15 years later…
Naboo was a beautiful planet. Majestic cliffs and vast blue expanses of ocean were a stark contrast to the planet wide jungle of buildings that was Coruscant, or the actual jungles of deadly, but beautiful Felucia. It was a respectable planet with minimal crime, and as such, Jedi Knight Kay Eclipse hadn't ever stopped there properly.
It was a wealthy planet as well. A tourist location that was exotic, but still soothingly familiar so as to not stretch beyond the comfort zone. As a predominantly Human planet, save for the indigenous Gungan, Kay really should have stopped by at some point. However, it was not unique in any specific regards. The Galaxy was a very large place, with many base-Human planets, and Kay hadn't had any particular reason to visit this one in particular.
Kay wasn't sure what she was looking for. There was no signal, no obvious place to go. Korra Rix who tucked a stray lock of pale blonde hair behind her ear hadn't known the name of a vessel to give her, nor a time and location for a secret meeting. But, she believed in her trust in the Force, and, like she had on countless occasions, had chosen to trust her friend. In spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary, Kay strongly confided in the woman who had long ago been her personal assassin during a period where she'd abandoned the Jedi ways for a life as a smuggler and mercenary.
Kay shared a special empathetical bond with Korra, in that she would share her secrets and private matters with her supposedly close friend and former assassin. Yet the Jedi Knight could not have been more naive. Aside from being oblivious to the fact that Korra, unchanged in her ways, was still a cold blooded killer, she also absolutely resented her, unknowingly and faithfully had once had former ties with Sariss Xur, and ultimately had plans to eventually kill both Kay and her significant other.
Scanning the system for ships didn't help all that much either. The planet had its own security, and there was a significant amount of trade ships coming too and from. Nothing stuck out as obvious. There was no way to even know if the other hired gun was in the system.
A few minutes of futility later, Kay started going through the various outlier ship registries. Trade ships and military vessels did not interest her, and there were no capital ships either. She focused on some of the personal cruisers in orbit and docked, of which there were thousands.
It was almost frustrating. But, she knew with enough time, she would prevail. It was nothing she hadn't had to do to track down a contact. It was expected almost. Perseverance was the key, and when that failed, she would resort to the Force.
After sitting in orbit for nearly two hours, a large ship entered the system. Different although similar in size to Kay's Defiant class battleship the Kriss, the vessel was quite long, triangular at the rear and cylindrical in the centre and front. There was a bank of three large engines on the back, giving it some significant speed capability, and there were gun emplacements up and down the hull. Yet it wasn't a warship. It was a Consular-class space cruiser built by the Corellian Engineering Corporation.
"That's the one, it's got to be," Kay said, gesturing to the image that popped up on her display. The Dagger's Edge, the ship that Korra had advised would be registered to a Raven, a hired gun, assassin and bounty hunter, that Kay, in a very non Jedi like way, had requested her supposedly former assassin to sought out for her.
"It appears that it's the correct ship Captain," Alara Kitarn who was Kay's first officer tilted her head back, and squinted through a lock of her black hair as she responded unenthusiastically. If having Korra around wasn't enough already, her girlfriend's idea of hiring another assassin for her important upcoming mission didn't bode too well with her at all. As far as things went regarding Korra's dark past, she was fully aware that her days as an assassin were far from a glimpse of her shady past. Twisted and evil, nothing had changed with Korra, knowing all too well how to manipulate her girlfriend. Korra however was far too intelligent to be outfoxed or played. Only fully aware that Alara knew enough, through more manipulation and threat, Alara found herself in quite the unfortunate situation that she was forced to remain silent. Either that, or risk losing Kay again to the dark side with devastating consequences.
Kay pushed a few buttons on her console and then spoke. "Dagger's Edge, this is the Kriss, do you copy?"
Only a few seconds passed before an audio only response was received. "Kriss," the heavy male voice crackled through the bridge's communication system's speakers, "the Dagger's Edge copies. What is your query?"
"I, along with a crew member on my ship wish to meet with a passenger on your ship."
"There are currently no passengers on this ship," came the reply. "This is not a passenger transport, it is a private vessel used to transport its captain the owner, and her crew. Please do not waste our time."
Kay turned to Korra and rolled her eyes. "I do not know how secure this link is, but my crew member's name is Korra. The passenger on your ship will know who she is."
There was a noticeable pause that went on just long enough for Kay to be nervous. The Dagger's Edge was quite armed, however it was no match for Kay's heavily armed, more superior vessel that could easily blow the other out of the sky. Though clearly, a hostile confrontation was the last thing the Jedi Knight wanted or needed, and especially over Naboo's busy planetary orbit.
"We wish to open a holovideo to confirm your statement," the Dagger's Edge eventually said.
"Certainly," Kay replied. She flicked a switch and suddenly the display was filled with the view inside of the Dagger's Edge. There, a craggy faced middle aged man, with a hint of grey at his temples appeared.
"I am Holden Tarkin," he said. "Second in command of this ship. To whom do I speak?"
"I'm Jedi Knight Kay Eclipse," Kay replied. She leaned forward and grabbed onto the gimbal that controlled the viewer, and tilted it over to Korra. "And this is my associate and friend Korra Rix."
"Holden," Kay continued. "I need to hire someone for an upcoming critical mission. My associate here has led me to you."
"Indeed," said Holden. "Apologies for the earlier cautionary measures. One can't be too sure or trustworthy in our line of business. Raven who is the person you seek told me to expect you. I will transfer docking protocols over to you momentarily. We await you at your leisure."
A light on the console flickered green just as the call cut out. A moment later, the docking formula was loaded into the system, which Kay immediately transferred to her personal transport shuttle. "Well, this should be interesting," Kay said.
The Dagger's Edge had entered Naboo's orbit on the other side of the planet. Upon boarding and departure, it took the Jedi Knight, Korra and her accompanying first officer, the better part of thirty minutes to get an approach vector for docking.
The Dagger's Edge was large, but it wasn't that large. The docking bay was just barely large enough for Kay's transport shuttle and maybe a handful of smaller vessels. Kay would go so far to call it cramped, yet her own ship wasn't exactly big either.
Once docked, Kay lowered the shuttle's ramp and disembarked, with Korra and Alara following shortly after. This wasn't really her gig, but she was already involved, so she figured she might as well get in on the ground level.
Two crewmen, both dressed in a silver metallic uniform with large shoulder pads and a six button belt buckle, greeted them upon exiting the shuttle and stepping upon their ship. "Welcome," one of the men who also donned some sort of special stole over his shoulders said. He was a dark skinned man with a grey goatee, but a strong jaw. "Our instructions are to bring you to the conference room. Raven will be waiting for you there."
"Thank you," Kay said. "Please, lead the way."
The Dagger's Edge was a cramped ship, just like its docking bay indicated. That wasn't actually atypical. Spaceships were almost always designed for utility first, and open space was usually one of the first things to get cut. This ship wasn't any different to the others she'd seen, her own ship included.
However, that didn't mean it wasn't extremely nice. It was clear that the owner had gained a reasonable amount of wealth, most likely from shady dealings and crooked business. The rooms and even the hallway had personality to it, and the crewmen all seemed extremely friendly. Given the type of people she was about to deal with, it was a stark contrast to the usual ship crews Kay came across, which usually ranged from crotchety to outright hostile.
Once they got past the crew chambers and miscellaneous control rooms for the ship's various functions, it actually opened up quite a bit. They were eventually led to a conference room which Kay would actually consider spacious, and quiet luxurious. There was even a server off to the side waiting to get drinks for them. Admittedly that was highly unusual for the sort of mob they were about to deal with, but nonetheless, she along with the rest of her entourage accepted them.
There was a large table situated in the centre of the room, taking up a lot of space, but not so much as to feel oppressive. No one was sitting at it. Instead, both a woman covered in all black which Kay assumed was Raven, and another man who looked similar to the ones that had taken them here, were standing off to the side, near the viewport giving them a beautiful vantage point of the planet below. The man, the same man she had spoken to over the holographic communications, was an older grey haired human who looked like he'd seen his fair share of combat over the years, also donned a military style black beret with an insignia that Kay did not recognise; most probably she presumed, some sort of logo that represented the group's mercenary organisation.
Upon Kay, Korra and Alara entering the room, they both turned their attention to them.
"It's a pleasure to see you again Korra," Lama Sage said with a slight bow.
"And likewise," she replied. "I've brought the Jedi Knight who I speak so highly of."
Korra continued, lying about the latter no doubt as she waved a humble gesture toward the Jedi.
Though unavoidably, given that this whole situation, as Korra had put it, involved a Jedi with a dark past, Lama's natural instincts had her setting on edge. She was an assassin and a bounty hunter of renown, specialising in high value targets, politicians and Force users. Something was making her anxious about meeting this particular Jedi.
Subtly, Lama turned to Kay, giving her a dubious look which Kay either didn't notice or had chosen to ignore. "Welcome aboard my ship Jedi Knight Eclipse, your friend has told me much about you."
Kay however didn't respond, nor did she out of courtesy demonstrate any etiquette in acknowledging her host. In fact if there was any truth in the expression, 'First Impressions Last,' then the Jedi had already made up her mind about Raven. Unlike her host who had at the very least been subtle, Kay demonstrated no such characteristics, loathsomely smiling back at her.
Raven, was a tall slim woman, taller than the Jedi Knight at 182 centimetres, who evidently wasn't the type to ever show her face to anyone. No one except the people she trusted. Instead of the usual bounty hunter armour, Lama wore all black. Currently, because she was also in the presence of two strangers in the form of Kay and Alara, her face was covered by a hood, mask and cloak. Although her precautionary measures in this instance were considered mild, taking into account the absence for potentially far more serious threats. Had such risks been foreseen, she'd also have put on a silver helmet and chestplate.
"You may leave us." Lama instructed the two men who had escorted the threesome to the conference room. The men promptly left shutting the door behind them, and would wait outside for until the conclusion of the meeting.
Remaining on her feet along with Holden, Lama gestured for her guests to sit. Preferring to simply stay on her feet, Kay however rejected the offer, not so much as even thanking her host for the friendly thought.
Korra in the meantime, no doubt irritated with the Jedi's deliberate lack of respect toward her friend, said nothing. It was becoming more than clear now, that the woman she secretly despised so much, was going more than out of her way to be rude and uncivilised to her friend. From what Korra gathered, the conversation was bound to falter before it had even began.
"Kay this is Raven," Korra finally spoke out, breaking the silent awkwardness that the moron of a Jedi Knight that she was forced to keep a pretence of amicability with, had unnecessarily caused. "You asked for me to find you another assassin or mercenary for our critical upcoming mission. Here she is. I've known her for a while. She is skilful, capable and trustworthy."
"Another assassin?" Kay was quick to protest. She seemed rather surprised, inquisitively raising an eyebrow. "If she is an assassin you refer to as 'another', then who is the original assassin? I certainly wasn't expecting this." Kay foolishly commented as she was under the strong belief that Korra's days as an assassin were truly long behind her.
Yet Korra wasn't at all surprised by the Jedi's ignorant outburst. She expected nothing less from an individual she considered only slightly brighter than the worthless soul she considered the dumbest of the dumbest; her annoying precious girlfriend who stood speechless opposite the other side of the despicable Jedi.
Patiently, Lama observed the discourteous Jedi speak to the woman she definitely understood as being an assassin. She didn't require the Force to fathom the Jedi's negative vibe either. The Jedi's immediate distaste upon first setting eyes on her was more than apparent.
Glaring at Raven, there was absolutely no doubt that Kay showed signs of intimidation. The assassin's full black attire, covering her from head to toe, in that only her eyes could be seen was unnerving enough even for the likes of the Jedi Knight. For a brief second she turned looking at Alara, almost as if she didn't know what to do, and then back to face both Korra and Raven, keeping her girlfriend well positioned behind her.
Sighing, Kay made absolutely no effort in hiding her disapproval. She walked closer to Raven, prompting Holden who had been standing behind her to leap forward. However completely unfazed over the Jedi's sudden approach, Raven raised her hand up urging the large man to come to a halt, which he did come upon, but not without the way of any objections. "Raven! You can't possibly—"
"It's okay Holden, she may approach me." Lama spoke, confidently taking control of the situation, her voice stern. "She's a Jedi, she won't go on the offensive."
All eyes fell upon Raven as a tense moment of silence ensued. She stood calmly, the bright image of Naboo dominantly filled the backdrop behind her, as she watched the Jedi Knight attentively.
Holden nodded, hesitantly, keeping his gaze fully fixed on the Jedi who had stopped a metre shy of the tall woman that he had sworn to protect. Kay eyed him suspiciously, while Holden returned eye contact, his hand remained at his side and close to his weapon.
Kay began inspecting Raven, breathing heavily, hints of annoyance more than obvious. Not very Jedi-like at all, Kay acted with no due regard toward her host.
"Raven, is that your real name? Or is it just an alias?" Kay asked taking in a deep breath.
"It's my alias, and it is all you need to know Jedi." Lama responded bluntly, her voice monotone as she rolled back her shoulders, nodding to Korra who watched on hiding her disgust toward the Jedi Knight.
Lama's reaction wasn't in anyway a result of her not being too fond of Jedi. To her Jedi were just like anyone else in the Galaxy. If they offered her a reasonable job that paid well, then she found no reason as to not offer her services. However this particular Jedi who could have been Sith for all it mattered, had deliberately gone out of her way to be hostile and impolite towards her. A rather ironic and unexpected situation, as it was Kay that required Raven's services. Despite Raven needing the credits, she simply wasn't prepared to put up with, nor give in to the arrogant Jedi's demands. And that was putting it lightly.
"I see Raven." Kay replied slowly inhaling a deep breath, and then sighed heavily as she expelled all the air out. "Allow me to make something clear to you right now, you will not speak to me in that rude manner under any circumstances."
"I will allow you nothing... Kay Eclipse. Your arrogance places the likes of yourself above me, yet I can assure you that in reality, it most certainly is not the case. If you wish to judge others by appearance and occupation, rather than the actual traits of the individual, then you deserve no respect, and therefore I will speak to you how I damn feel like it. You... Jedi, do not own nor command me." Lama said standing her ground much to Kay's annoyance.
"Last time I checked, you are a guest onboard Raven's ship." Holden added in, his voice calm but yet firm. "It's not customary for a guest to offend their host."
Notwithstanding that she knew she was in the wrong, Kay silently cursed under her breath at Raven's reluctance to give in to her demands. The frustration was more than evident to all those that surrounded her.
"Kay, it's only a suggestion, but perhaps you should take a less... aggressive approach." Alara's voice seemed like a murmur as she took a step in closer to her girlfriend.
Yet even to Alara's astonishment, Kay simply ignored her, frowning. Instead, she leaned in forward and began speaking in a slow but very deep intimidating tone, pursing her lips further attempting to intimidate Raven.
"Please. Cut. The attitude... out. I don't appreciate the way you are speaking to me."
Dismissively, underneath her mask, Raven's cheeks gracefully reddened, not at all unnerved by Kay's feeble attempts at intimidation. Instead on the contrary, she found her continued persistent threats rather amusing somewhat. She cleared her throat nervously, beckoning the Jedi to step in closer to her.
Fuelling her need to further satisfy her egotistical attitude, Kay was more than happy to oblige, taking a step in closer.
However not at all intimidated by Kay's antics, in a mocking tone she let Kay know precisely what she thought of her. "Well then, perhaps if you're too thick to get it, that I don't take orders from you, then perhaps I'll take a more direct approach in getting through to you. Go and get fucked you troll!"
Korra couldn't help but smirk behind Kay's back; what she would do to kill her now. She had to fight her urging desire to step in from behind, and wrap her forearm around her neck to snap it clean. And then the question regarding Kay's irritating girlfriend beckoned; nothing more than a useless little pet that begged to be put down. What she would do to pop a blaster bolt straight through her forehead and spit on her corpse.
Completely taken aback, Kay disdainfully eyed Raven shaking her head. The wheels had been set in motion for things to start turning ugly. She crossed her arms hissing, her behaviour no doubt the perfect recipe for potential disaster.
"If you have a problem with the way I'm speaking to you, then perhaps you should reflect on your own attitude? You want to gain my respect, then you'll need to earn it. You, Jedi, are not above me nor anyone else." Raven said firmly, again holding her ground .
"I see... I see Raven." Kay once again pursed her lips. "However what you fail to understand... is that as your potential employer, I have a right to know your real name. Further to that... I being the one that will lay down the credits on your platter, will not tolerate disrespect towards me, nor anyone else that is a part of my crew. Do. Not. Speak. To. Me. In. That. Manner. Again... Repeat such vulgar language to my face again, and I will—"
"You will do what?" Raven continued to baldly challenge Kay, who did little to change her egotistical attitude.
"I will..." Kay snarled and hissed but no words exited her mouth.
"You'll do nothing Jedi. Or perhaps I should say wannabe Jedi, for I have met many a Jedi in the past, and none have ever demonstrated your arrogant loose tempered traits." Raven countered, this time taking a swipe of her own at Kay.
"Raven!" Kay snapped suddenly feeling flush, while her muscles tensed due to Raven's comment hitting a sweet spot. "I couldn't care less regarding your insignificant assessment over me. After all you are just a mercenary, you hold nothing for the greater good of this galaxy."
"And you? You are no better? After all it's you who is wanting to hire me. Yes?" Raven immediately challenged. "Hmm, Korra tells me that you once were a dark Jedi? It seems clear that you still are one."
"You seem to find an answer for everything, if only your values were as great as your big mouth. However rest assured I am nothing like you— nor am I a dark Jedi." Kay said clenching her jaw, while at the same time felt her heart rate increase.
"Yet it is you Kay Eclipse, that is the one who can't even at least pretend to act civilised in my presence. And I've done nothing at all to warrant such inappropriate behaviour from your part. Perhaps you should take the time to reassess your actions?" Raven asked, calmly, her voice nothing but sincere.
Yet that seemed to upset Kay further who retorted by saying, "Perhaps you should stop hiding your face and reveal it to me."
"I show my face to only close friends and trusted people, otherwise I show it to nobody, and most certainly not you!" Raven said waving a dismissive hand gesture at Kay.
"What!" You dare continue to defy me! Take off the mask now!" Kay furiously demanded.
"I will most certainly not! Never! Not to an arrogant and disrespectful woman such as yourself!" Raven barked back not caring even the slightest bit regarding the Jedi's threats.
"Fine then, I will remove it for you!" Kay spat back reaching an arm out at Raven in a feeble attempt to rip off the part of her facial wrappings that covered her mouth, only to have Raven reach out with one hand to grab her wrist, and then the other to grab at her throat.
Her eyes wide open in shock, Kay tried to disengage from Raven, but the assassin's grip held firm. Wisely though, Raven did eventually let go, pushing Kay back causing her to stumble several feet backwards.
Instinctively, Alara had scrambled forward almost simultaneously, hand over her holstered blaster and ready to draw it. However before Holden Tark who had been keeping a close eye on her could pounce, Alara was stopped short by Korra who wisely stood in between where both Alara and Kay were standing.
"Put it away you empty-headed imbecile!" Korra said eying her menacing as she stretched her arm and hand out to stop her. Alara's nostrils initially flared in anger, but she sensibly backed off upon Korra's intimidating whisper. "Draw your blaster and I swear that even in the presence of your dumb girlfriend, that I'll break your fucking arm and your nose you stupid moron!"
Whatever had happened between Alara and Korra was of no consequence, as Kay had already retrieved and activated her lightsaber in the instant Raven had released her from her grip.
"Don't you ever do that again Raven!" Kay menacingly warned.
"Ha! Some Jedi you are Kay, you're the one who advanced on me. I have the right to defend myself do I not? And now you threaten me with that blade? So what are you gonna do, kill me Jedi?"
Raven then turned to Holden who during Kay's balls-up had gone for his blaster, and now had it pointed in the Jedi's direction. "You can put that down. She can't hurt us." She paused a moment to scornfully eye Kay and then continued. "She can't hurt me for no reason. It would be a serious breach of her Jedi code."
It took a moment for Kay to comprehend the gravity of the situation she had gotten herself into. The Jedi was completely overcome with defeat; her clenched stomach felt like it would implode upon itself.
A cacophony of clashing signals were assaulting her mind, some more reasonable than others. 'My whole family is dead. At the hands of Sariss Xur, assisted by my young traitorous aunt Valeska. They both should be dead. Kill them. Defend yourself. Kill them now. You've made a terrible mistake. You don't want to hurt yourself anymore. You've abandoned your family in their time of need for not having been there.'
But above all else was one relentless message, roaring in her head, far louder than all the others. 'What have you done? Get a grip on yourself!'
"Oh in the name of the Force," she whispered to herself, deactivating her lightsaber and then re-holstering it. She shut her eyes and clamped her hands to her head in an attempt to silence the intrusive voices. Alara approached in front of her; she wrapped a gentle arm around her, much to Korra's disgust. "Oh in the name of the Force," she whispered again, heaving as if having exerted much energy.
"Kay, you are okay. Everything is okay." Alara spoke in a gentle, reassuring tone, articulating every word with care. Kay's breathing began to slow as she continued.
As the others watched on, Korra in particular couldn't help but feel her hatred towards Kay and Alara increase. Furthermore, the latter, her precious girlfriend had clearly been ready to point her blaster at her friend Lama. Pitiful was the only word Korra could think of to describe her.
Kay snapped her gaze back to focus once again at Raven. Yet what Raven saw now was no longer the arrogant egotistical woman that had sought to challenge her just moments earlier, but a woman, shattered and broken by her own vivid emotions.
"I'm sorry Raven. I'm extremely sorry for my appalling behaviour towards you." Kay spluttered her words, tears slowly coursed down her face. "I'm a total wreck. My home, my parent's palace was destroyed. I lost everyone and everything. But, I'm not interested in Sariss. She, along with the Imperials will have others who eventually will deal with them. Their day of reckoning will come— but that time isn't now. All I'm interested in is Valeska Eclipse. You see, had it not been for her, our planetary's defences would never have been compromised, and Sariss' invasion would never have succeeded. Sure our world would have eventually succumbed to to Imperials, but my father along with House Sha'rah would have ceded to them. And that's not because they're cowards, but because they care. They would have avoided an outright war with them, which unlike was the case with House Zand'r's invasion, would have prevented the countless loss of lives."
"Well then I should be pleased to know that you've come to your senses, Jedi." Raven said, amused by Kay's evident anxiety. "I do have a former association with Sariss Xur so I would never have agreed to kill or capture her."
Kay's voice was hoarse with emotion. "All I want is Valeska and I've been informed that you know where she can be found."
'Yes, your sister—"
"— Not my sister. My aunt."
Raven cocked a curious eyebrow. "Ah, your father's sister I presume?"
Kay nodded. "I want her, and preferably alive. I want to confront her before I give her what she long deserves."
"You seek vengeance?" Raven laughed harshly. "See, not very Jedi like— Dark Jedi Knight Eclipse."
No longer fazed by Raven's comments, Kay was silent for a long moment during which time Alara let go of her and once again took a step back. Before she spoke again, Kay then looked up through her arms, her eyes shining with emotion. "I will pay you generously well. Should you accept the offer, it's paying a million credits which Korra will transfer to your account. That part is non negotiable, and given its a large sum I'm paying you in full before the job is even started, I'm highly anticipating that you will take it."
"That sounds wonderful, I accept your offer." Raven replied, seemingly softening up a little. "You've hired the right person for the job. I know exactly where she's hiding. The perfect place where not even Palpatine, Vader or their inquisitors can find her. An added benefit of having former ties with Governor Xur."
"Why would she be hiding from the Imperials?" Suddenly, Kay's voice was heavily laced with concern.
"Oh, you didn't know?" said Raven. When she saw Kay's surprised look, she shrugged. "Your aunt's a Sith. Or at least she claims to be."
Kay exchanged confused looks with the others. "But so are the Emperor and Vader?"
"But you must understand, only two of them there can be." Raven was mildly surprised at Kay's apparent lack of knowledge on the subject matter. "Valeska has secretly learnt the Sith ways and so without a doubt, Palpatine will see her as a threat."
Kay stared at her with open astonishment. "So then who is her master?"
"It's unknown, sorry." Raven uttered a dismissive laugh as if this were a mere jest, but then she saw the look in Kay's eyes and the amusement faded. "Is there a problem, Jedi?"
Glaring at the masked assassin, Kay started to seriously doubt if she were up to the task. Yet she was the only person who supposedly knew where to find her. "If she is Sith, will you even be capable of capturing her?"
Raven's deep voice echoed in the conference room. "Don't worry— Jedi. Leave that to me. There is much you don't know about me. I'll get the job done."
"Fine then," Kay said brusquely, and she pointed at Korra. "But I'm sending my very trusted friend Korra with you."
"Yes," Raven told Kay without hesitation. "I accept."
Kay paused a moment to take in a long deep breath, and then turned to face Korra as she let it out. "Korra you will leave with Raven in 12 hours from now, so I strongly suggest you rest up."
The guards who had waited outside, were efficient in responding to a signal that Lama sent for them to reenter, reemerging the moment the conference room doors opened.
"They will escort you back to your shuttle, Jedi. Once I have made all of my own necessary arrangements, I will signal for you so you can instruct Korra to come back aboard my ship. I will then take care of all the pre-mission specifics so we can depart without delay." Raven said straightening up to full height, while Korra nodded in acknowledgment.
Tilting her head to one side, Kay studied Raven's posture once more, still wondering in awe what the face under the mask looked like. "Very well then." Kay then said dismissively. Without waiting for any possible reactions, she grabbed one of Alara's hands, and then without a second thought, swivelled around as she turned away following the guards, and then exited.
Meanwhile, while casting a quick glance at Lama, Korra rolled her eyes as she pointed in the direction in which Kay and Alara had left. Trying to suppress her smile, she was quite unsuccessful, so a mockingly un-approving grin formed on her lips, her hazel eyes glinting with entertainment. Smirking, a shallow smile with deep piercing eyes and an evil mind betrayed all innocence. She eventually looked away from Lama, following Kay, Alara and the guards back to their ship.