Chapter Six:
Mara was doing her best to ignore the pain. After a third full day of repelling various suitors, Garris had come into her room in a rage that she kept losing him business. Upon seeing her swelling wrist, he'd laughed and then called to the guard outside the door:
"Break her ankle." Garris ordered the burly man.
The man grinned, all too happy to comply. Before Mara had a chance to react, he drew his club and slammed it with all his might on her unchained ankle. Mara screamed in agony as her bone not only broke, but splintered within her skin.
Garris had then taken the club for himself and proceeded to beat upon the starved and weak woman on the bed. Mara had managed to protect her head, but the rest of her had taken a fierce punishment. Her 'employer' had exhausted all his frustration on her body, so that she was left bruised and even bloodied in places.
Mara, still willing herself to fight back in some way, had aimed for his precious suit and shoes when she'd felt the urge to be sick. That had earned her a backhand across her face, and then a forced bath by two women who had obviously been unchained long enough to perform their task.
So now Mara lay in her bed, cleaned, yet still broken. Garris hadn't bothered to tend to any of her injuries, instead leaving them to fester and swell agonizingly. The one bright spot in her misery was that he hadn't sent anyone to see her for 'favors' since then.
But Mara knew it was only a matter of time before the next man came in. And she honestly did not know if she had the strength— physical or otherwise— to repel him.
For the first time since the day she'd arrived, Mara felt the despair overtake her, and her face was suddenly slick with hot tears.
No one loves me. She thought despondently. Even the Force has abandoned me. I must have been dreaming about that answer before, because not a single shred of hope has come my way since.
00000
Luke stopped before the front window of his destination, shaking his head at the gall the owner obviously had at naming his store thus:
Garris's Pleasure Emporium: one-stop shopping for all your desired needs…
Lifting his lip in a disgusted sneer Luke straightened his outfit, adjusted his pack, and squared his shoulders. Wiping the scorn form his face, Luke put on his best acting façade and entered the shop. Instantly his senses were bombarded with perfumes and music no doubt intended to put customers in certain moods.
Firmly maintaining control over his body and his mind, Luke strode purposefully for the room at the back of the shop. The door was unmarked save for an intricately painted heart above the handle. Opening the wooden hatch, Luke ducked inside and closed it behind him.
He found himself in a short, dimly lit hallway, and followed it toward a source of brighter light. His eyes adjusted quickly to the lobby as he entered, gaining the attention of a man in an oily suit, and with an even greasier smile that Luke did not trust for a millisecond.
"Ah, good evening Sir!" the man greeted him warmly, showing stained teeth in a wide grin.
"Hello," Luke said in his best cocky tone. "I was referred to your… business by a friend. I was assured by him that you would have what I seek."
The man cocked his head curiously. "I see, and what is it you are looking for, my good Sir?"
"I require female company tonight, but…" Luke hesitated for show, and his ploy worked to gain the man's attention further.
"Do go on, Sir."
"I have been elsewhere, but I have not found what I am desire." Luke leaned on the counter, taking on a conspiratorial tone. "You see, I have a preference in the female company I keep. And I do so hope you have the kind of woman I prefer?"
"I am most certain we do," the man said. "And we pride ourselves on taking care of our customers' every need and desire. Say what you want, and we will make it happen for you."
"Good." Luke nodded once. "I want a woman with red hair, green eyes… and pale skin. That I find to be a most… appealing combination in a woman."
The man lifted a brow, but did not comment for a moment as he no doubt ran a list of candidates through his mind. When his eyes lit up, Luke knew he'd struck gold.
"Ah, you are in luck my friend." The man smiled again, though this time it was more predator-like. "We have just the woman: one of a kind as you say."
He extended a hand. "Garris Pernalta, I will be glad to make your wish come true."
Luke returned his grin equally, taking the proffered limb. "Very good. I also wish for complete privacy: we must not be disturbed in any way."
Garris bowed his head just so. "Of course. The rooms are free of any recording devices for just that purpose."
Luke made sure the man was telling the truth on that, and sensed with a degree of relief that it was indeed accurate information.
"Now, I will need you to sign a consent form, and then there will of course be a payment." Garris slid a datapad over the counter.
"Of course," Luke said as he pretended to skim the page. He signed and then took a credit-chip from his pocket, laying it on the counter.
"Ah, thank you, Mr.…" Garris glanced at the signature. "Hardspa. I will escort you to your chosen companion."
He noticed the bag for the first time. "Ah, would you like me to hold your bag for you, Sir?"
"No, I will require the contents to enjoy myself with the lady." Luke wanted to rip out his own tongue, but reminded himself firmly that he was here to rescue the poor woman.
Garris's eyes lit up with understanding, and he chuckled. "A good plan."
When they reached a turbolift near a set of stairs, Luke made sure to pay attention to the floor they were on and where they were going.
"I feel I should give you fair warning, though," Garris said once the lift began its ascent. "This particular woman has been… let's say difficult."
Luke lifted a brow. "Difficult how?"
His guide squirmed a touch. "She seems to have a knack for taking out any suitors, often causing bodily harm. But I assure you that will no longer be an issue: she has been subdued, and is ready for compliance."
Luke did not like the sound of that one bit, but managed a superior nod. "Good."
"You know," Garris said, clapping a hand on Luke's shoulder. It took all of the Jedi's willpower not to punch the pervert in the face. "I like you Mr. Hardspa. You know what you want, and you don't seem afraid to go out and take it. You're my kind of man."
They arrived on the sixth floor, and Luke couldn't wait to be free of the scumbag. They walked a good length down a seemingly empty hallway, and Luke began to feel dread curdle in his stomach. Finally they stopped at a door almost at the end, with only a blank wall a few meters beyond.
Great, the only way out is the way we came. This is going to be easy. Luke griped.
"Here we are!" Garris announced as he stopped before the door. "Do enjoy yourself, but be careful: she's a real Penelo."
Luke frowned. "A what?"
"A firecracker." Garris chuckled. "You'll see. Enjoy, and if you need anything, just let me know."
Luke waited until the man was far down the hall before he turned to the door. He swallowed hard.
This was it.
With a deep breath, Luke opened the door and quickly stepped inside. It was gloomy within the room, and once the door was shut his eyes had to adjust to the dim lighting. But once they did, Luke felt the air leave his body.
It was her! He recognized the eyes instantly.
And then he saw the rest of her: the swollen left ankle and right wrist, the deep bruising all over her thin form. It was clear from the way she sagged into the mattress that she was weakened and probably starving. Her hair was unkempt and tangled while her right ankle, chained to the bed, was red and rubbed raw from her shackle.
But when he refocused on her gaze, he saw then what he hadn't the first time: her nearly broken will, her self-loathing, and her utter despair.
It broke his heart to see her like this, and he swore he would not leave this planet without her.
When she spoke, taking him by surprise, it was barely a whisper.
"Just do what you came here for, and get out." She turned her head away.
Luke blinked, shaking his head. Under different circumstances, he might have stared at her body. It was barely clothed, which had to be humiliating for her. But seeing her state now, her good looks were the farthest thing from his mind.
Taking a cautious step forward, Luke spoke softly. "I am not here to harm you."
She snorted derisively. "Sure, that's what most of them have said."
Luke paused at that, biting his lip before continuing onward. "I came to help you."
He kept his movements steady and open as he approached the bed, making sure not to allow his eyes to roam, lest she think him a liar. She tracked him, her suspicion evident, but it was clear to him that she did not have the energy to repel him if he chose to come on to her anyway.
"May I sit?" he gestured to the foot of the bed.
Her eyes narrowed, obviously evaluating him. Warily she nodded, probably wondering at his odd approach. Luke settled gently on the mattress, slinging his backpack off his shoulders and opening it.
He ruffled about until he found the clothes he'd borrowed from Leia, pulling them out to set at her side. Her eyes widened, and she stared disbelievingly at the garments being offered. He could see the gears working as she assessed him.
"I can get you out of here." Luke assured her. "If you want to go. I will not force you into anything."
Her eyes lifted from the clothes to his face, a frown furrowing her brow.
"What are you playing at?" she demanded. "Do you think me so weak and gullible that I don't see a role-playing ploy when I'm faced with one?"
Luke jerked as though she'd slapped him. "Of course not! I really am here to help."
She managed to sit up, though it cost her, Luke could see. She panted heavily from the exertion.
"When's the last time you ate anything?" Luke wondered aloud, digging through his bag again.
He found his water skin and a ration bar. Pulling each of them out, he held his hands out for her to take them. When he looked up from his hands, he saw that her eyes were riveted on the offered items. It was clear from the way her mouth worked that she was desperate for both food and water.
"Go ahead, there's no catch." Luke assured her, setting the items down next to the clothes.
She looked from the food, to him, and back down before her hunger got the best of her and she snatched the ration bar from the sheet. Luke had never seen one of those bars devoured so quickly, but the thing was gone in a matter of seconds. The water skin was her next choice, and she took a great swig from it before she had to pull back for air.
She collapsed against the bed again, breathing hard, but her face was more at ease now. She sighed with obvious relief, and tilted her head to look at him.
"Who are you?" she asked.
Luke smiled softly. "A friend."
Her gaze became suspicious again, and rightfully so.
"I don't want my true identity to be revealed here," Luke explained. "This planet is hardly friendly to Force-users, after all."
That caught her interest. She struggled to sit again, her gaze focused intently on his now.
"What planet are we on, exactly?" she inquired.
"Nar Shaddaa," he answered.
She let out a string of colorful curses, taking him aback. When her gaze refocused on him, she cocked her head.
"Wait, Force-user?"
Luke nodded, using said abilities to break her shackle away. Or he began to. His instinct tingled a warning in the Force, and he knew then that someone was coming to their room.
If they found him in here having a conversation with the woman he'd supposedly come to make love to, they'd know something was wrong. He shoved the bag and the things he'd given her under the bed and then froze as the doorknob began to twist, ignoring her confused look.
The sound of booted feet sounded just outside the door, along with a man's deep voice.
"Sithspit!" Luke cursed, his mind frantic with what to do.
Not knowing what else could be done to avoid suspicion Luke pushed the woman to lie down, listening with a cringe as she elicited a startled shriek. She watched with almost terrified eyes while Luke yanked off his jacket and tugged his shirt over his head.
"I am so sorry about this!" he whispered earnestly, his eyes begging for understanding as he moved to lay nearly atop her, tugging the sheet up to cover his lower body.
And not a moment too soon; for the door opened, and in strode a thick-set man. Luke waited until the guy was several steps in before he turned angry eyes his way.
"Do you mind?!" Luke roared at him, making the man stop in his tracks. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
The man's jaw dropped at seeing him in the bed with the woman, and Luke leapt from the sheets to stomp toward him, getting in his face. Never mind that the man was a good head taller, and much thicker than the Jedi.
"Garris promised me complete privacy!" Luke yelled at him.
Finally the man found his voice, though it was clear he was still in awe.
"I heard Garris sent another poor soul in here to face that she-devil, and I had to come and see if he was alright."
Luke didn't relent his angry gaze, placing fisted hands on his hips. "Well, I was doing just fine, thank you, until you barged in on us!"
The man blanched. "My apologies Sir."
When he turned to leave, the woman on the bed shouted to Luke. "Knock him out!"
Luke cast her an odd glance, and out of the corner of his eye saw the man stiffen. When the guard spun back around to go after the woman, Luke used the Force to close the door and then tackle the man from behind, grabbing him in a choke-hold.
The man growled indignantly, but Luke sensed his panic. He pounded on Luke's arms incessantly, making the Jedi cringe, but he maintained his hold. The man staggered backwards in an attempt to ram Luke into the wall, but he planted his feet, bent his knees, and shoved off.
The man, weak from lack of air, stumbled forward to land on his stomach. Luke tasted blood as his chin slammed forcefully into the other man's head. As last the man went limp, and once the Jedi was assured he was out cold, he released him.
Luke sat back, rubbing his arms even as he spat out a mouth full of blood. Rising to his feet, Luke approached the woman again. She was sitting up, eyeing him with a new respect, yet there was something in her gaze that gave him pause.
Luke studied her a moment, but she gave noting away. At last, he gingerly moved to where he had dropped his shirt, which just happened to be close to where she was.
He never saw it coming, but once his fingers grazed the fabric of his tunic, a fist slammed into his gut. Luke gasped in surprise, feeling a good amount of air leave his body.
Stars, this woman had a good arm!
Luke staggered back, his shirt grasped in his hand.
"What was that for?" he demanded.
"Don't you ever push me down like that again!" she warned him. "No one lies with me without my consent."
Luke stared at her, incredulous. But then her gaze softened a little, and she looked away.
"But thank you." she murmured.