CHAPTER TWO
The Nu'Vaall was the newest in a series of trendy restaurants opened on Coruscant. Noted for its award-winning cuisine and outstanding wine list, it became the most popular spot in that part of the galaxy. The restaurant attracted all the movers and shakers of society, celebrities, and, with its proximity to the Senate, government officials and their staff.
Mara entered. She wore a stylish tunic with black pants and heels. Her lightsaber was attached to her belt.
A Twi'lek hostess greeted Mara with a big smile. "Good evening. Welcome to the Nu'vaall. Would you like a table or a booth?"
"I'm with the Solo party," Mara said, returning the smile.
The woman checked her datapad. "Yes. You are the first to arrive. Would you like to be seated at the table or wait at the bar?"
"I'll have a seat at the bar."
Just as Mara sat down, she was greeted by a handsome bartender. He reminded her of Lando. That man could turn on the charm to impress the ladies.
"Welcome to the Nu'Vaall," he greeted. The man placed a glass coaster in front of her. "My name is Danton. What can I get you this evening?"
"I'll have a glass of the Si'Valo Chardonnay."
As Danton prepared her drink, Mara surveyed her surroundings. The soft blue walls created a warm and inviting elegance. A modest droid quartet performed for the patrons. She stared at the rows of larders that stored bottles of private stock for the wealthier customers.
Danton set the glass on the coaster, along with a small bowl of snacks. "Would you like to see the menu while you wait?"
"Not right now, thank you," she said with a smile.
"Let me know if you need anything else."
Danton gave her a nod. Mara found him to be friendly and flirtatious without being overbearing. It was a far cry from the bartenders she had encountered in cantinas throughout the galaxy. A snarl and a grunt counted as conversation.
Mara sipped her wine. She observed a young couple at the end of the bar. They enjoyed quiet drinks and conversation as they waited for their table. The man whispered some in the woman's ear. She laughed out loud and covered her mouth in embarrassment. The woman gave him a playful slap on his arm. He responded with a quick kiss on her cheek. The hostess appeared, and they followed her to their table.
Mara twirled the stem of the glass with her thumb and forefinger. The young man reminded her of Sebastian. Mara sipped her drink and nibbled on one of the snacks.
Did I ever act like that woman, Mara thought. A little smile crept onto her face. Maybe once. Okay, maybe twice.
"Excuse me, Danton."
A protocol droid waiter uttered to the bartender. "I need two glasses of Corellian Brandy, Grand Reserve."
A giggle escaped her lips. Mara covered her mouth to prevent herself from laughing.
Danton looked over to her. Her cheeks had turned pink. "What's so funny about Corellian Brandy, Grand Reserve?"
"It's silly," Mara waved her hand. "I was in a cantina somewhere in the Outer Rim. A man walked in and asked for the same thing. The bartender thought he was crazy."
Danton placed the two glasses on the tray. "That man had good taste."
"But in the wrong place," she added. The two shared a friendly laugh.
As Danton left to attend to other guests, a wave of memories returned to her consciousness. The cantina. Melchik. Sebastian.
How could I ever forget the Divine Artifacts?
KARRDE'S OFFICE YEARS AGO
Mara wiped her mouth and set her knife and fork on her empty plate. She joined Karrde in his office for a business dinner to discuss an assignment. He poured a glass of wine for Mara and himself.
"Any questions?" Karrde threw a large bone at his pet Vornskr.
"Yes," Mara drank her wine. "Why all the mystery surrounding this particular mission?"
"Lando said it is vital this assignment be kept as private as possible," Karrde explained. "Even I don't know all the details."
"Doesn't that seem strange to you?" Mara shook her head. "We've had assignments that required secrecy, but nothing like this. Do you trust this client?"
"I trust Lando." Karrde drained his glass. "He explained that if word got out, many unsavory characters would be vying for this cargo."
"This must be pretty big," Mara commented.
"Mara," Karrde leaned in close to her. "This is the Alliance's most important mission. The client asked Lando to find the best person for this assignment. We both thought of you."
"Where will this place?"
"On Devoltan."
"Good," Mara nodded. "I have a contact there. Vessya Kloss. She owns a casino and cantina on that side of the planet. I helped her to break up a cheating ring at the spinner pit. She was grateful for my help."
"Can her people be trusted?" He poured himself another glass and offered one to her, but she waved it away.
"Yes. Vessya's employees have been working for her for years. And sI'llhe pays them well. "
"Good. Tell Lando to have the contact meet you inside the cantina."
"I'll tell Vessya I'm meeting a business partner. I'll ask her to reserve two barstools on the left side of the bar. In case we need it, it's close to a side exit. Tell Lando to have the contact take one of those seats. If the person has a problem with the bartender, say they are a friend of Vessya's. When will this meeting be scheduled?"
"In three days," Karrde stated.
"How will I know this contact?"
Karrde smiled as he reached into a nearby bag. He pulled a bright red handkerchief and set it next to her empty plate.
"Does this mean I have food on my face?" she joked.
His boisterous laughter filled the room. "That is how you will identify your contact. They will have an identical one in plain view. All you need to do is to show him the one you have. The contact will lead you to the rendezvous point."
Mara shook her head in disbelief as she took the handkerchief. What a strange way to identify a client, she thought.
"I know this isn't how you normally meet a client, but it had to be subtle," explained Karrde.
"No kidding," she replied. "I'll go and make the arrangements."
"Good luck, Mara."
Mara met his gaze with a look of determination. As with all the other missions, she would succeed.