Lost Causes

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

​

What she had said could have been taken literally as the flight path, but it also could be meant that they path they set out on as individuals to venture off what they knew and trusted could lead them into a place that neither we prepared for.

The voice in Bree's dream was growing more demanding, she sat up as if someone were chasing her. Her eyes wide as her heart thundered in her chest, she looked around then reached over to touch the walls the bed herself. She was here, and she was ok.

She let out her breath that she had been holding, how long had she slept? Pulling her legs up she put her forehead into her hand rubbing it slowly across her forehead easing the dreams, the fear, and slowing her heart down. She was safe. Once all was in control she swung her feet over the edge pulling from her bag a simple shift which she slid over her head she wondered out to find Orick.

The soft sounds of deep sleep were heard she moved silently her bare feet on the deck. For a moment once she reached the cockpit she watched Orick as he slept. He did not seem troubled his face was relaxed. There was a softness to his face that was not there when he was awake.

She looked out the view and decided stimcaf might be in order heading back to where they had played cards she looked for the coffee to brew. Delighted once she found one of the containers she measured, and added. Then heated as the instructions said. She had never made this before, not a staple for her.

She now walked back holding the cup gingerly not letting it spill she came into the cockpit.

Orick, you awake? she whispered.

 

[Orick T'ane]

His dreams were a collection of memories. Memories of his time in the Republic marines. Memories of battles long gone. Memories of friends lost, his dreams were rarely pleasant, but often they were just dreams, the meaning of which was lost on him. he heard his name called and smiled, it took him a moment to realize that she was standing near him. his eyes opened and he his smiles returned for a moment, his eyes drifting from her to the cup in her hands, " You made stimcaf." He stood and stretched, his eyes glancing down at the control panel.

His smile broadened as he took a sip from the cup, " That's just what i needed, thanks. We are almost there, go ahead and get ready for the exit from hyperspace. shouldn't be more than two to three standard hours." He glanced at her again, his eyes enjoying her presence. she was still wearing a simple dress and she was stunning, even in her state she was regal and seductive. He saw a vulnerability in her in that moment, the simple dress with her hair still wild from sleep. He was speechless as he finished his cup of stimcaf. He turned quickly and began the sequences that were needed to ready the sub-light engines.

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

​

"I did, I've never made it before" Just in case it did not taste the best she wanted him to be warned. He did not make a face, nor spit it out so she must have done it right. A sense of accomplishment went over her. That felt pretty good doing something she had never done. She saw how he was looking at her appreciation showed in his eyes. She would try something today.

She nodded and went off to get ready standing there in the quarters she pulled out clothing and began to get ready. She was supposed to help him with the ship and the shipment here on Naboo. She did not know exactly how to dress to help him so she figured out what would work.This outfit was a lot simplier than she was use to. And being on Naboo she figured she could change after they did the ship things.

She pulled her hair back and clipped it at the nape of her neck, she looked not so much zeltron except for her eyes, skin, and well hair.

Keeping track of time she reappeared in the cockpit, "I'm ready, how about you?"

 

[Orick T'ane]

He nodded to her, " You did a great job for the first time." He turned and tapped a few commands on the control panel before heading back to him cabin for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Which consisted of another green shirt, this one a little thinner than the one he wore before, he knew that Naboo was warm and would feel better with a lighter shirt. The black pants were another pair of the same ones he usually wore, as well as the same boots and vambraces. His belt with both pistols was the final touch.

He walked back to the cockpit and was tying his hair into a ponytail when he heard [member="Breanna Volsh"] walk back in. He looked at her and smiled. She looked very casual in that outfit and had he not known her he could have mistaken her for just any ordinary tourist on any number of subtropical planets. " Well don't you look lovely" He said as he sat down in the pilots chair. " And just in time too. I'm about to drop us out of hyperspace."

He waited for her to take a seat and he slowly pulled the controls for the hyperspace back, the blurred lines of the stars flashed brightly and almost instantly they reformed into solid pinpoints of light. The darkness of space filled the view port of the cockpit. Off to the right of the ship was a large blue and green planet. Even from space it looked like a jewel in the sky.

" Alright, time to head to Keren to meet my contact. If we are lucky we should be down in just a little bit." He throttled the sub-light engines up and pointed the nose of the ship towards the planet.

 

[Breanna Volsh]

Bree sat down, "thank you" she responded to his compliment she would save the sheer clothing for being on the ship right now. She looked out to Naboo how beautiful it looked, so different from her home. She put a hand up as if she could touch it so different. She looked at Orick watching how he handled the ship.

She could smell his soap earthy warmth it made her want to touch him. Without hesitation she put her hand on his arm. "You smell good Orick"

She couldn't wait to be on the planet, "Do you have to tell them you're here? Or do they just sit and wait?" She knew a little about this clandestine meeting set up. Just not who he was dealing with. Rex had kept this part of his life hidden.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He smiled at her almost child like fascination while looking out at the planet, it was almost like she was seeing a planetary approach for the first time. Her hand on his arm wasn't something he expected to happen. He smiled at her again, letting her comment hang in the air. It made him wonder if even her sense of smell was enhanced to some degree. There were so many things he wondered about her, and she seemed content to allow him to be lost on all of the nuances of her species. It felt a little like a game to him. she enjoyed telling him things, but always leaving little points out so that he could discover them later.

" Yes I have to give my guy a call and he'll arrange everything. It's simple enough. He should be at his warehouse complex today, so it's simply a matter of letting him know we are inbound." He wasn't sure he was ready to tell her that this was a standard run of his and not even dangerous at all, if she didn't think there was anything exciting going on she might get bored or impatient, and his contact was a talker.

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]

She nodded she had not seen an approach from the cockpit she was always a passenger sitting in the back. She settled back always smiling as she watched it all. The steady approach the way the planet was going from small to growing ever larger. The shift of the ship as gravity took hold pulling it downwards.

There was a whine to the engines she acknowledged his telling her about contacting the guy or gal here on the ground.

There were things about her species that she wanted him to find out as they went. What fun was telling him everything at once? There were moments she wanted to tell him everything, but then she would wait. He may not like her eventually. Perhaps during the course of this day he would learn more.

"Is he trustworthy? Should I have a weapon? What do you want me to do?" She was growing nervous the unknown lay ahead.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He watched her for the few seconds that he could, her eyes were locked on the planet and she seemed to be soaking up this entire experience. she was a creature of experiences and she loved one. He could feel her nervousness in the way that her hand on his arm felt. He grinned a bit before answering, " Fond is as trustworthy as it gets, he and I have done business before. He won't cause any trouble as long as we don't, I must warn you ahead of time, he likes to talk,"

He turned to another panel to his left and hit a small switch, " Fond, This is Orick. I'm inbound for your warehouse now. I should be there shortly." He toggled the switch back off and waited, if things worked out right, the reply should be coming in right about ...

" Orick you rat, I thought you said you would be here yesterday? You'd better have a good reason for being late. I have buyers you know." The comlink cut off and Orick smiled as he looked back at [member="Breanna Volsh"]

" He won't have buyers for a week at earliest, he just likes to give me a tough time. Hold on, we''re getting ready to enter the atmosphere."

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

​

She nodded listening making sure that this couldn't go south Bree than laughed and turned looking at Orick, "You think he can out talk me? This could be a lot of fun if he was the talker Orick hinted at.

She had a thought just then, "Will he mind that you have brought me?" just then a voice came back. Playful and demanding like any customer waiting for something, or waiting to get rid of something he shouldn't have anyhow. She nodded about the buyers answering the one question she had.

The ship was angled to enter the atmosphere the change in gravity and even the change in the temperature of the ship took a weight off Bree. She exhaled slowly allowing relaxation to seep into her shoulders. Soon the black of space was replaced by the blues skies of Naboo. Bree looked out a beautiful yellow sun beamed down. She looked out at the city below how ornate and old looking. Definitely not like the endless buildings on Coruscant, nor was the sky filled with transports and pods. It was just as she imagined beautiful.

This looked like a planet of people who were sophisticated, with a firm moral compass. She hoped they knew how to smile at least. She for the moment was without words as she thought over what she wanted to do while here.

The next stop was home, and she did not know what waited there.

 

[Orick T'ane]

The city of Keren was a major trade hub on Naboo, and even in a city filled with warehouses, that architecture was elegant and refined. The building were low with elaborate design work at every corner, and most had an elaborate designed roof, designed to reflect the beauty of the sun throughout the city. On the far side of the city, opposite of their approach, several large sea going vessels could be seen entering the grand harbor, the boats riding low in the water, their holds filled with aquatic delicacies from the vast ocean beyond.

Orick flew over over the city until he came to a large building with an open roof, two large doors could bee sen on either side. " He probably can't out talk you, no. honestly, Once he sees you, he'll probably be speechless." He turned and grinned at her for a second before returning to the task of landing without crashing. The ship jumped slightly at he changed it's motion from forward to town. it seemed bu sputter a bit as it lowered itself into the large building. The landing was a bit rougher than [member="Breanna Volsh"] was probably used to, but no warning lights came on. " Believe me, no one will mind that you are here." He tapped a few controls as the ship powered down. He stood and nodded to her, " Lets go meet the people who are going to pay us."

He turns and walks into the cargo hold, snaking his way through several large crates of cargo. His hand slaps a small button on the wall and a set of large doors at the back of the cargo hold begin to open outward. Standing on the ground a few feet away was an older human male with glasses on, he was tall and skinny, it looked like a strong wind would blow him over. " T'ane, I have customers you know" He said as he smiled. " Good to see you again my old friend"

Orick smiled at him as he hopped down from the ship, their hands meeting for a firm shake. " Of course you do you old thief." He looked back at the ship, hoping that [member="Breanna Volsh"] had followed him out. " I'd like you to meet my partner for the run"

 

[Breanna Volsh]

Bree looked and watched the glide as the ship moved the bit of spit and sputter of the ship as it began its descent finally settling down into a berth. She hoped he was right that no one would mind. Then this deal was not part of the black market trade it was legitimate. A thought that made her smile too long had she seen the spoils of criminals shared. Orick was a good man.

Bree followed [member="Orick T'ane"] through the open paths between the crates of cargo. As the door opened fresh air filled the hold. It was refreshing her eyes followed Orick as he jumped down to greet his friend and benefactor.

What touched her though was how he said she was his partner in this run which did not make her a client. All bets were off if she were his partner even if only for the moment.

She smiled brightly and extended a hand as she stepped down, "hi I'm Bree" She saw his gaze roam over her not an uncommon reaction. "I made him a little late. I'm sorry it couldn't be helped" let him imagine any reason as to why.

 

[Orick T'ane]

Fond smiled brightly as he took her hand, " By the stars, T'ane. How did you manage to trick this lovely young creature to get aboard that pile of junk." He said as he looked between them. " My name is Orto Fond. I am the proprietor of Fond's Fine Antiquities. My dear it is entirely my pleasure to meet you. " His eyes never stopped roaming her body as he continued to hold her hand. " Perhaps we can sit down and I can name off the many reasons that you should leave this do-gooder fool, " He glanced back to Orick again before returning to her, " and take a job with me. There's no telling how much sales would increase with you on my sales team"

Orick laughed loudly, " Fond, trust me when I say that she wouldn't leave me, at least not yet." He turned to [member="Breanna Volsh"] " I owe her a day at the beach at the least." He pointed to the ship and the many boxes of cargo aboard it. " Besides, you have to get your people busy getting those crates off of my ship. Oh, and lets not forget about paying us."

fond laughed this time, " Of course, of course, I know how much of a hurry you always seem to be in, but perhaps we could conclude our business over a drink first? It would pain me to think i wasn't a complete gentleman when such a beautiful lady is around." He nodded politely to Bree, his eyes once again roaming her body freely, his thoughts as obvious as if he said them out loud.

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

​

And now here she stood her hand in the hand of a man who knew something of zeltrons. "How do you do Orto Fond the pleasure is mine" She repeated the words even as his eyes wondered over her. This was what she had expected or Orick when they had first met, this was how the many did. She could have been standing there in nothing rather than dressed as she was. She felt that when he spoke of sales it was not of antiquities that he would be selling if she were as he said on his sales team.

She however smiled and looked over to Orick, "I would not leave Orick" than back to Orto, "though I am sure that you would make me a generous offer it is with him that I am bound" if anything it would at least gain her a little time she could feel the growing lust within the man holding her hand. Others of her species would have readily nuzzled up to him and offered to drink and make merry. Bree was one of the oddities among her kind.

"Orick has promised me day off the ship and I plan on making him keep his promise. Though drinks to celebrate that your shipment has arrived safely would be welcome" She remembered never bite the hands that feeds you. They were out numbered though the moment would tick by as she smiled keeping control of herself, her emotions she was not angry, or upset as those emotions were ones that Zeltrons avoided. She needed positive, and Orto was positive on what he wanted, it would begin to affect her to deny it.

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick frowned as he noticed the way Orto was acting around Bree, " Hey, I said business partner. That means we are selling you the GOODS, and nothing else. We do have a very busy day ahead of us, so while i won't say no to a drink, I don't think we have a lot of time to linger." He moved forward a bit, hoping to catch the older man's attention.

"OK, OK..you win. If you would both just follow me" He nodded and smiled as he motioned for them to follow him through a large maze of stacked crates to a small office along one of the outer walls of the building. The office was small but it was opulent in it's decor. There were artifacts srom a dozen cultures lining the walls and many flat surfaces in the room. " Sit.. relax" Fond motioned to two small chairs opposite a large wooden desk. He moved around it and pulled out a lavishly decorated bottle with jewels inlaid in the workmanship. " Nothing but the best you friends, right? Idlewil Liquor from Crytal Nest, I had a merchant come through with it not long ago. What's the point of having all of these things to sell if I don't indulge every once in a while"

He poured three small glasses of it and handed them to Orick and Bree, " I must know how it is that you two ended up together." He said looking between the two.


[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

She gently pulled her hand from Orto's grasp and moved to Orick her blue eyes looked into his briefly she put her hand on his chest for a moment and smiled, then she turned back to Orto.

They followed Orto through another maze so many cartons so much stuff, how many worlds knew their history was funneling through this one place. The office was small but somehow it fit this man and the bottle, Oh how beautiful the bottle is, where is it from? Bree had not seen anything quite like it before, such opulence for a bottle.

How they had met she looked over at Orick there would be no lies told her today, though she wished for the moment she had something different to say to this man with so many questions. She just had this feeling, "We met on Tattooine." Bree looked at Orto she did not want him to assume just because she had said Tatooine that it meant she had a reputation that would invite his additional attention. Mutual goals have thrown us together and for this run that was just how simple it was. It was after they got on the ship that everything else began to fall into place.

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orto Fond smiled as he held up the bottle, "Do you like it? I acquired it from a dealer that was selling off his collection. I don't exactly know where it's from originally, but it's been in my collection now for years. although now that I hold it up next to you, I can see that there are things in the galaxy that outshine it." He smiled at her again, the kind of smile that had hidden intentions behind it.

" Listen Fond, that's great and all, and this stuff is great, really. We do have some things to see before we depart again." Orick said as he downed his glass on one pull, " I don't want to be rude, but the lady has her eyes set on some sight seeing, and I would hate to disappoint her. So if you would pay us, we will be on our way. I'll leave the ship here while your people unload it." Orick was beginning to get impatient with the man he had known for a number of years, but the looks he was giving meant only one thing, and Orick wasn't keen on the idea of having to end their friendship.

" Orick my boy, one of these days you're going to stop and realize you've missed all of the good things in life." The older man said as he opened another drawer and pulled out a small box. His fingers opened the box and showed hos two guest a small stack of credits inside, " sixty thousand credits, as promised. Make sure you buy this lovely creature something nice while you are out today." He slid the box over to them and Orick quickly grabbed it.

" Fond, I hate to say it, but had I been standing still, I would have missed out on meeting my new partner." Orick says as he stands, "I appreciate doing business with you as always, let me know when you need something else and i'll get it for you." He turned to look down at [member="Breanna Volsh"] and he held out his hand for her, " How about we see about getting to the beach."

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[SIZE=12pt]Bree gave an uneasy smile this time she was not sure what to say she looked down as if hiding some embarrassment. Suddenly she felt like all of this was a mistake she should have stayed hidden on the ship and let Orick just deal with this so they could leave. Her wanting to see Naboo was inviting trouble she could see that now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The conversation all of it sounded too animated as if each were waiting for the other to give in to something. Bree wanted to protect Orick if she gave in to Orto’s desires perhaps he would leave Orick alone, let him leave unharmed. All these thoughts went through her mind, as Orick took his payment.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]When she heard Orick speak she looked up and extended her hand to him, “Yes” was all she could say, she looked over to Orto Fond it was still there in his eyes. She squeezed Orick’s hand a bit too hard as she looked over to him and rose up from her seat.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They began to leave Orto’s office Bree hoped that when they returned they would be able to leave without incident. But wishes were something that she did not believe in much. So much for feeling good and pushing away the emotions that would drag her down.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“The lake first?” she whispered.[/SIZE]

[member="Orick T'ane"]​

 

[Orick T'ane]

As they walked out into the bright light of the city, Orick sighes and shakes his head, " Whatever you want, Bree. I should have know better than to think Fond would have been any different. " He held onto her hand as he waved down a hover-taxi. He held the door open so that she could get in first and he nodded to the driver, " The seaside boardwalk, please" He rubbed his face, his hands scratching along the stubble on his chin

He wasn't sure what [member="Breanna Volsh"] had picked up from Fond, but judging by how she was reacting it wasn't good. He hoped that Fond would have sense enough to just let them fly off, delaying things would only strain their relationship further.

" Bree, I'm sorry for that. I wasnt thinking, we agreed that for this part of the trip you would be my partner and I shouldn't have let things get as weird as they got." He let he hold onto his hand for as long as she felt she needed to.

 

[Breanna Volsh]

Bree was quiet as she thought, "He is reacting as many do Orick." Her blue eyes looked over at him, "it is lust Orick. It is what many think when they meet Zeltrons" She had not let go of his hand.

"Let us not think on that for now, though I do not think he will let us go. I" she looked away for a moment it was not the first time, it would likely not be the last, "will do what I must to ensure that no damage is done." She squeezed his hand. "Thank you"

She had to face it, this was why she had not pursued the training men like Orto Fond would always assume and want what they envisioned what a zeltron was to them, or what they were known for. She could not truly fault him after all it was the reputation all of Zeltrons to be easy, to party hard, basically no moral compass at all, just creatures of pleasure.

"The water will be wonderful, let us think about that" She let go of his hand as she closed her eyes. Her dreams would likely remain just that dreams.

Breathe Breanna breath she told herself, enjoy the now enjoy this time where one person in the galaxy did not go by all that was told of her species.

"OH look" she could see the water "we are almost there" She smiled brightly as her excitement began to grow.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick frowned a bit at her words, " Oh he'll let us go, things would end badly if he decided not to. No one makes me do anything I don't want to do." He smiled at her now, " Or my partner. "

The boardwalks was a bazaar of different shops and restaurants, all designed around a perfect beach and a calm surf, there were many being of an uncountable amount of species out and about. The air was filled with the smell of the water blended with the many different smells of roasting food. he looked over at her and saw that she had her eyes closed, kriffing Fond, this is why I don't have any friends.

He tapped the taxi driver on the shoulder and motioned for him to let them out. They were close enough to both the boardwalk and the sandy beach that they could walk the rest of the way. He stepped out and held the door open for Bree and then turned and motioned to either attraction, " The choice is yours, my lady, which would you care to indulge in first?" He intentionally made a show of bowing to her, a huge grin on his face. He hoped that it would work to cheer her up, the morning hadn't started right at all for her.

[member="Breanna Volsh"]