Opportunity Makes a Thief

[Onley Xiangu]

[SIZE=16pt]Tirathana Skyport[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16pt]Above Tygara[/SIZE]
​

Shezi Khoza floated through the crowds, alternating current that she ignored completely much to the irritation of several travelers. Muttering under her breath, she weaved through, drawing attention to herself at the right time – irritation that would work to her advantage when she withdraw her fingers from her ratty sweater to lift the goods out of someone else’s pockets. She was pretty hungry and meals were harder to steal than credits in a place like this – not unless she felt like eating out of the trash, and not today.

A huge humanoid – Shezi didn’t know what kind really, she wasn’t concerned, just with his credits – came strolling by and she minded her business until the last minute, pretending to trip and slamming in to his side, tiny hand slipping in to his pockets and lifting something without looking to transfer it to hers.

“Eh, my bad,” she squeaked in an impossibly high voice, one that someone might think was faked if it wasn’t so consistent. The alien looked angry but confused, as if he was battling the urge to sock someone that resembled a child in height and sound. Instead he just grunted and told her to watch where she was walking before moving on.

She grinned as she rolled a watch over in her pocket. Force knew why it had been in his - maybe he worked in one of the storefronts that dealt in food and took it off for his job. Either way, it was hers now. And the credits she would make it on it would feed her for a week at least.

She trotted off to find somewhere to hawk it for the credits that represented her future feast.

[member="Tempest"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]

The Eldorai had never been a cosmopolitan species. For centuries they had acknowledged outsiders as distasteful but occasionally useful traders. They had been confined to ghettos within the old city of Santaissa on Kaeshana, subject to arbitrary edicts and harassment.

This was a different era, and with different needs. Now the Skyport over Tygara, the new home of the Eldorai, was home to thousands of different individuals from dozens of different species. Some Eldorai might turn up their noses at ‘aliens’, but all but the most xenophobic realised that without the help of said aliens they’d all be dead….

Crime was always present, and the Skyport was nothing different. The large humanoid had taken only a few steps further when suspicion made him check his pocket again. A loud rumbling growl erupted from his throat.

“Thief! Stop, thief!” he said, beginning a lumbering chase after the swift girl. He’d never catch her alone, but the Eldorai watchwomen on patrol might hear the commotion and come to investigate….

 

[Onley Xiangu]

Even best laid plans went astray, and Shezi rarely had a plan. She was the definition of "fly by the seat of the pants". Usually that worked for her...but sometimes it didn't.

She pretended to play dumb when she heard the cries of thief. Nothing to see here, just a little hungry girl...

"Ah, kark..." she sighed when that didn't pan out, immediately shoving the woman in front of her out of the way as she started a headlong sprint in any direction that took her away from the man who's watch she'd just stolen. Disgruntled shoppers and travelers shouted at her as she pushed through them, all of them too confused to do too much about the accusations thrown at her by the grumpy alien pursuing her. Most of them did not include the Eldorai watchwomen, one of whom appeared from a crossway to the left that sent Shezi skidding to the right.

It was a policy of hers to not mess with the central local authority of any spaceport or city she ended up in. Petty trouble with individuals was fine, but pissing off a bigwig wasn't in her plans.

Leaping over the counter of a permanent food stall, she slammed her shoulder against the heavy door to the kitchen in back, causing no shortage of commotion as cooks started shouting obscenities at her and waving knifes. Swiping a kebab on her way by, she dashed out of the backdoor to the kitchen and in to a somewhat quieter corridor. Quieter was no good...she needed to disappear.

Taking a hasty bite out of the greasy meat she'd stolen, Shezi trotted across the thoroughfare, ducking in to another alley that she thought would take her back to a busier section of the spaceport. Things seemed quiet...for the moment...

[member="Tempest"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
“That’s what I call fast food,” a voice said from behind her. If Shezi tried to run she’d find an invisible hand preventing her legs from moving.
Stepping into the light was a dark skinned woman, tall and powerfully built. She wore no uniform, but her bearing made a uniform something she was accustomed to wearing.

“I’ve been watching your escapades for a while, and there’s more to you than a common thief. So, I’m going to give you a choice; come with me, or I will let the Eldorai have you. They’re not cruel, but they will dump you on a ship for wherever is the next system. What is your choice?”

 

[Onley Xiangu]

And of course she tried to run. Feet stuck like glue, she glared at the woman who appeared with such a complete upper hand. She was still eating though, dark black eyes narrowed over the stick.

Neither of the choices seemed to involve death. Being sent to the next star system wasn't a terrible prospect as she had no real business where she was anyway - it was just where the transport landed. And if this woman meant to kill her she would have done worse than stop her with some sort of invisible force-field. Shezi didn't know much about the Force, but she knew at least that it existed. She'd bet her kebab that's what was holding her now.

So that left her really with whatever her whim decided.

"Alright, one question," she said, almost not understandable between her thick patois and the food in her mouth. "You got food where ever you're taking me?"

[member="Tempest"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
The woman smiled. “Sure we do.”
The pressure on Shezi’s legs suddenly relaxed.

“My name is Tempest. I work for a company called Firemane. I help train and employ people with skills. I’m curious to see if you have skills we could use. If not, I’ll help you get a home if you want.”

She gestured back the way she’d come.

“Shall we, Ms…?” she asked, turning the final question into an interrogative for Shezi’s name.

 

[Onley Xiangu]

[member="Tempest"]

She wasn't used to people being this nice. Sure, they may not kick her like a stray dog - but they never smiled, and they sure as hell didn't offer her food. It made her uneasy.

She could lie about her name, but what was the point?

"Shezi." She left the full out for now.

Following the woman in the direction she'd pointed, she stuck close enough though she kept her distance, searching for watchwomen out of habit though she got the sense they would at least recognize the silvery woman she followed now.

"All sounds a bit weird," she spoke up again. "What if I'm not uh...skilled? What's the point in helping me?"

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
“I’ve been where you are, Shezi. Many years ago I stuck as a slave on my backward homeworld, no prospects. But someone helped me. And through everything since I’ve been determined to help people like me where I can. I can’t help everyone, but you’ve got spirit, I appreciate that.”

They came at last to a fast food joint in the Skyport’s commercial area. Though no McYodas, the Eldorai Firestar chain was getting good business here and on Tygara. Many Eldorai decried the spread of ‘xeno’ food and cultures, but despite this it was popular with Eldorai and non-Eldorai alike.

“Order whatever you like, Shezi,” Tempest said, giving some dati to the checkout girl.

There was the usual selection of food you’d find anywhere in the galaxy; burgers, bantha wings, shaak ribs. There were also some local specialities like Ghoush spicy strips.

For her part Tempest ordered some of the spicy strips and a drink.

 

[Onley Xiangu]

For the moment, she would accept it. Part of her felt too proud to take what felt like charity, but the majority was simply too hungry to allow the sin to sway her. She didn't realize her facial expression spoke volumes more than she'd ever say aloud - the small coin Tempest had given her was more than Shezi had ever held in her life. "Thank you..."

She wouldn't have known a McYoda's from a Greedo King, and so she gave no thought to whatever she ordered. Whatever sounded good.

And it was good. She tried to display some manners, or at least what she thought manners would be like if she'd ever been taught any, as she considered Tempest's story. She even waited to talk until her mouth wasn't full anymore.

"Where you're taking me...is the person who helped you one of them?" It was strange to think that once the woman with her now had ever been a slave with the way she held herself.

[member="Tempest"]

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
“Yes, [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] is the leader of our group. She’s a great woman,” Tempest said with a sincere tone and a smile. She clearly idolised her saviour still…even if she’d never admit it!

She ate the food, which was nice, though she couldn’t eat it often. One did not maintain an Amazonian physique by eating fast food!

“Tell me, Shezi, do you know what the Force is?”

 

[Onley Xiangu]

A stomach approaching full for the first time in quite a while made her slightly less prone to immediate suspicion when Tempest mentioned to the Force. Shezi had some idea of what made her so lucky every once in a while. And she had an inkling it was the reason for the things she saw sometimes when she touched seemingly random objects. But something in her made her distrust it. Maybe it was just a thief's natural inclination to stray far from anything that might get them noticed. Or maybe it was something she didn't understand yet. Either way, she'd never intentionally tried to use it ever. It just made itself known in small ways.

"Yeah..." she said, in a voice so high and small it made have been a three-year-old next to the silver-haired woman. "Well, I got some idea."

Suddenly she wasn't so sure the food had been worth it.

[member="Tempest"]

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
“I know it’s not something you probably want to talk about much. I know I didn’t want to discuss it much when I was younger. However, it’s a part of me, and at the least I can teach you to control it. If we do nothing else together we can at least have that.”

She smiled and tried to reassure the girl as much as she could. Who knows if it’d work!

 

[Onley Xiangu]

Most of the time she went with the flow, evidenced quite brilliantly by switching her plans swiftly when offered food and possible shelter. But this...this was more than she'd originally bargained for. And when confronted by a more momentous decision, she was capable of some form of planning.

"Ehyeah...maybe I see whatever it is you guys have going. I'll think about it. But no funny business, 'kay?"

She made a motion like 'lead the way', this time throwing out the remnants of her lunch in a trash receptacle instead of in the street.

[member="Tempest"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"]
“Sure. Like I said, if you ever want out I’ll help you on your way. I’m just hoping you’ll stay long enough to learn something.”

She led Shezi to a turbolift and then up into a restricted level where Firemane’s operations were based.

“You can have a room here if you’d like to stay whilst we do our thing together.” The room was pretty basic, with just bed and a small refresher, but it was better than nothing.

 

[Onley Xiangu]

[member="Tempest"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

She nodded slowly, still trying to process the daze created by the bustle of activity she'd just passed to get to the quieter section where private quarters were. Granted, she was used to hustle. She'd spent more than enough times on murky city planets to be mostly immune to commotion. But the well-oiled efficiency of an organization? That was new. A few people in particular had caught her eye, especially a redhead that others seemed to be looking to with some measure of respect. What was it with these ladies and striking hair colors? Red, silver...then Shezi realized her perfectly white hair matched the trend. One point in her favor.

Tamping down the belief that she would never belong there, she thought of another question.

"Then I can come and go as I please without being harassed? I'll uh...need new clothes and stuff. Lost everything I'd collected on the transport that got me here," she said, scowling in remembrance of that piece of poo-doo guard that had pushed her stuff out in to atmosphere. She was having the worst luck today...

That was as much an answer as anything though - she would stay, for now.

"You gonna test me or whateva?"

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Shezi Khoza"], [member="Tempest"]


Speak of the redhead, and she shall appear! Siobhan had been discussing some matters with minions when the pair entered the restricted level that was reserved for Firemane on the Skyport. However, she broke off the conversation when she sensed Tempest's approach. What piqued her curiosity was that the Dahomian had brought a girl with her. The young woman looked a bit awkward in the base, but Siobhan didn't bat an eyelash. If Tempest had found a waif and stray, then that just meant she following her mentor's good example!


Fancy heels clicking against the ground and with her skirt swaying, the Lady strolled over. Her red hair cascaded about her shoulders in a full mane that framed her face beautifully. She was wearing an expensive looking beige skirtsuit complete with silk stockings that hugged her toned legs. Much to her annoyance, she was forced to use a cane again after certain events on Kaas. Being chucked into a tree had not agreed with her leg. She was still getting used to her new hand. It was probably nothing compared to the psychological scars though. Horrible dreams haunting her at night, like parasites burrowing inside her mind, waking up baked in cold sweat...


Despite her presumably painful limp, her stance radiated an aura of command and power. "Hey, Tempest, darling, nice to see you. Got a new friend?" she spoke, giving the Dahomian a kiss. Her eyes fell upon Shezi and she smiled at her. "Hello, dear. Welcome. What's your name?" Her tone was warm and could probably be described as motherly.

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“Sure, I can get you whatever clothes you want,” Tempest said agreeably.

Before she could say more, the Czarina of Fashion herself appeared. Tempest wasn’t hugely surprised: Siobhan liked to run things hands on and was frequently out making sure everything was to her liking.

Tempest returned the kiss in a friendly way.

“This is Shezi, I found her…uhh…employing ‘constructive bargaining’ downstairs. I think she should be tested. Shezi, this is the lady I was telling you about, who helped me out.”
More than a little Siobhan idolising happening here.

 

[Onley Xiangu]

Siobhan was unlike any other woman Shezi had ever seen, let alone shared a space with. She called herself Little Rat for a reason, and there were no ladies like the redhead on the mean streets. In her dirty rags Shezi felt altogether unwelcome, though somewhere she knew that was just herself projecting what she imagined - if anything, the newcomer's demeanor did everything to discourage that inkling.

She watched the interaction between Tempest and Siobhan carefully, not missing the respect wavering off the silver-haired woman.

And then she giggled.

"Constructive bargaining, I like that, yes," she said, snorting as her laugh got under control. She'd have to use that in the future. Already learning.

"Nice to meet you Siobhan. I heard a lot of good things about you already."

[member="Tempest"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tempest"], [member="Shezi Khoza"]


One of the reasons why Siobhan tended to be hands on was her hatred of paperwork. She was far from lazy, but ill-suited for bureaucracy. She could only sit down behind a desk and deal with administrative minutiae for so long before she got annoyed.


The Czarina of Fashion grinned broadly. It was rather gratifying that Tempest still fangirled over her even after having experienced Dark Side empowerment. The Countess loved being the centre of attention. "Good things, huh? Excellent. Tempest is one of my best, so if she thinks we should give you a chance, then she must be right. Many in Firemane came from rough backgrounds. I suppose it's hard to believe, but I came from the gutter," she said honestly.


She noticed Shezi's dirty rags, but did not seem to make an issue out of them. However, she'd probably made a mental note to take Shezi shopping some day if the girl stuck around. Shopping tours with Siobhan came with a heavy risk, but the shoes!


"So I hope you can make yourself at home here. I suppose Tempest already gave you the company brochure. You can get a room, fresh clothes and since Eldorai are doing the cooking cantina food's pretty decent." The Tirathana Skyport also had a large number of 24/7 takeaways. Does she know she has the Force? she broadcast to Tempest over the telepathic radio."But I digress. You said you wanted to get tests done?"

 

[Tempest]

[member="Shezi Khoza"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“I sense the Force in her. I’d like to test her, and if possible to train her. If she’s not up to standards, I’ve promised her that we can help her to the next system to get her on her feet,” Tempest explained.

It may have seemed strange that they would help random thieves, but Firemane was a company and Shezi was a potential investment. A little bit out outlay now and potentially she would more than repay it later on.

“You’ll be amazed the double-speak terms one can come up with when writing reports. A favourite of mine is ‘Unforseen Readjustments’ if a building or two gets blow up!”