Concordia - Part 2

The next morning, Zaiya slipped away early before her appearance was questioned, disguised as a blonde haired and grey eyed Mandalorian child. She donned a white cloak and some plain but light coloured clothing. She took a regular transport down to the main planet, meeting a contact at the docks discreetly. They were able to slip her a key to a speeder nearby. Instructions stated to meet Saxon back here at the end of the mission. The speeder was swift, and soon found herself at a restaurant, where Vohiit would be later in the day. It was up to her to make sure that his food was tampered with, that he would suffer a fatal allergic reaction. She had to ensure that the poison she had was ingested fully. She arrived at the eatery, smiling and greeting the server cheerily, saying she had received a call to temp for a sick worker. The man seemed relieved and ushered her in swiftly. He offered her some basic training and gave her a uniform and an apron, everything she needed to fit in provided by those who would be patsies.

She blended well, finding the tasks novel for about an hour or so, though finding herself bored with the petty gossip she overheard from the staff and customers. Some were more appreciative than others, whereas the ones in fancier clothing bore something of a grudge toward those in service, one woman throwing a drink at her. It took almost all of her focus to avoid snapping the woman's fingers one by one. Instead she just smiled wider, teeth and fists clenched as she took the glass from the floor.

"Apologies, ma'am, let me fix that for you." She snatched her plate, startling her and the young man she was with. Apparently her son, if Zaiya had heard correctly. "It seems, seeing as you have had such a terrible time, I would not dare to assault your senses with this trash, as you put it. I shall fetch the bill." The woman was left sputtering and Zaiya of course was chewed out by the manager later. How did ordinary people put up with this?! She had to calm herself afterwards, taking deep breaths and trying to make sure she didn't break her cover. She wanted to slaughter the lot of these petty fools, but no, she had to wait. Adaji had assured her there would be great benefits and money for this.


It was later in the day, when Vohiit finally appeared. An older fellow, silver hair, a wrinkled face aged with wisdom and experience, his brow creased with unseen thoughts and worries. He walked with a cane, and wore a hat and long red coat. Well-dressed and classy, he was attended by two aides; a young man and woman, both blonde with signature grey eyes of the Mandalorian people. The woman seemed to badger him, asking questions and fetching him simple items.

Zaiya greeted the old man with a smile and a cheery greeting. She ushered him and his assistants to a table in the back, quiet and out of view of many prying eyes. This would be easier in the darker corner booth. She went through the little spiel she had been given earlier, by the manager, all the nonsense about specials, peppering the conversation with compliments and smiles. They seemed pleasant enough, and were not overly cruel or critical, mostly dismissive. Good, she didn't want them to remember her face, as generic as she had made it.

Once the orders were in, she just had to plant the poison. It was rather brilliant, and she had to commend Viszla's mind. The food would be prepared 'incorrectly' inducing a reaction in his weakened immune system, they would be so worried about the reaction, that they would not discover the poison in his drink. A bait and switch approach. Clever. Hopefully he had not overly complicated things by adding so many steps. Either way, she had her mission and it was up to her to fulfill it, not question it. She looked forward to being the one that made the plans, it might be refreshing to be in charge for once.

The man was relatively quiet, spoke to his aides who relayed messages to her, the woman the more frantic of them. The drinks were brought out first, the poison dusted in, tasteless so there would be no notice. She mixed it in carefully, before serving them. The food was brought out shortly after and she gave him the dish with a saccharine smile. She was able to keep his aides distracted as she presented them with their meals, asking questions and offering a compliment so they did not not pay attention to the old man as much.

With everything in place, she just had to ensure the reaction took, and stall help arriving. Sure enough, he began coughing after eating about half of his meal. Zaiya hovered. Keeping busy but ensuring she was out of the way. As the man coughed, he took gulp after gulp of the poisoned beverage to ease the swelling in his throat.

"Where's that allergy pen?!" The female aide cried in horror, scrambling through her purse. The item in question was of course in the Nightsister's pocket, Zaiya having slipped it away in a slight of hand movement earlier in the meal. The woman was frantic now, screaming for help. The man ran to the staffing station to demand they call a doctor. Zaiya rushed past, and feigned concern, helping them to a back room, for him to take a seat and recover. As she left the room, assuring the aides she would check on the droid calling for help, she kept the fearful look as she left so no one would suspect her. From her pocket she took the medication, and slipped it back into the purse, making sure there were no fingerprints on it from herself. She left the items on a table near to the back room, and grabbed the bag she had brought with her of supplies and a change of clothes taking this chance to slip away out a side door, the red coat her target had been wearing in her arms, and her apron discarded outside.

She didn't have much time, she wished to be off this planet as soon as she could. The returning Ferry to Concordia happened to be departing shortly after she arrived at the platform. The aides would still be scrambling for their master, and she was already about to board a transport. Slipping into one of the bathrooms of the station with her duffle bag to change, she quickly shoved the jacket into the bag, her body shifting in the green light into the black haired bob cut human that resembled Adaji, returning to the main platform.

Sure enough, after a short glance about, she spotted the big man loitering near the third landing bay. Tall enough to pass as an adult she swaggered over and approached as a friend.

"Oh, it's been so long! Have I kept you waiting?" She cooed, loud enough for others to hear, a grin on her lips. He looked startled for a moment, not recognising her.

"Wha-" He began, and she let out a soft ;tsk; sound, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"It's me, play along." she hissed. It took him a second.

"Oh- oh no, not at all." He replied in a regular tone before whispering back at her; "Treshan said you could change your face but-"

"Shh, wait til we get back." she whispered in return, and grinned, suddenly hugging him tightly. He seemed surprised and stiffened, but she stood on her toes to whisper in his ear. "There is a woman in green watching, over my left shoulder." she explained swiftly, and he returned the embrace swiftly.

"Did she follow you?" He murmured back.

"It's unlikely, but I don't want to take chances, we should keep moving." The two parted, and he led her by the hand to the transport that was now boarding. Once they were aboard and she was sure there were no others watching them, she dropped the act and released his hand, sitting back with a sigh, crossing her legs.

"So, how did it go?" He asked, still in a quiet tone.

"Well enough, I couldn't watch the finale unfortunately, I had to get out to avoid suspicion, but I ensured that it was done correctly." She nodded.

Saxon let out a low whistle, "Impressive, and… no one saw you?"

"If they did, it just looked like I was mixing drinks or cleaning glasses." She shrugged. "I made sure to swap the glass out as well for a fresh one and had the contaminated one washed so there are no traces left." She nodded, folding her arms in triumph. Saxon shook his head, his brows raised,

"I'll be damned, Treshan was right to put his faith in you, with work like that, you could do far more than bounty hunting." He marvelled.

"I plan on it." She assured, with a rather wistful smile. He took pause, looking over her for a moment.

"What is it you plan on doing?" He asked, curious.

"I have plans, though I have to find someone first, then I can move forward." She admitted, her good mood allowing herself to talk more freely.

"Who are you looking for?"

She levelled him with a solemn gaze, her eyes sad. "A friend." Was all she said.


The welcome was a quiet one initially, she met with Adaji in a calm manner, it wasn't til they reached the main compound that he perked up and seemed giddy to talk with her about what happened. At first the Mandalorians were suspicious, eyeing her unsure.

"You adopt another kid?" Bo Katan asked with a frown as she approached.

"Huh?" Adaji muttered, then looked at Zaiya confused. He clicked as he looked at her, "Oh right! Your face!" He made a round hand gesture at his own head, and looked at her.

"Oh, of course." She dropped her face into her hands and the glow shone out between her fingers as she ran them up her face and over her head, her face returning to her regular appearance, though human coloured and her hair long and while once more, even her body returned to its regular proportions.

"Whoa…" Bo Katan gasped, staring in amazement. "Are you a changeling?"

"Not quite." Zaiya responded mysteriously.

"Yeah, yeah stop showing off and just tell me what happened!" Adaji pouted, frustratedly.

"Maybe I will…" Zaiya chuckled. She managed to irritate him for a while by giving vague answers and not really answering him at all, sitting with Bo Katan and chatting pleasantly.

"Come ooooon…" He groaned, following her about the main hall as they waited to see Vizsla. Apparently he was in a meeting, Saxon had been called into it immediately and so Adaji could not pester him for information either. He was almost foaming at the mouth by the time the meeting ended and Vizsla approached her, Saxon to his right.

"I have heard you have completed the task to the letter. Well done." He smirked.

"I just followed the plan." Zaiya responded as she stood to face him.

"We have received word from Enceri." He stated, "Vohiit has been pronounced DOA."

"Well that is good for you." She grinned wolfishly.

He turned to Adaji, "Seems you chose your allies well Treshan."

"I did tell you she was good." Adaji chuckled to himself, then turned to Zaiya, "Either you tell me or… or I won't get you those Chocolate pods!"

"That's reneging one deal with another, it's bad business, friend." She told him, folding her arms.

"Ugh, you've been listening to Hondo too much." Adaji groaned.

"Speaking of which, where is that scoundrel?"

"He landed a little while ago, brought in a shipment of supplies… and some drinks for the celebration."

"Hmmm… somehow knew there would be one did he?" Zaiya scoffed, folding her arms.

"He doesn't know the details, but does know you went on a mission, and assumed your success." Adaji chuckled.

"Oh did he now? Or was he covering his arse because he knows no one messes with Mandos?" Zaiya rose a brow, and even Vizsla let out a sudden laugh.

"Well maybe… he also said he took them from your most recent cut."

"Yeah, I bet he did… Pirate scum." She rolled her eyes but didn't look too upset. "And after I got him a present and everything…"

"What is this about a present?" Came a familiar accent from behind them.

"Speak of gifts and summon the scoundrel himself." Zaiya laughed.

"You should be grateful you have been let in here, Pirate." Vizsla interjected.

"Is that anyway to talk to the man that has supplied you with such a skilled assistant? And these supplies?" Hondo gestured at the crates being dragged in on trolleys behind him.

"I thought I paid for them?" The Nightsister asked, leaning forward with a pointed look.

"Wha-I… this is what I get for training you too well!" He scoffed, turning up his nose at her. After a beat he looked at her expectantly. "So… where is my present?" Bo Katan, Vizsla and Saxon looked exasperated while Zaiya and Adaji just laughed for a moment, expecting nothing less from the Weequay. Zaiya turned back to her bag and rummaged around, pulling out the long red coat.

"Is that from the dead man?" Bo Katan asked with a raised brow.

"Waste not…" Zaiya quipped, making Adaji chuckle again. She held out the coat to Hondo, whose eyes lit up. "I figured it was worthy of a Captain…?" She asked, with a smile. Hondo reached out to take it, feeling the quality material in his fingers.

"This is…" He began in a quiet tone, and spun it around his shoulders to slip it on at once. The pirate looked emotional for a moment, open-mouthed and grateful. "Well of course it is! Finally this coat has an owner worthy of it!" He covered with a flourish of his hand, turning and letting it splay out with the movement. "A few armour plates and it will be perfect!" Typical Hondo.

"I'm glad you like it." She murmured with a chuckle.

"How come you didn't get your ba'vodu anything?" Adaji piped up. "Hey! You still haven't told me what happened! You changed the subject!"

"Caught on, did you?" The zabrak sniggered with an evil grin, then she looked past him to the taller man. "Saxon, don't tell him, this fool can't keep a secret." Saxon blinked, surprised at being brought into it, but nodded. The bearded Mandalorian let out a dramatic gasp.

"You traitor!" he cried in a high pitched tone, looking completely aghast.

"I see you know him very well then." Vizsla chuckled, seemingly amused by the display between the three, but his attention was taken as a woman appeared and offered them drinks. "A toast then." He held out his glass, "To a job well done."

"I may have danced, but you wrote the steps; to a brilliant plan and wise leader!" Zaiya stated, raising her tone for the last part. The man seemed satisfied, and a little smug about it, bowing his head as the group cheered for him, and he stepped away to talk to another of his people.

"You could have taken the moment?" Adaji half-asked half-suggested as he took a sip of the drink he was handed.

"I don't require praise, and besides, he likes to be the centre of attention." She shrugged.

"You've been paying attention." Adaji chuckled with a nod. Zaiya reached across and took the drink from Adaji's hands.

"And you, do not need any more embarrassing moments to add to your social resume."

"Embarrassing?" He asked in mock offense, "Are you saying you are embarrassed by me, cyar'ika?" He asked, touching a hand to his chest.

"Incredibly. I never tell anyone I know you willingly." She replied in complete deadpan.

The three bounty hunters were swept up in the party, Bo Katan stealing her away to discuss some tactics they had learned over the years, swapping more stories of their times in various adventures or during training. The night became one of drinking and mild celebration, though Adaji managed to bribe her to sing again, to which she didn't mind so much, as the Mandalorians were kind enough to teach her some new songs she hadn't yet learned. Even Pre Vizsla was smiling at one point.

At one point, she managed to find some time for herself, standing out on a balcony and staring out at the stars. She began to wonder if he could see the same stars? She took out the amulet, looking at it as it glinted in the light of the stars and exterior lights. She felt an energy humming from it, a tingling in her fingers that she alone could feel.

Her eyes closed for a moment and she saw a vision of glowing eyes, a smirk on black and red lips. Black robes swirling around her… a smoggy orange sunset. More visions moved in the smoke as she breathed deep. There was a blue face, blue eyes looking back fearfully. More darkness… a muted scream of rage. Then a flash of red- someone was cackling maliciously, a twisted pale face grinning insanely... then of his familiar face in black and red, screaming in horror, a hand reaching for her.

Her eyes snapped open and she gasped, her cup crashing to the floor as she panted, her hearts racing. He looked at her just the way she had done when he was taken. She didn't know quite what she had seen… but she knew what it meant. It was time.


The following morning, she was awake early again, and managed to rouse Hondo from his drowsy stupor. He was only half conscious still when he stumbled out into the small common area, the Mandalorians had let him stay there as opposed to the accommodations his men had to stay at mainly because he knew Treshan. Both of them arrived to a pre-prepared mug of kaf each and just sat quietly, not teasing or shouting at them to bother their hangovers… Hondo was immediately suspicious.

"What have you done?" He eyed the mug carefully, "You are never so… domesticated… did you break my ship?" He narrowed his eyes at her and she just laughed.

Adaji however took the hot drink and sipped it. "I don't care, if I die, I die. Better than this right now…" He groaned, referring to his hangover.

"I haven't done anything yet." There was a pause and they eyed her at the word 'yet' she laughed again, but there was a sadness in her eyes, she had grown used to seeing them all the time, she would miss them. "I thought it would be a good way to say goodbye."

That sobered them immediately.

"Goodbye?" Adaji asked with a frown.

"It's time, the mission I left Dathomir for, it's time for me to move forward." She nodded. They looked at each other and then back at her.

"You've never said what your mission was." The Mandalorian muttered. Zaiya let out a sigh and nodded, perhaps it was alright to tell them at least something.

"Something precious, a treasure was stolen from my people, and I have been tasked to retrieve it."

"Even though you were- are so young?" Honto tilted his head, confused.

"I chose this path, and I must follow it through." She nodded, "This treasure is important to me as well."

"So that's why you talked about Coruscant when you first joined us?"

"Yes, and that's where I need to go, if you would be so kind as to take one last trip with me…?"

Hondo stood up, a little wobbly on his feet but gave a short bow. "It would be my honour my Lady." Zaiya gave a little chuckle.

"Thank you… uncle Hondo." She smiled warmly.

Adaji stood and stepped over to her, opening his arms and wrapping her up in a big hug.

"If you need me, cyar'ika, then don't hesitate." He told her, speaking into her hair. "You're a good kid…" he muttered, though she didn't know if it was to her or himself that he spoke.

"Come on now, don't go soft on me, Treshan." She chuckled as she stepped back. She wasn't used to such contact but… it was pleasant. The Nightsister stepped away, allowing the two to finish their kaf before joining the Pirate to return to the hangar and Hondo's ship.


The crew nodded at her, gave her greetings and seemed pleased to see her. They seemed to enjoy her presence, she imagined it was because of the drunken nights where they had taught her ridiculous songs.

"Alright now men, I have an announcement." Hondo stated with a wave of his hand, and a swish of his new coat. What was he up to…? "This is Siren's last trip with us." Zaiya looked up at him with a blink, what was this now? She heard a sound from the crew and looked around, they looked … sad? Why were they sad?

"When are you coming back?" asked one of them, putting down the crate he was holding.

"I don't know…" She shrugged with a slightly confused look in her eyes. The pirate's shoulders drooped and she tilted her head. "Hey… what's this look for? Don't tell me you Pirates are getting upset over losing a mascot? Just grab a monkey-lizard and you'll barely know the difference…!" She grinned, a chuckle escaped from a few of the pirates nearby, and the mood itself seemed lighter.

"What's with them?" She asked softly, looking up at Hondo as they entered the ship to prepare for launch.

"They will miss you of course!" Hondo clapped her on the shoulder as he led the way into the ship and headed for the cockpit while the last of his men brought the cargo aboard.

"Miss me?" She asked with a tilt of her head. "What for? It's not like I know them well?"

Hondo just started laughing, one hand on his belly. "Oh you are just adorable…" He shook his head, leaving her to look at him, in confusion.

She joined him in the cockpit, shaking her head, and took up her now usual position of copilot. A lot of the time he let her drive, impressed with her reaction time and gaining skills at the helm. Adaji had taught her to fly and to shoot, Hondo had taught her the paths of the galaxy, trade routes and negotiations, all the places that were good to hide from the Republic. From Bane she had learned the art of hunting, how to shoot, how to know what weapon to use, what preparation to do. She had learned so much from each of them.

"To Coruscant then?" He asked, turning his head with a little half smile and she nodded.

"It's time." She smiled, turning to gaze out at the empty space beyond the windows.

"This weighs on you, doesn't it?" He asked in that low rumbling accented voice. "That you have put off this mission for so long?"

"Very much." She replied. "It's always on my mind."

"Then I hope you are successful." He had seemed to grow fond of her like Adaji had. It had been a long time she had been shadowing him, learning skills from the bounty hunters. Was it enough? Enough to defy a Sith Lord?

"Me too." She sighed with a grim expression. After a few moments, her expression brightened as she recalled something more pleasant. "How is the fit?" She asked, gesturing to the gold trimmed garment. The Pirate chuckled, tilting his helmet up with a sideways smirk.

"Oh of course!" He nodded, looking like a preening peacock for a moment. "This is a niiice coat! Gives me a very regal feeling!" He grinned, smoothing it over his chest. He seemed very pleased with himself, admiring himself on a nearby reflective surface. "Oh yes this is the stuff! I shall treasure it always little Sister." He beamed, earning a dazzling smile from her in return. It was a fine way for her to part ways with the smuggler.


-+ Notes +-

Hello my lovely readers!

I am so very glad to bring you another chapter, I do hope you enjoy this one too, and I would love to know what you think.

This chapter was rewritten in order to add more detail and bring more characterisation to the Mandalorians. The inspiration to make Gar Saxon a more involved chatracter comes from watching someone on TikTok that had a great appreciation for him and in turn has made me feel more appreciative of the character, hopefully we see some more of him!