CW: Implied Sexual Content (I upped the rating to be safe)

A/N: Sorry for how long it's been - I made this chapter longer than usual in hopes of making up for it!

Chapter 8 - Play It Good, Play It Right

When Kyrah returned to the lockers, she found Evaliya putting the finishing touches on her outfit. The senior agent wore a tight-fitting black dress that stopped mid-thigh paired with matching high heels. The dress seemed to hug her body in all the right places. The Mirialan had released her hair from the bun she wore and it now flowed loosely around her shoulders.

"Hey, Aris," Evaliya greeted.

"Hey yourself," Kyrah responded in kind.

"Rancit have anything important to say?" Evaliya had now redirected her attention to the hemline of her dress.

"Just the same cryptic warnings I got from the director."

"Hm, makes sense," the senior agent replied. "I know Rancit had a lot of reservations about bringing a Jedi on board for our operations."

"That seems to be the recurring theme here. If they were so concerned, why did they even bother?"

"The director didn't say? I guess he'd be the one to know. For what it's worth, you're doing fine. If you can prove you're not afraid to see beyond Jedi teachings and get your hands dirty, I'm sure their caginess will ease pretty quickly. To that end–"

Evaliya stopped as she walked back over to her locker and began to fumble around inside. "You look to be about the same size as me…" she mused, mostly to herself. "Here, Aris, this should work. I have some shoes you can borrow too, but try the dress first."

Evaliya tossed a dress in Kyrah's direction. As she caught it, she noticed how the material glimmered in the light. It reminded her of an outer-rim nebula.

"Is there anything you don't keep in that locker?" Kyrah asked with an amused smile.

"Stick around long enough, you'll have the same problem," Evaliya countered with a wink.

Kyrah shook her head, then looked down to inspect the dress she'd been provided. Initially, she'd only seen the fabric's shimmer but now she noticed the base color was a deep red. It looked to be about the same length as Evaliya's but had a plunging neckline and open back. The Jedi had always encouraged modesty – to say that Kyrah wouldn't have even laid eyes on clothing like this in the past felt like an understatement.

"Something wrong? You're looking at that dress with the same expression someone holding a Huttlet would have."

"It's just that-" Kyrah began but cut herself off. She remembered the conversation they had just had. "Never mind. Gotta push myself right?"

"Right. Now hurry, we don't have a lot of time to waste."

Kyrah looked at her reflection on the durasteel wall. The Jedi couldn't help the overwhelming self-consciousness beginning to manifest the longer she stared. She'd always been sure of herself, but that had been when she was surrounded by the familiar - Jedi rules and missions for the Order. Now, Kyrah felt exposed in every possible way.

"Well look at you," Evaliya chided. "Who knew a Jedi could handle clubwear so well."

Kyrah glanced over at Evaliya and shook her head.

"Now you're just teasing me."

"Aris, you know full well when I'm teasing you. Now let's just fix one thing…"

The senior agent walked behind Kyrah and began to undo the braid she wore. The Jedi tensed up quickly.

"What are you doing?" Kyrah asked, perhaps a little more aggressively than she intended.

"Sorry, should have explained. The hair didn't quite mesh with your outfit. It looked too distinguished and proper; I'm just doing a quick fix. That ok?"

"Fine," Kyrah sighed.

A few minutes later, Evaliya had completed her task. She had simply undone the previous braid and left Kyrah's hair loose and flowing. Even the Jedi had to admit it complimented the outfit far better than her previous hairstyle.

"There, I think you're set. You ready to go over the gameplan?"

"Let's hear it."

"The club is simply called Club Uscru. Per its name, the club is in the Uscru entertainment district. We're going to take a train over to the area. You and I will just be posing as city residents looking for a fun night out. If anyone asks, I just broke up with my boyfriend and convinced you to come out with me to help cheer me up."

Kyrah tried to stifle a laugh, but a small snicker still escaped.

"I know it's silly," Evaliya agreed. "However, I guarantee it won't be the dumbest excuse to party you hear tonight."

"Fair enough," Kyrah replied, regaining her composure. "You were saying?"

"Once we go in, we'll need to scope the place out a bit. We might need to dance or hang out at the bar a little. The end goal is to get access to Rix Darand's private rooms. Any evidence of illegal operations is likely going to be there. However, we need to secure an invitation from the man himself."

"So we're going in with the intent of getting a crime boss interested enough to let at least one of us into his private rooms?"

"Exactly. I know this is one area your Jedi background might not serve you well. Just follow my lead, support what I do, and try your best. It will be fine."

"And what happens when we accomplish that goal?"

"See this section of my dress?" Evaliya turned the hem of the dress inside out to reveal a small pocket sealed with loose stitches. "There's a universal drive in there. I need to get Darand distracted long enough that I can download any evidence of arms dealing. If I can get that, mission accomplished. Are we clear?"

"Clear," Kyrah answered.

"One more thing, Aris," Evaliya added. "I have something for you." The agent handed her an identi-tab. "As I'm sure you know, they'll check these going in but yours has a special feature. I had one of our analysts program your ID onto the card as Aris Zara. The card is coated in a special substance that will explode if it comes into contact with liquid. Your drink, for example."

"Thanks?" Kyrah replied with great uncertainty.

"It's one rule I want to make sure you learn before we go out in the field. Never go into a mission without a failsafe. If things go wrong, we need an escape. Once that card comes into contact with any liquid, you'll have about 45 seconds before it detonates. The blast power is equivalent to a thermal detonator."

Kyrah furrowed her brow as she looked at the card. She'd never been one to preach righteousness over sensibility, but this felt a bit over the top.

"I know you're probably wondering about the patrons who would be caught in the blast. No one in that club is innocent, Aris. I doubt you'll even need to use it, it's only there as a last resort."

Kyrah didn't speak, she only offered a slight nod in response.

"Good. I think we're ready."

The train ride to the Uscru Entertainment District was uneventful, if not a little quiet. The most notable aspect of the journey was Kyrah's constant urge to pull the hemline of her dress down or adjust the neckline in a feeble attempt to cover up. Every time, the action was countered by Evaliya's hand swatting her arm and a look that immediately made her stop. When they arrived at their destination, they disembarked the train and completed the short walk to the club. Once they were across the street, Evaliya stopped short.

"We're here," Evaliya stated. "Let's take a quick look before we get in line to go in."

"Anything specific we're looking for?"

"I just want to take a quick look at security procedures. Looks like they've got several guards around. I'm hoping the security system isn't too advanced."

The two women watched the entry line for a few more minutes. Identification checks, a pat-down, and an entry stamp. Nothing too unorthodox. Kyrah glanced over at the two guards standing off to the side, they appeared to be on break as they were engaged in conversation. She wasn't sure if what they were saying was conducive to the task at hand, but figured it never hurt to listen. Kyrah closed her eyes and reached out through the force. It took a moment to focus in on the guards but once she did, it was like she was standing next to them.

"A bit busier tonight than last, eh?"

"For sure. Been seeing some interesting sorts in the entry line. Think one of them was a Black Sun scout but can't say for sure. I keep telling the boss they need to upgrade the security systems so we can scan for those types."

"You think Darand would drop that many credits?"

"Maybe. Boss says he's got some big deal in the works right now. He ends up on the right side of it, we all get a piece. Building's probably included in that too."

Kyrah closed off the connection and reopened her eyes to meet a concerned Evaliya.

"Hey, Aris, you ok?"

"Yeah," Kyrah replied. "Were you saying something?"

"I was saying that I hope the security system isn't too advanced."

"I can assure you it's not."

"What do you mean?" Evaliya asked, the concern growing more apparent on her face.

"See those two guards over there?" Kyrah asked, motioning in their direction.

"Mhm," Evaliya mused in response.

"I heard a snippet of their conversation. They were expressing concern that they won't be able to catch Black Sun spies without getting upgrades to the security system to help them screen patrons."

"How did you…?" Evaliya began. "Some kind of Jedi trick?"

"Something like that," Kyrah responded with a shrug.

"Well good thing we're not Black Sun then."

"Right. I also think we're on the right track. The guards mentioned Darand is working on some big deal with a lot of credits involved. They didn't seem privy to details, but cash flow like what they're implying doesn't usually come from typical underworld crime."

"Agreed. Alright, Aris, I think we're ready to go in. Are you ready?"

"As much as I can be, I guess," Kyrah answered.

Evaliya chuckled and shook her head as she started for the entry line. It was at that moment Kyrah realized she was still subconsciously trying to pull the hemline of her dress lower.

When the pair entered the club, Kyrah found herself taken aback by how full the room was. If she took two steps forward, she'd find herself pressed up against another patron. Most people were dancing, but a few lingered around the lounge tables and the bar at the center of the room. As she glanced around, she noticed several screens played what she assumed were the latest sports events. The loud music, laughter, and occasional cheers overwhelmed her senses and made it difficult for her to focus on the task at hand.

"Never been in a nightclub before, Aris?" Evaliya teased.

"It's been a while," Kyrah replied with a small shrug. "Where do you want to start?"

Evaliya glanced over at the lounge tables, eyeing an empty one in the center.

"I say we sit down, order a drink, and observe. Any self-respecting club owner is going to come out and interact with their patrons. We just need to be patient. That's the key to success in this line of work - patience."

Kyrah knew this well. The idea was very much the same when it came to seeking out and eliminating remnants of the dark side. However, if you knew where to look and how to listen it would find you.

Evaliya made her way over to the empty table while Kyrah followed closely behind. A few minutes after sitting down, a service droid came by to take their drink order. Kyrah kept it simple with a glass of wine as she had no intention of drinking the beverage. When the droid returned with the order, Kyrah picked up the glass and made a conscious effort sure to place the drink as far from her identification card as possible.

Kyrah continued to glance around the room as they waited for their target to present himself. Conversely, Evaliya seemed to have her attention fixed on Kyrah. She didn't consider herself a conversationalist, but she hoped Evaliya would speak first. They needed to pass the time and she had no idea how long they'd be there. The music was loud enough that any exchange they had was essentially private.

"So, what's it like growing up the way you did? They take you guys in as kids right?" Evaliya asked.

"Yes, that's right. I'd say it's strict and disciplined with a lot of training. We have abilities that are very important to understand and for lack of a better word, control. The order has a code we are expected to follow and base our decisions around. I do have to admit my experience was somewhat unorthodox compared to what's typical, but many elements remained."

"Interesting. I'm not sure I could live my life with such restrictions," Evaliya mused.

"When you're raised that way from a young age, I suppose your outlook would be a little different."

"It doesn't bother you at all?"

"Should it?" Kyrah asked. When Evliya didn't respond, she dared to raise the glass to her lips but didn't drink. "What about you?" she continued. "What made you decide on your career path?"

"Without going into too much detail, I come from a military family. The expectation was that I would serve the Republic in some way like the rest of my family," the Mirialan responded with a small shrug. "I'm not gifted like you, and I suppose I'm too rebellious to serve in any other way."

Evaliya paused and ran a finger around the rim of her glass.

"The autonomy makes the job worthwhile, and I like to think what I -we- do is as

important to the prosperity of the Republic as anything else," she continued.

From the uncertainty in her tone, Kyrah wondered if she'd experienced backlash from her family for the decision she'd made.

"Then I suppose we both understand the effects of expectations and conformity," Kyrah stated. Kyrah saw a frown cross Evaliya's face in response.

"Oh, I see what you're doing. You're using statements like that to probe me for more information. You think if I believe we have some sort of deeper understanding, I'll open up and tell you more. It's not going to work. If you don't mind, I'd like to change the subject."

Kyrah didn't protest. The way Evaliya had visibly tensed and become so defensive told her everything. Through her senses, Kyrah could feel the long-standing hurt and resentment. When the Jedi didn't respond, Evaliya broke the silence.

"That's a great technique you've got there, Aris. Keep that up in the field, and you'll be one of our top agents."

Her tone was biting, bordering on sarcastic. It didn't take a genius to realize that statement wasn't a compliment. Nonetheless, Kyrah knew there was truth in what she said.

As if on cue, the tension between the agents released as the target made their entrance.

"He's here," Evaliya said. "Looks like he's making his rounds at the bar. If we move over subtly, we may be able to catch him."

"Sounds like a plan."

Once they'd gotten to the bar counter, Darand was now barely two meters away.

"Just go along with this," Evliya whispered. Kyrah then realized her fellow agent had caught Darand's attention as the two made eye contact. The Jedi fought the urge to squirm uncomfortably as the club owner cast a lusty glance in her companion's direction. As the man made his way over, Kyrah felt Evaliya's hand on her forearm.

"See? I told you this would be fun! It's exactly what we both needed."

"Yeah, yeah," Kyrah replied, playing up the reluctant agreement as much as possible. "I guess I'll have to give this one to you."

"Ladies," Darand interjected. "I trust your evening is going well?" Kyrah wanted to slap the grin off the man's face, and it took every last bit of self-control she had to resist.

"Very," Evaliya replied with a playful giggle.

"May I ask the occasion?" the club owner inquired.

"I finally got rid of my piece-of-rakeweed boyfriend. Spending time around that man was like having a case of Womp Rat fever. Since I finally cut him loose, we're celebrating. My friend is a little less enthusiastic about it than I am though."

"Sounds like a joyous occasion indeed," Darand said with a wink. "Maybe I can sweeten your victory just a little more?"

"Oh?" Evaliya replied, feigning innocence. "What did you have in mind?"

"Why don't you join me in my private rooms? I've got some…special goods, shall we say, to enhance your celebration. A lady like you deserves nothing but the best."

"I couldn't possibly afford that, that scum took most of my credits too," the agent continued in the same tone.

"Your company is the only payment I require, darling," Darand replied.

"Oh, well, in that case, that sounds great!"

"Perfect."

As the two turned towards the back of the club, Darand stopped to turn and glance at Kyrah. Though he was less enthusiastic with her, the corner of the man's mouth still curved ever so slightly upwards.

"Hey sweetheart, why don't you tell your friend over there she can come too, huh?

Kyrah could feel her jaw clench from the sensation of bile rising in the back of her throat. She picked up her drink, hoping pretending to take a sip would mask her expression.

"She didn't even want to be here tonight. I drug her along with me," Evaliya replied with an insincere giggle. "I don't think she'd ever forgive me if I made her join us."

Lies laced with a bit of truth. Even the Jedi would say that was the best form of deception. Evaliya wove fact and fiction expertly and wore the mask like it was her own face.

"Her loss," the crime boss said with the same sleazy grin from the holo images. Kyrah watched as he ran a wandering hand across Evaliya's waist. "Alright, darling, let's go."

As her partner left to the back room, Kyrah shook her head. She was no longer trying to hide either her pity for Evaliya or her disgust with Darand.

"Your friend ditch you too?"

Kyrah redirected her attention to a young man sitting a few seats down the bar from her. He was tall, blonde, and didn't appear much older than herself. She figured she could at least play along this much.

"Something like that," she said flatly.

"Me too. He set his sights on some pretty Twi'lek and said he'd 'catch me later.'"

"Sounds pretty terrible," Kyrah said, struggling to feign interest. She hoped the conversation would deviate to something she could work with more easily.

"It was," the man agreed. "Look, I can tell you're not looking to go home with anyone tonight, but can I at least buy you a drink?"

"Who said I wasn't looking?" Kyrah asked, surprising herself with how smooth her response seemed to come forth.

"You just turned down an offer to go to Rix Darand's private room - you're not looking," he countered.

"Fair enough," she replied with a slightly amused chuckle. "Care to explain why you've been watching me?"

The Jedi reached out to search the fellow clubgoer's intentions. As he had conversed with her, the thought that he might be a member of Darand's security team crossed her mind. However, all she could sense was attraction and curiosity.

"To put it bluntly, you stood out - that dress looks great on you. I just kept telling myself 'I've got to talk to this girl.'"

"I see. Well if I'm going to let you buy me a drink, do I at least get to know your name?"

"Since we're only having a drink, let's keep an air of mystery," he answered cheekily.

"Fine, but that goes both ways you know."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

For the better part of an hour, Kyrah navigated a conversation with the mystery man. They discussed many inane things - Coruscant nightlife, good music, and favorite restaurants. The conversation turned out to not be as painful as she expected. After the hour had passed, Evaliya reemerged from the back room. Thanking the man for the drink, Kyrah excused herself to meet her companion.

Once they were a safe distance from the back room entry, Evaliya leaned in to whisper in Kyrah's ear.

"I got it. His personal computer was in the room so I downloaded everything when he excused himself to the refresher. Many of the files were encrypted, so if something's going on it's gotta be there."

"Did he notice?"

"Doubt it. There are no cameras in the room for…obvious reasons. Checked that on my way in. The computer didn't have any obvious security software and there was no record of my download. I'm confident I wasn't found out. At this point, it's his fault for not better securing his computer."

Kyrah glanced down for a moment, Evaliya had been adjusting her clothing as she walked out and the implication wasn't lost on her.

"You don't want to know," the senior agent replied, catching her glance. She sounded almost regretful.

"It's unfortunate that you had to endure that."

"Everything has a price, Aris. It comes with the territory. I just hope our analysts find what we're looking for in those encrypted files. Now let's go."