Radical - Part 2

There hadn't been much talk in the ship, Slick didn't seem to know what to say. Zaiya suspected he was frightened, and didn't blame him in the slightest. Were she completely at the mercy of another of whom she knew little about, she might feel the same.

Upon arriving, Zaiya had Slick pull a cloth mask over his face and the poncho over his head, she too threw on a cloak, and let him through the streets to a little dive of a place, one she knew to be a favourite of-

"AD'IKA!" The loud booming voice nearly made her cringe and she had barely a moment to react before a big man in armour swept her off the ground and into a crushing hug. Clearly the hood did little to hide him from the armoured idiot.

Zaiya should have been alarmed but she was just reminded of Wrecker. Or perhaps Wrecker reminded her of him. Slick looked ready to fight but Zaiya just let out a sigh and turned her head to face him.

"Treshan," she deadpanned and turned to Slick, gesturing to him with her head, "this is the Mando I told you about."


Slick stared in shock, unable to understand why the Lieutenant-General of the Grand Army of the Republic was being picked up like some kind of doll. It was bizarre. Though he could not say it was more bizarre than the events of the day so far. He hadn't spoken to her before today. Seen her in passing sure, but he was not one of her ARCs, or Commanders.

He stared, dumbfounded as she was put down, and she barely seemed ruffled. She was always elegant, graceful whenever he'd encountered her. He'd heard the stories too, of the gauntlet, on how she ran it so many times, how she'd been a brilliant shot when training with the cadets.

And then of course were the stories of the invasion.

He'd heard she was like some kind of vengeful ghost flitting about the battlefield. That she had taken a hail of bullets for her men, how she executed the Separatist General with her bare hands for insulting her.

Sure, it was likely they were exaggerated tales… but seeing her up close, he kind of believed them. Here she was, risking everything for what everyone else called a traitor. Just so he could have the right to choose. If this were real… and not some cruel trick… he swore then that he would serve her for the rest of his life. That would be a worthy cause, he thought. She had shown him loyalty worthy of a brother. Maybe even stronger than that.

"Come on, come have a drink," she gestured to him as the Mando in orange and black led them to a booth.

"Is this your father?" Slick asked hesitantly. She said her father was Mandalorian, didn't she?

"He wishes," Lieutenant-General Siren replied with a smirk. He noted she waited for him to fall in step with her before walking forward. "Adaji Treshan, he's a Mandalorian, now bounty hunter and will be your mentor for a while, just like he was mine,"

"I taught her everything she knows!" The big man preened as he slid into a seat while Siren rolled her eyes.

"And I am smart enough to ignore half of it," she retorted. He towered over both of them when standing and with the beard and hair, the rumble of a deep voice and piercing eyes… yeah, Slick would believe it. The two carried themselves similarly. Both intimidating yet smiling.

The clone was finding it hard to believe she wasn't this guy's kid.

Slick slid into the seat opposite the tattooed woman, in all honesty, looking at her was a little difficult at first, more than the ashen skin and hair, more than the tattoos and the admittedly creepy eye that always seemed to be looking at him no matter which way her head was turned.

She never said how she got her scar or that green glowing eye… well, she did, but everytime she gave an answer, it was always a different one. Or so he'd heard. He'd not seen her in action but even the rumours were enough to make her intimidating. Her presence itself certainly was; making all the rumours seem believable no matter how ridiculous. Yet the way she spoke to the Mandalorian - who was equally imposing in his own right - was so easy, casual, friendly even and- then she laughed.

The bright white smile lit up her face and it was like the tension in his shoulders eased. She wasn't his Ver'alor here, she was just Siren, and he somehow felt like he was privy to some secret that none of his brothers knew. Perhaps they had seen her like this, the ARCs and the Commanders, - things like a drinking night wouldn't stay secret for long in this army - but still, he felt privileged. Even more, he was struck by the sudden thought that she had such a beautiful smile. That thought alone surprised him.

"So, we'll need to think of a name," both of her eyes turned back to him and Slick was pulled out of his little reverie.

"What?" he blurted and she let out a small puff of air as a sign of amusement.

"Well, you aren't a number anymore, and Slick is good, but for any official paperwork, you'll need a name, a proper one," she brought a gloved hand to her chin and tapped a finger to her jawline in thought.

"Well, I could pass him off as a cousin, or nephew…?" Treshan spoke up, "give him the Treshan name?" Siren looked up at the big man with raised brows.

"Mighty generous of you, ba'vodu," she stated and he saw the way the older warrior's eyes lit up when she called him that. Siren looked at Slick for approval of his new name, "What about Sil? Sil Treshan, you can still go by Slick, of course, but it's your name." There was something about the way she looked at him that had the soldier unable to do more than nod. She was giving him a name, a job… a choice. The witch smiled at him and he was more certain than ever. He nodded in approval.

"I like it," he replied.

"We'll get the documents together, and then get you your gear, Bounty Hunting is a little different to being a soldier, and sometimes you have to be a little lax when it comes to morals." Treshan shrugged and grabbed a half-full glass of… something and took a mouthful.

"Yeah… I figured," Slick nodded.

"The shock will wear off," Siren tapped the table and Slick's dark eyes went to her face, she smirked, "in the meantime, let's get you something a bit better than ration sticks, shall we?" she suggested, that smile was back.

What followed was the best meal and drink he'd ever experienced, even when off Kamino he'd not been able to have anything this nice. It was real food! After the first bite he was already enamoured.

Perhaps he had died. Been decommissioned on Kamino and he was actually dead. How was she not some kind of deity that had just rescued him from misery, put him in this paradise? A name, choice, freedom and now the greatest thing he had ever eaten! He couldn't get past it. The only thing he didn't understand was why, even though she'd given him an answer.

It just didn't feel real.


"Why are you doing this, Si?" Adaji asked, leaning in next to her, the last few hours seemed to have relaxed Slick a little more and he was enjoying the food and booze they had supplied him with.

The big Mando berserker was sure he'd make a good offsider; from what he'd shared and what Siren had read in the files, he seemed to be a good soldier… though Adaji had to question his loyalty -and why he kept looking at Siren with big eyes like that. The clone had better not get any ideas!

Siren let out a sigh, she was leaning on the bar and awaiting the barkeep to return with a bottle she'd ordered to take back with her, she looked up at him, her good eye unimpressed.

It was still a shock to see her eye in person, whatever the witches had done, however high she held her head now, the image of that broken girl crying in his arms was not one he would ever forget. Seeing her like this… well he didn't know he wasn't the only one that felt to blame for her injury. Though he knew better than to say anything.

"So many people questioning me today," she huffed, and turned to face him, propped on one elbow over the counter. Adaji tilted his head questioningly and she jerked her head back to where Slick sat, chatting with another patron. "He asked me the same question," she muttered, taking a sip from her glass sitting on the bar.

"And what did you tell him?"

"Same thing I will tell you, he deserves freedom," she shrugged as though this massive risk was nothing. Her gaze turned away from him, as though she could see something in the air next to him. Adaji's brows knit together.

"Since when were you a bleeding heart?" he asked, "I thought Bane got you under his rules of 'look out for yourself'?" There was more to this sudden act of charity, he was sure of it. There was a flash of anger in her face when she'd answered, he knew there had to be more.

"I did… then I… I had a lot of time to think." She took another sip, "I need only to provide for and protect my family,"

"And that clone you just met is a part of that family?" A pit was forming in his gut. She was so serious now, where was the girl that used to sing songs with pirates and enjoy making explosives with him? That cracked jokes and awed at hot chocolate? He began to realise the extent of her scarring, and it was not just the eye.

"Technically," she replied, still not looking at him.

"Cut the osik, Siren, you're not out here risking yourself on a technicality. Why are you even on Kamino? Just because Fett knew your father… you're taking over his job?" It didn't make sense. She didn't do things pointlessly, even as a kid. She was too smart for her own good.

"I cannot give you all the answers," she muttered, and Adaji was quickly losing patience. "But…" she sighed and turned back to face him, her eyes finally flicking back up to his face. "The Nightbrothers… on my homeworld they are bred to fight for us, to be used for procreation, for tools… the Nightsisters use them and cast them away." There was a deep bitterness in her voice. "The clone troopers too, bred in tubes by the thousand, created to fight in a war that has nothing to do with them, stripped of their culture, they cannot even call themselves Mandalorian despite having Jango's blood-" she cut herself off and Adaji finally understood. The rage in her made sense. She could not save herself back on Zygerria, but perhaps she could save the ones she identified with. He reached out a large hand and petted her shoulder.

"Alright," he nodded, "that's all I needed to hear," he smiled warmly. "I may not be your real family but you know I will always-"

"What are you talking about?" she asked, her face contorting in confusion as she looked up at him, as though his slip had bothered her. Adaji grimaced, his upset at her previous comment had been bothering him more than he had meant to say… He hadn't wanted to put that on her, despite how much the comment had felt like a stab to the heart at the time.

"Oh, ah, don't worry about it, ad'ika," he shrugged, "so your guy is going to stay for more than one job, yeah?" he felt like an idiot for thinking about it, now wasn't the time. She stared at him, her brows slowly drawing together, a clear sight she didn't believe him in the slightest. Usually the distraction technique worked, even if she did give him a look when he did that.

But not this time. It was like she could finally see through him, straight through to the heart of him and he felt struck motionless under her gaze. Since when had she been able to do that? She was very different from the girl that left him on Concordia all those years ago. Mismatched eyes stayed on him, seemingly unwilling to relent this time. She leaned in expectantly.

"That's what you said," he managed, suddenly he felt like a child being scolded by his mother all over again.

"Did I?" she asked, though it didn't sound like a question. Adaji sighed and cursed under his breath.

"You said Jango was your real family-" he was cut off by sheer embarrassment and looked away as her eyes narrowed.

"That's what has your knickers knotted?" she asked with a tilt of her head. Adaji looked back at her.

"It's nothing-" he forced a laugh but even he knew it was unconvincing. Siren let out a long sigh and suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"I just meant he knew my father, so he is the closest to a blood relative I have aside from my mother," she began, her gaze dropped to the bar top in front of her. It was as he suspected, and of course she wanted to connect to her father and learn more about him. Adaji didn't blame her. That didn't make it hurt any less. His grip tightened on the bar. He hadn't met anyone that was able to make him feel so vulnerable since… not since his own family when he was just a boy on Mandalore so many years ago.

"But," she continued and he dared to glance up, "you were there before all that," she seemed to be contemplating her words carefully, like she was having trouble saying them. "You taught me how to shoot a blaster, how to fly a starship and… how to make uj cake," she bobbed her head side to side a little. "You… are the closest thing to a real father that I have, blood or no."

There was silence.

Adaji was suddenly thrown back to childhood, barely a man and remembering what it was like to want things for himself, to have dreams beyond the day to day survival. His one desire to have a family, a wife that was warm and loving and could kick his ass. To have a daughter as sweet and pure as his own little sister. It had been years since he'd dared hope, though when Siren had walked into his life, it had been a chance. Maybe it wasn't real but it was the closest he'd gotten.

Until now. He thought his chest would burst for the sheer overwhelming emotions. For a moment he could say nothing, his smile not just for show this time. Siren glanced up when he didn't speak and physically reacted in shock, jerking back, her eyes wide. He couldn't help but laugh at that, quickly wiping the tears from his eyes.

"And you called me a softie…!" he grinned, he could not recall a day when he had felt so light. Siren frowned and drained the last of her drink, finally the bartender was returning with a bottle in hand.

"If you mention this to anyone, I will deny you three times," she threatened, he just laughed harder, "and I will never sing for you again." This time he reacted, feigning shock, a hand dramatically to his chest.

"You wouldn't…!" he gasped.

"I would… and I'll tell Bane about that time on Corellia-"

"You little brat!" he scoffed indignantly.

And just like that it was like no time had passed. They could banter back and forth a while and he could enjoy this moment… with his daughter.


Of course, good times often passed by too soon, Zaiya had her bottle to take back with her to Kamino, and had decidedly embarrassed herself in front of the Mandalorian warrior, something she was still utterly mortified by. Slick had relaxed quite a bit, though she seemed to miss the way he was looking at her, she chalked it up to the shock of the situation still not yet worn off.

"I'll keep tabs, and when I am done with my work on Kamino, I'll have to check up on you," she chuckled, standing from the table. She had to get back before her disappearance was too heavily questioned.

"You're leaving Kamino?" Slick asked, he blinked slowly and she realised he'd had maybe one too many.

"Well the war won't last forever," she shrugged, no need to tell him she would leave before that.

"I wanted t' say somethin'…" his voice was a touch slurred and she felt the corner of her mouth curve upwards.

"What's that?" she asked, bemusedly.

"When-when you go, an-an' come find me… lemme work for you." Her pale brows rose. "You gave me a chance at a life… I coul-could be your guard or-or somethin', I dunno but-" Zaiya held up a hand, he didn't seem to fully be able to follow his thought so she didn't want him to get too far along. After all, he was a little drunk, she couldn't hold him to anything he said now.

"I'll tell you what, when I eventually leave Kamino, I'll let you decide then, who knows, you might meet a pretty girl in the meantime and wanna settle down, maybe on a farm somewhere or something?" she chuckled and petted his shoulder lightly.

"No' more… n' you…" he mumbled, glancing away, though she didn't catch all of it. She shook her head and smiled.

"Just wait til then, we'll see what happens," she squeezed his shoulder, though mostly because he had begun to lean to one side. She looked up to Adaji, "look after him, will you?" The big man nodded.

"Of course, ad'ika," he beamed. Zaiya left the two men to pick themselves up, and headed back to her ship, the bottle of Alderaan Whiskey safe in hand. She was going to enjoy having a celebratory nip once she got back.


It was mid-trip back to Kamino when she saw the flashing of the console, she was being contacted. She checked the channel number and jerked forward in her seat immediately, answering the call. She looked up to see a very familiar face though her smile froze halfway to forming on her lips.

"Jango…" she began, "what's happened?"

"Where are you?"

"Outer Rim, Salin Corridor," she replied and his eyes widened.

"You're right near us… he muttered mostly to himself, then looked back at her, "can you get to the Triellus Trade Route?"

"Yeah that's just ahead, where are you?"

"Junkfort Station, we're laying low, but we're being tracked, I think Tyranus is pissed that I didn't stick around," Jango grimaced and looked around, "he sent one of his people after us, she's has powers like a Jedi but she's not like and Jedi I've seen." A cold chill ran up her spine.

"Send me exact coordinates and I'll be there!" Zaiya replied urgently, already tapping Junkfort into the Navicomputer. Jango nodded and Zaiya felt her shoulders tense. There was one person she knew Tyranus would send matching that description.

Asajj Ventress was hunting Jango and Boba.


Notes:

Poor Slick he didn't know what to think! But! Here we have some Adaji POV and aww isn't he so happy now?! YAY! I am so surprised people have been so taken with him. I am glad of course, just surprised. Now, how do we think this meeting between Nightsisters will go? Will they be besties? Will they try to murder each other? Wait and see next week in Sister - Part 1! As always I love comments and feedback, so the more of those I get the happier this Kima gets! Also, Chapter 1 part 2 of Sins of the Father went up last week, my modern AU story whereupon Maul is a scary gangster in a suit. If that sounds fun, please check it out! Of course my lovelies, I hope you have a wonderful week! See you then!