Chapter 2
Awakening, Carth the pervert and a scenic wander about the upper levels
Conciousness came back at the price of a severe headache. Blearily Melissa opened her eyes, shutting it rapidly as light lanced into her eyeballs. She groaned in misery, a second sensation rolled up from within her body. Desperately she rolled to her side and proceeded to vomit out whatever was left in her stomach. She felt a hand gently supporting her on her side
"Better out than in I always say" A melodic female voice came
Melissa felt another wave of nausea hit her, she only managed to retch out bile on the second attempt. The headache returned with a vengeance and Melissa rolled further forward. The owner of the hand tightened her grip to ensure she did not roll off whatever object she was lying on.
Cautiously she opened her eyes again and all she saw was blue and white blur in an ever revolving circle. Slowly her eyes refocused and the blurs coalesced into a white plastic floor and blue painted walls. Natural light was streaming in through a window covered by negligently thin window drapes. A square structure stood in one corner a doorway outlined in green paint. What appeared to be a kitchen unit was attached to the outside of the square unit.
"Where am I?" She stammered groggily
"Upper level of Taris in a residential unit" The melodic voice came again
Melissa rolled back and a face swam into view. Shortly cut black hair with two white bangs framed a heart shaped face, a slight smirk on the narrow lips, the nose slightly bent. The blue eyes held both concern and a mischievous glint. At a guess Melissa would put her in low to mid twenties for her age group
"Although you could also believe we were in the lower levels of Coruscant on a saturday night bar crawl. What with you almost shooting me and then vomiting all over me."
Melissa started to blush in mortification, she could almost feel it spreading down to her bare shoulders.
"Wait a moment! Bare shoulders?" She thought
Panickedly she reached to her chest and felt soft cloth covering her chest, her left hand sprung to her groin and felt relieve on touching clothing. Hurriedly she felt around for something to cover her better than her sole piece of underwear. She heard crinkling as a survival blankets was brought up to shoulder level. The woman's slight smirk increased
"The name is Terri, by the way. Terri Cazor. I have to say I really like the Ewoks. Shows some independence, was expecting to see only Republic issue BDD's"
Melissa again wished for the ground to swallow her whole. The mortification increased when she registered the middle part of the sentence
"Melissa Carpenter." She shyly responded" Did you undress me?"
Terri sat down on the cot and idly ran a hand through Melissa's unbraided hair.
"Now that is a long and sordid tale, it involves two unconscious women and a pervert by the name of Chief Pilot Carth Onassi."
"For heavens sake, not this again" An irritated male voice came from the far corner
Carth Onassi was seated a table equipment piled up upon it. Melissa noted a developing bruise just below his left eye, slight traces of blood was visible on the nostril as well
"I had to undress her to get to her injuries, and again I also had to remove anything on her that indicated her republic affiliation"
Terri lifted one narrow eyebrow and Carth ran a hand across his face in exasperation.
"Again it was not the first time I saw her undressed" He said, trying to downplay his actions
"Do you want me to repeat what happened the first time you said it?"
The stare he received in reply could not have been colder than a glacier on Hoth. Carth wisely decided to not pursue the conversation. Terri turned back to Melissa, her humorous smirk returning immediately
"Now where was I? Oh yes, I remember now. I woke up feeling like I had been on a weekend long bar crawl, only wishing for a blaster pistol to end my suffering. As I turned my head I saw a clearly older man stripping down an unconscious young maiden. I said to myself, girl, are you going to let the old lecher do this while you simply watch. Feeling chivalry rise in my chest I got up and vomited all over his pants and shoes. Fearing another attack and my righteous fury, he dropped the young maiden and retreated. The cad then tried to justify his actions. On uttering his third justification I swung hard and dropped him to the floor. Leaving me victorious and in need of something for my knuckles. Some painkillers later I decided to tend oh so carefully to the valiant young maiden"
Terri looked down in anticipation at Melissa.
I suppose you want a standing ovation after that performance" Carth snarked
Terri idly lifted her hand in his direction middle finger extended.
"Real mature." Carth replied
Melissa was unsure as how to respond. On one hand Terri had tended to her, tried to allay her fears and anxiety with over the top humor, on the other she had to keep professional with chief pilot, no Commander Onassi in the room. While pondering the correct response, she felt another urge rising and it felt like it would not be denied
"Terri? Where is the refresher?" She asked
Terri reached underneath her shoulders and pulled her up, tucking the survival blanket tighter around her. She slipped Melissa's arm around her shoulder and pulled her to her feet, gently steering her to the square structure. Palming the control she opened the door. She steered her to the toilet and helped her to settle. Turning to the mirror she gave Melissa some space
"Sorry, kiddo. Till I am sure you only have a mild concussion I cannot leave you alone.''
Melissa nodded in assent, still blushing in mortification. Finishing she stood up and adjusted her clothing before pulling the blanket back closer around her. Terri was brushing her hair back when Melissa noted that her ears were not human, the pointed tips had been hidden in the mess of hair.
"See something you like?" Terri remarked, idly
Melissa could see Terri studying her from the mirror reflection. She looked down finding herself contemplating her feet.
"I…" She swallowed heavily, throat constricting" I want to thank you for the kindness and care you have given me… and sorry for almost shooting you"
"No need to thank me, kiddo, we are all in this mess together. As for the shooting thing you did the right thing, just remember the safety catch next time.. and that I am on your side"
Melissa's breath hitched and she looked away eyes burning. Terri sat down on the floor and patted the ground beside her. Melissa hesitantly sat down. Terri put her arm around her and pulled her close.
"Want to talk about it?" She gently whispered
The dam broke and Melissa started crying. Terri pulled her even close rand tucked her head into the crook of her neck. She patiently waited as the girl unleashed her emotions, softly stoking her hair in a soothing manner, ignoring the increasing dampness on her shoulder. Minutes later the girl started calming down. Terri waited till the sniffles started slowing.
"Let's get you out of here."
She stood up and extended her hand to Melissa. She pulled her up and they exited the refresher. She steered the girl back to the cot and helped her lie down again. Tucking the blanket in around the girl she ran her hand through her hair again
"Get some sleep, it will do you good."
Melissa nodded and closed her eyes. Terri sat next to her till her breathing deepened as she slipped into sleep, still running her hand through the girl's hair.
Terri waited till she was fully asleep, before standing up. Silently she crossed the floor and sat down opposite Carth at the table.
"How is she doing?" Carth softly asked
"Hurting both physically and mentally." Terri replied" I am worried about those burns, she need to see a doctor, plus that blow from the medkit was not the only head injury she took."
Carth breathed out deeply, looking back over the supplies stacked on the table.
"We are not really rolling in resources here, a private doctor will cost a lot and public health access might be extremely risky if that is even available here"
"And it is not like most here would accept republic credits either"
Terri reached into her utility vest and pulled out a credit stick. Carth started bristling in anger when he noted it was not for a republic bank.
She idly tapped it against her hand before handing it over
"Standard issue for scouts for exactly these circumstances, it access an account set up by republic intelligence on a Sith controlled planet. The risk is that they might be monitering the account if they are aware of it." Terri replied musingly," We could sell most of the items she grabbed from that lockup and see if that could gather us enough credits, in fact it would be better to sell it and get clean gear."
Carth grunted in annoyed acceptance as he acknowledged the point Terri made. Terri looked at him
"How did you find this place?"
"When I pulled you both from the pod, I just pulled you as far away as I could into the nearest alley. Looking for a place to stash you I noted that the back door was not properly closed." Carth paused, taking a sip from an open can,''The Sith arrived as I pulled you both in and sealed the door. The maintenance terminal was unlocked and I accessed the rental program, this unit showed as open and I signed us in as well as adding a note that the rental was due in two days. I guess we were extremely lucky that their system is extremely sloppy"
Terri nodded at that.
"We should be able to get enough credits to cover that or find a new place to hide in that time frame. So what is the next step?"
"Find out what happened to the lead Jedi, get to her escape the planet"
"Real detailed plan there, Carth" Terri snorted," why is this one Jedi so important."
"Obviously the plan will be filled once we have more information, as to why she is so important, apart from the fact she was in actual fact the mission commander, apparently she can do something called battle meditation.''
"That being?'' Terri raised and enquiring eyebrow
"From what I was told it is an exceedingly rare ability, they said with this she can influence any battle, bolstering morale and efficiency on the side she is on, causing confusion in the other side. That is something we cannot let the Sith get hold off. She has to be found at all cost."
"And if they already have her?" Terri asked
"She has to be rescued, to be terminated if all other options fail. That was the orders given to all senior officers in case something like this happened"
Carth looked out the window without really looking.
"If they have her she will be mercilessly tortured probably using the force as well. They say the force can do terrible things even erase your memories and personality, leaving you like a droid awaiting new programming."
Shuddering slightly, he broke off. He tapped the table lightly to refocus. Pulling a data pad from his pocket he cased a miniature hologram to form before placing it on the table.
"This is Bastilla Shan, recently knighted. According to the records supplied to us by the Jedi council, she was part of the strike team that took out Revan. Age listed as twenty three, brown hair, grey eyes, human female. Height one metre sixty eight centimetres, sixty eight kilograms. No distinguishing marks or scarring known. Duel bladed lightsaber, yellow in colour."
Terri looked at the hologram memorising the face. Before turning her attention to the datapad on the table. A disturbing thought came to her
"What other republic information is on that pad?" She asked
"Crew manifest, should be useful to identify anyone we find, make sure there are no infiltrators in our uniforms."
"Also very usefull to the Sith should they get their hands on it. You have to destroy that pad."
"No Sith will get their hands on it" Carth scoffed
"Are you immune to a stun bolt in the back from a bounty hunter or a sniper shot from afar. By now the Sith will have posted bounties on all republic personnel so we don't only have to worry about their soldiers, the underground will also be gunning for us." Terri responded, trying to keep an even tone
Carth looked at the pad in annoyance when he could offer no rebuttal. Finally nodding in agreement. Terri picked up the pad and looked at the list of names contained on it, she paused and tapped on Melissa's name. A shoulder and head shot appeared, after a moment a mechanical voice started reciting
"Melissa Carpenter cadet second class serial number nine two nine six nine seven two five six alpha beta epsilon. Registered home world Alterra. No known family, no last listed civilian address. Race human female. Age sixteen not corroborated by official documentation. Qualifications not corroborated by official documentation. Hair colour red, eye colour green, height 1metre 60 centimetres weight fifty eight kilograms. Melanocytic nevus right gluteus maximus, scarring recorded right patella and lower leg posterior, indicative of unknown animal bite. Completed basic fleet and infantry training Alterra academy, declined offered position in Alterran Ranger division. Current posting Endar Spire no recorded position posted. Report Ends"
Terri let the image drop down as the recording ended. Standing up, she put the pad down on the floor, placing the leg of the chair central onto the touch screen. She jumped onto the chair, hearing the crack as the screen shattered. Looking down she saw the screen completely shattered and the casing cracked in two; the CPU in shards making any data unrecoverable. Carth looked at the shattered remnants before looking her in the eyes
"And you, what is your history?"
"What do you want to know and more importantly why do you want to know?" Terri frowned
"Your record was sealed apart from a general description and a notation that you were to be posted to the Spire by special request of the Jedi council, you are the only scout we took on, not a squad nor a team of scouts, just you."
"Your point being?"
"I don't like secrets, I will not be betrayed again" Cart snarled
Terri stood up, placing her hand firmly onto the table top, cold fury radiated from her. Carth leaned back in his chair, hand itching towards a blaster
"And where exactly have I betrayed you before?" He voice barely above a whisper
"Not you, Others!" Carth grinded out
"Get your head screwed on straight flyboy. We all need each other to survive this clusterfuck of epic proportions. We cannot do that if you are constantly second guessing everyone's intentions."
"You are addressing a senior officer, moderate your tone."
"Scouts exist outside of normal command channels you damn nerf herder, so stuff your rank. You need to accept that I will not simply do whatever you say. In fact accept that you are more reliant on me than I am on you. Because unlike you I am trained to operate in enemy territory without being detected."
Terri took a deep breath, reigning her temper in, barely.
"In an effort to keep working relations I will answer what I can. One I have no idea as to why the Jedi wanted a scout or why I was chosen, take that up with the Jedi. Secondly scouts operate as single operators, we do not work in squads or teams simply because we are dispensable as the situation required and it would be a waste to expend multiple assets when one will do." She paused" As for my service record I have no idea why it is blocked, I woke up floating in a kolto tank in a medcentre on Coruscant six months ago with no idea of where I was, how I got there and who I was before. The only thing I knew was my name and that apparently I am half Elvenhan. I then spend that time in rehab and retraining till I was send to that damned ship. Now are you happy? Any more bitchy questions?"
"You realise that the last known Elvenhan to have left their planet was Revan?"
Again; your point being? Obviously others too have left the planet. How else do you explain their presence in the Senate, the board of several trade organizations, trade ships. Statistically speaking I am sure I am not the only half Elvenhan. You cannot judge a race by the actions of one individual."
She waited in silence for a response. Carth stood up and holstered a blaster pistol before shrugging on a hideous orange jacket. Terri quickly checked for any Republic markings and sighed when saw none. She thought about mentioning that wearing anything orange might be a bad idea, but decided against it to prevent from further riling up the prickly man.
"We should probably take a lot around, get the lay of the land and find some information."
She looked over at the sleeping figure on the bed. Glad that the heated discussion had not woken the girl. Carth followed her gaze, sighing he briefly relented
"I can go alone." Carth offered
"No. It is too risky to go alone. She will just have to be fine, a short recon is needed to get a better idea of what is going on. We also need to find information on some sort of medical help"
She slipped a pistol into the back of her utility belt after checking and priming it. Wordlessly she walked to the door and palmed open the controls. The door slid open and Carth brushed past her. She paused to memorise the unit number before following the direction to the turbolift indicated by a sign.
The building was in a dilapidated state. The white painted walls were showing stains and water marks and the cheap plastic floor showed patches of duracrete here and there. Every few feet planters containing mostly dead plants stood. The air was redolent with the stench of over applied antiseptics. The light fixtures up above showed the covers missing and several lightening tubes were either missing or burned out. A Cleaning droid was haphazardly polishing the floor, gears grinding audibly from a distance
As they followed the curved walkway to the turbolift the path ahead was blocked by a couple of Aquilish and a three man Sith patrol. One of the Aqualish had his arms up in the air to indicate that he was no threat, the second had his arms well away from his body. The third was arguing with a trooper with blue markings on his silver armour. Whatever he said seemed to have riled the Sith up as he pointed his rifle and fired a shot, the third Aquilish dropped down and remained unmoving
Carth stepped forward. Terri tried to grab him to stop him but failed.
"We have to help them."
"We cannot get involved, a missing patrol will compromise our location and the mission. Back Away!" Terri hissed
The squad leader noticed their presence.
"What is this?" Humans hiding in an alien only building. ID cards now!"
"Probably republic and alien supporting scum" A second Sith voiced off
Carth went for leather when he heard the word Republic, his drawing impeded by the snap securing his weapon. Terri dove forward, pistol clearing her belt before she even touched ground. Pistol lined up and firing shortly after impacting the ground. She double tapped the trigger before rolling and lining up another target. The squad leader dropped two holes punctured between the chinks of two chest armour plates. A second trooper dropped as a bolt stuck his throat
"Down you go!" Carth cried sending an overcharged bolt into the third trooper
Terri cautiously got to her feet, pistol trained on the motionless forms. The two Aqualish dropped down to the third, two keening wails erupting from them. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed Carth standing in a wide legged stance, not having moved to minimise his profile or seeking some form of cover as she had done
"Bloody nerf herder is going to get himself and everyone killed." She thought, acidly
Moving forward she kicked the rifle away from the squad leader before crouching down to feel for a pulse, she ignored the second as the wound would be non survivable, before checking the third. She flipped the first body over before beginning to search it. She pocketed several high denomination credit chips and an id card before scavenging the other bodies for their id's and valuables.
One of the Aqualish approached her slowly, keeping his hands in plain sight.
"Do worry, we will take of the bodies" He warbled in his language
Terri was about to inform him that she did not understand Aqualish before realising that she had actually understood him. When had she learned this, she cannot recall learning that during retraining, she recalled reviewing Huttese and Twi'leki, but not aqualish. Once again she cursed the fact that she cannot remember her past
"What did he say?" Carth demanded.
"He said he will take care of the bodies."
Terri turned to the Aqualish. She needed some information urgently
"How frequently do they patrol here?"
"This was not a patrol. They were shaking us down for credits. This building is designated as alien and foreigners only for the duration of the blockade, although the humans mostly found better accommodations. Fancy that."
Carth prodded her back. Irritated she swung around, the movement making her hair sway exposing her pointed ear. The aqualish relaxed further noticing that.
"Not a patrol. Protection racket shake down" Terri replied tightly.
She turned back to the Aqualish and pointed to the discarded weapons of the defeated troops.
"Those are yours if you want it."
She moved away purposefully towards the turbolift before Carth could respond. Carth rapidly following her. Stepping into the lift she pressed the button for the lobby. Carth stepped deeply into her personal space.
"Did you not think for one moment that we could have used those weapons? You were happy to loot everything else." Carth barked
"Yes being found in possession of Sith issued weapons should they decide to actually search the building would be so helpful, nevermind trying to sell it. I am sure the traders will just accept it with a nudge and a wink" Terri replied, sarcasm two layers thick.
Carth once again had no response, grinding his teeth he stepped back. The doors opened once the lift settled in the lobby. An older human male was seated by a desk by the door a sign on it read building manager/caretaker. A Twi'lek had set up a trading station by the door,
Terri moved to the desk, her step gaining a sudden bounce. Covertly she lowered the zip on her tunic to make her cleavage more visible. She leaned over the desk and true to form the old man's attention was drawn to what was being presented
"Hi there." Terri bubbled" I am from unit seventeen eleven. I wish to find out how much do I owe for rent for the week."
"Three hundred credits." The old man replied not looking up from his ogling.
Terri slid three two hundred credit cards to him.
"Could you be a darling and activate the water for the shower please, a girl has to pamper herself in these trying times you know. Oh and sorry for some reason the kitchen unit switched off, although I do know that I paid for it last time."
The old man idly inputted the commands to a terminal without question.
"It is done and thank you for prompt payment. You would not believe how hard it is to get your money out of all these aliens."
Terri kissed her finger tips before touching his cheek, before flouncing off towards the door. She suddenly stopped and twirled around and started to pat down her pockets, making sure to stop the sudden inspection with her hands on her chest. Putting a pout on her face, she walked back to the old man.
"Sorry sir, I seem to have lost my access cards for the building could I have another three."
The old man reached into a drawer and produced the cards, she thanked him with a perky smile and turned back to the door, making sure to put an extra sway to her hips. She paused at the Twi'lek's stand pretending to be entranced by an item.
"How can I assist you today; madam?" The merchant said ingratiatingly
Terri pretended to peruse his wares, finding nothing of immediate use or interest.
"Some local knowledge might be useful, for a finders fee, of course" She replied in fluent Twi'leki
Behind her Carth gave another irritated grunt as he was standing listening to yet another conversation he could not understand a single word off. The Twi"lek smiled showing his pointed teeth
"Of course everything is possible for the right fee. Provided of course that safety of oneself is preserved"
"That goes without saying, of course. Nothing onerous or dangerous just local gossip and places a recently stranded tourist might find helpful."
"My dear lady, it seems we have an accord. Might I have a name?"
Terri smiled enigmatically
"That would be telling, wont it not. A lady must have some mystery. You do know names are sometimes dangerous."
"Ask away then"
"I need to replace my clothing, can you believe that the brutes at the landing docks refused to let us take a few bags with us while we are stranded."
"Ah yes, terrible that. Take the free gravtrain to the merchant's promenade, you will be sure to find what you need there, if you are looking for something more defensively practical may I suggest Kebla Yurts emporium. Her stock might be a bit limited but the goods are of good quality. Of course no visit should not include a visit to Javiers cantina, truly a useful place to find entertainment of whatever sort you require."
"I also need to pick up some medical supplies, allergies you know. I have also heard of a disease rampant here"
"A sentient named Zelka runs a medical clinic close to Kebla's, he is fairly priced and a decent doctor. The only disease that I know running rampant here in the upper city encases humans in silver armour, you companion should be careful not to contract it"
"Do we have to worry about any curfews or document inspections?"
"If you are human, no. There might be a random id check but that is mostly for non humans, although staying out after dark tends to attract more attention. Though there is a rumours of a curfew to be imposed."
"If I were to have a problem with my card, is there someone who could assist with that, without having to stand for hours in a line in some dreary office."
"Behind the droid shop of Janice Nell there is a gentlebeing well versed with assisting travellers with such official matters, as of course he should being a travel operator, he will respond well if you ask for the golden dawn package."
Terri handed him another few high denomination cards underhanded before picking up a very low cost packet of snacks. The Twi'lek smiled again and motioned towards a corner with is head. A camera was above a service door pointing to the door and the stand. A lopsided no entry sign was attached to the door.
Carth stepped out behind her as they exited the building. In the distance they could see a cluster of silver uniforms holding back a crowd of curious onlookers from the escape pod. Not wanting to appear suspicious they edged closer to apparently gawk as well. Five aliens were seated on the ground, handcuffed. A Rodian's body was halfway hanging from the exit hatch. His blue blood pooling on the ground.
"Scavengers." Carth whispered," They would have contaminated the pod before they could sift through it"
Terri nodded in reply.
"We had better find some food and some clothing for Melissa and wait for night. It would be too dangerous to move around now."
Terri walked to where she could see a merchant selling tourist memorabilia and managed to find shorts and a shirt with welcome to Taris emblazoned on it. She paid without haggling, Before moving to a fresh food vendor to grab a few items before they both returned to the building.
Melissa woke to what could only be described as an industrial band saw as she woke. Carth was sprawled out on another cot, both arms trailing to the ground. She slowly sat up, luckily the headache was greatly reduced, the burns however were pulling under the dressings. Terri came up to her holding clothing.
"This is the best we could get at short notice. Both the coverall and the uniform you wore was unrecoverable."
"Thanks" Melissa responded
She pulled the shorts on under the blanket before pulling the shirt over the dressings. Finding her boots underneath the bed she slipped into them and tightened the laces. Terri took her face and looked into her eyes before pulling a small light from her utility vest and shining it in her eyes.
"Pupil reaction good, how is the headache?"
"Still have one but it is a lot better."
"We have some food on the stove, it is not much but it is a lot better than mre's which is all we have otherwise."
Terri moved to the kitchenette and spooned some stew into a bowl for Melissa who took it and sat down at the table. Ravenously she started eating. Terri took a seat across from her another bowl in her hands.
"There is more if you are still hungry. Just leave some for Carth"
Terri got an impish grin on her face and handed Melissa one of the flimsies she had liberated from the crates in the security office.
"Seeing as you found it, you can check to see if it contains anything useful." Terri said in a deadpan tone.
Being distracted by the food Melissa failed to spot the expression on Terri's face and opened the flimsy. Instantly muted moaning came from the micro speaker. Melissa dropped the flimsy as if it was on fire, face colour instantly matching her face. Terri idly pulled it over and turned it around.
"Girl on Girl, good choice" Terri stated as innocently as possible
Melissa instantly wished for a return to unconciousness. Thinking it could not get any worse Carth woke with a snort as a particularly load moan emited from the flimsy. Thankfully Terri closed the flimsy before Carth could register what was going on.
"We will keep this for later, for research purposes of course." Terri loudly whispered.
Carth stood up and sauntered to the kitchenette and served himself seating himself at the table moments later. Terri got a serious expression on her face and waited for Melissa to finish eating before turning her full attention onto her.
"Right, I am not going to sugar coat this. This is the situation, as far as we know we are the only three free on this planet, we have two main objectives. One we have to locate one Bastilla Shan, two ensure that she and us somehow get of this planet through a Sith blockade. The Sith will be searching for us and as far as I know so will the underworld. There will no rescue force from the Republic to save us. To put it bluntly, we are seriously up shit creek here, the boat is leaking and the engine failed. We are all we have"
Terri looked her in the eye.
"We need to know exactly what you are capable off, who you are. So let us start with your real age and what skills you have."
Melissa gasped in panic and looked to her companions. Carth was frowning, Terri's face neutral. For a moment she thought to continue the lie, but then considered what Terri had said.
"My name is Melissa Carpenter, I am fifteen years old. I ran away from an Alterra state orphanage and enlisted in the republic fleet under false information while I was fourteen. I completed basic fleet and infantry training as such I have basic knowledge of light weapons, basic medical training, basic infantry tactics. I am fairly competent with mechanical skills, I was hoping to be assigned to the engineering section."
"Why run away?" Terri asked gently.
"One of the administarors was started to take an interest in me, the older girls always warned us to be very carefull of them. Especially that one. Not just that all I could look forward to was a low end job in a state sponsored factory or job where it would be more of the same."
She sat her hands down in her lap. She laughed bitterly.
"I was so thankful that the recruiter was not looking too closely and just trying to make his quota. When the other recruits were moaning about everything I just kept thinking how lucky I was. A decent bed, clothes that fit properly, three decent meals a day. I promised myself that no matter what I will not wash out. And I did not. I pushed through."
"Why did you refuse a posting in the Rangers?"
"I was scared that the truth would come out. The rangers would have done a more intensive background check. I thought that I only had to hold on to my secret till I was of legal age and then it would not have mattered."
She looked down at the bowl in front of her.
"Now here I am. First time off world and the first planet I get to will be the one I will die on."
Carth made to speak. Terri shook her head motioning him to silence. She reached over and grasped the girls hand. She squeezed it tightly.
"I cannot give you a guarantee that everything will turn out into happily ever after. What I can tell you is that I will do everything to get all of us out of here that I can. As for your lack of skills I will teach what I can as long as you are willing to learn. All I ask is that you give all you can. You have done far better than most your age could have normally, all I ask is that you hang in there"
"I will do my best, may I be excused?"
Melissa walked to the refresher. Terri waited for the door to be closed before turning to Carth
"I knew what you were going to say. Right now she needs to believe that she has a future. If she feels that she is going to die it will become a self fulfilling prophecy"
"You know I will have to report this once we reach the republic. There is no happy ending, she is a criminal who defrauded the republic fleet."
"You know I have seen protocol droids with more empathy than you. Regulations this, fleet protocols that .Do you for one moment think the recruiter did not see that she is too young, the republic needs bodies and they do not care where they get it. She and others like her are easy targets."
"The Republic does not condone child labour."
"They might not condone it but they sure as hell do nothing to stamp it out. Oh and what is the other thing they do not condone and do nothing about? Oh yes, slavery." Terri rebutted
Carth glared at that but could offer no reply, taking a large bite of food to give him an excuse not to answer. She pointed to the refresher.
"I can guarantee you that somewhere before she reaches legal age, "someone" would have found the "clerical error". She would be sitting in a cell for several days then a friendly senior officer would come along and make her an offer she cannot refuse. Then it would be off to the marine commandoes, intelligence, scouts or whatever special division they dreamt up."
"That is conspiracy theory poodoo." Carth replied.
"Do you know what the main selection criteria for selection for intelligence or the scouts are?" Terri asked.
"Over abundance of paranoia?" Carth responded sarcastically
"That there is no one who will give a shit when you die." Terri replied icily.
"Why do you care so much about a girl you have only known for less than a day? One that almost shot you might add."
"I don't know, I just have an overwhelming desire to be there for her. Could be I see myself in her, maybe it is the force the Jedi harp on about, maybe it is an instinct from my none human side. What I do know is that I consider her to be mine and no one will come between us. No matter what I will get her out of here alive"
"That is a promise you cannot make"
"Watch me."
Melissa sat down against the wall, unbeknown to the others the entire conversation was audible in the refresher. A whirlpool of mixed emotions swirling within her. Happiness, no giddiness that finally she had someone in her corner, despair that her chance of a future will be ripped away, rage at having been used by the recruiter. She rested her head on her knees, inhaling and exhaling deeply to gain control of her emotions, deep within her she felt something shift, almost like a chain snapping. She sat up straight then wiped her face with arm, drying her watering eyes. She felt curiously hot
"Prioritise, get out alive first, worry about jail later." She whispered to herself.
As she exited the refresher she noted that the sun was starting to set. Carth and Terri was standing up by the table, checking their blasters. The back pack she had taken from the Endar Spire standing on the ground by Carth. Terri smiled at her, the smile slipping as she saw the redness of Melissa's eyes
"Let's get going, we have a busy night ahead of us. Mostly getting you to a doctor to get checked up." Terri said briskly
"You will stay behind us and not draw attention to us, you will obey all instructions, is that clear cadet?" Carth stated coldly.
"Yes, Sir." Melissa replied.
"Stop!" Terri ordered, anger clear in her voice.
She marched up to Carth.
"Get it clear, you are not in command here. I am. Everytime you wish to play the officer you will draw attention to us. Till we get off planet there is no ranks, nor sirs, no barking orders. AM I CLEAR!"
Carth nodded, resentment clear on his face.
"Good, remember it."
"You can be sure I will remember this." Carth grinded out
Terri turned to Melissa who stiffened slightly. She relaxed a bit when Terri's expression shifted to a friendlier one.
"For tonight and the rest of our time here our cover story is this. We are part of a crew that is stranded here because of the blockade, till further notice the ship is the wallowing bantha, a SorrosSuub xj10 freighter. Melissa you are my cousin through our fathers side. I picked you up on Lothal from a farming commune when your parents died in a landspeeder accident. We are currently running around the galaxy jumping from ship to ship because the leader of the commune did not want to release you into my care and had blocked me taking you legally. We of course had decided, kriff that. Carth is the navigator on the bantha."
"How do we explain her injuries then?" Carth asked
"Against my stringest instructions she was helping the chief mechanic fixing steam pipes in a crawlspace when some idiot activated the hydraulic systems. Said idiot currently has a semi black eye when I indicated my annoyance with his actions. We are only now going to a medcentre due to delays getting out of the docks as it was not considered as severe enough to justify medevac. Melissa is dressed as she is as it is currently the only clothing she feels she can wear."
Melissa nodded to indicate that understood the instruction and the cover story. Carth nodded reluctantly a few moments later. On reaching the door of the turbolift Terri handed Melissa an access card for the building.
"Our first stop will be at a place to hopefully get id documentation that will reinforce our story. Luckily our names are generic enough not to draw immediate attention, we will be changing Carth's to Matthew Ritter though, so cal him Matt."
Terri led the way to the gravtrain station. As they passed the site of the pod crash they noticed that the amount of troopers had been massively reduced and that said troopers were more interested in watching the pod being magnetically lifted onto a barge sled.
The gravtrain was surprisingly full for a planet under blockade. The happy chatter of beings preparing for a night of frivolity filling the cabin. Terri and Melissa had managed to find a seat leaving Carth to hold onto a handrail. Twice to groups of young men had tied to push through to chat up the two females and deciding against it on seeing the state of Melissa's clothing, and that her escort was not dressed better being in a utilitarian outfit, or it could have been the blaster pistol stuck in her belt. As the train stopped the doors opened and the occupants exited en mass, the trio exiting towards the tail end of the rush, Terri having explained earlier that anyone observing the camera would have focused on the middle of the mob as it was commonly believed it was best to hide oneself in the middle of a group to miss detection.
The merchant promenade was well light and the air filled with a fragrant citrus smell from trees lining the streets, several benches were set onto small grass islands in the tiled walkways. The sound and smells of food vendors setting up for the night was starting to compete with the smells of the trees. Several highly polished protocol droids were milling around. Terri walked up to one. The droid turned to face her fully.
"Good evening esteem resident or visitor to Taris. How can the merchant board be of service to you tonight?"
"I require directions to Janice Nall's shop."
"Certianly. Can I download directions to your datapad for your convenience?"
" Not tonight, just the directions, thank you."
" If you would kindly turn to your left and proceed onwards till the fifth resting area there will be a passage between Taris Automation, who incidentally should be able to serve your needs better and Taris Finance and Loans. Her shop is settled in the passage."
Terri nodded her thanks and started leading the way. Finding the spot easily, both she and Melissa gave snorts of amusement at sight of two Gamorean gaurds outside the bank dressed in velvet pink uniforms of all things.
"Would it be terrible to ask if they also do interpretive dances on demand?" Melissa asked, softly
"Just be sure to run very fast afterwards."
Terri looked at the girl and her worry increased. She was looking both pale and flushed, visibly starting to sweat now. For a moment she considered finding the med centre first but realised that they would most likely need some form of identification not to draw attention to themselves. Rapidly she led the way into the passage. She saw the signage of Janice Nall's shop and a little behind it was another narrow passage with a sign marked as Starlight travel agency. Several posters adorned the window of the agency. Half of them extolling the virtues of the food of the tour plans offered.
"Ten credits it is Ortolans" She said to the two behind her
She got no takers on her bet. With a sigh she activated the pressure plate by the door stepped into the shop as it was opened. There was a human settled at a desk idly filing her nails, not bothering to look up from her activity. An Ortolan waddled up to them.
"Good evening travellers, may good health and fortune always find you. How may I be of assistance?"
"May you find peace and comfort for your family and the finest food grace your plates." Terri responded with a half bow.
The Ortolan happily waved them to seats behind a screen, a small crackle indicated a force field activating before their host turned to them.
"Alas troubled times find us all and affects the joy of food. But enough doom and gloom, how can we assist you."
"We are interested in buying three tickets for the golden dawn package and your company came highly recommended by a discrete referral."
While talking Terri was flashing several signs with her hands using the standard language of the rogues guild. The Ortolan harrumphed in thought for a moment before nodding.
"Of course, if one of you will step into the managers office we can settle the unfortunate financial matters."
Terri stood up from her seat pointedly leaving her blaster on the seat and stepped through the force shield closely followed by the Ortolan. Outside the Ortolan turned to the human woman
"Please serve refreshments to our guests."
Terri followed him to an office. The Ortolan waited for the door to close before pressing a button below the desk and looking straight into a antique clock above the door. A shelve slid to one side shortly followed by a segment of the walling.
Terri stepped into a more dimly lit room, incense was filling her nose. Desperately she suppressed a sneeze. A much older pachydermous being was settled on several large cushions. Several other Ortolans arraigned behind her. Terri bowed deeply
"Peace and comfort to you wise matriarch. May your days be filled with succulent food and the chatter of multiple grandchildren."
The matriarch acknowledged the bow with a nod and pointed to a lesser cushion. Terri settled herself and waited for the matriarch to initiate the conversation. A Twi'lek serving girl brought out a large serving tray and placed it before the matriarch. The Matriarch poured a cup of liquid and took a deep sip. From the smell Terri identified it as a tea made from the leaves of a plant that Ortolans found succulent, but was slightly narcotic for other species. Terri hid a smile from the subtle play in use, the drug might make her garrulous and if she was an undercover police official anything said would be inadmissible due to the presence of narcotics in her bloodstream, at a guess the incense also hid a secondary narcotic in aerosol form
The matriarch refilled her cup and filled a second cup which was handed to Terri by the serving girl. Without hesitation Terri took a deep sip and sighed in appreciation. The Matriarch sat back slightly in satisfaction
"May I ask about your family?" The matriarch started
"Unfortunately mine was lost among the stars a long time ago. Long have I wished for the bliss of family. Fortune seems to have finally given me the start of one."
"The man and the young one outside?"
"The young one yes, the man only when Hoth becomes a tropical paradise filled with fruit trees."
The Matriarch snorted slightly at the rejoinder, followed by the others behind her, the tension in the room relaxing slightly more. The serving girl set a plate before Terri before serving the Matriarch. Terri took a large bite out of a piece of fruit, chewed and swallowed following quickly with remainder of the piece, not showing that she found the tart taste unpleasant. The matriarch nodded before eating a piece herself.
With the courtesy protocols observed and followed Terri waved away the serving girls when she moved to refill her cup.
"I do not wish to be rude but time is unfortunately of the essence as I wish to get my young one to a doctor. The challenge lies that I am not in possession of civilian documentation. I could not wait for the slow process the officials here insist on. As head of your family I am certain you understand my rush. But I am afraid without the necessary documents getting her help might be impossible."
Terri reached slowly into her utility vest and pulled out a card with the IGBG logo stamped on it, she handed it to the serving girl who passed it to the last Ortolan in the line behind the Matriarch. He got up and rushed away behind a screen. Minutes later he came back and whispered in the matriarch ear.
"It seems we are able to assist you in this matter. What names shall we use?"
"Terri and Melissa Plant from Lothal, the green steps region." Terri brushed back her hair exposing her ears, "Half human and Elvenhan For Terri, full human for Melissa aged fifteen. Matthew Ritter for our companion aged forty, Coruscant. I am certain you can pick a ship that is friendly to you and yours"
"It will take but an hour."
Three Ortolans jumped up and bowed to the Matriarch. Terri leaned back and bit into another piece of fruit
" On another matter for equal compensation I wish to know all you can find on Carth Onassi , planet Telos, currently republic fleet and Melissa Carpenter, Alterra same fleet."
Terri handed the three Sith id cards to the serving girl
"As an added gift, Who knows how useful it could be"
The Matriarch nodded in acceptance and another jumped up with a bow.
Jedi Temple Coruscant
On the top floor several workmen laid down their tools as a group entered the council chambers. The damaged stele they were charged with removing still emplaced in the ground, scattered broken tiles surrounding it. The group of workmen left in silence. The group settled in their chairs. Holograms sprung to life, forms filling the chairs of those not present. All attention was given to the hologram of a wizened being.
The being was light green with enlarged pointed ears of advanced old age, a slight greyish tinge around his ears. He appeared to be in deep though. After several minutes the hologram of another appeared to cough to clear his throat. The elder being turned to the otherwise patiently waiting group.
"Contact we have lost with the Endar Spire fleet. Twenty hours overdue communications are" Vandar Tokare spoke in almost a matter of fact tone.
"No information has been forthcoming from fleet command regarding the Endar Spire?" Vrook Lamar, an elderly human male asked.
"We have had no updates from them since the last jump report twenty hours prior." Master Kavar responded
There was a slight humphing sound of discontent
"I have maintained that the plan to send the child and the renegade traipsing around was an ill conceived idea." Mater Atris, the Archivist haughtily stated
None of the other masters respond one or two rolling their eyes. An electronic tone drew their attention. Master Zez Kai Ell pulled up a report from his datapad.
"The account we set up for the renegade has been accessed from Taris, it is for a very substantial amount."
"So at least the renegade is still in play then." Kavar mused
Vandar closed his eyes, submerging himself in the Force. After a moment he reopened his eyes, a rare surprised expression on his face.
"Strong their presence in the Force is, a curios muted presence I sense along with them. Mysterious this presence is, familiar but not it feels."
Terri steeped from the office. Carth was pretending to be idly browsing a pamphlet, irritation clear in his form. Melissa was leaned back in her chair, sweat sticking her hair to her forehead. Worriedly Terri touched her forehead. She felt the heat of a fever burning through the girl.
"Carth, Help me." Terri snapped
Between them they supported the lethargic girl, pausing only to get directions to the medclinic. The Ortolan gave them a burner datapad with the location downloaded on it free of charge, impressed by the care the woman was showing her now legal cousin.
The door to the medcentre slid open. The facility orderly looked up idly from behind his desk as two people half dragged a young girl in. Sighing he pressed a button to notify the doctor of a potential emergency. Within moments the elderly doctor stepped across to them across the pristine white floor, he snapped his fingers at the orderly and pointed to the hover gurney
"Good evening. What seems to be your emergency?"
Terri gently eased Melissa onto the gurney.
"She was working in a crawlspace fixing a pipe and got scalded, we did what we could to treat her. I have been trying to get her help ever since, but the officials at the dock declined my request for a medevac. It happened twenty hours ago. She also hit her head on something when she got burned." Terri spoke." We had her on the ship at first and then at the customs office to try and get her pass expedited to get her help"
The Doctor pushed the gurney towards a room in the back. The orderly jumped in front of Terri as she moved to follow.
"We need to settle payment first as well as administration before letting you through." He said, false sympathy dripping from his tone.
Terri walked to the desk and placed a creditstick as well as her and Melissa's new id cards down. The orderly grabbed the credit stick first and checked the authenticity and amount available first, not even bothering to glance at the id cards. Terri turned to Carth.
"The equipment emporium is around the corner, it would be best to take care of our business there while I wait on Melissa. This might take a while"
Carth nodded curtly and spun around on his heel. Terri turned back to the orderly awaiting the barrage of questions that was sure to follow. In a highly ironic twist the ship they were made crew of was named the Wallowing Bantha, a Corellian F202 ultramax freighter. The captain happily accepting payment for phantom crew.
Terri was pacing across the pristinely cleaned floor, Carth had returned half an hour earlier and was currently sprawled into a chair in the waiting area, slight snoring came from him. With relief she saw the doctor approaching.
"Sorry for the delay. I am doctor Zelka, I had finished stabilising your cousin. You were very fortunate in bringing her here on time. There was trace elements of some unknown contaminent on her skin that accelerated the infection. The kolto dressings that you had applied had saved her life but it was not enough to stave of the infection. I had to excise the burns which as you know was a very large area. It has since been regrown with synthskin, and she is currently sedated and suspended in a kolto tank in a stable condition. Which will accelerate normal skin regrowth and prevent further infections, I suspect she will not suffer any scarring but it is too soon to say for certian."
"How long will she be in the tank?" Terri replied, relief flooding through her.
"Twenty four to thirty six hours. Normally I would urge you to return to your ship and await communication but in theses turbulent times I will offer you and your companion the use of two consultation rooms, obviously you will need to vacate the rooms if need arises."
"Can I see her?"
Zelka led the way to the rear of the facility. A single tank stood in the middle of the room. Melissa dressed in a hospital gown was suspended in the blue viscous fluid, bubbles rolled in an intermittent pattern through it, the only sound was that of a respirator as Melissa slowly breathed through it. Her hair flowing freely in the fluid. Zelka brought a chair forward and Terri thankfully sank into it touching the glass tube.