Author Topic: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 10.11.08
earlybird-obi-wan 
Registered: Aug '06
6130_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 5/9 9:40am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.9.08 - Chap. 11
Ooh nooh shock now Koria is captured. Tobias has to come to the recue. Get them angry

Great update applause applause applause

 

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Trika_Kenobi 
Registered: Nov '99
46133_Talon Squad
Date Posted: 5/9 7:19pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.9.08 - Chap. 11 - Date Edited: 5/9 7:20pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Trika_Kenobi
Kriffin' hells! You don't leave me hanging like that, you two! angry tongue

All right, so I didn't set up the camera like I said I would, but I just want you to know that coupled with my intense music in the background, I was getting more nervous for Koria by the second as she and Tobias were moving through the crowd. As the fear began to creep up her spine, it was absolutely strangling me. Well-written, well-played. I'm eager for more, as usual from you two.

Many thanks. You two just rock my socks. peace

Trika

EDIT: grammarz

 

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LilyHobbitJedi 
Title:
Apples to Apples and 20 Questions hostess

Registered: Aug '05
40273_Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 5/9 9:18pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.9.08 - Chap. 11
Yikes, I missed a chapter. doh!

It was then she felt someone grab her shoulder.

Uh oh...that's scary, I hope Koria will be alright. worried

Great updates! applause applause




 

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Independence1776 
Registered: Feb '06
19251_Seal of the Rebellion
Date Posted: 5/12 4:38pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.9.08 - Chap. 11
I read the first post, and forgot to ask to be on the PM list. So may I be?

This is really intense and thoroughly enjoyable. I love seeing them together.

 

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Musical-Wingstar 
Registered: Mar '08
6484_Garm bel Iblis
Date Posted: 5/14 6:37pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.9.08 - Chap. 11
earlybird - Tobias to the rescue indeed. tongue

Trika - Can we have the camera for this chapter? Please? batting Glad you're enjoying. grin

Lily - You'll have to read and find out...

Indy - Welcome aboard! Added you to the list. grin Glad you like the pairing. It's been fun to write. happy

Many thanks to MamaV and Co. who looked this over to make sure we weren't breaking any rules. hugs Also, be warned: this chapter isn't for the faint of heart.




Chapter 12: Missteps and Mistakes

Koria struggled in vain as strong arms came around her and pinned her own arms to her side and lifted her. She tried kicking wildly with the only result being that the arms squeezed her all the more tightly to her assailant's chest.

"Bring her this way," Divo instructed as he glared at Koria. He then turned and walked away.

"Tobias!" she yelled, figuring she had nothing left to lose now that she had been caught.

The being who carried her clapped a strong hand over her mouth without letting go with either arm. She could feel sharp claws knick her cheek.

"Careful, Riaj, Ben'll kill us if she's harmed."

Koria stopped struggling, waiting for an opportune time to get away.

The opportunity came in an unexpected form. They had turned into an alleyway, and Divo turned to leer at Koria. He came close, approaching from the side, and leaned over so that their faces were inches apart. Then he reached up with both hands to grab her feminine assets. He squeezed hard as he growled, "I don't like spirited slaves taking my things." He then grabbed the vibroblade hilt and yanked it out of her bra.

As Divo opened the blade and switched it on, he placed its tip between her eyes with a feral grin on his face. He then leaned closer and licked her cheek. "I like the taste of slave flesh."

It hardly seemed possible that the stench of his breath was more foul than his body odor, but Koria gagged then vomited.

"Uggh!" The being holding her promptly dropped her in disgust.

Without hesitation, Koria ran, but she didn't get far before she was grabbed roughly from behind and felt her head be yanked back. She screamed as she felt like her skin was being ripped off her forehead and neck.

"What the hell?" Divo exclaimed in surprise.

She turned to see Divo holding her fake lekku in his hands. Fear leant a desperate strength to her as she kicked the human in the crotch. She tried to get her blaster from her boot, but the other being quickly seized her elbows, claws digging into her arms. She tried kicking the Codru-ji's crotch as well, but he swiftly swept her supporting foot out from under her. He then came down with his knee into her diaphragm, and air exploded from her lungs as pain shot through her gut.

Riaj's feral eyes glowed a golden orange as he raised his hand to Koria. He was about to swipe his long claws across her face when Divo, still holding his crotch with one hand, caught the Codru-ji's wrist. "She may be a half-breed, but she still be a slave. We'll take her to Weni'wen and let him decide her fate."

As Riaj's weight came off of her, she curled up in a fetal position with a moan. She cried out in pain as she was roughly lifted off the trash-strewn ground. Cradled like a child in the Codru-ji's four strong arms, the light faded as Koria lost consciousness.

---

Tobias reached the edge of the crowd before he realized Koria was gone. When he turned, all he could see was the crush of people, and reaching out into the Force only gave him the mix of emotions rolling off the group - excitement and fear regarding the altercation taking place, amusement from the theater-goers. Force, Koria, where are you? Tobias thought as he pushed his way back into the crowd.

He tried to force his way back the way he'd come, but it was nearly impossible. More people had congregated, and the mood of the crowd was growing increasingly more hostile as he went. More than one being yelled at him as he shoved them aside, but Tobias paid no mind. He was too busy trying to relocate Koria, frantically scanning the area with his eyes and stretching out within the Force.

But there was nothing there. It was as though she had vanished, scrubbed off the face of Nar Shaddaa.

Nearly two hours passed, and Tobias sat on the steps of the theater, considering his next move. The crowd had dispersed, leaving the area empty except for blowing trash that skittered across the pavement. The Jedi Master was fighting a losing battle against the rising panic within him. How am I going to find you? He couldn't contemplate the thought of what might have happened to Koria, especially when it was his damn fool idea that had gotten her taken in the first place. He knew he had to move the ship in case Weni'wen decided to reclaim it, but even though he hadn't told Koria which berth it was in, he couldn't help but hope she might find it if he waited long enough to move it.

"Stars' end," he swore quietly. With one last look at the empty square, he stood up and began the long walk to the ship he'd traded for Koria.

---

Koria moaned as she awoke. Her stomach hurt, and she felt cold. Someone grabbed her hair, roughly pulling her head up. She stared in terror into the cold black eyes of Ben Weni'wen.

"Give me," his tone was deathly quiet, "one reason I shouldn't kill you now."

"My master will kill you if you do." She knew it was a lie. Jedi didn't take revenge, and on top of that, she was not in reality Tobias' slave... thus he was not her master. Semantics.

"You have over-confidence in your worth, my girl." He patted her cheek before withdrawing a vibroblade from his boot. He slowly waved it in front of her eyes.

For a brief moment, Koria's eyes followed the shiny blade but then forced herself to focus on his eyes defiantly. A quick intake of air almost made her choke as the knife swiftly came towards her. Confusion struck her even as her chin hit the cold, hard tiles. Wincing slightly, she looked up to see Weni'wen standing over her holding long, white locks of hair in his hand. It occurred to her that thinking he had unusually slender fingers for such a large man was rather absurd with what was going on.

"Take out the trash, boys." He said with an air of boredom. "Break her, but don't kill her. Dump her at her 'master's' feet... if he's still on Nar Shaddaa. Otherwise, just toss her in the gutter with the rest of the filth."

As Divo and Rial, each taking an arm, dragged her out, Ben called after her, "Schutta, be sure you tell your master he'll never be able to make a trade on Nar Shaddaa again... not while I live."

"That won't be for long then!" She shot back at Weni'wen. Koria could hear his laughter down the hallway until the slave trader's thugs pulled her out of the building. Koria tried to get her feet under her as they dragged her, but her stomach cramped up so badly she could not stay on her feet. Tears came to her eyes as they took her into a warehouse and dropped her to the floor.

"Take off your clothes." When Koria just glared defiantly at Divo, he kicked her in the shoulder. "Now, whore!"

Koria grunted, but even though she was more frightened than she'd been any time in her life, she refused as she curled in a fetal position. "Do it yourself, bastard!" She cursed herself when she heard her voice shake.

Rial growled as he raked his claws across her back and she screamed in agony. Spasms wracked her body as she began to weep.

The two thugs then proceeded to rip her clothes off her, not bothering to undo any clasps or buttons. Soon, she was sandwiched between the two ruffians as they had their way with her, and she prayed for the oblivion of unconsciousness.

As her body was ravaged hungrily, she withdrew mentally, and just stared straight ahead. This isn't happening. It's just a nightmare. Severe pain jolted her out of her withdrawn state as Rial, who was behind her, sank his teeth into her shoulder. She cried out in wordless agony, but refused to give them the satisfaction of pleading for them to stop.

Once they had finished, they turned to beating and kicking her. Koria tried blocking their blows, but with two of them against her, and her stomach cramping up painfully, they scored three times as many hits as she blocked. Divo stomped on her knees and ground his boots into them. Pain became all that was in her world as she felt Divo’s considerable weight crush her bones.

Still, she did not cry for mercy.

When Rial slashed his claws across her face, oblivion finally embraced her.

When she came back to consciousness, she was just able to register the fact that she was in some sort of vehicle that was slowing down when rough hands lifted and threw her. Instinct and her training in martial arts allowed her to land on the cold, wet pavement in a roll. When she came to a stop, she tried to get up, ignoring the pain in her gut. Her right knee would not support her weight, however, and she fell back down.

Looking around, she saw she was in an alleyway between two buildings. By the smell of it, one was a restaurant and the other a bar... or perhaps just one was a combination restaurant and bar. It did not matter to her. She saw rather large rodents eating scraps that had been discarded in the alley. When they turned their red eyes on her, she started crawling on her belly away from them as fast as she could. Pain racked her body with every move, but she ignored it because she had no desire to be eaten alive. She also ignored how the rough pavement scraped her bare torso.

"Tobias," she whispered hoarsely, "where are you?" She opened herself to the Force, but the chaotic frenzy she felt when she did so made her recoil.

Just before she reached the end of the alley, she saw a long piece of old rag against the wall of one of the buildings. She wrapped herself in it before crawling the rest of the way out of the alley.

She then collapsed, darkness claiming her once more.

---

For the last six hours, Tobias had been pub-crawling non-stop. He hadn't realized before coming to Nar Shaddaa that there were bars that stayed open pretty much all day and night, and he'd hunted through many of them to search for Divo or Weni'wen. He asked everywhere he went, aware that the news he was looking for them would travel quickly.

He hoped that would work to his advantage.

Tobias ducked into the dim interior of the latest - he'd stopped looking at the names - feeling exhausted. He'd been trained to ignore his bodily wants and needs, but that was more of a younger man's game. Only concern for Koria - fear, if he allowed himself to be honest - drove him onward, and he had the feeling that the emotion could pull more stamina out of him than anything else. He scanned the patrons, noting positions of beings who looked like confirmed old gossips, when the hunched form caught his eye.

Tobias couldn't believe his luck; it was long overdue.

Without any kind of warning, he strode over to the dirty human and, with a force belying his small frame, yanked him out of his chair. Divo tumbled to the ground, and Tobias grabbed the front of his stained tunic and dragged him to his feet. "Where is she?" he demanded, putting his face next to Divo's, barely even registering the other man's foul breath.

Divo smirked. "Dead."

Tobias slammed him against the nearby wall, pinning him there with is forearm while his right hand produced his lightsaber. He smiled as he watched Divo's pupils dilate in fear. "So you know what this is," he replied. Quietly, a part of his brain ticked off the parts of the code he was currently breaking. He activated the lightsaber, ignoring the voice of reason and conscience, drowned out by fear for Koria, exhaustion, and the general overwhelming circumstance of the last few days, and laid the blade alongside Divo's neck, close enough that the other man could feel the heat of it and smell the ozone it gave off. Tobias could also feel it singe the hair on his wrist and hand that pinned Divo to the wall.

"I'm only going to ask you once more."

"Red-light district!" Divo quickly amended. "We dumped her - between Madame Delight's and the bar."

Tobias released him, deactivating his lightsaber. "Your master must be proud to have such a dedicated servant," he said, sketching a mocking bow, before turning away.

Divo adjusted his tunic before looking back at Tobias with a glint in his eye. "She ain't pretty no more," he replied, "and prob'ly not very spirited either. You don't want her."

Tobias turned back around. "Oh, I do," he said quietly, moving to stand right next to Divo. "And if I don't get her back, I'll make sure to come pay you a visit." He pressed the hilt of his lightsaber against Divo's belly hard enough to bruise the skin. "Sounds like fun, eh?"

He left Divo and, once outside, broke into a dead run towards the red-light district. Madame Delight's wasn't too hard to find - it was lit up by a garish, brightly lit sign that advertised her wares in a little too much detail.

At first he passed right by her. Koria was half-rolled, wrapped in something resembling rags, lying partially in the alley. Tobias knelt beside her, his hands trembling, as he took in her various wounds. Her right knee was swollen and almost black with bruising. Blood had dried on her face and back, congealed in either scratch marks or animal bites, and most of her was swollen. Her features were almost unrecognizable. Adding insult to injury, he noticed her lovely snow-white locks were chopped off, hanging raggedly about her face. "Koria," he whispered, but she didn't respond. Gently he reached out to touch her face, unshed tears blurring his vision.

She'd never believe him if he told her she was still beautiful to him.

Koria's eyes fluttered open for a brief moment and she smiled weakly up at Tobias. "I knew you'd find me," she whispered before closing her eyes once more.

He smiled back, a half-laugh of relief bubbling up from his throat. Such faith, he thought, trying not to remember the last eight hours of desperate searching and hellish thoughts of exactly where Koria was and what was happening to her.

He looked around, aware that finding an ambulance that would come here would be next to impossible. As carefully as he could, he gathered Koria in his arms. To his distress, he discovered evidence on the covering that she was in the process of miscarrying as a result what had happened to her. "Oh Force, no!" he whispered in dread as he set off to find a medical center.

 

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earlybird-obi-wan 
Registered: Aug '06
6130_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 5/14 8:38pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.14.08 - Chap. 1
angry Those two, Tobias is a Jedi but he should have given them a lesson.
cry poor Koria, get her to a medical centre and fast.

Great update

 

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Trika_Kenobi 
Registered: Nov '99
46133_Talon Squad
Date Posted: 5/15 9:16am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.14.08 - Chap. 1
Not for the faint of heart, indeed. Gah! I am on "vacation," but just so you know how much I enjoy your writing, I had to get over here and get my fix before I headed off for the day with friends. Needless to say, this particular update was just amazing. Heart-wrenching, yes, but superb.

Thanks for the read. I'm desperate for more, honestly!

Trika

 

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LilyHobbitJedi 
Title:
Apples to Apples and 20 Questions hostess

Registered: Aug '05
40273_Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 5/18 10:15am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.14.08 - Chap. 1
He looked around, aware that finding an ambulance that would come here would be next to impossible. As carefully as he could, he gathered Koria in his arms. To his distress, he discovered evidence on the covering that she was in the process of miscarrying as a result what had happened to her. "Oh Force, no!" he whispered in dread as he set off to find a medical center.

Oh poor Koria! cry That's terrible what they did to her, and I seriously hope to she doesn't miscarry. I'm thankful that Tobias finally found her.

Great, suspenseful update! applause applause

 

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Musical-Wingstar 
Registered: Mar '08
6484_Garm bel Iblis
Date Posted: 5/19 4:12am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1 - Date Edited: 5/19 4:25am (2 edits total) Edited By: Musical-Wingstar
earlybird-obi-wan: Perhaps that will come in time... maybe. mischief Thank you.

Trika_Kenobi: Aw, no camera? tongue Thank you so much for your feedback. We look forward to it. happy

LillyHobbitJedi: She's thankful he found her, too. Thank you.



Chapter 13: Stargazing

Tobias sat next to the hospital bed, slumped over in an attempt to find a comfortable position. He was completely exhausted but still couldn't fall asleep. Koria had gone to surgery, coming back with more stitches than Tobias could count. She'd also miscarried, just as he'd suspected. Looking out the lone window in the room, Tobias could see the dark sky beyond the lights of the buildings around them. The nurse had said she should wake up from the anesthesia any time.

What was he going to tell her?

Slowly, Koria climbed her way back to consciousness. Before opening her eyes, she noticed a feeling of emptiness as well as a sense of detachment from herself. She opened her eyes and looked around, confused at first as to where she was.

"Tobias?" she whispered hoarsely when she saw him sitting near her, looking out the window.

He turned, reaching over to find her hand. "I'm right here, Koria," he replied quietly. Sensing her confusion, Tobias gently rubbed her hand as he explained, "You're in a hospital. On Nar Shaddaa. Do you remember - remember me finding you?" He was going to ask about what happened before but decided against it.

"My baby..." She put a hand on her stomach as she said it, and realized at the same time without knowing how she knew, that the frail life that had grown inside her was gone. "Oh Gods," she wailed, "no!"

"You were bleeding when I found you... The surgeon said you had already miscarried, and they had to remove the-" He stopped, having to swallow and collect himself. "What remained." He forced himself to look her in the eye, to listen to what he had to say. "I'm so sorry, Koria. For everything."

Koria looked away from Tobias as overwhelming pain threatened to squeeze her heart. Knowing that she had a part of Awin growing inside her had given her the strength to go on the last few weeks, not to mention the last few days.

"I'm sorry, too." She muttered as she withdrew within herself. Her grip on Tobias' hand loosened and her hand just dropped limply by her side.

Tobias could feel her pull away, moreso through the Force than her release on his hand. "Kor, we need to decide what to do next," he said, thinking of what she had done in that communications room back on Coruscant. "We can't stay here any longer than we have to."

As Koria looked back at Tobias, more pain lanced through her as she thought about how she had realized just hours ago she still loved him... Or was it days? How long have I been out? She closed her eyes as she whispered, "You should leave me. I'm only a hindrance to you."

Tobias chuckled, although the sound was entirely mirthless. "Didn't work on you - not going to work on me. Besides, it's your ship." He reached over to touch her face, not shying away from the areas bandaged and bruised. "I'm not going to leave you," he said in a softer tone.

With a weak, trembling smile she gave a wheezing laugh before tears rolled down her cheeks. "Force, Tobias, I just want to die right now. It hurts so much!"

Tobias looked down at his hands, painfully aware of the absence of his fellow Jedi - his friends and mentors - in the Force. "I know," he said with a sad smile. "I can only imagine how much worse it must feel to lose a child." He wondered how it felt knowing this was the only connection she had left to Awin.

Koria looked at Tobias and remembered he'd lost almost everyone he knew in one fell swoop. She reached out a hand towards him, her fingers shaking. She was surprised by how weak she felt; however, Koria needed to feel connected again to someone - to both give and receive comfort and feel at least a little in control of her rapidly deteriorating world. "Hold me, please?"

Tobias looked up, startled at her request. "Of - of course," he stammered. Carefully negotiating the IVs and monitors still attached to her, Tobias eased himself on the bed next to Koria and gathered her to him, gently cradling her to his chest.

The warmth of love sprung up inside Koria at Tobias' initial awkwardness, which she was careful to shield. She remembered how six years ago he had reacted when he found out she had a crush on him - how he'd acknowledged her feelings without making her feel like a silly child, even though the knowledge had made him uncomfortable. Koria didn't want to make him feel that away again by sensing her response. She returned his embrace as she began to cry.

It was his touch on her left shoulder which triggered the awful memory of being raped... of how Rial sank his teeth into that spot which was now under Tobias' hand, giving her his 'mark'. She quickly pulled away. She rolled over to stare unseeing at the wall, reliving every detail of the savage handling she received.

Gently, Tobias touched her back, refusing to let her draw into herself so completely. He was afraid that if she did so, he might never be able to pull her back. He had felt her shields slam up as she rolled away, and in return he dropped his, allowing her to sense his concern and affection for her. "You don't have to tell or show me if you choose not to - but I'm here if you decide you want to." He shifted closer to her, slipping one arm under her head and the other curled around her arm so his hand cradled her shoulder.

Koria's whole body shivered as her shields fell and she continued to relive her ordeal, some of which she had blocked out even while it was happening but now came bubbling to the surface. Her hand closed so tightly around Tobias', the grip threatening to break his fingers.

Tobias lay behind her, ignoring the pain in his hand, and held her. He could sense the rush of emotion - anger, humiliation, pain, the sense of being profoundly changed for the worse. Her loss welled up in the Force - both for the baby that was never born and for the things she would never get to do with her husband. The Jedi Master did his best to remain detached, not allowing his emotional reaction to cloud her catharsis, trying just to be supportive - just be there for her.

Finally, Koria's body relaxed, and she leaned back against him as she started to drift into an exhausted state in between sleep and awake. "Thank you," she murmured.

"Anytime, Koria," he replied. "I'll be here if you need me." He felt her drift away, borne by exhaustion and injury into a deep sleep. Tobias lay beside her, not tired, although emotionally weary. He knew from watching Ieron struggle through a similar - although less brutal - situation that Koria had a long, difficult struggle ahead of her, all the more because of the loss of Awin's baby. He knew that she had been the driving force that had kept him going the last few days - going when he would rather have given up and found some honorable way to die.

The Jedi Master felt completely alone at that moment. His Order was gone - the Republic to which he'd dedicated so many years of his life changed into an Empire in one shattering moment. He had no family he knew of, no children or even friends. Everyone he had known was a colleague of sorts, bound more by common goals or training than emotional bonds of love and friendship.

Except for Koria.

He tightened his hold on her for a moment, reliving her experience, her desire to be released from the pain and degradation of it. If he could take it away from her, he would - and gladly.

Tobias wasn't overly surprised when a few tears fell on his cheeks, running over the bridge of his nose to land on the pillow. He shifted, placing his head closer to hers, so that he could smell the clean scent of the shampoo one of the nurses had used to wash her now raggedly shorn hair. Beneath that was the scent of Koria herself - something indefinably female and unique to her.

He made himself relax his grip, afraid his tension would wake her. He lay motionless for a long time, staring at the ceiling and trying not to think or feel any more - at least for a while. After a bit, he allowed himself to snuggle just a little closer, to feel her soft hair on his face for just a moment.

"Please don't leave me," he whispered into her neck before making himself move back away.

Later, as Koria woke but still was not quite aware, she smiled and turned in his arms without opening her eyes. "Awin," she whispered, "I love y..." She opened her eyes then and gasped in surprise then blushed in embarrassment as she saw Tobias. "Sorry."

She winced as full awareness asserted itself and every part of her body ached. "Did you get the identicode of the speeder that hit me?" She smiled crookedly, trying to put them both at ease with humor.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I think it was moving too quickly."

She giggled then winced as it hurt her ribs which were bruised. "Ah, it's really bad when laughter hurts." Then she looked into Tobias' eyes, suddenly very serious. "Has the doctor said when I can get out of here? Where shall we go when we can leave?"

"They want to keep you overnight to make sure you've stopped bleeding, and then you have to get your stitches out in seven to ten days - although that, we can do anywhere. As to where we want to go?" Tobias shrugged. "Somewhere safe and quiet. But I personally don't know where that is."

"I think I have an idea, but perhaps we should wait until we're in our ship to talk more about it." She deliberately put a strong stress on the word, 'our'.

Tobias raised an eyebrow at her emphasis but let it go. In his mind, it was her ship, especially now, after how much [ i]she'd[/i] endured for it. "Probably a wise decision." He resettled himself on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. "You know, they ought to put something more interesting than tiles up there. I think the Temple had the exact same ones in the classrooms."

Koria started giggling. She put her hands on her tender ribs and moaned even as she kept laughing, tears coming to her eyes in her mirth. Once she finally stopped, she sighed as she remembered. "Jecca and I liked those tiles. We played watch the clouds with them."

At Tobias' confused look, she explained, "When you look at them long enough you begin to see patterns." She pointed to one group of tiles, tracing the outlines in the air. See, that group looks like a bantha riding a speederboard."

Tobias squinted. "I can kind of see it - I guess." He laughed, turning a little pink. "I always used to just count the holes making up the patterns then estimate how many there were in the ceiling by how many tiles there were. If the class was really boring, I'd count them to see how close I was."

Koria watched the profile of Tobias' face as he spoke, longing to reach out to him... to caress his cheek. He was so adorable right now as he blushed slightly while revealing a facet of himself she'd never have guessed. When he finished speaking and looked at her, it was her turn to blush. She looked back up at the tiles and spoke wistfully, "When you put it that way, the tiles now look like stars in the night sky, only the stars are black and the sky is white. See, there's the constellation, Revan."

He pointed at another area. "There's Nexu Major, which means Nexu minor ought to be over there."

"And if you follow the line of those stars in Nexu minor's spine, it leads you to the Guiding Force." Koria's hand lightly brushed against Tobias' as she pointed out a smudge on the ceiling that represented the brightest star that stayed still throughout the night.

She looked at him and swallowed. "It will guide us to safety, right?"

Tobias, following the line of her outstretched arm back to her face, looked into her green eyes, pained by the apprehension he saw there. He took her hand and gently squeezed it. "Yes - it will. It's gotten us this far." Resisting the urge to reach up and brush a blond lock of hair out of her eyes, he settled for a smile. "It brought us back together, didn't it?"

As she looked into his baby blues, she noticed for the first time how exhausted he appeared. "Have you slept?" She asked with concern as she gently squeezed his hand.

Tobias had to stop and think about it. "Well... Not since we landed. So whenever it was that we slept on the ship."

"You should sleep." She withdrew her hand from his to reach up to cup his unshaven cheek. "You need it."

He laughed. "Always a flattering thing to hear. It just didn't seem important earlier." Between trying to find a ship, trying to find you, and then being terrified you'd die once I got you here... Glancing out the window, he could see the dusky colors of dawn starting to creep over the tops of the buildings. He did feel tired - when he let himself. "Do you want me to stay here with you, or would you be more comfortable if I relocate to the chair?" he asked, glancing back at Koria.

Kriffin' hell, I want you beside me forever! She blushed at the strength of her feelings for him, even as she kept those feelings tightly under her shields. She was quite sure the quickest way to get him to sleep in the chair instead of in the bed next to her was to let him know exactly how she felt about him. "I'm fine either way... whichever is most comfortable for you is okay with me."

Please stay!

Tobias's brow furrowed for a moment. He'd had the fleeting feeling of strong emotion from Koria, although he could easily tell that she was shielded as normal. He regarded her for a moment, as though her expression - what of it was visible through the swelling - would clarify. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had been there. Maybe it was someone in another room...? But he couldn't quite convince himself of it. "I'll stay here - but if you can't get any rest, kick me off."

"I don't think that'll be necessary." She smiled as big as the angry welts allowed. Suddenly feeling tired once more, she shifted closer to him to lay her head against his shoulder and promptly fell asleep.

Tobias marveled at her ability to fall asleep so quickly. He settled in next to her, finding a comfortable position, but for some reason it was a long time before he fell asleep.

To be continued...

 

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earlybird-obi-wan 
Registered: Aug '06
6130_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 5/19 8:04am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1
Heartbreaking beautiful. Those two are meant for each other.

And loved that about those tiles grin They really are the same everywhere. Hospitals, townhalls, classrooms.

 

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FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link]
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Independence1776 
Registered: Feb '06
19251_Seal of the Rebellion
Date Posted: 5/19 11:43am Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1
Oh, man. I feel so bad for Koria. After everything she's lost, now this? cry

I'm very, very glad Tobias isn't letting her sink into herself and that he's there for her. They need each other more than they know.

 

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flag "Independence forever." John Adams
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The Musical Jedi 
Registered: Dec '99
46292_The Clone Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 5/19 2:26pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1
earlybird-obi-wan posted:
And loved that about those tiles grin They really are the same everywhere. Hospitals, townhalls, classrooms.


laugh I find it hilarious that they also have the same tiles in Europe as they do America. I guess some experiences are truly global. tongue

 

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Real heroes were like the characters in that man Tolkien's story, who did what they had to even if they hated it, even if it took their own lives away from them.
-- Otherland: Mountain of Black Glass, Tad Williams
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Lord help our Colts.
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Trika_Kenobi 
Registered: Nov '99
46133_Talon Squad
Date Posted: 5/19 2:35pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1 - Date Edited: 5/19 2:35pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Trika_Kenobi
Just fantastic. A heartwarming place of rest for everything that's happened to Koria, but I'm sure there's more to come (hopefully more good than bad, yes? wink )...

Thank you. I'm looking forward to more, as always from you two. happy

EDIT: grammar

 

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proud oldbie master to GIRLSOLO mischief
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
46561_NaNoWriMo
Date Posted: 5/19 4:24pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1
The Musical Jedi posted:
earlybird-obi-wan posted:
And loved that about those tiles grin They really are the same everywhere. Hospitals, townhalls, classrooms.


laugh I find it hilarious that they also have the same tiles in Europe as they do America. I guess some experiences are truly global. tongue


I'm willing to bet they may even have those tiles on all continents! If we ever get a moonbase, I'm sure we'll be shipping them up there as well. tongue

 

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"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
"Two Peas Out of the Pod" http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/205643
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Musical-Wingstar 
Registered: Mar '08
6484_Garm bel Iblis
Date Posted: 5/25 8:34pm Subject: RE: Tender Shadows (USJS OCs; ROTS/purge era/IT; drama, action, romance) - Updated 5.19.08 - Chap. 1
earlybird-obi-wan - Five days later... still amused by the tile comment... tongue I'm glad that you're enjoying the pairing.

Independence1776 - They have to keep themselves together somehow - I doubt they could do it without each other.

Trika - More good than bad? What? tongue More you shall have - though it is a day late. blush




Chapter 14: Discharged


When Koria woke this time, she knew without opening her eyes it was Tobias next to her. Opening her eyes, she watched him sleep even as her stomach complained about its emptiness. The feeling of devotion she felt for this man hungered even more than her belly to be let out. With a trembling finger, she lightly stroked his cheek.

"I love you, Tobias," she whispered.

She could sense that he was in a heavy, deep sleep. Normally, the Jedi would have awoken at the slightest touch, an instinctive survival tactic Koria assumed had been ingrained in him since childhood. But he slept on, unaware of her and her attention. What happened to you when I went missing? she wondered.

She took one of his hands in hers and traced the calluses from lightsaber use. Looking at his other hand that was draped over his abdomen, she frowned when she saw some singed hair on the back of that wrist and hand. "That's strange," she muttered, just as a nursing droid came in to check on her.

"Good, you're awake." It glanced at Tobias with a tilt of its head, and Koria put her fingers to her lips.

"Please, don't wake him. He's had a really rough couple of days."

"How are you feeling?" The nurse asked as it checked Koria's vitals.

"Like I've been run through a duracrete turbine and poured out." The young senator said dryly.

The droid chuckled. "You look pretty good for that. Are you hungry?"

"Famished!"

"The doctor said to give you soft foods to see if you can keep it down. With the stomach injuries you incurred, we have to be careful."

Koria nodded understanding.

"What foods do you prefer?"

"I'm a vegetarian, but when I was pregnant, all I could keep down was meat." Right as she finished speaking, Koria suddenly burst out in tears as she put her hands on her stomach. She tried to keep quiet so she wouldn't wake Tobias.

"Oh, dear. I'm not programmed to deal with this - let me go find you a real nurse or doctor." With a small bow, the droid disappeared.

Koria finally managed to get control herself, reducing her tears to hiccupping gulps of air. Beside her, Tobias shifted restlessly, and she could sense him drifting towards being awake. It's only been a few hours, she thought, glancing at the chrono on the wall. The sun had come up over the buildings and was filtering through the window, splashing across the bed and onto part of Tobias's face. Reaching over and trying to be quiet, she gently stroked his hair, hoping it would soothe him back into a deeper sleep. Everything's okay, rest my dear friend.

Instead, he stirred at her touch, blue eyes blinking in the bright light as he rolled away from the window. Koria pulled her hand away and watched as his hand drifted to his side, clearly looking for the lightsaber that was hidden in his tunic instead of clipped to his belt, where it had been the last 55 years of his life. His eyes focused, coming to rest on Koria, and the Jedi stifled a yawn. "'Ow long was I asleep?" he asked, his words unclear from the air being pulled into his lungs.

"A couple hours or so." She couldn't help but smile as once he was satisfied his lightsaber was where it was supposed to be he started to stretch. "Feel a little better?" She poked him in his armpit as he stretched his arms over his head.

He jerked away, pulling his arm back down, and gave her a grumpy look. "Much," he replied. "Has anyone been in? Hopefully they can discharge you soon."

Koria looked away from Tobias as more tears threatened. She had poked him as a playful gesture... something she was used to doing with Awin... and he would laugh and start tickling her… not that she expected Tobias to react the same way. She forced herself not to cry as she answered Tobias' question. "A nursing droid was in. I think I scared it away."

"I didn't know you could scare nursing droids away," Tobias said. "The few at the Temple were crotchety old things - although maybe it was learned from dealing with jokesters like Bones, Aaqu, and Kaagi." He trailed off at the end, visions of blue lightsaber blades and overturned medical beds springing up in his mind.

When he spoke at first, she smiled back up at him, but then as his voice faded, she grabbed his hand and squeezed in silent sympathy as she quietly explained. "It asked me what I liked to eat, and I said that I'm a vegetarian, but when I was pregnant all I could keep down was meat... then I started bawling. It beat a hasty retreat," her eyes took on a mischievous gleam as she continued, "as it said it wasn't programmed to deal with that and went to get a real nurse or doctor."

"I guess you really did scare it away." Tobias gave her a smile and squeezed her hand in return. Then, a small human female bustled in, looking very young and business-like.

"I hear you've frightened our droid," she said, walking over to the bed, where she inspected the various machines Koria was attached to. "It said that you were leaking lubricant, a medical condition it was not prepared to handle."

Koria laughed, "Well, I think the liquid I leaked is a bit to salty to use as lubricant."

Finished looking over the machines, the nurse looked at her patient. "You were crying?"

Koria nodded. "I um, was telling the droid how I craved meat when I was a vegetarian while I was pregnant, and it just started." She blushed a little.

"That's to be expected," the nurse spoke in a kind voice. "Well, we'll get you something light to eat, then the doctor will be in to examine you to see if you're fit to go." She gave Koria a small smile. "You look much stronger than you did when you came in. You have a remarkable constitution."

Koria glanced at Tobias, whose face had gone politely blank. "Good company to provide a little silliness helps," she replied, thinking of the discussion regarding the tiles. The nurse smiled and nodded, marking a few things on the chart attached to the end of her bed. With reassurance that food would arrive shortly and the hope that the doctor wouldn't be far behind, the nurse excused herself.

She continued to gaze at Tobias for a moment. "Thank you for saving my life."

Tobias became very still and looked at the bedcovers between them a long time before finally shifting his gaze to look at her. "I would have rather there'd been no need for it," he said quietly. He blinked slowly, making Koria wonder what he was seeing, because clearly it was not the hospital room.

"What is it, Tobias?" She asked softly as she squeezed his hand, concern for him burning deeply in her eyes.

"What you had to go through - what you gave up..." The Jedi spoke slowly, searching for the right words. "It seems like a profound waste for a bucket of bolts to get us off this planet, especially when we had another ship." He gestured vaguely at her, and it took a moment for Koria to realize what he was referring to - and that he was afraid of upsetting her by referring to her miscarriage directly. "Especially with your loss - I mean, after everything..."

"Tobias, the ship we had could be easily traced. We had to get another one... for our survival." She reminded him. Then she placed her hand on her stomach and looked down at it. "I... I knew our plan was dangerous, but I thought it was worth the risk." A tear drifted down her cheek as she looked back up at Tobias. "I... don't know what else we could have done under the circumstances... but I failed to protect my baby... and he/she paid the biggest price."

She leaned her head back to look at the ceiling her voice grief-stricken as she cried, "Oh gods, what kind of mother am I?"

"What kind of life would he have had if you'd stayed behind on Coruscant?" Tobias asked quietly. He reached out, hesitantly, and put his arm around her. Koria leaned over, burying her face into his shirt, just now noticing the scent of tobac clinging to it. "I'm sorry I failed to protect you and him," he said quietly into the top of her hair.

Once she got her weeping under control once more, Koria pulled back her head slightly to look up at Tobias, placing her hand on his cheek. "Tobias... what happened was not your fault. If anything, it was mine. I made too many mistakes... I brought too much attention to myself when I fought that guy at the bar, then pulling Divo's own vibroblade on him... then when we left and we got parted, I should have called for you right away, but I was afraid to call attention to myself... again." She stretched her neck up to kiss his cheek. "Please, don't blame yourself."

"It's hardly your fault. To allow yourself to be treated that way? You'd hardly be yourself if you did. Neither of us knew what we were doing."

She raised her other hand that still had the IV attached to the back of it and placed her fingers on his other cheek. "Then let's not lay blame on ourselves but learn from our mistakes."

Just as Koria had an urge to kiss Tobias, a droid came in to serve breakfast, and she pulled away instead.

Tobias got up from the bed, making room for the tray that slid over it so that Koria could eat comfortably. He stood with his arms crossed, watching as she slowly picked through the food. He was trying to release his feelings into the Force - let go of the sense of guilt and responsibility - but it seemed as though every time he tried, he would see her, wrapped in that dirty cloth, barely conscious. He shook his head, trying to clear the image away. She's right. You do what seems right with the information you have at the time.

Koria took a look at the fare in front of her and wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Hospital food is the same all over... bland and unimaginative."

Tobias looked over, inspecting the tray. "Well, at least it looks like it's all vegetables," he offered. On second glance, he added, "Or at least vaguely resembles vegetables."

A smile played upon the corners of her lips then as she ate. "Speaking of resembling... I miss your Alderaanian bean curds."

He chuckled. "If you find me some Alderaanian beans - and a kitchen - I'd be more than happy to make them for you again." The Jedi adopted a more severe expression. "Although I may make them the consistency of that, just so you don't feel spoiled." Tobias leaned over. "What is that?"

"I'm not quite sure." She said slowly as she tried analyzing what she was tasting. "I think it's whatever they could find mixed together, dried, powdered, then reconstituted." She finally finished eating. "Not totally disgusting, but not at all pleasant either. It's a good thing for them I'm not a food critic."

At that moment, the doctor came in. "Ah, yes, our kitchen would definitely be shut down for the sheer audacity of serving what it calls food if that would be the case." The gray Rodian chuckled then introduced himself. "I am Dr. Grenmo. My, your coloring looks much improved. In spite of the lack of sensory appeal, do you think the meal will stay down?"

"So far so good, Doctor."

"Well, in looking over your chart, I think you'll be good to go. I'd like to make sure you keep your breakfast down - if you're willing to call it that." He flipped through the chart, adding a few notes. "I'll go ahead and get started on your discharge orders. It'll take a while, so by then we'll know about your breakfast."

"Thank you, Doctor." Once the Rodian left, Koria looked up at Tobias with a tilt of her head. She suspected he'd had nothing to eat since they'd ventured off the Corellian Gem. "Um, if you're hungry, I don't think it would hurt if you went out to grab some breakfast for yourself."

"Trying to get rid of me?" he asked, although the smile playing at the corners of his mouth softened the question. "That's probably a good idea. Hopefully being discharged won't take too long." Tobias glanced around the room, as though he could see the city beyond it. "I'm ready to put this rock behind us."

Koria nodded in agreement. "Yes, Nar Shaddaa is not a nice place to visit." A part of her felt a small stab of guilt as Tobias' light jest about getting rid of him was partly true. She felt a need to be alone to sort out what she was feeling for him, and she couldn't do it while he was near, for she knew she could not shield those feelings well enough while she gave the matter full attention.

He walked around to the end of the bed and gave her foot a light squeeze. "I won't be gone too long. I'm sure we'll be on the ship in no time and can find somewhere else to recoup a while." With that, Tobias left the room.

---

Three hours later, Koria and Tobias were in the docking bay, walking towards their new ship. "Wow, this looks like a smaller version of my dad's old freighter... just about as beat up as well."

"Hey."

Someone called out from behind them before Tobias could answer her. Turning, they saw Kemin, the Balosar with whom they played cards the previous night. Koria stiffened and paled, even though Kemin hadn't taken part in the attack on herself.

Tobias smoothly inserted himself between Koria and the Balosar, crossing his arms over his chest. "Get the hell out," he said. The Jedi resisted the urge to grab his lightsaber; although he was willing to do it again, he was hoping to avoid a repeat performance of what he'd done to Divo.

Kemin held up his hands, palms facing towards them. "I mean no harm. I come with information, as well as an item that will help you." As the Balosar spoke, Tobias felt a nudge in the force and was immediately aware he was a Jedi.

Koria didn't move a muscle as scenes from the previous night flashed before her eyes.

Tobias turned to her, torn between curiosity at this fellow Jedi and concern for Koria. He touched her on the shoulder and looked into her eyes. "Go onto the ship. If I signal you, take off. Understand?" He wanted to reach out to her through the Force, to make her realize what he had, but he didn't trust Kemin enough to allow him to pick up on that intimate of an exchange.

Wide-eyed with fear, Koria's first instinct was to grab Tobias' hand and refuse to leave his side. However, though she did reach up to grab his wrist and squeeze it, she fully trusted his judgment.

Swallowing nervously as she nodded, she whispered, "Please be careful, I don't want to lose you." She then released his wrist before turning and going into the ship.

Kemin silently watched the exchange then slowly walked over to Tobias as he spoke so quietly, Tobias had to use the Force to hear. "I heard what happened. If I'd known what was going on, I would have risked ruining my cover to save her from those... vermin."

"Vermin is an accurate word. I hope your mission is worth it." Tobias paused, shaking his head. "Was worth it. I think she'll be all right - eventually. I shouldn't have put her in that position in the first place. But you said you had information? And something for me?"

"Well, you may already have my information if you've had access to the holo-net. You and Senator Rimstar-Cor are high on the Emperor's most wanted list, right under Masters Kenobi and Yoda. Though she's wanted alive. So if I were you, I'd get the hell to the outer rim as fast as you possibly can."

As Kemin spoke, he reached out as though to shake Tobias' hand. When Tobias took his proffered hand, he felt a rectangular object placed into his palm.

"That is a scrambler. It randomly changes your ship's ID code from one system to another. The downside is, it could scramble your whole communications system if installed incorrectly."

Tobias crossed his arms again, slipping it in one of his pockets. "I don't suppose you know how to install one of these?

"I can't, but, unbeknownst to Weni'wen, I put an astro-droid, R2N3, on the ship. It can install the scrambler with no problem, as well as help with repairs should the need arrive."

"What are they broadcasting on the holo-net? We haven't seen any of the reports." Tobias waved his hand, dismissing the thought. "Never mind - we can watch them ourselves. Anything else I need to know?"

"Just that if for some reason you have to come back this way, I'll still be here... it's as good a place as any to keep low. For me anyway. I'll help you in any way I can."

Koria sat in the cockpit watching the exchange and wishing she could hear what was going on. This Kemin guy isn't what he seems, she thought with a frown, I wonder who he is?

Kemin turned to go, but before he could, Tobias caught his arm. "Listen - Thank you. For everything. If you need to contact me, here's my comm information. I hope to return the favor if you need it. You should know - I don't know what the holo-net has been saying - but don't trust Anakin - Knight Skywalker. And don't trust the clones." Tobias gave the Balosar's arm a light squeeze. "May the Force be with you - and good luck."

Kemin nodded in appreciation. "May the Force be with you... and all who remain." He bowed and left.

As she watched Tobias turn to board the Starlight, Koria realized Kemin was a Jedi. She turned to Tobias as he entered the cockpit. "What was that about?"

"He's a Jedi Investigator. He gave me this - a scrambler." Tobias produced the small electronic and showed it to Koria. "He wanted to apologize for what happened. He said that if he'd known what was going on, he would have risked breaking cover. He also wanted to warn us that we're one of the Emperor's most wanted - right below Obi-Wan and Yoda. His suggestion was to get to the Outer Rim as quickly as possible."

Koria listened quietly. Her face paling slightly was the only thing that showed of her reaction to the part about Kemin's readiness to break cover if he'd known about her ordeal. That they were on the wanted list did not surprise her. She doubted if word got back to Palpatine that she'd miscarried she'd still be wanted alive. I guess that's one thing about this I can be grateful for... he won't be able to get a hold of my baby. She placed a hand on her stomach briefly at that thought.

"So," she asked quietly, "how do we install the scrambler?"

"There should be an astromech on here somewhere. He said he left it for us." Tobias toyed with the scrambler for a moment in an uncharacteristically restless gesture. "So where do you think we should go?"

Koria didn't hear Tobias' question as the realization of what Kemin did for them sank in. "Tobias, he's risking his own chance of escape from Nar Shaddaa should he need to, isn't he?"

He put the scrambler on the console. "Where's he going to go? The Temple's a dead giveaway, and there's nothing there to go back for. He's lucky that clones would never realize he's a Jedi. It would probably take a long time for Palpatine and Anakin to get to the Investigator records, especially because his mission seems to have nothing to do with the war."

Koria nodded in understanding then tapped the scrambler. "I wonder if this needs to be installed before we are on the way, or if the mech-droid could install it on the way." She got up to find the droid in question. "What was its designation?"

"R2-N3. It can't be far - the ship isn't all that big." He stood up and looked out the canopy to where they had stood on the landing pad. "It makes you wonder how many more are left, now abandoned to live normal lives." Tobias shook his head. "Where is it you were thinking of going?"

"An independent planet in the outer rim called Althir." She said as she palmed open a door to what appeared to be a supply closet. "Well, hello there."

*Beep blorpft*

"R2-N3, I presume."

The green and white astromech unit whistled.

"Well, we have an important job for you."

 

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