him and a few heartbeats away from shooting the man before Laze had broken down in laughter, a gleaming twinkle in his eye as he spoke,

"I was wondering how long it would take for you to snap. You've got more patience and restraint than a lot of my beaus. Given enough time, I could probably flip you, but I respect boundaries. If you're not interested, that's fine. Don't think I won't keep at you though, you're way to much fun to tease."

After that, Din had come to find that Laze was actually an extremely well educated man, with a degree in psychology and an expert on behavior of multiple species. He could read body language better than anyone Din had ever met and often knew what people wanted or were thinking long before they spoke out without needing to see any facial expressions. Once the two managed to find a somewhat workable ground to stand on between them, Din admitted that Laze was not a terrible acquaintance to have around.

The only one he really had any issue with was Zechs. Despite the man being the head of the team, the one with the plan and the backing behind it, there was an underlining feeling of tension and distrust. Everyone seemed to respect the smuggler, listened to him and didn't outright appear to be hostile towards him, but there was still the occasional sideways look someone would give him, or a statement spoken just a tad to harshly for Din to feel like he could really fully support the man. When he'd found the right moment, he'd pulled Val aside and asked about the problem.

She winced and spoken honestly, "Zechs looks out for himself first and foremost. Everyone does, but I'd trust Chips and Laze to at least make a half decent effort to back me up if something goes twisty. Zechs will put in what he considers his best game, but if his necks on the line, he won't hesitate to shove someone else's under the knife. It's what broke the team in the first place, he left each of us hanging one too many times."

To Din, abandonment of a comrade was unacceptable. Even if the group was not bound by blood, they were a close knit team, a tribe unto their own and for one member to be willing to sacrifice the rest to ensure their own survival was abhorrent to him. He was still guilt ridden that his decision to save his Ad'ika had resulted in so many deaths within his tribe, even though his Alor had said his choice was the correct one. His opinion of the man dropped to nothing and he secretly wondered what Val had seen in Zechs that she'd allowed him to court her. He never mentioned his thoughts to the Runner, though it did nag at him throughout the trip.

So, he had to grudgingly admit that Val had a point about meeting and learning to get along with this new team. This job was going to take longer to set up, execute and resolve than many he'd done before. That was an advantage to bounty hunting, typically it could be done alone or with a single partner. While Din had absolutely no issue pairing up with someone to carry out a particularly difficult hunt, the level of planning, preparation and intrigue that was involved in this heist was somewhat outside his level of expertise. It was more subterfuge, redirection and stealth than the typical "shoot it till it stops moving" he was accustom to.

Shalm was an unknown planet to Din. The whole sector was an area of the Outer Rim he'd never been too. As he travelled in the Razor Crest without the use of an astromech droid, all the hyperspace jumps he did needed to be imputed manually, relying on his knowledge of co-ordinates and locations, as well as the stored memory and logs he'd collected on his journeys. But the Ikenomin sector was a new destination for him and a new area that could be added to his computers hard drive.

So while Din may not fully trust, or even really like Zechs that much, he did have to admit that the whole arrangement of working with the man was paying off fairly well. So far, at least. It wasn't a well populated planet, but did have enough of a terrestrial presence to have a capital city as well as several small outlining communities and a mediocre spaceport. Of course, seeing as the crew he now travelled with were intending to steal from a rather powerful warlord, they did not in anyway make their landing known.

Watching the slightly translucent, 3D rotating image of Maial Cohl's fortified home on the holo-table, Din waited with crossed arms as Zechs spoke to Chips and him.

"I've set Vespira down about 3 miles from Cohl's castle. With the satellite boosts I've got, you should be able to hit the first firewalls in the security system and slice in the invites."

The Ardennian nodded back confidently, "I can get you guys through the screening security for the auction as invited guests, but you'll need to plant a bug inside the castle in order for me to access deeper into the system. Preferably on one of the main terminals their using to maintain the security system."

Zechs turned to Din, "Laze and Val will pose as potential buyers. Chips will stay on board and can make sure that the screening goes smoothly, as well as be our eyes once he had access to Cohl's system. We're acting as their bodyguards. There'll be a lot of high ranking beings at this auction. Maial's not holding back and no one goes into a place like this without their own support, so it won't be viewed as suspicious or out of place. Even you won't stand out that much."

"I though the plan was to get the 'Heart' before it went to auction." Din didn't bother to hide the skepticism in his voice. It was Chips that answered him.

"The 'Hearts' under way too much security to be able to swipe it outside of the auction event. Because so many beings are going to be coming into the castle, Cohl has to lessen his defenses or risk setting them off a ton of false alarms. He's tried to counteract this by having more people on the ground, patrolling and screening those entering, but that only works to a certain degree. There's no other choice, we take the gem while the castle open for the gala or risk it being locked up tighter than an Imperial Walker. Once I'm inside, I can link the system to Vespira's and control it to a high degree. Till then, you'll have to keep the comm channel private and not draw too much attention. I'll jump in once I have access to the system."

"Should be quite the show. Hope you enjoy it Mando, I haven't gotten to let loose in sometime. Try not to get too hot under the cape." Laze's voice filtered into the room and drew attention from everyone.

Din turned with the others to see the man completely transformed. Rather than the lanky, blond haired man he'd come to know, before them stood a black haired human with crisp white wave-like tattoos on his face. Laze's features were totally different, with sharp upward angles on his eyes, a smaller nose, thinner lips and skin that was a much darker tone than his normal pale pink. He wore a sleek, elegant black suit accented with gold and red, along with a long black trench coat edged with fur for the cooler, wintery weather the mountainous region offered. Din couldn't even recognize the man, such was his flawless shapeshift. Even Laze's demeanor had changed, he carried himself with a crisp, haughty attitude, his nose turned up slightly as he spoke with a rolling accent that screamed noble born.

"Mathazar Sereta, first born son of Varan Sereta, heir to the throne of the Iron Continent of Kuata. At your service."

There was a moment of pause before Chips gave off a barking laugh, "Kripes Laze, that's a good one. Where you been hiding this little prize winner?"

Laze shifted his voice back to normal, sending a grin towards Din as he moved closer, "Oh, you know me Chips, I'm just full of all kinds of surprises."

He ignored the obvious innuendo, looking over the grifter's shoulder, "Where's your other half?"

"My beloved wife is ensuring she is properly presentable, as any consort of the Sereta Clan should do." Laze glided back into the false nobleman he was portraying with ease. Din wince a bit under his helm before replying.

"I don't like this one."

Zechs responded, "You're not supposed to, that's the whole point. Everyone at this event is going to be competing to see who has the deepest pockets and what they can get away with. You'll blend in fine Laze, this is just what we need."

Laze moved beside Chips and Zechs. They started to discuss and work out the background needed for the slicer to input into the security system for the invite. Din pulled up the castle schematics again, looking over the design and memorizing the layout. He wanted to be prepared. As he studied the blueprints, the sound of clicking heels caught his attention just as Val's annoyed voice filtered through the air.

"Do you have any idea how much I hate wearing these damn things, Laze. How the hell does anyone move with these icepicks on their feet?" Turning to see what she was complaining about, Din sucked in a startled breath as fire ripped through his veins at the sight of her.

She was bent over, fiddling with the straps wrapped around her ankle. As she stood up, Din let his eyes wander from her feet to her head. She wore a form fitting, floor length mermaid style, ruby red dress that sparkled with thousands of reflective sequins. A slit cut open the fabric from hip to ankle, showing off one eon long leg with a four inch red stiletto shoe decorating the foot seen. The dress have a long V shape along her torso, showing the skin of her stomach before the halter strap secured itself behind Val's neck. Her arms were completely bare, exposing more delicious skin to be seen and her hair was elegantly twisted onto her head in a upward styled coif. Her skin was also artificially darkened like the grifters, which looked unnatural on her, but didn't lessen the rush of heat that Din felt. Her face had the same tattoos Laze's did, eyes highlighted with expertly applied makeup to show off the shining chocolate orbs and her lips were painted to match the color of her dress. As she smoothed her hands over her hips and partially turned, he saw that the back of the dress was completely missing, the curve of her spine visible to everyone's eyes. Which also showed off one other detail that he found absolutely fascinating.

"You have a tattoo?" His modulated voice was what broke the silence and she turned to him with an arched eyebrow.

"I'm wearing this, and that's the first thing you pick up on, Shiny." She shook her head a little, "Unbelievable, Laze how have you not convinced this man to crawl into your berth? That ones permanent, unlike the face ones Laze-boy painted on. Most people don't get to see it, so enjoy it while you can."

Din had a lot of things he'd picked up on, which also included the intricate black tribal design on her lower back, and if there wasn't three other people in the room, Val probably won't make it another three steps in the outfit she wore. He softly exhaled, drinking in the sight of the woman bedecked in the formal finery. She was absolutely breathtaking, the walking image of every little boys wet dream. Laze, still getting into character, was the one who managed to break Din out of his delirious state by stepping forward with his hand extended towards Val.

"Rochelle, my wife. You are and always shall be the crowning jewel of the Kuata Empire. To display you in such a manner is truly magnificent, you will steal the eyes of all around you."

She lowered her eyes in a hooded expression that had both Zechs and Din shifting a little, delicately placing her hand in Laze's submissively, "My Lord, I exist only to please you."

Her demeanor and words were completely out of the normal for the woman he knew. Din's blood instantly cooled and he almost growled out loud. Her meekness, even portrayed falsely, was so out of character that his protective instincts rose up and he immediately wanted to punish Laze for making her behave in such a way, even though he knew she was doing it willingly. The con artist, ever intuitive to those around him, looked up and sent a small smile towards him.

"It's just an act, Mando. You should know that there's no one in this universe that can make Swiftfoot do anything she doesn't want. Woman in the Kuata Empire are considered to be simple items, just like credits and starships. You and Zechs can be silent in the crowd, but Val and me have to mingle. If we don't convince the gathered guests that we belong among them, the whole operation goes out the airlock. I don't like it anymore than you do."

"Can't argue with the results though." Zechs said without guilt, shamelessly ogling Val with a lecherous grin, "Damn you clean up well Swiftfoot."

She lifted her chin, showing off the defiant and unbreakable girl Din knew as his partner, "Of course I do. Are we all ready then?"

Zechs picked up a helmet from the side of the table. He too was different, wearing red and black body armor with a T-visor helm meant to replicate the traditional appearance of the Mandalorian. Any true Mandalore would look at his guise and know instantly that he was a false brother, but for this job, his disguise would be sufficient. Din still found it somewhat insulting.

"Everyone knows the plan and everything's in place. Keep us in the loop as much as you can Chips."

"Will do, fearless leader."

A soft coo drew Din's attention and he looked down to see his foundling at his feet with ears perked up, looking around at everyone curiously. Bending down on one knee, he ran a finger over the child's wrinkled head softly.

"Behave yourself, Ad'ika. Chips will keep an eye on you till I get back."

Tiny hand reached up and touched his helm, a garbled noise coming out of the small alien before he responded, "Buir..."

Din smiled behind his helmet before rising, sending a meaningful nod towards the Ardennian. Chips nodded back and he stepped in line beside Zechs as the man slide his headwear in place. Val and Laze linked arms, heading for the transport unit set up in the cargo hold, while the other two followed behind. The heist had begun.

To gain access to Maial Cohl's castle, each guest needed to be screened by the warlords security on the ground, then be transported up the mountainside via a gondola system. The camp set up at the base of the mountain was fairly crude, with canvas tents, shoddy fencing, plus cables and terminals that were scattered around powered by mobile generators. It was easy to see how the slicer could tap into the system and convince the guards that the sleek, elegant couple that barely looked at them were honored guests of their esteemed employer.

Chips hacking was flawless and the group was ascending the cable car in next to no time. Din had noted that almost every male in the screening station had stared at Valriya as they were checked over and she'd made every effort to encourage it. Which was good, it meant that Zechs and him had been searched less thoroughly, but it still made his blood boil to see the blatant lust and want painted on the faces of everyone who looked at her.

The snow covered courtyard of the estate was rather busy by the time they reached the top. Din took time to look around. There were several different species being escorted or questioned by guards, including a group of Rodiens, a few Quarrens, several humans that looked to be from multiple different cultures, one rather impressive looking droid that made Din instantly place a hand on his blaster, and even a massive Hutt resting on a hover chair surrounded by a group of mercs.

He remained silent, standing tall behind what was supposed to be his employers as Laze expertly maneuvered through the checkpoint. Din was further more impressed at the man's ability to manipulate and maneuver his way into the castle. The conman was really good at what he did. As the grifter removed Val's overcoat, exposing her skin once again to the eyes of those around, Din found his gaze instantly tracing lower, memorizing the smooth surface of her back and found the twisting, curved and sharp angles of her tattoo to be utterly enrapturing.

"Stop staring at my ass and get your head in the game, Shiny."

The soft voice of the Runner came across the private comm channel that the group had set up and Din blinked, responding over the link without thinking, "What makes you think I can't do both?"

A laugh from Laze flitered into his ears, "Can't blame the man, Swiftfoot, you look good."

"I'll second that, but she's right. Lets get this job on the go." Zechs's voice was business-like as he kept speaking, "I've got eyes on a terminal I can plant the booster on, but there's a lot of thugs around it. I'll need a distraction."

Din turned his helm towards where Zechs indicated, noting the room off the side wall with two armed humans standing to either side of the opening. Inside were several terminals and screens, the brief flicking images from cameras around the estate showing movement and people along with two individuals inside studying the footage.

"Sounds like that's our cue, Swiftfoot." Laze's voice murmured across the comms and Din had to move away from the couple as they headed towards the large dance floor.

"You want it fast or slow, Lazey?" The suggestiveness in Valriya's voice made Din swallow a little harder but it was Zechs voice that responded.

"Doesn't matter. Just make it a good one, you two."

He watched as Laze kissed Val's hand and moved to the band, speaking quickly and flipping them a credit before moving back to the lady. Together they strutted onto the marble floor with all the arrogance and haughty demeanor of a royal pair as the music stopped. Couples that had been dancing moved away, eyes looking over the two in the center and murmurs of interest flowing through the crowd. Val ducked her head, extending out her arm to the fullest towards Laze, who grasped her hand and they waited in a frozen position.

Then the music started. It was a low, slow start, with crisp sounding brass horns and reed instruments. Val rotated her body gracefully, sliding out her bare leg through the slit of her dress, bending towards the ground. Laze bowed low to her, dragging her hand to his lips, pressing his mouth to her wrist. The song changed, picking up in tempo to a heart pounding degree. She spun in place, the loose fabric of her dress flaring out as Val's back was pulled tight against Lazes chest, his hand splayed wide over her stomach. The two weave together, bodies entwined and the heat of passion felt by everyone.

Laze dipped Val low and she curled her leg over his waist, arching her back and showing off her flexibility. They pulled together again, feet and legs darting back and forth in a tango like motion. The dance was raw, feverish sexuality, something that drew everyone's eyes and made the blood of all rise as they spun and darted around the floor. It was incredible to watch, they were practically having sex in public with how intimate and daring they took the motions of the promenade.

Val suddenly pulled away from Laze, a rejection in the dance and whirled in place, extending up her arms, feet thundering against the floor as she twirled and spun, hips wildly gyrating. Her body bent at an almost impossible angle as she dipped her hand to her ankle, dragging her fingers up her body. Din stared in delirious wonder, spellbound with everyone else at the sheer degree of sexuality she poured off. Her back arched again, reaching behind and Laze took her wrist, spinning her back to his body. The music started to fade, and she ran her hand down his chest, bending to her knees and ended in a pose where her lips rested on his thigh, bare leg extended out far behind her.

The song faded away and a moment of silence filled the room before the crowd exploded in applause and cheers. Val and Laze rose together, bowing to the four corners of the gala before moving back into the crowd as more normal music began playing. Din had to take in a deep breath, taking several minutes to calm his racing heart and push down his desire. Pulling on his discipline with everything he had, he moved back into position behind the couple as they became swamped with eager guest complimenting their performance.

It was, of course, only natural that after that little number, Din studied the lithe woman's slender behind even more as they moved through the crowd, images running through his mind that were completely opposite of the job they were currently on.

With her arm tucked into Laze's and muscles humming from the heated dance they'd just performed, Val was having a hard time trying to remember to keep her eyes lowered in submission as was to be expected from the woman of Kuata Empire. Laze and her had practiced and drilled for hours on the trip to Shalm, working on their act till the grifter was satisfied with her performance. It was derogatory and demining, something that went against everything she stood for. She'd fought and clawed her way to her position in life through more trials than most could handle. She was not a meek and passive person, but for this job, she had to act like one.

The fact that she could sense the heated gaze of the Mandalorian on her back did not in anyway help to maintain the façade she was trying to put on.

"Beautiful work. Bugs planted and Chips should be hacking in shortly." Zechs voice across the private comm helped to center her.

"What'da mean shortly, I'm already in. Ah-ah...no, we don't touch that. Come're you little runt." Chips voice was a new one over the comms, and his comment had Mando chiming in immediately.

"Is he being a bother?"

"Just being curious, loves all the buttons. He'll be a great slicer if you want me to teach him."

"And you claim I'm a bad influence." She murmured softly into the comms, turning her face partially into Laze's shoulder to hide the fact that she was talking.

A low chuckled came across the link that made her shiver slightly, "You are...but you've got some perks as well."

"Alright everyone, head in the game. Flirt on your own time, we've got things to do." Zechs voice dripped with irritation as he moved through the crowd, rejoining Mando behind the couple. "Chips, do you have eyes on the vault yet?"

"Working past the last of the firewalls, I'll keep you posted."

Her partner's baritone voice entered the fray again, "Patch the feed into my helm, I want to see the layout and foot traffic."

"Copy that, standby."

Laze was talking to the Hutts translator in the rolling accent that had taken her two days to master and she was still unsure of her enunciation, so choose to remain silent. After a few minutes, the male Twi'lek walked away. Zechs spoke on the comms again, sounding rather amused.

"Did that Hutt just offer to buy Val for 10,000 credits?"

"12,000 actually. Quite the insult, she's worth at least 15."

"You do realize I am going to make all of you pay for this once we're done, right?" Val didn't bother hiding her disgust at the conversation. Before anyone else could response to that, the music cut out and the crowds started to turn towards the wide staircase. Looking up with everyone else, she saw the form of the warlord, Maial Cohl, making his way into the room, moving through the crowd and pausing to speak to some of the guests.

"Alright people, lets get started. I believe its time for Mathazar to dismiss his lovely wife." Zechs sounded eager and excited.

Laze hummed into the comms as he lead her through the crowd, stopping occasionally to chat and mingle, playing up the act of a noble born heir interested in Cohl's auction perfectly. When he'd gathered enough attention, the grifter tilted his head towards her with a slight sniff,

"Rochelle, dearest. The main event will being soon and it is a man's game. Remove yourself from the area, we shall return home once I have obtained my prize."

Valriya didn't speak, choosing to bow low, head ducked submissively as she separated from what was supposed to be her husband. Laze snapped his fingers at Mando off handily,

"Mandalorian, escort my wife to the transports. You," he pointed to Zechs, "remain with me." Laze finished with a careless wave, turning his attention back to the human he'd been talking to.

With that public dismissal, to which none of the gathered species blinked and some even nodded in approval, Val quietly moved towards the exit. Behind her, Mando followed silently. The guards at the door paid her no mind, only glancing briefly before refocusing back onto the gathered crowd. The waiting room outside the hall was empty and she walked with an unhurried pace, waiting on Chips.

"Alright, exit the area like you're leaving. I'll overlay the image of the empty room once you're out and you two can sneak back in. Hallway to the left is your entrance. Travel three hundred feet and take a right."

"Copy that." Mando's voice was the only response, Val dared not speak while camera's held an image on her. The two followed the instructions to the letter, stepping out then quickly moving back in at Chips command. Glancing up at the electronics, she noted they weren't rotating at the moment, but as soon as they entered the hallway and were out of its range, the devices activated again. Together they darted down the passage, senses on high alert. It was empty, not a soul moved. Chips continued to guide them.

"Almost there. Straight ahead for fifty feet, then hang a left."

Striding in perfect synchronization, the pair followed the slicers instructions and Val spotted what they were looking for at the end of the hallway. Stopping, she looked up at the narrow grate above her head before giving a sharp nod to the armor clad Warrior. Without a word, he started to loosen the straps on his chestplate, pulling it away from his body. At the same time, Val hiked the halter strap over her head, shimming the sleek dress over her hip before undoing the buckles on her shoes, kicking them off and leaving herself standing completely naked.

Turning to the Mandalorian with a hand out, she paused as he stared at her, helm tilted slightly while holding a folded black item in one hand. Val gave the man a moment before snapping her fingers impatiently,

"Ask me later and you can have a much more personal inspection, Shiny. Times short, give me the glove."

He jolted slightly, handing over the bundled cloth. Without pause, Val unrolled it, starting to pull out the one piece, skin-tight bodyglove as Mando gathered up the formal dress and shoes, tucking them under his chestplate and tightening the straps once more. The catsuit had hardened soles to act as shoes and long full finger sleeves. Pulling the last of the cloth over her shoulders, she turned her back to Mando, waiting for him to pull up the slim zipper on the back. Leather covered digits brushed against the skin of her spine and Val forced down a shiver as he raised up the final latch, the material sucking tight around her like it was painted on.

Adjusted the cloth around her neck so it rested below her jaw where it belonged, she took the small utility belt from her partner, securing it around her waist so the one pouch rested on her hipbone. Reaching into the satchel, Val pulled out a small black circular device and pressed it against her temple, wincing slightly as the tiny pins dug into her flesh. A holographic rectangle flared out over her eye, numbers and other details popping up on the miniature screen.

Mando knelt down and pulled out a tool from his boot, handing it to her. Val shoved the slim driver between her teeth and placed both hands on his pauldrons, waiting while he cupped his palms together. Planting a foot in his hands, she shifted her weight as he hoisted her up into the air. Her other foot came to rest on his shoulder and he stepped in, hands raising to support her calves while she balanced on his broad pads. With one hand woven into the grate, Val pulled out the sonic screwdriver and started to remove the metal heads.

It took seconds and she pushed in the barrier. Gripping the tool in her mouth again, she grabbed the edge of the metal with both hands and Mando gave her a shove upwards. Muscles coiled and pulled as she agility wiggled into the duct. It was a tight fit, her shoulders brushed either side of the tunnel. It was impossible for her to turn around, so she kept moving, light fading and leaving her in total blackness, crawling forward as she activated the comms.

"I'm in. Heading towards the vault now. Everyone start making your way outside."

"Copy that," came Zechs and Laze's voice. As she turned left, continuing to shimmy forward, Mando responded to her order.

"I'll be close. Keep me posted on your progress. Chips, how's the activity look?"

"No ones noticed anything yet. Swiftfoot, let me know when you're at the vault entrance."

"Copy." she answered, twisting around a 90 degree turn as per the blueprints showing on the mini computer on her temple. The data on the transparent screen started to blink rapidly and point downwards. Val slowed and looked ahead. A red glow lit the dark tunnel, forcing her to blink a few times to adjust her vision. Crawling closer, she saw a zig zag laser grid covering the small grate.

Shifting back, Val dug at the belt, pulling out a long tube. Carefully placing it on the edge of the grate, small arms extended out, moving down to capture the laser between the stabilizers. Using the screwdriver again, she removed the two screws from one side. The grate dropped inwards and she carefully tucked her head in, gripping the edge and started to wriggled out of the duct. She felt the heat from the redirected laser on her hip as she bent in half, gritting her teeth and moving more carefully. Finally through the hole, she let go of the edge and dropped lightly to the floor.

Before her was a short, wide hall with a crisscrossing array of red streams of light covering the open area. At the far end was a thick vault door with heavy bars over the circular barrier. She'd emerged at the very start of the entryway and looked over the obstacle before tapping into the comms again.

"Chips, I'm at the vault. Can you shut down the defense grid?"

"Partially. I can take out some of the beams, but if I shut them all off, it'll trigger secondary alarms. You'll have to move around those I can't bypass."

"Roger that. Take out what you can, I'll manage the rest."

Val waited with humming muscles as the display over her eye blinked a few times. A moment later, several of the red beams of light blinked out of exitance. She exhaled, looking over the new layout and mapping her route. Closing her eyes briefly, she took in a deep, stabilizing breath, calming her mind and focusing her energy. Stepping forward, Val slowly extended up her leg, twisting it out at the peak to rotate her body slightly. Bending low till her stomach hit the ground, Val arched her back, slithering up under the deadly ruby ray.

Closer and closer she moved towards the vault door, folding around the remaining laser beams, bending and weaving like a flexible willow reed. After a few minutes of maneuvering around the deadly streams, Val finally came to rest in the small space between the far wall and the still active laser grid. Pressing against the wall, she reached up and tapped the comm in her ear.

"I'm through, can you get the door open?"

"Working on it, there's a lot of access codes to break through. Hang on...almost there..."

There was a hissing sound suddenly, before beeps and chirps came from the vault door. The bars slide to the side, gears turning on the front before the barrier cracked in the center, the panels vanishing into the walls. Shimming along the wall, Val stopped before the opening, looking over the inside of the vault. The walls were lined with small safe boxes that jutted out a few inches with a high ceiling and the floor was perfectly smooth.

"Alright Val. According to the scimatics Zechs got, the floor is pressure sensitive. You step on it at all, you'll set off silent alarms and have a dozen thugs down your throat in less than a minute. The jewels supposed to be in a safe with an old fashion combination lock. I can't hack that, so you're gonna have to get to it and open it manually."

She could see the target on the far wall. The vault itself was almost 15 feet across, not including the curve to the walls, "How much time do I have?"

Zechs responded, "Auctions supposed to start in about 30 minutes. I don't know if Cohl's going to have the gem on display for it or wait till the biddings done, so lets not test that limit."

"Got it."

Crouching down, Val jumped forward, grasping the top of the metal boxes. Hanging from the side, she started to move around. The edge of the lockers dug into her hand and there was nowhere to place her feet. Exhaling, she let her power flow through her, making her muscles protest less about the awkward position as she spider-crawled around the vaults wall. Twice on the trip her foot slipped, coming dangerously close to the floor. Sweat beaded on her forehead and her breath started to grow a bit heavier.

Finally, she made it to the end. Bracing on the side panel, Val stretched out and put a hand on the large knob. It was almost a full arms length away, she wouldn't be able to place an ear near the lock to hear the clicks as it disengaged. So another method was going to have to be used. Closing her eyes, she started to turn the combination dial slowly. Letting the energy run through her veins, her natural senses increased and she blocked out the sound of her breathing and heartbeat, focusing everything on the soft clicking of the knob as it spun in micro rotations. A slight tic sounded, the most minuscule of vibrations touching her fingers. She started to turn the lock the opposite way, waiting for the next motion of unlocking.

Time lost meaning as she worked the safe, slowing spinning the knob. Finally, a loud click was heard and Val snapped open her eyes with a smirk. Pulling down the handle, the door swung open and she grinned at the sight of 'The Heart of Alderaan' sitting in perfect view within the cavity on a bed of crushed black velvet. Despite the burn running through her body from hanging on the edge of a locker for several minutes, Val couldn't stop the surge of pride from blooming through her chest. Reaching out, she plucked up the priceless jewel from its resting place.

As soon at the diamond was lifted from the stand it rested on, alarms started to blare loudly through the vault, ear piercing screams that made her flinch and caused adrenaline to rush through her system. Her head jerked up and she howled into the comms, "What the hell Chips!? You said you disable the security!"

"I did! There must have been a backup system that didn't show on the systems design we got! Get out! Get out now!"

Without pause, she jumped off the lockers, feet hitting the ground as she sprinted for the exit, "Disable the laser grid! Now!"

"I can do that, but it won't be long before I'm locked out Val! You won't have me for long, they're already starting to reinforce the system."

The remaining beams crossing the entryway vanished. Tucking the 'Heart' into her pouch as she ran, Val bolted through the room and pushed the energy into her legs. As she neared the still open grate, she fired the muscles in her calves, leaping higher than any normal person could have. Grabbing the edge, she hauled herself up and into the duct just as the heavy set doors opened. The sound of running feet and startled cries filled her ears as she quickly crawled down the tunnel. The readout on her mini computer wasn't working, the screen was blank. Val cursed silently. Chip had been kicked out, he couldn't guide her anymore.

"Kordes! Where are you!?"

Mando's voice was tense and he sounded a little breathless. Over the comms, she briefly heard the sounds of blaster fire. Feeling a turn to her left, Val shimmied around the corner as she tapped into the comms.

"I don't know, Chips is locked out. I'm blind right now. I'll have to exit into the castle and find my bearings."

Ahead, Val spotted a smattering of light. Reaching the grate, she quickly removed the screws and dove out. Spinning and landing in the hallway, Val looked around, quickly racing down the tunnel. She emerged in a large open area with a staircase leading upwards. The sound of running feet lit the air and she ducked behind a pillar, pressing against it as the group of guards rushed by, heading through a different doorway. Val pulled up the mental map of the castle that she'd mostly memorized and recognized the area she was in.

"Mando, I'm somewhere near the west side of the castle, there's a big set of stairs. I think I'm near the guest quarters."

"Can you get outside and up to the roof?"

Val snapped her head up, her danger sense kicking in as yells sounded in the distance. With the security system back in the warlords hands, the guards would be able figure out where she was and were rapidly starting to catch up. Sprinting out, she bolted up the stairs. If nothing else, the rooms upstairs would provide an area to hide in while she figured things out.

"I won't have an exit on the roof."

"I'm your exit! Get high! Now!"

Swearing to herself, Val threw her weight into the next door she saw. It opened into a small bedroom with a window on the far wall. Rushing to the glass barrier, she flung open the panes. Planting a foot on the still, she twisted and grabbed the rough surface of the castle wall. Clinging to the stone, she climbed upwards, pulling hand over hand as she ascended to the top of the wall. Emerging on the top of the large tower, Val scrambled to the far side, looking down. The rounded pillar of stone was on one of the corners of the castle. It was over forty feet in the air.

Panting hard, she spun her head around, looking down to the opening in the floor of the tower. Faintly, she heard voices and yells, all of which were getting closer by the second. Jamming a finger to her ear, the Runner yelled into the comms.

"Shiny! I'm on the roof and they're closing in! Where are you!?"

"Jump!"

"WHAT!?"

"Make it a good one!"

She paused at the words, eyes darting around. The outside castle wall was connected to the tower, she could climb partway down and get onto it, finding another way out. But that would take time. Time was something she didn't have. But...jumping off was one hell of a leap of faith. Looking down at the drop, her stomach lurched slightly. A sudden yell from behind had her whipping around. The guards had caught up and were starting to emerge. Val flinched as a blaster bolt was fired wildly towards her, missing by a mile but jolting her into action. Spinning back around, she ran at the towers edge. Jumping up onto the crenellation of stone, Val closed her eyes tight, feeling her heart fly into her throat as she abandoned all reason and self preservation, flinging herself from the edge into the weightless air.

For a moment it felt like she simple stopped in place, temporarily flying through the nothingness. Then gravity seized her, dragging her body downwards cruelly. She clamped her teeth together tightly, fighting the urge to scream as she was pulled towards the ground. Her heart thundered in her ears, cold air rushed past her face and the terror of imminent death seized the breath from her lungs. She heard nothing past the surging of her blood and whistling of wind.

Then...she suddenly slammed into something. HARD!

Her breath left her lungs in a whoosh, leaving her lightheaded. Pain came next, a throbbing, aching bruise, like she'd just run full speed into a brick wall. Gasping in shock and confusion, with the sensation of weightlessness still consuming her, Val somehow managed to open her eyes. Below her she saw a plume of fire and the ground rapidly growing smaller and smaller. Under her hands was the feeling of solid metal, arms that felt familar wrapped tight around her waist.

Without thought, Val coiled herself into the unyielding body of the Mandalorian as he flew higher. Burying her face into the crook of his neck, she struggled to draw in a full breath from the gravity accelerated beskar collision as he carried her to safety. Briefly, she felt a giggle almost work its way out of her throat as she thought of how it must have looked to the guards, seeing her leap off the tower, only to be caught and carried off by a jetpack powered Warrior.

Before she'd fully recovered, there was a decrease in the whipping wind around her. The dizziness started to fade and she was aware that the position she was in had shifted, she was upright now. The roar of the jetpack started to fade and Val felt solid ground under her feet again. For a few moments, she clung to the body, leaning against him as she panted into the rough cloth of his neck. Adrenaline started to leave her system, burning muscles awakening and Val felt herself begin to shake.

The arms around her waist shifted a bit, moving lower to her hips and she pulled back slightly at the change. Opening her eyes, she looked up into the reflective surface of the Mandalorian's helmet. She breathed out, still trying to recover from the sudden, chaotic flight she'd just been through. His deep, modulated voice pierced her hazy state.

"You okay?"

Her breath escaped her lungs in a whoosh and she fought to draw in another. Still dizzy and uncoordinated, she swayed slightly in his grip. His hands tightened and he pulled her a little closer, "Easy now, you're alright. Sorry about the impact, can't have be pleasant."

"I...i-it's alr-right...I-I'm okay..." her response was breathless and shaky as she closed her eyes again. The armor under her was cold and hard. It should be uncomfortable and harsh. Instead, it felt refreshing, the chilly sensation soothing the achiness that was creeping up on her. Taking in a deep breath, she looked up, feeling herself starting to stabilize as she laughed out in a wavering voice.

"I-If you keep catching me like this, I'm going to start relying on you."

He didn't response for a moment, the two of them standing in each others arms surrounded by the snowy, mountainous landscape. When he answered, Val felt her heartrate increase and a shiver run through her body.

"Go ahead...I don't mind, Kordes."

"Val..." she answered softly, sliding her hands to the back of his neck and pulling his head down towards her, ignoring how his hand instantly raised to gently grip her wrist, likely a response that was more instinctive than malicious. Rising up on her toes, she pressed her forehead aganist the metal of his helm. Holding him there, she looked into the dark visor with clear eyes, "Call me Val."

"VAL!"

The moment was broken by the loud, panicked cry, the two jerking apart as she spun towards the sound. Racing across the ground was the blurring form of Chips and she gasped as the Ardennian launched himself into her arms. She yelped loudly as the impact woke up every pain that had been muted by adrenaline and shock. Staggering back, her vision blurred and she fought to draw in breath. Briefly she heard an angry voice before the weight on her chest left and she sagged backwards, supported by strong arms. Her knees gave out and she sank to the ground, gasping desperately, clutching her chest, and trying to push back the double vision. As she recovered, Val heard the slicers frantic voice.

"Sorry! Sorrysorrysorry! I didn't mean that! Kripes Val, are you okay!?"

Looking over at the worried face of her friend, she managed a small smile, "Y-yah...I-I'm okay Chips. Just...really sore. Beskar doesn't exactly make for a soft landing, yah know."

A breath exhaled from the alien and he smiled back shakily. The sound of a speeder drew the attention of the group. Looking up, Val saw Laze and Zechs leap off the transport, running towards them. Shaking her head, she moved to stand up. A hand came into her vision, leather covered with a gleaming bracer over the forearm. Raising her eyes higher, she stared at Mando as she took his hand. On her feet again, she stabilized herself as the other two closed in.

"Swiftfoot! Are you okay?" Laze's eyes darted over her form, face pinched in worry, "Are you hurt?"

"Did you get it?" was Zechs first words, quickly followed by, "You okay?"

She narrowed her eyes at the dark haired man, shifting to a more aggressive stance, "Did you know?"

Zechs pulled back slightly at the venom in her voice, "Know what?"

"Did you know about the secondary alarm system? You're the one that got the scimatics for the place, all of this was based on those blueprints. Did you know about the back up?"

He hesitated for a second longer than he should have before answering, "Of course I didn't know, Val. I never would have sent you in blind, you know that. It worked out in the end anyway, didn't it? Like you've said, you always have a way out. You did get it, right?"

Val sneered and reached into the hip pouch, pulling out the pristine jewel. Zechs eyes locked onto the priceless gem with a greedy gleam and he grinned, stepping forward to take it from her. She pulled the diamond out of his reach, shifting to the side.

"I think I'll hold onto it. Gotta make sure everything works out in the end...Right."

Zechs looked to be ready to argue. Mando stepped forward slightly, standing tall next to her and he backed away with raised hands, "Sure, sounds good...no problem. All that matters is that we turn it over to the client. Let's pack up and get out of here before the Calvary arrives."

The smuggler turned away, heading for the ship. Val narrowed her eyes at his back, replacing the gem in her pouch before following. He'd known about the alarm system, she already knew that. He'd sought her out because he knew she'd be the only one that could've maneuvered out of the castle while being chased by a horde of thugs. It was a typical move for the man. The potential for a huge payout with minimal risk to his own person. As much as she wanted to be pissed at him, it really was her own fault for choosing to trust him as much as she did.

As the ship lifted off and the group started to disperse, Val looked over at the Mandalorian, "Guess I owe you one now."

He tilted his helm towards her, "We'll call it even, Brat."

She laughed lightly, feeling relief fill her as the starship jumped into hyperspace.

And that's that. Glad to see I'm getting a following on this story and I hope everyone likes where I'm going with it. Stay tuned for more updates, hopefully I can post a new chapter in the next week or so. Till then, we head onto shout outs.

Caroroe09: Thanks so much! I'm so happy you're enjoying the fics, thanks for the kind words.

Azure83: You really made me smile with your comments. I'm glad I've managed to keep the story engaging and fun to read, I'm really having a lot of fun with it. Thanks so much for sending me such a great compliment.

zenrobbins0021: Baby Yoda is the best. I love him in the new season that's come out. He's soooo cute!

Love. Fiction. 2020: Always such a pleasure to see your encouragement Love. Thanks so much for you support, it means so much to me.

Guest: There will be more, don't fear. I wish I could thank you with a personal username, but know that your lovely comment makes me smile so much.