A/N: Well then, it has been an awful long time since I have updated this. I have had such a writers block and I guess it was my depressing music and Hamlet that got me out of it., which is interesting, if you ask me. Well, I hope you can enjoy this little bit and, come to think of it, I think Keilana's story is going to become a little series because there is so much I plan for her.
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There is a Man Behind the Mask
Two days later:
She is amazing, Jaina, absolutely amazing, Jacen Solo smiled as he turned his head to look at his sister. Jaina was sitting cross-legged on her brother's bed and playing with the lace on her left boot as he attended to a young and orphaned thhurr mouse. The tiny brown creature poked it's head out of a small shelter to sniff at some food with it's long, whiskered nose before wrapping a prehensile tail around a wooden perch to swing across the cage.
And who is this again, Jacen? Jaina arched her right brow. The younger of the two turned completely around to look at his twin as he wiped his hands on the front of his flight suit.
Like I said, she's that new student Uncle Luke took in. You know, the one Ganner met in a night club and then saved? Jacen shrugged as if it were no big deal before turning back to the thhurr mouse.
Ganner met her in a night club? Sounds like he's making excuses for trying to bring a whore to the Temple. Jaina looked at her brother's back and furrowed her brow. Dropping the lace, se swung her legs over the side of the bed but did not stand up.
Ganner, hiring a whore? Jacen laughed. Well, it does sound like something he might do. However, whore or not, she still has an amazing potential in the Force.
So he got lucky in his excuses. Jaina chewed on her lower lip for a moment while thinking. However, I have not met her, so I cannot necessarily go about deciding who she is.
Jacen nodded slowly as he watched the thhurr mouse start to chew on the food he had offered it. The tiny creature cooed softly as it swallowed and a soft smiled played across Jacen's lips. These creature's truly are amazing, Jaina, he started, going off on a tangent, for they endure so much abuse in their existence. Their parent's do not seem to care for them and most leave the nest before they are truly ready to go. However, they have an amazing ability to adapt to whatever life throws at them and can settle in perfectly to a new way of living.
Yeah, sure, Jaina nodded, obviously not interested in the small creature. Standing up, Jaina moved slowly across the dimly lit room to stand next to her brother. But tell me how you met her again, I didn't understand you the first time. And do tell me how you acquired this nasty bruise. Jaina took her twin's jaw gently in her hand and turned his face to inspect the bruise that had grown slightly yellow around the edges with age.
Pulling away from his twin, Jacen closed the door to the transparisteel cage and locked it before walking to the small window between the bed and the armoire, which were on opposite walls. I was in one of the old formal meeting halls, two nights back. I was there because I have been inflicted with insomnia and I thought it would be the perfect place to meditate because of the way the moonlight hits the walls. I had been in there for about three hours and was about to leave when I sensed another presence in the room. I was up on the walkway that surrounds the room, about twenty feet up from the ground level, and the other person was on the ground level. I was actually surprised by another presence being there, for the room had been forgotten and abandoned, as far as I could tell for there is, and was, a think layer of dust covering just about everything. Jacen paused as he looked out at the early afternoon sky and traffic. So, being the curious and nosy boy that I am, I went down to investigate.
By the time I had reached the ground level, the other person had stirred up a good deal of dust and it was hard to see anything through it, so I had to relay on my senses. However, the other person had this amazing wall up in their mind, so i could not tell what they wanted and, at times, which way they were facing and looking. I could tell that I the other person knew that I was there as well and just when I was about to call out to them, I was knocked to the ground and my jaw cracked. It was quite painful actually.
Jaina just shook her head in disbelief. How could you have let yourself get kicked, Jacen? You are better trained than that and to be beaten up by a non-Jedi? How embarrassing.
It was dusty. Jacen winced at his lame excuse. Besides, she is skilled, even without any Jedi training. It seems as if she has been trained in the art of hand-to-hand fighting and among other things I'm sure. Ganner said that she was able to dodge blaster fire that night she was stabbed and kill someone who was sneaking up from behind. She's quick, Jaina, quicker than she ought to be. I'm sure she is already dependent on her Force powers without even knowing it and that makes her potentially very dangerous indeed.
To me it sounds as if you have a little crush on dear little what's-her-face, Jaina smiled wide as she joined her brother at the window.
Jacen's ears turned a light shade of red as he bit the inside of his cheek. Her name is Key and no I do not have a crush on her. She's intriguing, that's all.
Of course, Jacen, of course, Jaina shook her head as she patted her brother on the shoulder.
Do you not believe me? Jacen turned to look at his sister. His ears had returned back to normal, but there was something in his eyes that he did not seem aware of.
No, brother, I do not believe you. I can tell when a woman or girl catches your interest. You were in the same denial about Danni Quee and it was quite obvious she attracted your interests. You really must stop trying to gain the attentions of older women, Jacen, Jaina smiled and shrugged. Jacen's jaw dropped slightly and the look in his eyes changed to great disbelief.
Excuse me? You shouldn't be the one talking about liking older people, Jaina. Don't think I haven't noticed the way you look at Jagged Fel when he is around. Wedge's nephew is older than you, if I am not mistaken. Jacen grinned as he playfully hit his sister in the shoulder. Jaina returned the gesture, but hit her brother with a little more force.
He's not that much older than me, dork, Jaina pursed her lips as her cheeks turned pink.
And who says that Key is far older than me?
There are rumors around the temple, Jacen. The young ones say that she is possibly not even human and that she is far older than she appears, Jaina turned to look out the window once again and Jacen laughed.
And you actually believe what the children have to say? Jacen chuckled for a moment longer before continuing. She is very much human, as far as I can tell and yes she is older than she looks, but not by much. She does look about our age, but she has seen far more than us, that much is obvious in the way that she moves and speaks. Her eyes dart around as if always watching and never quite comfortable in one position for long. But despite her experiences, she is not very old. Look at me Jaina. Jacen waited until his sister turned her head to look up at him. She's only twenty-one.
That's still four years older than you, Jacen. And to me, it sounds as if she has some sort of an agenda or an ulterior motive for being here. Perhaps she is a whore who happened to be lucky, or maybe she is here looking for something or someone, Jaina crossed her arms once again and sighed. But she might just be a normal civilian who Ganner did actually offer a place to stay for the night. The point is, Jacen, that you don't know who she is or why she is truly here. Just be careful, okay?
Before Jacen could answer, a knock sounded at his door. I know, Jaina. You don't have to become like Mom and warn me about everything. Whoever was at the door knocked again and Jacen started to moved to answer it.
I know, Jacen, I just don't want to see you hurt. Besides, I am the oldest and therefore I have to look after you.
Two minutes, Jaina, two minutes, Jacen smiled back at his sister before turning around and pushing the release for the door. On the other side was Keilana. Her hand was posed to knock once again but when she saw Jacen, she smiled and dropped her hand. Well, speaking of the devil, Jacen thought behind his smile.
Guess what, So Keilana smiled as she leaned on the doorjamb. The bounty hunter was wearing another outfit given to her by the Temple and, despite the fact that it did not belong to her, it still managed to flatter her curves. The dark blue tunic dipped low in a scoop neck to show off her cleavage and a pair of pants of the same colour clung to her body. The belt that held all of her tools and such was wrapped around her waist and a pair of black cloth boots reached her knees. Jacen's eyes opened up a bit wider, though not noticeably so, and he rocked slightly back on his heels as his stomach seemed to tighten. You have been given the task of baby sitting me while I visit my ship to get my clothes.
Jacen looked at her, obviously confused, before stepping back and motioning for her to step inside.
LIke I said, you are going to come with me Keilana trailed off as she noticed Jaina. Well, hello, who's this? Turning to look at Jacen, who was several inches taller than herself, she arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. Well, aren't you going to introduce me? Or are you going to be rude by leaving us both in the dark?
Oh, yes, of course. Key, this is my sister, Jaina, Jacen pointed at his twin. And Jaina, this is Key, Uncle Luke's new student.
Keilana held out her hand which Jaina took, though she was obviously not to happy to do so. It's a pleasure, Key.
Of course, Keilana half-smiled back. Not going to trust me, Solo? Perhaps you are the smartest out of this lot as it is sometimes said. Keilana said once she dropped Jaina's hand. Turning back to Jacen, she flashed him a brilliant smile and shrugged. Are you going to accompany me to my ship or will I have to tell your uncle that you don't want to.
Of course I'll come, Jacen responded. He caught Jaina's look a moment after he said these words as she rolled her eyes and turned around.
Keilana said, smiling widely. It would be nice to return these clothes to Mara, though, one of her outfits is already ruined. Hmm, oh well, I'll give her something of mine to make up for it, or maybe some money so that she can buy more clothes. Anyway, she paused for a split second, sorry about my rambling. Jacen, I'll meet you in the hanger in about ten minutes, okay? I'll go tell your uncle that you will be accompanying me on my little trip and that it should to take too long. Keilana flashed Jacen another perfect smile as she moved to the door and pushed the button to open it. I'll see you down there, Jacen. Keilana waggled her fingers as the door shut and, once she was out of sight, Jaina turned to look at her brother, her eyes wide open.
That is the woman Ganner brought here? I think I'm going to go back to my original thought of her being some kind of whore. She has a ship, but who knows, that could just be her base of operations.' Jaina fumed for a moment longer before turning to look out the window once again. I wouldn't trust her if I were you, Jacen.
Who said I trust her, Jaina? You just assume that I do. Jacen put a hand on his sister's shoulder and sighed. I'm still going to go with her to her ship and, if I am in any trouble, you'll be able to tell.
If she's a whore than I'm sure you will have no trouble at her ship, Jacen, Jaina all but growled in response.
Oh, come off it, Jaina. Yes, perhaps that first impression was not the best, but she's okay, Jaina. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to bring her to her ship for I am sure Uncle Luke will be quit made if I do not.
Whatever, Jacen, Jaina snorted. Jacen just sighed and shook his head as he turned to leave his room.
In less then ten minutes, Jacen was down in the hanger. He was surprised, when he stepped through the door, to find Keilana already there and standing next to a ship.
I was wondering when you would show up, Jacen, Keilana smiled. However, she quickly added in, not that I have been here for long. Anyway, while waiting, I picked out a speeder that will hopefully get us around the quickest.
There are speed laws you know, Jacen said as he moved across the floor to the speeder Keilana was climbing into.
Speed laws have never stopped me before, Jacen, she smiled as she settled herself behind the controls. Well, are you coming or not.?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Jacen pursed his lips as soon as soon as Keilana turned to look at the controls and climbed into the speeder. As soon as he was in, the engine roared and Keilana backed out of the spot quickly, causing Jacen to fly forward in his seat. As if to compensate for the sudden backwards movement, Keilana tore out of the hanger and into the correct flow of traffic, sending Jacen to the back of his seat.
You really should wear your seat belt, Jacen, Keilana said as she looked at him. Looking back in front of her, Keilana had just enough time to drop below a slower moving vehicle in front of them. Jacen could feel his stomach jump to his throat as Keilana dived once again to avoid back-ending another vehicle before swerving to the right. With the smile on her face, it was quite obvious she was enjoying the ride. She was enjoying it, that is, until a siren started behind them. Keilana looked back and started to grumble as she pulled off to the side and set the speeder in hover.
While waiting for the officer to approach them, Keilana tugged at the neck of her tunic and Jacen looked at her in surprise. He could not believe that she was actually going to attempt to get out of a ticket. When the officer did pull up along side the speeder, Keilana stuck her left hand pinkie in her mouth and started to chew on her nail while blinking her eyes at the Sullustian officer.
I'm sorry, officer, was I speeding? Keilana blinked her eyes again, her long eyelashes brushing her cheeks.
Just a little ma'am, the sauage-lipped alien said as he pulled a ticket book out of his pocket.
Oh, you're not going to give me a ticket, are you? Keilana's voice hit a falsetto as her eyes started to water. I didn't mean to speed, my friend here is late for his shift down at the diner and his job is already in danger. Unbuckling her seat belt and leaning out of the cab, Keilana put her elbows on the door and started to chew on her forefinger. If he doesn't keep this job than we will be out on the street cause I have to take care of his kids. You wouldn't want two more little children out on the streets and begging for scraps of food, would you?
Well, no, the officer stuttered for a moment. Keilana batted her eyes and leaned forward a bit further. Jacen shifted his gaze away from Keilana and back to the front of the speeder as Keilana put her knees on the seat to lean even closer to the officer. With a sigh, the Sullust put his pad back into it's pocket and looked at Keilana. This is a warning, ma'am. Slow it down or the next time I catch you, you are going to be hit hard.
Oh, thank you, officer. I'll be sure to tell my kids about this, Keilana waved after the officer as she settled back in the seat. Looking over at Jacen, she smiled widely as she punched the speeder back up to speed to merge once again with the traffic.
You didn't just do that. Jacen looked at Keilana with a wide-eyed stare.
Yes I did and I got out of paying a ticket. Keilana shrugged. I figure that, if you've got it, flaunt it, even if it means lying to get out of something such as a ticket.
But you didn't just lie about yourself, Key, you lied about me as well. You said that
I know perfectly well what I said. Yes, it was a dirty little lie, but officer's hearts soften if you tell them that the ticket will make you and your children homeless. Keilana looked at Jacen. This time, though they were going faster than most of the traffic, Keilana was not weaving in and out of the other drivers nor was she being a danger to those around her.
That still doesn't make it right, Key, Jacen commented as he put an arm on his door. Today, the sky was clear and the sun bright. There was no threat of rain in the forecast and most of the other drivers were driving with their hoods down.
I never said that it made it right, Jacen, I just said that it worked. Keilana looked out of the speeder and down to see where they were. A small smile spread across her face as the docking bay came into view and she dropped the speeder quickly from the flow of traffic. In wide but quick circles, Keilana made her way down to the front door of the main office and parked the speeder.
Stepping out of the cab, Keilana turned to Jacen. You can stay here if you want. Either that or follow close behind me.
I think I'll stay here, just don't get hurt, okay? Jacen smiled as Keilana burst out into soft giggles.
I don't think I'm in any danger around here, Jacen, Keilana said with a wide grin. But if I scream, make sure you come and help me, okay?
Of course, Key. Uncle Luke entrusted your safety in my hands and I will keep you that.
Okay, Jacen, Keilana nodded as she disappeared into the main office.
With a scowl on her face caused by the Bothan owner, Keilana walked out into the bay her ship was located in. However, the moment she stepped into it, she stopped. There was someone else around. Pulling her blaster out of it's thigh holster, Keilana held it up by her shoulder as she started to creep around the large YT-1300.
As she reached the other side, Keilana stopped once again as she noticed the hatch open and the walkway down.
Who the fuck Keilana muttered as she stepped slowly forward. Moving up the ramp with great caution, Keilana entered the familiar hallway and she did not have to turn on the lights to tell who the other person was. Putting her blaster away, Keilana started toward the back of her ship and the cages. The screeching and bumping of moving boxes came to her ears as she made her way around the exterior hallway and an amused smile spread across her face. So, Dad, I guess you were there to witness my downfall, I thought I sensed you. Too bad for you I didn't fall all the way, I'm sure.
It didn't take long for Keilana to find her father who was hard at work moving boxes about the main sitting room. Because of her silent approach, Boba Fett did not notice her. Rather, he continued on with his work, his helmet sitting in one of the large chairs Keilana had outfitted her ship with. Leaning on the door frame, Keilana watched her father work for a few more minutes, her arms crossed across her chest, before speaking up.
Hello, Dad. Boba Fett stood up straight, his blaster rifle in hand, as he turned to look at Keilana. Even through the dimly lit room, Keilana could see that there was moister on her father's face. Assuming that they were not tears, Keilana stood up straight and continued. I see that it didn't take you long to start cleaning out my ship.
But, you died, Fett said, stumbling over his words. Keilana clicked her tongue and shook her head in response.
Nearly died, Dad. Despite my best to throw them off, one of the Jedi knew something was wrong and he saved my life. I'm not sure if I am grateful or not, but here I am, alive and well.
Dropping his blaster into the same chair as his helmet, Fett moved forward to stand directly in front of his daughter. He put two gloved hands on her shoulders and looking down at her in disbelief before pulling her into a tight hug.
Keilana coughed as she tried to push her father off of her. Dad, stop, this isn't comfortable.
Boba Fett stepped back after a moment longer and wiped the back of his hand across his cheek before turning around. I just assumed you were dead and it's lucky for you that I did.
What do you mean? Keilana stepped forward and flicked a switch for lights to turn on. Both of the rooms occupants blinked as the lights turned to maximum and Fett growled.
There is a price on your head, girl, and I was hired to hunt you down. However, he paused for a moment when Keilana gasped. However, it's lucky for you that I thought you had died because I would have had to take it. Now that the employer thinks that you are dead as well, I'm sure she has lifted the bounty, but I am not sure about that.
So that's why he was after me, Keilana muttered as she crossed her arms. Dropping into one of the large chairs, Keilana criss-crossed her legs and sat back. But how did he find out about it if you were hired?
I have no idea what you're talking about, Keilana, Fett shook his head as he walked to his daughter's side.
Alt Gurqui, Father.
That son of a bitch? What did he do?
He came after me with intentions of killing me, though, now that I know of this bounty, I'm sure he was after the money. Bastard, she muttered. I killed hi, so I don't have to worry about him coming back after me but, oh, Keilana stuck her forefinger into her mouth and started chewing on the nail. Who is after me?
Añaa Geiv.
Keilana spun her chair to look at Boba Fett. She is the one who put a bounty on my head. Why that bitch. I told her that if she wouldn't give me more money I would bring Haun to the Hutts. Putting her finger to her lips in thought, Keilana bit the inside of her lower lip. I never thought she would actually go through with that threat of placing a bounty on my head, she's just not the type.
You mean you knew she might put a price on your head and you still brought the bounty somewhere else? Fett looked down at Keilana in disbelief.
Dad, it was a great deal of money I could have gotten from the Hutts if I brought Haun to them, and I received that money. It was either one million from Añaa or three million from the Hutts. I may be greedy, but I went for the three million. Besides, there are ways to make sure the bounty is no longer around.
You wouldn't just kill her, Fett looked at his daughter, his eyes wide as he was caught completely off guard.
Oh, no, I wouldn't do that, but I could place a bounty on her head and hire some of the best hunters out there for the job, or just let it be a free for all.
That's unreasonable, Keilana, Fett crossed his arms across his chest and stared at his daughter. Looking up at her father, Keilana narrowed her eyes and stood up to look him in the face. She had to stand on her tiptoes to do this, but once she was eye to eye with him, she pursed her lips and crossed her own arms.
And who said the world of bounty hunting was reasonable, Father? We are murders for hire, if you really get down to it. If we are told to kill, than we kill. If we are told to kidnap so that others can kill, than we do so. It may be a form of organised crime, but it is by no means reasonable. Keilana stepped back from her father and turned around. However, I am not going to let myself get captured and killed like my mother did. You taught me good skills, Dad, and I will stick with them to keep myself alive. However, she turned back around, if it comes down to it, than I might have to use any means possible to get the bounty off of my head short of turning myself in.
Fett looked at his daughter is surprised before turning around quickly in hopes that she had not caught his expression. To change the subject, Fett kicked slightly at one of the boxes before turning back to Keilana. Why are you here?
Despite the fact that this is my ship? Keilana laughed lightly. I'm here to get clothes. They are going to train me up at the Temple, Dad. They say I have an amazing ability in the Force and that they need me to help them control the Yuuzhan Vong problem.
Fett laughed. They say you have potential in the Force? Fett had to control his laughter as he looked at his daughter. And who did you get this power from, Key? I don't have it and your mother certainly didn't. Are you sure they aren't just fucking with you?
Maybe they are, Father, and maybe they aren't. But you know what, at least they make me feel wanted, Keilana gave her father a hard look before walking out of the room. Now if you excuse me, I would rather like it if you left so that I can go about collecting my things.
I just don't want to see you hurt, Keilana, or even worse, discovered, Fett called after his daughter.
Gee, thanks for your support, Dad, I love you too. Keilana said even though she wasn't sure if her father would hear her. Back in the sitting room Boba Fett pursed his lips and, putting on his helmet and grabbing his blaster rifle, he walked out of the ship, through the halls of the docking bay, and past a very surprised Jacen Solo.
Another thirty minutes passed before Keilana emerged from the docking bay. She was carrying an overly stuffed bag of clothes and was wearing a different outfit. Rather than the tight blue cloth she was wearing before, Keilana was now wearing a tight black leather cat suit with a pair of mid-shin high lace up boots. Her hands were covered with gloves that left the top half of her fingers uncovered and her belt was fastened low on her waist. Over the entire outfit, Keilana wore a long and dark brown leather jacket. Jacen's brows shot skyward, surprised by the transformation.
Do you like, Jacen? Keilana arched an eyebrow and grinned. I thought I might as well change into something of mine since I have my own clothes once again.
Well, it certainly is different than what you have been wearing, Jacen nodded slowly.
That's because it's mine, Keilana said shortly. After approaching the speeder, Keilana swung her bag into the back and climbed into the drivers seat. There was silence in the speeder a Keilana started it up and moved to join a flow of traffic.
Well, you won't believe who walked out of the docking bay today, Jacen started.
Boba Fett.
How'd you know? Jacen looked at Keilana.
A lucky guess, Keilana said, biting her lower lip. Nah, it's just that he is so secretive and shit that he is really the last person I would have guessed to see just strolling out of a docking bay in the middle of Coruscant.
How do you know that? Jacen said, turning in his chair to look at Keilana.
How often does he make his presence known? I mean, come on, Jacen, he is the last person I would expect to show up in the middle of the day, right?
Yeah, I guess that's true. Jacen settled back in his seat and looked straight ahead. But it's still strange. He hasn't been around for the last five years or so and he just pop up one day.
Yes, very odd, Keilana comments. Dammit, Fett, losing our ability to think rationally at times, aren't we? You might've well just walked out of there with your helmet off so that everybody could see your face and therefore know that there is a man behind the mask. Though, there is a difference between men and beast's. Which one are you, Fett? Which one are you?
