Chapter 38: Protectors
Many blasters were pointed at them, Jas could sense nothing but hostile intent, that and the amusement of Alena Fortuna.
He glared at the exchange boss; this is not what he came here for.
Val kept her cool, but she was no longer smiling vapidly, she was watching the thugs surrounding them, likely picking out her first target.
The protector gripped her little purse tightly, Jas suspected she had some type of weapon hidden there, what it could be he couldn't say, but, at that moment, he doubted that it would be much help.
Too many to parry, he realized, if the guards opened fire, he would not be able to block them all. He might be able to cut down a few with his lightsaber, but they were too close.
If they opened up on them at this range…
He gave the Twi'lek an acidic smile.
"I thought we were just here to do business?"
She snorted angrily at that comment.
"You are the one that brought an assassin to a business meeting," she reminded him.
Val's eyes narrowed.
"I'm no assassin," she said coldly, no longer bothering with the silly girl act.
"Yet, you serve House Rist," Alena replied, the tips of her head tails twitching nervously, "You have been recognized, my dear. Many eyes are on House Rist right now, especially given what happened up in the north mountains. The nobles try to hide such things, but they are never successful, not when the knowledge is that juicy."
The Twi'lek smirked.
"You are an assassin in the employ of Norma Rist, and the center of much discussion in the corridors of power right now. Your name is…something…Valentine?"
"Valenthyne…actually," Val corrected her, her voice sweetened with just a hint of venom.
"Ah, yes," Alena said, smirking at Jas.
"Does Cooper wish me dead? Is that why he had you bring this woman here?"
Jas rolled his eyes.
I should have known, he thought to himself.
On the way here, he had been chiding himself about his paranoia, well…trust Alena Fortuna to take that up to another level entirely, make that four or five other levels.
He shook his head.
He had suspected that Val's presence could cause a problem, but had been willing to let things ride, and trust in the Force.
He should have trusted his instincts, well…it was too late now.
Now…he needed to try and find a way out of this.
"This isn't about you Alena," Jas said quickly. All the while tracking the Twi'lek's guards through the Force.
He would have little warning when they made their move, and that could be anytime, considering the behavior of their rather fickle host.
Alena rose from her padded throne, she padded up to him on bare feet, her long fingers with their sharp nails traced the skin of his jaw.
"I know your organization, Jas," she said with a frown, "I had considered acquiring it once. This business with the slicer is not something you and your people do."
"We look after our clients," he replied, "House Rist is a client, they asked me to look into this matter for them, that is all that is going on, Alena. Believe me…."
He gave her a cold predatory smile.
"If I really wanted you dead. I wouldn't need to hire an assassin. I could handle the matter myself."
Her eyes widened.
It was a gamble on his part, but it was one of the few cards he had left to play.
Talking alone would not get them out of this.
He had to show strength, or at least, the illusion of it.
"And now you threaten me," she growled.
"I'm merely stating a fact," he replied, "As I told you before, I simply came here to ask about hiring a slicer with the skill of reprogramming security droids. I wouldn't have bothered with the excuse if I desired to see you punished for old sins, and besides…"
He chuckled dismissively.
"Are you sure you want to do this? My coming here was not exactly a secret. Coop knows where we are, as does Dorma Rist…"
"I may not be an assassin," Char Valenthyne added, "But the House of Rist contains more than one, you dispose of us, you will discover that what could have been a profitable situation, could easily turn into what you fear. Are you really that willing to make an enemy of House Rist, when all we want to do is talk?"
"And that is just what might happen if you anger House Rist," Jas said, "Coop and I have done our fair share of business with you over the years, Alena. Don't you think that Coop knows how to hurt your business if he really wanted to? I've kept excellent records when it has come to our dealings. If Coop did want to strike at you, he would ample targets to choose from."
The Twi'lek was no fool, he knew that from their previous dealings. They were playing Sabaac now, and he was trying to bluff. The threat was real enough, but he hoped that they wouldn't need to test Alena's resolve.
He managed a small smile.
"Come on Alena," he said quickly, "There really is no need for violence. I just came here to do business…so…"
He held up his hands, giving her his most innocent look.
"How about we just talk business?"
She paused again, considering what he was saying, likely weighing all her options. She could kill them both, sure, but…would it be worth it to her in the long run?
Finally, she snorted, and stepped away, she gestured to one of her servants who brought her a drink.
She continued to glare at him.
"I know some of what happened on the North Mountains, the attack on the girl from House Rist," she began, "What happened up there, that is nothing new, Jas, the nobles of Alderaan are hardly civil to each other. Oh, they might play at being about peace and cooperation, but the shadow games of old are still very much alive when it comes to the ruling houses."
He shrugged.
"Then why are you so surprised that one of the families would ask Coop and I for help? As you said, you know our organization and the talent that we employ. Is it so hard to believe that we are simply buying and selling information?"
Alena smirked, the smile of a predator.
"Considering how Coop and my…relationship ended, and knowing a bit of the history of House Rist, I'm fairly sure that you can understand my reaction, dear heart."
"It is understandable, I suppose," he agreed, but at the same time made mental note to speak with Coop about this later.
He was not surprised that Alena had had designs on their operation. Given the Twi'lek's history, and a list of several dead husbands.
It explained why Alena had been so angry when Coop had ended things, and her rather…harsh attempt at revenge.
Alena sighed and took a sip from her glass.
"It is truly a shame, you know," she said giving him an evaluating look, "Had Cooper let me in to your organization, I believe that you and I could have been fast friends."
She gave him a sexy smile.
"Maybe even more than that, if you had been of a mind."
Jas smiled coldly.
"I don't make it a point of looking at the women that my friend and partner is involved with, it is bad for business, and besides…your lovers tend to be a bit accident prone Alena. I believe you are between husbands right now, yes?"
If she was insulted by his attempt to call her out, she didn't show it. If anything, he sensed amusement.
"Oh, I had had such high hopes for the last one, Jas, but he was boring, started to grow obese, and he snorted so loudly at night…"
The Twi'lek pouted.
"One day, I hope to find a real man."
Jas said nothing.
As long as Alena remained attractive, she would remain the predator she was. He wondered how many more high-ranking males in the Exchange would have accidents as the Twi'lek continued to climb the social ladder within the crime organization?
Eventually, she would likely bite off more than she could chew, but that was not why he was here.
As he had said in the beginning.
He had simply come here to do business.
She once again turned to Char Valenthyne.
"And what are you to our dear Jas, Miss…Valenthyne was it? It is rare that I've seen him with a pretty fem on his arm."
Jas spoke up first.
"Val and I were…close once," he said, "I provided her with transport to Alderaan a few years back, and we…found we had things in common. House Rist knew of that history, so they assigned her to me, nothing more."
The Twi'lek looked at the protector.
"Is that so?"
"Pretty much, yeah," Val replied.
Alena gave Jas a sly look.
"You old kath hound," she chuckled, "I can imagine what kind of…transport you gave this little friend of yours. Though I would advise caution, taking an assassin to your bed is not the best recipe for a long and happy life."
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, not bothering to mention the Exchange boss's own list of dead husbands and lovers.
He glanced at the guards again, they still had their blasters up, and pointed at him and Val.
"As I said before, I didn't come here for violence, Alena. I'm not here to harm you, and neither is Val, so can we go back to talking like sensible beings?"
The Twi'lek considered that, she glanced between her men and her two guests.
Finally, she sighed and snapped her fingers.
The guards lowered their weapons. Jas felt the tension in the room lessen through the Force.
He only just held back a sigh of relief.
Damn, he thought, that was too close.
"Thank you," he said.
The Twi'lek shrugged.
"You could have avoided all this had you simply told me that an agent of House Rist would be joining us for this meeting. I would have been a bit more hesitant, arranged some additional security, but…"
"Point taken," he said, "I'll try to be more open next time."
Alena smiled and lay back down on her throne.
"So, tell me dear, why are you looking for this slicer?"
"The organization is always looking for talent," he said, "That and House Rist have some questions about the droids that were reprogrammed for the north mountain job."
Alena nodded as she considered his words.
"What if the slicer that you have in mind is not the one you are looking for?"
"Then he might be able to point me to the one that we are looking for."
"House Rist would be willing to make it worth the man's while," Val added, "And offer a finder's fee for the one who kindly gave us the introduction."
Alena giggled.
"And so…now we begin to discuss price, and straight to it to, so little small-talk."
The Twi'lek smiled brightly.
"I do enjoy doing business with straight forward beings."
She looked at Jas.
"A client of mine has recently asked if I could import some food stuffs for him. He has developed a taste for Twi'lek cuisine, the native stuff, not the swill my people export, but he doesn't trust Exchange resources to be discreet, our business interests on Ryloth attract too much attention for his taste."
"We could handle that for you," Jas promised, "You know our reputation for discretion."
Alena smirked.
"I would also ask that you lower your fees for this job, just this once of course. I get the feeling that Coop still has some hard feelings about our parting. If you would do this one small favor, I would be grateful, and I would consider it a show of good faith."
"If the information you provide us is good. I see no reason that that can't be arranged."
"Oh, the information is good; you may trust me on that."
She turned to Val.
"As for House Rist finder's fee, I ask only that Lord Rist understand that the Exchange had nothing to do with the attack on the North Mountains. We may move in similar circles as the people involved, but that does not mean that we contributed in any way. We have the utmost respect for the Rist, and their storied history."
"My lord and Lady Rehanna will appreciate that, Miss Fortuna," Val said pleasantly, "I'll make sure to pass along both your respect, and your assurance."
"Good," the Twi'lek replied.
She gave Jas a confident smile.
"I will volunteer something else, dear heart; you and your pretty friend were not the first to ask me about this slicer in the last several days."
"Anyone I may know?" he inquired.
"You know the policy, Jas, no questions," she said with no shortage of amusement.
"I merely wished that you understand that you are not alone in seeking this person, and that you should be careful moving forward. The people that are playing this game, they are not as reasonable as I am."
He nodded; her warning didn't really surprise him. The attack on Vess in the mountains had been audacious.
He wasn't surprised to hear that they were walking into danger, that looking into this at all could be hazardous.
He accepted that, and he trusted in the Force.
"I understand," he said.
"Good," the Twi'lek said, "Because if you do get yourself blasted looking into this, I want Coop to understand that the blasts didn't come from the Exchange. There are many powerful people watching what is happening on Alderaan right now."
Alena ran a single claw down the edge of her throne.
"It would break my little heart to know that you came to a bad end."
"Your concern for me is touching, Alena, as always," Jas said dryly, "I'll make sure to remember that."
She nodded.
"Just so long as you are aware, darling, and now, the item that you wanted. The young man you are looking for is a Zeltron, his name is Kyp Tobyn, goes by the code name of Lady's Man 1138, in the slicer circles."
Val chuckled.
"Ladies man?" she asked.
Alena laughed.
"Zeltrons are known for their hedonism dear, and their pheromones. If I were you, Miss Valenthyne, I would be cautious around this one. Zeltron males can be…insistent when they see a fem they desire."
Jas nodded; he had met several Zeltrons over the years. Alena was not wrong about their attitude, or their genetic tricks.
"I've never heard of a Zeltron slicer before," he said, "That's new."
"He is a bit new to the game, that is true, but he is also quite skilled. The Exchange has used his services in the last year. He has worked as a freelance consultant for us on several jobs and proved valuable in all of them."
Alena Fortuna grinned at them.
"I can't say for certain that he is the man you are looking for, but the rumors I've heard dealing with what happened in the North Mountains, it sounds like something he might have done."
"Where can we find him?" Jas asked.
"I can provide you with his apartment number and address," she said, "Though I doubt that he is still there."
The Twi'lek pouted again.
"As I said, you are not the first to ask us about poor Tobyn. If the job he was involved with ended badly, he has likely gone into hiding, but it is a lead is it not?"
Alena shrugged.
"I will let your people know should he try to contact us. It may not seem like much, I know, but it is something that your two organizations can use to move forward, yes?"
Jas nodded.
It was a lead, at least.
It was more than what they had come in here with, that was for sure.
"I thank you for your time, Alena," he said bowing respectfully, "and your willingness to help us."
"House Rist will not forget your aid, Miss Fortuna," Val added with a curtsey, "Thank you."
"Think nothing of it," the Twi'lek said, "Now, if there is nothing else, feel free to enjoy the rest of your evening. My staff are quite skilled and more than able to provide anything you might desire."
"We will keep that in mind," Jas said bowing again, "Thanks again, Alena, until next time."
"Until next time, dear Jas," she said with a tilt of her head.
"And please…give dear Cooper all my best."
IOI
The two of them made their way back down the stairs, and back down to the club's main floor. Despite the initial problems, the meeting had gone rather well.
Ja Dar Bynn smiled.
They had a name, at least, Kyp Tobyn. If he was the slicer that handled the droids on the North Mountain job, Jas hoped that he might be able to provide them with the name of who hired him, or at least could point them to someone else, someone who might know more.
He glanced over at Char Valenthyne; she didn't look pleased.
"You think this Tobyn guy is still alive?" she asked.
"Hopefully," Jas replied, "Most slicers are smart enough to know when to make themselves scarce. If this Zeltron learned that his trick with the droids didn't work as his employer intended, he likely has gone on the run, either into hiding, or to someone with enough power to protect him."
"It isn't much to go on," she said.
He shrugged.
"It is more than we knew before."
Jas checked the small data pad that Alena's people had provided him with. He didn't bother trying to contact the slicer on the holo; he figured that would be a waste of time.
As Alena had said, other parties were interested in the Zeltron. Jas seriously doubted that he was still in his dwelling.
"His apartment is here in Aldera," Jas informed Val, "We can head there now, see what we can find."
"Sounds good," she agreed, "I have a change of clothes and weapons in the trunk of the speeder. I'll get armored up and we can head over…VESS!"
Jas blinked.
Vess?
"You think we should contact Vess before we head to meet the slicer? Shouldn't we wait to see what we learn first?"
"No, Jas," Val said pointing, "Look! Over there!"
He looked up; the club was quite crowded, and loud, but he was able to see what it was that the Protector was pointing at. A group of young nobles standing around one of the gambling tables, and, sure enough standing right in the middle of them…was Vess."
Jas pursed his lips.
What? He looked again to make sure that he was seeing what he thought he was seeing. Maybe it was just a girl that looked like Vess.
He hoped that it was a girl that merely looked like Vess.
There were six of them, high born girls all, and all dressed for a night of fun and dancing. Jas recognized one of them as Lia, the girl that they had met while searching for Vess on the north mountains.
Vess stood in the middle of the group, dressed in short dress of fine blue shimmer silk. She was laughing and had a drink in her hand. She looked like she hadn't a care in the galaxy.
He shook his head.
So much for her needing to stay in tonight, he thought, it didn't look like the girl was studying for a test, that was for certain.
Val looked mortified.
"What is she thinking," she gasped, "What in all the names of the gods is she doing?!"
Val broke away from him; and headed towards the girl. Jas only just managed to keep up.
Great, he thought to himself.
This…would not end well.
He didn't blame Val for her reaction. As Vess' sworn protector, it fell to her to keep the girl safe, seeing her out here by herself must have seemed like a betrayal.
Jas frowned.
At the same time, a small part of him was looking at the girl and seeing something beautiful and headstrong, someone who chaffed at being caged.
He felt…drawn to that courage, it radiated out through the Force. As he had told Val, he had always liked strong women, and the little blue dress didn't hurt either, it fit her like a second skin and…
Whoa there, he thought shaking his head.
Fire the repulsors for a minute there, friend, stop yourself.
This was still Vess you are looking at, remember that.
He did remember, but he didn't feel as bad staring at her this time, he remembered Val's offer, and could not deny that he was intrigued by it, on some small level anyway.
Control it, his conscience chided, the poor girl is still in danger, keep thinking with your head, and do what was right.
That should have been easy.
It should have been easy.
"Vessaria?" Val called out.
The girl turned; her smile faded the moment she saw the protector standing there. Her blue eyes widened…
"Val," she said," Um…hi…you…you…ah…you look great, and…you're here?"
"Yes, my lady," the protector said crossing her arms, "and so are you."
Vess laughed nervously.
"Busted," one of her friends said behind her giggling.
Vess shot the girl an annoyed glare, but quickly turned her attention back to her guardian.
"Yes," Vess continued trying to stand up straighter, more in control, "So…so I am."
"Any explanation?" Val asked.
"Um…study break."
Jas chuckled, drawing the girl's attention.
"Mister Jas, you…you are here too; the two of you together?
The young noble blinked.
"Together," she murmured.
In that moment. Jas was almost bowled over, he had been reaching out with the Force, trying to make sure that no enemies might have been hiding close by.
The wave of emotion from the young girl nearly knocked him off his feet.
A sense of both possessiveness and jealousy radiated from Vess. He…he had never felt anything like it from the girl before, and all those feelings were directed at Val.
She had been so even tempered as a girl, he…he was shocked.
What was going on?
What reason did she have to feel jealous of Val?
"Lia asked me out tonight," Vess said imperiously, "I didn't want to stay locked in my room."
"How did you get out," Val demanded, "The house is under lock down."
"I…snuck out," Vess replied, trying to hold onto her defiance.
"You…just…snuck out?" Val repeated.
The girl nodded.
"Aunt Rehanna taught me well."
Char Valenthyne gasped.
"Vess…you can't just…"
"Can't just what?" the girl hissed trying to keep her voice down, "Can't live my life?"
"There are people after you Vess, people who want to hurt you."
"They've been after me since I fled Bantoon. I'm tired of running, and I'm tired of hiding from bullies."
Val's eyes narrowed.
"I'm your sworn protector, but I can't protect you if…"
"That is right, you are mine," Vess growled back, "Which means you obey me."
Val looked shocked, but that shock quickly started to morph into anger.
Jas could feel it flowing between the two. Right now, they were both trying to keep their voices down, but it was about to boil over and turn into a real argument, a loud one.
He chose to intervene before that happened.
He stepped between the two.
"Val and I were here on business, Vess," he said quickly, "We were looking for a lead on the people that attacked you on the north mountain."
She looked up at him, seeing him seemed to get through the anger, she started to think again.
She looked quickly between the two of them.
"You were here…investigating?"
"That is true, my queen," Val answered, her own anger contained, but it was still in her voice. Jas could not say if she had realized how close she and her young charge came to blowing up at each other, but was glad to have averted that, seemed to have averted anyway.
Vess' brow furrowed cutely, he remembered that look from her time on the Folly when the girl was deep in thought.
"What have you discovered?" she asked.
"We have a name," Jas informed her, "We were just leaving to go and see the person now."
"I see," Vess said nodding.
She turned to her protector.
"I will get my coat."
Val glared at her.
"You're not coming with us."
Vess' mouth was set in a determined line. Her temper started to rise again.
"This person tried to kill me. I want to know why?"
"It could be dangerous," Val added quickly, "It is my duty to protect you."
Before Vess could snap back, Jas intervened again, he was not above playing referee during an argument, he had done with Coop and Randa before after all.
"Besides, kid," he said, "You aren't exactly dressed for confronting someone."
She looked down at the rather skimpy dress and frowned.
"I…um…ah…suppose I'm not, am I?"
Jas reached out and touched the girl's arm.
"Let us help you," he said, "We can find out what is going on, and tell you what we learned on our return."
Vess wasn't pleased about hearing that, he could feel it, but she wasn't foolish.
She understood what was happening, and what needed to happen.
"Okay," she said, "I understand."
Jas Dar Bynn almost sighed with relief.
That had been close, but it seemed that the two ladies were back on the same page.
Any initial anger between them two was gone, a fact that made Jas extremely grateful.
Char Valenthyne pulled the girl away from her friends for a moment, resting her hands on her shoulders.
"Your mother trusted me to protect you," she said solemnly, "I can't do that if you won't let me."
Vess winced.
The mention of her mother seemed to have the proper effect. Jas felt shame from her in the Force.
"I'm…I'm tired of hiding from bullies Val," she said, her expression pained, "I just want to live my life, just for once, without worrying that someone is trying to hurt me."
"I know, and you will," Val said, "But not yet, not until Jas and I have dealt with this, if we can find who is involved, the person behind these attacks, then maybe we can finally stop them for good."
Vess nodded, her blue eyes were shining, she looked about to cry.
She wiped at her eyes.
"I'm sorry I snuck out, but…"
"You wanted to have an evening free of worry," Jas said, "We can both understand that."
Vess gave him a warm smile. It touched his heart.
Val nodded, she looked at Jas.
"I should stay here, make sure that she makes it home safe."
"It will be okay," Vess added, "Mister Jas needs you, Val. T'Wopp is here, with Lia, he is watching over us."
"T'Wopp," Jas asked, "What is a T'Wopp?"
"Me."
As if summoned, a large brown furred Whiphid suddenly appeared at the girl's side. Flat faced, tusked, and wearing a bandolier of weapons.
"Is everything being okay, here," the alien growled.
Val smiled at him.
"Hey, T'Wopp," she said, "it has been a while."
The alien snuffled, a laugh, Jas guessed.
"Hello there, little snow tiger," he said, "You need not fear for the girl, she is being watched."
Val chuckled.
"Watching over a group of teenage girls at a dance club, sounds dangerous."
The alien snorted.
"Not as dangerous as hunting ice demons on my home world, but close."
Old friends, Jas thought with a smile. Even Vess seemed amused.
"Jas needs you," she repeated, "Lia and T'Wopp will see me safely home. You have a person to find, yes?"
Char Valenthyne nodded, she didn't look happy about it, but…
"Stay close to T'Wopp," she ordered Vess, "Don't go off alone, and stick close to your friends."
Vess nodded.
Val sighed.
"We will talk more about this later."
A pained expression came over the girl's face.
"Great," she replied.
Jas said nothing, that was none of his business.
He suspected it would not be the most pleasant of conversations.
"Contact me as soon as you hear something," Vess ordered.
She turned to Jas.
"Keep her safe, okay, both of you, please be careful."
"We will do what we can," he promised.
The would-be queen nodded, she radiated both relief and concern through the Force.
Better that than anger and jealousy, he thought, but he did have to wonder.
What reason did the girl have to feel jealous of Val? It made no sense.
Val's whole life was dedicated to keeping the young woman safe.
Vess had nothing to fear. Val would do nothing to hurt her, she couldn't.
It was who the protector was, she would always be there for her queen.
Always.
IOI
Once again the two found themselves in the air speeder, on course to the Zeltron's apartment in Aldera.
Jas sat up front with the pilot droid while Char Valenthyne changed in the back.
She didn't bother with the privacy screen, which of course meant that Jas had been more than tempted to peek as the protector slipped into the spare suit of armor she had brought along.
"Eyes front, hotshot," she purred when she noticed the tilt of his head.
He looked back quickly.
"It isn't like I've never seen you undressed," her replied.
She laughed lightly.
"You were the one that told me I should stop torturing you. "
He sighed.
If she truly believed that she would have engaged the privacy screen, still it would have made it harder for them to talk.
Val sighed, she sounded tired.
"I still can't believe that Vess snuck out."
Jas chuckled.
"Go easy when you talk to her later, she made a stupid choice, but…
"That stupid choice could have gotten her killed, and then I would have to die too."
There was that he supposed.
"Well…at least she didn't go out without some protection, that Whiphid seems formidable."
"T'Wopp being there was the only reason I consented to leave her side," Val said.
Jas smirked.
"One question though?"
"What?"
"Little snow tiger?"
Val chuckled.
"T'Wopp and I have spared a time or two. When he first came to Alderaan from Toola, he believed he was the toughest bodyguard here. I took exception to that."
Char Valenthyne radiated with pride.
"I challenged him, fist and feet only, the fight ended in a draw, but he came out with a respect for the Sworn Protectors of Bantoon."
Jas grinned.
Having fought Val himself, he knew what a challenge she was.
He was impressed that the Whiphid could keep up with her.
Despite her amusement, Val remained focused on her young queen.
She sighed.
"Being Vess' protector was easier when she was a little girl."
"I'm sure it was," he agreed, "But she isn't a little girl anymore."
"I know," Val said, "She is turning more like Queen Annara every day, I'm proud to see it, but…"
"It worries you too."
"Yeah, Annara chose to send me away, and she died. I can't fail like that again, Jas."
"I was there, remember, there was nothing you could have done. The Red Eclipse murdered your queen, not you. You couldn't have saved her Val; not didn't…couldn't. Could not, it was not your fault."
"I know that, in my head, but…my heart. She was not just my mistress; she was my friend."
Val leaned forward; she gave Jas' shoulder a friendly squeeze.
"Thanks for that, by the way."
"For what?" he asked.
"For stepping in-between me and Vess; that situation could have been a lot worse had you not been there."
"Happy to help," he said, and surprisingly, he meant it.
Jas smiled.
He hated to admit it, but he would miss Val and Vess when he returned to his duties back on Pee Bee. Being here, being around them again had made him feel more alive than he had in years.
Maybe it is time for a change.
The thought had come out of nowhere.
Jas frowned.
You and Coop have built something great together, but he has Randa now, and soon likely a family of his own. Jonas, Tessa, Figgy, he has all them too.
Maybe it is time you started to look out for your own happiness? You considered leaving the Folly once, going off and helping Val, helping Vess win back her throne.
Maybe it is time to reconsider your choice. The Jedi are no longer after you. You could be a big help to them.
Yes, he acknowledged.
He could be.
He heard the sound of zipper being pulled up.
"Okay, hotshot," Val said, "you can look now."
He turned to see the protector fully armed and armored once again.
She smiled politely.
"So," she asked, "this Kyp Tobyn, how do you wish to play this?"
"If he is at home, we ask to speak with him," Jas said, "If he refuses…we…insist."
She smirked.
"I'm quite good at insisting."
"I'm sure you are," he replied.
He laughed.
"So, we play a little game of Good Jedi and the Bad Protector. It could work."
Val blushed slightly; her expression turned sly.
"What?"
"Nothing," she said, "Just...well…Good Jedi and the Bad Protector sounds vaguely dirty."
"That isn't what I meant," he said.
"You sure?" she asked.
He considered it.
Well, if he was being totally honest…
…no.
He frowned.
Not again, they had discussed this.
He looked back at the smiling protector.
Damn the woman, he thought.
Damn her.
A/N: Happy Thanksgiving 2020 everyone, hope you are all being safe and happy this day. Another chapter will be up soon, as well as the conclusion of Dark Reflection. See you all soon, dear readers.
DG
