Endings, Beginnings, and a Little in Between

[Jason Reau]

Jason finished his daily five-mile run with a stop in a convenience store near his apartment. The owner saw him coming and stepped over to the Five-Brothers Galactic Lotto machine; pressed a couple of keys and pulled one quick pick for the upcoming lottery. At first he thought Jason was simply a cheap gambler until he was told why Jason picked one up before each lottery held when he was home. Jason gave him a credit chip, thanked him and continued home. Or nearly home.

Home was a small apartment in the back corner of a massive three bay hanger. When he finally bought Pelagic Wanderer he began looking for a hanger large enough for the YT-1300 and protected so that he could do any repairs without concern for the weather; and, cheap enough for him to afford. He responded to an advertisement in the local shoppers net and fell in love with the old place as soon as he stepped inside. He loved everything except the asking price for the rental. He asked the agent if the price was negotiable and was led to the small, well-maintained home located in a tree-shaded corner of the property. There he was introduced to the owner, Hadrick Cole.

Hadrick Cole was a gentleman of about 76 standard years in age. He looked to be twice that. Hadrick’s daughter PJ later told Jason that her father had a degenerative nerve disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was wheelchair bound on a good day. Also on a good day he had minimal coordination of his right hand; just enough to control a communication pad with the barest touch of one shaky finger. On a bad day he could clip a sensor into his mouth and issue minimal commands with slight movements of his tongue.

Jason was shocked. He had never personally encountered anyone so handicapped and wondered what good meeting him would be regarding negotiating rent. None-the-less he walked up to Hadrick’s wheelchair and knelt down in front of him so that they would be eye-to-eye. What he saw captivated Jason and broke his heart at the same time.

There was a fire in Hadrick’s eyes that revealed an intelligence, mischief, sense of humor and resolve that intrigued Jason. He gave the man a sincere grin and introduced himself. It was the beginning of a relationship that had been absent in Jason’s life since his father’s death on Mandalore. Jason would have paid the rent as asked after meeting Hadrick; but, the man was equally drawn by Jason – the rent turned out to be a steal.

Nearly home was Hadrick’s home. Jason trotted up to the front door, knocked, and stepped inside. Annie, Hadrick’s dedicated live-in home care nurse stepped to the kitchen door to see who was coming in; nodded a greeting and said, “He’s on the back porch.”

Jason returned the smile both because he appreciated the way Annie loyally cared for the old man, and, being on the back porch meant it was a good day.

He walked to the rear of the house and found his adopted father facing the back corner of the property, a cleft in the hillside that had a small waterfall pouring over a rocky outcropping. Mature trees, thick with a dense covering of leaves made the small vale an idyllic spot; cool and comfortable on a hot summer day.

Jason placed the lottery ticket under a clip beside Hadrick’s comm pad so that he could check it after the number were drawn that night, pulled a chair around in front of him and sat down. He gave his friend a grin and asked, “Did I ever tell you about the Twi’lek I met on a delivery to Ryloth…?”

* * * * three days later * * * *

Pelagic Wanderer was prepped and Jason’s gear loaded in his cabin. He was ready to make the short hop over to the CEC to pick up his consignment. He felt truly blessed with this one. CEC had an emergency parts order from a customer on one of the mining platforms orbiting Bespin. It was too small for them to obligate one of their large haulers but important enough to them to pay Jason top dollar for an ASAP delivery.

Before leaving he walked over to see Hadrick and tell him his plans.

He found him inside, wrapped in a blanket for warmth on a day warm enough for Jason to consider shedding clothes. He knew this was a bad day. It was confirmed when he saw his eyes. They still had their customary twinkle – the one of a man looking for the amusement of life every day- but, today they also revealed the pain Hadrick was experiencing. Jason was loath to leave but had already signed the contract and would never get an assignment from CEC again if he reneged.

He knelt down in front of the old man and said, “I’m leaving to make a delivery to Bespin. I’ll be back in about a week and a half. You take care of yourself while I’m gone.”

Impulsively, Jason leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. He was sure for the first time he actually saw the crook of a smile on Hadrick’s chapped lips. Jason gave him a fond smile and hurried out before he could see the tear run down his cheek.

Three hours later, the Pelagic Wanderer made her first jump down the Corellian Trade Spine – the first of several. It was a long journey to Bespin.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Bespin not exactly Coruscant or Lianna but it was currently home. Rekha looked around at the men and women coming in they liked their whiskey to burn all the way down, and the food to be filling.

Rekha wanted the whiskey to taste good, and the food to make them want to come back for more. Course Eva, Ana and Jarod were making their share of friends, and tips. Seemed the curvy human, and blue twi'lek were well received a few slaps along the way but Rekha knew the girls could handle it. Now Jarod he was in a different situation, the women loved to touch him and while he enjoyed it, when they started trying to put credits in his pockets for more than tips he was quite embarassed.

Rekha pulled him to the side, told him she didn't run a prostitution house, but if any of the ladies could share a little information about the mine, or shipments and things Rekha said she would be sure to put something into his pay. Ana and Eva already knew the deal they were working the room like pros.

There was word that more parts were being delivered. She was trying to gleen her own information and while Eva stood behind the bar, Rekha went to see if there was any mention of the ships coming in, and what they were carrying.

Smiling her best smile,and offering everyone something to eat she got a glimpse of the incoming ships. She didn't recognize any of the names. She was disappointed but it was alright she drummed up a little business, and business needed to be good.

Slowly walking back toward the cantina Rekha for a moment felt her loneliness catching up to her. Shaking her head she knew she needed to stay out of the bar for a few minutes, gather her thoughts and put on her best welcome face.

It was going to be a long night if she kept thinking about these things.

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


Jason spun the YT 180 degrees just before setting it down on the floor of the docking bay; duly horrifying the deck boss who was guiding him in. He was dead on his spot though, so the man shot him an angry glare and headed back to his office.

Two others were approaching when he disembarked his small freighter.

“Jason Reau?” one of them asked still chuckling at the way the deck boss had jumped back in horror at Jason’s maneuver.

“I’m Reau,” Jason responded, hoping these were the contacts that would accept his shipment.

“Nice landing, Captain,” the first man offered. The second stepped forward and offered Jason some paperwork, “We are here to accept a shipment of parts from Corellian Engineering.”

Jason compared their credentials to those on his pad downloaded from CEC. Everything matched.

“I have four cases for you. I loaded them in the rear hatch for balance. Small but heavy, do you have a mag lev cart?

The first man waved at third who trundled a cart over to the rear of the Wanderer. Jason opened the hatch and lifted out the first 150 kilogram crate with an ease that belied its true weight. The cart sank nearly to the deck from its weight before its operator adjusted the power.

Jason gave him a quick smile and said, “Three more the same weight,” to allow him to prepare for the needed adjustment. Jason quickly had all four loaded and the man headed back the way he came.

The first man cocked at brow at Jason and said, “Most pilots can’t handle freight like that.”

Jason shrugged and simply said, “Good genes I guess.”

In reality Jason was something of a workout fanatic who engaged in a regular program of running and weight training. In this .7 generated gravity he could have lifted a heavier box easily.

As the two verified receipt of the shipment guaranteeing the completion of Jason’s payment when he returned to Corellia, he asked, “Any place a guy can take a shower and get a decent meal around here?”

The second man responded, “New place up one level and spinward… The Underground I think they call it. It has food. Not sure about the shower.”

The first continued, “Thank you, Mr. Reau. You have the berth 24 hours. If you need it longer contact me.”

The two followed their new parts as Jason reached inside the hatch of the Wanderer and pulled out his small day bag. After locking his YT down, he followed the directions he’d received and took the lift up one deck and started walking spinward, taking in the sights as he walked.

He spotted another on a slow walk of her own. She was very attractive brunette with curves that made Jason think about the advantages of a soft, warm bed for the night rather than the hard cold bunk in his ship. As he neared he grinned and asked, “I’m looking for the Underground. Am I headed in the right direction?”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha was in her own world trying to put her thoughts back where they needed to be she was out here because she wouldn't allow herself to act on the twisting emotions in her about Greg, and the deep longing she had to be reunited with Jon. Being out here working hard was supposed to help drive those thoughts, and emotions into the deep dark depths where they couldn't twist her up.

Failed attempt Kaarde. She shook her head.

She exhaled hard, then there was a very distinct male voice, he had caught her off guard. She swallowed all the emotions, plastered her smile on her face and turned around, "Yes there's the Underground, I"m headed there myself. I can show you" She motioned for him to come with her, "You are on the right path."

She looked up at him he was tall, with beautiful eyes, and a smile that hinted he might be up to no good. "You don't look like a miner, so what brings you to Bespin?" How much of her muttering had he heard.

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


Jason changed his pace and stride to match the brunette’s; falling into a casual walk in the direction she led. He tried to study her without being too obvious. There was a look about her that changed his approach and actually caused him to toss aside any ideas of a night of casual sex before he departed.

She looked like he would feel if he lost his Pelagic Wanderer… like a friend or a member of the family died. He would say she looked empty, but, there was too much pain in those eyes for emptiness to prevail. She could be a pilot, may be in fact, but he doubted that look was due to a ship. Ms. Brunette had man problems.

He grinned at her question and answered, “No, I’m no miner. I have a small freight company and just made a rush delivery from Corellia.”

Did she wince when he said Corellia. Maybe it was his imagination.

“I’ve been in and out hyperspace for four days and need a good hot meal. A shower too if I can find one. Oh… forgive me. It’s easy to forget manners when you fly around by yourself all the time. My name is Jason… Jason Reau.”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Corellia she had a sign on her right guys from Corellia look here. Feth.

Rekha half laughed damn had she gotten so wrapped up in her misery that she forgot her manners.

Normally she would have said that right off, and made some remark. She cursed in her mind and nodded, "I'm Sorry Jason you said, Hi Jason, I'm Rekha" They were getting closer to the The Underground.

"And that sir" she pointed towards the Bar, "is The Underground" It wasn't the elegant Lucky Lady but then again the Lucky Lady wasn't feeling so Lucky personal life at a null value, and then the Sith invading Coruscant taking everything so, that put her job also at a big fat zero. Friends. She use to have many, and now she could count them on one hand.

Beskar, Dekkan, Siobhan, and maybe Greg still, maybe Aiden still. Yep one hand.

She smiled, he was looking at her was he checking her out? There would have been a time she would have flirted with him, would have been a whole lot friendlier truth was though, she wasn't the Rekha that existed before. This one she was diminished. Her eyes were still green, her hair still deep dark brown, the smile still welcoming, but that personality that spread to her customers, and her friends that was damaged.

She needed some more good luck, Dekkan taking her in had been good. Beskar and Siobhan giving her a chance to earn her own living again. She counted blessing, she was alive, in good health, and actually owned her own clothes again. So what kept her from being the Rekha of old.

The damage that she blamed herself for to Jon, Aiden, and Greg. She was a walking disaster that destroyed lives, she was so memorable the Jon forgot her. Poor Jason had just introduced himself to the Galactic Typhoid Mary.

"So the Underground offers food, drink, and if you really need it I think the Owner let's people use their personal shower. Owner tries to help in whatever way is possible way out here where sometimes it's forgotten how to be nice to one another.

They passed through the doors, "So" she kept walking, "What will you have to drink, and let's find you a menu" Rekha slipped one from Jarod's arm and nodded to him. He smiled at her, thinking the boss brought a guy in, and just like that the ladies of the Underground were all looking their way.

Rekha looked at them all, "OK, everyone this is JASON" She looked at Jason, "Jason, this is EVERYONE" She shook her head, "close community" She lead him to a booth, he seemed like the booth type.

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


“Pleased to meet you, Rekka,” Jason replied and remained quiet trying to respect her seeming need for introspection. He followed her inside the Underground. The place looked brand new and didn’t even have the type smell you might expect from an old miner bar.

“I guess I’ll settle for the meal then,” he replied not wishing to intrude on a stranger’s private quarters and refresher… unless the blue twi’lek was the owner and she wanted to shower with him he thought when he saw her serving a table. He smiled remembering the story he’d told Hadrick about meeting a blue on Ryloth. He hadn’t even had to exaggerate… much. She had given him a post-graduate education on how twi’lek like their lekku handled. And she had wonderful ways of showing her appreciation. He kept hoping for another shipment to that world but it hadn’t come. Not yet anyhow.

Taking her general introduction in good humor, he smiled, waved and said, “Hello, EVERYONE.”

Before slipping into the booth he asked, “Would you care to join me? Let me buy you dinner in exchange for your guide services?”

The smile he offered her now was more relaxed, one of a potential friend rather than someone trying to lure her to a bunk.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Dinner?

She stopped for a minute, did she eat today? She happen to glance to her right and Eva was standing there smiling making little gestures with her hand smiling indicating Rekha needed to sit down.

Ok, Rekha thought.

She glanced to her left and Jarod was standing there doing this little head movement for her to sit down. She wasn't going to look anywhere else but it would seem if this was a democracy that she was being outvoted, she looked back at Jason and smiled, "Sure dinner would be nice" She shot Eva and Jarod a look of I'm going.

Thing is dinner would be nice for a few reasons, one she had not eaten yet today, two good company would be welcome, three Jason wasn't hard on the eyes and a little distraction could help her spirits, provided she could keep typhoid from touching Jason.

As she sat down springing over as if shot out of a cannon was Ana. Rekha jumped had she been waiting to pounce on them. Ana smiled brightly. "So I know what the boss lady will have but what" She turned her head giving Jason the once over, "can I get for you?"

Rekha looked down for a moment, this was why she had them to make the customers feel warm and fuzzy. Rekha keeping her voice low but loud enough that Ana would hear her. "Down girl, I got this one" Rekha said as she picked up her head, her green eyes looking over at Ana. "Awww" Ana purred, as she smiled. Ana had gotten the reaction she wanted, she wanted her boss to show some ownership, to be the woman she knew on Lianna.

The wait staff was in agreement, their boss, needed to get drunk and get busy. [member="Jason Reau"] was definitely someone to get busy with they were all hoping.

Rekha shook her head, keeping her voice steady with a hint of amusement "The bantha came in today, there is sparkling water" She remembered when she met Jon he had wanted a bottled water that she didn't have. She kept it and the Whyren's on hand all the time now. Just in case. Being that Jason was coming from Corellia he might like some Whyren's, or a nice veronian wine. Jon had taught her well about the good things in life, and that it was ok to want them, and have them.

"We don't serve womp rat anymore though" she sounded a bit wistful even though she smiled when she said it.

She looked at Jason, "I guess I need to reintroduce myself now, I'm Rekha Kaarde, Owner of The Underground. Welcome to Bespin." She smiled truly and offered her hand.

She glanced over at Eva, who was close by they were all close by. They wanted to see Rekha happy, carefree, and loving life again. They all knew her from before they knew what a warm, genuine, gentle, generous spirit their boss possessed.

Rekha motioned to Eva, "Eva, will you bring a bottle of the Veronian, please"

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


Jason smiled but didn’t comment at the interplay between her staff and herself. He appreciated employees that cared enough to look after their boss. It told him the boss was someone worth knowing.

Jason chuckled and replied, “I had womp rat stew on tatooine once. Then I had a chance to actually see one of them on the edge of the town. A three meter rat is something I would chose to avoid given my choice. Needless to say, I haven’t had anything with womp rat in it since.”

“A nice thick nerf steak would be great. The bantha will do if you don’t have any nerf in stock. On Bespin you obviously have to ship everything in from out of system. “

He cocked his head to the side and said incredulously, “Ms. Kaarde, do I look like a wine sipper to you? I’m a freighter pilot, ma’m. I work by the sweat of my brow. A hard working man needs a man’s drink… a large stout ale will do me just fine.”

He laughed at himself to let her know that his little act was just that - an act. But he did prefer ale.

More seriously he said, “Rekha, you look like someone with an interesting story. I have my berth in the bay for another 23 hours or so… I’ll be happy to listen to anything you are willing to share about yourself… all night long.”

He was quiet a minute while she absorbed that then added, “And to be fair I’ll answer any questions you have about me but I’ve got to warn you… I’m a pretty boring guy.” He gave her a mischievous smile that told her that boring part might not be the whole truth.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha nodded, "Eva, bring the man what he wants ale and nerf but still bring me the bottle" Green eyes for a moment sparked of mischief. "Freighter Pilots, are known for being quite roguish, are you [member="Jason Reau"] a rogue?"

She grinned openly it had been too long since she had smiled simply because it felt good to watch someone else light up. "We can do a lot in 23 hours Mr. Reau, and I..." she paused for some affect, "can share" she put her chin in her hand as her elbow came to rest on the table, "all night long"

Eva, Ava, and Jarod all were doing some little cha cha dance around the tables as they scampered away to do the bidding of their boss.

Within moments, Eva was back with a very stout ale still in the bottle Jason, and for Rekha they brought the bottle with a water glass. Then sitting a plate between them that consisted of some of Rekha's favorite foods, fruit pieces, cheese, bread, a fireball popper, something similar to what would be called chicken wings, and mushrooms.

Rekha poured some of the wine into the glass, picking it up swirling it around because she liked the way it looked in the glass, others might look and think her doing something else to the wine but she didn't pay them any mind anymore.

"Well now, we shall go question for question, and at some point, you will use the shower, because the sweat of your brow is evident." She took a draw on her glass then reached over for a mushroom these and the fireballs were number one on her list.

"I will go first in regards to questions" she popped the mushroom into her mouth, she smiled she felt a little devious, touched with mischief, "First question, are you born and raised on Corellia?"

With his looks he could be a Hapan.

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


Jason cocked his head to the side and replied, “No. I was actually born on Mandalor. My mother, sister and I moved to Corellia when I was three.”

He saw by the look she gave that she wanted more of an explanation.

“My mother is a Corellian. She was a surgical nurse specialist right out of training and wanted to have an adventure. When recruiters from MandalMedical came to Coronet City trying to help staff a new medical center on Mandalor, she jumped at the chance. With her specialty, they offered her a contract that would let her live comfortably in Sundari and clear enough to pay off all her school loans. In two years, she could go home debt free and have a little nest egg to boot. That’s what the recruiters sold her anyway and I guess that part worked.”

“My father was one of her surgical patients. Maybe in retrospect that should have been a warning for her but it didn’t faze her at the time. Anyway, they became close and soon married.” He gave Rekha a wink and added, “I haven’t done the math but I’m pretty sure they were well short of nine months when I came along. I guess I came by my passionate nature honestly.“ The look he gave her was pure innocence. “My sister was born about a year later.”

More seriously, he continued, “My father was a rally master. When I was three, his squad was dispatched to help quell an uprising in some little backwoods place up north.”

He was quiet for a moment remembering. “His clan members came by the next day. They said his team had been lured into a trap and all were killed. As his eldest son, they presented me his beskar’gam.”

It was one of Jason’s prized possessions. He’d made a special case for it and periodically took it out and polished it.

“After that my mother’s heart was no longer in Mandalor. We moved to Corellia to be nearer her family. That’s where I’ve called home since then even though since I got my certs I’ve been working freighters and off world a lot.”

If there was any bitterness in Jason’s tale, it didn’t show and in reality there was none. He accepted the past for what it was and looked forward to tomorrow. He took a drink of his ale and said, “Your turn. Nobody is from Bespin. Tell me where you are from and how you ended up here.”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"That's true no is actually from Bespin" Rekha picked up a piece of fruit, "Let's see. How did I end up here, and where did this all start"

Interesting story she thought for certain, "I was born on Kelada, as freighter pilot you would know it is the smuggler's paradise."

She twirled the fruit back and forth between her fingers as she thought about home it wasn't often she did so without a little regret. "I was a bad little girl" she said in a low semi sexy voice something she used when she wanted to take the edge of pain off the story she was telling.

"I managed to get myself on board one of those smuggler ships, and being young I" she laughed now a bit uneasy, "fell asleep, woke up half-way to the Core scared the daylights out of the crew. They weren't sure what to do with a little girl" Her brows arched up and down, "least not a little girl of my age" Thank god she had always been thankful for that.

"So they dropped me off, and I got lost in the system for a while ended up first on Bastian, where this really great guy took me in" yeah he was great but Kelada wasn't a place that was on his chart too often. "taught me few things, till he died"

Yes she remembered that pretty well too, got scared but she didn't say that, "I moved on then, since I was older now I was able to work on a ship. Work was hard for someone that didn't have a whole lot of support, and" she pointed to herself, "most guys they would rather I work the red light district than compete with them" So they let me know it, didn't they, but I beat them at their own game she thought.

She drew in a breath, "I landed on Lianna got involved with some good people, even had a little place that I loved." She got that far away look, "but that didn't last long had to move on, ended up on Coruscant someone took pity on me, and my tale of woe" She was being sarcastic now trying to cover up the hurt that was there. She didn't mention how she avoided men until real late in life, and then messed it all up.

"Got involved with another little place, called the Lucky Lady it was a wonderful place. I thought I had finally found a place that I'd be for a while, but the Sith showed up and changed the plans." Rekha laughed this time, still trying not to show the hurt inside/

"I ended up escaping in my pajamas, and ewok slippers took work on the first freighter out, course I wasn't thinking too clearly ended up dodging crew for a couple of weeks. By time I got to Abredago Rae, I looked like I needed more than a shower."

Her hair was matted, she had little sleep, she imagined things because of the lack of sleep, and she had eaten next to nothing because the crew made sure she got very little because she wouldn't give them what they wanted. Ha ha.

"A guy named Dekkan took me in, gave me job, a shower, shoes..clothes..and an introduction to someone who said hey I got this bar." Rekha looked around, "So here I am."

She left off the trip with Greg that would bring up a few questions she imagined and didn't have the heart to discuss it right now. Or to discuss Jon either. Didn't want to let [member="Jason Reau"] know how much bad luck she really was.

So..she looked down breath in breath out. Then look across the table, "So yep, not from Bespin." Then she put the fruit in her mouth to keep from saying more for the moment, she didn't know what Jason was thinking, and she just didn't know how to act at the moment.

Question she thought what is your question for him.

"Why freighter pilot? With all the jobs out there and freighter pilot can be so..well first dangerous and second lonely"

She was one to talk, she buried herself in work to keep from remembering she was lonely.

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

Jason sipped the ice cold ale as he listened to Rekha’s story. He had never been out towards Lianna, but, best he recalled it was in a neutral sector and probably a nice place. If she loved her little place there, why on earth would she move to Coruscant. Even if it wasn’t sith then, they were approaching. Something had to happen that would drive her away. Something she didn’t want to discuss and he wouldn’t press.

“Kelada… Bastion…Lianna… Coruscant… Abregado-rae… and now Bespin,” he commented. “You have certainly traveled the galaxy.”

“I guess that’s a big reason I’m a pilot. To get to travel and see different places. Hauling freight pays the way. I’ve loved flying since my first flight – that first trip from Mandalore to Corellia. After I got my pilot and engineer certification, I worked as crew on freighters hauling out of Corellia until I saved enough to buy my own ship - a YT-1300. I’m renting hanger space at a private landing pad out on the edge of Coronet City where I’m slowly rebuilding and improving her.”

A slight smirk played at his lips as he added, “Actually everything is done except the captain’s berth and rebuilding the refresher. I have plenty of water but can only manage cat baths in the sink until I get that done.”

Taking another drink he asked rather causally, “What do you think; should I build my new refresher large enough for two?”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha nodded as she understood the love of flying, the love to travel and see something new. She had traveled, but she wondered had she stopped and taken a look?

Oh it was sometime since she had done something just for the love of doing it, not for anything else. Not to find a clue, understand a meaning, and chase the ghost of a many that seemed as elusive as mist.

She could only smile and look down when he asked about the building of the refresher. "Oh, if it was me" And it had been her when she had her quarters her remodeled, "I'd build it big enough for two."

She took her glass and drank a bit more, "When it's the size for one yes it's all cozy and close, but sometimes you need room to turn around or..." She shook her head, "I'm sure you can create some images as to why for two"

Their food would be coming soon, he would get the nerf, and she would get that fresh salad she liked so much. There is nothing like a salad that was made today, it would go crunch when you bit into it, and Rekha could just taste sunshine and fields when it came to salad.

"So you like flying" She wouldn't normally do this, no she'd sit here have dinner smile and go tend bar. But she had to shake this feeling that kept hanging over her.

She leaned a little closer, "You want to fly with me?" Green eyes looked hopeful, the small smile that made her lower lip tremble as she waited. Would he go?

Was it wrong to ask him to go?

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


It had been a trick question. His intentions were to build a refresher two could maneuver in together and the question designed to tease, but, her answer revealed a playful side to Rekha that her sad eyes tried to hide. Why was such a beautiful woman so sad he wondered? Everything considered, her question caught him by surprise.

"You want to fly with me?"

He gave her a long look over a sip of his ale trying to decide what kind of flying she meant then decided it really didn’t matter. She really did have some amazing eyes… and other features.

“I’d love to, Rekha. What do you have in mind?”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha nodded and then got up, "Ava hold dinner we'll be back" then she looked to Jason, "Come on I'll show you, Jarod call Drew tell him I need a ride" She smiled then this was something she enjoyed something that the others thought her a little crazy for but she would say don't knock it until you've tried it.

She would wait for dinner as a precaution. "When I got here it took me a while to get to where I knew what was happening, I had to learn." She could see a bit of surprise in his face. She had caught him off guard that's right he did not know her and surely did not expect her to react or say the things she had.

It was just her personality, her old personality. It was one of those things sometimes she just couldn't control it. The old Rekha would pop out and try to take the world by storm. That was how she found Drew.

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]


Jason’s stomach growled in protest of the decision by Rekha to hold dinner; but, he just smiled gamely and stood with her, listening with growing curiosity.

“In that case, umm, Jarod… would you mind holding my flightbag behind the bar until we get back?”

Jarod seemed only too happy to help expedite his boss’s plans and gave Jason a smile that could have been almost sympathetic, if there had been any reason for sympathy for Jason and what was coming. Could there be? Jason was less sure of this idea than he had been and would have preferred flying Rekha’s bed to the moon and back with her than… what were they going to be flying anyway?

He gave Rekha a smirk and said, “Lead the way, Captain Kaarde… I’m all atingle with suspense.”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Captain, she had not been Captain for a while now. But she had been once she half smiled, "I was once a Captain, and the ship The Midnight Star and old freighter but I didn't care it sailed" She spoke softly as if something had died and she now could only remember it with reverence and memory.

"You'll be glad you didn't eat Jason trust me" She lead him out of the Cantina and then off towards one of the landing pads, as they approached a man dressed in simple brown pants, and shirt wearing a heavy coat, goggles, and rebreather stood in the hall. His dirty blonde hair poked out here and there. "Rekha you sure about this?"

She nodded as she walked, "Yes Drew I need to feel the air" She smiled as she chased the memories away, looking back to make sure she had not lost Jason along the way. She nodded to him, "Now is the time to change your mind" She was almost taunting him as she reached out for the goggles from Drew handing a pair to Jason, followed by a rebreather.

"Come on the coats too!" She pouted slightly to get her way.

"Women" Drew growled looking to Jason, "Is your life insurance paid?"

"HEY!" Rekha yelled, grabbing the coat from Drew, "Come on Jason...time to....FLY!"

She headed out the door there waiting patiently with a simple flutter was one of the rarest creatures in the galaxy, it existed only in two places Bespin and Alderaan.

A Thranta

She looked back at Jason, to see his reaction.

[member="Jason Reau"]

 

[Jason Reau]

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]



Jason was speechless. A Thranta! Of course he knew of them but he’d forgotten Bespin was one of their home worlds. He gestured at the animal, seeking Drew’s permission to approach it. A nod and a smile gave Jason his answer.

He walked slowly to the animal’s head and placed a hand on the flat side its snout. It turned its head and gave a couple of snuffly-snorts, taking in the smell of this new human. Jason assumed it had smelled worse because it didn’t seem to protest his presence. Jason rubbed a boney prominence below an eye and received a contented trill for his efforts.

Jason’s lips quirked in a wry grin as he said, “If you don’t drop me into that gas giant down there, I’ll be happy to rub these spots all you want when we get back. Do we have a deal? A nice slow, leisurely sightseeing flight around the station?”

It was Drew’s turn to snort with amusement. He knew Rekha better than Jason. Slow and leisurely were not two of the descriptive terms usually associated with her as a thranta rider.

Not reassured in the least, Jason none-the-less put on the coat and goggles and said with an excited grin, “Let’s do this!”

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

[member="Jason Reau"]​

​

Rekha watched Jason it was good to see someone who took the time to look at the thranta and treat it with respect. So he was kind to animals she had to admit to liking that. Rekha touched the thranta just behind the wing, "they are really gentle and loving. It's a shame that more people don't take time to learn about them, see the world from their point of view" Rekha stroked the animal she could feel its power the way the muscles flexed.

She nodded at his Let's do this, putting on her goggles slipping the rebreather in her pocket and pulling the jacket tight, "It gets cold, we need to avoid bugs, so don't smile a lot" She reached up grabbed the horn and pulled herself up getting her legs and feet situated to where she could direct the thranta, she reached out her hand to pull Jason up.

"If you don't scream too much, I'll let you drive back" She teased now, this was fun, this was part of what life could be, an adventure.
Once Jason was on board, "hang on "

With a gentle push of her heels the thranta began to flap the giant wings as the lifted up, Rekha leaned forward and nudged him with her knees, they were going forward. She let the thranta continue on this line as she lifted her hands to feel the wind tilting her head back soaking it all in. She looked back at Jason to see what he was doing, and wanting to make sure he was secure. The thranta's wings powerful pushed the air moving with such little effort, it cooed as it moved happy to be flying. They hated not to be free, but they loved to be social.


As she checked a single tug of the reins and the thranta started to climb.