Chapter 2: Alive

It had been several days since her meeting with the Admiral and Kianna and her companions had been hastily collecting food and supplies for the long journey ahead. Mical was in charge of stocking up on medical supplies, Mandalore had spent most of his days in the Cantina drinking and losing most of his credits at the swoop races, Atton and Mira were given the task of gathering weapons and ammo, T3-M4 and Bao-Dur were working in the ship constantly, Visas kept mostly to herself and found her inner peace after the confrontation with her master on the Ravager and Kianna spent most of the week meditating, trying to clear a path through the mess in her mind but on their last night the crew of the Ebon Hawk planned on kicking back and having a good time.

Kianna was in the middle of a pazaak game with HK-47 when she heard loud voices erupt somewhere in the back of the ship. What in the world…

"Statement: Master, it would appear that the two meatbags have resumed their usual hostilities. Would you like me to intervene," HK said as his red eyes glowed brighter.

Kianna laughed and said "No, but thank you HK. I think I'll just head over to the Cantina for awhile."

"Disappointed Statement: Very well Master, but you know where to find me should you change your mind."

"Thank you HK. Who knows maybe one of these days I will!" She laughed as the assassin droid wandered off to another part of the ship.

Atton and Mical had been going at each other's throats since Mical had first joined the crew on Dantooine. Both men seemed to have a crush on Kianna though she had no interest in either of them. At least not that kind of interest. She valued both of their friendships but she wanted nothing more than that. However, that didn't stop them from fighting over her. Usually she was flattered by the attention, but as these fights became more frequent, she found herself annoyed with both of them.

Kianna managed to slip though the ship unnoticed by most of the crew. As she was nearing the exit ramp Mira called out to her, "Ki! Wait up!" she said as she hurried to catch up. "Hey whatcha doin?"

"I've heard enough of Atton and Mical's bickering that I'm ready to smother myself in Bantha odor and jump on a Krayte Dragon!"

"That bad huh?" Mira laughed. "Can't say I blame you, those two just don't know when enough is enough! How about we go hit the Cantina and drown our sorrows away in some Tarisian Ale? I heard they just got a new shipment in from some company who claims they can reproduce that stuff now that Taris is gone! Lets go test it out!"

Kianna laughed as she nodded her head. The two of them hurried out the ship and ran off before anyone else caught sight of their escape.

As they entered the Cantina Kianna felt the stress almost immediately melt away. No Atton…no Mical…plenty of alcohol to keep me occupied all night…

After they had had a few rounds Mira wandered off to go play some pazaak and Kianna decided to stay at the bar. After a few minutes she felt someone watching her. She looked around curiously but couldn't see anyone that looked suspicious. Just as she was turning her head in the opposite direction Carth sat down in Miras seat and ordered a drink. "Hey there, fancy meeting you here," he said with a smile.

"Well, well what do you know? It's the Admiral!" He really is a handsome man... Kianna always did prefer a little scruff on her men…

"Hey just because I'm an Admiral doesn't mean I don't get out!" he laughed.

"Fair enough," she giggled.

She's adorable when she laughs…"So what brings you to this fine establishment?"

"Well, honestly it's getting a little…cramped on the ship and Mira and I just needed to get out for awhile and get some fresh air."

"Understandable…although I must say that the Cantina is the last place I would go for fresh air," Carth said sarcastically.

"Yeah, I suppose you have a point there."

Carth finished off the rest of his drink as he gathered the courage to ask her a question that he had wanted to ask since he first saw her in his office.

"So…uh…do you wanna take a walk or something? We could take a quick shuttle ride to the surface of Telos and get some real fresh air? I got connections you know," he said laughingly.

Kianna thought for a moment and agreed. "That does sound better than staying here the rest of the night. I suppose I can accompany you," she said as a smile slowly made its way across her face.

Carth couldn't believe she agreed and he definitely wasn't about to wait any longer in case she decided otherwise. "Great let's go!" he said as he grabbed her hand, through some credits down and ran out the door.

I tend to write small chapters but even so, I really liked writing this one. It was fun. I hope you guys liked it! I couldn't resist throwing in some HK-47! He always cracks me up!