Disclaimer:
The following is a work of fanfiction. All characters and situations belonging to the Star Wars saga are copyrighted to Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Walt Disney Company. Everything else, including original characters, are of my own creation.
Author's Notes:
Another section of the story completed at long last! Due to real life issues (being displaced from my job of twenty years), it took me a while to find the time to work on it. But I was determined to complete this section before I have to start finding a new job. Because of my job search, I don't know when I'll be able to complete the next section. But I have every intention of finishing this story no matter how long it takes!
The dress Jyn chooses for the gala is heavily based on the dress Felicity Jones wore to the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony.
I would like to remind everyone that this story is inspired by the Lifetime Channel original movies and incorporates many of their common plot elements. Like those movies there is sexual content and violence.
Although this story is a follow-up to my "Rogue One" AU "Chances," all other canon events follow the movies. The timeframe for the story is a year and a half after "Return of the Jedi."
Here is the "cast" for the original characters in this part of the story:
Character Actor
Mirella Reedl Lindsay Hartley
Kathmea Proan Anna Marie Dobbins
Zealene Anmana Laurie Fortier
Jeek Warler Marcus Rosner
Firit Korug Rib Hillis
Piter Yyse (mentioned only) Corin Nemic
Larg Sonnin Tanner Zagarino
Nicrae Linner Panos Vlahos
All questions and comments may be sent to me at my e-mail address. Please see my author profile for details.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the story.
Jyn could not stop her jaw from dropping as she followed Leia into the exclusive boutique to which she had brought her.
The store was filled with more dresses than Jyn had ever seen in her entire life. Every color of the visible spectrum appeared to be represented and there were more styles and designs than she had ever imagined existing. It was overwhelming!
How was she ever going to find just the right one?
"Wow!" Kathmea commented as she came in behind her. "This is amazing!"
To say Jyn had been surprised when Mirella's young assistant had shown up at the apartment building less than twenty minutes after she had returned there with Ashlyra would have been an understatement. She and Cassian had been under the impression that very few people knew where they were staying. Yet Kathmea had been told exactly where to find her.
By Mirella.
How Mirella had found out their location so quickly and easily was frightening. And how she had been able to manage it in the few hours she had been on Chandrila was a matter that would have to be investigated as soon as possible. (Cassian had commed her the moment the meeting had ended, letting her know that Irack had informed Captain Yyse about Kathmea's unexpected arrival. There was a concern that Mirella might have gotten the information directly from someone on the Chandrilan security force. A male someone... If that were the case, this being would need to be found and removed from his position immediately.) And making things worse was the knowledge that she was after more than just revenge.
She wanted Cassian back in her bed.
Jyn had been as horrified and disturbed as Cassian had been when he'd shared Mirella's whispered words with her. (She'd witnessed his reaction to hearing them, but she would have never guessed what had been said. The nature of them...) They'd both assumed Mirella's goal was to make him suffer before killing him for leaving her. Now she'd made it known that she wanted to have sex with him again as well.
And she had made it very clear that she didn't intend to give him a choice.
The question now became what, if anything, this changed. If Mirella was only after sex, why hadn't she used the sources who had provided her with Cassian's true identity to simply find where he lived? (Jyn had been frightened of that very possibility from the beginning.) Why the elaborate negotiation scheme involving both the New Republic and Tyrat? What was the point of forcing him to come to Chandrila? Of demanding his presence for the negotiations? No, her ultimate goal couldn't be anything but revenge.
Revenge that somehow involved sleeping with him first.
How Mirella planned to pull that off was a mystery. She had to know that Cassian was wary of her and clearly uninterested in her that way. (A concept that was most likely inconceivable to Mirella.) Getting him into her bed of his own free will was an impossible task.
Unless...
No, Jyn mentally shook her head at the very idea that Kathmea had been sent to somehow bring Cassian to Mirella.
Kathmea came across to Jyn as genuinely innocent and honest. Her interactions with Ashlyra told her everything she needed to know: she absolutely adored the little girl she'd only just met. (And the feeling was clearly mutual. Ashlyra, who had a natural sense about people most likely due to her Force abilities, had lit up when she'd seen Kathmea again. Their friendship could not be faked. Not even the greatest of actresses could pull it off with a Force-sensitive child.) Jyn could not find anything suspicious at all about her. She really did just want to help out with Ashlyra. (Interestingly enough, Kathmea had informed her that her background was in childcare. How she had ended up working as Mirella's assistant was another mystery for another time.)
Which made her wonder why Mirella had sent her in the first place. It definitely wasn't to spy on them, since Kathmea had focused most of her attention on Ashlyra. (And, surprisingly, Bodhi as well. The two of them had instantly clicked the moment Jyn had introduced them. And then they had bonded over their mutual love of Ashlyra...) And it most certainly wasn't to seduce Cassian. (There was a general awkwardness to Kathmea's social interactions, something of which Mirella had to be aware. She would be useless in that capacity.) So what was her purpose? Or was it possible that Mirella just felt she was in the way and wanted to get rid of her for the duration of the negotiations? (To Jyn, that was the most likely reason.)
Ultimately, it didn't matter. Jyn found herself liking the young woman very much and wouldn't mind having her around to help with Ashlyra. (And she knew Bodhi wouldn't object either...) If Mirella didn't need her own assistant's services, then Jyn would be happy to use her. Which was why she had brought her along on this dress-buying adventure with Leia. Two fashion advisors were better than one! (Kathmea had at first protested that it wasn't her place to accompany her, but Jyn had pleaded with her so much that she'd finally given in.)
"Senator Organa, welcome back!" a woman greeted Leia as she came out from behind the counter in the center of the store. "How may I help you this lovely afternoon?"
"Zealene, I would like to introduce you to my friend Jyn," Leia spoke, gesturing for Jyn to come forward. "She needs a dress for tonight's gala. Jyn, this is Zealene Anmana, one of the best fashion consultants Alderaan ever produced. If anyone can help you find the perfect dress, she can."
Before Jyn could say a word, Zealene moved closer to her and made a circling motion with a finger.
"Turn around so I can get a look at you," she instructed.
Jyn, taken aback by the woman's direct manner, instantly obeyed, unsure of what Zealene was taking a look at.
"Hmm," Zealene commented as she studied Jyn. She then started walking around her. "Very petite. Small bust and waist. You'll need a dress that gives you full frontal coverage with a full skirt as well as shoes to give you height. I'll have to see more of you to determine whether or not you need sleeves. Do you have any color preferences?"
"Um...no," Jyn answered, uncomfortable with the level of scrutiny. It felt like she was being interrogated.
"Something in white or black then," Zealene determined as she finished her circling. "Those would be your best colors."
Jyn looked to Leia, who only smiled.
"Listen to her," Leia urged. "Zealene was the official consultant to the women of the royal house for many years. Her advice is never wrong."
Zealene chuckled at the statement. "Oh, I can think of a few people who disagree with you. But I can assure you they regretted not listening to me when their outfits were criticized on the Holonet."
Jyn swallowed at the thought of being judged by trillions of strangers over clothing. Thank the Force that tonight's gala was a private event!
"So do you have any style preferences?" Zealene asked her. "Are you looking for something conservative or more daring?"
"Conservative," Jyn confidently answered. Her goal was to draw as little attention to herself as possible while fitting in at the same time. A daring dress would have the opposite effect.
"Yes, conservative would suit you well," Zealene decided. She then turned to Kathmea. "Come closer so I can-"
"Oh, I'm not going to the gala," Kathmea interrupted her, holding up her hands. "I'm just here to keep Jyn company."
"That's a shame," Zealene replied with a shrug. "I can already think of at least five dresses that would have suited you well. Oh, well. Perhaps another time."
"You don't want to try at least one of them on?" Jyn questioned, hopeful that she would say "yes." It would make her feel better not to be the only one putting on dress after dress. "I have it on good authority that it's supposed to be fun."
"That's all right," Kathmea waved her off. "This is all about you. I'm just here for support."
"I already have my dress, but that isn't stopping me from trying some more on," Leia pointed out, which greatly relieved Jyn. "You should too."
"I'm fine, really," Kathmea insisted. "Please go ahead and get started."
"Okay," Leia accepted. She returned her attention to Zealene. "Should I bring Jyn to the dressing room while you pick out some dresses?"
"Room one," Zealene told her. "Room two will be yours. I'll bring you a few items after I get your friend started." She looked at Jyn. "Strip down to your underwear and I'll be in shortly."
"O-okay," Jyn said, feeling simultaneously ready and overwhelmed to start the process. This experience was completely different from anything she had expected. She had thought she would be the one looking and making her own choices.
Clearly, she had thought wrong.
"Follow me," Leia instructed and led her towards the dressing room where she would wait for Zealene to present her with the dresses she thought would suit her best.
((()))
Mirella slid herself off of Larg's prone form and moved away from both him and Nicrae.
"We're done here," she informed them as she got out of the bed. "Now leave me."
The two men, who had been rewarded together (unhappily) for their hard work (but smart enough not to complain aloud), instantly jumped to action and started gathering their discarded clothes. (The interpersonal relationships of her servants never failed to amuse her. The rivalries were her favorites to observe, which was why she did everything she could to fan the flames. Nicrae and Larg hated each other. Forcing them to have a threesome with her...)
Ignoring them now that her time with them was complete (they would be gone in a matter of minutes), she walked over to where she had draped a robe over the back of a chair and put it on. It was time for her to check in on the Andor apartment and see if Kathmea had succeeded in getting Jyn to accept her help with the child. (Considering the number of hours that had passed since she had sent her there, Kathmea should be well-entrenched by now.) She crossed the room to where she had placed the datapad linked to the holocameras that covered every inch of the apartment. Picking it up, she went to the nearby sofa and stretched out as she activated the datapad.
The screen lit up to show multiple windows, each one representing a different room of the apartment. The majority of them were dark. She quickly scrolled to find one lit up with activity. She clicked on it and the feed filled the screen.
To her surprise, the image only held the child and the pilot friend. They were sitting on the floor in the girl's bedroom. The small tooka that they had made such a fuss about the previous night (she had skipped the majority of that footage) walked around them. There was no sign of Cassian, Jyn, or Kathmea.
She exited the feed and returned to the main screen to search the other windows. Except for one or two rooms that were lit, every other part of the apartment was dark. The child and her babysitter were the only ones inside. Cassian, Jyn, and Kathmea were nowhere to be found.
Where in all of the hells were they?
She glanced at the nearest chrono. It was only a little after 1400 hours. The morning's initial meeting had ended at 1145 hours and the gala wasn't until 2000 hours. Where in the universe had Jyn disappeared to? And without her child yet? Cassian she assumed had things to do in preparation for tomorrow, but Jyn? She had no responsibilities other than watching her child. What could she possibly be doing that she had needed to leave the child behind?
But, more importantly, where was Kathmea?
Mirella would have expected her uncreative assistant to have returned to their hotel if she had been unsuccessful in making contact with Jyn at her apartment, which was apparently the case. Yet she wasn't here. (She'd left orders to be informed the moment Kathmea returned no matter what she was doing at that moment.) Kathmea never did anything of her own volition. (She did not have the confidence and always waited for instructions.) So where was she? What had she been doing all of this time?
Well, there was only one definitive way to find out. Mirella put down the datapad and got up from the sofa. She walked over to the table where she had deposited her purse, which contained her various communications devices. She reached in and pulled out her comlink. Switching it on, she selected Kathmea's frequency and initiated the connection.
Kathmea answered almost immediately.
"Hello?"
"This is Leader Reedl," Mirella identified herself. Feigning a concerned tone, she continued, "I haven't heard from you since you left the Senate building. I just wanted to see how you were."
"I'm so sorry I forgot to check in with you!" the young woman apologized. "It completely slipped my mind!"
"That's all right, Kathmea," Mirella told her, rolling her eyes. She'd never actually told her to check in. But Kathmea didn't appear to remember that and assumed she'd made an error. (It never ceased to amaze her how easy it was to manipulate the woman!) "As long as you're all right. Have you been having a good time with Jyn and her daughter?"
Since she already knew that Kathmea wasn't with them, her answer would be very, very interesting to hear.
"Well, I'm actually out with Jyn and Le...Senator Organa at the moment," Kathmea informed her, taking her by complete surprise. (Considering how obsessed with the child she'd been this morning, this development was...interesting. And could possibly be exploited...) "Jyn needs a dress for the gala tonight and she invited me along to help her find one. Not that I know much about fashion, but it's been fun so far. The store owner is-"
"So you're watching her daughter while she shops?" Mirella cut her off, getting an idea for a little fun.
All she needed was for Kathmea to tell her exactly where they were...
"Actually, Ashlyra isn't with us," she answered. "She's back at the apartment with Bodhi."
"And Bodhi is..." Mirella prompted, already knowing the answer.
"He's a very close friend of the family," Kathmea told her. "He's..." There was a slight pause before she continued. "He's known Ashlyra since she was born. They absolutely adore each other. Truthfully, Jyn doesn't even need me to help with Ashlyra, but-"
"But she let you come and visit anyway?" Mirella cut her off before she could continue with her inane babble. (She wondered why she had paused when talking about the pilot. She would have to look into that later. The reason could be useful.)
"Oh, yes!" Kathmea happily answered. "Jyn is so nice! She told me I could come and see Ashlyra any time as long as we are here! She really is-"
"Is Jyn having any luck finding a dress?" she interrupted her again to keep her from continuing to sing the woman's praises. (If she had any chance of keeping up her facade of caring about a word Kathmea said... It was a miserable task as it was!)
"Not yet," Kathmea informed her. "She's liked a few of the selections, but none of them have been quite right. Of course she looks wonderful in all of them! She-"
"What about you?" Mirella interrupted, not interested in hearing how supposedly "wonderful" Jyn looked in dresses. "Have you found any you like?"
"Me?!" Kathmea responded, sounding surprised that she was even being asked such a thing. "Oh, I haven't looked at any. I'm just here to support Jyn. Although she's wanted me to try some on, I didn't feel that it was my place."
"Don't be silly!" Mirella told her, finally seeing her opening. All she needed was for Kathmea to tell her their location. And then make sure they stay there... "Jyn gave you permission to try on dresses yourself. I say you should go for it! Try on as many as you like! In fact, I'll reimburse you for any you purchase. All I'll need from you is-"
"Leader Reedl!" Kathmea cut her off, shock clear in her voice. "I can't let you do that! It's enough that you're letting me spend time with-"
"Of course I can," Mirella interrupted her in turn. "In fact, I insist."
She doubted it would cost her too much. Someone like Jyn wouldn't be shopping in a place that carried high-quality dresses.
"Leader Ree-" Kathmea tried again.
"As your employer, I am telling you to try on dresses and buy whichever ones you want," Mirella cut her off once more. "Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes, Leader Reedl," Kathmea dutifully answered. "I don't know what to say."
"Thank you will be sufficient," she informed her. "As I was saying before you interrupted me, all I'll need from you is the name of the store you're buying the dresses from so I'll know which charges to compensate you for."
"Um, it's called..." Kathmea started to say. She fell silent for a couple of moments. "Universe of Stars," she finally said. "The store is called Universe of Stars Boutique."
"Thank you," Mirella told her as she picked up the nearest datapad and entered the store name. (It was a pretentious name for a store that she doubted carried anything worthy of the galactic elite.) "Now go and have fun! You'll have to show me everything you buy!"
"Oh, I will!" Kathmea happily agreed. "If I find anything, that is. Thank you, Leader Reedl! Thank you!"
"You're very welcome," she replied, forcing herself to sound enthusiastic about looking at her employee's clothing purchases. "I will see you back at the hotel later."
"Okay," Kathmea agreed. "Goodbye, Leader Reedl."
"Goodbye, Kathmea," she said and then she disconnected the call.
"Ugh!" she groaned as she shook her head at the lengths she'd gone through to get one simple piece of information.
She felt so...dirty from having to shower the girl in flattery. The things she had to do to get what she wanted!
Having Kathmea search for dresses would buy her the time she needed to get dressed and get over to the boutique, which was quite a distance away from the hotel. She was being given the perfect opportunity to interact with Jyn without Cassian around to protect her and she didn't intend to waste it.
It would most likely be her only chance to torment her before Firit did his job and got rid of her. She doubted Cassian would give her any opportunities at the gala. He would be on high alert. (It had amused her how hard he had worked at the meeting this morning to avoid her after their initial greeting. He had done everything in his power to make sure he was always talking to someone that wasn't her for the duration.)
Reactivating her comlink, she contacted Jeek.
"Meet me by the door in ten minutes. We're going out."
"Yes, Mistress," he obediently answered.
Without bothering to acknowledge him, she deactivated the comlink. Dropping it back into her purse, she headed for the closet where her servants had hung up her clothing.
Now she had to pick just the right outfit for tormenting the woman who had stolen her husband.
It wouldn't do to look anything less than her best.
((()))
Firit sat in his parked speeder several blocks away from the store he'd watched his quarry go into, macrobinoculars ready to inspect every being that came out of it.
According to Jeek, Mistress Mirella wanted the woman named Jyn Andor dead as soon as possible. He hadn't been given a reason, which ultimately didn't matter (whatever the mistress wanted, the mistress got), but he had been instructed to make it look like an accident, which took some of the fun out of it. (It greatly limited his creativity.) He'd also been told to not make his move until after tonight's gala, which made no sense to him. If Mistress Mirella wanted her dead, wasn't the sooner the better? And considering how impatient Mistress Mirella could be... (She'd probably thank him!)
So he had come up with a simple and straight-forward plan: he would follow the Andor woman around all day to get a feel for her routine. He'd see everywhere she went and determine which locations would work best for her "accident." He would try to wait until tomorrow to take her out, but if the perfect opportunity came along today... Well, what was more accidental than getting hit by a speeder?
He'd started out by going to the apartment building at the address provided to him by Jeek and parked across the street from the main entrance. Using the holoimage of Andor (she was quite a looker! It made him wonder if the reason for Mistress Mirella's order to get rid of her stemmed from jealousy. She could be petty that way), he'd watched the doors for when she came out. It was a good thing he was a patient man because Andor didn't appear for hours. She'd emerged from the building with two other women. (One of them he recognized as Mistress Mirella's personal assistant. He supposed he'd better make sure he was careful not to take her out along with Andor. While the mistress could do much better in the assistant department, he didn't think she'd want anyone making that decision for her.) Firit had then followed the three women to the store he was currently watching.
A store from which none of them had come out of for the last couple of hours. (Typical females! Not even Mistress Mirella was an exception.) He didn't doubt that she could be in there for several more. Thankfully he had come prepared for long waits.
He reached down to the seat next to him and picked up his sandwich and took a bite. Knowing that this assignment would most likely take all day if he didn't eliminate her before nightfall, he'd brought enough food and drink to last for the duration as well as other essentials. He wouldn't have to leave his speeder for any reason at all, ensuring he wouldn't miss Andor's next move.
He was a very patient man.
((()))
"This is definitely the one," Leia asserted as Jyn took her position on the platform in front of the mirrors. "It looks absolutely beautiful on you."
"She's right," Kathmea chimed in as Jyn studied her own reflection, turning both left and right for a better view. "It's so perfect! You have to get this one."
The dress Jyn had on was pure white with a halter style bodice and a full floor length skirt. The bodice was covered in intricate beadwork while the skirt was left unadorned. It was both simple and elegant at the same time.
As Kathmea had said, it was perfect.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Zealene declared as she came back over, depositing the latest group of dresses she had picked out for Kathmea to try on a chair. (Kathmea, who had initially declined to try on any dresses, had suddenly changed her mind after receiving a call on her comlink from Mirella. Apparently, Mirella had all but ordered her to start trying on dresses and to purchase some, which Mirella would reimburse at a later date. It was a strange request, but considering who it came from, there was no telling the reasons behind it. Jyn was sure whatever the ulterior motive was, it wasn't good.) "I had a feeling about this one when I selected it! This is the dress you must keep! It looks like it was made for you!"
Jyn smiled at herself in the mirror. The dress really did look beautiful on her and she actually felt beautiful in it. There had been a few others she'd liked, but this was the first one she loved. Leia, Kathmea, and Zealene were right. She had found her dress.
And she knew Cassian would love it too.
"I love it," she said, running her hands over the silky material of the skirt. "Leia's exactly right. This is definitely the one."
"Wonderful!" Zealene proclaimed. "Now that you have the dress, we'll have to find you matching shoes and jewelry to wear with it!"
"Shoes and jewelry?!" Jyn repeated, surprised by the mention of additional items. She'd been under the impression she was only buying a dress. She hadn't given any thought that there would accessories to go with it.
"Of course!" Zealene informed her matter-of-factly. "You have to complete the look! A dress like this needs very particular finishing touches. And that's before we discuss your hair and make-up."
"Hair and..." The feeling of being overwhelmed started flooding back. She'd really only come to buy a dress. It hadn't occurred to her that she would have to purchase more than one thing. A thing she hadn't even checked the price of...
She reached down to pick up the price tag that was dangling from the bodice.
Her eyes widened as she read the price.
"I... I..."
The dress was extremely expensive. There was no way she could buy the dress and the required accessories. It would cost too much. (She and Cassian were by no means poor, but they were not wealthy either. They had enough to live comfortably as long as they did not spend extravagantly.) Buying everything would nearly wipe out their funds. She couldn't in good conscious spend that amount of money.
"I can tell by your expression what you're thinking," Leia spoke up and Jyn turned from the mirrors to look at her. "And you need to stop right this second. This is all my treat. You and Cassian have uprooted your entire life to come here for these negotiations. The least I can do is pay for your dress and everything that goes with it."
"Leia, I..." Jyn began, stunned by this act of kindness. The senator had only met her for the first time yesterday. For her to bestow such a gift after knowing her for such a short time... "I don't even know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," Leia assured her. "This is my pleasure."
Jyn stepped down from the platform she was standing on and went over to Leia.
She threw her arms around her. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," Leia told her, returning the hug before gently breaking away. "But it might be a good idea to not wrinkle your dress before it even leaves the store. You do have to wear it out in public tonight, you know."
Jyn laughed, using her hands to smooth down the skirt. "Good point!"
"Now that that's been settled, shall we-?" Zealene began before the front door chime interrupted her. "Excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back. Senator Organa can show you where the shoes are. You'll want to select a pair with a heel to give you height."
Her instructions given, Zealene left them to attend to the new customers.
"We have our marching orders," Leia quipped. She turned to Kathmea, who was looking at the dresses Zealene had brought for her. "Will you be all right while we go look at the shoes?"
"Of course," Kathmea assured her as she held up a light pink dress. "I think I'll try on this one first."
"That one is so pretty," Jyn commented, admiring the simple dress. It reminded her of some of the dresses Cassian had purchased for her over the years. Maybe if Kathmea didn't like it...
"It really is," Kathmea agreed with a smile. "But then again, everything in here is-"
"I'll let you know if I need anything from you," a loud and familiar voice came from the other side of the store. "Though I sincerely doubt it. From what I can tell, you most likely don't have anything up to my standards in here."
Kathmea immediately paled, dropping the dress as all three of them shared a look.
Mirella.
"That's Leader Reedl's voice," Kathmea said, sounding horrified and Jyn's heart immediately went out to her. (She couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like working for Mirella, especially for someone like Kathmea. Her concern for her new friend overrode her own fears.) "I-I don't understand. Wh-what is she doing here?"
"I'd like to know the exact same thing," Leia spoke, folding her arms. "I sincerely doubt she needs a dress."
"She bought one weeks ago," Kathmea confirmed, panic in her voice. "Oh, she must be here because of me! I... I must have done something wrong that she just noticed! Oh, what did I do? I-I can't think of-"
"It will be all right," Leia soothed her as Mirella came into view, followed by the big man Jyn recognized from this morning's meeting. (Was he her bodyguard? Mirella hadn't bothered to introduce him to anyone despite the fact that he closely followed her everywhere.) "Whatever it is, we'll get it settled right now. Don't worry."
But Jyn could see that Kathmea was more than worried. She was terrified.
And given what Cassian had told her about Mirella's violent history...
"Kathmea," Jyn quietly began, a terrible suspicion forming, "does Leader Reedl-"
"Well, well, well, what a lovely coincidence!" Mirella greeted them in a cheerful tone. "Jyn, Senator Organa. It's a pleasure to see the both of you again so soon! I had no idea you'd still be here!"
Jyn knew it was an outright lie. This was no "coincidence." Based on the short amount of time that had passed between now and the call Kathmea had received from her, this encountered was planned. Mirella had wanted to run into them here.
The question was why?
"Leader Reedl," Leia cordially returned the greeting. "I'm glad to see that you're taking some time before the negotiations start exploring the city. How does it compare to Deyaria?"
Deyaria, Jyn had learned, was Tyrat's capital. It was the place where Cassian had his...experience with Mirella.
"If you've been to Tyrat, you'd know that it doesn't compare to any of our cities," Mirella declared dismissively. "If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes, I'd never believe that this was the capital of a galactic government. Hanna City is..how shall I put it...quaint."
Jyn was shocked by Mirella's disparaging remarks, but knew she shouldn't be. (Hanna City was one of the most amazing places she'd ever been. It was also the capital of Chancellor Mothma's homeworld. If Mirella had said this in the presence of the chancellor...) Mirella thought herself above anyone and anything that she wasn't directly involved with. And she had no problem openly sharing her opinion in anyone's hearing range.
"How interesting," Leia smoothly replied, her voice calm and steady. "You're the first person I've ever heard describe Hanna City that way. Which obviously makes me curious about how it differs from Deyaria. What do you feel that we're lacking?"
Mirella smiled. "If you're truly curious, perhaps we can bring it up during the negotiations," she suggested. "Tyrat has much to offer the New Republic besides the manufacturing of technology and other material goods. Our culture is second to none. With our assistance, you could elevate any city you wanted to new heights."
"An interesting idea," Leia said in her same neutral voice. "Of course, not all worlds share similar cultures. As I'm sure you well know, different species value different things."
Jyn was very impressed with how Leia was handling Mirella's carefully disguised insults. There was no question that she was the right senator to handle the negotiations.
"A good point," Mirella replied. "Though in my experience, one thing all species have in common is their love of the finer things in life."
"Yet there are plenty of individuals in each who will never experience them," Leia countered. "Not everyone is lucky enough to have the credits for them."
"Or deserve them," Mirella added, looking directly at Jyn.
And there it was: Mirella's reasoning for showing up at the boutique. It had nothing to do with Kathmea. (She had just used her to get the location.) She was looking to harass her the way she hadn't been allowed to earlier in the day thanks to Cassian's intervention. (She and Cassian believed Mirella was going after Jyn because of how it would affect Cassian-not because she personally cared about Jyn one way or the other.)
But Cassian wasn't here now (a fact that obviously made no difference to Mirella), so it would be up to her to defend herself.
Luckily, she would not be as paralyzed with fear as she was this morning. Ashlyra was safe back at the apartment with Bodhi and the security team, out of harm's way. (Lieutenant Irack had wanted to send someone with her to the dress shop, but Leia had assured him that it wasn't necessary. Jyn wondered if he or anyone in security knew of Leia's Jedi training and if that was why he hadn't protested too much.) Mirella couldn't touch her right now. All she had to worry about was getting through the encounter without reacting.
After her first experience with Mirella at the reception, Jyn's fear that Mirella would physically attack her in public had greatly diminished. As both Cassian and Leia had assured her, Mirella was concerned with her public image. And with three witnesses, including her own assistant, she wouldn't do anything to risk damaging it. All attacks would be verbal. Physical danger would only come if they were alone, which Jyn did not plan on allowing to happen.
"So," Leia spoke up, changing the subject, "what brings you into my friend's boutique? Looking for anything in particular?"
"Not at all," Mirella said. "I was just curious to see where Kathmea had been shopping. As I'm sure you can tell, she and I have very different tastes."
Jyn noticed that Zealene had come to join the group.
"Zealene has the best selection in all of Hanna City," Leia informed Mirella, gesturing towards the store owner. "You won't find any other store that comes close."
"Is that so?" Mirella commented, looking around at the dresses but not at Zealene. "How...disappointing."
A look of surprise crossed Zealene's face, but she did not say a word.
Mirella moved closer to Jyn and appeared to study her dress. Then she turned her attention to Zealene. "I suppose this is one of the best dresses you have to offer?"
"All of my dresses are someone's best," Zealene asserted, crossing her arms. "I have never had anyone leave unsatisfied with their purchases. So if you aren't interested in buying any-"
"I would think before finishing that sentence," Mirella cut her off, turning her attention back to her. "Senator Organa, please inform the proprietor of this establishment who I am."
"Zealene Anmana, this is Leader Mirella Reedl, head of the planet Tyrat," Leia introduced her. "Leader Reedl has come to Chandrila with a petition for membership into the New Republic."
"Yes, a petition I will withdraw without a second thought if I feel that I haven't been treated with the respect I deserve," Mirella let everyone know. "Remember, the negotiations don't begin until tomorrow. If I were to gather my associates and leave before then... So, I suggest you refrain from asking me to leave your little store. I'll leave when I'm ready to leave. Is that understood?"
Zealene just stared at her.
"Good," Mirella declared despite not receiving a verbal answer. She turned back to Jyn. "Let me guess. This is what you're wearing to tonight's gala?"
"Yes, it is," Jyn answered her in a steady voice, wondering what the woman was going to find wrong with it other than the fact that Jyn was in it.
"Hmm, I suppose it'll do," Mirella said, as if her approval was important. "Though I'm not sure Cassian will be thrilled with it."
Jyn knew what Mirella was expecting her to ask, so she purposely responded with, "My husband has assured me that he'll approve of anything I wear."
Mirella gave a slight smile. "Really? I find it hard to believe that Cassian has changed that much." She moved closer and in a quiet voice, she added, "The man I knew preferred it when I wore as little as possible."
Jyn forced herself not to react in any way, which she knew was what Mirella was looking for. Mirella was trying to upset her by implying she knew Cassian better than his wife did and she was using sex to make her point. (Given what she had told Cassian this morning, it was not surprising.) So she would keep silent and let Mirella say whatever it was she came to say. Hopefully, she'd get bored sooner rather than later when Jyn didn't give her what she wanted and she'd leave.
"Hmm," Mirella commented, stepping back and looking her up and down, "I'm guessing that that hasn't been your experience with your husband. Not with your shape. I doubt you'd ever dress the way he really likes." She moved in closer once more. "The more skin he sees, the more turned on he gets."
Jyn fought the urge to make a retort about how she didn't need to show any skin with Cassian because she knew that was what Mirella was hoping for. (Mirella wouldn't understand that what they had went far beyond anything physical.) She would just wait Mirella out. (She mentally crossed her fingers it wouldn't take too long.)
"I still can't figure out what he sees in you," Mirella continued. "It's definitely not your looks. Because if that was what he wanted...well, I'm sure you know what I mean. After all, you're you and I'm me."
Mirella came in even closer and Jyn reflexively backed up from her, earning a smile in response.
"Maybe it's the sex," Mirella went on, her smile turning predatory as she at last sensed Jyn's discomfort. "Is that it, Jyn? Are you exceptionally good in bed? Because I can't see any other reason for Cassian's devotion for you. You have nothing monetary to offer him and you definitely aren't much to look at. And your personality... Well, what I've seen of it leaves much to be desired. He clearly married you for reasons not on public display, which could only be sex." Her smile grew. "I'm right, aren't I? Your whole relationship is based on sex, which I'm sure is to compensate for your lack in other areas. You must be very talented, indeed." She paused, a thoughtful expression forming on her face. "Though I have to wonder why you only have one child."
Jyn struggled to retain her composure. What Mirella had said about only having one child... It was as if she knew they had been trying to conceive a second baby. But how could she?
Mirella smiled once more and then took a step back. In a normal volume, she said, "Well, it will be interesting to see which one of us holds his gaze tonight, won't it? And I have a feeling that it won't be you."
"If you want both Cassian and Jyn to be at the gala tonight, then I'm going to have to ask you to excuse us so we can finish up here," Leia finally intervened. "He certainly won't attend without his wife and she won't be able to go unless she's allowed to purchase her dress. And since you have very specific conditions..."
"You're right, of course," Mirella agreed, turning her attention away from Jyn and on to Leia. "How thoughtless of me." She then switched her gaze to Kathmea, who still looked terrified. (Despite her own discomfort, she was glad she had been Mirella's target and not Kathmea.) "Don't forget that I want to see what you buy."
"Y-yes, Leader Reedl," Kathmea dutifully replied.
"Senator Organa, Jyn," Mirella said she looked back to both women. "I'll see you both tonight."
"We'll see you then," Leia agreed with a nod.
Mirella smiled and nodded in return. "Jeek," she said as she turned and began to walk away.
The big man, who Jyn now knew was named Jeek, followed after her.
Jyn waited until they were completely out of sight before sighing with relief.
It was finally over.
"Oh, Jyn, are you all right?" Kathmea immediately asked, rushing over to her. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to stop her! I-"
"I'm fine," Jyn gently cut her off. (Mirella had thrown her off-balance when she'd gotten very close and started talking directly about sex, but that was it. She was more disturbed by Mirella's mention of children...) To think she'd even been slightly suspicious of the young woman... "I was more worried about you."
"Me?!" Kathmea echoed in surprise. "Why? Leader Reedl is always upset with me for some reason or another. I'm...used to it. I can never seem to please her for very long. But the things she was saying to you! They were just horrid!"
It saddened Jyn to hear that Kathmea had become so accustomed to abuse from her employer that she didn't even give it a second thought anymore.
"Leader Reedl obviously perceives Jyn as a romantic rival," Leia spoke up before Jyn could say anything. She and Zealene came over to join them. (Jyn felt horrible about being the reason Mirella came into Zealene's place of business. She hoped that she could at least partially make it up to her with her purchases.) "She has a past with Jyn's husband Cassian."
"I know," Kathmea confirmed. "Jyn told me and... I think... I think...she might be... The way she's been talking about him for weeks... I'm worried-"
"That she wants to bed him?" Jyn finished for her. "She does. She told him as much this morning."
"She did?!" Kathmea cried out. "Oh, Jyn! I'm so sorry!"
"This is the first I'm hearing of it," Leia commented and Jyn turned to her.
She knew they couldn't discuss their theories of Mirella's revenge scheme in front of Kathmea, so she only said, "She whispered something in his ear that made her intentions known when she hugged him at the reception. Saying he was surprised would be an understatement."
"This is just awful," Kathmea declared. "I've seen Leader Reedl get like this before. Once she has her eyes set on a man, she won't give up the pursuit until she gets what she wants from him. She's relentless. I've...never seen anyone...resist her in the end."
"Then Cassian will be the first," Jyn assured her. "Don't waste your time worrying about my husband. Cassian's pretty tough. It would take an act of the Force to get him to give in to her."
She was moved by Kathmea's concern. But the young woman had no idea of who Cassian was or what he had experienced during his years as an Intelligence operative. There was nothing Mirella could do or say that would cause him to sleep with her willingly.
But then again, if Mirella were to threaten to harm either Ashlyra or Jyn if he didn't...
"Enough talk about that horrible woman," Zealene spoke up. She looked pointedly at Jyn. "You still need to find the matching shoes and jewelry to go with your dress. There are only so many hours left before you have to start getting ready. Senator Organa, you were going to show her shoes?"
"Of course," Leia replied and she took Jyn's arm. "This way."
"And you," Zealene said to Kathmea as they started walking away, "I believe you have some dresses to try on."
"You know you can't believe a word she said, which I could hear by the way," Leia began the moment they were far enough away from Kathmea and Zealene that they wouldn't be overheard. She tapped her ear. "Force-enhanced hearing. It can come in handy with a baby in the house. Cassian loves you deeply. I just met the two of you and I could tell almost immediately."
"I know he does," Jyn assured her. "What Cassian and I have... Nothing that monster says is going to make me doubt that what we have is real. But Mirella knows that saying those things to me will get back to him, which will upset him, which is what she probably wants. Though given what she said to him this morning, I'm not sure what she's trying to do."
"About that," Leia said as they neared the shoe display, "what exactly did she whisper in his ear that indicated she wants to sleep with him?"
"'I can't wait to feel you inside of me again' were her exact words," Jyn quoted. "I don't think they can be interpreted in more than one way."
"Wow," Leia commented, shaking her head. "That was...bold of her. Yet at the same time she's verbally attacking you, which as you said is meant to hurt him as well. Talked about your mixed messages."
"I know," Jyn agreed. "We've been operating under the assumption that she wants revenge for Cassian leaving her all those years ago. But the fact that she's directly told him she wants him in her bed seems to contradict that. Then again, at the same time, she's trying to hurt him by hurting me, which brings me back to the revenge conclusion." She sighed. "It's all so confusing."
"That may be the entire point," Leia suggested. "From what I've seen and Cassian's told me, Mirella thrives off the suffering of others. She loves inflicting pain. Force, she even does it to her own assistant."
"Poor Kathmea," Jyn said, glancing back at where the young woman was twirling in the pink dress. "I hate the thought of her having to remain employed by Mirella, but leaving would have to be her own choice, which I don't think she's capable of making."
"Sadly, neither do I," Leia agreed. "Back to Mirella's plans: what do you think is her ultimate goal when it comes to Cassian?"
"I don't know anymore," she confessed as a wave of fear crashed over her.
As of right now, Mirella was clearly succeeding in whatever monstrous scheme she had come up with. She and Cassian were off-balance and couldn't predict what awaited them as the negotiations began. Mirella had the upper hand and knew it. None of them were safe.
"And I'm afraid that we're not going to find out until it's too late."
((()))
Mirella couldn't suppress her smile as she exited the sad little store and headed for her waiting speeder. If she hadn't been out in public, she might have done a little victory dance! Oh, she hadn't had that much fun in days!
Cassian's pathetic excuse for a wife was just so easy to intimidate! True, she'd tried to act like she wasn't bothered by Mirella's words, but her face had betrayed everything. Her reaction to the word "sex" had been priceless! (It was quite humorous that a woman who had sex repeatedly with her husband in a single night was actually a prude!) And then there had been her expression when Mirella had mentioned not yet having a second child. That alone had made the entire trip to the store worth it!
Jeek hurried ahead of her in order to open the speeder door for her. She climbed inside and waited as Jeek positioned himself next to her, closing the door after himself.
"Where to, Leader Reedl?" asked the driver.
"Back to my hotel," she instructed.
She had a lot to do before tonight's gala and only so much time to do it in.
She intended for it to be a night to remember.
((()))
It's about time! Firit thought to himself as his quarry at last emerged from the store with her companions.
As he'd predicted, they had been in there for hours! Though he'd expected them to exit a lot sooner after, to his complete surprise, Mistress Mirella had shown up and gone into the store. (She usually forced store owners to throw out all other customers when she went shopping to ensure that she was the center of their attention.) But instead, Mistress Mirella had left first, which baffled him. (The woman she wanted him to kill was in there. Wouldn't she have wanted her gone the instant she walked in?) But he had no doubt that Mistress Mirella knew what she was doing, so there was no reason to spend too much time thinking about it.
Andor, the assistant, and the other woman were all holding bags of their purchases as they started walking away from the store. They were headed in the direction they had originally come from. He assumed that they were headed back to Andor's apartment building. As they had traveled to the store on foot, they seemed to be returning the same way. (Something Mistress Mirella would never do!)
And in a stoke of luck, Andor was walking right next to the roadway.
All he had to do to complete his assignment was make it look like he momentarily lost control of his speeder and that would take care of his target.
Satisfied that he had a plan of action, Firit fastened his restraint, activated the ignition, and pulled out into the roadway.
((()))
"I'm sure," Jyn told Leia a third time after the senator suggested they stop by a beauty salon to get Jyn's hair and make-up done. "Zealene already told me what I need to do. I may not look as spectacular as if I'd had them done professionally, but I clean up nicely."
Truthfully, she would have loved to have a professional makeover before the gala, but Leia had already been too generous and Jyn refused to have her spend a decicred more on her behalf. She had done far too much as it was.
"If it's time you're worried about-" Leia tried again, not wanting to take "no" for an answer.
"Time has nothing to do with it," Jyn assured her. "It's just that you've already been so generous and-"
"And your point is?" Leia cut her off. "I already told you why I'm doing this. You and Cassian have put your lives on hold to come here because of Mirella. I am willing to do anything and everything to make this go as smoothly for you as I can."
"And I greatly appreciate it," Jyn told her. "But hair and make-up is something I can manage. I promise."
"You're sure?" Leia pressed.
"I'm sure," Jyn confirmed. "I'll let you know if I need your help again. I promise."
"All right," Leia finally relented. "I'm holding you to that."
"Oh, I have no doubt," Jyn smiled. "Your stubbornness is galaxy-renown."
"'Impossible' is how Han has been known to put it," Leia said as she smiled back.
"It's too bad he's not here right now," Jyn said. "Cassian and I would have loved to meet him."
"It's a case of unfortunate timing," Leia let her know. "He's in the middle of a race in the Heneti system that can last up to two months. He's just started the portion that is out of communications range. It will be a week before-"
Suddenly, Leia went silent and before Jyn could ask her what was wrong, she felt her body grabbed by an invisible force and lifted into the air.
Jyn cried out in surprise, her heart racing as she found herself held above where she had been standing only seconds ago. But before she could question what was happening, she heard the revving engine of a speeder grow incredibly loud as it passed directly underneath her on the walkway at a speed so fast she couldn't even begin to guess what it was. Mixed in with the sound of the engine were screams that she thought belonged to Kathmea.
By the Force!
If she hadn't been moved out of the way...
As the vehicle continued to speed away from them, Jyn's heart continued to pound as she felt herself being lowered back to the ground, her forgotten bags floating down beside her.
"Jyn, Jyn, are you all right?" Kathmea was frantically questioning her as she was released from the invisible grip. "That speeder! It was going so fast! I thought...I thought..."
Jyn was unable to answer because she was breathing too hard. She bent over and placed her hands on her knees as she waited for her heart to slow down.
She looked up and saw Leia watching her.
"You're all right?" she asked.
"Th-thanks to you," Jyn stammered, her mind finally putting together what happened. "That speeder... How did you know?"
On the rare occasion that Ashlyra saw an event that had not yet happened, the vision always came to her in a dream and she never knew exactly when it would take place. It could be hours or days before it came true. Leia, on the other hand, had sensed the speeder literally moments before it had reached where Jyn was walking. She had just felt the danger and reacted.
Saving Jyn's life.
"I just felt that you were in immediate danger," Leia explained. "There was no details, just a feeling, and I simply moved you out of harm's way. I'm just glad that I was here."
"You mean, you're the one that did that?" Kathmea asked incredulously. "You...you picked Jyn up...with the Force? Does that mean...?"
"I'm a Jedi, yes," Leia confirmed. "I was trained by my brother Luke. It's not something that many people are aware of. Not everyone would be pleased to know of my abilities, especially since I hold a public office. I have to ask you not to share this information with anyone from the Tyratian delegation."
"Of course not!" Kathmea asserted. "I would never do that. Besides, it's no one's business. But I'm so glad you are one. You saved Jyn! She would have died if you weren't here!"
Jyn shuddered at the thought that she would be dead right now if it weren't for Leia's Force abilities. It frightened her how easily she could have been taken from Cassian and Ashlyra. She could only imagine the pain her death would have caused them. (She couldn't even imagine how much she would suffer if she were to lose either one of them... She didn't want to imagine...) It was a miracle that she was alive right this moment.
"I owe you my life," Jyn told her. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"You don't owe me a thing," Leia assured her. "I just want to know how anyone allowed that driver to get into a speeder. He or she is obviously highly intoxicated. Hopefully, he or she will be stopped before anyone gets hurt."
Like I almost was, Jyn silently added.
"Actually, I take that back," Leia went on. "There is something you can repay me with."
"Which is?" Jyn asked, curious what Leia would want from her in return for saving her.
"You're going to have your hair and make-up done," Leia declared. "I won't take no for an answer this time.
"You said it yourself: you owe me."
