Change of heart

[Kay-Larr]

"I'm not giving out a lot of specifics in public. I'm sure you understand. It's business, and while there isn't a lot of competition for me yet, I'm sure there will be soon." Kay had some contacts in Hutt territory, but she wasn't about to divulge that to [member="Hawk Solo"] in here.

Her eyebrows raised as he mentioned the Kamikaze. "You still have that old bird? That's amazing. I figured she'd of kicked the bucket by now. Or you'd of gotten her torn apart. I know that I'm not the only one with enemies." Hawk had his fair share of them too. Though usually they were the same ones that were after her. That was a long time ago, however.

"How soon can you be ready to leave?" She had no idea if the Kamikaze was still being worked on or not.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

He was still looking at her if he took a picture it might last longer. If he continued to stare she was certain there would be two holes bored through her person. She just lifted her drink taking a draw on it as she drifted through her observations. The flavor of the liquor had vastly improved since her arrival.

The door opened and the door shut no one noticed. Rekha however felt a change in the air once again she found herself with a giggle. 5 foot 6 blue twi’lek are not all that common, one dressed in overalls with a slight smudge of grease on her cheek was slightly uncommon.

Lila looked around where was she…hmm…oh OH…she wandered back to Rekha Kaarde. She smiled, “hi Cap’n” Rekha watched the eyes of those around them, “Hey” the brunette answered, “ drink?”

“Yep” Lila chirped as she slid onto a seat, her legs dangling a bit as she swung them back and forth. “So the Star is ready to go home.”

Rekha took another draw on her drink something else caught her attention there was another patron gathering some attention [member="PrincessNatalie"] , pretty girl who well…the pretty girl was staring holes through Hawk Solo.

Well Well did he owe her money? Was she a jilted lover? Was she the WIFE? Oh my goddess there are so many questions. Lila’s brow furrowed as she realized Rekha wasn’t listening. She picked up something off the bar and threw it at her, “”HEY…are you home?”

Rekha nodded laughed, “yes yes Lila dear I’m here. I just find people watching so fascinating. But we have to delay our departure till tomorrow.”

Frowning, clearly disappointed followed by a large audible sigh that drew the attention of the others standing nearby, “I wanted to go home”

“I know hun. This trip has been long we’ll get there promise”

She couldn’t help but notice just how snug as bugs Hawk and Kay seemed. Rekha began to think What were they talking about…the shipment…….maybe………let’s go with that..well….details………that close……..Rekha’s eyes narrowed……….illegal….real smuggling.

She began to realize one thing Kay the Goth didn’t want anyone to know what she looked like. Was she hiding? Was there a bounty? Or did she like just dressing up like that? Curious minds want to know. Well Rekha wants to know.

[member="Hawk Solo"] | [member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"][member="Kay Arenais"]

“I can be ready in a couple of days. I gotta finishes a few things.” He say to Kay. The blue twi’lek caught drew his gaze back to Rehka table. He had to stop staring at that woman like love sick puppy. He was making a fool out of himself. He felt drawn to Rehka in a way that hadn’t been to anyone else. His emotions were all over the place. One moment happy the next deep dark grief..anger was taking hold of him.

His blue eyes adverted back to Kay. “ I have get fresh supplies to the ship. And a few personal things.” Like burying his only child. He was finding it hard to tell people. Even his own family don’t know. It was like if you told anyone it would be real that Maddie was gone. And it was his fault. He lets her get involved in his life. His old life of being a Jedi. “Kay, “ he whispered. “Maddie.....” his voice trembling with emotion. Died.” There he had said it out loud.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched as [member="Hawk Solo"] became distracted with [member="Rekha Kaarde"] again. Oh here we go. Back to that old game again. She snapped her fingers to try to get his attention on her once more. The man needed to focus! And not just on the young lady across the bar.

At least it didn't take him long. Hawk continued his thought, making her aware of what was needed. A couple of days was more than she had intended. But surely she could find something to do in the meantime, or at the very least, a hotel to occupy. She could always do some reading or research to pass the time.

The sudden shift in Hawk's emotions caused her to focus on him all the more. Kay's eyes widened, her jaw falling slack as she heard his whispers. "What?...How?.." She had gone through what she had thought was the execution of her husband and children, only to discover a little later that it was all fake. But for a little while her heart had been shattered with the loss. So she knew exactly how he felt.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"If you stare at them long enough do you think it will change their minds?

Rekha's gave Lila a sidelong glance, "noo"

"Well" Lila leaned down, "what are you doing. Besides being creepy..." She made a weird face at Rekha. Rekha in response pressed her lips together, "fine...let's go make a call"

Lila rolled her eyes, "not him...does it have to be him?" Ugh. Lila slide off the seat shaking her head, "bad to worse should have let you be creepy"

Rekha laughed as she looked to the bartender, "tomorrow, 3 bottles"

"yep. I'll be here, be waiting, better be the real thing."

Real thing it was she stake her life on it. She looked over again at the young woman clearly infatuated with Hawk she just couldn't figure her angle out in all of this.

Lila was clearing her throat.."hhhhh..ggggg" sounded more she was going to spit up a hairball. "I'm coming" As they passed [member="Kay Arenais"] and [member="Hawk Solo"] table she nodded.

Lila was prepared to skip out the door. Rekha shook her head, "Come up cupcake I'm sure ol JP will have something for us..for a price"

"He will..I don't know how he does it."

Rekha had an idea of how he did it. Cost, blackmail, and reading lots of reading. Slowly the pair walked towards the space port cautious to make sure no one was following.

"So what happen" Lila had come in late so Rekha recounted the incident to her. "I'm not sure we are safe. Another reason to wait a day and to know more about Kay and Hawk. Course we are going to have to turns for watch tonight just in case" She did not need to say anything else, the just in case was for anyone who might decide to come after them.

That is if there was reason and so far Rekha wasn't wanted anywhere. She paid when she had to, and delivered even if late. But that did not necessarily protect her from other, like Hutts, Cartels, Guild members....the list got longer and longer.

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"][member="Kay Arenais"]

He had open his big mouth. Talking about how Maddie died wasn’t something he wanted to relive . He knew that Kay wouldn’t let Hawk off the hook until he told the story.

“She was only seven. What was I thinking Kay. I always promised myself that I wouldn’t become my father. And that’s what I did ... I became him. I became her master. She was my Padawan learner. We went on a mission together.” He paused to take a breath. A deep breath. He didn’t notice that Rekha and Twi’lek with her had left.


“It went south and she died in the process. I wasn’t strong enough to save her. I couldn’t save her. It’s my fault Kay It’s all my fault. I watch my seven-year-old daughter get killed in the crossfire.” His voice thick with emotion

He could still see Maddie in his minds eye batting the blaster shots away with her lightsaber. She was so proud of herself . She glance to him. Making sure he was watching her. They share a quick smile than a blaster bolt got through striking her. And another and another. She fell to the ground.

Tears filled his eyes. He had something else to confess to Kay. He knew that she would understand. “After she died, I went on a rampage I killed them. All of them with the force. I allowed the Darkside to take control of me.” He shook his head. “You know what’s worse, Kay. I like it. That’s raw strength of power. It was nothing I’ve ever felt before..

 

[Kay-Larr]

She was only seven. That struck her first. Already she thought back on her own kids, both adopted and not. How tragic it would be if either of them had died so young.

And then came the rest of the story. Kay kept all of her focus on him, her eyes now filled with concern and sorrow for his story. She pictured it all in her mind, [member="Hawk Solo"] fighting along side his daughter, only to have her lost to him. It was much like her own experiences.

Just as she was about to hug him, he spoke up more, letting her know what rage the grief had woken up in him. Oh she knew that well. Even her husband did once upon a time.

Kay finally reached over and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "I know that it's fruitless for me to say, but it wasn't your fault. If you knew that she was in such danger, you wouldn't of brought her with you." She held him for a moment or two. It had felt like ages since she had gotten a hug from anyone, so she was making sure to enjoy it as much as she could before releasing him. "I know how you feel. I had been there, though my start on that path went differently. And as for now? I have a sense of...freedom. Although what I'm planning on doing with it will no doubt either get me killed, put in prison or both. Of course if I could avoid it, then all the better."

Just like Hawk, she didn't notice the absence of [member="Rekha Kaarde"] and Lila either.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"What do we do if it turns out that they do work for...well the enemy" Lila shifted just a bit she was uncomfortable thinking that someone could be following them or discovered their secrets.

"I don't know Lila, I have not thought about it in some time. It could just mean we change up some things, and put them on a watch list."

Lila nodded, "Did you happen to get their last names?" It had not crossed her mind to get last names, why? Ugh!

Rekha laughed, "No...just Kay and Hawk." No she had not and she had not really thought about it then. It was one of those moments where actions were more important than thought.

"Might be hard for JP to dig up something with so little." They were nearing the ship named The Midnight Star a VCX-100 light freighter it had everything they needed. It was home away from home. "CEC sure knew what they were doing when they designed her Cap'n"

"Yeah they did. So you say she's fueled up, ready to go."

"At a moment's notice." She put a hand to her friends shoulder, "Lila I'll make the call and then who knows in the morning we can shove off after, I take the bottles."

"I think mistake to do it." She did not often speak out against Rekha's doing something, "If you think there's trouble why take the risk?"

"I understand what you are saying, but we need it. You know that."

"Why not send in someone else then..did you think of that?" Lila shook her head again frutration catching up as her lekku swung slightly with each movement. "its just not right Rekha."

She was concerned their people got killed a lot in situations just like this. "Maybe I'll call [member="Coren Starchaser"] too see if he has an idea who they are..can't hurt right."

"Oh.. Coren....Do I know him?"

"No cupcake you don't one day, but not right now." Rekha had not talked to Coren in a while it just worked that way. They weren't mad at one another, or not friends. Their lives just changed day to day..

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"][member="Kay Arenais"]


Hawk welcome the hug from Kay. He wrapped his arm around her. Holding her tightly allowing some of his grief out. It felt good to express with her. After a few moments, he pulls away.

Hawk wipes his face. Some of Kay’s white makeup rub off on his shirt. “Thanks I needed that.” He glances around. The bar had almost empty “It’s late.We should be going. Maddie’s funeral tomorrow at 10 AM. He tells her. “It’s really not much of a funeral umm she’s being cremated. I’m going to release her ashes in space.That way she’s always part of me. My little space angel.” He say with a sad smile.

“Anyways ....you’re welcome to stay with me on board Kamikaze”

 

[Kay-Larr]

We both needed it. That was what Kay thought, anyways. Although these days she went about everything alone. And that'll be how it'll end too.

"You're welcome." She nodded slowly as [member="Hawk Solo"] mentioned the funeral. At least she was invited. "Thanks Hawk. I'll be there for you. And I'll take up your offer too. I hadn't really picked out a spot to stay here yet. And this'll save some credits for me." Kay didn't want to touch any funds outside of what she had gained from her tea company. Everything else was just for her estranged husband and their children.

Kay got to her feet. "Just lead the way." Her drink was all but forgotten by now.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"You are kidding right Rekha, you got first names....welll...hey ok...let's try this" The shadow reached over grabbed a piece of paper........."hmmm Hawk.....ok....he's....um...a smuggler, no family, from ...umm...Coruscant............OH WAit....Hawk....from Dagobah, born in a bog, no family...........and then theres Hawk.....from Iego...yep...I bet any of these guys could be it..."

He tossed the paper away, "K, Kay? Kay...female........white make-up........."he laughed hard, "Kay....waitress from Coruscant, 3 kids, one has lekku.......and then there's Kay.......from Chandrila..she's a park ranger......and Kay.........from...Commenor....so..you know ..take your pick..."

He sat back clearly aggravated with her, "When you have something tangible, call me back"

The screen went dark. Off in the corner Lila was laughing so hard she was holding her stomach and nearly fell off the bunk. Rekha took a deep deep breath, "I had to try so..." Feth..Rekha shook her head and grinned, "i think I really got to him that time"

"Ya think?!!" Lila rolled, "I never heard him talk soo much, make him do it again"

"I think I'll pass on that for now...who the feth are these people?" It was aggravating her to no end, but she would get an answer one way or another.

"We have work to do in Hutt space too remember. If you can't close this out tomorrow it ain't happening and we need to go and get home. I want to go home"

Rekha closed her eyes, "yes Lila I know..I want to go home to. Coruscant sounds good right now. I could use some down time at the Lady." She needed to check on how Ava was doing with it.

No messages from [member="Jessica Bowers"] either . There's party on Bespin though with [member="Joza Perl"] no less. She could do that too but she had to do this first.

"Let's eat. I'm starved"

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Hawk Solo"]

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"][member="Kay Arenais"]

They walked in silence back to the space port. He wasn’t in the mood to talk. He almost wished that someone would jump out and attack them so he would have a reason to release his rage. But at last that didn’t happen.

The morning fog rolled in as the sun was rising. It was later than he thought. It had to about 5am.. Kamikaze was just a short distance from the entrance to the spaceport. There are a couple of ships near his that he didn’t recognize. Must’ve gotten there after he wen to the bar. He walks up the ramp and enter the code.

“You can take the bed. I’m gonna sleep in the cockpit.” Says to Kay showing her to the Captain quarters. Maddie’s room was across from his. He hadn’t slept in his room since her death. It hurt to see the room so empty. Her quarters was the ultimate girl room. The walls were painted In pastels. Maddie’s favorite color was pink and purple. Her toys were scattered in the room. Her favorite loth cat toy was laying on her bed waiting for her to return.

His own room was sparsely decorated. Maddie had been threatening to do the room over. Now that wasn’t going to happen. “There’s extra blankets and pillows in the closet. You can borrow any clothes you find in there like you need a night shirt or whatever”.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay walked along bside [member="Hawk Solo"] . She didn't wrap an arm around him at all, for they both had reputations and images to uphold. She just kept by him, offering up an eerie smile to those that happened to meet her gaze when they walked by.

The Kamikazi looked just as she remembered her. It was like walking into the past. After Hawk opened the door, she followed in behind him. As he offered her his room, Kay nodded a little, speaking softly, "Alright...thank you..." It was easy to tell that he was still deep in mourning. One didn't need to be an empath to know that.

She followed him to his room and eyed the bed. It looked cozy enough. Kay was used to sleeping just about anywhere. "Thank you. I'll see you in the morning." Or later in the morning anyways. She closed the door after he left and dropped her satchel on the floor before heading over to the sink to wash the make-up off her face. Here she was safe, here she could be herself again. At least for a little while. Once her face was clean she got herself ready for bed.

The funeral was going to be soon.

Maddie deserved the best....

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Kay Arenais"][member="Rekha Kaarde"].

On the way to the cockpick, he picks up a blanket and a pillow. Wraps himself in the blanket and sit down in the Captain chair. The bog settled down around the ships. It was almost like they were sitting in a cloud. He leans back in his chair and close his eyes and falls asleep.

A few hours later he wakes up to the sun shining in his eyes. That was the one drawback to sleeping in the cockpit. All the windows. It was time to go. Didn’t feel like getting breakfast that morning his stomach was in a turmoil with all his emotions swirling around.
He walked quietly to the crew quarters where Kay was sleeping. Tiptoeing in he goes to his closet to grab his clothes. He pauses to look at Kay sleeping no make up on. She finally looks like herself.

He takes a quick shower. Looking in the mirror he decides to shave. Maddie like to him clean-shaven. Today was all about her. He was going to be presentable today. Tomorrow was a different story. He finishes and gets ready. He put a black shirt and pants. He sighs deeply. He didn’t know how he was going to get through this sane. A parent shouldn’t have to bury their child. His only child.

“Kay?? It time to go” he calls out. He didn’t even know she was awake. If she wasn’t he would go without her. All of this must be bringing up memories of when her children died. Or ttnought that they died. That tale never made sense to him . But that’s how life was sometimes it didn’t make sense.

 

[Hawk Solo]

Double post

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha had gotten up early or maybe it was she never went to sleep. She was headed back to the bar she needed to make her connection and then head out before things got weirder in her head.

It was quiet this morning the sun was peaking above the horizon for a moment anyone could forget their problems staring up at a yellow sun. How fortunate they were to have one, but if you stopped and looked around it wasn't hard to spot hardship. People sleeping in doorways, old crates, and whatever they could fashion from what they could find.

It was hard. The forces of darkness were gaining ground and this was the price for it she imagined that anyone one of these people had a story with a gut wretching ending. She wasn't sure what she could do about it.

She was doing what she could.

She walked around the corner and headed towards the bar, three bottles in hand. She made a deal she'd keep her word.

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Hawk Solo"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha had gotten up early or maybe it was she never went to sleep. She was headed back to the bar she needed to make her connection and then head out before things got weirder in her head.

It was quiet this morning the sun was peaking above the horizon for a moment anyone could forget their problems staring up at a yellow sun. How fortunate they were to have one, but if you stopped and looked around it wasn't hard to spot hardship. People sleeping in doorways, old crates, and whatever they could fashion from what they could find.

It was hard. The forces of darkness were gaining ground and this was the price for it she imagined that anyone one of these people had a story with a gut wretching ending. She wasn't sure what she could do about it.

She was doing what she could.

She walked around the corner and headed towards the bar, three bottles in hand. She made a deal she'd keep her word.

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Hawk Solo"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was asleep alright. Like a baby. Her mouth was hanging open and she was lightly snoring. So when [member="Hawk Solo"] snuck into the room, it didn't even wake her. Truth be told it had been some time since she had slept so well. Maybe it was the change in scenery, or being among the familiar. Regardless she was sleeping soundly.

When he called out to her, that was her alarm. "I'm up...I'm up. Just give me a few..." Kay sat up in the bed and gave herself a moment. There wasn't really anything that she had that would be appropriate to wear. So she just put on her clothes that she had on yesterday, with them being black, it was good enough. Only this time she didn't wear any make-up. Maddie didn't know Cessy. Maddie knew Kay. And that was who was going to be at her funeral.

As soon as she was ready, she stepped out of the quarters and looked for Hawk, giving him a gentle hug. "I've got your back. Let's go."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Kay Larr"][member="Rekha Kaarde"]

He returned Kay’s hug. Hawk was glad that she was here. He was even happier that Kay decided to go without the goth look. It was time to say his final goodbye to his little girl.

They walk silently to the funeral. There wasn’t much to say. Once they arrived to there. A man dressed in a nice suit approach Hawk and Kay.
“Mr and Mrs Solo, I’m so sorry for your lost. We have prepared the room as instructed” he informs.. The man assumed that they were a couple. Hawk normally would’ve corrected the gentleman . Today, it wasn’t important.

“Thank you” says Hawk. “May we see Maddie now.” The funeral director nods and shows them to the room that they had prepared. It was the first time that they had ever had a Jedi funeral. They were eager to impress them.

Maddie laid in state on a cement slab that would lower down to cremate her remains.. She was dressed in her Padawan learner outfit. Her blonde hair was down and she had her her Padawan braid still in it. Surrounding her on the platform, Hawk had made sure that there were All different kinds of colors of roses. They were her favorite flower.

“She looks like a princess.” Hawk says in a halting voice.. Before moving aside to allow them to grieve in private. The funeral director leans down to whispers in Kay’s ear. “When you are ready for cremation to begin. Press this lever or fetch one of us.” In the funeral director experience some families like to do the honor them self. It helps with grieving process.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay walked beside [member="Hawk Solo"] to the funeral home, keeping silent as he was, just keeping an eye out for cues from him for her to do anythi g different. Truth was, they had been in this situation together before. When she had Shaw's funeral.

Once at the hall, she blinked a little in surprise as the funeral director thought that the two of them were married. But as Hawk didn't correct him, she didn't do so either.

As they entered the room where Maddie was placed, Kay reached out and took a hold of Hawk's hand. Maddie looked so peaceful and asleep. It was as though she was waiting to just leap up and scare them. But this was no joke. She was gone.

"Maddie is a princess. Your princess. Always and forever."

Kay tilted her head to the side a little as she listened to the whisper from the director, nodding her head after he was finished to let him know that she understood.

Now they were alone.

"Did you request for a lock of her hair?" There was always the chance that he might want to clone her or perhaps just keep it so that she would always be with him.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]