He kept telling himself he wasn't counting the days since he had last seen her, that he hadn't kept an eye out for her return to the base, and that he wasn't intrigued by the way people spoke of her around the imperial station. The girls who worked at her tea house talked of her as someone to be feared and respected, the men smirked and their eyes gleamed as they spoke of her as some dangerous and revealed creature, and he was left to fantasise about the complexity of her. He had known her for only a brief time, and already he knew no one saw the true depth of her character and self; as if no one had been able to catch the slight veil in her eye that concealed sorrows and tribulations that didn't match her young age.

But the mystery of his assassin was set on standby and he devoted his days to blending in; to convincing everyone, including himself, of his status as an imperial captain. No one doubted his claim more than he did, and soon enough he found himself enjoying the company of the men and women who were part of the very system he was trying to overthrow. It took only a few days for him to fall in a comfortable routine after figuring out he wasn't going anywhere. He deduced he should make the most of his relative imprisonment and he should try to thrive in his new situation.

Each day he rose with the sun, the imperial base was always busy at this time yet surprisingly quiet, it was an odd sort of comfort to see so many men and women with such hard wired habits as his own, and he became used to seeing many imperials going about their morning routine, each minding their own business. People would have breakfast, exercise or walk around the grounds in a common quiet that spoke of long practiced solitude; it was in the early hours that most species revealed their true nature, and few were prone to bothering the cherished privacy of others. Obi Wan adapted quickly to this pace, finding that neither jogging nor boxing suited his morning exercise routine, but swimming.

He had forgotten how much he enjoyed a good swim. Ever since his years as a youngling swimming in the room of a thousand fountains in the temple, he had found solace in the rhythmic motions of his arms beating against the waters, on the rushing cool of the liquid running along his skin, soothing the burning strain on his muscles. He swam each morning till his arms ached, then he showered and ate breakfast at the diner in his building. It was one such morning that he met Nyk in the gymnasium.

Nykath Ordo was a rarity amongst the imperials he had encountered so far. While everyone held their own particular reasons for joining the ranks of the empire, each made a point of either voice their devout beliefs on the emperor loudly, or lie outright about their personal motivations; Obi Wan was quick to spot those whose reasons would be considered unethical or self serving, for those were usually the loudest to praise the Sith and his ethos. Until he met Ordo.

The man was a born and bred Mandalorean warrior, a young Mando whose career as a promising hired hand in smuggling, assassination, and contraband was brought to an end even before it started.

"One job. I got exactly one job before Empire Day," he told Ben enthusiastically, his thick Mandoa inflection a welcome change from the crisp imperial accents he heard everywhere on the station. "Then the emperor goes and bans all bounty-related activities unless sanctioned by the empire. I tell ya, I'm lucky to be young, I got into the system," he snapped his fingers to show how quick it had been; then wrapped a towel around his damp trunks, "took me three cycles to run through their academy, an' ye're looking at the best paid sniper in the system."

Ben chuckled and nodded, patting himself dry as they walked to the showers, Nyk was also fond of early morning laps around the pool, and he liked the young man. "And six months later you're on a Anaxes?"

Nyk snorted, giving a quick glance around and nodding at Ben, his voice lower, "I'm making the new academy graduates look bad, I'm too efficient," he grinned and shrugged, "but they know I could be dangerous if cut loose, so they pay me to stay here, they give me contracts when they need something done badly."

After cleaning up they had breakfast together, Ben enjoyed the presence of someone who saw the empire as something inevitable, but not necessarily good. Nyk didn't like the empire but knew better than to rebel, for an individual a steady income was more important than the greater good.

"Tell you Ken," Nyk said between drinks one afternoon, "for most of us is all about the day to day," he smiled, "you seem well off enough not to worry about that, I've heard stories about you, you're said to have helped Lady Grey kill a Jedi. But politics aren't for the rest of us. As long as there's bread on my table, I don't care what you call the person at the top of the pyramid."

Ben shrugged and didn't comment on the remark, simply grunting an acknowledgement as the mousy trainee filled their drinks. Ben had quickly come to notice the Black Hand bar rarely filled to capacity when G wasn't around. He continued to visit every afternoon, but found his evenings much less dull now that he routinely ate dinner with his new "friend".

The week came to a close and early morning before the imperial standard rest day, he knew something felt different. He went for his usual swim, noting the base appearing it's normal hive of activity, and showered at the pool change room before throwing his things in the Imperial assigned bag and crossing the campus to his building.

The droid greeted him at the door, and he it, knowing it's designation to be A2S0, an imperial service droid. It was nothing like the chipper droids he had known as a Jedi but it greeted him and brought his caf just as he liked it.

After his usual hearty breakfast, he went back up to his quarters and glanced out the window, the sun now lighting the campus. His eyes moved across the view until they met the small building just opposite from his residence.

Her shuttle was parked behind the bar.

Feeling something akin to joy, he decided to go over early, letting his swimming things dry in the small fresher. He supped on his lunch and showered once more, still unaccustomed to the ease of access to hot water.

It was mid afternoon when he made his way across the common. The imperial uniform crisply pressed with his hands in his pockets looking like a man just returning from mission. He nodded at the blonde at the door, smirking at Bambi who held down the front.

"Good day," he nodded at her and smirked, "Is G at the bar?"

Bambi simply glared at him, "she's been back for all of a few hours. Must you pounce on her?"

He arched a brow, but felt a rise of anxiety at the thought of the strange but magnificent woman possibly finding something on her journey. "I simply wished to welcome her back. She did promise me a drink when she returned."

The woman opened her lips to say something but paused, her eyes glancing to the ground as Ben's eyes caught sight of the earpiece, her mouth pulling into a scowl. Moments later she was stepping aside. "She says she'll meet you at the bar."

He bowed curtly, feeling an edge of adrenaline cause his gait to be a bit more uncontrolled for an imperial officer in disguise, but he made his way through and found his usual seat, his eyes peering around.

He sensed her presence, the warm pulse that he had come to identify as her was thrumming nearby, his eyes moving around until he caught sight of her, standing in the Tea Room area with the few visiting high ranking officers, the elite of the Empire that were visiting were given all the amenities in the glassed over area of the Tea Room as the girls called it.

He smiled across the bar at the young dark woman who poured him a glass of his usual pick and he forced himself to avoid attracting attention from the upper officials. Blending in and appearing like any other off duty officer.

He had finished his first drink and was working on a second when he felt her moving. Forcing himself to keep the outward calm, he drained his drink just as she slide into the seat beside him. "well, hello captain. It's been awhile."

He allowed his eyes to fix on her, assessing her features, thinking for a split second that she looked tired. There was no need to say as much, so he just smiled. "You've kept us from your presence, lady G." He could stop his body from leaning closer, but he could not stop the spark in his eye as he feasted on her face. He would not admit he had missed her. "I hope your travels have been fruitful."

Her smile broadened and her fingers moved in the air, signaling the girl behind the bar and procuring new drinks for the pair of them. "Fruitful…" she sipped her freshly poured drink and glanced at the liquids, "yes… Kenny, "she lingered on the nickname, savouring each syllable, "you could say it was fruitful."

His lips danced on the words he knew to be true, but his good sense won the battle. "Anything you could share with an old officer?" He smiled brightly, but she saw his eyes remained unmoving.

She shrugged, "you can know that I'm likely to dance tonight," she winked, " tell your friend Nykath."

He stared despite himself, his eyes trying to conceal his thoughts. In his mind she was dancing, in his mind she was now dancing just for him, in his mind they were in her ship and in his bed and she was his once more. He blinked and hid his thoughts as best as he could. He searched for the words she had just said. "Nyk," he nodded, "I'll let him know." He didn't bother to ask how she knew of his newly found friend, she had made it clear before leaving that he was being watched.

She stood and stretched, reminding him not of a cat about to sleep, but of a nexu shaking off a moment's rest before leading the hunt. For no particular reason it made him smile, an honest smile, those that were few and far between.

Before he could reply, however, she mused, "in fact, spread the word around. We need a full house." She turned on her heels with all the grace of the dancer she was, and waving her fingers she disappeared up the stairs he knew led to her flat.

He glanced at the stylised chrono on the wall, it's face signaling ten minutes to midday. His eyes glanced to his empty drink and he nodded to himself. "See you later Vellia," he waived at the girl behind the bar and walked back to his rooms, his thoughts oscillating between his assassin and his next transmission to the alliance.

She watched him finish his drink and leave from the portable screen she kept in her flat, a glass of freshly squeezed juice at hand as she stared at the image. A small comm device rested on the table where her feet rested, a frequency number flashing on the screen, ready to be used. She sipped her drink and glanced at the device. Her eyes closed as she weighed the possible courses of action. Not that she had any doubt about the next one, nor the one after that. But she had not managed to retain her position and secrecy by staying merely two steps ahead.

Her datapad flashed and she cursed the Jedi, muttering to herself in Chondra. She had felt a moment's admiration at his modifying of the small imperial communications transmitter, but her pleasant surprise had diminished greatly as she spotted the unavoidable mistake in his tampering. His device managed to remain anonymous, at the cost of being easily intercepted, which he as how she had gained access to the frequency and quickly latched to the source, even if it had taken an advanced programmer like herself. She had to admit he would have no problem remaining hidden from imperials, but only because the empire was too arrogant to know what they were looking for.

Shaking her head as she watched him leave, she turned to her fresher where the tub held her hot bath waiting.

He arrived in his rooms and stripped down to his undershorts, rubbing his temples and looking at the modified transmitter. He would have to wait a few days before attempting another signal, in the meantime he had to collect as much useful information as possible, he gave a deep sigh and glanced at the desk, pressing the button on the comm station, dialing Hagood's frequency and leaning back on the chair. She had said to spread the word, and he knew she didn't mean his group of semi dissident imperials. She meant the better connected Hagood and his group of friends and better connected officials. It was only a few seconds before the commander's voice came through clearly through the machine.

"Hagood here. Speak." Came the straightforward, no nonsense voice.

"Hagood, its Ken-..." Obi Wan cursed his near slip, but carried on, "Lady G wanted to spread the word. She's back and she'll be on stage tonight."

"I thought I heard a rumour about it, be assured word will be spread," Ben could almost hear the man's smile.

"Not a rumour. In fact, I wondered if I could count myself with a seat at your table." It had been during the walk to his room that he'd realised he didn't have a reservation for the night, and he knew for certain that Hagood always held premium seats at the Black Hand. It would not only keep him close to Giorgi, but it would give him the company of potentially talkative imperials.

The commander laughed, "My table?" It took him a few moments to continue, "my good captain, don't you know you already have the best table in the place?"

It took Ben a moment to realise Hagood wasn't joking, "I've got the best-..." he frowned slightly, understanding what most likely happened, "I wasn't aware my reserve was as good," he lied, "I thought rank…"

Hagood chuckled, "yes, rank usually takes first place, but not with Lady Grey's Black Hand… You do need to tell me how you got on her good graces so quickly."

Obi Wan's thoughts were already moving ahead of the conversation. Had she given him the best table out of a particular preference? Or did she want to keep a close eye on where he was and who he talked to? She clearly knew about his new acquaintances, but he didn't know what she thought of that, or whether his activities placed him in a higher risk level than before. He was dead to the Galaxy regardless of what he did…

he caught the end of Hagood's words and chuckled just in time, "we'll, you're welcome to my table. As for earning G's good graces, I'll let you know as soon as I know myself, but let me tell you, my best guess is it's got to do with my charming smile and grey eyes." The imperial gave a boisterous laugh and Ben breathed calmly. "See you tonight?"

"See you tonight captain."

Hours later, after another swim, shower and shave, he went back to the club. He knew it was early, but he intended to eat and get his table before it filled. He bypassed the already growing line and nodded at the woman at the door, Bambi already in uniform of her mandalorian armour holding the hungriest dogs off. The girl who normally took his order smiled as he walked in, and had a drink in his hand before he got to his table, and food shortly after.

His eyes moved around the room, daring to use his force sense to assess the temperature of the area, his eyes noticing the bodies in the exclusive Tea Room, his eyes squinting as he tried to memorize the faces.

"Director Orson Krennic," came the voice from his right, and glancing over he smiled at his new friend Nykath as he settled beside him, "rumour has it that he's heading some big project. And with him is Captain Lilah something…"

Ben nodded and sipped his drink, "how do you know this?"

Nyk shrugged, "gets boring sitting at Camp all day. They gave me an imperial membership, no harm in knowing who else carries one." Ben chuckled into his drink as his food arrived, the redhead taking Nyk's order, flashing his most charming smile as he orders the same as his friend.

Ben continued to assess the room, keeping a steady chatter with his table mate as the lights dimmed and his eyes caught sight of Commander Hagood at a table just behind them, they shared a nod and Nyk smirked, "you do pick up quite the assortment of friends. Assassins, Thieves, former Red Guardians."

"Red Guardians?"

Nykath snorted, "Hagood. Formerly of the Emperor's private guard, let go for personal reasons. Rumour has it he asked to be stationed here."

"My you are the well of knowledge tonight." Ben's eyes narrowed as he tried to get a reading from the Commander, but was blocked. "I'll tuck that in my hat."

He could see a witty response die behind his friend's eyes as the music changed tempo, and his jaw drop. Ben knew he needed to look, and felt his heart stop beating when he did.

The beat of the music, her eyes as they flashed at him, his memory of her body under his, moving in a similar fashion, writhing and gyrating. He felt his chest tighten as he set his drink down to simply take in the dance. The crowd was roaring behind him as she flipped and her bottom shimmied while she was upside down, his eyes unmoving from her gyrating form as she flipped and twirled around the pole, her legs appearing longer than a wookie as she climbed up and slid down, her back arching and her chest rolling as she tossed her hair and winked at the crowd, the light display coordinated with the grimy whump of the music, the heavy electric sound pulsating as she swung around, the music and lights fading slightly before an abrupt end.

He shook his head and looked around, seeing the same matching expression on others faces and he smiled before looking back.

She made her exit and the music changed, something more upbeat for one of the other girls to dance to. She emerged minutes later, the thin dress covering her former attire of the black bottoms and bejewelled crop top; by the time she reached his table she had a drink already in hand and a wide smile, as if there was no other place in the Galaxy she'd rather be. Behind the smile, however, Ben noticed something different, a dull exhaustion or hidden ache behind the corner of her smile.

Her eyes found him and whatever it was that the Jedi thought he'd seen disappeared just as quickly, her glance sweeping the vicinity. She spotted Hagood and gave him a wink and a smile, but her feet brought her inched from the Jedi. Her smile broadened as she noticed the slightly bewildered look in his eyes, she knew where his thoughts lingered as his eyes moved up her body towards her own blue ones. He was trying to conceal how affected he was by her, and it was just the way she wanted things to be. She swung her leg and sat on his knee, causing the man to blush and look around.

"Well, hello there." He smiled, looking up at her.

She smiled back and leaned closer, benefitting from the distraction the current dancer was providing as her lips grazed his jaw, her voice low, "show will be over in a couple of hours, when the crowd disperses make your way upstairs, you're cleared to the after-party." Her eyes cut briefly to Nyk, who was too busy flirting with the waitress to notice them as the Jedi nodded his understanding.

The brush of her lips on his skin sent small electric charge through him, and when his eyes met hers it took all of his restraint not to make a public display of his desires; all he could do was nod, and she allowed his hand to wander around her waist and settle on her hip, and his lips to brush her neck as he spoke. She tried to ignore the way her skin responded to such a small touch.

"The place has missed your presence, G." He smiled, not daring to say more lest he betray his own thoughts, "is my cover story enough to appease the rest of your guests?"

She indulged his affection as she arched her jaw and hummed, "You don't need one. You're with me. That's enough for them." Her fingers skated across her toned abdomen, his nose brushing down her long neck.

"If you say so, my lady." Her own fingers played with the top button of his imperial attire flipping the collar open as her fingers danced along his skin. He briefly noticed them starting to draw attention, his lips brushing against hers as he hummed, "you're distracting the gentlemen from their entertainment."

"Good, she always misses the final spin anyway."

He leaned over and smirked as her lips travelled down his neck as he watched, and sure enough, the girls free arm waved uselessly trying to incur torque to turn herself. "She wasn't ready but insisted she was. Figured if she embarrassed herself in front of a full house she would learn her lesson."

Ben snorted, "punishment enough."

"Oh, that's not her punishment," G drew back from being coiled around him and his arms wrapped around her as she leaned back, "Her punishment will be serving tonight, same with the other two that are going to crap out."

He chuckled at her cold humour, "You wouldn't think of firing them?"

She shrugged, "Think about it? Absolutely. But to go through with it? Not until they royally screw up." She glanced around, at the gentlemen's club, noting that half the men were too drunk to care, too horny to notice or to preoccupied with business or pleasure to realise the rest of the planet was still spinning, but the girls would soon learn their error, "Night like tonight, is when they love working."

"Why's that?"

"Half your imperial senate is sitting in that corner," she pointed at the Tea Room.

He arched a brow, leaning closer with the excuse of looking at the private area, his lips brushing her jaw as he spoke, his words too soft for anyone but her to listen, "my Imperial Senate?" a smile tugged at his lips, "I would've thought it yours more than mine."

She smirked at him, "there's plenty that's mine," her fingers combing back the hair on his brow, her body shifting closer on his lap, the movement causing him to forget the words he wanted to say, "in the senate?" her words lingered as her lips pressed to his, "more than you'll know Kenny." She leaned back and grinned at his dazzled expression as an artist might smile upon a good work in progress.

He chuckled and claimed another kiss from her, whispering softly as his lips drew back from hers "I may know more than you think gorgeous," she laughed and he felt his heart leap at the sound, his hands distracted as they moved over her body, secretly delighted to be allowed to have her near. Meanwhile his brain struggled to focus on the forty or so imperials in the restricted area, her presence affected him as a bottle of Corellian Spirits would, fogging his mind and slowing his response. "I might now, for instance, that Director Orson Krennic is waiting to be made Moff," he paused as her lips moved to a particularly sensitive spot under his ear, taking a steadying breath before continuing, "because of his current work on the Emperor's secret project."

She grinned, "someone has been doing their homework," she giggled and they forgot about the imperials for a few moments, their lips locked as the next girl took the stage, his hands on her hips as she didn't stop moving, his hips responding as his focus moved solely to her. After a while she nipped his ear. He realised she had been speaking to him and now she was giggling against his skin, "pay attention Kenny."

He gave an almost inaudible whimper, his need evident as he shifted under her, his lips on her neck as he tried to do as told, finding it more difficult than expected. He groaned, "how am I to focus with this thing?"

She leaned away, tossing her loose hair back and grinning at him. "Focus now, and I might help with that later." His mind perked at the thought, but still clouded by the fog of desire, he cleared his throat and tried to listen.

Her eyes scanned the private tea room and she nodded to herself, her hand on his chest and her lips brushing his as she spoke, "you know Krennic, what you should know is that he doesn't tolerate the mention of his project… But you can ask Lilah about it. She's the officer sitting with him." She smiled as she kisses his jaw, "don't be too insistent on that issue. It is technically supposed to be a secret."

He nodded, trying hard to keep his attention on her words and not on the way her lips moved on his skin.

"Now, the minister for transport deals with spice on the side, everyone knows, but don't bring it up when he's near… The last man who did found themselves in a one way trip to Kessel."

He nodded, as his hand moved over the curve of her hip, his thumb rubbing at the lower edge of her tribal tattoo on her hip, "He's… he's the dark man to-... to the left of Krennic?"

She nodded, pressing her hips down against his persistent need, "Precisely. Good, you are keeping up."

"Oh, I'm not going to be keeping up for a long time if your hips are going to be pressing-..." His lips were suddenly stopped by an intrusion of her own lips, her ardent kiss had his mind fogged and weighed down, his hands moving across her skin as he groaned softly. He spared an ounce of concentration to take an assessment of the room, noticing that not one of their neighbouring tables was aware of the private dance he was getting, if they were, they were hiding their emotions well, "G-... I-... I'm splitting skin here." he groaned into her jaw as his lips broke from hers, the subtle movement of her hips causing him borderline agony.

She looked at his face and nodded, sighing as her own needs grew and pulsated, "Come with me."

"I-" the quick witted line died on his lips as she left his lap, striding across the room. His eyes followed her as he knocked back his drink and traced her steps to a private booth, enclosed to the crowd. He noticed he could still see the show, but stepping up into the booth and closing the door obstructed the view of everyone else. His eyes darted around in time to catch her leaping at him, her arms around his neck, her lips feasting on his, a moan erupted from her lips as he pulled her legs around his hips and sat at the plush cushioned bench behind him, his hands exploring her torso as his teeth found purchase on her lower lip.

Her fingers expertly relieved him of his trousers, and her own black bottoms were tossed across the room as he pulled her down on the near painful erection, shuddering at the sensation of her encompassing warmth once more. He held her still for several moments, feeling already the biting climax gnawing at him to relieve the ache. Her hips began swaying once more, and much like the dance she had been tormenting him with for the past hour, it neither brought him closer or farther from the edge, keeping him right in the middle of excruciating need and desire. His teeth were vicious against her skin, her nails against his back as they danced together in a swirling tide of need-desire-want-mustHave… until the end found both of them and her lips feasted on his neck, suppressing the keening cry of climax, his jaw clenched as he muffled a grunt against her hair, and her hips slowing against his.

He held her tightly as the two shuddered in unison, their breathing short, his eyes falling as he rested his brow against her shoulder, stroking her hair as she pressed tight to him, her own quivering body he could feel gripping him tighter, and continuing to pulse as she fell from her own climax.

He estimated it was nearly the end of the show when they finally recovered, and his lips brushed against her jaw as he chuckled hoarsely, "Thanks."

She nodded and pulled from his touch, standing and stretching, "Meet me upstairs in about an hour, I can go over any more essentials before the girls bring up the rest of the party."

He nodded, not willing to let her see the disappointment on his features at the loss of contact, "What's my cover?"

She shook her head, "You're a captain that was stationed on Tattooine, you helped me kill a Jedi, upper office felt you had served well and you're on a three month leave. Deep cover ops."

He smirked, "So my cover is…. I'm me."

She leaned over and pecked his cheek, stuffing her panties in his pocket, "But you're bedding Vader's favourite. So you're untouchable."

He blushed brightly, "Bedding implies more than once… and implies a bed." She winked as she padded out, leaving his comment hanging at the incoming blast of the throbbing music once more. Exhaling, he rubbed his face, attempting to shake the thought of her from his mind as he put himself back together and tried to stand, taking two attempts to hold weight to his legs before he wandered to the bar, craving another drink, hoping his biometrics covered something stronger than the ale he'd been drinking.

Sixty minutes later, he found himself escorted upstairs, he had watched her final dance from the bar with a drink that burned his throat and fogged the mind just enough to keep his hands steady as he watched the final number, leaving his table empty in the front. He didn't realise when both Hagood and Nyk had disappeared from the front as well, but clearly they weren't invited to the event that was to take place in the private quarters of Lady G.

Her flat was unlike anything he had seen before, save for maybe Senator Amidala's. The two story penthouse was all an off white with dark grey accents and blonde woods, very indicative of the new Empire's motif. Or maybe it was simply Lady Grey's esthetic, it didn't matter. Either way he could recognise both it's tasteful style and its opulence, also another motif of the blossoming Empire.

"Wait," Bambi barked at him as she moved upstairs. He had never noticed before, but the stocky woman moved much like her mistress, with all the fluidity of a dancer, and his mind pondered the thought until he saw her at the top of the stairs.

His eyes moved from her silver stiletto clad feet, up to the gauzy material which barely concealed the set of white lace lingerie hugging her figure. Her hair was loose, but it curled in a way he hadn't noticed before, and her smile was broad and reached up to her eyes. Seeing her framed by the soft light behind her, Ben thought he was staring at a vision and her mere presence beckoned him forward until he stood by her side. His eyes scanned the room quickly to see everything was ready for the event, but his thoughts were drawn to her once more as she kissed him. Her lips were quickly becoming a drug to him, one he shouldn't indulge in.

You need to, get close to the core of the imperial high crust and you'll help the alliance. Muttered a part of his brain. So he indulged, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her warmly.

A cough caused them to separate. Bambi's arms were crossed and her brow was furrowed. "If you're quite done?" She waited for the pair to separate and nodded, "G, you've got ten to show this doofus around before the girls show up."

Giorgi glanced at the chrono on her wall, nodding and taking the Jedi's hand, pulling him to the centre of the room, her arms making a wide sweeping motion as she showed her the space. "Welcome to G's Sanctum," she winked, "Or the Bitch's Palace, as the girls call it when they think I'm not listening."

He looked around, nodding slowly in an appreciative manner, cutting a glance at her as the words sank in, "they call you that?"

She smirked, "that's my everyday nickname, they even named a drink in my honour," she chuckled and motioned for him to follow her to the kitchen, "you might be allowed to try it, but it's a kicker. I'm not sure you can take it."

He shrugged, "I'm not as feeble as you seem to think me."

She looked at him with an intensity that seemed to peer straight into his thoughts. Then she shrugged, opening the fridge, "for parties there's only canapes and spirits in here, there will be service, but help yourself." She opened different doors on the pantry, showing him where everything was, explaining that any close friend of hers was welcome to the kitchen and bar. Next she guided him through the living spaces, showing him the fresher, the guest bedroom, and her house rules. He nodded along and made mental notes of the details he thought revealing of her character, such as her favourite chair being stashed away in a linen closet to avoid people sitting or making out on it. This was her handpicked crew, yet she didn't trust them.

They got back to the entrance in time to see the girls walking in in black and red outfits, all smiling and greeting them. He arched a brow at G, who ignored him and continued to walk along with the girls. Bambi was the only one to stay behind, her eyes never leaving the supposed Captain.

Ben looked at her, noticing her armour wasn't the full Mando'a garb she usually wore, but a reduced ensemble that covered the essentials. Making her both less threatening and lighter in the event of a scuffle, her golden hair neatly braided. He had to admire her practicality, which spoke of proper training and not just show. He nodded at her, finding that he respected her more than any other person in that base besides Giorgiana.

"Bambi," he smiled, "still on duty?"

The blonde guard arched a brow without glancing at him, "I'm always on duty… Captain."

The Jedi folded his arms over his chest and nodded, "I assumed as much. Does your duty involve looking like you favourite eeopie died?" He was poking fun at a dangerous woman and he knew it, but he couldn't help an affinity towards the woman.

She wasn't amused, "no, Kenny. This look of despondent despise towards my surroundings is specifically reserved for the times I'm left alone to deal with filth better left on the Tattooine desert."

He couldn't stop smirking, giving a small shrug, "sure, but seems like you're stuck with me now."

Her sweeping glance couldn't be more difference that the one G gave him earlier. Her steel blue eyes were cold and serene, and full of an impassive detachment. "For now."

He was prevented from responding as Bambi turned on her heels and walked to the door in time to welcome the first few guests. Before the imperials could reach the landing, he was already in the kitchen, making himself a drink to not appear idle and in wait to the newcomers.

The room quickly filled up with official looking men dressed in smart uniforms and beautiful women that appeared to have the sole purpose to encourage said official looking men. He walked back from the kitchen with a tall glass filled of a soft liqueur that was poured from an expensive looking bottle, his back was straight and his shoulders relaxed, and he wore a smile that he hoped communicated what a captain of the imperial navy would look that after a few drinks, the same look most of the men wore on their faces.

He spied G across the room and he directed a small nod her way. She smiled briefly back and continued her chat with a man in Moff's uniform. He would ask later about him, but for now he found himself near a group of severe looking men. Their tags showed generals, governors, directors of sectors. He idled for a moment, taking a sip of his drink and glancing as if he was looking for someone, the charade allowed him to listen to their conversation.

"... so how's the trade going my lord?"

"Progressively slower. Slave labour doesn't work as quickly as more enthusiasts of Empire supporters."

He lingered for a moment, listening in, "The Quadanium is harder to find. We don't quite have the full scans that the emperor wanted of the planet, so mining is growing more…. expensive."

Ben's curiosity found a point of interest and he cleared his throat, "surely the emperor knows Despayre was raided thoroughly by the separatists before the birth of the Empire?"

One of the graying men chuckled good naturedly, "if we had a credit every time the orders of the Emperor contradicted logical belief." The rest of the small crew chuckled and Ben was glad to have found a party that wasn't over criticising the leader of their beloved empire. Nothing new under the suns.

He joined in and smiled, "well…" he glanced around, "don't ask how I know, but there should be more… Efficient ways of obtaining Quadnium…"

A severe looking woman nodded, "aye, bounty hunters were our best choice. But we know what happened there." They all nodded.

Ben shrugged, "except for a few cases… We are better off without that scum." His gamble was met with nods of approval and agreeing murmurs.

The greying man, the one who Ben assumed to be the highest ranking of the group, held his hand out to Ben, "General Filosi, I don't think we've formally met." They shook hands, "I hear you're an… acquaintance of Lady Grey."

Ben smiled and nodded, "aye sir. Captain Benjamin Kendo. At your service."

The general arched a thin brow and Kenobi could almost see the cogs turning as he tried to place him. "Did you serve in the war?"

"Yes sir," Ben gave that smile of veterans who are proud of their service but would rather forget the war, "undercover work mostly. I've been blessed to continue with that line of work within the empire."

A short and plump man smiled through his reddened face, and Ben was amused to see the little man was quite intoxicated already, his hand firmly set on the behind of the girl keeping him company, "I thought you seemed familiar, did you ever work as sniper?"

Ben chuckled and rose his glass to toast the man, "oh, that would be breaking my oath to the empire, wouldn't it? Any mission I engaged as a soldier to the former republic remains classified."

"Hear that Natelina?" The plump man smiled, "don't know about your men, but at least mine could use that kind of backbone."

The woman, Natelina, gave a minute shrug, "Lord Pentos, my men, as you very well know, are only second to the fleet led by Willuf," a smirk that looked like a shark's grin drew upon her features, "and mine aren't scared to death for their lives."

"Now, now," Filosi said placatingly, "we all know Willuf might have many shortcomings but…" he lowered his voice slightly, "no one gets results like he does, and even Krennic and the emperor's hound respect the man."

Petos shuddered, "yes Filosi, but have you heard the stories? He's a barbarian."

Ben shrugged. He had heard the rumours before them, hadn't he dealt with young Willuf Tarkin during the war? And Anakin had always liked the military efficiency of the man. "His background might be harsh, but there's few in the empire who can lead so… Fearlessly and effectively," he nodded as if realising something for the first time, "in fact, it's that kind of military efficiency that the Jedi lacked."

Filosi chuckled and patted Ben on the shoulder, "I like you Kendo." The general glanced at the group, daring anyone to disagree with the newcomer, "enough gossip about the brilliant Tarkin. Now," he snapped his fingers, "our glasses are too empty, and I'm still interested in doubling labour to get the Quadnium at the rate our beloved leader demands."

She kept stealing brief glances at him across the room, her smile broad as she conversed with old friends and new ties that needed tightening. After all imperial connections were nothing if not useful. She was prompted to "gossip" on this new companion only twice, the short answer involving his being under her father's wing usually causing the conversation to be promptly steered in a different direction. Yes, the captain was on leave and her new favourite companion. No, she wasn't leaving out the opportunity to have her sheets warmed by someone else. No, tonight won't do, the swing is already set up to the captain's height on her chambers.

As the conversation dragged and began to repeat itself, she found that she was tired of the company of imperials. Often she would retire early to work from her chambers, her soundproofed walls isolating her from the festivities that took place in her flat every other day she was on the base. But tonight she wouldn't have to face the night alone, and she guessed a little additional exercise might do her well, even if she couldn't sleep.

Knocking back her drink she excused herself from her present company and she glided across the room, smiling and knowing eyes were drawn to her, that gazes followed the only white clad figure in the room. Her smile only broadened as she reached her target.

"Captain," she smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Ben blinked and looked at the unusual gesture on her part, opening his mouth to ask what was the matter, but his lips found hers instead. Her body leaning closer as she leaned up and kissed him, his hands automatically moving around her small waist, holding her gently to him. His thoughts fogged as she kissed him as if the planet was burning, as if they never would share a kiss again; and so, thinking they might not, he kissed her with equal ardour.

It seemed an eternity until she finally drew back, with him following suit. Her eyes were bright and in the dim light he thought he was dreaming.

"Hello..." She smiled, slightly out of breath.

He grinned, "M'Lady G."

She chuckled, tugging at the cuff of his neck, "I believe I want a repeat."

His ears turned pink as he tried to gather his thoughts, "a repeat?"

She leaned closer and nipped his ear, whispering softly, "of earlier… But it's your turn to lead the dance."

A chortle of laughter burst around them as Ben felt the blood drain from his face, unused as he was to having his intimacy announced to others. "Seems like the blood's gone out of his head," the comment was followed by chuckles.

G smirked and tugged at the front of Ben's uniform, "I can help with that," she gave him a wink and kissed his cheek chastely, holding his hand and dragging him away from the group of imperials. Ben paid little attention to the route she was taking as his attention was focused on her, his fingers intertwined with hers as he followed without hesitation, and by the time they reached her bedroom his mind was set.

The door opened and his lips were on her before it closed, his hand scooping her up from her bottom, pulling her legs around his hips as he walked towards where the bed was in the center of the room, the two falling onto the bed. She gave a soft chuckle as she fell back, biting his neck as he moved, thinking for the briefest of moments that she had not yet seen this particular eagerness in him while she looked for the buttons at the front of his imperial jacket, plucking the buttons with methodical patience.

His hand found the hem of her dress, his outstretched palm caressing up her thigh as he rolled the fabric up, his lips feasting on her neck, trailing to her chest as he moved over her, their combined weight causing them to sink into the mattress, his lips curling into a grin as he nipped the upper swell of her breast, the top that remained uncovered by the cleavage of her gown. It took him mere seconds to find the tying lace and to tug at the ribbon that kept the illusion in place, leaving her in the white undergarments he had only glimpsed through the veil during the evening.

She looked up at him, the look on his face softer than what she thought of as his "usual" hunger. A grin curled her lips as she undid the clasp of her bra and he did the rest. Leaning back he gave her a glance, his eyes stormy as his fingers worked steadily to remove the lace covering her chest and hips. His clothes followed suit and then he was over her once more, his hands as curious as those of a young boy, his lips on her neck once more.

She gave a soft sigh and arched to his touch, her fingers burying on his hair as her thoughts moved to her long to-do list for the following day. While she could appreciate his effort, her mind was too full of information, she'd sent a message to Bail Organa to test the frequency, and Krennic had mentioned a new player… The Jedi's lips were now on her breast and her focus faltered, forcing her back to the here and now. She gave a soft groan, regretting for a moment her choice of letting him drive.

"Ken…" She would flip him over and get it done with if she had to. But just when she was about to do as much she felt a surprising intrusion.

He smiled. He had one arm around her and he was looking at her face as his hand found its path between her thighs, his fingers brushing and teasing the sensitive flesh, eliciting a moan that quieted her objections.

Then his lips were on hers and his hand moved with slow determination, the soft touches sending shivers up her spine as her hips moved in time with the movements of his hand, finding his pace and moaning softly against his kiss. Her thoughts regained some clarity once the initial surprise was over and she pulled him closer, her hands moving from his neck to his arms as she spurred for more. But he would not give, with every pressing motion he seemed to draw back, until he seemed to leave her hanging. It took her a moment to realise his hand had ceased his ministrations.

She whimpered in frustration, but he merely chuckled.

His hands were now on her hips, pinning her to the bed as he kissed down her chest, his tongue and lips rolling over her skin as if it was some sort of prohibited fruit, and when he glanced up she saw again the storm behind his eyes. He stopped at her navel, his thumb brushing the ink on her hip, his lips muttering something against her skin as he nipped and smiled, his mind blurring everything around them except the beautiful creature under him. He took her leg over his shoulder and their eyes met.

She moved her foot over his back, a brow arched, lips parted to ask what was he doing when the onslaught of friction overwhelmed her senses. She couldn't catch her breath and the tightness in her chest ran rampant as his lips feasted on the tender flesh, the coarse whiskers covering his unshaven cheeks rubbing against the skin, igniting a fire deep within. Her lips moved of their own volition and she reached down, grabbing his hair as his mouth assaulted her, her breathing ragged and her body quivering.

She was incapable of thought as he continued his torment, the rising tide as it found deadly aim and unleashed itself on her, her lips begging for release as she writhed and squirmed in his touch.

He let her endure torture for a few minutes longer, thoroughly enjoying her elated suffering, the waves of pleasure she was emitting had his chest filled with pride and desire for the creature, his lips, tongue and teeth the causation of her adore. Too soon she gave in and let go, the release of fluttering muscles and her hips slowing from their shuddering into slower steady movements had his own lips slowing and waiting for her to still.

Her mind was blank. She swallowed thickly, her mouth parched as she clawed uselessly at the sheets, moaning his name softly, a mixture of lingering need and desire combined with the lust one only feels after they get every wish satiated.

He crawled over her, kissing the swell of her breast, nuzzling a line up her chest as her unfocused eyes looked up at him, his hands moving over her skin as her fingers cupped his cheeks, her short nails scratching at the fine covering of hair on his cheeks, "b-... Ben."

He smiled and leaned down, kissing her ardently once more, her body pressing firmly against his, feeling his own desire still ever present, "more." He whispered, kissing down her jaw as he grinded his hips against hers. She pressed her own back against his and whimpered once more, her nails dragging down his back as he nipped at her chest, looking up, "More?"

She nodded, her eyes fell closed as he rubbed against her several times before ever gently pressing in, "more." Her lips protested, long disattached from her functioning mind. He smirked as he pressed further in, keeping his movements slow and calculating, for every moment on enemy territory was borrowed time, and if he was going to go, he wanted to say he went out right.

His hands brushed her skin with the delicate adoration of those who know the morning won't come, and her arms wrapped around his back as one who might drown otherwise. And they danced. It was a slow easy dance, it was like the oncoming waves upon the shore, their force only felt to those who are pulled back and forth by them, their voices mingled in the heavy air as they clung to one another.

She had ceased to think, the slow pace that would have felt like torture had her every nerve quivering on the edge, her nails raking his back while his teeth grazed her jaw, his constant murmur nothing more than that, the unintelligible words unimportant compared to the song their bodies were composing.

His pace was slow and tender, his touch loving, his silent prayer to the woman who had saved him, who had given him more than he could have asked for. And in return her body responded as only soulmates in lost tales did, their movements were one and the same, and when they found the rising tide together, it broke it's foam upon the shore, washing everything and the two of them away with it.

He rolled to his back and his head fell unceremoniously on her feather pillow, his eyes closed as he panted for breath, trying to will his racing heart to settle, trying to blink and feeling his eyelids too heavy. He cursed and tried again, finding her sprawled next to him, her eyes fixed on the cream-coloured ceiling.

His hand reached out and found hers, caressing the back of her hand as he recovered, her own body still beside him, he could sense her mind was anything but still as they both heard the party continuing in full swing. He shifted slightly and looked at her, her eyes meeting his as his lips twitches, "mind if I sleep here tonight? Or am I to traverse through enemy territory?"

She shrugs and grabbed one of the many fluffy feather pillows, hugging it to her chest, "Just… stay on your side." He nodded, hearing the intent in her voice as she rolled over. He dared broach her words and tapped her shoulder, leaning over to kiss her softly.

"Thanks… Giorgi." A soft smile tugged at her lips as she curled into a fetal ball and he rolled the other way, holding himself from clinging to her warmth.

He woke many hours later to a cold bed and continued darkness, couldn't be more than 0400, as he glanced around still fogged with sleep. Pulling on his trousers, he glanced around at the room and sat up.

The room was nothing like he would have expected. Blonde woods accented with pale purples and creams. It was the room of a little girl, and he felt a blush creep over his skin as he remembered how young she truly was. Getting up he opened doors, finding a fully stocked closet that would be the envy of any woman, and an attached fresher that was all clear marble and more of the soft purple accents.

He used the fresher before setting off, looking for his hostess, finding her a few minutes later, lying on a sofa down the hall in an informal sitting room, his heart breaking at the sight of the young woman appearing to be in the throes of a nightmare. She was murmuring in some language he wasn't familiar with, and her brow pinched in a manner that he was all too familiar with.

Walking over he grabbed her hand and shook it, murmuring softly, "Giorgi?" When she didn't rouse, he pressed more intently, "G?"

Flailing slightly, she pulled a knife out of the blanket she had been encased in, and he brushed the wild thrust aside with the force, "Ben?"

He nodded and leaned forward, kissing her brow, "let me take you to bed. You should try and get some more sleep." He saw the set in her features that she was going to refuse, and he nodded, "I'm going to insist dear." His hand cupped her cheek and he smiled, "at least lay with me for a bit longer. I promise I won't touch you. But-..." The dark held many secrets, and he sighed, letting it hold one more, "you make my own nightmares heed. Let me attempt to help you with yours."

Her eyes were bleary and he could see the heaviness behind that that foretold more than just fatigue, "it's late Ben, I should get up and…." he didn't let her finish, scooping her up in a single motion, the blanket wrapped tighter around her, pinning her from attacking him further. She did still have her knife, but something that was still soft within her relented to him taking care of her. He placed her gently on the bed and tucked her in, the quilt she was wrapped in, and another duvet for added warmth.

He leaned down and kissed her softly, "want me to sit over there?" He motioned to the sofa on the other side of the room. She shook her head and managed to free an arm, patting the other side of the bed, "you need sleep too old man."

He chuckled at her jib, but felt relieved that she permitted him such closeness. He laid down behind her, careful to maintain his distance, he laid a single hand on her back, rubbing softly. He felt her ebb quickly, sliding back into sleep and he continued to rub her back until he too fell into sleep.