SunTzu got back to Coruscant as fast as he could and immediately after his return met with Ada.
The debacle at the summit had become a fiasco for the Galactic Alliance by then already. Three dead planet rulers and countless other people dead or injured.
Voices from all over the galaxy called for a Senate-led investigation of the incidence.
"If they wanted to sow disunity they sure did." Ada had commented it dryly.
She told SunTzu to keep out of the mess the Inner Rim would become, which was fine for him. His head was still thinking about Anniten most of the time but he also itched to let the enemy pay for their attack.
After just a few hours on Coruscant he was already on his way into the Deep Core again, ready to revive the Legend of the Ghost of the Core.
For thirty hours SunTzu participated in every battle he and AICA could find, from single starfighter skirmishes to an all out battle between two fleets. And every time the battle was over, SunTzu immediately searched for the next one.
Well almost at least, apart from short breaks to rearm and refuel, which he used to stretch out, eat and for micro naps, the only thing he did in between battles was exchanging text messages with a certain Princess from an Inner Rim planet. Those messages were nonsaying, small talk, but they made his heart race more than a dogfight against three Ties at once.
The last battle had been a smaller skirmish between an advance force of two frigates and a corvette against two enemy frigates and a carrier.
Thanks to AICA and SunTzu appearing out of nowhere, like they had materialized directly from the void of Space itself, breaking the enemy's fighter superiority, the battle could be won with no capital ship lost.
When the battle was over and they had immediately jumped to Hyperspace and the very first thing SunTzu did was pull out his phone and check if he got any messages, or rather, messages from someone special.
A big smile appeared on his face as he saw she wrote him.
Anniten: Whatcha doing? :)
SunTzu: Dunno, fighting a war I guess…
Anniten: Still? You never take breaks? (O^O)
SunTzu: Not If I don't have to.
Anniten: You should take one, it's been more than a day. I worry about you
She worries about me?
SunTzu looked at the watch before he answered.
SunTzu: Maybe you're right. BTW, how are you? Does being home made you feel better?
Anniten: It did. But I've been traveling so much lately that I'm already getting bored again. I'm thinking about to take a trip to the Core Worlds. Ur on Coruscant anytime soon?
Give me four hours. No wait, don't make it to obvious.
SunTzu: Can't say for sure, depends on my orders. I can tell you soon I guess.
Anniten: Please do so asap
If we hurry me and Sem could get there in like twelve hours over the Corellian Run.
Wouldn't mind meeting you soon :)
SunTzu: I see what I can do ;)
Anniten: Yay!
And get some rest in, this must be enduring.
I'll have some stuff to take care off now, ttyl
Xoxo
"AICA are there anymore battles nearby?"
"Nope, I guess it would be more than justifiable to jump on to Coruscant after getting to Keeara. Except you want to take a break there."
SunTzu began to smile.
"Then it's Coruscant. Please book a hotel for me, at least a junior suite. Something with a view. And a rental speeder, something luxurious. The prices are secondary."
"As you wish. It's your money."
SunTzu overheard the snarky remark.
"Wake me up, when we fall out of hyperspace at Keeara Major. I have to write Anniten that I'm heading to Coruscant."
AICA didn't answer at all.
After one hour they had arrived at the Keeara system and after shooting Anniten a deliberately short kept message that he might be in Coruscant soon, but of course didn't know how long, the jump to Coruscant would take place.
It was night on the planet as he arrived, the hotel, one of the top addresses in the Senate District, near the area where most of the embassies were located at, had it's own small landing spot on a elongated projection and so SunTzu landed his loyal starfighter directly next to the hotel.
He grabbed some of his luggage and immediately went to the reception. Five minutes later he was in his room, one of the most exclusive suites of the hotel.
Room service soon brought him a light dinner and afterwards he had a cigarette on the balcony of the room.
To his surprise he saw that the Embassy of the Tion Cluster was just over the street.
Memories of the reception he and Rei had visited there back then came in while he hastily draw on his cigarette. It had been a great evening, Rei had just became Senator. He wondered how Rei was and he noticed once more that thinking about her didn't hurt as much as it used to do.
He finished his cigarette, took a last glance at the embassy and got back inside, where he took his phone and wrote Anniten that he was on Coruscant now. At least until tomorrow evening.
Not that he had the urge to leave the Galactic Capital knowing that the princess would come to the planet.
The next day he got up and started with something he had been neglected lately, sport.
But of course, the very first thing he did was to check his phone.
Anniten had written that she and Sem were on their way as well. A day or two at Coruscant and then they would see where they had to head to afterwards. She told SunTzu that she needed a break after that attack on Thyferra.
Anniten wasn't the only female he was texting with, there was another girl he was writing with every day as well. A though little Fairy of Death, and an ace in every cockpit she sat in.
Hotaru.
She had kept her word and wrote him every day and every day he wrote back. Sometimes it was just to see if the other one was doing good or to wish a good day or good night, sometimes they talked about music or flying and sometimes they just exchanged memes but they shared at least one message every day.
The third woman he talked to basically daily was Ada and the two had scheduled another small debriefing about the failed summit on Thyferra at early noon.
But at that meeting Ada, as much as she wanted too, couldn't tell him anything new about the attack, or the people behind it. The attackers appeared to be former Stormcommandos that went rogue before the Pellaeon-Gavrisom-Contract.
The Senate-led investigation was pretty much a done deal and Ada broke it to SunTzu that he might get questioned as well.
Then I hope Rei won't be part of that committee. She probably would dismember me alive in front of everybody attending…
But even that fear evaporated very quickly when he thought about that this afternoon and someone who would enhance his mood immensely would arrive.
When the debriefing ended, Ada asked him if he would go back to battle and to her honest surprise the pilot said, he probably would stay one or two more days at Coruscant.
Of course Ada immediately knew the reason behind it. She knew that It couldn't be Yumeko, as she was initiating a close friend and former classmate into the art of espionage on another planet. It had to be another woman he was interested in so.
"What's her name?" She asked.
"Her name?" He replied, just a tad bit too uneasy.
"You know who you're talking to. I know you too well, SunTzu." She smiled at him, this was kind of intriguing and a spark of hope in her rose up, hoping that he would finally find lasting happiness. Giving that, she decided in that moment to not tell him about the escape of the sniper that killed Captain Colystel, she didn't had the heart to ruin his mood.
SunTzu smiled a coy smile back.
"Anniten. Anniten Alesima." He paused for a moment. "She's the Princess of the Planet Linta in the Inner Rim."
Ada nodded in an appreciative way.
"SunTzu… breaking hearts everywhere you go." She joked.
"Well… it's not like that. I didn't break her heart. There was nothing between us yet. But she's fun to have around."
"I see. Good luck then." Ada winked at him. "Let me know if I can help you with arrangements or something. Or if you guys want to go on a double date to make it less pressured."
"Thanks, but I think we're good."
"Very well then. Keep me updated though."
SunTzu began to grin.
"Okay. But just because it's you."
Both grinned at each other again and then SunTzu got up.
"Now if you would excuse me, I have an appointment with a barber."
SunTzu left the room and as soon as he had left Ada sat down on her computer and began to gather infos about SunTzu's new flame. Just to make sure she was a fitting girlfriend for him, of course.
Groomed to his finest, in an Italian cut suite and collared shirt, SunTzu was nervously walking up and down in his hotel suite. It was four in the afternoon and Anniten should have had arrived at Coruscant already. Why wasn't she contacting him?
He was contemplating to smoke another cigarette and was eying the balcony already when his phone finally began to vibrate.
Within a second the mobile phone was at his ear.
"Hey."
"Woah! That was fast! Did you had your receiver already out? Or were you just waiting for me to call?"
"I just had finished a call and was about to put my phone down when you called."
"Yeahhh… right."
"Where are you, Anniten?"
"Coruscant. We landed an hour ago. Just checked into our hotel room, somewhere in the Senatorial District. You should see the view."
SunTzu looked out his french window, his view was excellent as well.
"You should see mine here."
Anniten began to giggle.
"So, we're gonna battle us who got the better view or are you going to ask me out to dinner now?"
"Fine, what do you feel like. Corellian? Galactic Fusion?"
"Galactic Fusion sounds great."
"Cool, I know a great place, I'll reserve a table."
"Awesome. A table for three please."
SunTzu rolled his eyes but replied friendly.
"Will do. I'll shoot you an message, when to be ready for pickup."
At 7 pm CST SunTzu pulled up in his rented speeder, the equivalent of a luxurious but high-performing limousine, in front of the hotel Anniten had told him they were staying.
Five minutes later the two women with Dischna in front, the guard huffily scanning the surroundings before opening the vehicle's back door for Anniten.
SunTzu, sitting behind the wheel didn't care, as he was completely occupied with marveling at Anniten.
The blonde Princess was dressed in a small black dress, with just the right amount of makeup and jewelry on and with matching black high heels and purse.
SunTzu was wearing black in the form of black pants, a slim, black necktie over a white collared shirt and a black leather jacket.
Dischna on the other side was dressed in a green cocktail dress. SunTzu didn't pay attention much but he do had to admit that the taller blonde didn't look bad as well.
Anniten walked up to the vehicle but than shook her head at Dischna and the bodyguard rolled her eyes before she got in, while Anniten rounded the speeder and boarded it next to SunTzu on the co-driver's seat.
She sat down and looked at him for a moment approvingly.
"Finally i can get a look at you out of an uniform. And still you wear a tie." She hit him with an amused smile. "But I like it. God, I like a man in fine Gaia Clothing." She turned around to Dischna who was now sitting behind SunTzu and still didn't look too amused.
"What do you say, Sem? Isn't the Earthling looking sharp?"
"Yeah, yeah." Was the bodyguard's answer, she sounded quite annoyed.
Anniten rolled her eyes and looked back to the front.
"Whatever. Where are we going, SunTzu?"
"It's a surprise, but as I said the place is great."
SunTzu steered the repulsor car to the restaurant he had visited with Hotaru and Setsuna back when the teenager had gotten her appointment as pilot and officer. The memory made him smile, which Anniten noticed.
"What's so funny?" The princess asked.
"Oh, I just had to think about something."
"Oh and I thought it was because you were happy to see me." She looked at him annoyed and briefly glanced over while his eyes widened.
"I-I am happy to see you."
And she broke down in laughter.
"I was just kriffing with you." And then she stopped and leaned in to whisper in his ears.
"I'm happy to see you as well."
On the seat behind SunTzu Dischna rolled her eyes again.
They arrived at the restaurant and SunTzu parked the speeder and then got out to open the door for both women.
In the restaurant Dischna nonchalantly instantly sat herself between SunTzu and Anniten, so that the two of them only could talk to each other over the table.
But SunTzu actually didn't mind as he was able to make better eye contact with Anniten.
The pilot and the princess had some light small talk before the starter came, at least until Dischna decided to ask something.
"By the way Captain SunTzu, how old are you?" The tall, toned blonde asked him and SunTzu looked at her for a moment.
"I'm going to be thirty-one next month."
The bodyguard looked at him for a moment and then continued in her severe voice.
"And don't you think you're too old for a young woman like Princess Alesima then?"
"I don't know what you mean by that Miss Semane. The princess and me are just spending time together."
"I can clearly see that you are after her, Captain." Dischna snorted. "Not that a princess should spent time with a mere line officer anyway."
Ah, the old "you're not good enough for her". Haven't had that for quite some time.
Anniten clearly had enough now, she glared angrily at Dischna.
"Sem, me and SunTzu are just hanging out. And even if there would be something going on between us, I'm twenty three years old and very capable of making decisions regarding my love life on my own." Then she sighed. "I appreciate the concern tho." And then she turned to SunTzu with a grin. "But don't worry, the Captain doesn't strike me as someone that is just after my pretty little kitty cat ."
SunTzu almost choked on the sip of wine he just had drunken and he had to swallow hard first.
"Of course not. I… I just like spending time with you."
The rest of the dinner processed without any more incidents although SunTzu and Dischna didn't talk to each other the whole time. Instead Anniten talked more than enough to make up for the both of them. SunTzu didn't mind, her happy and freewheeling behavior were a welcomed contrast to the seriousness that usually filled his life.
The empty plates of dessert just had been removed when Dischna spoke up again.
"I think it's best for us to get back to the hotel, Princess." The bodyguard's voice was firm.
Anniten looked at Dischna for a long moment.
"Okay." She replied lastly, her voice giving away her displeasure.
"I'll drive you back."
"That's not necessary, me and the princess can take a cab."
"No. At least let him bring us back to the hotel."
This time SunTzu already held the front passenger door open before Dischna could even react and he smiled at the tall blonde when he closed the door after Anniten got in.
He rounded the car and sat down, pretty sure that the coldly glaring Dischna was contemplating to shoot him from the back, which made him smile even more, as her RBF didn't even come close to the Ice Queen.
Why am I thinking about her now?
"I didn't tell you this, but this is a kriffing awesome speeder. Mind to drive it out a bit on the way back." Anniten pulled him out of his thoughts and after a moment he smiled at her.
"Sure thing."
Way faster than it was allowed and with dodging other speeders, which were slower than their vehicle, they speeded through nighttime Coruscant, back to the hotel the two women were staying.
When SunTzu landed there, Dischna already had had her door open and jumped out. She clearly wasn't delighted by his driving. As opposed to Anniten who had really enjoyed the ride.
Dischna was waiting with crossed arms at the curb in front of the hotel, while Anniten was still in the car.
"That was awesome." The princess said.
"If you think this was fun, wait until you get to fly in my starfigher."
The blonde looked over to SunTzu.
"I definitely want a ride soon." And the she paused for a moment before she continued. "I'm sorry, Sem was in Bitch-mode tonight. She's just trying to protect me, you know."
"No problem. I hope you still had a nice evening." SunTzu said glancing over to her.
She nodded with a smile.
"I really had. The food was sooo good."
And then she sheepishly looked into her lap.
"Uhm, would you mind to take a walk with me?"
"Now? Err…. Sure, why not. But I don't know if Dischna would be okay with it."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. Park the car and I'll meet you here in a minute, okay?"
SunTzu nodded and Anniten got out.
As soon as he saw her standing next to Dischna and talking with her, he started the speeder again and drove it to the next parking lot.
He got back to the entrance of the hotel to see Dischna walking into the hotel, Anniten following her retreat with her gaze.
"How angry is she?" SunTzu asked and Anniten turned around.
"She'll get over it." And then she motioned to the other side of the plaza.
"There's a beautiful garden over there, let's go there?"
SunTzu turned around and she linked into his arm, her grasp a tad bit too tight.
For the good of half an hour they wandered through the beautiful and quiet garden, enjoying the artistically cut plants and the colorful flowers and trees.
They just had crossed a very beautiful purple tree they briefly had stopped by to take a look at when SunTzu's and Anniten's hands touched each other and like it was the most natural thing to do, intertwined.
They finished their tour through the garden in silence although holding hands like lovers and when they almost stepped out of the garden SunTzu held Anniten in place with his hand in hers and pulled her back and into his arms.
He looked her deep in the eyes and she reciprocated the look and both closed in with their faces.
But Anniten pulled her face away in the last moment.
"Sorry… I…" She stuttered out.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to pressure you or to force you to anything."
"It's not that SunTzu. It's not that I want to kiss you."
"But?"
"But… but I…"
"What's the problem?
Instead of answering she put a hand on his face.
"It's all not that easy for me."
"Mind to tell me why?" He said and put his hand on her hand, which was caressing his face.
She sighed and looked to the side again.
And then she began to smile and pulled him with both hands in for a kiss on the lips.
It was a tender, rather innocent kiss.
SunTzu pressed his lips together after the kiss, she tasted like strawberries and he knew that he wanted more but he honestly didn't understand her right now.
"You say it's not easy and then you kiss me."
"Sorry, i got carried away."
"Carried away? Could you please make up your mind? I know you're younger than me and probably not as into commitment as I am but some of us need clarity."
She smiled mysteriously at him. "What if I already have commitments?"
SunTzu glanced at her with a questioningly look and she cupped a hand over his beard. "What if I already have a lover?" A brush of her thumb over his cheek. "And maybe he's very similar to you."
SunTzu shot her a wry grin back. "But he's still not me and I bet I'm the better one of us, so get rid of him."
"Maybe he really is the more worse one of you two." With that she turned around and began to walk away.
SunTzu waited for a moment. "What do you really want then, Anniten?"
"Maybe I just want to play. Or maybe everything I said was a lie and I try to make myself more interesting to you, because I want you. Who knows?" She began to giggle.
SunTzu wheezed, what kind of answer was that? Anniten stopped and turned around.
"But first and foremost I do want you as my date for the reception at the Department of Commerce tomorrow. And now please bring this cute Princess back to her hotel, Captain."
SunTzu shook his head, noticing that he already was way too head over heels for her for his own sake.
But then he began to walk as well and soon was at her side again, which she immediately used to link in onto his arm again.
"I enjoyed our walk." And then she giggled. "And your beard tickles when kissing."
SunTzu brought her to the entrance of the hotel and she let go of his arm. Although just her linking in under his arm, well along with thinking how soft and kissable her lips were, made his heart beat faster. But on the other side her inconsistency and strange answer earlier made him feel quite annoyed as well.
"Good night, thanks for the company." He said bluntly and turned around, ready to walk off to his speeder.
Suddenly he felt a hand on shoulder turning him around.
For a moment he looked into Anniten's face and then she grabbed him by his tie and pulled him in for a second kiss, a real kiss, a kiss between lovers, which lasted several seconds.
"Good night, thank you for keeping up although it wasn't easy for you tonight."
SunTzu shrugged, the kiss had outlasted everything. "I'll see you tomorrow. Shoot me a message when you're awake."
And then she left into the hotel and SunTzu, now definitely sure that her lips tasted like strawberries, headed back to his speeder.
Next day began pretty much the same as the day before, only that SunTzu and Anniten were constantly writing messages to each other.
Anniten told him more about the reception and when and where it exactly was.
And she told him to wear something stunning as she would definitely cause a commotion tonight.
The day was nearing lunchtime and SunTzu was breaking his head how to ask the young princess if she wanted to spent time with him before tonight, when he suddenly got a message from her.
Anniten: I wouldn't mind seeing you right now. Up for lunch? Don't worry it's just the two of us this time.
Of course he was interested. And being just the two of them, made him able to play the ace up his sleeve.
He answered her that he'd pick her up.
Time to stunt a bit, shutting down any possible opposition with something that only he could offer.
Twenty minutes later AICA raced from his hotel over Coruscant's skyline to the hotel Anniten was staying in.
Without a care in the world he landed the black A-Wing in front of the hotel where a surprised looking Anniten just had headed out of the building's entrance, just as SunTzu had opened the canopy.
"Woah! The car yesterday was fly but this thing…"
He smiled and motioned her to get closer and as she was in earshot he greeted her with a bow while standing in the open cockpit.
"Good day, Princess. May I introduce you to my loyal steed. Say hello AICA."
"Good day Princess Anniten Alesima of Linta." AICA responded friendly and Anniten twitched.
"OH EM GEE! It can talk."
"She. She's the Artificial Intelligence controlling my ship. Her name is AICA."
"Uhm… hello AICA." The blond princess said with a coy voice and a small wave.
AICA response with a wave of her flap on the wing.
"Hello Anniten, nice to meet you."
"That's so cool." Anniten laughed.
"Ever flew in a starfighter?"
"Never! But don't I need a flight suit or so?"
"No, we're not going that crazy. I promise I'll be gentle with you as it is your first time."
She smiled at him with a mischievous smile.
"Okay then. How do I get in? Over this steps?"
He nodded and handed her his arm, pulling her up into the cockpit and making sure she was safely sitting on the backseat, before he strapped her in.
He did his work thoroughly, as he had done it dozens of times before, and didn't noticed that she was following his every move with her eyes sparkling.
When he was done, he turned around and sat down as well, strapping himself in again.
When he was done he turned around again.
"If you feel unwell or it is too much immediately let me and AICA know. Okay?"
She nodded, she did seem to be a bit nervous.
SunTzu turned around again.
"Don't worry, it won't be too wild. Try to enjoy it."
SunTzu activated the repulsors and AICA softly lifted up into the air, gaining height.
Twenty meters into the sky he activated the engines and AICA accelerated forward and towards the sky.
"The view is more than fantastic! You don't get this in a shuttle." Anniten marveled, looking down through the canopy, as they were moving over the Senate District with moderate speed.
"If you think this view is fantastic, just wait for what comes now. Hang on."
SunTzu accelerated AICA slightly and began to ascend over the clouds.
A few minutes later they were in space over Coruscant, rounding the planet, which, due to all it's lights and structures, was absolutely gorgeous looking from near orbit. It's look from space was the reason the planet got it's name after all as it was resembling a Corusca Gem from Space.
While Anniten was processing the impressions SunTzu softly let AICA glide over the planet, pilot and snub both deliberately ignoring the rant of Coruscant Space and Flight Control while the single fighter didn't held onto any of the official space traffic lanes.
A few minutes later, they had rounded the planet, SunTzu descended again and after another pass over the senate district, just not over the Imperial Palace and Senate Building, they landed at a hip bistro for lunch.
Anniten was giddy with pleasure.
"That was so kriffing cool! Can we do that again?"
It took some time, actually until lunch arrived, until the young princess really stopped marveling about the trip. SunTzu was happy that she had liked the small trip and even the 500 Credit ticket for not using the official space lanes he had gotten for this little trip didn't bother him.
They enjoyed a light lunch and a drink together and talked a lot.
She seemed surprised to hear that he didn't had a past. Or at least didn't know about it.
And Anniten also seemed interested in getting to know if he still had feelings for a certain Senator from Sol.
SunTzu told her he moved on, which right now wasn't a lie, although there would be always an exclusive spot for Rei in his heart, after all she was kind of his first love and he almost asked her hand for marriage, although he didn't tell that to Anniten. He enjoyed his time with Anniten immensely and she made him feel butterflies in his tummy. More than even Yumeko and Gistess had.
SunTzu had to admit to himself that he was falling in love with the lively little blonde princess.
After lunch and with lots of pleasant anticipation from Anniten he flew her back to her hotel. Of course he flew another detour and let AICA race over Coruscant, earning him another fine.
He still found the money to be worth it, as it made the princess on the seat behind him laugh out with pleasure how he rocketed his starfighter with supersonic speed over the Galactic Capital.
They landed and SunTzu got out and helped her to get out of the cockpit.
The old falling-into-his-arms-trick still worked flawlessly and they shared a long moment of looking into each other's eyes while he held her up in his arms.
"I'm not gonna kiss you now. As princess I still have to keep my countenance, Captain." She finally broke the silence with a smug grin.
"Affirmative, your Royal Highness." SunTzu replied as he gently put her down.
"I'll see you tonight. Wear something formal. But still stunning, I might need to boast with you." She told him with a grin and then walked away, both sharing a playful grin.
After a few steps, she turned around again.
"If you keep it up like this, you might get a princess's reward for your services." She said with a wink and then went back into the hotel.
Good thing I have exactly what you want me to dress in my dear princess.
A few hours later SunTzu picked Anniten up from her hotel, this night he, or rather AICA, had organized a repulsor limousine with chauffeur for them.
The repulsorcraft stopped in front of the hotel and SunTzu got out and waited for the princess.
He was dressed in his black and golden Starfighter Corps Dress Uniform and his most prestigious medals.
He thought himself to be well dressed but his eyes widened when he saw Anniten coming out of the hotel.
She was dressed in a gorgeous long, baby blue cocktail dress, which was formal but also perfectly complimented the young woman's perfect shape.
Behind her Dischna also came out of the hotel.
"Okay, that actually is stunning, Soldierboy."
She looked at him from head to toe and nodded acknowledgingly.
"Right back atcha. You look gorgeous, Princess."
"Looking good is basically the only thing a princess has to be good in. But thank you."
She stopped in front of him and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Behind her, Dischna raised an eyebrow.
SunTzu opened the car door for Anniten.
"You'll be okay? You know that you can call me whenever something is up. I'll be on standby." Dischna said as Anniten was ready to board the repulsor car.
"Yes, Sem. I know. Don't worry, I got a soldier with me. And we both know he can do more than just look outrageously good in his uniform."
Dischna rolled her eyes and then she looked SunTzu directly in the eyes.
"Take care of her."
"Yes, Ma'am." SunTzu answered, there was no irony in his voice and he nodded to Dischna before he boarded the limousine after Anniten.
The car lifted off and went to the Ministry of Commerce, where the reception would be held.
"What are those medals?" Anniten asked, sitting next to SunTzu, plumply taking his Gold Starfighter Ace Medal in her hands.
"That's the Ace Medal for shooting down other starfighters in combat."
"You're good at that then, I guess. If you get a medal for it."
"It's the Gold one, the highest rank the Medal can be." He replied, not commenting any further and she nodded in acknowledgment. Before she motioned to the one next to it.
"Distinguished Flying Cross." She nodded again at his explanation.
"And those? They're both the same."
"That's the Bravery Medal of the Galactic Alliance. It's the second highest medal the Galactic Alliance awards."
"And you got two of them? What are you? Some kind of War Hero?"
SunTzu just shrugged.
"And here I thought I only saw you in the media because your Ex."
He snorted at that and both then shared a smile.
When the repulsor limousine sat down, the driver got out and rounded the car, opening the door for his two passengers.
A red carpet, full with media representatives, camera-men and photographers, was leading into the building.
SunTzu got out, straightened his uniform and medals, put on his uniform hat and then lend Anniten a hand to get out.
Immediately the first cameras and holo recorders swung in their direction.
She began to smile.
"Not bad, Mr. War Hero. We got the media's attention." She said in a low voice and then she leaned in.
"As you probably know, we're a pretty new member of the Alliance so I don't mind to get a bit of attention for me and the planet. PR and sithspawn."
SunTzu just nodded. Nothing he was new too. And yes, he had informed himself over Linta of course.
The small but rich planet, which housed three million individuals, almost all of them humans, main export goods micro chips, rare earths and exotic fruits, had joined the Alliance around a year ago. The planet was pretty secluded behind an cloud of ionic gases and overtook most of it's im- and exporting with it's own ships, built by a small dry dock in space. Her parents only had visited Coruscant two times, one of these times being the signing of the admission to join the GFFA. It made sense that the young princess wanted to make herself seen as it would benefit her planet.
They slowly strode towards the building, her arm linked in in his. A few times they stopped to have photos taken from them.
A reporter acknowledged SunTzu and came over to him.
"Who is your company?"
"My alluring companion is the Princess of the Planet Linta in the Inner Rim. Her Royal Highness, Anniten Alesima."
He smiled and gently put her into the spotlight, so pictures of her alone could be taken.
Immediately the usual questions came in, like who designed her dress and similar.
Anniten began to laugh when they finally entered the building.
"I see you have done this before. Damn, these media representatives sure are annoying."
Each of them took a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter's tray and toasted with a look into each other's eyes.
After a big sip they introduced themselves to the Secretary of Commerce and his highest staff before the mingled into the party.
They enjoyed the evening thoroughly, being it eating too much hors-d'œuvre, talking with other attendees or making jokes about something.
SunTzu was surprised to see Naru and her husband at the reception as well.
Naru and SunTzu greeted each other friendly and asked the other how things were in real interest.
Umino on the other side, through and through Chief Official and in charge of the Crystal Tokyo's budget let SunTzu knew, pretty much to the credit, how much the Kingdom was saving in money since he had left. It wasn't meant offensive and it wasn't in Umino's intent to be offensive but Naru rolled her eyes.
"Umino. I think Captain SunTzu has to get back to his companion now." She interrupted her husband, her face sporting an excusing look.
"What? Oh, you might be right. It was nice to meet you Captain. Maybe think about to give up on your apartment in Juban if you're not coming back to Earth. Major Urawa made it clear that we keep the apartment but you know, it's just burning money for nothing.
"Umino." Naru said sharply and hushed her husband. "Don' listen to him. It was nice to see you, SunTzu."
"Thank you Naru, i felt the same. Greet the Royals from me."
"We will." Naru took a glance at Anniten talking to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
"You two look nice together. Good luck."
"Thanks Naru. Have a nice evening."
That said both nodded at each other again and then SunTzu got back to Anniten.
They stayed for a few hours and after Anniten insisted on it, even danced together.
The princess and the pilot just had finished dancing to another piece of music together and enjoyed a glass of Coruscanti Champagne.
SunTzu noticed that Anniten had certain look in her eyes and didn't take her eyes off of him.
"What's wrong? Did i spill my champagne?"
She leaned into him.
"I was just thinking about how much I enjoyed tonight. But I think I want to leave now."
"Sure, let's go."
The Princess and the Pilot left the reception and outside the cameras and receivers immediately swung back over to them again.
As they walked down towards the limousine, SunTzu had told the driver to pick them up via his phone, one reporter asked if they were a thing.
Anniten stopped and SunTzu, although almost running into her did so as well.
Without any warning the princess then turned around and kissed SunTzu on the mouth, of course getting recorded by dozens of lenses.
"I think this should answer the question." Anniten said with a wink and then took SunTzu's hand while they hastily continued their way to their vehicle.
As soon as the limousine was in the air again, SunTzu broke the silence that had begun with their kiss, although they were still holding hands while sitting next to each other in the limousine.
"How do you define a thing?"
"Like it is." She leaned in.
"I like you. And I like our vibe. And… Uhm… I think I want you to bring me to your hotel."
And then she began to kiss him.
After a few seconds SunTzu broke the kiss.
"Driver. Change of plan, only to the Ambassador's House."
The two newly found lovers continued their steamy makeout session in the back of limousine, until it arrived at the hotel.
The Earthling got out first again and helped the Lintanian Princess to get out like a true gentleman should before she linked in and both entered the Hotel, named the Ambassador's House because it was located in the Ambassadorial District, and strutted completely mannerly to the elevator.
They shared the elevator with an elderly couple of Bothans and both of the younger humans greeted them friendly and polite.
But as soon as the elderly couple had left on their floor the two humans were on each other again.
Somehow they made it to his room and SunTzu opened the door.
Anniten gave him a fleeting kiss and went inside. She was smiling when she entered and seemed to be amused for some reason.
She immediately went for the balcony and opened it's door to look outside.
While SunTzu locked the door he could hear her laugh and when he stepped into the suit he saw her shaking her head, apparently she was very much enjoying the view.
She turned around and smiled at him, the smile of a predator and then she walked back into the room.
"There is one thing I need you to do for me, SunTzu."
"I do everything you wish for."
She mustered him for a moment and then showed a seductive grin.
"Call me Princess. And use me."
"As you wish my dear Princess." SunTzu answered, his eyes laying on his prey while Anniten put her hands on the back of her neck.
With a swift move she opened the closure on her dress and pulled it off, revealing provocative, dark blue, laced underwear and black stockings, her black high heels also still on, giving him a look on her perfect body.
She took a step forwards, over the dress which was laying at the floor now.
SunTzu motioned her to come closer while he slowly opened his uniform's jacket.
She stopped in front of him on the couch.
"I've been a bad girl."
"This means I have to punish you."
"Yes, Sir."
"Very well. Lay down here." He motioned on his knees and the blonde got down next to him on the sofa and then leaned over his knees, so that her butt was facing upwards. She began to move her hips and his hand immediately grabbed around her ass.
"I didn't give you the permission to move." He tightened his grip on her well formed behind.
"Yes, Sir."
She stopped and he squeezed her ass before SunTzu let his hand glide over it, making her shiver.
"I told you to not to move." SunTzu told her in a severe voice. "I think I really have to punish you."
"Yes, Sir. I deserve punishment."
She hadn't even finished the sentence before his hand dropped down on her ass cheek, making her wince.
"I didn't remember to give you the permission to speak either."
Another slap followed, harder this time.
"I-I'm sorry… Ah." A third slap, her buttocks began to get red.
"I said no talking. I really have to teach you, do I?"
Another series of slaps followed, making her body shiver in painful pleasure.
Then SunTzu squeezed her ass hard again.
"I want to see your breasts." His other wand wandered up to her bra and opened it.
He then ripped the open bra away.
"Look up to me, Princess." He commanded and she leaned back, sitting on her legs next to him, giving him a great view of her perky tits.
His hand appeared below her well formed breasts, her nipples already hard.
His hand slowly glided up, making her close her eyes while trying not to moan.
The hand glided slowly to the right and rested for a moment on her chest before he twirled her nipple with his finger, now eliciting a moan from her.
Her right nipple still between his finger he leaned down and his mouth closed around the left one.
She moaned again, louder, as he began to suck on it, soon followed by his tongue playing with it.
He released the nipple and the hand on her chest shot up to her neck, clasping around it.
For a moment they locked eyes, hers full of lust, while his face was just a mere centimeter away from hers.
And then he pressed his lips on hers and she reciprocated the kiss immediately. Greedily their lips opened and they shared a long french kiss, which only ended as SunTzu closed his other arm around her ass.
The hand on her throat pulled her down again, this time her face was on his legs, a huge bulge directly next to her face.
She wanted to touch him there, grab his hard cock through his uniform pants but he held her down firm with his one hand while the other wandered down her ass and glided under her navy-colored panty.
She could feel his fingers gliding down to her slit.
"So wet already. So needy of me."
She moved her body towards his fingers, she was crazy with lust.
"Yes, Sir!"
"Are you my needy little slut, Princess?"
A finger glid over her labia, already moist from her juices.
"Yes, Sir. I am your little slut. Please, please, please touch me."
The grip on her head strengthened as a finger encircled her clit, without directly touching it, drawing another moan.
As punishment for her chattiness SunTzu's index finger entered her fully, drawing another loud moan. She began to move her hips, pleasuring herself with his finger, which he held still.
"No moving!" He pulled out his finger and slapped her ass again.
After having made sure that she wasn't moving anymore, his hand glided down again.
"You want my finger, Princess?"
She nodded strenuously, trying to not make a sound.
"I think you have to earn that. Why you don't suck my hard dick while I fingerfuck you." He said and let go of her head and Immediately she moved up and her hands were on his pants, opening it's belt.
With lissom hands she pulled his hard member out.
"You really have the dick I'm dreaming off." She said as her hand grasped around it.
A small yell of lust elicited from her as he rammed his finger inside her again.
"You really never stop talking do you?" His finger was running tight circles inside her and her hand began to rub up and down his cock.
She leaned in and gave his tip a playful kiss before she began to let her tongue glide over it, while he pleasured her with his hands.
His other hand was teasing her nipples and she ended one run of her tongue with a moan.
And then she opened her mouth and closed it around his cock, drawing a moan from him.
For a while she was eagerly sucking his hard member, her face bobbing up and down while he fingerfucked her, savoring her moans on his cock. In between he undressed himself.
Finally he had enough, he wanted to pleasure her even more before fucking her senseless, not to mention that she knew how to give head.
He pulled her face up to him and they kissed again, before he lifted her up and carried her into the bedroom and laid her gently down on the bed.
They kissed again, a passionate kiss and then he began to let his mouth trail down from her mouth over her chin and neck, over her breast, where he took his time to suck on both nipples and further down.
He kneeled down in front of the bed and pulled her to the bed's edge, putting her legs over his shoulder, the black stockings feeling smooth on his skin.
He kissed the inside of her thighs and then pulled down her panty.
Planting a kiss on her smoothly shaved mons he then trailed down her most sensitive spot and he began to pleasure her with his tongue and mouth.
Also making use of his fingers he brought her close to her first orgasm.
"Fuck me! Fuck me! Please, I wanna cum on your cock!"
She begged and SunTzu planted a last kiss on her clitoris before he pulled back and wiped her juices from his mouth, while his other hand stroked his cock. He grabbed a condom from the nightstand beside the bed while she followed him with her eyes, anticipating the feeling of him ravaging her.
He laid down on top of her and used his hand to guide him into her, inserting just his tip into her, not moving for a moment, while both moaned as he felt the tightness of her walls and she felt his girth.
Very slowly he began to stroke, only inserting a third of him inside her with every stroke, before pulling out completely again.
She was moaning louder as it was driving her crazy when he began to give her a little bit more of him with every stroke.
She was breathing heavy already as he suddenly, after having inserted himself halfway into her, rammed it fully inside, the sudden move finally pushing her over the edge.
He could feel her contractions as she yelled out her climax, but he wasn't finished with her yet.
He began to fuck her with deep strokes for a few moments, their fucking getting harder.
"Fuck Babe, I want you from the back." Within a second he had pulled out and she was on all fours, her delicious ass facing towards him, eager to get taken like that.
He kissed her ass cheek and sucked on her clit a another time before he entered her again.
They immediately continued their hard and deep fucking and soon Anniten was yelling with pleasure again as orgasm number two was building up inside her.
A hand grabbing around her left tit and a last deep stroke made her orgasm again and SunTzu tried to prolong it for her with moving his cock along her convulsing.
He gave her a moment to catch her breath and she turned around to him, smiling widely, pulling a strand of her golden hair out of her face.
"Kriff, I came so good on your cock."
He leaned down, she rolled on her back and they shared a kiss.
She bit his lip before they ended the kiss.
"Want me to suck you off?" She asked, voice more innocent as the question suggested.
He answered with another kiss before he laid down, pulling the condom off of his dick.
Anniten didn't waste any time, she wanted to please him and release him.
She pulled her hand around his cock, followed by her lips.
Using her hand, tongue and lips it didn't take long until SunTzu was shaking and moaning, thrusting into her mouth, his hand around the back of her head, urging her to satisfy him.
"I'm coming." He panted out while his hand pressed her on his dick.
Anniten lead out a stiffled moan as he spilled himself into her mouth, she was intended to swallow every little drip of the huge load.
As she had finally sucked him dry she released his cock with a satisfied grin, placing a last playful kiss on his glans before she laid down next to SunTzu who immediately embraced her in his arms, pulling her close.
"Wow, I really needed that. Do you always cum so much?"
She cupped his face with one hand and he did the same with hers.
"You're way more dirty than I thought you to be." He said, eyes half closed, he had a very intense orgasm.
"Only with selected men." Anniten replied with a wink before both locked eyes again.
A long, tender kiss followed before both shared another long glance in each other's eyes.
"You need lotion or something?" SunTzu asked and glanced down to her butt.
"I'm good, I can handle this. But… can you maybe hug me a bit tighter?"
Gently SunTzu hugged her even tighter and pulled the blanket over the two of them, the cold linen cooling down their still hot bodies.
Both shared another tender kiss before they fell asleep, tightly cuddled together.
SunTzu woke up with Anniten holding on close to him, the petite young woman resting her head on his arm and her steady breathing tickling his chest and he began to stroke her blonde hair, falling onto her back.
The princess squeezed herself onto him with a faint smile before she opened her eyes.
"Good Morning." She said and then yawned nonchalantly.
"Good Morning." He replied and kissed her head, drawing a smile from her.
"I think I should let Sem know I'm good." She said after another moment.
"Maybe you should get back to your place soon."
"Oh wow. First you make a scene because I don't make up my mind when it comes to you. But then, after I did and you fucked me, you throw me out."
She leaned on her elbow, looking at him with a frown.
SunTzu turned so that he was lying on his back now, an arm under his head.
"It's not that. Not at all. I… It's just, that people have the tendency to get hurt or even worse when I stay around them too long. And I don't want you to get harmed."
Anniten bursted into laughter.
"Is that all? You're superstitious?"
"No, it's not just superstition. I really am bad luck to be around." He said, his voice slightly raised, her reaction had upset him.
Her smile vanished and she leaned down to him and cupped his face with a gentle hand.
"I'm pretty sure it's not your fault. Because I feel very safe around you. And I really enjoy your company."
She leaned in and kissed him.
"I know you don't lead a safe live, but I know that you will always protect me. And Sem is watching out for me as well. I'll be safe."
And then she began to laugh.
"You're exactly my type! A broken heart, a working penis and his own starship. You're not gonna get rid of me that easily."
She smiled and then sat down on his hip, of course she had noticed his morning wood.
"And if you're still worrying, me and Sem have to get back to Linta this afternoon. This means you only have a few hours left with me anyway. And talking about your penis..."
Two hands came down on his chest, while she began to grind on his erection and he put his hands on her hips in return.
One of his hands began to stroke over her body and Anniten bit her lip as it moved over her breast. She leaned down to him.
"I have to admit you are very convincing to when it comes to being the only one in my bed."
A passionate kiss followed, while her juices began to coat his hard cock.
"I do hope so, as I'm not intended on sharing you with anyone else."
"Don't worry, you are the only one. I was just teasing you." She kissed him again, the kiss muffling a moan, as his tip rubbed on her clitoris.
Her hand ran down his upper body and down to his swollen manhood, eager to insert it into her tight spot.
"Wait, we should use a condom." SunTzu moaned out as she gave him a stroke before she fixed him to enter her and she didn't answer at first.
Both moaned as he slowly glided into her moist slit and for a short moment she just savored his size in her, not moving, before she leaned down.
"Don't worry, I take a contraceptive."
And then she leaned in to his ear to whisper.
"So, feel free to fire away, Soldier."
She began to move her hips and straightened up again, their hands intertwining.
"And now I'm gonna make sure you will miss me every single minute I'm not with you."