Chapter 6: A Familiar Face
Despite the uniform even the Imperials let loose and wanted to have a good time when they were away from their superiors, their duties and the prying eyes and ears of the Sith. They still kept a degree of sophistication and seriousness binding them at all times but one solider in particular had sworn he knew that face…Her face…It had been an important meeting with the higher ups but now that business had been concluded he was keen to make strong ties to his superior even further.
Iz'phal had told Corso that she was going to see if it really was him. Wanting to go with her in case something went wrong he almost protested but in his kind and trusting heart he knew she was strong, determined and he wouldn't stop her. He said he would always keep an eye out for her and Juil'et would do the same. Taking a deep breath she approached the group at the bar but her heart froze in horror when again in the dim light on the other side of the room she had mistaken their uniforms. They all wore the Imperial insignia attached to the upper left shoulder, while their rank plaques were displayed on the right breast of each tunic. The Imperial uniform was dull in colour but what it lacked for in excitement it made up in precision and clean lines. Her heart almost froze in her mouth, feeling slight sick to her stomach but she had to find out the truth. She approached and cleared her throat but it wasn't long before one of the soldiers threw a remark her way which made her blood curdle in rage.
"Bet you one hundred credits I can take the pretty girl home with me" one of the soldiers goaded, his fellow comrades obviously finding the jibe funny, Iz'phal's fingers itching to grab hold of Flashy and put a bolt between his eyes, ruining his pretty face. The amount of alcohol she had, had made her a bit more casual than usual but still she refused to be tempered with. She stood her ground; trying to control the rage she felt coursing round her body as she just kept a docile expression on her pretty face.
"I wager two hundred personally myself, or maybe even three depending on who's going to ask her" The officer next to the one who had made the bet spoke up, the eyes of the most of group now on her as the one she recognised nudged him hard in the ribs, glaring at him, blue eyes reflecting distain.
"Knock it off Kell, she's too attractive for the likes of you!" he snapped seeing the rest of the officers around him laugh at his expensive, the officer called Kell quickly backing down.
"Why don't you ask her Quinn if you're so clever!?" Kell retaliated the rest of the officers in the group agreeing with him. At the mention of that name, the name that had meant so much to her in her childhood she knew it was him as she stared at him, blinking in confusion as he stepped away from the crowd to face her. For a moment she was so stunned she found no words to speak with, before ignoring the uniform completely and flinging her arms around him, clinging to his neck, not in an intimate gesture but was just so pleased to see him even if he was surrounded by Imperials. Some of the officers gawped, including Kell who found it appropriate to wolf whistle, secretly jealous of how Quinn would always get the girl. Quinn felt tempted to flash him a venomous stare but slightly taken aback by her reaction it took a while to process who she was before his heart almost missed a shuddering beat.
"Izzy…What are you doing here?" He asked, the words getting stuck in his throat as he led her away from the banter of his fellow soldiers before gazing deep into her eyes.
"Quinn…It is you isn't it?" Iz'phal said not daring to believe it as she knew she was just meeting up with a close friend so Corso would not be offended, but the way he held her suggested something different.
"You know it's me Iz. Why didn't you tell me you were going to be here?" Quinn asked, Iz'phal glancing back to the table where Juil'et was sitting, in an in depth conversation with Corso.
"I had no idea that…" Iz'phal began then her heart sunk as she realised the truth. Her old friend was gone as she looked crestfallen at the Imperial insignia on his chest and rows of squares displaying his ranking, as Captain she knew and it bruised her on the inside to know one of her closest friends was working with the enemy. "You're with them…" Iz'phal sighed in regret as she pushed herself away from him, shaking her head as tears began to well up in her eyes smudging her perfect eye makeup. Shocked at her response and realising what she meant he tried to explain but before he could utter a word she turned her back on him and stormed back to where Juil'et and Corso were splashing out on a bottle of Corellian rum and slumped down in his arms, seething in fury, hot tears still stinging the backs of her eyes. Quinn got jeers and heckles as he tried to explain the situation to what seemed to be his squadron but they were having none of it. Immediately Corso knew something had gone wrong as he pulled her close to him, rocking her backwards and forwards in his hold. Not even his soothing voice could seem to calm her as she continued to cry, trying to reign in her emotions but this was too much.
"Hey Iz what on earth's the matter?" Juil'et soothed as between his comforting embrace and her kind voice she managed a response but it was strangled with pain.
"It was him. He is or was one of my closest friends but now he's…He's with them and I'll never forgive him…" Iz'phal wailed as Juil'et just stared at her wide eyed, Iz'phal burying her face in his neck trying to stem the flow of tears.
"Iz just slow down and tell us what happened. Do you want to go home and talk about it?" Corso consoled her, running a hand over her lekku, the muscles twitching with unwanted spasms as she screwed her eyes shut and felt the bitter realisation creep into her the fact that she had lost a dear friend.
"Trust me Riggsy I'm fine" Iz'phal choked a reply, obviously still struggling to pull herself together as Corso had made up his mind. His girl was gravely upset and he needed to help her and support her no matter how much she protested.
"No you're not Iz. We're going somewhere quiet. You need to tell me what happened…" he soothed as she huddled against his chest Juil'et also aiding her friend to her feet as slightly wobbly Iz'phal stumbled only to be supported by his strong hold.
"Thanks guys…It's nothing really…" Iz'phal lied still making an effort to stop crying, Corso slightly disappointed at her not being truthful with him.
"I know damn well something happened Izzy. Was it those Imperials?!" Corso snarled in fury as if he found the Imperial animal that had touched his girl he would blast their brains against the wall. "If it was Iz I'm gonna give them the hiding of a lifetime!" His threat seemingly made her feel protected but if anything it sent her further into the folds of his jacket, clinging to his waist in a sense of desperation. Juil'et determined to stay with them to aid her friend but Corso kindly told her to return home, an expression of concern crossing her face as she respected he could probably comfort her more than she could as she gave Iz'phal a tight hug goodbye and made her way from the square to her holdings on the other side of town.
"It wasn't them…It was just him. How could he do this to me!?" Iz'phal cried more floods of tears pouring down her face as he stopped walking with her in his arms and just held her, afraid she was going to run off if he let her go. He whispered kindly in her ear, voice level and full of worry as he clung affectionately to her neck.
"Who Iz, talk to me…I'm trying to help you sweetheart but I can't if you don't tell me what's going on" Corso comforted knowing this was difficult for her as that voice sounded behind her, once the voice of a valued friend. Corso wheeled around, his girl in his hold, face buried against his chest to see a well-dressed Imperial officer standing before him, short black hair slicked behind his ears, most females in the galaxy would've classified him as handsome. Just seeing the uniform was all it took for Corso to make a quick draw for Torchy and point it was pinpoint precision between his eyes.
"Iz there was no need to walk out on me like that, you could've let me explain" Quinn shot back at her, as rage ran through every fibre of Corso's being as the spine of that officer to talk to her, let alone speak to her would make him want to pull the trigger as he shielded Iz'phal against his chest with his other arm, Iz'phal bunching her hands into fists still sobbing into his neck. Surprised that an Imperial could put emotion in his voice Corso refused to let that throw him as he was tempted to shoot him then and there but knew at some point in her childhood he had been perhaps close to her.
"Talk to my girl again Imperial filth and I won't think twice before killing you on sight" Corso threatened as Iz'phal refused to look the officer in the face. She had once known him as a close, endearing friend and never thought he would become a killer. That's all anyone who worked for the Empire was to her: Murderers. She suddenly plucked up the courage and pleaded with him, knowing he was trying to protect her but she wanted to see if the man she knew was still there.
"Corso please let me speak to him, past what he stands for he is just like you or I" Iz'phal protested, Corso shooting her a fierce look as he gestured to Quinn with his blaster wielding hand.
"Are you out of your mind Iz?" He almost shouted at her but thought it best to keep his voice level headed so as not to frighten her. "You know as well what that Imperial dog is capable of. He'd sooner cut you down sooner than look at you" Corso warned, Iz'phal placing both hands on his chest, gazing up into his eyes swimming with concern, the softness of her touch melting his resolve a little.
"Please…This may be the only chance I have…" Iz'phal whispered feebly as the last of the tears dried on her cheeks before he released her, Corso not relenting the hold or aim of his weapon, narrowing his eyes dangerously at the soldier dressed in his grey and red uniform before him. Iz'phal stepped up close to him raising her hand as if to strike him, but then his face, so innocent and young from her childhood came back and she lowered her hand sighing deeply. "Why Quinn? What have they ever done for you?" Iz'phal choked, saddened heavily by the turn of events as he wanted to embrace her to reassure her he was still the same person but knowing a weapon was trained on him and thought better of it.
"You must understand my intentions Iz. The Empire stands for all that is strong and secure in this galaxy, that is why I fight for it" Quinn explained as Iz'phal almost gawped at him, knowing that he had most likely been indoctrinated in the Imperial academy with lies and most probably Sith sorcery and drugs.
"Are you crazy!?" Iz'phal suddenly shouted, even Quinn stunned slightly by her outburst of anger taking a step back. "The Empire is the reason why I have no family. They are the reason all my friends are dead. Is that what you stand for?! Murder and torturing innocent people, like the people of my clan! Quinn I know this is not you, you are better than all of these people put together. You have been fed lies about the heroism of the Empire when all they've done is terrify people like me. Please come back…" Iz'phal pleaded as Quinn shook his head, Iz'phal knowing him as a man of noble principle and once he chose his path in life he would stick with it, no matter the consequences.
"I condemn wholeheartedly what they did to you and your family. I would have stopped them if I could" Quinn tried to reassure her but to her the warmth he had once possessed in his tone was gone and now his voice was cold, almost unsympathetic.
"Are you blind!? You and your Empire have no idea what I've been through. You lied to me, used me and I'll never forgive you for that! You used my naivety to get to me. I thought you cared!" Iz'phal cried gazing into his eyes with hopelessness knowing there was nothing she could do for him; Corso feeling her sadness from where he stood wanted nothing more than to hold her through the night and banish all memories of her past away. "You never did care for me. You left me and never thought to look back. You hurt me and everyone close to me and I never want to see you again!" Iz'phal snarled as without warning he threw a vicious threat at her, never knowing that he could turn so quickly against her. The man whom she had loved all those years ago had completely gone and it was hopeless for her to try and bring him back.
"I did care for you Iz, you know I did but you refuse to listen to me!" Quinn retaliated, Iz'phal baring her teeth, pointing a threatening finger at him.
"You work for them!" Iz'phal snapped, wanting nothing more than to run away from this world all together "What more is there to be said?!"
"You talk about being good and noble but labelling me for who I serve is not the best way to make allies. Perhaps I should've just let Kell have you. Consider yourself lucky" Quinn voiced his frustration, folding his arms across his chest in a powerful stance as Iz'phal eyes sprang open wide, bawling her hands into fists.
"Don't you even dare!" Iz'phal shrieked, at this Corso sensing things would get out of hand if he didn't step in sheathed his weapon and wrapped her form shaking with sobs again in his arms. Her anger melted away and all she felt was sadness, an empty space now he was gone and she just wanted to help him.
"I think you better stop talking Imperial. She doesn't want to talk to you and trust me you don't want to get on my bad side" Corso threatened, Quinn realising he was probably never going to get through to her, straightened his belt then started to walk away from them, a final sentence from his voice reaching her ears.
"Someday you'll understand what I did and why Iz. I admit I made a mistake and I lied to you but you were naïve to believe me. In time I may be able to explain to you but for now it is best left unsaid. I don't want you to be hurt and want you to stay safe so I suggest you don't come searching for me again or I won't be around to save your skin next time" Quinn finished as he turned on his heel and started for the cantina door leaving a distraught Iz'phal in a state of shock. All she wanted was answers, why he did what he did but the fact she still had an empty space inside her made her feel small, insignificant. Placing a warm hand behind her head as she heard his heartbeat loud and strong through her ears and that relieved some of pain but not enough to heal the scars. She hiccupped slightly, screwing her eyes shut wanting nothing more than to just drift away.
"I'm sorry Corso I should've told you…I meant to tell you but didn't know how you'd take it…" Iz'phal sniffed, relieved to see he was not going anywhere, just continuing to hold her form racking with sobs against him.
"No matter what you've done Iz you are and will always be my girl and I'll be damned if I ever have to leave you" he comforted as he thought it best if they returned home away from the prying ears of those Imperial animals, just console her all he could but she was rooted to the spot, not wanting to move. He was prepared to stay out here all night with her if that's what it took in the end but Iz'phal wanted to leave this place, the concoction of bad memories swirling around in her mind.
She hoped someday it would all end and she could just be happy and the man at her side would make sure that would happen.
After staggering back to her quarters aboard the ship at 3am in the morning Iz'phal thought on the positives. She had, had a lovely night and only the ending of it had managed to sour things but hell she saw one other oldest friends and been spoiled rotten but the fact more of her trouble filled past had found her here made her uneasy. Through the haze of liquor they had both drunk Iz'phal wasn't quite ready for sleep yet as they had a bit of a kiss and a cuddle, Corso always knowing how to put a smile on her face as she lay in his arms, his lips tracing her collarbone. Iz'phal made a giggling sound, a sound that was enough to drive him crazy with happiness as sometimes he was besotted with how cute she could be.
"Riggsy stop I wanna sleep…" Iz'phal moaned as he continued to move his kiss lower down onto her chest.
"Aww Iz, come on I'm having fun here" His warm tone, making her heart double-time against her ribs as he buried his kiss in her neck, running her soft fingers down the back of his neck. In a slightly drunken state he let his words slip out but the serious part of him knew one day it could be for real. "Who knows Izzy, one day we'll have kids of our own" She smiled at the suggestion but knew when all was said and done they would need to discuss their future and Iz'phal admitted being a mother would definitely be a blessing in her life.
"You're rushing things again Riggsy…We got all the time in the world" Iz'phal crooned her words cut off slightly as he almost swallowed her lips in a deep kiss, making her heart flutter against her ribs. "I'm sorry about tonight. I didn't mean to drag him into it…" Iz'phal said slightly embittered by referring to Quinn but Corso merely shook his head, his deep brown eyes looking down longingly at her, running the back of his hand over her cheek.
"Friend or not Iz he doesn't care about you. You don't need to be sorry Iz…Don't think of him now. I'll always be here for you…" Corso whispered warmly against her forehead and Iz'phal knew he meant every single word, the truth shimmering in his eyes, just the way he looked at her she knew how much she meant to him. She was the luckiest woman alive to have him in her life and she knew that. He snuggled up close to her, wrapping his arms around her stomach, kissing her on the back of her neck, a warm tingle drifting up her spine as she closed her eyes at the softness of his touch. She squirmed in pleasure as she felt his hands trail down the bare skin of her back and stroking down her waist. She suddenly felt another pang of sadness inside her, like it wouldn't just go away as she huddled against him almost wishing none of her childhood had ever happened. "Iz…I want to help you but I can't if you don't tell me…You've been through enough and you of all people deserve to be happy…" His voiced laced with empathy made her heart warm to the core as she knew he truly cared, her bottom lip trembling trying not to let the tears come to the surface. It was time to tell him the truth, how she knew Quinn, why she had hurt him and then perhaps with spilling what had wounded her all those years ago she hoped to feel better.
"I thought he was the one for me when I thought we were more than friends. He was the first guy to ever tell me he loved me…" her voice trailed off not sure how he would react to her being with an Imperial but Corso knew she had been close to him before the Empire had got hold of him, when they had met all those years ago on Nar Shaadaa. "I trusted him but…" she looked into his loving brown eyes with a pleading expression as he merely listened and tightened his arms around her stomach gently. "I thought he really meant it, was always there for me but I've never been able to get over what he did to me…" Iz'phal trembled as tears rose in her eyes, mumbling into his neck as he held her in his comforting embrace and listened. "We slept together then he abandoned me, told me it was all a mistake…He never even bothered to say goodbye…I contacted him and he cut me off. He hurt me and I vowed to myself never to be used again…I want to stop thinking about it but half the time it takes over me…That's why I can't forgive him. He never even admitted he was wrong or said sorry or even try to mend things over…Just for one night, a night I will regret and made the biggest mistake of my life…" Iz'phal cried but felt like she was pouring her soul, being the most open she had ever been to him as he just let her cry, continued to hold her and let her express her feelings, to let it all out so that she'd never have to think about it again. The only positive thing about her sadness was that her eyes were even more beautiful when she cried.
"Its guys like that, that make me so damn mad!" Corso released his frustration, sitting up slightly, planting his arms around her back as she stared longingly down into his eyes. "They'll wake up and realise what they lost the most special thing they could ever have. He'll regret it Izzy you mark my words…What man wouldn't…" his coaxing voice, drawing her in as she nuzzled against his neck never realising until now how entranced he was by her. "This may sound mushy Izzy but I want to honour you, your body, your soul, your mind. Cry when you cry, laugh when you laugh that kind of thing…"
"Awww Corso shut up!" Iz'phal joked, just wanting him to hold her and not ramble on but the next words he said meant everything to her and her heart swelled with pride when she knew Quinn would regret it, would regret losing her and treating her the way he did. All the times he had to try and apologise had evaporated and she would never find it in her heart for forgive him no matter how hard he tried…Perhaps with time she would…There was only one man whom she had in her life and who had her heart and that was Corso. "That's why I love you. You won't leave me like he did; you'll always be here for me and you spoil me way too much…" Iz'phal flashed a flirtatious grin at him as he wrestled her onto her back and pinned her arms by her head, obviously as gently as he could, tranced by her large, beautiful eyes.
"A pretty girl like you Iz deserves to be spoiled. That stupid Imperial will never realise what he lost. Oh well his loss my gain!" he crooned into her neck, causing her to blush profusely, her cute giggle making him light-headed and driving his heart in circles.
"Have I ever told you how lucky I am we met back on Balmorra…" Iz'phal teased, tracing her fingertips down the back of his head, neck and the upper part of his back.
"I just love you so damn much Iz. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you" he muttered through the kisses he was giving her on her collarbone, Iz'phal drawing in enough breath to speak before he picked up her lips in a passionate kiss.
"You won't…" Was the last thing she managed to say before her heart went as light as a feather. Finally getting that weight off her chest meant she was able to fully express how she felt for him without anything holding her back. Feeling so happy and that life could not be better the light of the morning dawned across the plains of Alderann as she gave herself to him.