An Aur Diamond in the Rough [Kinsey]

[Rune Shamalain]

There the man cracked a proper grin, incapable of holding it back or shielding the view of his teeth. Luckily for him Kinsey was presently distracted with trying not to choke. The expression vanished quickly enough, pushed away by the return to self-control. He wouldn't normally antagonize someone like this, it wasn't in his nature to make remarks or do things just to watch people squirm or react. Something about Kinsey that brought out his father in him.

He could feel his mother's burning distaste for what he'd just said from across the galaxy.

"No. Cold does not particularly bother me," indeed he was said to have ice in his veins during the height of his previous life. That was where the ice in his eyes came from, his mother told him.

"My sister is quite the opposite, however. She loathes the cold. Fire in her blood, that one."

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Now she could afford another sip of tea to help soothe her burning throat.

As if on cue to afford her more time, the waitress stopped by with their food. Kinsey smiled a thanks and turned back to Rune. Her curiosity was piqued.

"Sister, huh. I don't know much about you, Rune." And he didnt know much about her. "I'd like to know more," she paused as if worried asking him questions would cause him to shy away. And knowing it was a double-edged sword. She couldn't expect him to open up without giving away pieces of herself in return.

Was she ready for that?

"Did you come from a big family? What're they like?"

 

[Rune Shamalain]

"Not many people do," he admitted to her observation. The Shamalains were a family that were said to be quite secretive, but the truth of the matter was more pragmatic than that. They simply liked their privacy.

Rune did not give Kinsey any further answer, turning to his steak with fork and knife at hand. He carved into it in silence, cutting a measured morsel and then taking that first bite. The subtleties of instinctual need were often lost on strangers, but his family would know he'd been needing a meal for some time. Romano might've remarked that this was why his eyes had gone red.

His mother might've agreed.

You need to feed, Lysander.

This wasn't quite as sating as the alternative, but he hardly felt the people of this planet deserving of such a fate. Maybe if they stopped at another Shadowport...

After a few more bites he paused to get a drink and contemplated an answer for Kinsey over a muted sigh.

"Yes," he said, unsmiling, "my family is quite extensive. I have an older sister and a younger brother. Two uncles, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. All living out among the stars. The majority of them are mostly agreeable on their good days. Others I might recommend avoiding entirely. Not so unlike other families, I've come to find."

Rune lifted another bite but paused before taking it, "What about yourself?"

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Going for the salt and pepper, she sprinkled them on the scrambled Nuna eggs, then dug in. No one liked to eat cold eggs. She found herself staring as he cut into his meat. Like with all things, he was very precise. She shouldn't be surprised his way of doing things extended to his meals.

She nodded silently as he spoke, knowing what it was like to come from a big family.

"Well," she began, cutting into her flatcakes. "I, too, have a large extended family. Grew up on a spacer colony with most of 'em. Only one other sibling, though. A twin brother who's older than me by about a minute. He lets me know that, too." The small smile that had managed to curl across her lips quickly disappeared. "Well, he did."

The girl pushed around her food absently with her fork, watching syrup meld with cake. Blues flickered back up to Rune's Arctic gaze. "I lost touch with him awhile ago. Not really sure where he is. If he wants to be found. I'm pretty sure he's alive."

She had to believe that. She wanted to, atleast. He'd disappeared about the same time Sage had taken her.

"Do you get along with your siblings?"

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Going for the salt and pepper, she sprinkled them on the scrambled Nuna eggs, then dug in. No one liked to eat cold eggs. She found herself staring as he cut into his meat. Like with all things, he was very precise. She shouldn't be surprised his way of doing things extended to his meals.

She nodded silently as he spoke, knowing what it was like to come from a big family.

"Well," she began, cutting into her flatcakes. "I, too, have a large extended family. Grew up on a spacer colony with most of 'em. Only one other sibling, though. A twin brother who's older than me by about a minute. He lets me know that, too." The small smile that had managed to curl across her lips quickly disappeared. "Well, he did."

The girl pushed around her food absently with her fork, watching syrup meld with cake. Blues flickered back up to Rune's Arctic gaze. "I lost touch with him awhile ago. Not really sure where he is. If he wants to be found. I'm pretty sure he's alive."

She had to believe that. She wanted to, atleast. He'd disappeared about the same time Sage had taken her.

"Do you get along with your siblings?"

 

[Rune Shamalain]

"I should say so," Rune replied.

Somehow it was a relief to know that Kinsey had family. Perhaps because he placed so much importance and stock in his own, it was a reassurance to know that she had someone she could turn to.

Or … maybe not.

Rune frowned, brows knitting upwards as he chewed and swallowed a cold truth of Kinsey’s life. Perhaps she did not have someone to turn to, how very unfortunate.
“Is that why you travel the stars?” it was a guess, ultimately. The reasons for why people were the way they were were only as complicated as you chose to make them, “To find him?”

 

[Rune Shamalain]

...

Rune pondered the idea of approaching this situation from a completely different and, albeit, not entirely natural manner but quickly dismissed it in lieu of allowing Kinsey her spotlight. The woman liked to be in charge, something he could respect, and he hadn’t the mind for burning any bridges with the person responsible for getting him halfway across the galaxy. His days of taking charge were well behind him. Days that lead to places and things he wasn’t proud of.

No, he’d much rather be proud of how well Captain Starchaser handled her challenges.

The lum worked far better than he would have predicted.
Ever practicing patience, Rune fell into step just behind Kinsey as she strode off along the metal walkway towards a lift, “Just how many bottles of lum have you managed to hide on your bodice?” Enough to bribe the entire chain of command? He doubted it, not with how tiny she was.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Bodice?

Lip twitched slightly, gaze flickering to her companion.

Just how old was he again? 300? Older?

"Hopefully enough to get us some fuel or we're karked. And I don't appreciate your eyes trying to figure that exact number out." As quickly as the smirk came across her mouth it faded. Up ahead was the transport pad. Flashing the credentials the dock worker just gave them, she and Rune were ushered into a speeder that smelled strongly of spice, chocolate, and ash.

 

[Rune Shamalain]

The man raised his hands in a mock show of innocence. He'd seen her in a silk bedrobe, there was zero reason for him to guess with a probing gaze. Cool humor followed after her retreating look and he stepped into the speeder with naught but a sound.

Spice and ash were of a familiar brand to Rune. The chocolate however? It caused his nose to curl.

What was that? He didn't comment, but waited for Kinsey to give their driver the destination before leaning back into the seat and resting his arm against the door.

"One dozen. Give or take, depending on the bottle size."

Their driver gave them a stiff stare in the rearview mirror.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Night vision goggles strapped securely over her face adjusted as they left the artificial lights of the landing pad behind. Even with the goggles, she felt out of her element. Sure, she could use the force but the risk to do so right now wouldn't be worth it.

Brows crinkled in response to Rune's guess.

"You'll never know," she whispered back.

The speeder ride was uneventful, save for the fissures and cracks from rocks giving way around them.

One sounded particularly close but the driver didn't seem concerned. She supposed they were used to the world dropping into the abyss. Soon enough the speeder pulled up to a building that looked a mix between a fortress and a prison.

"Good luck getting what yeh want," the driver spat, clearly not caring or wishing them any sort of real luck. Kinsey wiggled out another bottle of lum and left it on the seat.

"For your trouble," the girl nudged Rune out so she could follow.

Now all they had to do was get an audience with the ruling head and get their fuel approved. A small part of her wish they'd just become stranded in space a relied on an SOS. Might've had better odds with that.

 

[Rune Shamalain]

Stepping out of the speeder and taking in the site of their present destination, Rune could not help the sinking feeling in his chest. He had memories of places like this: strong, dangerous memories the likes of which he had no intention of reliving. They needed a Plan B for the growing likelihood that Plan A didn't pan out.

"Miss Kinsey," the man spoke low as they made their slow approach to the entrance, "I cannot help but feel that the cost here will be much higher than lum."

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Goggled-gaze swiveled to Rune’s pale face. He was right. It’s part of the reason of why she wanted him to stay on the ship. If only the man followed darned orders.

But they were out of options because being stranded in space wasn’t really one.

“I’m all ears for other options, Rune.”

She wouldn’t kill anyone if she could help it. And the last thing she wanted to do was to further grind the boot already over the folks here.

“Options within reason.”

 

[Rune Shamalain]

A quiet glance was given to the woman, blue eyes tracking the gleam of the goggles on her face. He wasn't a mind reader, nor could he speak of empathic powers, but he could come to agree with the sentiments of her thoughts even if he didn't know them. Death wasn't the way, here.

She was still wrong about him needing to stay on the ship, though.

He pulled his own goggles over his head, adjusting them in front of his gaze with a deep, slow breath. "Perhaps," said the man as they neared the doors and the guards at their post, "they can be persuaded." Fingers rolled into light fists as his hands returned to his sides. If the minds of the people here could be tricked, swayed, or otherwise bent to a certain will, then that was the best Plan B they had.

"If need be."

But first Plan A.

"State your business," was how they were greeted as they neared the door. Rune slowed his pace to allow Kinsey to take the lead. It also made them focus their attention on her should he need to work his own current of influence.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

There was unspoken understanding between the two of them. Maybe it was due to the night before. Rune proved she could trust him. At least trust him enough not to rip anyone’s heads off.

Yet.

And she was out of lum.

“We seek an audience with the governor. We’re travelers from afar just passing through and need some fuel. I did not realize the limited supplies here but we have other goods to trade if need be.”

The guard raised eyebrows, eyeing Rune suspiciously. Maybe the guard sensed he was a threat. Kinsey was slightly offended she too, wasn’t getting the eye.

“Wait here.” The guard murmured the message to his other companion who slipped inside. After a few minutes, the second guard returned with a message.

“He will see you. Come in.”

The large doors cranked open just enough to allow her and Rune entry. The inside wasn’t much better than the outside. She still needed her goggles. Guards lined the walls down a large entry way wherever there were other doors that lead to greater rooms, stairwells, and probably dungeons. But she and Rune were lead to a large throne room.

Old school. And dramatic. Kinsey internally shook her head, missing the weight of the blaster at her hip.

 

[Rune Shamalain]

He couldn't help but be reminded of Darth Moridin's fortress on Byss as they stepped inside and down the main corridor. Everything about this place screamed dark overlord, calling to a place and time in his life he'd much rather forget. Despite himself, the discomfort of their current situation began to settle in.

Something didn't feel right.

He wanted to say as much but they reached the entrance to the throne room. As they stepped inside Rune peered through the goggles, finding a great void of oppulence and instead a bare, bleak hall marked only by banners of what he assumed to be a house sigil. A deep rust color with an overlay of a man twisted and contorted in pain, his arms wrapped up over his shoulders and around his head, a giant spear skewered through them and his neck. He screamed silently.

"You have the honor of addressing Lord Umber," a tall, skinny man, sharp of feature and dressed in robes of matching colors to the banners spoke. His voice echoed grandly in the hall but Rune was given the distinct impression it would command no presence in closed quarters. "Kneel and state your business."

Rune had served great Masters, evil overlords, and dark Emperors his entire previous life - kneeling was no great issue to him, but he would take cue from Kinsey in this case.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Fingerless-gloved hands squeezed tightly into fists at her sides. Everything about this man rubbed the wrong way. The girl had to visibly fight from snorting at the honor part.

And the kneeling part?

Well, kriff.

The trouble not to kneel wasn't worth it.

But the smuggler's back remained straight as she lowered to one knee on the cold, hard surface. The young Starchaser could sweet-talk and charm like the best of them. When she had to. Reminded her of her younger, reckless days - before Sage Bane become the ultimate consequence to that behavior.

Head bowed slightly. More so to hide her gritting teeth.

"Mighty Lord Umber, we come from afar and humbly request some fuel so we can be on our way. If credits aren't your cup of tea perhaps you'd be interested in something else. Maybe some Arkaintz crystals?"

The cruel lord laughed, a sharp and grating sound.

"I'm sure you have much to offer little spacer. What makes you think you're in a position to barter? What makes you think all you own isn't already mine?"

 

[Rune Shamalain]

Kneeling, head bowed respectfully, Rune could almost hear the raised hackles within Kinsey's tone.

It would not do to allow the situation to spiral, as it was likely want to do given the willful nature of the people at either end. So the man thought to act preemptively, using his own history and experience in placating many powerful rulers in his previous lifetime.

"We hold no question to your rule of might, Lord Umber," he spoke clearly but without force, "I had heard tell of the great houses of this realm and of those who lead them. Honorable rulers. I, too, come from a line of prestige and power. My family has at its disposal one of the galaxy's greatest shipwrights and I had hoped to broker a partnership here. What can I offer to ensure the lasting power of House Umber?"

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Kinsey was, well, impressed. She’d been about to utter a string of obscenities that would’ve likely gotten her and Rune in a tough situation with a lot of people dead. His negotiations skills were impressive. And attractive.

She blinked.

The menacing look in Lord Umber’s eyes turned into something more hungry. Intrigued. Perhaps even a little disappointed that he wouldn’t be killing anyone today.

“There are many things that I desire and PERHAPS you can provide. But come. Now that we’re beyond pleasantries,” Kinsey nearly choked as he continued,”let’s discuss this more at dinner. My guards will send you a draft contract and will escort you to a room. There should be more suitable clothes for our discussion in the room.”

Kinsey didn’t like how his eyes lingered. And she noted it wasn’t a request to stay.

 

[Rune Shamalain]

"You are most gracious, Lord Umber," Rune replied with a another bowing sweep of an arm from where he kneeled, "the reputation that precedes you was clearly well-earned."

Frosted blues also noticed the way Umber's eyes lingered on Kinsey, and though Rune realized he may come to regret his next action later on, it was the only present option to a far more unsavory alternative. He offered the man a small smile before pushing back to his feet and held out a hand to help Kinsey up that she could not easily dismiss. As she stood, he then looped his opposite hand gently at her waist.

"My wife and I would be delighted to join you for dinner. We're most curious to sample your local fare," the hand at her waist gave an indiscernible squeeze to play along and keep her from speaking to the contrary, then steered her around and out of the hall as they were dismissed. He did not release her from his arm until they were shown to the room and the door closed behind them.

The man then stemmed her from any outbursts by holding up a finger to his lips. One hand pulled the goggles from his face as Rune moved close to her, gaze shifting back to the door where the guards could still be heard outside, and spoke in a hushed tone, "You will be safer playing as my wife. Take this," he reached up to remove a silver chain from around his neck bearing a beautiful ring of gleaming stones, "wear it as proof. Should he ask, tell him your first ring was crushed while working on your ship so that is why you keep it on the chain."

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Blues bulged beneath thick infrared goggled lenses. A thousand yelps of protest lay ready on the tip of her tongue. Not because it was Rune. Not because she didn’t trust him. It was a reflex, hard to ignore. Hard to quiet down a reaction to an unplanned touch. Hard to not feel in charge or in control. Hard to feel like she needed any protection at all.

There was a moment when she remained frozen, unmoving when Rune offered the necklace with ring. He was close. His breath tickled her ear.

She hated men like the lord. Taking what they wanted and using anything and anyone in the process. Fist clenched at her side. Her hidden force signature faltered for just a moment before she was able to clamp it securely back down.

Finally, a hand moved to take the necklace, looping it over her head and down her neck.

“I want to blast him in the face,” the spacer finally admitted, just quietly enough. Time would tell if Rune’s proclamation made the lord’s interest in her more or less compelling. “I can’t promise I won’t be the cause of a political disaster here, Rune. But I can promise that I will say that you snore in your sleep.”

Lips twitched then went stiff as she saw a dress hanging on the bedpost.

“He expects me to wear...THAT?”