Heh heh, sorry about the false alarm if anybody was around to catch it. I had updated the story 4/5 but, alas, Ganner and Keilana moved a little out of character for my liking, so I took it away. Now that I am reposting this chapter, I hope I did a good enough job with putting them back how they should be. I know they are still evolving right before your very eyes, but I was not satisfied. Also, it took me nearly two weeks to come up with a proper ending and I am currently avoiding finishing this chapter while writing this little thing. Well, I hope I satisfy all you out there in readingland. Enjoy
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The Players of the Play
The water below her feet was dark, darker than anything else she had ever seen. Except for maybe her father's eyes. She could tell that the water was very deep indeed and how a people could build an entire city here was far beyond her. How they could build any stable thing that was not a boat here She could not even begin to comprehend it. And the ability to clone? No, there was nothing her eight-year-old mind could understand.
Keilana looked up from the water as lightning streaked across the sky. A storm was coming. She had heard about storms from her father and had read about them on the HoloNet, but never in her life had she actually witnessed one in full force. Never had rain bit painfully into her skin nor a sharp wind nearly wipe her off her feet. Sprinkles and a summer's shower she had felt, but nothing compared to what was coming.
Another bolt danced across the sky, followed closely by a loud clap of thunder, and Keilana jumped to her feet. Part of her was amazed and the other part terrified. Another clap of thunder and Keilana's mouth formed a definite O and her eyes widened before scurrying to her father's side.
Boba Fett had just walked off the ship, still in full armour, and his arms were full of crates of some sort. When Keilana bumped into his leg in her fright, Fett's arm load nearly tumbled to the docking platform.
Whoa there, Key, Fett said in a tone that surprised his child. It was almost soft. Placing the crates next to him, Boba Fett kneeled next to Keilana and cocked his brow under the helmet. We aren't afraid of a little thunder and lightning, are we?
Keilana nodded her head fiercely and trembled as another clap sounded right over head. She even almost buried herself into her father's arms. The child was truly frightened. And, as if the thunder were not enough, at that exact moment the rain started. This was no summer's rain of Corellia, nor was it the acidic rain of Nal Hutta. This rain bit and this rain tore. This rain found it's way to the skin within seconds and threatened to never allow bones to warm again.
There's no reason to be afraid, Keilana, Fett said in that awful soft tone. He lowered his chin to look at his child. The lightning won't hurt you, unless you happened to get struck by it, of course.
Keilana could not tell whether her father was joking or not for the helmet covered all his features. It also prevented him from getting wet, which was more than Keilana could say about herself. She pushed a piece of her nearly black, long and unruly hair out of her face and nodded slowly as she wrapped her arms about her thin frame.
I'm not afraid, Dad, Keilana smirked just as another bolt streaked across the sky. Jumping forward and about the cower against her father's metal chest, Keilana's trembling intensified. I'm just a little cold.
Perhaps we should get you inside, he laughed lightly. The Kaminoans are expecting us and I would not like to delay them, for it has been a fucking long time since I've been home. Obviously not caring about his language around the child, Fett stood up and turned toward the transparisteel doors. Keilana too started to move toward the doors, purposefully hanging back behind her father. She did not know what to expect, nor did she know what to say once she met the alien who had helped to raise her father. She had never met a Kaminian before. In fact, she never really talked to anybody besides her father and the occasional prostitute.
Keilana did not notice the doors as they slid open, nor did she see the tall, lithe female who stepped out just short of the rain. The young child was too engrossed with the new sensations of the storm – and indeed the odd sensation of pure terror – to notice the newcomer. She was only snapped back to reality as an unfamiliar name came to her ear. Pushing more hair out of her face – she really had to get it cut – Keilana clenched her teeth against the cold and shifted her eyes to the doors, her father, and the alien.
The alien asked in a smooth tone. Tipping her chin to look at the alien, Keilana found herself captivated by the creatures eyes and nearly forgot about the cold and the wet clothing hanging from her body. It was her father's voice that broke her out of her lingering gaze and brought back the reality of the storm.
Guess again, Taun We, Boba said, his voice still with that soft edge that upset Keilana so.
The female, Taun We, inclined her head in thought for a moment before looking into Fett's armoured face once again.
I cannot think of anyone else who would wear the armour of the Mandalore... she broke off and paused for a moment before giving it a little more thought. Boba? Little Boba Fett?
Keilana could almost sense her father's smile, as she often could, and pursed her lips in annoyance. Her father was never in a good mood and since they had been in hyperspace for the past few days it had not been a whore who had changed his mood... Keilana pondered over the matter for a moment longer before realizing the eyes of both adults were set on her.
And who is this, Boba? Taun We asked in her slow, steady tone. Keilana turned several shades of red as she began to shift uncomfortably on her feet. She never did like being noticed.
This is my daughter, Taun We, Boba said awkwardly, but with enough edge to stop her fidgeting. Her name is Keilana.
Welcome, Keilana, Taun We tipped her head slightly. My, you do look like your father when he lived here.
Keilana smiled shyly, much to the dislike of her father, and moved to hide behind him. She stopped, however, and shied the other way as her father placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her.
Taun We, she said as if tasting the name. That's pretty. Biting her lip, Keilana forced herself to look Taun We in the eye. Umm... can I go inside. It's kinda wet out here.
Why, of course you may. Taun We stepped back from the doorway and Keilana shuffled inside, leaving puddles on the once very dry floor. The other two followed close behind and started down the opposite way from Keilana's line of sight. Turning quickly and nearly slipping in the puddles she had created, Keilana started after them. She had to work her short legs quicker than she would have liked to to keep the two in her line of sight.
As Keilana followed Taun We and her father – who had removed his helmet – she looked this way and that. This place was so white and, though she had never been inside a hospital, she imagined them to be much like this place. Clean and smooth. Focusing back on her parent and the alien, Keilana grimaced noticeably – though no one was around too notice – each time her father's voice slipped into that soft tone she hated so. He rarely used it, even when saying gentle things to his daughter. His endearment came in rough tones and when his voice slipped, it frankly creeped Keilana out.
Turning a corner, Keilana nearly walked into her father. Jumping back and then peering around Fett, Keilana just missed getting hit with his helmet as it slipped from under his arm. Looking first at her father and then forward, Keilana furrowed her brow in confusion. Standing on the opposite end of the hallway was a tall woman with an expression of confusion and surprise that mirrored Fett's exactly. The woman had wheat blonde hair, green eyes that looked almost unnatural, and sickly pale skin. She was very thin, almost too thin, and was missing most of her left arm – from mid-upper arm down.
she growled almost too low to hear. Those eyes lingered on Fett's scarred face as if searching for something. They then shifted to Keilana, who had just pushed more hair out of her face, and widened as far as they could
Keilana woke suddenly to an insistent banging at her door. Opening her eyes, but not groggy in the least bit, Keilana's hand instantly moved for the blaster under her pillow. It took until her fingers curled around the blaster for Keilana to realize that this was not the reaction a normal person would have to being woken up at an odd hour of the morning. Grumbling over losing the dream she so often sought for, Keilana rolled onto her stomach, dropped her hand over the side of her bed and grabbed a boot. When the knocking resumed, the bounty hunter threw the boot as hard as she could and was satisfied with the level of sound it made when it came in contact with the door.
There was no more noise for a moment and Keilana settled back against her pillow to seek out the dream once more.
And then the knocking resumed, harder and more insistent than before.
Snarling, Keilana sat up and pulled a sheet with her. Her bare feet made no noise against the carpet as she crossed the tiny room to the door. Pulling the blanket tighter around her, Keilana pushed the door release.
The first thing Keilana noticed was a pair of booted feet. She slowly shifted her eyes to look into the face of their owner and was very surprised to find a half dressed and beaming Ganner.
What the hell are you doing here and where are the rest of your clothes? Keilana grumbled as she pulled the sheet even tighter around her body. Ganner's eyes wandered for a moment and Keilana glared at him. Find something amusing, posterboy?
Ganner trailed off as Keilana dropped the sheet revealing a white shirt and crimson shorts.
Amused now? Keilana snarled lightly in disgust as a very unwanted, though still alluring, reaction rolled off of Ganner. Keilana's right brow quickly cocked as she realized she could possibly play Ganner for all he was worth. Straightening up and relaxing her shoulders, Keilana forced her face to display a slightly softer façade. She sighed and leaned up against the doorjamb before continuing. What are you doing here, Ganner?
We're going for a run.
Check the pronoun, buddy, and come back later. Keilana reached for the door release and was surprised when Ganner beat her, grabbing hold of her wrist.
No, the pronoun was quite accurate. Ganner's face darkened, which only added to his appeal, and Keilana pressed her lips together. Perhaps it is your attitude that needs to be checked.
I'm not a child.
But you sure are acting like one.
Pouting out her lower lip, Keilana decided to play along for her own amusement.
But you're so much bigger and stronger than me. She batted her eyes and rose her brow. And you're being so mean, Ganner. I mean, who in their right mind wakes up at she glanced at the chrono, oh-four-hundred. The sun isn't up and I'm not even sure if it has set on the other side of the planet.
It has and it will be showing up here right soon, Ganner snorted slightly. His grip, Keilana noticed, did not loosen one bit and it was not until she pulled her hand back that he released her.
Keilana dropped the pitiful look and straightened up once more. Fine, just let me change Keilana turned away, but not before muttering,
Ganner just grinned and pushed the door release himself.
As soon as the door closed, Keilana slumped her shoulders and sank onto the bed. She had been having that same dream for three nights now. Each time it had advanced further into the memory, for she had lived that exact moment many years ago.
Crossing her legs on the bed, Keilana leaned on her hands.
What does it mean? She said out loud to no one. Why does she keep appearing in my dreams? Better yet: who is she? Keilana pinched the bridge of her nose lightly with her thumb and forefinger and sighed. For years that blonde haired woman had been appearing in her dreams and she still had no answer as to who she was. Someone her father knew, but that was about all she had figured out even after thirteen years.
Keilana sighed softly as she pushed herself of the bed and to the small wardrobe that was now full of clothes. She opened the doors and peered at the clothes hanging inside. Without much inspection, Keilana pulled forth a pair of loose black pants, a tan tank top, and a pair of shin high boots.
Stripping out of the clothes she had slept in, Keilana pulled on the tight shirt first and then the pants. Sitting on the bed, Keilana bent to put the boots on and tucked her pants into them before lacing them up. After changing, Keilana walked briskly to the refresher to brush her hair and put it up and out of her face.
The whole process had taken no more than ten minutes and Keilana was not at all surprised to find Ganner waiting for her outside her door. This time, however, he was holding up a ration bar.
Yeah, thanks, Keilana snatched the ration bar out of his hand, ripped open the packaging, and started to chew on it. She did not seem to notice Ganner's stare as she started down the hall, happily chewing away. Ganner started to sigh in relief, but it caught in his throat as Keilana turned to him.
I can tell you find me very attractive, Ganner, Keilana said after swallowing. There's no use trying to hide it.
Excuse me?
You heard what I said. And, please, stop staring, I get enough of that out in public, Keilana grinned as she started to swing her hips slightly, teasing Ganner on purpose. The thing was, she actually found herself enjoying this rather than the disgust that usually enshrouded her while playing this sort of game. She figured that it was because this time she was not luring pray and was genuinely having fun with a man. A man who just happened to be head-over-heals attractive.
You're playing with me now, aren't you? Ganner quickly caught up to her and Keilana stopped. Turning to look at him, she widened her eyes slightly and fluttered her long lashes.
Whatever do you mean, Ganner?
You know exactly what I mean. Every fatally attractive woman would know what I mean, Ganner said without knowing the double meaning behind his words. You all play this game of innocence when anything but is in your intentions.
I still don't understand. She blinked. I'm not playing any games. Keilana started to chew on her left forefinger as she tipped her chin to look directly into Ganner's face.
Keilana did not truly notice Ganner's slow advance toward her until her back touched the cool wall of the hallway. She bit the inside of her lip and glanced away for a moment before placing a teasing grin on her face. Running the finger she had previously been chewing on down Ganner's bare chest, Keilana received exactly the reaction she had been hoping for. Another wave of desire and a shudder from Ganner. His eyes half closed as he attempted to control his emotions and, much to Keilana's delight, it took much longer than it should have.
As soon as he had his emotions under control, Keilana stood on her tip toes to whisper into Ganner's ear, her breasts brushing slightly against his chest and provoking another shiver. With a little edge to her voice to make it rasp, Keilana spoke again. However, if this is a game, I know exactly who is winning.
Do you? Ganner smiled as Keilana moved her head back a little.
Yeah, I do, Keilana whispered as she considered leaning closer into his face. It had been a long time since she had teased an attractive man just for fun.
And who would that be? Ganner said. Keilana could tell that he was trying to stall, so she played along a bit longer.
she said simply against his lips. It's always me.
Maybe we will just have to change that. Ganner did not give Keilana a chance to respond for he caught her lips with his. Keilana stiffened for a moment. Pulling back, Keilana smiled at Ganner before trying to squirm away, but his eyes did not meet hers. He had moved from her lips and was planting kisses across her jaw line and down her neck. As soon as Ganner started tracing over Keilana's collar bone, pulling down the fabric to get to skin and nipping this time, the bounty hunter started to pull back and away. Being the stronger of the two, and definitely not wanting the moment to end, Ganner wrapped an arm around Keilana's waist and pulled her closer.
Keilana stopped as she heard her voice. It had come out as nothing more than a whisper. This only enticed the Jedi further and Keilana rose her arms and pushed. Hard. Ganner, stop it.
Catching his balance, Ganner looked at Keilana from across the hall. The bounty hunter did not return his gaze, however, and started off down the hall. She walked almost until the bend in the passage and once she reached it, she slowed and turned to look at Ganner. Acting as if nothing at all had happened between them, Keilana placed her fists on her hips and lifted her chin slightly.
Well, are we going on a run or not?
Running a hand over his pants, Ganner nodded while swallowing. Y–yes of course we are. I thinkI think we've stalled quite long enough.
You stalled, she said, giving him a hard smile. You got distracted.
Ganner opened his mouth to respond but Keilana had already walked around the corner and out of sight. Pursing his lips and starting after her, Ganner seemed to almost walk into a wall of emotion that had obviously rolled off of Keilana. He stopped for a moment, surprised, before continuing on. The most prominent emotion of all was irritation, followed closely by slight disgust. However, sorting quickly through the different emotions, Ganner found one emotion, and then another, that hit him. There was a slight underlying tone of desire there, but more prominent was the feeling of fear.
But, fear of what?
Five kilometers into their run, and without a word spoken between them since the hallway, it was obvious Keilana was just starting to tire. Ganner glanced at her and slowed the pace to allow her a little more air.
I have a question, Key, he started.
And I have an answer. Let's see if they match, Keilana snorted, not quite out of breath. She continued at speed and Ganner had to correct his pace to catch up.
What was that, back in the hallway?
Keilana regarded the Jedi for a moment. His skin shined with a layer of sweat and his hair was plastered to his cheek. Drops of perspiration were hanging onto the short hairs of his new goatee and navigating their way over his stubbled cheeks. That, my dear Jedi friend, was lust. Pure lust. Your lust
Nothing more? Ganner asked. Keilana was surprised. Was there a hint of desperation in his voice?
Nothing more than I can think of, Keilana shrugged.
And I have another question.
And I a bag load of answers.
What did you do before you came to the Temple?
You mean before you brought me here? Keilana slowed to see if Ganner was paying attention. He seemed to anticipate her actions and slowed at the same pace she did. I did a lot of things.
Because there are some new rumors among the older students. For one, they are saying that you are a
Keilana finished. She looked at her sweat soaked shirt and then back up at Ganner. I can see why.
Well, I was going to say mercenary or smuggler, but you don't mind the other rumor? Ganner said.
As soon as he had said it, Keilana stopped. Not anticipating this move, he ran on several more steps before turning back and jogging to her side. Keilana had sat down in the middle of the track by the time he returned to her side and had her head in her hands.
I didn't offend you, did I? He asked as he settled across from her. Keilana merely shook her head without looking up at Ganner. Than what's wrong?
Keilana looked up and her face was completely dry, except for the sweat that covered it. Absolutely nothing. I just had to think, and something seemed to touch my mind, but I cannot figure out where it came from. There is nobody around but the two of us.
Something touched your mind? Ganner reached over to push a stray lock of hair out of Keilana's face, but she shied away from his touch. Pushing the rogue strand out of her face by herself, Keilana looked to the left.
I don't know. Maybe? Keilana sighed. It was justweird and it made me think.
Think about what?
Ganner reached out to put a hand on Keilana's shoulder in friendship, but again she shied away from him.
Keilana, why are you so afraid of being touched? Ganner asked softly. Keilana turned her head – for she had turned completely to her left – to look at the Jedi. Did someone hurt you? Take advantage of you?
It is not so much the fear of being touched, Ganner, but I cannot explain it at the same time for I do not know truly what it is. Keilana sighed and pulled her knees up to her chest. Despite wanting to cut the facts about her life to a minimum, Keilana found herself continuing. When I was growing up, my father shied away from touch just as I do now. To tap him on the shoulder was to gain a threat of being backhanded, and I learned that the hard way. Eventually, when he wanted to hug me in an unusually friendly gesture, I would tense up and shy away from him. It was sad growing up with a father who did not like being touched. Well, touched in the normal way. He would bring plenty of whores back to our home she trailed off and shook her head. A friendly tap or the ability to grab his hand when I was frightened became forbidden and alien to me.
Key, I'm sorry.
No, you don't know what it was like. I never had a chance to be a kid, Ganner.
Ganner stayed silent for he did not know what to say and was afraid he might scare the suddenly delicate looking woman in front of him. It was true what Jaina had told him, he did not know this woman. She could be anything imaginable in the galaxy, but in the few moments that she had allowed herself to open up to him, he felt like he understood. He did not know what he understood, but he felt as if there was something new there.
Opening his mouth to say something, Keilana suddenly decided to continue.
Maybe it's because you saved my life.
What do you mean?
I–I never let people know what I'm thinking and here I am spilling my guts to you. I don't know you. I don't know your weird little quirks or habits. All I know about you is that you are Jedi and possibly just one more handsome face in a crowd that has far too many.
Maybe, in time, you will learn more about me, and I you, Ganner said softly. Keilana cringed at the tone of his voice and stood up quickly.
Perhaps we should go get something proper to eat for breakfast, she suggested. And please, keep your desire to yourself. I'm dirty enough as it is.
Laughing roughly, Ganner followed the bounty hunter out of the track and down a hall to the lifts.
Maybe we should shower first, Key, he said, his voice now light with laughter. 'Cause I can smell you from here.
Turning around, Keilana put her fists on her hips and smirked. 'We'? Just what are you implying, Ganner? I thought Jedi were virtuous and above all other men.
I can be above you if that's what you want, Ganner replied without skipping a beat. Keilana smiled and shook her head.
You really are a work of art, Ganner. I don't know if I'd stop to admire you, but you certainty are something special.
Ohh, you're so harsh but yet with a face like yours, it's hard to believe such a pretty creature can be mean, Ganner teased. Keilana's eyes opened up wide in challenge.
Are you suggesting something else, posterboy?
Of course not.
Because I can be tough, Keilana stepped forward a couple of paces with still enough room between them for two speeders to pass through.
I'm sure you can be.
I've already beat up one Jedi. Keilana moved forward a little further and crossed her arms.
So I've heard, Ganner raised his brow and grinned widely, slightly anticipating what was coming.
And maybe I should add to the count, Keilana threatened before jumping forward into a sprint. Ganner was caught off guard by both the speed and sudden energy Keilana seemed to put forth. She jumped when a couple paces away from him with a kick aimed to knock him over. However, being quick and very well trained, Ganner ducked first and then brought up his shoulder, dumping Keilana with a hard thud to the floor. Rolling up off the floor, Keilana aimed several punches and uppercuts at Ganner and he found he actually had to work from not getting seriously injured.
Ducking under a punch that would have knocked her out if this were a real fight, Keilana brought her leg around and dumped Ganner on the ground with a sweeping kick behind the knees. Before he could move, Keilana leaped forward, straddled his chest, and sat there looking quite pleased with herself.
Ahh, that's another little stick figure I can add to my wall, Keilana laughed as Ganner placed his hands behind his head to look up at her.
So you have a count going?
Well, after beating up Jacen Solo with one kick, I figured you Jedi weren't so tough and Keilana yelped as Ganner suddenly flipped over. Before she knew exactly what had happened, Keilana found herself looking up into Ganner's smug and grinning face. He was supporting his weight on his arms, one next to each of her shoulders, and though neither of them realized it at first, he was still straddled right between her legs, his hips pressed against hers.
Looks like I have the upper hand now.
Well, I don't know about the upper hand, but you certainly are on top, Keilana smirked as she retorted.
Still going to add to that Jedi count, Key?
I may have to start another count if you don't move soon, Keilana furrowed her brow as she placed her hands on Ganner's chest to push him off. Ganner chuckled at the half-hearted attempt to move him and grinned widely.
Oh, and what count would that be? Ganner was obviously quite comfortable with the position he found himself in, just as he was quite aware of how close they were.
That would be the Jedi that ended up getting themselves killed' count. Keilana tried again to push Ganner off of her, but he was not budging. Ganner, I mean it. I'm not in the mood for this kind of game.
Well you were before. Ganner dipped his head and started planting kisses along Keilana's neck. Pulling her head to one side, Keilana pushed up with her hands and forced Ganner to look at her. His eyes had darkened, which worried Keilana a little more than slightly. As strong as she was, Ganner was significantly stronger and far bigger than her.
Slightly. Besides, our bodies were not quite so well aquatinted before. The tone of her voice worried her for she did not want to sound frightened, but that unfamiliar sensation was starting to creep through her body.
I would beg to differ.
Beg all you want, buddy. Keilana squirmed under him, which she quickly realized was the wrong thing to do. Where has your sense gone, girl?
Ganner furrowed his brow, trying to gain control over his body, but found that it was quite impossible under the circumstances. Pursing her lips in disgust, while trying to control her own body at the same time, Keilana pushed again, this time experimenting with the Force. Much to her delight, it was enough to not only push Ganner off of her, but to push him a couple of meters down the hall. Ganner looked at her, obviously very surprised, and stood up, holding his left shoulder.
Hey, I do what I must, she shrugged after sitting up.
You used the Force?
Yeah, so? I pick things up fast. Keilana stood up quickly and started to brush herself off while walking over to Ganner. It's all mind over matter. Anyway, that was fun.
Keilana smirked but chose not to respond. We should probably be getting to breakfast. Gross or not, I still need food. Patting her stomach for emphasis, Keilana swept past Ganner to the lifts and called for one. Turning around, she gestured with her head.
Yeah, yeah I'll be there in a moment, Ganner nodded, looking over his shoulder.
Better not take too long, Keilana said as she glanced up and into the lift tube, 'cause it's on it's way.
Yeah, right. Ganner turned his head back and looked straight ahead. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath, Ganner managed to calm both his body and his mind. Satisfied, Ganner nodded once and turned toward Keilana in time to see the lift doors open.
Jogging the rest of the way down the hall, Ganner managed to slip into the lift just as the doors were closing. Keilana looked him up and down and had to suppress her feeling of slight annoyance. She was personally hoping that he would miss the lift for she had things to think about. Specifically, she had the bounty to think about. She was down a week and time was flying by quicker than wanted.
Feeling her eyes on him, Ganner turned toward Keilana and offered her a lopsided grin.
Can't get enough of me, can you?
Dream on, Ganner. Keilana put one hand on her hip as a hint of a frown crossed her forehead. Besides, you are too absurdly handsome for me to deal with longer than necessary.
Ganner's jaw dropped slightly, not expecting that comment in the least bit.
That's right, Ganner, you look like you belong in holovids or on billboard ads more than you look like a Jedi. Keilana's expression turned into a teasing smile as Ganner blinked in disbelief.
she continued, if we went out on the town together – a guy with your looks and girl with my body – there would be nothing but gaping mouths and wide-eyed stares.
Now that is a little too much, I think, Ganner said, leaning his shoulder against the wall. Crossing his arms he shrugged.
Shrugging back, Keilana turned to look out over the city without giving anymore of a response. A small smile spread across her face, which the window caught in it's faint reflection of her, and Keilana's eyes flickered to the reflection of Ganner. His eyes were closed and locks of black hair were falling over the scar on his forehead. He appeared oddly serene and Keilana wondered if that meant he knew something about her. Had he been able to sense that fear that had rolled off of her earlier? Did he know that she feared discovery above all other things?
Brown eyes flickering back to the city, Keilana's lips formed a line. Sighing, she leaned forward on the railing and closed her eyes.
What players we must be to play in a production of this calibre. Brows knitting, Keilana frowned slightly and closed her mind as tight as she could.
What have I gotten myself into?
