Fandom Star Wars: Demesne [Closed]

[cleopat]

“Trash the house? That is such a waste!” Skye pouted, but was hardly serious. She could see a younger Adlai sneaking the candy off, gumdrops and licorice or whatever candies they decorated these houses with, and grew bored with what was left.

She shifted her arms to loop around his neck. “Do these friends of yours still like to blow up their houses? Because if they do, I would like to meet them and help them out with that endeavour.”

Skye mainly wanted to see how much they blew up, exactly. Was he talking about some small firecracker, or something that would take the remnants of the house into the sky and blow up into colors?

One day, she may be able to see all of their crazy traditions.

Her fingers brushed through his hair. “You miss your home a lot, don’t you?”

~~

Thrawn nodded in appreciation for her comment. Unless something happened on the mission Eli and his assigned team went on, he hardly expected his evening would be eventful in any way.

Unless, somehow, Tarkin knew of his night with Eira. He wouldn’t be surprised in the least. If Tarkin calls me about this training session, I may have to question him about being Force sensitive.

“And I hope the remainder of your evening is exactly the way you hoped,” would be the last he offered. If he continued, he may not want to leave Eira’s side to return to his ship.

But he was Grand Admiral. He still had responsibility to attend to before he could retire for the evening.

Thrawn allowed her to leave first, and he waited a few minutes before heading out as well, returning to his ship to focus on their next missions.

Ignoring how he already missed her presence.

~~

A date.

Cora could hear the nerves in Eli in the way he spoke, but she could still easily understand what he said. What he wanted. A wide grin broke across her face as she focused intently on cleaning her mug.

It was a very dirty mug.

But she couldn’t clean it forever, and so Cora placed it back on the counter and faced Eli. “Well it’s a good thing I don’t want to meet as just friends, because if you consider asking me on a date, I may just consider saying yes.” She forced her words to come out even, although her heart pounded in her chest as she steadily spoke.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai shifted a little, and let his head drop to press to Skye’s forehead as she remained in his lap, querying him about his friends, “Yes, they still do,” he answered, “You’ll have to build a house this year, and then return in the summer, to join them.” Which was unlikely to be a hardship.

Especially since he was looking at going home in a bit. He might be able to make it coincide with the holiday. Break-up sympathy would win him some points for that. And then new girlfriend highlights would win him a summer trip.

It was terrible to be scheming such a thing, but Skye was right, and he shut his eyes, “I do miss it.” The brush of her fingers was a comfort, “but it’s more important to do what I can, here.” He had that privilege, and that responsibility, to his home.

He had to change the galaxy.

He had to improve it.

For everyone – but most of all, for Serenno.

~***~

The grin on Cora’s face, even as she attempted to continue to clean the mug, gave Eli some hope. But he was still anxious, increasingly anxious, with the delay. Should he retract it?

Thankfully, Cora spoke before he could say something stupid, and made it quite clear that she also wanted to pursue this as a date. Not just friends. A date!

“Then I’d like to ask you out on a date. Um. Within the week. I don’t have a time yet – but once we know our schedules,” he probably should have waited to actually know what times he had available, before asking.

Still, Thrawn wasn’t a terrible taskmaster, and if he mentioned this to Thrawn, he might even be lenient if he was upset for any reason, or had a lot to be handled. He could always schedule it so things got handled, but still allow time for the pair to go on a date.

Even if telling Thrawn would be a bit…well…embarrassing. He wasn’t sure if Thrawn would tease him or not. Or be upset that two of his crew were involved romantically.

Well, he was going to have to find out eventually, right?

 

[cleopat]

“I’ll build a house if someone gives me a little help,” she smiled. Skye would have no idea how to even start such a task, and she wouldn’t be able to use the Force to help her with such a thing. “If only I had some dashing Count to help this fair maiden.”

She could’ve laughed at herself right then.

Her fingers continued to brush through his hair absentmindedly. “And maybe one day, you’ll be able to permanently return, knowing you have succeeded in doing what you came here for.”

When the Empire was destroyed. If.

He could return, and Skye could come out of hiding.

~~

Cora eagerly nodded, but realizing how she may seem too eager, she cleared her throat before giving him just a simple nod. “I would like to go on a date with you, whenever we can both go out.”

Unless assigned to another mission upon their return, the remainder of her week was relatively easy, with a simple schedule for the lab - a benefit of the mission.

The grin still remained on her face.

“Should we return back out there?” She gestured to the doorway, leading back out to the main area of the ship. Ortell and Tobias more than likely didn’t even notice their absence, but Cora figured they would be approaching the Chimaera soon.

But she would hardly complain if Eli wanted to stay.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai dreamt of the day he could return to Serenno, and stay, permanently. Of course, he’d still like to visit other worlds, but at his leisure, and not for as long as his stays on Coruscant. He didn’t speak to that, but chuckled at her comment on the house.

“I’m sure I can at least show you how to create a foundation for your house,” which then be blown up in the summer after being carefully preserved until the time of its ultimate demise. “It’s not that hard, really. Making it look good is the hard part.”

At least for him. His artistic talent did not lend itself to the building of sweet houses, but he always used candy he liked so he could pick them off the house until he was sated. “Although if it helps, some people do enter literal ruins in the competitions.”

Adlai wasn’t sure if they were a creative attempt, or joke entries.

~***~

Cora couldn’t stop grinning.

Eli couldn’t stop grinning.

And they would go on a date in the future. He was happy with that thought, and would definitely make a point to learn his schedule as soon as he could. “It’s a date!” And he almost palmed his forehead at the fact he actually said that aloud.

Instead he just winced.

That was bad.

And he took Cora’s out, “Yeah we should…we should rejoin them,” if nothing else it would be a distraction, until they got back to the Chimaera. Neither he or Cora could really plan the ‘when’ yet.

 

[cleopat]

Skye chuckled, “Well, I would certainly appreciate at least being shown how to make the foundation, although I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as ruins as well.”

She wasn’t always the most creative person with her hands, but the entire tradition sounded too much fun to pass up. Especially if explosives were involved.

Her eyelids started to feel heavy, and she failed to suppress a yawn. “I think it’s time I get some sleep.” It had been a long day, and the next few would be just as challenging.

But she didn’t get up. Skye was far too comfortable in Adlai’s lap, with her arms around him.

~~

Cora chuckled at Eli’s enthusiasm. She felt the same way, but was able to control it somewhat better. Somehow. So she just reached a hand out to gently squeeze Eli’s arm. “Yes, it is a date.”

She would have to send Faro a fruit basket or something.

And so she would lead them out of the kitchen area and back into the main area, where she caught a glimpse of Tobias and Ortell in light conversation at the cockpit.

Cora took a seat, and instead of directing her mind back on the mission, she looked over at Eli. “I guess one good thing about this mission is that it didn’t go as bad as we were expecting.” If they didn’t think about how Tarkin took their prisoner from them.

She wondered how angry Thrawn would get.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai would at least try to make sure it didn’t end up ruins. At least, non-intentionally. If Skye destroyed it on purpose, well, there was little he could do about that but sigh. Laugh, maybe. It would at least be nice to see her being a part of his traditions, and enjoying them. To see her in his environment.

“Likely so,” Adlai agreed, though noticed much as Skye did, that she wasn’t moving. He made sure his hand was on her back, and then he slipped an arm under her knees, “Seems like I’ll have to carry you.”

It was a bit of a struggle to get up – he wasn’t the strongest man alive, but thankfully, she wasn’t too heavy for as small as she was, and he didn’t slack off that much when it came to exercise and fitness. Besides, he wanted to, damn it.

And her room wasn’t too far. Though he was definitely walking slower.

~***~

Eli flushed under Cora’s reassurance and light squeeze, but didn’t let his smile fade. He nodded. He was excited, but he would hold it together. The flush at least faded from his face as he took his tea with him out to the main area, where Ortell and Tobias were chattering away.

They silenced themselves, though.

Eli gave a smile, “It’s okay, nothing important to report,” he said as he took a seat, as well, and sighed as his mind was brought back to the mission. To their failure. He didn’t think they did a great job, even if they did all they could. They weren’t returning with Proserpina.

“He’ll understand,” that was all that Eli could really say about the situation. The rest, they would see when they got there. And there would likely be much that they didn’t see. For better or worse.

 

[cleopat]

“My strong knight,” Skye murmured, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the rhythmic beating of Adlai’s heart. There was some trouble though, which Skye noticed. “I could walk if you need me to.”

Even if she did enjoy being in his arms like that. It was...nice to feel comforted for once. Safe.

As if she wasn’t supposed to be this fearless Jedi knight running for her life.

“Will you stay with me?” Skye didn’t want to leave his arms just yet, not when she felt so secured. And, it was just nice to be so close to someone.

~~

Cora nodded. Eli was right. She was right. Thrawn will understand, because everything was completely out of their control. It was all Tarkin’s fault, right?

Though, they couldn’t say that to the man’s face. Unless they had a death wish, which Cora did not.

The remainder of their trip passed in relative silence, with nothing much more they could say. What was there to say? Even if Cora wanted to talk to Eli about their date, they didn’t have a schedule figured out yet. It would be bad to bring up the mission again, and their taken prisoner.

The ship was nearing the Chimaera when Cora asked Eli, “Did you tell Admiral Thrawn that we’re almost back?”

He would need to be immediately updated on their situation.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai could only get out a slight chuckle as Skye referred to him as a knight while he carried her into the room set aside for her, “No, I think I’ve at least got you this far,” he said, though made a mental note he might want to have a few more upper-body days in rotation if he planned on doing this again. He was more relieved than he wanted to admit when he got to the bed and could lay her down.

He wouldn’t drop her.

“I can, if you want me to,” he said, “But I need to at least change out of this,” put on pajamas or something a bit cozier. He didn’t want to sleep in a cape and formal attire. That was not comfortable at all.

He expected her answer to be in the affirmative, but he wouldn’t leave to get changed until he had it from her.

~***~

Eli shook his head at the question of informing Thrawn ahead of time, “No, but I will now,” he knew Thrawn would hear about it soon from the Bridge, but he took out his datapad as they neared the Chimaera to send a message.

We’re back from Cartao. Not good news. Would like to speak in a more private space.​

As in, not the hangar.

It was Faro’s voice that greeted them as they received a hailing from the Chimaera, and Faro who let them know where to take the ship once Eli gave the codes needed to verify who they were.

He supposed he also needed to speak with Faro, too. Let her know of the good news.

“Do you need any Stormtroopers?” Faro asked at the end.

“No,” there was no one to escort to any cell, “Thank you, though.”

 

[cleopat]

Adlai made it to her room, and Skye lightly groaned as he set her on the bed, as it meant he had to let go of her. She sat up and gave him a sleepy smile. “You know I won’t mind if you came to bed in nothing.”

But it would be best if they both changed into pajamas or something comfortable for sleeping.

“I suppose I would need to get changed as well,” she said as she sat up. It would be a shame to wrinkle her outfit. She may need to use it again.

Skye stood from the bed and walked over to her dresser. “Just make sure you come back.”

~~

Thrawn had been on the Bridge when Eli and his team returned, and when he received a message from the officer. Not a very promising message, given why they were on Cartao. Something had happened, and he was eager to find out what.

Meet me in my quarters.​

It would be his only answer to Eli. He would hear all about the mission then.

“Commander Faro, I must step off the Bridge. You are in command until I return.” With those parting words, Thrawn left to return to his quarters, intrigued on to what Eli had to report to him.

On what happened on Cartao.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai knew that Skye wouldn’t mind that, but in theory, they were going to sleep. He nodded, “It may be a good idea to change out of that,” he allowed as he moved away from the bed. He wouldn’t have minded staying to watch. Or her going back under the sheets in nothing.

But he would save that comment. She was sleepy.

“I promise I will be back, and I will be in clothing that feels much nicer to make up for it,” he allowed, and would offer a slight bow, hand going over his chest, before he did turn and leave the room.

In his own, he did undress, and found some of his satin pajamas. He liked the feel of it, smooth, and cool, to the touch. So he figured it would be appreciated to Skye, as well. It was a solid, shiny black, two-piece, a button up top and simple slacks.

He would still knock before re-entering her room.

To make sure she was ready to invite him back in.

~***~

Eli Vanto did not need further information from Thrawn, and as they landed in the hangar that Faro directed them towards, he looked to his crew, “You are all dismissed for now – take some leisure time,” he advised them, before looking to Cora, “Grand Admiral Thrawn has asked me to come speak to him.”

No meeting in the hangar. He hadn’t asked for Cora, and Eli hadn’t insinuated any of them should accompany him. “I’m going to go see him.”

He would tell her what he could, depending on how it went. He doubted he would get any answers in that meeting, beyond Thrawn’s reaction. “I’ll be in touch soon, anyways,” a promise that he still intended to figure out this schedule, and dating, thing.

 

[cleopat]

Skye said nothing as Adlai made his leave, but she did smile and nod at him as he did so. Once he left, she set about a quick night routine, putting her lightsaber away and changing out of her formal attire for something more suitable for sleeping, a deep purple tank and black shorts that may as well have not been there at all.

She liked her comfort in bed.

As she was sliding back under the sheets, a soft knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”

And while she did wish for something more to happen, Skye was reminded exactly of how tired she was when she felt the sheets sliding across her skin. Another night.

~~

Cora nodded. She hadn’t expected to be let in on their meeting, if things needed to be discussed privately. She didn’t mind, and it wasn’t as if she would be getting the update later anyways.

She could use this time to shower and unwind, just as Eli had instructed them to do.

“Good luck.” She moved to leave, but took a pause before she could take her first step. A brief thought. Then, Cora turned back to Eli and gave him a chaste peck on his cheek.

Before Eli could see her reddening face, Cora turned back around to leave the hangar for her room.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai stepped into the room once given permission, seeing Skye was already comfortable under the sheets. He smiled, and came forward to slip in under the sheets as well, and wrap an arm around Skye to pull her close to him, so they could sleep together.

Sure, he certainly wished for more as well – but right now, this was pleasant, and he would enjoy many nights of this in the future, as much as he enjoyed nights with activity before any sort of cuddling. So long as his days ended with her in his arms, they would be well-spent.

Sleep wouldn’t be long in coming for him, once he was comfortable with her warmth against him. He half-wished he had something less covering for himself, but no matter – his hand could at least, now and then, brush some of her flesh. She wasn’t exactly wearing the most covering attire under the sheets.

All the same, he did sleep.

And would only be disturbed by the sounds of datapads chiming with messages from Shay, and Eira, about a formal meeting with the Shah-tezh.

~***~

“Thanks,” Eli might need luck. He thought that would be it, and planned to dismiss himself – but before he could turn too far away, he was caught by Cora, and a kiss placed on his cheek.

His own skin immediately burned as a blush darkened and reddened it further, and he stood still a moment, eyes widening, as Cora turned and hurried away. He nearly sputtered a pointless ‘what’ but held himself together enough to exhale a breath, touch the place where she’d kissed him, smile like an idiot, and then try to take in enough of a breath to regroup.

He had to go see Thrawn.

‘But! But!’

Well at least he had something to look forward to.

And maybe more luck than usual.

But he couldn’t be skipping on his way to see Thrawn!

He tried to act normal. He was fairly certain he was failing on his way to Thrawn’s quarters, but nonetheless, he tried, and buzzed the comm besides Thrawn’s door once he arrived.

 

[cleopat]

Skye had one of the most peaceful sleeps in a long time. A peaceful sleep void of nightmares for once. In fact, she didn’t dream at all. There was just peace and warmth.

But an annoying beep from her datapad, and from another one, stirred her from her slumber. Wha-? Groaning, she regretfully broke from Adlai’s arms to roll over and grab the offending datapad.

All sleep fled her mind when she read the message from Eira. A meeting with the Shah-tezh, and she was to join!

“Oh shit,” she mumbled, hurrying out of bed to get dressed, momentarily forgetting that Adlai was in the room as she removed her tank and dug through her dresser for something to put on.

No, she wasn’t nervous or excited in the least. Skye simply wanted to make a great first impression on everyone else. That was it.

~~

Thrawn hadn’t been in his quarters long before he heard the buzz of his intercom. Eli Vanto. Without any delay, he opened the door, but one brow rose at the appearance of his mentee.

Eli had said there was bad news concerning Cartao, but he looked like someone who had just received very good news.

“Come in, Commander.” Thrawn stepped aside and gestured Eli in. Once the other man was inside, Thrawn would close the door behind him. “You don’t look like someone who has bad news to present.”

No. In fact, he looked similar to how Thrawn felt last night, after leaving the gym. But he wouldn’t tell Eli that. No one needed to know.

“What happened? Please, tell me.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai was no less thrilled about hearing the beeping, but more accustomed to ignoring it for a while. Especially since his datapad was not in this room, but chiming from another one. Still, he started to rouse himself as Skye seemed to go into a flurry of panic once she read her message. She was starting to get ready.

Adlai lazily turned onto his side once she was off the bed, and was greeted with a pleasant view he had no intention of disturbing. A sleepy smile spread across his lips as he observed her moving about, losing clothes. His eyes traced the curves he could see, trying not to give himself away.

Even if, perhaps, he should.

And he did, eventually, “I think this is by far the best morning I’ve had in a while.” He drawled, before he finally rose and let his gaze drift away, in case she’d be upset by his looking.

~***~

Eli Vanto cursed his face for showing too much of the good, “I’m sorry, Grand Admiral,” he said, “there have been good personal changes in my life that occurred recently,” he added. He was willing to speak of it, but would go into the matter of the business, first.

His hands moved behind his back, before he spoke.

“We tracked Proserpina into the woods outside one of the villages near the Imperial headquarters on Cartao. We fell into a pit trap, and were retrieved by her forces there – while Tobias was able to alert Ortell to the situation. Proserpina seemed to want to enter a plea bargain. She had been hired by a Hutt, Niima of Jakku, to kidnap Breha to the tune of one billion credits.”

Thrawn needed all the information. “Obviously, we still intended to take her prisoner. We were able to, peacefully, on the condition of letting her forces go, which we allowed. I am not certain if they will remain on Cartao or move on – my gut says they’ll move on.” To somewhere Proserpina would have known, no doubt.

“However when we returned to the Imperial base with Proserpina, she was taken from us by the major there, on orders of Governor Tarkin.”

 

[cleopat]

Skye was in the process of clipping her bra on when Adlai made himself known to be awake. She laughed, quickly figuring out the reason for why he had such a good morning.

She certainly couldn’t deny how nice it was to wake up next to him.

“Well then I would hate to ruin it.” Skye walked over him and gave him a peck on his lips. “But the Shah-tezh is having a formal meeting today.” She paused to make her way back over to her dresser. “I am to come along.”

She was both excited and nervous about meeting the others. It had been a while since she worked in a group.

“I know it may upset you, but you should probably get ready as well.” She sent him a smile as she slid on her top. “We’ll be needing to leave soon.”

~~

Thrawn merely raised an eyebrow at Eli’s explanation. He could surmise what had happened on the mission. It seems that I owe an officer a few credits.

But if what he was thinking was correct, congratulations for Eli were in order later.

The following information set a stoic expression on Thrawn’s face and only offered a series of questions. Why the Hutts? Sure, many didn’t like them, but why target the queen? Why that price? How could they afford that bounty?

And how did Governor Tarkin know of the mission so soon?

He frowned. “You didn’t alert Governor Tarkin of this mission, nor did anyone on your ship, did you?” No, he already knew that answer. Tarkin knew everything that was going on in the Empire, but even he wasn’t that fast.

But there was also the question of the Hutts and the reward money. Niima of Jakku certainly couldn’t afford that, but if all the Hutts were involved, then maybe.

“What theories have you already come up with?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai’s smile did not vanish in the least with the kiss, and even the reminder that there was a thing to do. Shah-tezh. “That’s good news,” if she was being invited to a group meeting, that meant Shay had made her decision positively, and now it was time to introduce her to everyone. At least, that’s how it was with past initiates.

Adlai hadn’t been the last. That was Holdo.

He stretched, and then threw his legs over the bed and got to his feet, “I know I should. And it does upset me,” he allowed, “but I will.” This was a significant day for her now, though as he walked to the door, he still reached his hand out to let his fingers graze over her back as he passed her by.

“I’ll go get dressed and meet you in the living room,” he promised, before he would step out of the room.

~***~

“No one alerted Governor Tarkin that was on our vessel,” Eli confirmed, and he was confident of that, even if he hadn’t asked those who came from the base. He was certain of that much, and when asked to present his theories, he hesitated.

He took a breath.

“I believe Governor Tarkin has a vested interest in the situation,” Eli allowed, trying to speak without accusation, “I believe he was already aware of some aspects of it, and chose to make use of the fact you were already investigating it.” More or less, allowed Thrawn to do dirty work he knew would need to be done – and then took it.

Somehow, he already knew about Proserpina, and where she would be found. It was the only conclusion, which meant he’d made the base aware of it. No one could have contacted Tarkin, or known to contact Tarkin for that matter, unless he had already expressed an interest in the situation.

 

[cleopat]

Skye’s grin only widened as she felt the gentle brush of Adlai’s fingers on her back as he left the room. The only reason she wished the message had come later was so she could spend the morning alone with him, but they would have other mornings to do that.

She hurried to get dressed and ready for the day, making sure she looked presentable for the other people she would meet that she hadn’t yet. But it seemed, from what Eira had said, that she had met many of them so far, many at the gallery, and a few others in private.

It didn’t take her much longer to finish, and she went out to the living room, where she would wait for Adlai to join her.

She tried to sit on the couch, but Skye couldn’t sit still for long. Instead, she stood back up and paced around, her arms crossed over her chest.

~~

The information that Eli confirmed was troubling indeed. Governor Tarkin holding some sort of interest in the situation would be troubling, but it would also make sense. In some ways.

Very confusing in many other ways.

But if Tarkin were interested in the situation, why would he be? And why Proserpina and not the Hutts? With the power he held, he could easily take over at least Niima, if not other branches of the family.

“That is certainly a bold claim, but it appears to be an accurate one.” Their words wouldn’t be able to leave Thrawn's chambers. He couldn’t risk them somehow getting back to Tarkin, and rumors of treason stirring.

But if Tarkin was a part of this, then why?

“Did he know this would happen, which is a reason why he wanted to station the Chimaera above Coruscant?” he mused out loud. Tarkin already gave Thrawn one reason, but the man was always three steps ahead of everyone.

Then, why would he know something would happen to Queen Breha?

“And you said Proserpina herself was hired by this Niima the Hutt of Jakku, correct?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai did not go all out for the meeting; there was little need for that in this crowd, but he was still well-dressed, with one of his signature capes over his shoulders and down his back, when he came to find Skye pacing the room. He walked towards her and set a hand on her upper arm. “It’s going to be fine.”

He would continue to insist, to believe, this was a good sign. “Eira will be there,” he reminded, if that might help her more than his own presence, “So will I,” he added.

And others she had already met, besides Shay herself.

“But if you’d like a kiss for good luck, I’d be happy to oblige,” he chuckled as he drew his hand back. They wouldn’t be able to show much when they went to the meeting space. Adlai already had a car called to get them part-way there.

Not all the way. Shay would eviscerate him if he ever took a vehicle all the way to their base.

~***~

Eli knew that Thrawn would never intentionally throw him under the starship. He wouldn’t speak of Eli’s suspicions to Tarkin, if he addressed Tarkin at all. He would carry the brunt of that conversation, and its consequences. It was why Eli did not hesitate much at all to speak about his thoughts regarding the situation.

As for Thrawn’s positioning on Coruscant, “I’m not sure I can hazard a guess as to that,” Eli stated, “it seems he may have been interested in seeing you avoid the gallery if that were the case,” to keep Thrawn from being involved at all.

There were plenty of events on Coruscant. Plenty of galleries, and art shows. How was Tarkin to guess that Thrawn, that Eira, would go to the one about Alderaan?

‘Rebel suspicions.’

But then why would he want Thrawn there? What would Thrawn see? And why would he want to interrupt Thrawn’s investigation? There were too many questions for it to make sense – but then again, Tarkin had his position for a reason. He could think outside the box, and seemed to see much further than others.

Perhaps not Thrawn…but on par with Thrawn, or a little ahead.

“So far as what Proserpina told us, anyways,” Eli said, “I can’t verify her honesty, but I do not think she was lying. Even if Niima is just a Hutt on Jakku, invoking a Hutt name and lying about it is dangerous. Even being honest about it is dangerous.”

 

[cleopat]

Skye immediately relaxed when Adlai’s hand touched her arm. “I know, I know. Just those initial nerves, you know?” Just simply seeing Eira and Adlai there will help calm her mind.

She easily smiled at the suggestion. “Though I would not object to a good luck kiss.” Her fingers lingered over the edges of his cape, before trailing upwards and around the back of his neck.

Oh if they only had more time left before they had to leave.

“We have just a few minutes to spare, right?” Not long enough for anything fun, but enough at least for that kiss she gently tugged at him for.

~~

Thrawns own thoughts led him down a path similar to Eli’s.

Rebel suspicions.

Tarkin was always several steps ahead. Did he know that someone from the Chimaera would go to the Alderaan gallery? What if the governor had suspicions towards Queen Breha?

Thrawn knew that the two didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye on political matters. What if that disagreement ran deeper? But then, what about the criminals?

“Indeed, I do not think she was lying either. One does not say the Hutt name under false pretenses. How easily did she give you that information? How did she look when she was telling you this information, or when she was being arrested?” Maybe Proserpina knew this would happen, or had certain hopes when being detained.

 

[Lucyfer]

There wasn’t really much time for a kiss, let alone anything else, but Adlai let out an agreeable hum that they had a few minutes to spare, as he followed her urging gestures and stepped closer. He leaned down a bit and press his lips gently to hers. This would not be a kiss of hasty passion, as he brought one hand up to tilt her chin with a couple of fingers.

They may have a few minutes, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t desire to make it feel like so much longer, as if the slower kiss, and the gradual deepening, could somehow also slow time down.

His fingers moved from under her chin, along her jaw, to graze her neck, while his other hand would seek her side to grip, if only for a moment.

He always thought the best kiss was one that left a person with their only complaint being it wasn’t longer.

And so even as the intensity of it had increased – he would abandon it before he thought to wrap his arms around her, or entangle them in her hair, even if the fingers along her neck itched to go back and take a firm grasp of the blond strands.

Not this time.

“I hope that will be enough luck,” he couldn’t help but say, still close to Skye’s own lips so his breath brushed against her lips, before he would draw away and move to the door – parting from her, in preparation for rejoining the world that didn’t know they were together.

~***~

“Fairly easily,” Eli answered. He hadn’t even needed to offer anything, “She gave it after she had taken us from the pit,” perhaps assuming any help would just go there, and not further – or search that area a bit more. “When she was initially put under arrest, she was calm.” He added. That initial reaction had been curious.

“She thought she was going to meet you.”

Why that made her calm, of all things, baffled Eli. He couldn’t fathom why any prisoner would be calm in the situation of meeting Thrawn. Or any Imperial, really. Perhaps Thrawn could make more sense of it than he could. “When we got to the base, and she learned instead she was going to be taken to Tarkin, she did seem to panic.”

Not verbally. “No shouting, no struggling, but her expression changed,” he said. It had still be a quiet panic, but a panic all the same. Whatever plans she’d had for seeing Thrawn were ruined by the call to go see Tarkin, instead.

A much worse fate, admittedly.

 

[cleopat]

Skye never wanted that kiss to end. The kiss that sent sparks to her very core, and to the tip of her toes. Stars, when was the last time I had been kissed like that?

Far, far too long, and now Skye had been reminded of how wonderful it could be.

And now she was just expected to break away and continue with their day like she didn’t want to just keep Adlai inside and not go to the meeting. She whined, vocalizing her protests, as he pulled away. “I think I may need a little more luck.”

Her lower lip stuck out in a slight pout, and Skye didn’t move for a split second before she bounced after Adlai. She would compose herself once they stepped out of the safety of their place and into the public’s eye. They still weren’t together, according to everyone else, and she had to remind herself of that.

Now, she was simply Adlai’s bodyguard.

~~

Indeed, Proserpina’s reaction was interesting. It appeared he already had a reputation among pirates and other criminals. Perhaps it was his status as an alien in the Empire? Or maybe his handling of Nightswan spread throughout similarly minded beings.

“I could hardly fault for her change in mood upon the realization she was being transferred to Governor Tarkin,” he murmured. Tarkin held a certain reputation among everyone, Imperials and criminals alike. He wasn’t the most forgiving man, and even Thrawn wasn’t immune to his...demeanor.

“Perhaps she thought she could strike a better bargain if she talked to me.” And whether or not that was true would never be known. Maybe he would’ve taken more pity on her than Tarkin. Maybe not. It didn’t matter anymore.

There was a soft sigh. “I suppose I will need to contact Governor Tarkin soon about this, and why he felt the need to take my prisoner.” And how he knew about it so soon, or at all. He hadn’t mentioned the mission to the governor at all.

“Now, what other news did you have?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at his protege as Thrawn recalled the jovial mood Eli arrived with, one he had tried to hide but failed.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai could only chuckle as Skye wanted more luck. As she pouted. He wanted to give in, but knew, he could not.

There would be more – just not right then. After. Although he did wonder what the general response to him and Skye would be, among the Shah-tezh. They would all know this relationship. They knew the relationship with Eira was fake, so he wasn’t expecting anger over that.

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting.

He led the way out to their commissioned vehicle, and did hold the door for Skye, before he would slide in himself. He wouldn’t need to speak to the driver, and the driver was quickly on their way once the door shut behind him and Skye.

It wouldn’t take long for the driver to take them where they needed to go, and Adlai would again leave the vehicle first, and hold the door for Skye, before gesturing her towards a lift that would take them down to the lower areas of Coruscant.

The warehouse wasn’t in a nice area.

And he would have to make a stop on the way to grab a couple of cloaks he’d had placed earlier so no one would actually see him go there. Or see Skye.

“We are, officially, going to meet with a few lobbyists,” Adlai told her as the lift began to descend, “should this ever come into question.”

~***~

While Eli couldn’t say he understood why Proserpina was calmer with the thought of seeing Thrawn, at all, he understood her panic when it changed to Tarkin all too well. There were few who didn’t hold some fear of Governor Tarkin, and they might be only Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Perhaps Krennic – he seemed to act like it anyways. Maybe Yularen.

Eli wasn’t certain of that, either.

“I thought you might be interested in reaching out to him,” Eli noted. “I understand if you cannot tell me what you find out,” if he did find out anything, “but I would be interested if you are able to disclose what you learn.”

Thrawn didn’t linger there, but went back to Eli’s entrance. His cheeks took on a touch of color, and he averted his gaze down a moment, thinking of a way to phrase it, before he looked back up, “Officer Suvan and I have expressed a mutual interest in each other, in a romantic fashion,” he was still speaking terribly formally about this, “and we have decided to pursue it. I hope that doesn’t cause any problems.”

He knew there were sometimes rules about dating, but overall, the Empire seemed to encourage it among their own ranks. He didn’t think there was a terribly significant issue of rank between him and Cora.

 

[cleopat]

Skye followed after Adlai with a respectable distance for a bodyguard. Not too far, not too close. She didn’t ask where they were meeting; it would be bad if someone overheard them, and she would learn soon enough.

But Skye couldn’t deny her curiosity as the car dropped them off, and Adlai led her to a lift to go deep with the Coruscant world. Far below the upperlevels.

“Lobbyists?” Skye repeated. “It’s a good thing that’s something I know very little about, so if asked, I really would be clueless.” She chuckled, leaning against the wall of the lift as she watched the elevator descend further into Coruscant.

And she had a similar idea for at least his concealment. “So, are we just gonna waltz in to wherever this place is? I’d imagine someone may be able to recognize you.” Her? Less likely, unless her face had already been spreading around due to proximity.

~~

Thrawn nodded. He would keep Eli up to date on whatever information he could divulge, as he felt it was the least he could do for Eli, given his mission to Cartao only to return empty-handed, and not because of his own error. But because of the unexpected demand of Governor Tarkin.

He knew how frustrating that must be for Eli.

But the conversation turned back to why Eli had seemed to be in a happy mood when he arrived, despite the circumstances. Thrawn raised one eyebrow, but he wasn’t displeased with what Eli said. If anything, the barest hint of a smile twitched on his lips.

“It seems I owe Commander Faro thirty credits.” But he was hardly upset. “Commander Faro and myself made a bet of when you two would finally open up to one another.” It had been shortly after the gallery, when both had observed Cora and Eli talking to one another. The obvious signs they were crushing on the other hard.

“I said it would’ve been longer.” By another month. And yet. “Obviously, I see no issue with the relationship, as long as the two of you do not slack on your duties.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Adlai made a mental note to actually give her more details later. She would need something to go by. She wouldn’t have been expected to simply stand outside a door, after all. “Not exactly a good thing,” he allowed in a sigh, but at least he knew where to begin. And he’d probably have to actually meet some lobbyists so she’d know how it usually went.

No matter.

The lift came to a stop, “Don’t worry about that,” he said as he stepped out, and led the way through the less-than pleasant part of Coruscant. “Where we’re going, there aren’t too many cameras as it is,” though that wouldn’t prevent caution, and on this level he knew how to navigate to where he’d placed the cloaks, near enough to a union headquarters that he could feasibly have gone in there, and gone to speak to lobbyists.

It would also be the path he’d take back, on level 1313 – the infamous level, really.

“Ever been as low as level 119?” He asked in a tease as he led them by those headquarters, and then popped open the vent and pulled out two folded cloaks, passing one to Skye.

There were 5,127 levels.

The lower it went, the less habitable.

~***~

Despite the twitch of irritation that threatened to turn into a glare as Thrawn mentioned his bet with Faro, Eli still let out a sigh of relief that Thrawn saw no problem with this relationship. “I honestly shouldn’t be surprised that it was so obvious to you.” And yet, he was, just a bit. Because Thrawn seemed oblivious about certain human customs and wasn’t always skilled at reading them.

Eli had been around Thrawn so long, that it didn’t really matter. Thrawn could read him, and he likely made himself obvious at some points. “I’m certain neither of us will slack, though it may help if you give us some time off that’s shared.”

Hint hint, nudge nudge.

He thought Thrawn might understand that without any additional, innuendo-like input, though. They would want time to spend together, and strengthen their relationship. That would also help make sure they weren’t mucking around, when they were on-duty.

Win-win, right?

 

[cleopat]

Skye only shrugged. It wasn’t her fault that politics in general were boring, and so she tended to tune out anything related to them, as a Jedi and now. But if it was important for both their covers, then she would try harder to learn enough to not arouse suspicion.

“Level 119?” Skye let out a low, impressed whistle. “I think maybe once. We didn’t really go down quite that low.” She grabbed her cloak and draped it over her body, making sure the hood was up to conceal her face.

There were some places that were just hopeless, even to Jedi standards.

“Exactly how much further is this place?” she asked, lowering her voice to ensure no one would overhear, even if the lower levels were crowded and noisy. She took no chances.

~~

The twitch of irritation was noticed by Thrawn, but even then, he didn’t think the bet would annoy Eli too much. Or at least annoy him to the point of venting his frustration to Thrawn. All over a bet? No, it was so trivial.

But he was amused. “It was obvious to several people,” he said. Himself, Faro, Ortell and Tobias... but Thrawn wouldn’t list any names, even if that may be a bit crueler. To make Eli think.

It seemed he hoped that the budding relationship would provide enough excuse to get some free time together. Thrawn hummed, thinking for a second, though he already had an answer in mind.

“Since you and your team arrived from Cartao earlier than expected, I can grant you both that time tonight and tomorrow. I will have to see about any additional time in the near future.” It would have to wait and see what answers Thrawn could pull from Tarkin.