Chapter 39 – Further Complications
After the suns went down and it got good and dark, it didn't take long for the air to cool significantly. The sand would still blister your feet, but the slightest breeze would chill you down to your bones. That was one of the reasons Tatooine was so unpleasant: you scorched all day and froze all night, Vacy mused as she made her way into the cantina. She saw Tookreek waving at her and headed over to the bar.
"Hey there, troublemaker," she said easily, slipping onto a stool. "What's the news?"
The nikto's brow-ridge furrowed, and he placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Troublemaker? Me?" Several wide-eyed blinks of not-particularly-believable innocence gave way to a throaty chuckle. "Only the best kind. Word is you're the toast of the town. I was wondering if you'd had any luck tracking down that signaller for Diago." His smirk stayed put, but Vacy could see worry in his dark eyes.
She let out a sigh. "Not yet. Had some unexpected issues crop up. We haven't forgotten about you, Tookie, I promise."
Relief mingled with amusement in his expression. "Well, I sure hope I've proven to be unforgettable," he said, leaning closer.
Rolling her eyes, Vacy swatted him on the shoulder. "Hey, don't go settin' up no expectations, now. I ain't that kind of girl."
"Aw, c'mon, Captain," he wheedled. "Can't blame a man for trying."
She stood, chuckling a bit herself. "I can blame a man for anything I darn well please, I'll have you know. May not be right to do so, but then, I never been over-particular about following rules." With a wink, she headed away from the bar, over to the table where Special Agent Fauler had said he'd meet her.
Looking around, she didn't see her contact, so she flagged down a nearby server and ordered a drink so it wouldn't be quite so obvious that she was sitting there waiting for someone. Wonder if I can get the Republic to cover that as part of my expenses, she mused with a grin.
But even before her order was returned, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Resisting the instinct to tense and pull away, she instead looked up with what she hoped was an appropriately-inquisitive expression. "There something I can help you with?"
Fauler's dark eyes twinkled back at her. "I certainly hope so. I saw you sit down by yourself and it just seemed such a shame – a beautiful woman, spending the evening alone? Unthinkable. So I decided to come offer to resolve that situation. Unless you're already waiting for someone else?"
"No." Vacy smiled up at him. "I'm not waiting for anyone else." She nodded at the chair beside hers.
He pulled the chair out and sat down, draping an arm across the back. "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that. The name's Syl Fauler. Can I buy you a drink?"
"Already ordered." The server returned as if on cue, and Vacy gestured to the glass that was set in front of her. "You can pick up my tab, if you like. I'm Vacy Fiorst."
Fauler looked up at the server and nodded. "Another of the same – put it on my account," he said. As she walked away, he turned to Vacy with a warm smile. "So, what sort of business is it that bring someone as interesting as you to such an out-of-the-way place?"
Vacy grinned, lifting one shoulder and leaning back in her chair. "Oh, nothing special. Supply run. Not all folks around here can afford it, but those who've got credits will pay out well for goods from the Core." She took a sip from her glass. "What about you? What sort of business are you in?"
"I'm a liaison, of sorts, between the Republic and the people who live here on Tatooine. I keep track of progress and problems and send reports to the Senate. Very dull, I'm afraid to admit – at least, most days."
"Oh? Most days?"
Fauler leaned forward, folding his arms on the table. "Once in awhile, a day will prove to be quite intriguing."
"Intriguing, is it?" She peered at him over her glass, taking a long drink and then setting it on the table. "Mr. Fauler, are you flirting with me?" she murmured, leaning in as well, her shoulder bumping his.
He laughed softly, nudging her in return. "I should have hoped that much would have been obvious when I picked up your tab, Miss Fiorst."
"Captain, actually," she corrected, frowning at him sternly until he held up his hands in mock surrender. She grinned at her victory and nestled close to him again. "S'pose I should've ordered something more expensive," she added, as the server brought Fauler his drink.
He took a slow taste, and his brows arched appreciatively. "I prefer quality to extravagance, Captain," he replied. "And it seems you do too." He reached over and tapped her glass, his fingertips softly brushing the back of her hand.
Vacy smiled up at him, turning her hand over and threading her fingers loosely through his. "I wasn't sure you'd notice."
His other hand moved to cup her jaw, his thumb brushing her cheek. "A man would have to be blind not to notice a lady like you," he whispered, his low voice rumbling an invitation.
For a moment she froze. Then she leaned close, her lips brushing the curve of his ear as she purred back, "I'm no lady." And then to answer any lingering questions, she slid an arm around him, pressing her body to his while she nibbled kisses along the side of his neck.
Fauler let out a groan, tilting his head back. "Perhaps… we should find somewhere… more private," he suggested. "To continue this… conversation."
Sitting back with a slow, calming breath, Vacy nodded. "That sounds like an excellent idea." She took another careful breath and ran a hand over her hair, smoothing back a few loose strands.
He stood, offering her his hand, and the two of them walked out into the Tatooine night, wrapped in each other's arms.
Author's Note: Um, please don't hate me? hahaha!
Tookreek has been a lot of fun to write. In the game's storyline, he's there at the Lightspring when you face off with Diago Hixan, and presumably dies in the battle, given that he's not around afterward. But I've gotten quite attached to him!
I'm also looking forward to the questline with Zare and Nariel Pridence. I'm debating whether I want to include it here, since I've already introduced the characters, even though it would make this story even longer. I really think that series has enough material for its own story, but I kind of feel like I've already started it here.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions? I can't swear that I'll follow your directions, but I do promise I'll take them under careful consideration!