"So, if you sense they're about to do a Force choke, how do you block it?" Jori quizzes Loneva as they sit outside their tent.

"Disrupt their line of sight."

Jori nods. "Very good."

"And how do you block an overhead slash from a double-wielder?"

"Sidestep so that their other saber would have to cross them to hit you."

Loneva smiles. "Yes, I'd say you've got that down quite nicely."

"I know I'm improving, but I know my skill's nowhere near yours with a lightsaber," Jori admits.

"I could teach you to double wield. I have materials for another lightsaber," Loneva offers.

"I'd rather not," Jori shakes her head. "I'm uncomfortable enough using a lightsaber at all as it is. I prefer the Force itself. My lightsaber, as I'm sure you've seen, is primarily for show and emergencies."

"And yet I managed to defeat you and take you hostage," the Jedi points out. "Seriously, you need to improve your lightsaber skills."

"I could defend myself from you now, with how well I know you."

"That's the problem. We won't be fighting each other sincerely. The people that we do fight, we'll barely know," Loneva says.

"You do have a point," Jori admits, "But for now, I'd like to take a break from fighting training."

"And to do what?"

The Sith shrugs. "Maybe we could make a return visit to civilization. Incognito, of course."

"I don't know. According to my latest Holonet scans, the Eternal Empire is offering bounties for those Jedi and Sith who were not killed in the initial attack and have not registered with the Knights of Zakuul. We're both wanted women."

"But there are thousands of us," Jori reasons, "And neither of us has made strikes against the Eternal Empire. I doubt our pictures will be the most prominently circulated. So long as we can avoid using our real names and have the proper credentials, we should be left alone. I'm sure a top-notch slicer like you could handle those."

Loneva nods. "I could. What do you want to do back there, anyway?"

"There's a clothing store on Nar Shaddaa that I'm quite fond of. I'd like to see what's in this year."

"Really? That doesn't sound like you."

Jori is practically pleading now. Even she has to wonder why she's not threatening instead. "I promise, if I do purchase anything, it will be untraceable."

Loneva sighs. "Very well. But we'll need to take my ship. I just got the registry tags switched. No other way we'll be able to land."

"Understood. Let me get my credit stash from my ship, and we can go."

While Jori is retrieving her money, Loneva sets up a defensive turret to protect the camp. Soon, the Sith is in her ship, sitting down on the couch with a small pouch of credit chips and reading her datapad. Loneva lifts off and starts putting in a course for Nar Shaddaa. As soon as the ship slips into hyperspace, she is no longer needed at the controls, so she sits down next to Jori. "What are you reading?"

The Sith angles her datapad so that Loneva can't see it. "Nothing of consequence to you."

"If it's not of consequence, why don't you show me?" She leans closer.

"No."

Loneva snatches the datapad out of Jori's hand and reads aloud from it. "'But why?' Nooga asked, his fingers caressing Salyk's chest. 'Why can't we tell our wives what we're doing?' Salyk gently brushed Nooga's glistening, muscular lekku. 'Because all this would fall apart. So for now, let's just focus on what we have.' He lay down on the bed, sticking his taut round ass in the air and…" She bursts out laughing as Jori, plainly irritated, snatches the datapad back. "You're reading trashy male-on-male human Twi'lek erotica?"

"It helps me relax, alright?" Her cheeks go a little red, though it doesn't look like a blush of embarrassment.

"Hey, if that's what gets you off, I'm not judging. But why such bad writing?" She quirks an eyebrow.

"Because it's easy to process, and it keeps my mind occupied. You meditate, I read about men cheating on their wives with each other."

"Please tell me you're not drawing inspiration from this stuff," Loneva says, "I'm sure you're a much better writer than that."

"I am," Jori says, sounding perfectly nonchalant, "But the author of this story owns a fancy penthouse in Kaas City and has servants attend to her every need. Not slaves, servants. Just because something is well-written doesn't mean it sells. The inverse is sadly just as true."

"Is that a touch of bitterness I hear in your voice?" Loneva scoots closer to her.

"No, it's a lot of bitterness. I hated being relegated to the shadows so much. True, I made enough to get by, but a bit of acknowledgement every now and then would be preferable."

"Did you bring any of your writing with you?" the Jedi asks.

"Of course. A writer's work is never done."

"And what do you most want to be known for?"

"My historical fiction. I'm proudest of the novel I wrote that took place during the second settling of Dromund Kaas. For that, I researched early pioneering techniques, from settlement-building to mining. It was like seeing the development of an economy from pastoral to modern. But the best part was getting inside the head of an ambitious settler, trying to imagine what drove him, what he had in mind for his wife and children."

Loneva leans toward Jori. "That sounds very interesting. Would you be willing to furnish me with a copy?"

The Sith shrugs. "I don't see the harm. Give me your pad." She links the two together, transmitting the book. "Read it whenever you like. I'll probably never publish it anyway."

Loneva walks off to her bedroom. "I think I'll read it now. It's still another two days to Nar Shaddaa." She looks to Jori. "There's instant meals in the cabinet over there. Help yourself. The 'fresher's next to the bedroom. Sleep anywhere you like."

The last part makes Jori freeze in her reading. Does the Jedi really mean that? It's a tempting prospect, but probably not. She'll sleep on the couch tonight.

When the ship arrives near Nar Shaddaa, a chime sounds, pulling Loneva away from the novel. Jori is still sleeping. She actually looks...cute? Purely on impulse, she strokes the Sith's hair and pats her head before going into the cockpit. As she approaches the planet, the voice coming over the comm sounds different than normal. "Unknown vessel, this is the Nar Shaddaa Eternal Port Authority. Identify yourself, your cargo, and your business."

The voice awakens Jori. "Loneva, what's happening?"

She presses the mute button on the comm. "We're here. Let me do the talking, I can handle this." She unmutes the mic. "My name is Rajell Barith. My ship is the Rough Service, registration number NZ-1448R. I have no cargo. I'm just here to do a little window-shopping with my wife." Jori snorts, but bites her tongue.

A few seconds pass in silence. "Rough Service, your credentials check out. Proceed to port G. Docking fee is 200 Republic credits, 150 Imperial credits, or 40 Zakuulan credits."

"Roger that, port authority. Rough Service out." She sets in the auto-docking program and gets two casual sets of clothes out of her closet, handing one to Jori along with a flimsiplast card explaining their cover stories. "Put this on. It'll help us blend in."

The Sith begins changing as soon as Loneva is out of her range of vision. "The Rough Service? Your wife? That's your cover story?"

"Hey, I'm plenty imaginative," Loneva says, "The goal is to be believable. What's more believable than two women admiring clothes together? Besides, it's technically true."

"You plan to do some slicing here, don't you?" Jori presses, strapping the drab brown belt with a brass buckle over the long grey sweater.

"Now whatever gave you that idea?" Loneva emerges, wearing a white t-shirt underneath a bright orange jacket with several red stripes along the sleeve.

"Because that's what you do. I don't personally disapprove, I just don't want you to get caught."

Loneva pulls a couple fingerless rancor-leather gloves over her hands. "Never have been. At least, not by anybody skilled."

Jori adjusts the dark green greaves and picks up the red purse that came with the outfit, putting her credits in it. "You'd better not get caught by anyone. You're my wife, remember?"

The Jedi winks, beckoning her to the exit. "Of course, dear." They step out and Loneva gives twice the credits necessary to the customs officer. "I want it to shine when we're back," she says when he looks quizzically at her.

As the two of them walk out of the port and into view of the kilometers of neon signs all around, Loneva clasps Jori's hand. The Sith feels a tingle shooting through her body-a not at all unpleasant one. She doesn't object, since they do have a cover to maintain. "The place I wanted to check out is Picarrat's. I've only been there once, and that was quite some time ago, so I hardly remember where it is."

"Just stay close to me, and you'll be fine," Loneva assures her. "We're heading to the taxi stand first, and we'll catch a cab to the Promenade. That's where we'll find everything we need. All the reliable vendors are there, there's holocoms, two restaurants, and the Slippery Slopes Cantina. Who knows, we may even be able to get some information."

"The Promenade it is." A taxi lands at the stand and they climb in. Jori feels her heart thump as the small craft forces her to constantly press against Loneva. Her breathing speeds up. To her amazement, the Jedi is perfectly still. On a whim, she leans against her, resting her head on her shoulder.

"Trying to maintain appearances?" Loneva whispers to her.

Jori nods. "We need to go the extra parsec." She feels quite comfortable. Loneva puts an arm around her shoulder, eliciting a content sigh from the Sith. Why is she enjoying this so? She's falling into character. Yes, of course, that must be it. Her impressions of Dark Council members and Republic Senators always made her a popular attraction at Academy parties. There was something comforting about simply being able to slip into another persona at will, to say things she could not say as Jori Kanath, the untitled Sith. She goes over her card again. Now, she is Gildia Mavoss, adopted daughter of House Thul on Alderaan, married to Rajell Barith of House Organa, a move that caused both of their parents to disown them. A Thul married to an Organa? Unthinkable!

The taxi came to a halt, forcing Jori's head off Loneva's shoulder. "We're here," she says, patting the Sith on her thigh. They disembark and walk toward the Promenade. "I want to get my slicing out of the way first, so why don't you go ahead and look at the clothes?"

"Works for me." Jori reluctantly lets go of Loneva's hand and wanders up the ramp to the Upper Promenade. She spies Picarrat's in the distance and heads toward it. A hologram shows a model wearing the different dresses available. An off-the-shoulder dark red dress catches her eye. The price tag? Not too bad. She continues looking at the selections. She sees a white halter dress with a slit down the front to show cleavage. That would look good on Loneva.

As she internally debates, a clerk from the store approaches her. "Hello, Miss!", the smartly-dressed Zabrak says. "Welcome to Picarrat's! What are you looking to buy today?"

"Well…" she reminds herself of her cover story, and gives a description of Loneva to him. "What do you have that my wife and I would look good together in?"

He beckons her. "I've got just the thing! You know, some people think it's cute when couples dress alike, but personally I think it's tacky. For you, I recommend a sleeveless blue v-neck top, a black knee-length skirt, a black nerf leather belt with a silver buckle, and black patent shoes. For her, I'd go with a green short-sleeved button-down shirt with a pair of tan shorts and white high heels."

Time has apparently gone faster as Jori feels a kiss on her cheek and looks up to see Loneva standing over her. "Hello, dear," she says, smiling.

"Hi," Loneva says, "How's the shopping going?"

"This fine gentleman was making recommendations for us. I think his idea for a casual outfit is pretty good so far."

"Oh?" The Jedi smiles.

"Come, I'll show you." Loneva puts on the recommended outfit. She stumbles out, only to show just how little practice she's had walking in high heels.

"Perhaps something flatter on the bottom?" the Zabrak clerk suggests. It works well, and Jori's outfit is just as happily received. "Is there anything else I can get you?"

Loneva tries to suggest something, but Jori puts a finger over her lips. "Not now, Rajell. You know this is my area of expertise." The Jedi sighs and nods. "I was hoping to see what you had in terms of formal wear."

"Certainly." He walks them over to the dresses, then turns to Jori. "Anything catch your eye?"

She picks out the dresses she was looking at earlier for herself and Loneva. "If you don't mind, we'd like to try these on." The clerk points them to the dressing room. Loneva takes off her jacket and shirt without hesitation, then unhooks her bra. Jori watches her in the mirror, unable to take her eyes off her large, perky breasts until they are covered by the halter. She struggles to get it in place. "Here, let me help." Jori pulls the back over Loneva's neck, her hands resting on her shoulders. "There," she says, pointing to the mirror, "Looks lovely, don't you think?"

"It does," Loneva says, "But it's a bit tight in the bust."

"Really?"

"Yes," Loneva grabs Jori's hand, slipping it between the fabric and her breast. "Feel that?"

Jori stands directly behind Loneva so her face is hidden from the mirror. "I...I do. I'm sure they could make an alteration." She quickly pulls her hands back and Loneva puts her original outfit back on. They explain the alteration to the clerk, who offers to have it done for free and ready in an hour, so they head down to the Promenade while they wait.

Loneva orders two glaze-creams for them, which they eat in a corner. "You know what I don't understand?"

"What?"

"How a quiet-loving introvert like you has such a keen eye for fashion and a fondness for upper-mid-tier clothing. That hardly seems your style."

Jori shrugs. "I never really gave it that much thought, but you do have a point. I actually handle myself quite well at parties. Jokes come naturally to me in social settings, probably because my lack of social skills makes me less afraid of pushing the envelope. I can carry on conversations, sometimes a little too well, and may or may not have danced on a few tables. The only thing is, I find being around other people to be exhausting. Reading and writing in a quiet setting restores my energy."

"You know," Loneva smirks, "Had you been given the proper upbringing, you would have made a pretty good Jedi."

The Sith tilts her head. "Is it normal in the Republic for your people to insult their spouses?"

"It was just a joke."

"Sorry. I guess it's lost on me." She looks down.

Loneva pats Jori on the shoulder. "You'll learn in time."

Jori looks directly at the Jedi. "Loneva, I…"

"Yes?"

I'm in love with you. I think you're gorgeous. I touch myself when we're in the bath together. I love pretending to be your wife. I want to sleep in your bed with you tonight. I want to feel our naked bodies pressed together. I want to suck on your beautiful breasts. I want to kiss you all the way home. She thinks all of these things, but says none of them. "I really like this flavor you picked."

The Jedi smiles, as if she knows that's not what Jori wanted to say. "Well, you've got good taste in clothes, I've got good taste in glaze-cream."

"Guess so." They finish the rest of their treat in silence, then Jori's commlink rings, and the Zabrak clerk informs her that her dress is ready. "I'll go pick it up," she says, standing.

"Let me come with you so I can pay for my things," Loneva offers.

"It's alright. You bought the glaze-cream, I'll buy the clothes." She runs up the ramp before Loneva can point out that the clothes are far more expensive.

Sitting alone, Loneva wonders what's gotten into Jori. She wouldn't buy her clothes if she were upset with her, and if she were set on betrayal, she has passed up quite a few opportunities. Strange. Maybe she really was sincere in her desire to work with Loneva. So why is she acting like this? Her thoughts are interrupted by the approach of a Knight of Zakuul. She avoids making eye contact with him, but he goes straight up to her. "What is your name, civilian?"

"As I already told your customs officer, Rajell Barith." She put extra effort into making her tone polite, though her words were anything but.

"What is your business on the Smuggler's Moon?"

"I'm here clothes-shopping with my wife Gildia. Is that a crime?"

The Knight leans closer. "Where's your wife?"

"Picking up our order from Picarrat's. They had to do an alteration before I could wear it."

The knight draws his polesaber, pointing it at Loneva. She leans back, the edge of the blade centimeters from her nose. He holds a few seconds, then puts it away. "Carry on, civilian."

As soon as the Knight's back is turned, several nearby aliens make obscene gestures at him. "Are you alright?" a Quarren asks.

"Yes, I'm fine. He didn't touch me." She makes her way up the ramp and finds Jori, who has just retrieved their purchases. "We need to go. Now."

"Is something wrong?"

"I think they're onto me," Loneva says. "Let's just get to the spaceport and get out of here."

Wasting no time, the two of them catch another taxi. Too late: two Zakuul Knights are already standing at the dock, right in front of their ship. "Halt!" says one.

"What do you want?" Loneva demands.

"Rajell Barith and Gildia Mavoss, the two of you are to submit yourselves for questioning."

"On what grounds?" Jori asks.

"That is none of your concern. Submit to our authority, or you will be charged with obstruction of justice."

The Sith narrows her eyes. "I don't think so." She drops her bag and hits one of the Knights with a Force blast that disintegrates the side rail as he's thrown over it, plummeting to his inevitable death. The other Knight charges at them, his polesaber drawn, and it stopped by Loneva, clutching his blade with both of hers. Jori Force-chokes the Knight, but the strength of the blast needed has depleted her strength to the point where she can't hold it long enough to kill him. When he breaks free, he stumbles, and Loneva slams into him sideways to catch him off balance. He falls to the ground, and Loneva hold him in place with her foot. Before Loneva can stop her, Jori pushes her lightsaber into his chest, killing him instantly.

"Was that really necessary?!" Loneva demands, turning off her lightsabers.

"He would have remembered our faces and could have found a database match eventually."

"I doubt it. Human memory is malleable."

Jori picks up her bag. "We can argue about this later. For now, we should dispose of the body and leave before reinforcements arrive."