Commitments
Vashti walked down the ramp of the Shadow Runner. Two heavily armed HK-50 droids greeted her. "Greeting: Welcome Jedi Knight Meres." One of the droids said, "Imperative: Follow us to our Master."
Damn droids, Atton's voice echoed in her head making her have to suppress a smile.
They clanked towards the bay door and led her down an austere corridor. It was a small capital ship that would require a fairly large crew to run, but she could sense no organic life on board. That was a good sign, she thought. It meant that Goto was still overly reliant on droids, an easy weakness to exploit.
She focused on sending everything she was experiencing over her bond to Atton, who was reluctantly waiting with the others on the Runner. This bond of theirs was a tremendous tactical advantage at times, but using it meant convincing Atton to stay behind – often a very difficult task.
After several turns in the large labyrinth of hallways they arrived at a surprisingly plush lounge. Where a large floating sphere hovered waiting for her.
I hate that droid. Atton's thoughts echoed her own.
A holo of a man flickered to life and began addressing her. "Exile, I am very displeased." The image began, but Vashti interrupted him.
"Can we drop the charade now, G0-T0? I think it's quite obvious at this point that you're not an organic."
"Very well," it said with a sneer as it turned the holo off. "I demand that you interfere to terminate the fuel contract between Vogga and Citadel station."
"Surely you didn't kidnap three Jedi and pull us out of hyperspace just for that," she stated shortly.
"Of course not, Exile. It is merely the first thing I require of you."
"No, Goto." She said forcefully. "I have real work to do. I'm trying to stop war on a galactic level, before it gets here and devours the Republic. I don't have time to be your errand girl."
"A pity," It said, "I believe my Mandalorian bounty hunter was becoming quite fond of your Mandalorian bounty hunter. It will be a shame that she won't be living long enough to know that."
"No, Goto," Vashti said again, "Let her go, let Lorli and Jaf go as well. I want the same thing you want, to stabilize the galaxy."
"And yet you leave a path of destruction behind you wherever you go," It argued.
"Hey! It's been over six months since I blew up a planet," she insisted with a smirk, "and I have no intention to blow up any more, at least not in Republic space."
"You fail to see the effects of your actions, and as such, you are dangerous."
She sighed, "Our goals are compatible. I am willing to take your counsel, but I will not be your pawn." Her eyes became steely. "If you will not return my friends to me, I will destroy you."
"You would risk the lives of your friends to pursue a goal you cannot possibly hope to accomplish?"
"You're just a program, Goto. You're as mortal as any organic."
"But when I die, I will be reincarnated. Your friends will not."
A very calm calculating voice emitted from her. "No, when I'm done with you, there won't be anything to be reincarnated from. You'll be less than my dead friends because you won't even have rejoined the force."
"Impotent threats do not frighten me, Exile," it sneered.
She gritted her teeth and tried to change her tactic, "Do you understand the meaning of the word compromise, Goto? You need me to continue my work and I am willing to take your counsel on matters within the Republic. I am well aware that your understanding of the political and economic implications of every event is invaluable." She hoped this version of the droid was as susceptible to flattery as the last incarnation had been. "So what's your final offer?"
"Take this G0-T0 unit with you and your friends will be released. But, understand that as your group grows larger, you grow more vulnerable. I will not hesitate to use them against you, if you force me to."
She clenched her jaw. Something was definitely going to have to be done about this damned droid eventually, but today was not the day. "Fine, return my friends to me and I'll let you accompany me back to the Academy."
"Excellent," the droid said haughtily.
See, that wasn't so bad. She thought to Atton, You and your silly bad feelings.
What do you mean wasn't so bad? He practically yelled at her over their bond. You agreed to bring that damned droid with us…on my ship!
Don't be a baby, it's just a droid. She goaded him with amusement. Besides, it's not forever. As soon as we get the others back we'll work on finding the real Goto and stopping this once and for all.
I hate that droid. Their thoughts echoed simultaneously.
She slowly became aware of an all too familiar pounding in her head. Ugh. She was going to kill that man… just as soon as she could move her arms again. She rolled onto her side and became aware that she was laying on something soft… a bed? That didn't make sense. She thought as hard as her still drugged mind would let her. Mandalorian… Goto… dart gun… failed stasis… running… dart in the ass… floor… yeah… that was the last thing she remembered.
She clutched the pillow that was under her head, balling it up as she pulled her knees up towards her chest into a fetal position. One thing was for sure, this wasn't her pillow… or her usual bunk on the Hawk. It smelled like… machine oil and… soap and… man… that damned Mandalorian to be specific… odd… she didn't realize she knew what he smelled like.
She also didn't know whether to be incensed that he'd put her in his bed or thankful that it wasn't that damned force cage. Either way the brute was going to get a piece of her mind… just as soon as her head stopped pounding. She pulled the slightly rough blanket up over her head in an attempt to stop whatever was making her head throb so badly. Force… she should call on the force… just as soon as she could feel it again... Yeah, she was definitely going to need to get the recipe for those darts from Drex. Or at least steal some of the weaker ones and start trying to make herself immune… this was getting really old.
She flopped over to her other side and finally felt a tiny thread of connection to the force. She pulled on it, channeling its energy into clearing her body of the tranquilizer. Slowly the thread became thicker and soon the energy of the smuggler's moon hit her full force. The shock of the overwhelming life of the moon caused her eyes to fly open, seeing her surroundings for the first time.
The small room was almost dark. She could just make out the outline of another bunk across from her. It didn't appear to be used for sleeping, but rather as a workbench, piled high with parts, weapons and tools. She pushed herself into a sitting position and noticed her things were neatly stacked in the center of the bunk/workbench.
She was still wearing the same tunic and pants that she'd been wearing for the last three days… or was it four? Either way, they seriously needed cleaning and she was dying for a long hot shower.
She leaned forward placing her head in her hands as she gave in to the desire to close her eyes again. She reached out with the force to try to feel her captor, but she couldn't sense him. Not that that meant much. If he were hiding he could practically be in the bed next to her and she wouldn't know it. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought. Ok… she'd probably notice have noticed that.
She called on the force again pushing the rest of the toxins and the weariness out of her system. Ah, the force was almost as good as caffa… almost. She stood and stretched slowly, replacing her headband, which had somehow slipped down around her neck, and retying her tunic. No point in looking completely disheveled.
"Sleep well, Miss?" His deep voice resonated from across the room where he was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest and that intense smirk twisting the corners of his mouth upwards.
She placed her left hand on her hip and let her right hip drop as she glared at him. "Never slept better," she replied sarcastically, "I wish someone would shoot me with a tranquilizer dart every night."
He grinned. "That could be arranged."
"Hmph, I bet." She scowled trying to suppress a grin. "But if you ever use one of those on me again," she said as she walked towards him aggressively. She glared at up at him and tapped him on the chest, "you will be sorry." He looked down on her with that amused smirk of his and she was suddenly struck by the ridiculousness of her trying to physically intimidate this man who towered over her by more than 30 centimeters.
"Yes, miss," he said with a chuckle as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. As his hand curled around her bare abdomen a shiver ran up her spine. She thought to push away from him, but her body didn't cooperate. Instead she just stood there in his arms, gazing up into his eyes.
She finally forced herself to speak. "Thanks for putting me in here instead of that damned cage though." She said in a softer tone.
"Mmm," he smirked, "you're welcome in my bed anytime, miss."
She flushed. "How very… hospitable… of you…" she said with a raised eyebrow.
"Only the best for my favorite hostage," He said dryly.
She chuckled. "Your bed is the best?"
"Mmm… something like that." He mumbled as he lowered his head and touched her lips with his. His kiss was surprisingly gentle at first, but as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and responded eagerly, it deepened.
When he finally lifted his head he smiled down at her wordlessly, stepping backwards out of her arms. He then held up a single finger just before leaving the room indicating that he'd be right back. As soon as he left the room she shook her head, trying to shake off the fog that had settled there as a result of his touch. He returned a moment later with two mugs, each with a large piece of hearty bread resting on top. "Caffa?" he asked her as he handed her one of the steaming mugs.
Her eyes lit up and she took it greedily snatching the roll off the top and gulping the warm reviving liquid. She plopped onto his bed folding her right leg under her and bringing her left leg up to her chest as he sat across from her. She munched on her breakfast for a moment and then drained her mug. "One thing's for sure," she said. "You make a mean cup of caffa."
"I use Mandalorian beans," he said as he sipped from his mug. "Most non-Mandalorians find it much too strong."
"Ah, guess my Mandalorian side is showing again, eh?" she said with a wry grin.
"It suits you," he said simply.
She shot him a look. "Most people wouldn't consider that a compliment, you know." She remarked dryly.
"That's because they're not Mandalorian."
She chuckled, "I told you, I'm not either."
"Mmm," he mumbled his disagreement with a smirk.
"Wow, that was convincing. Can't argue with logic like that!" She sassed.
He looked at her over the rim of his mug, his grey eyes darker than usual. For the first time, she let herself get lost in the storms that brewed there. Some minutes later he set his mug down. Never breaking his eye contact with her, he took her mug and set it beside his own. He took her hands in his and brought them together. Instinctively, she pressed her palms together as he placed his hands on each side of hers, his palms pressing against the backs of her hands, covering her small hands completely with his large ones. Their eyes still locked he began speaking almost hypnotically in his native tongue. She had forgotten most of her Mandalorian over the years, but she didn't need to understand him to know what he was saying. She remembered the meaning quite well.
With these hands, I will fight for you.
With this body, I will stand beside you.
With this life, I will live for you.
She gasped in shock at the familiarity of the long forgotten vow and before she realized it she was speaking the traditional reply in a language she hadn't known she remembered.
With these hands, I will heal you.
With this body, I will comfort you.
With this life, I will live for you.
When she finished he stood and pulled her to her feet again. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her to him and kissed her. She lost herself in the kiss for a moment. Then, as the trance his eyes had cast upon her faded, the full meaning of what she had just done hit her. She pushed out of his grasp her face contorted in shock.
"Sith spit!" She exclaimed loudly, "Tell me I didn't just do what I think I did…"
He smirked. "I'm happy to say you did, miss."
"Oh, hell no!" she stammered. "You tricked me… or hypnotized me… or something!" She added accusingly.
"I was just trying to prove my point. I didn't expect you to accept my proposal," he chuckled, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
"You schutta!" She growled her hands balling into fists.
"Come, now, is that any way to talk to your fiancé?" He taunted her with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You are the most infuriating man I have ever met," she spoke in a low, barely controlled voice, "and if you think…that…"
Her words were cut off as he pulled her against him again, looking down into her eyes. He spoke as he ran his fingertips over her cheek, "Relax, miss, just because you accepted doesn't mean we have to go find the nearest cleric and tie the knot. You can take a few months to get used to the idea." He gloated.
Her expression changed suddenly and she snorted a laugh as she flattened her hands against his chest. "You're delusional," she sniggered.
"Mmm," he mumbled still smirking. "Perhaps, miss."
"Any idea how much longer you're going to keep me here? Vash is gonna die when I tell her about all this…"
"You're free to go whenever you want." He grinned down at her. "Goto gave the all clear about six hours ago."
Her jaw dropped. "Were you ever going to tell me this?"
He shrugged. "I did tell you, but I think you were asleep." His eyes sparked with amusement.
She stared at him a moment in disbelief then threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. After a moment she broke the hug and hopping on one leg began pulling a boot on. He sat on the bed and watched her as she positioned each of her items in their familiar places. She slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to him.
"Come on," she said "you're coming with me. We made a deal. You're going to talk to Vashti."
He shook his head in disagreement. "No, go on. Your friends will want to talk to you alone for a while. I'll come later."
"Oh…" her expression dimmed considerably and she was suddenly more reluctant to leave than she should have been.
He smiled. "Don't worry, I'll come soon." He said reassuringly, a mischievous grin creeping into his eyes. "Though, you might want to tell that boyfriend of yours that you're engaged now. I'd hate to have to kill him for touching my woman."
She grinned. "Yep, delusional," she said as she shook her head, sighing dramatically as she exited the room. He walked her down the ramp of his ship and wrapped his arms around her again, kissing her gently.
"Goodbye, Miss." He said when his lips left hers. She reluctantly stepped out of his arms and headed into the streets of Nar Shaddaa.
Her steps were light and her eyes sparkled vibrantly as she made her way through the throngs of people. The corners of her mouth curled up into an irrepressible grin. As she climbed the ramp into the Hawk she took a deep breath, trying to clear her expression, but failing miserably.
Suddenly Dustil was standing in front of her, and he threw his arms around her and hugged her fervently. "I was so worried." He said. She couldn't help but hug him back almost as fervently.
"We need to talk, babe." She said trying to suppress the levity in her voice.
He nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm sorry. I've been an ass."
She blinked, not expecting to hear that. "Huh?" She questioned him.
He chuckled. "I ran into an old friend. She reminded me that a good friendship is much better than a failed romance."
She hugged him again. "I'm sorry too," she said guiltily. "I didn't know what I wanted. And you're such a great friend… I just thought it would work."
He nodded, "Vashti should be landing soon. She'll be heading here to see you when she does."
She grinned, "Great, I have a ton to tell her… but before she gets here… I desperately need a shower."
The Shadow Runner set down on a pad near the refugee sector. A lone figure awaited it. It didn't take long for the ramp to be lowered and the Jedi woman to descend. She was being drawn to his presence through the force.
Vashti paused at the top of the ramp and considered the man a moment. He was unusually strong in the force and obviously the Mandalorian bounty hunter that she had heard so much about. Something about his demeanor made Goto's words run through her head, "My Mandalorian bounty hunter is becoming quite fond of your Mandalorian bounty hunter."
Out of curiosity she reached through the force and through her bond with her young friend. There was something distinctly different about Mira, now, she noticed. It was odd the way some things manifested themselves in the force, and it didn't take great wisdom to know that the catalyst of the change was now standing before her.
She greeted him warmly by name. To which, his eyebrows raised almost imperceptibly in surprise. She motioned for him to walk with her as she asked him why he had sought her out. He tried to explain about Mira making him promise to talk to her, in exchange for her help, but Vashti knew there was more to it than that. There was a familiar emptiness within him. It hung over him like it had all those who joined her.
She stopped on the street of Nar Shaddaa, the neon glow of the red sector shining down on them. The throngs of people continued to push past them, but Vashti held her ground. She asked him what he knew of the force. His answer was hesitant and incomplete.
"Close your eyes," she instructed him, "feel the city around you, the life, the force."
His eyes were closed and then suddenly he could see. The energy of the moon flooded in on him causing him to mentally stagger beneath its load. When he finally opened his eyes and saw the Jedi woman again he was in awe of her force aura.
She smiled at him, "I have shown you the force," she said plainly. "What you do with it is up to you."
He nodded simply and said, "I want to be a part of something again. I want to belong."
She pushed her way through the crowds towards the red sector cantina. He was waiting for her there. Her heart was pounding. He had agreed to join them. She stopped at the door taking a deep breath before she pushed her way in.
He was sitting at the bar looking bored and her pace quickened in spite of the effort she made to restrain her feet. She perched on the stool next to him and purred, "Can I buy you a drink, soldier?"
His face lit up as he turned towards her. "Mmm," he mumbled an agreement as that infuriating smirk crossed his lips.
Her expression changed to one of mild annoyance. "Once again, you have seduced me with your eloquence," she said sarcastically as she ordered a Corellian brandy for each of them.
"Strange, I thought it was my skill with a tranquilizer dart that did it," he said with a playful gleam in his eye.
"Hmph," she grinned in spite of herself as she turned towards him. "I hear you're coming to Telos with us," she added in a softer tone.
He nodded as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Mmm, I thought I'd give this Jedi thing a try. Might be fun."
She chuckled, "I don't know about that… there's a war coming, you know." He raised an eyebrow at her and she caught his expression. "Oh yeah, right… Mandalorian… I guess that would be fun for you." He grinned down at her as he pulled her closer, bringing his forehead down towards hers. "You do know that Jedi aren't supposed to do things like this?" She said with a grin.
"We're not exactly typical Jedi," he said with a smirk before he touched his lips to hers.
A/N: OK, I don't know how you guys liked it, but I had way too much fun writing this story. Mira's always been one of my favorite characters, but as I was trying to think of in game characters to pair her up with, I was getting frustrated. None of them seemed man enough for her (well, maybe Atton… but he was taken!). So, voila! Drex was born.
Thanks to everyone who read this and those who reviewed. Without you guys this wouldn't have been written, and I wouldn't have had all the fun I've had over the last two weeks.
Thank you!