AN:Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait :/

Nanowrimo is finally over, but school is pretty hectic. I'm sorry the chapters are so short, but I promise you they will get longer!

Reviews are always appreciated and thanks so much for reading!

Once again, I do not own Star Wars, only Niira and Shakiru :P

Shakiru returned to the cantina for a short respite before carrying on with his business. Much as he was fond of his occupation, there still came a time when even he couldn't stand to witness severe bloodshed on end.

While Shakiru was sipping at a drink by bar, the rattataki from earlier sauntered up and said, "So, you're the one who's trying to impress Nem'ro for the Great Hunt?"

Shakiru puffed out his chest and smirked. "Trying?"

"No one can impress Nem'ro just like that, Sugar," the rattataki said. "No matter how handsome."

Shakiru was unsure as to whether or not he should be flattered, so he simply gave an arrogant shrug and took a long drink before asking, "So, what's your name, Sweetheart?"

"Kaliyo."

"Pretty. Just like you."

"Stop flattering me, Bounty Hunter," Kaliyo demanded, leaning closer. "I know your type."

Shakiru was sure she was used to guys that she could wrap around her pale finger, but he wasn't that "type". 'Well,' he reasoned with himself, 'maybe she's ready for a change?' "Do you?"

"Oh yeah. One night stand, unless the girl's lucky," Kaliyo said, raising an eyebrow.

"How could you tell that so well?"

"'Cause I'm the same way," she all but whispered.

Shakiru could only grin and think, 'Now she's my kind of girl.'

"Let's get out of here," Kaliyo suggested before standing.

Neither followed-thus neither lead-the other as they left to find a more private place in Nem'ro's palace.

∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞

Niira walked in to the private cantina near Nem'ro's meeting room, intent on finding Karrels. Niira scanned her surroundings casually as she approached her target, but one figure caught her eye. A Zabrak sauntered over to her with a smirk on his face.

"Don't be in such a hurry, Blade. Don't you remember me? Your old buddy, Dheno Rey?" Niira studied the man's face and found a knowing look in his eye, one she didn't like.

This idiot could compromise my entire mission! Niira thought as she plastered a smile on her face.

"I don't think you looked this good when we met up on Hoth-or so girly. But you couldn't be an imposter- you know your friend Dheno."

Niira knew what the alien was playing at and decided that two could play at his game.

"Of course! How are you Dheno? It's been too long!" Niira said with false excitement in her voice.

"Yes, well we seem to have a problem here. You see, you don't look like the Blade I know-the Blade who owes me credits. But you say you're the Blade so I'll take you at your word-and ask for my money. Understand?"

Niira narrowed her eyes at the Zabrak in front of her and she began reaching for her rifle. "Oh I understand alright. You're a rat who needs to die," Niira said as she pulled her rifle out of its holster and fired at the man in front of her. Dheno managed to dodge her first few shots, but he wasn't as quick as she was. In a matter of minutes, a corpse was on the ground in front of Niira and she continued her trek towards Karrels at a leisurely pace.

As soon as Karrels spotted the Blade he motioned for her to come talk to him.

"Mm, Blade, come on over-glad to see you're enjoying the palace," Karrels said with a friendly tone. "I've only got a few minutes before I meet with a bunch of alien freaks, but let me ask you something. You've been around the galaxy right? What's it like dealing with the Empire?"

Niira thought about her response. She knew what she was required to say, but she wanted to tell Karrels that the Empire was filled with a bunch of low life scums who only live to ruin other people's lives. "Well, their government is good and they haven't given me any trouble so far," Niira said hesitantly.

Karrels either didn't notice her hesitance or didn't care. "You know, you're one of the last real independents. I admire you for that, but your kind is dying out."

Niira nodded in agreement as he continued. "The Hutts are gaining control of gangs and I think the Republic and Empire will want control over the Hutts-even if Nem'ro won't believe it. If it comes to that, I think we should pick a winner; and I don't see the Empire losing."

A fleeting smile crossed Niira's face as she said, "You're making the right decision, the Empire will probably win this war."

That comment sent Karrels on the topic of his two sons who were dealing with the Empire for the first time, and he expressed his concern for them. An unfamiliar feeling swept over Niira as she recalled her parents. She couldn't remember their faces, or names, as it had been years since they were killed by the Empire. If they were alive, they would've protected me from the Empire. Unfortunately, the Empire got to them and me first. Now I'm stuck in a cruel world with no one to trust.

"...What can I do for you, Blade?" Niira snapped out of her thoughts and grinned at Karrels, "Well, I'm getting bored around here and I was thinking we could work together. You do know Hutta pretty well after all." A thoughtful look appeared on Karrels' face as he thought about the potential partnership.

After a few seconds Karrels nodded approvingly and agreed to work with Niira. Her first task was to interrogate the Evocii Camp's chief and find out why Nem'ro hadn't received the shipments he was promised. So that's why Karrels is losing his prominence in the Hutt's eyes...

Karrels bid Niira farewell as he headed in to meet with the "alien freaks." Niira couldn't help but scoff at the man's arrogance. Does he even realize he was talking to an alien? I suppose not otherwise he wouldn't have said such a rude comment. Niira checked her ammo and grabbed a quick drink before she headed out to the Evocii camp.

She pulled her rifle out and scanned the area in front of Nem'ro's palace. Nem'ro's goons appeared to be keeping the invading gang at bay and Niira had to turn away from the brutal scene that lay in front of the palace. Apparently working for Nem'ro meant that you couldn't allow yourself to show pity towards his enemies.

"That's what you're supposed to do Niira. Don't forget what you've been trained for."

Niira had to keep from rolling her eyes as the familiar voice popped in to her head again. Well, I haven't always been the good little girl who follows orders now have I? I don't want to deal with the Empire or you Sith, yet I have no choice in the matter! I will finish these missions MY way and I won't let you interfere or boss me around!

A sharp pain spread throughout Niira's head and she knelt down and gripped her head tightly in her hands.

"Remember your place next time and you won't have to deal with this pain. You serve us and you will listen to us or you will suffer even more than this."

The pain faded with the voice, but Niira continued holding her head in her hands. After a few more minutes passed, Niira decided that she should start heading towards the Evocii Camp, but a quick glance at the sky told her that day was fading in to night. She didn't want to risk fighting anyone in the dark, even she couldn't see that well in the dark, so she decided to return to her room and get some rest. I'll get the shipments tomorrow. I don't think I'm up for a late night excursion.