Chapter 16.
Latest edit: January 6th, 2015. As always, cheers and enjoy!
Raidre had the ship up in the air and on auto-pilot towards a well hidden sweet spot on the moon, rarely under patrol and under the jurisdiction of the Empire. Which made it as safe as it could get on Nar Shaada. She went down to the cargo bay to make sure Torian hadn't lost his temper on Jezzik. The young man had demonstrated quite the protective streak, she hadn't expected it because she wasn't used to men seeing her in need of protection. Bare footed and still in her skimpy little black number, she went to see what was going on. Jezzik had been tied to a chair, still just as they had carried him. Torian paced around him, eyes on shoulders and knees, you never watched the hands or feet; moved too fast. Raidre walked up to Jezzik and pulled his mask off.
The smuggler looked bored, eyes heavy-lidded. He looked up at her and cocked his brow at her. Raidre used the black bag to wipe the cosmetics off her face, letting him see the ink hidden beneath. That got a reaction out of Jezzik. Raidre wiped her fake face off. She could feel the relief pool off of Torian in waves. She kept her eyes and mind on the prize, they could work out their sexual tension another time.
"So, Jezz, was it?"
Raidre pulled the tape off his lips in one swift motion. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Raidre Sharon'Atal from clan Mandalore. Charmed, I'm sure."
Jezzik's eyes showed a whole lot more white now. Raidre motioned to Torian with a bare hand. "This here is my aliit vod(1), Torian Cadera."
Jezzik shot a glance to Torian, but his eyes kept coming back to Raidre. Torian rose no objections when she falsely declared him part of clan Mandalore. Raidre leaned down to face Jezzik.
"Now, how about you tell me why Karik wants me dead?"
Sweat began to bead on Jezzik's brow. "Lady, you know how this works, if I snitch how am I supposed to find work?"
Raidre smiled, warm and charming. All at once that expression fell into the sub-zero temperatures only found on Hoth Torian was most familiar with. Hard as beskar and unflinching for any of the horrors of the underworld life.
"Let's make things clear. I don't care about you finding work." She began, removing specks of dust off his coat, placing his hair. Jezzik flinched every time her hand came near him even though each motion was slow and calculated. " And I don't appreciate my R&R being interrupted by this bounty you have placed on me by request of Karik. I liked it even less when I was forced to shoot up Hazzad and his entire crew because you made that bounty pretty high."
Jezzik looked less and less at ease, while Raidre leaned closer and closer.
"So really, the question you should be most concerned about, is why I haven't shot you yet."
Torian cracked his neck as he stretched, aiding Raidre's show of force. Jezzik remained quiet, lips pursed together into a thin line. Raidre sighed and rolled her eyes, blowing her bangs out of her eyes.
"Didn't think you'd get caught, did you?"
Jezzik shook his head. "You can torture me all you want, I won't tell."
The two Mando'ade(2) looked at each other, Raidre raising a brow at Torian, whom returned a shrug.
"I was going to offer money first, actually."
Jezzik looked away, eyes closing as his face fell. "Long-time friend of Karik's, money won't help you."
Raidre took Jezzik's chin and forced him to look her in the eye. "Hazzad had been a long-time friend of mine Jezz, you turned him on me without much of a thought."
Torian tossed her a data pad, she pressed play on the audio feed. Jezzik flinched at the sudden motion, expecting harm rather than an audio feed. She played it to the end. The Mandalorians watched Jezzik's reactions to his own voice, twisting and changing Hazzad's plans into the chaos and carnage that had been their reality just a few short moments ago. By now, all pretense of friendliness had gone from them, they were warriors, united because they had fought side by side and for each other. This was a common enemy, and they would tear him apart, piece by piece until they knew for certain that their loved ones were safe from any harm that might befall them because of this outsider. Raidre took a deep breath and sighed.
"Hazzad was like family to me-"
Jezzik's jaw muscles danced and spasmed as he laughed. "Family? Mandalorians have no such conception."
It dropped several degrees in the hangar bay, and Jezzik realised it as soon as the words had left his lips.
"Please, Jezzik, continue teaching us about our own culture and values. Love hearing just how little you aruetisii(1) know about us. Really, it's heartwarming."
Raidre needed no signalling, after Torian's delivery they began to pace around Jezzik like vulture droids around a Gree salvage. They were so in-tune that they even took their steps in unison. Jezzik began to sweat buckets.
"I won't sell Karik out. I know what your kind does."
The two Mandalorians looked at each other. Something was off, how was he a 'long-time' friend of Karik's and yet taking all the Mando pot shots he could think of?
"Again with the stereotypes." Raidre chime d in.
Torian shrugged. "The aruetisii(2) like to think they know us."
Raidre snorted and just crossed her arms.
Jezzik looked from one to the other. "So I guess we are at an impasse?"
Raidre shrugged. "I was really hoping to avoid a blood-feud, I don't like ruffling feathers so close to home. If you catch my drift."
Jezzik blinked twice. "What?"
"Listen, I get it. Kids pissed about his brother, if I were him, I would be too. So I am asking for a nice little chat Mando to Mando?"
Jezzik laughed. "Lady, did you know Tarro?"
Raidre's face got stern. "A lot better than I cared to."
Jezzik sighed. "Listen, Karik looked up to Tarro, idolized him. In the kid's eyes, Tarro could do no wrong. You not only killed his idol, but you robbed him of glory. You think the squirt's gonna be willing to see past that?"
Torian watched Raidre's face. It wasn't that she had perfect control of her features, it was more that she could easily choose one expression instead of another. She knew her reactions and could adjust them before giving anything away she hadn't planned to. Her face was all angles and contracted muscles. She was set on a course and although what lay ahead was distasteful, she would bear it. Because Raidre also had her own version of Karik on board. And in a universe that was not made fair, where you had to pick the lesser of two evils, Raidre would always pick Mako over Karik, she would pick her own aliit(3) over others. But kids… Raidre locked her gaze with Jezzik.
"I protect my own, and this kid is messing with my ecosystem. I remove problems like that before they take hold. Against my better judgement I am having an argument here with you instead. So which is it? You want to make him happy or keep him alive?"
Jezzik looked away, unable to stomach the brutality or perhaps conflicted? Either way Torian walked up to him and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"You helped him that makes you responsible. If we have to kill him, it's 'cause of you."
Raidre sighed and pulled out something on her data pad. "I have proof that Tarro got his honor."
Both men looked up.
"I faced Tarro with Mako in Reneget Vause's ship on Hoth. He had been captured and when I had the chance to leave him there to rot, I released him and gave him a warrior's death."
Raidre showed the vid to Jezzik.
"My slicer does not disappoint, she keeps tabs and records everything."
"You swear this is no fabrication?"
"Have it checked by your specialists if you want, it's legit."
Raidre couldn't help but glance at Torian, who incidentally looked at her at that moment. The expression he wore was not one she had ever seen on him before. She slotted that away for a latter conversation. Jezzik sighed.
"We all knew it wouldn't end well. It wasn't his first try."
Raidre looked back to him. "You going to help me or not?"
Jezzik looked up to meet her eyes. "What assurances do I have that you won't harm, Karik?"
Raidre smiled. "You can be assured that I could have killed you at any time, but I haven't, because I want this to end well. And you will just have to trust that I have honor because I am Mandalore's chosen. You think he'd adopt just anyone into the family?"
Jezzik sighed. "Fair enough, I guess."
"Oh, and removing that bounty would have me tickled pink. And no, that's not negotiable."
"Steep price."
"Then think about it while I get more appropriate."
With that she removed herself from the hangar and the situation long enough to contemplate whether this was a good idea or just a foolish hope. She closed her blast proof doors to her quarters and leaned on the doors for a moment. This day was turning out to be really long and taxing. Why did things always get complicated? Raidre sighed and pulled her garments off as she made her way to the fresher's. Her shower was quick and mostly just to remove the full body make-up she had had to put on to make herself convincingly nubile. She pulled on her regular pants and gear and was back out there in less than twenty minutes, hair wet and in her face as was her custom. She pulled another chair and turned it so that its back was facing Jezzik. She sat on it, legs on either side, arms crossed and resting on the back rest.
"So?"
Jezzik fidgeted uncomfortable in his restraints. "Karik is like family to me."
Raidre nodded. "I kind of figured with how you two address each other in your messages."
Jezzik frowned. "You are a very capable slicer."
Raidre shook her head. "Naw, I just know a very capable slicer. But enough details."
Jezzik cleared his throat. "I would rather no harm came to him or me."
Raidre frowned and looked at Torian who leaned against the far side wall, checking stuff on his datapad.
"It's nice to want things, Jezzik."
Jezzik nodded. "Yes, of course, which is why I have been thinking of where best to arrange for this… talk. Somewhere neutral but sacred enough that Karik wouldn't do anything rash."
Raidre sat, silent. She motioned for him to go on.
"There's an old Mandalorian shelter on the sixth level in sector eight. It's the closest thing to hallowed ground on this rock. The local Mandalorians keep it that way. Karik would know that he met you there, he would have to act with honor, not just anger."
"Not reassuring, I am not exactly part of the local gang."
"Raidre, love, it's the best I got."
Raidre frowned, real anger showing. "Then you're no trying hard enough."
She stood and unholstered a blaster, Jezzik's eyes grew wide. "Woah, hold on a second!"
"Make it or break it, Jezzik."
"Look, the kid was devastated by Tarro's death, I can't guarantee he won't lose it!"
"Mako and I were devastated by Jory and Braeden's death, but you don't see me killing everyone associated with Tarro Blood, now do you?"
Torian sighed. He didn't know the story, but he could tell by her body language that she had not meant to let that slip. He pushed off from the wall and walked between the two of them. He looked first at Raidre, who was the closest to emotional he had ever seen, and then at Jezzik. He turned to face the smuggler.
"You're a smart guy. You'll know what to do to keep Karik alive."
Jezzik frowned. "Karik's not an animal-"
"Then you won't need a leash."
Jezzik could not meet Torian's eyes, there was a cold glint in them, like fresh ice on Hoth. Torian grasped Jezzik's chin and forced the slighter man to meet his gaze.
"Because if he tries anything it won't be pretty."
Jezzik pulled his face away from Torian's grip. "Raidre, your turn to reassure me, you made it clear you won't get out of line, but what proof do I have that your vod(4), here won't get trigger happy?"
Raidre sighed. "He won't because he's a professional. "
"That's not reassuring."
"It should be." Raidre turned back to the two men. "Because professionals don't kill out of spite or anger, they only kill when there is something to gain, and last I check there were no bounties on Karik."
Jezzik chuckled, but did not look relieved, which left nerves. "Fair enough."
Raidre made a move to approach Jezzik, but Torian beat her to it, he untied Jezzik. In the meantime Raidre pulled out a Holo for him.
"Let's get this over with."
Jezzik nodded as he rubbed his wrists. "The sooner the better."
Jezzik took the holo from Raidre, but kept his eyes on Torian. He glanced sideways at Raidre while keeping his attention on Torian. "How far would you go? Really?"
"To protect my aliit(5)?"
Jezzik nodded eyes still on Torian who simply looked at him, arms crossed on his chest, dark bantha hide covering his newly blue gear. Raidre shrugged.
"You don't get into this business without some measure of tragedy. Once you've gone passed a certain point, you stop caring about collateral damage."
The two looked at each other, there was no hesitation, no remorse or even guilt in Raidre's voice.
"If Karik does not find a way to give up his vengeance, I will bury him, and anyone who tries to get in my way."
"Kind of what I figured. Here, "he sighed. "Let me see what I can do."
Raidre and Torian gave Jezzik some room to make his call but kept close, blasters at the ready if the smuggler tried anything, they had made sure he was unarmed before bringing him on board, but with smugglers you could never be too sure. Those ass-holes were as likely to help you as they were to kick you in the crotch!
"Jezzik? Where were you, I was worried, vod(6). Everything alright?"
"Yes, Karik. I'm okay."
"Who's that with you?"
Raidre turned her face so her ink was not in view.
"That's not important right now, Karik, we need to meet and soon. Can you meet me at the Cove?"
"Sure, of course, when?"
"Be there as soon as you can."
"You in trouble, Jezz?"
Jezzik smiled despite himself. "Nope."
Karik nodded. "Okay, see you there."
The holo cut out, Jezzik looked at Raidre. "I need your word that no harm comes to the boy."
Raidre inhaled deeply. "You have my word of honor, if he does not attack me, I won't defend myself.
Jezzik nodded. "Come one, let's get a speeder and head to the Cove, I know a short cut."
Torian took ahold of Jezzik. "Your turn."
Jezzik blinked. "What do you mean?"
Raidre smirked. "He wants you to honor our deal."
Torian nodded. "No double crossing."
Jezzik smiled but his eyes were unaffected. "Yea, yea, of course. This is about family, I won't do anything untoward."
The two Mando'ade(7) glanced at each other and got all the necessary out of the way. Raidre had her sixth sense on, but they both knew that Torian was rigged to take out a whole squadron alone with the amount of ammunition, dets and firepower he was carrying. A glance was all they needed to communicate. If things went south, they would have to burn a hole so deep into the collective consciousness of Nar Shaada that no one would ever want to even consider messing with Raidre or her crew. They both understood that this could be a trap, was likely one. But Raidre wanted to see this option through, as did Torian, children were the future, for Mandalorians it was more deeply ingrained than with other folk. You didn't just blast those opportunities away. Killing hired muscle or thugs was one thing, killing fellow Mando'ade(8), especially kids was quite another.
They were landed and on a speeder in no time, Jezzik watched with wide eyes as Raidre commanded the ship from the terminal on her greaves. Torian drove the speeder while Raidre kept an eye on Jezzik. Jezzik kept true to his word and his short cut was clean. They disembarked and followed Jezzik as he lead them into a building which looked more like it belonged in a forest than in this industrial sector. Torian caught her attention while they had enough distance to whisper without being overheard by Jezzik.
"You sure about this?"
Raidre sighed. "He's very young."
Torian nodded. "But he'll grow up."
"So let's make sure when he does, his sights are set on someone else."
NOTES:
1 . Aliit means clan, while vod means brother/sister in the singular.
2 .Mando'ade, by now you guys should know this, but literally means children of the planet Mandalore.
3 .Alit means clan.
4 .IBIDEM to entry 1. on vod.
5 .IBIDEM to entry 1. on alit.
6 .IBIDEM to entry 1. on vod.
7 .IBIDEM to entry 2.
8 .IBIDEM to entry 2.