Chapter 3: An Inspiring World

Iz'phal sat quietly in the transport for most of the journey to the capital, admitting she was nervous, worried she would be out of place and be found out for who she was as her hand trembled slightly in her lap. She was walking into the unknown, but the kind senator would be beside her. At the same time, she relished the opportunity and wanted now to be truthful with him. What she was and where she came from. She hoped he wouldn't turn his back on her or look down on her. Iz'phal looked now like a woman of state, scrubbed up and a world away from what she wore on Nar Shaddaa. Her face still bore the bruises of the vicious attack, her right eye still blackened but she admitted as she examined herself in the mirror before they left, she could take care of her appearance if she tried. Her beautiful lekku trailed down her back, face full of life for the first time in ages as she was adorned in a simple silver and blue patterned tunic, black leggings and knee-high boots. She was not in the robes of a senator, but it was a complete transformation from where she'd been a few weeks ago. Sensing she was nervous the senator tried to cheer her up, taking a seat next to her as he offered a friendly smile.

"Coruscant is most welcoming Iz'phal. You can ask me anything about it and see if I can remember. A test of my memory shall we say" he beamed as she just gazed at him before lowering her eyes to her lap, not enthused. She was just worried about feeling out of place and hadn't been honest with him. She needed to tell him now.

"I'm sorry sir. It's just I haven't been completely honest with you. I'm not who you think I am. I'm no one…" She sniffed feebly, not having the courage to look him in the face. He'd given her everything. Gave her a roof over her head, made her feel better, dressed her in nice clothes. She felt as if she didn't deserve any of these things as the words of Skavak on the cold, rainy night made her feel worthless, like she was nothing. For a moment he stared at her almost in shock wondering why she would say these things. She deserved to be someone, to be a civilized being in society but after what she'd done, how she'd hurt her family she thought she wasn't worthy of it. "I was just doing it for my family sir honest!" she saw fit to plead for his forgiveness, but he just continued to give her a serious look, not sure how to react.

"Iz'phal please calm down. Nothing you say will make me think less of you. You of all people deserve a chance in life and we all make mistakes. Do you want to talk about it?" he asked kindly as Iz'phal was almost taken aback by his understanding as she gazed out of the window seeing the view of Coruscant from space as they neared the planet's surface and admitted it looked breath-taking. She shrugged her shoulders, not sure how or where to begin.

"I'm not sure you want to know the details. It's kinda grim" Iz'phal shook her head, not wanting to give him eye contact but he reassured her and gaining confidence she told the truth, knowing it would be for the better. Besides she trusted him. He'd been so kind to her, and it was time she honest with him. "Well, I haven't really had a home recently. My family don't have anything, so I needed to make them money and the only way to do that was…" She paused, nervously looking up at him but he was listening, heart almost bleeding for her as she recounted what she'd been up to. "I had to earn fast credits, and I gave myself to men. I didn't really know what I was doing half the time, but I got the money I was after. I knew the dangers, what I was putting myself through but now…" she stopped her speech again as she felt hot tears stinging the backs of her eyes as he ran a comforting hand down her back, only now coming to terms with how she'd been living, what she'd forced herself to go through and understood why this was a humongous change for her. "I don't know what to do. That life was all I know, and I have little choice than to go back to it really…But after the other night I don't want to…I hated it…Every moment of it and just want it to stop. I was lonely and heartbroken every night…It's been so hard…" She grimaced, screwing her eyes shut as eventually she let out how she was feeling, tears running down her cheeks as he didn't know how to react at first before pulling her into a caring embrace. She felt honoured someone of his station would stop to even give a thought for her, but his heart was caring than most and it was just as well. "You probably think nothing of me…I told you…I am just an escort…I have no talent, nothing to give to the galaxy, no friends and my family would disown me if I ever told them…" She thought it was all hopeless, that she might as well go back to that way of life because trying anything new or seeking a better life sounded well beyond her, but he again stared at her incredulously, not wanting her talking herself down.

"Iz'phal you cannot continue to think everything is your fault. Sometimes in life we must make difficult choices and sometimes moving on is one of them. You cannot go back there. You can be someone Iz'phal and will be someone. You just must believe in yourself and Iz'phal…" he looked knowingly into her eyes as he gaged his attention. "You have a friend and there are a lot of people in this galaxy. You just must get to know them…" The senator smiled, filling her with a new-found life and vigour to change her life for the better as she swiped a hand across the back of her cheek, pushing the tears away realising everything was going to be different now.

"You are too kind to me sir…But I need to be on my own again. I can't rely on someone my whole life. I need to be strong, and I can't keep getting in your way. You saved my life and gave me more than anyone has in this galaxy, but I have no where I go, and I can't go back home" Iz'phal sighed in regret but before she could get herself down any more about her current situation, he comforted her, refusing to see her this upset. His work could wait if it meant getting her back on her feet, making sure she was okay.

"Iz'phal that is of no concern to me. What is, is that you're alright. You can stay with me as long as you wish. I have an apartment on Coruscant, so you can inhabit with me for as long as you wish" The senator proposed as Iz'phal just stared at him not sure how to react. "I don't want you on the streets again Iz'phal. Coruscant still has its dangers, and you still seem shaken by the incident. Please accept the offer Iz'phal. I can't bear to see you suffer anymore" he confessed, just resting his hands in his lap hoping she'd chose the right option as her gratitude alone was expressed on her face as without warning she flung her arms around him as he accepted the embrace, just glad he could help her. If no one else in this galaxy would then he would.

"I don't know what to say sir…Really…Thank you" Iz'phal exhaled deeply, head still reeling from the events of the last day or so. It was a chance for now to move on, leave the dangers of the past behind and search for a better life. She wanted to become a civilized being in galactic society but at thirteen she felt as if she wasn't ready for that just yet. The wonders of Coruscant were to be explored first and the senator was happy to see the excitement dancing in her eyes as she pressed her forehead to the glass, just watching in awe as the towering buildings and city scape of Coruscant came into view. Seeing the senate rotunda, she almost squealed in delight but retrained herself as he just told her to buckle up for the landing cycle. Hands almost trembling from excitement she strapped herself in, just closing her eyes not wanting this dream to end. It wasn't a dream it was happening…She was on Coruscant now and that new life her friend was talking about was in her sights…Now she just had to take it.

Iz'phal didn't know where to train her eyes, the sights and sounds of the capital overawing her as she was overwhelmed by the complete change of scene. The constant stream of air traffic streamed above her, people going about their daily lives, monuments towering as high as some of the high-rise buildings as she dashed ahead of the senator who walked calmly behind the excited twi'lek, admitting it was a relief to be home on familiar ground. Iz'phal ran ahead until they came to the senate plaza, trying to take it all in before she keeled over slightly catching her breath.

"You never told me how amazing Coruscant is! I want to see everything right now!" Iz'phal tried to sound excited to wheezed slightly as she tried to catch her breath back. The Senator understood her enthusiasm as this was all new to her, trying to calm her down.

"Iz'phal, Iz'phal I'm sure we can if in some sightseeing around our busy schedule but come with me to the senate tower. I have a meeting to attend to and I'm sure my people will be most welcoming" he suggested, Iz'phal's smile heightening the colour of her cheeks as she jumped at the chance to see the building where the politics of the galaxy took place.

"That sounds like a great idea sir. I'll follow your lead…Promise" Iz'phal said, hoping they would get to take in some Coruscant culture later in the day as they walked down the Avenue of the Core Founders, Iz'phal listening to his stories about great battles that had taken place here and some of the heftiest debates he'd taken part it. She was so taken away with it all, almost losing herself in the moment when a figure in an elegantly woven brown hooded cloak strode in their direction. Iz'phal didn't know how to react, but the Senator greeted him openly, the pair obviously familiar with each other, Iz'phal not knowing the importance of the individual until he was addressed by name.

"Master Ixella, what a pleasant surprise" The senator addressed the stranger by his title, bowing his head in a gesture of respect as the brown cloaked figure responded in kind, topaz eyes emanating a friendly glow.

"Senator Khaled, it's a sign of good fortune to see you returned to Coruscant. The council grows more anxious by the day. They all felt the same tremor in the force that I was aware of" Ixella replied, Iz'phal immediately opening her mouth in shock almost gaping as he mentioned the force. Judging by his attire and the weapon attached to his belt she guessed he was a Jedi, only remembering about them in stories from her parents but never thinking she would get to meet one in person. Once more she had learnt the senator's name through the conversation, feeling guilt for not knowing the name of her rescuer. What Iz'phal didn't know that Ixella Trea was not only a Jedi, but he carried the rank of master and held a seat on the Jedi council and was one of the most influential members of the order, his compassion and wisdom offering him popularity among the padawans. Ixella was of fair height and strong build and was a Cathar, a member of the feline like species from the world of Cathar. His brown furry face was always friendly while his deep yellow eyes were almost hypnotic, as if you could fall asleep just by looking into them.

"I trust the council will be patient and understanding at the time. After all the movements of the Sith Empire have given us reason to believe a mass construction is in progress…I trust the Grand Master is of good health…" Khaled spoke but felt a pang of guilt rose within him as seeing the Jedi had completely thrown him off guard and he'd forgotten about the young twi'lek standing by his side.

"And who do we have here?" Ixella asked curiously, trying to glean more about the girl through the force and was able to read much, knowing instantly she had, had a troubled past.

"Do forgive me Iz'phal where are my manners. Master Ixella this is Iz'phal Trua. She is here to run some errands with me on Coruscant. She was in a great deal of trouble, and I had to help her. She would have died, and I couldn't live with myself if I didn't help her" Khaled only relayed a portion of what the girl had been through, thinking it was best not to reveal the details as Ixella sensed truth within his friend, guessing it had been a gruelling ordeal for both of them.

"You acted admirably Senator and saved this girl's life. See to it that she is treated as my guest of honour while she is here. Welcome to Coruscant Mistress Iz'phal" Ixella spoke, his friendly tone and welcoming demeanour making her feel at ease as the senator finished the introductions.

"And this is Jedi Master Ixella. He is one of the finest swordsmen in the order and is a paladin to House Organa of Alderann" Iz'phal just gazing at the Cathar master before her before bowing low at the waist, not sure how to react to meeting someone this important for the first time.

"That won't be necessary Mistress Iz'phal. I serve the republic and it is my honour to do so. Now I must attend to council matters. May the force be with you both" Ixella spoke, hands behind his back as he strode with a mesmerising purpose towards the council chambers, Iz'phal almost taken aback as they kept their heads lowered until the Jedi Master had departed.

"A real Jedi! I actually met a Jedi! This is crazy!" Iz'phal's pulse still buzzing from the encounter as she followed by Khaled's side just gazing at the splendour around her as they walked the immense path, towering with grand statues to the Senate Tower.

"They are the republic's sword arm and they protect us but when you've been on Coruscant for as long as I have Iz'phal seeing Jedi becomes normal. Now we must proceed to the Senate Tower at once. I have a meeting to attend to, matters which will most like bore you!" Khaled laughed, Iz'phal wanting to ask what the meeting was about but thought better than to pry into his affairs. "You can explore the Senate Tower as you wish. You are my guest here and Master Ixella welcomed you with open arms. I shall show you around the central city once my business is concluded. I think Coruscant will suit you nicely" The senator smiled, clapping a hand on her shoulder as Iz'phal just not knowing how to respond skipped happily alongside him, going through the door that would mark the start of her new life. Change was going to be for the better.

1 Week Later:

That night Iz'phal just lay in the most comfortable bed she'd ever slept in, head reeling in happiness from all the events of the day. The senator's apartment was in the upper district, just a short walk away from the Senate Tower and in one of quieter areas of Coruscant. It was peaceful and Iz'phal was glad, so she could get some sleep. Her turn of fortunes over the past two weeks had been unthinkable and she was only just beginning to realise now how lucky she was that Khaled had saved her and had the compassion in his heart to help her. Perhaps there was kindness in the galaxy after all. Iz'phal couldn't helped but wonder if other girls like her going down the same road she'd been on and she wanted to save them all. There was a rich and profitable slave trade even on worlds like Coruscant and she knew her people would always be victims, would always be abused by people in power. Still she tried not to think about it and wanted to dwell on the positives. Whilst Khaled had been in his meeting she had managed to strike up some handy conversations with important people in the Intergalactic Banking Clan. It wasn't much but it was a start and would stop her from going back to her old life. She just wanted to live like a normal being in society. Have a home, a job, a family one day…She wanted to be happy. As her eyes flickered closed she dozed off but the memories of that painful, horrible night hit her in blurs, swearing she could hear Skavak's voice, the blood curdling images running in her head like a rampant rancor before she sat bolt upright in bed, heart racing, pulse fast. Just a dream…Iz'phal thought trying to calm down as she buried her face in her hands…Just a dream…The memory having faded away she slumped back to the pillow and fell asleep, but she was nervous, not being able to get comfortable. Part of her thinking Skavak was here on Coruscant and was going to hunt her down. She tried to banish the threatening thought away as she managed to drift off, but it wasn't easy.

Going into the banking sector was beginning to appeal to her more and more each day but she wasn't of age to work in the sector yet. She had to be sixteen years of age. Still Iz'phal had got herself a small paid job as a night-watchman for the Hutt Cartel. It wasn't much, and the pay was measly but at least she was getting something and was getting out and about on the streets again, getting back to normal. After all, Coruscant was a world away from Nar Shaddaa, not so much crime but still depravity in the lower sectors. She had vowed herself never to touch the money she'd made from her unclean work, giving a portion to her family and keeping some of it to herself and now she was glad she had it. She just needed to keep on saving. Best news of all was that she'd contacted her parents, using a small holo station in a local cantina and speaking to her mother and father for the first time in years. Still not telling them the truth about Nar Shaddaa but letting them know that she was alright and where she was. A weight was lifted off her for contacting them as they sent their love before she made her way back home, eager to get some rest after the long day.

By the Iz'phal dragged her weary booted feet through the door the hour was late, and she hadn't eaten. She called out for the Senator, but he didn't seem to be at home as she spied a piece of paper on the table and read it.

Dear Iz'phal,

I'm sorry for my absence this evening but I have been called to an urgent summit at the Senate Tower. Politics is often a taxing job and I'm sorry I couldn't inform you in person.

Don't wait up for me as I'm sure you've had a long day.

Have food and drink as you wish

Kind Regards

Khaled

Realising she didn't want to stay up late she made herself a small plate of flutterplume eggs and toasted bread before taking a mug of special brew to bed. A growing hobby in her spare time was to practice Sabacc hands, admitting she had found a passion for something. Iz'phal looked older for her age with make up on and reckoned she could slip into a casino or distract the bouncer with her well-practiced charms. She went through tactics for at least an hour, measuring up numbers and odds, not flattering herself but admitting she was getting good at this before she began to feel tired, shutting off her light and snuggling into the sheets. She wanted to go somewhere different tomorrow and it was going to be great fun!