Chapter 3: Let's Haul Jets!
Iz'phal had the intricate cells of a blaster scattered before her, a welding mask over her face in deep concentration. Having brought her crew up to speed with the events of the last day or so she was able to focus on the task at hand. Her heart was feeling lighter than it ever had done as she was able to work with ease and efficiency. Risha, her slicer and other best friend had noticed how cheerful she seemed to be, sometimes randomly singing to herself. She paused to bite a chunk of honey bar which she had beside her before she resumed her work. Even the wookie Bowdaar, her most trusted companion could sense the sudden change in her as he sometimes voiced growls from his workstation but nothing unusual in his vocal pattern. Determined to get the blaster fixed before he returned she worked efficiently, the sparking from her work bench the effects of a master mender at work. In her time as an assassin she had learnt a fair amount about blast tech but couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he handed his favourite blaster back to him in one piece and in pristine condition. Risha's voice called from the cockpit in question as over the metallic scrape and crackling of her tools she heard her.
"Plotting a course for Tantooine, another contact of ours has just arrived there. That arodium shipment will be his by today" Risha explained, as under her black goggles Iz'phal rolled her eyes remembering she had promised herself never to return to that backwater again but if that's where business was she would permit it.
"Fine!" she hollered, her long blue lekku swinging down her back as she brushed them away from her face "But as long as we can grab a drink when we're there. Not in Mos Ila though, that place is dire! I know the best place. They do the best Corellian rum. We all need the break!" Iz'phal said enthusiastically as she bent down to pick up another tool underneath her bench, the sparks ceasing temporarily, hearing Risha's reply and was glad she wanted to take some time out.
"That would be ideal girl. Need to kick back once in a while. Sure even Bowdaar would appreciate it" Risha replied, tapping in the co-ordinates into the mainframe of the ship while Bowdaar answered in a series of upbeat guttural calls which meant in his native tone…
Even a Wookie knows how to have a good time…!
"Perfect! Thanks guys. But business obviously first" Iz'phal reminded as before she could ask for information on their contact Risha spoke first, popping her head round the door of the cockpit, a sleek cream coloured overcoat slipped onto her shoulders, long hazelnut coloured hair pulled taut in a bun behind her head, a neat strand falling over her face.
"Heard farmboy was taking you out for your birthday Captain. Don't ask me where but knowing him probably to some swell clubs on Coruscant probably. He's going to treat you well. The best night life in the galaxy for sure" Risha's eyes lit up as she saw the excitement in her face as she removed her goggles, blowing the dust away from her work bench, examining the mending she'd attended to so far and knew she had a long way to go.
"That was probably a surprise Risha. Aww that's so sweet of him though. It'll be lots of fun with all of us" Iz'phal harped cheerfully as Risha shook her head, examining a list of contacts more thoroughly in her head, knowing all the stops they had to make and knowing it was a long travel time.
"Not going to happen Captain. We'll have time together on Tatooine. He specifically said your birthday was just you and him. He cares a lot about you Captain. If I had a man like that I'd hang onto him. He knows how to treat a special lady like you and I know he loves you very much. Don't mean to be mushy Captain but it's true" Risha smiled, never taking her eyes from the list, Iz'phal knowing she was right. He had made the advances first in expressing his feelings towards her and every time she heard his loving voice close to her, the way he held her in his strong arms made her heart flutter.
"Haven't been to a proper club in ages. I'll have to get dressed up proper fancy" Iz'phal said more herself than to Risha as she had her mind on a slim number she had in her closet. She'd have to try it on when she had some spare time, or perhaps grab a new outfit when she had some time to herself.
"Just act like you don't know though Captain. It was supposed to be surprise technically but I'd thought you'd like to know" Risha said thoughtfully as Iz'phal rolled her eyes glaring at her friend slightly, grabbing a cell from her bench and placing it into the blaster's main site.
"That's sweet Risha. Don't worry I'll probs forget about it by then. Now to get this finished before he gets back" Iz'phal said sternly as the cheerful twi'lek slipped her goggles over her face and resumed her work. Five minutes later Bowdaar who had risen from his midday nap strode over to her, admiring her work as he placed a furry paw on her shoulder, growling to show he approved. Iz'phal patted his arm in a friendly gesture beaming at him. "Trying my best big fella. Hope he likes it" Iz'phal explained Bowdaar leaving his friend to her repairs as he strode into the ships main engine room to start his maintenance checks. Suddenly Iz'phal heard the click of the ship's hatch as she immediately hid the now finished blaster in her boot, quickly folding down her work bench, shoving her tools to the corner of the ship their trusted case dashing to her cabin closing the door. She thought of how best to present his favourite weapon to him. Corso strode into the main hall of the ship, having adorned a simpler outfit, happily returning his military armour before his departure. As much as it had protected him in battle it had weighed him down and he was just glad to be able to wear a simple shirt and trousers again. Spotting Risha out of corner of his eye he strode towards her to see what she was up to.
"Risha you seen the Captain around?" She quirked an eyebrow at him before turning her attention to the list she was uploading into the ship's mainframe.
"Course she's in her room. She only got back a short while ago" Risha replied but before he could move she'd exited her quarters and leant against the frame of the door, folding her arms against her chest, eyes shimmering in their usual friendly light.
"Got a surprise for you!" Iz'phal hollered as she extracted the blaster, almost as good as new from her boot and held it out to him "Didn't take me long to repair her. She's got a stubborn core though. Enjoy her!" For a moment Corso was stunned into silence before he picked her up in his arms and spun her around, never thinking for a moment she would have the gall to sneak his weapon from his superiors and then to take the time to repair it herself. She was glad to see she'd made him so happy but more than anything he was happy to just to be getting off this planet and being with her.
"Awww Iz you're amazing you fixed Torchy! I'm so glad to have her back! Thanks girl!" Corso grinned from ear to ear as he rocked her back and forth in his tight hold.
"Okay…Corso you can let go of me now. Can't breathe…" Iz'phal rasped through her laughter as he immediately slackened his embrace around her, dark handsome eyes over brimming with adoration as he owed her more than anything.
"Oops sorry Iz. This means so much to me. Thank you. Man I've missed you Torchy" Corso spoke to the blaster in his grip spinning the handle effortlessly in his hand, glad to have his trusted weapon back at his side only having his girl to thank.
"Glad you like her. She's a great weapon and trust me I know" Iz'phal beamed happily Corso peering at the list of contacts on the ship's main computer, knowing they were to go to Tantooine before leading Iz'phal by the waist away from the rest of the crew and led her into his room, closing the door to make sure what he was going to say was only heard by her.
"You didn't need to do that for me Iz, but I greatly appreciate it. Thanks girl" Corso thanked her before explaining why he truly needed to speak with her. "Now as for sleeping arrangements Iz, I understand if you still want your room. It's damn spacious and I wouldn't blame you." Iz'phal was stunned at his thoughtfulness, as most men who wanted to know her physically just wanted to jump into bed with her the first chance they got, but not him. Corso knew the decisions of his girl were most important and if their relationship was to work he had to respect her wishes just as much as she respected his. She shook her head, dismissing his concerns immediately, beaming at him happily. Her face was so radiant, so pure in its beauty it almost transfixed him for a moment before she replied happy as ever to know he was so attentive.
"Aww Corso, I appreciate the offer but its fine. We're together now. Whilst it's kinda courting I'm more than happy to share my space with you. As long as you keep to your side of the bed it's fine!" Iz'phal giggled, Corso rolling his eyes at her humorous quips but whatever suave words she could come up with he could do better as he drew her close to him and kissed her forehead.
"Depends if you can live with me Iz. I can get quite restless" he joked, smirking as she snuggled against his chest, pecking him under his chin.
"You've probably met a few girls but none like me" Iz'phal said boldly as he brushed his lips across her forehead, lacing his fingers through hers at her waist.
"I'll always be here for you Iz. Always…No matter what anyone says, no matter how the galaxy changes around us you'll always be my girl" Corso crooned softly against her skin as he was about to plant his lips to hers when a rap sounded on the door and the sharp of bark of Bowdaar told her they were needed. Regret shone in her lustrous eyes as she put a finger to his lips and purred in his ear.
"We got all night Corso but Tatooine has to come first. Man I hate that place!" Iz'phal scowled as Corso nuzzled her nose before opening the door pulling her in tow as they made their way to the ship's bridge where Risha was waiting for them, hands on her hips tutting, slightly irritated that they had disappeared when she needed the brains of this operation the most.
"What we got Risha. Give me the details" Iz'phal ordered, pacing the around the holotable which displayed a map of the dune sea which Risha had drawn up from her extensive research into their contacts whereabouts. "The arodium?" She stroked the hilt of her blasters in their holsters, knowing they would soon be barraging into Imperial territory soon, gloved hands gripping on the hilts of her weapons, tensing her muscles at the thought of battle.
"All on board and ready to go Captain. Unfortunately it means venturing into the most hostile part of Tantooine's outer deserts to drop off the cargo" Risha explained pointing to several vectors on the map as Iz'phal issued a victory rally to her crew.
"Well guys what are we waiting for. Let's haul jets!" Iz'phal said excitedly as Bowdaar and Risha high fived her while she and Corso did their secret handshake which lasted a good couple of seconds.
"Got your back Captain all the way. Let's go" Risha smiled as she started the landing cycle as she made eye contact with Corso and knew what the he was thinking. It was time to deliver the cargo and get paid.
The cargo delivered and a heavy amount of credits in her pockets, a share given to Risha and Corso for organizing the meeting with the contact himself, they slumped their tired frames into the Mos Ila canteena, the strong smell of spice already turning Iz'phal away from the place. She had forgotten how downtrodden this part of Tantooine was and wanted her crew and Corso especially to experience some class in their lives.
"I'm not drinking in here!" Iz'phal shook her head crossly, looking fiercely up at Corso who had a relaxed arm slung over her shoulders. "Mos Ila is the worst guys. Let's go somewhere else." Risha looked at her incredulously as all she and Bowdaar wanted to do was rest their weary bones from all their tracking across the desert plains.
"Where Captain? Mos Ila is the only place within clicks of the spaceport. Not much else. I don't care where we end up as long as we get some ice cold drinks and a chance to take the weight from our feet. Come on Captain, what you say?" Risha offered kindly as Iz'phal still shook her head, slightly annoyed that they wanted to settle for second best.
"Uh-uh no way Risha girl. I'm not going in there. I know a nice place underneath Anchorhead. It's called Faresta, sells such good vintage and it's so comfortable. I know the barman in there and I can get us a discount. Please guys, it's not far" Iz'phal pleaded as Risha glowered at her hands on her hips, looking at Corso almost for judgement as he looked down at her, knowing she was determined not to set foot in that place.
"You sure about this Iz? We can always go to your place another time" Corso suggested, clenching her gloved hand in his but immediately prompted them in the direction of the spaceport.
"Trust me on this guys, it's worth it and we can stay there as long as we like. It's a darn sight cheaper in there too" Iz'phal explained seeing Risha roll her eyes as Bowdaar agreed with a bestial roar of excitement clapping his furry paws together.
"Well if it's good enough for Izzy it's good enough for me. Risha you coming with or what?" Corso asked seeing Risha was none too happy with the situation but decided to follow her companions, but the thought of her walking another mile through the sand of Tatooine made her already aching feet worse.
Half a mile from the spaceport, under a dense walkway was a lone door which Iz'phal unlocked with a pass from her pocket. Risha and Corso stared at her almost wide eyed before she just shrugged, leading them into the main hallway of the cantina.
"Here we are Faresta! Told you it's awesome" Iz'phal harped cheerfully as Risha just took in her surroundings, the fancy lights dazzling her eyes and the comfortable looking furniture already making the place double what Mos Ila ever had been. Corso just marvelled in the spectacle of the place, thinking to himself why he'd never thought to discover this place before. It was official. His girl knew the best places in the galaxy to have a good time but someday he would show he knew some pretty way off, out there places too. In her excitement she had ran from Corso's side to spread her arms around her to gesture how big the space was when she knocked chest first into an Imperial officer who was walking in the opposite direction. By his strong build and fair face she could tell he had probably taken advantage of many women in his time, just like one of his kind had with her and her family. The insult that left his mouth made her blood boil after Iz'phal had just offered a quick apology not recognizing the uniform in the dim light of the inner hall.
"Watch where you're going alien filth!" he snapped viciously, a smirk flashing across his face as he saw her expression contort with fury, snapping out Flashy from its holder and levelling it to the officer's head. "Now, now beautiful, threatening me isn't going to do you any favours."
"Call me that again and I'll blast your brains out!" Iz'phal shouted as after all the years of hell the Imperial army had put her through she was surprised how strong she could stand in front of one of them without becoming an emotional wreck. Corso had been distracted by the array of rare vintage bottles, while Bowdaar and Risha had been captivated by some of the art work on display. She had been on her way to the bar to get the first round in but never in all her time of coming here had she encountered an Imperial presence here and that made her blood boil even more. This was her spot: A spot for her, her friends and the people of the Republic. She had found it before they had. It made her seethe in fury to think the Empire was strutting about like it owned the place.
"Don't think it's wise to be threatening me when I know everything about you. I never forget a face, especially one as beautiful as yours" said the Imperial officer, his voice dripping with venom as feeling slightly sick to the stomach her finger trembled on the trigger, before it suddenly all came back to her…The screams of her mother and father, the wails of her siblings as they were cut down, the massacre of her people. She didn't want to admit it but it looked like him. He had been one of the senior Lieutenants in the raid on her village and she had hoped never to run into one of their kind again but the fact she had one face to face with her now made her want to level him right between the eyes.
"Shut up! I said shut up you here!" Iz'phal barked, steadying her rapid breathing as surveying the scene unfolding in the middle of the room the barman watched on, leaving his polishing of glasses to protect the young twi'lek if necessary. He did recognise her, her face familiar to him. The sight of the Imperial crest on the arm of his uniform made Iz'phal slightly ill as she saw by the rank insignia on his chest he had been promoted to the rank of Captain. That made no difference to her: She wanted his blood just the same, wanted them all dead.
"Don't think just because we left you alive that day you have any power over us whatsoever. You were just lucky our commander found some use for you. A shame he got to you first. I was much more deserving of that reward" he coaxed slyly as utterly repulsed at the words of suggestions she was tempted to pull the trigger then and there, red hot rage pulsing through her blood, fair face stricken with fury. Suddenly signalling over his shoulder the officer quickly had two snipers flanking her side just as quickly as she could've put a bolt through her head. Before she could protest Flashy was quickly snatched from her gloved hand.
"Get your hands off me Imperial scum! I hate you, all of you! What you did to me, to my people and my family. You will pay! You will all pay. I hate you!" Iz'phal screamed as she tried to shrug her arm away from the sniper on her left but as she was struggling one was attempting to bind her hands while the other was trying to gag her mouth.
"Shut her up so she doesn't speak against the Emperor again and then bring her to me. I've got a score to settle with this one!" The officer sneered as he gripped her chin in one of his rough hands and looked deep into her face. "Such beautiful eyes. I may be persuaded to let you live after all if you give me what I want. I will let you go if you comply." She glowered at him, rage burning throughout her body, fire almost visible within her eyes as he was about to force her against her will when the click of a blaster being sounded against his back made him draw back an inch, especially when he heard the strength in his voice.
"Get…your hands off my girl! Right now you hear!" Corso shouted fiercely as on the officer's command the snipers unbound her and let her go, both Risha and Bowdaar also flanking his side, Bowdaar unsheathing his vibroblade and Risha locking and loading her attack sniper rifle narrowing her eyes dangerously at what she hoped would be her target.
"No harm done I can assure you. She and I were just catching up on old times" the officer joked cruelly as the fire blossomed into a blaze wanting nothing more than to tear his head from his shoulders but didn't want to be known as a common criminal.
"If you ever put your hands on my girl again let alone me seeing you I'll shoot you myself. Now run Imperial filth before I change my mind!" Corso snapped seeing the officer back down knowing the smuggler had the better of him in combat and decided to retreat.
"You're fortunate you have a man by your side to save you. Next time you won't" He growled flashing an evil leer at her before beckoning to his snipers and a third trooper at the door to the leave the cantina as knowing the danger was gone Bowdaar and Risha disarmed their weapons as Iz'phal collapsed into Corso's arms and burst into tears. The next few moments past just him trying to soothe her, to calm her distress but she was still so traumatised by the event and the shock she couldn't pull herself together. Risha knelt down by her side and stroked the back of her head while Bowdaar paced around them like a noble warrior about to deliver the final death blow to his prey, shielding the Captain and the rest of the crew for protection. They were like this family and no one was getting past him. Sobbing into his chest she didn't answer his questions, was mute for the best part of the evening as he continue to kneel down on the floor with her gathered in his arms. She felt relieved his arms were around her so those despicable tyrants couldn't get near her but the fact she had seen one of her attackers again brought the memories back and it hurt, hurt her deep down.
"I'm sorry!" she wailed, all the heartbreak finally coming out as she flung her arms around his neck, continuing to cry bitterly. "I didn't tell you. Now I've dragged you into my personal battles. I never wanted anyone to be hurt. I have caused all this. It's all my fault!" Iz'phal cried Corso gazing down at her as disbelief mingled in his deep brown eyes. Nothing was her fault. She was the victim in all of this and he was going to get justice for her and her family, one way or the other. No Imperial would dare to get near his girl again and if it meant him taking on the whole Imperial army by himself he would not flinch.
"Don't be so silly girl!" Risha sighed, continuing to comfort her "He is the lowest of the low. When I get my hands on him!" she threatened but the thought of further violence was sending her nauseous. All she had wanted to do was have a nice time with her friends and it had ended up with the past coming to haunt her again, but as ever Corso was there to hold her, there to comfort and guide her just as he always would.
Not worth it…He has no honour…Bowdaar roared, the strong tone of her friend's growl regaining some of her strength back but she was still in shock, still overwhelmed by the events of the day.
"They won't come near you again Iz, I promise you, I promise you, you will never have to face another one of their kind again…Look at me Iz, look at me" He urged softly as she raised her head from his neck, lifting her tear stained face to look into his eyes, feeling him stroke her cheek with the back of his hand determined to get it through to his girl. He would always protect her, never let anything happen to her again. "You have all of us, all of us to protect you but most of all you have me, Iz you have me and I will never so long as I damn well live let another Imperial even look at you let alone get close to you" Feeling her weaken again from the shock in his hold, he gripped her shoulders to steady her, wrapping her in his long trench coat pulling her close to him so she could hear the beat of his heart, strong and kind against her head. She sniffed feebly still trying to control her breathing as the tears still poured from her eyes in short bursts.
"I hate them…I hate them all…I want to kill them for what they did to me…That soldier Corso…He was part of the squadron that killed my people and my family. I just want it all to go away. I can't live like this. I'm putting you all in danger and it's my fight…" she croaked in a hoarse voice as Corso shook his head, immediately tightening his protective hold around her arms and lower back.
"We are in this together in Izzy. This is a fight you cannot win on your own. We are all willing to help you and I want to be with you until the end. Until we defeat the Empire and do everything we can to make sure of that. I want to help you Iz…We all want do…I am here for you for life Iz and you aint getting rid of me that easy!" Corso almost snapped a little frustrated as she suddenly realised she would be alright as long she had belief in her friends. After they were together now and he made a vow to protect her no matter what dangers they faced.
"I'm sorry Corso I didn't mean to push you away…I just feel so lost" Iz'phal hiccupped within her chest as from all the events of the day she blacked out, Corso instantly knowing she was unconscious as he caught her against his chest.
"We should go after them, let Republic security know" Risha suggested as Corso glared at her for that remark knowing the best place to go now was far away from Tatooine and get out of Imperial space, away from anywhere she could be hurt.
"Are you out of your mind Risha? The last thing Iz needs right now is to confront more Imperials. We need to get moving!" Corso said brusquely as he picked his girl up gently from the floor and cradled her against his chest moving swiftly towards the door.
"Sounds like a plan. Bowdaar come on let's go!" Risha ordered as the crew made off to the spaceport, Iz'phal never knowing the implications of her encounter with the Imperials again until the following events happened.