Paying for your Sins: The Cost of Atonement

[Alexia Preston]

[SIZE=medium]As the early summer day dawned, the rays of sunshine found a crack in the heavy drapes. They stretched, until the warm light kissed the face of the sleeping Sith Master. Inching ever slowly, as the rays found the veiled lids, she began to stir. As her bare skin moved across the soft sheets, her eyes still refused to open just yet. Instead, a sleepy hand with fingers barely stretched open reached to the other side of the bed, seeking comfort in the form of her lover. Instead though, her hand came to rest on an empty pillow. A pang of longing stabbed at Alexia’s heart, her eyes finally opening as she turned to face the empty side of the bed to move her eyes from the sunshine. Cameron worked long hours, often times rising hours before she did to justify the hours they spent alone together at night. But it didn’t mean she missed him any less. Her selfishness was justified in her own eyes, because after so many years apart no time together would be too much.

This was the cycle. And each day, Alexia tried to forget her own self-pity and do something to occupy her time. Cosette was impossible, refusing to leave the library except to shower and rarely to sleep. So it was up to her to find something to do, now that the constant strain of worry was not a factor. She and CeCe were safe here, and well provided for. There was no more constant moving from place to place to avoid discovery, or keeping secrets. Alexia could finally breathe.

After showering, dressing, and checking that her daughter was occupied, Alexia decided to journey from her new home into town. She carried a satchel across one shoulder, filled with a light lunch in case nothing struck her fancy, and plenty of snacks. Munching a crisp, sweet fruit along the pathway, the walk was calm and relaxing, and passed too quickly. She arrived earlier than expected, as shops were opening and people were beginning their daily routines. As a mother, she watched children run and play with a sad smile. CeCe wasn’t her baby anymore, and the older she got, the more like her father she may become. It was comforting, if only for the knowledge that she would be stronger in ways Alexia couldn’t be.

She first went to the spaceport. Alexia’s lab on Coruscant was nice, but she had invested quite a bit of her credits on updating her ship to have the amenities she needed while living on the go with her daughter for 17 years. Lexi wanted it close. She made arrangements to have her ship moved to Cameron’s hanger early that afternoon, knowing he wouldn’t mind. She was there most of the time anyway, and having access to her research would make the transition from single life to living with him easier since her trips into town for research would be less frequent, and she would have something to do at home.

Once the okay to move her ship was arranged with the spaceport and Cameron’s estate via comm, it was nearing lunchtime. Alexia decided to try some of the local fare. She walked along the shops by the spaceport, pleased at her options. She finally settled on a handful of skewers of a light meat cut into chunks and seasoned, alternated with red and yellow vegetables grilled on an open flame served with an orange citrusy dipping sauce. She took her plate and found a nice shady spot in the grass under a tree with a vacant table. Settling in, she took a tentative first bite. The flavors melded together deliciously. This would be fun to do with Cam, the thought with only the slightest of loneliness pangs of guilt. Tomorrow, or tonight, she should ask him to enjoy a day of just being normal with her. No Force, no politics, no hiding. Just two people enjoying a day together. Perhaps even pull CeCe from her studies for a time, too. Being lost in her thoughts was a lovely place to be, and Alexia was beginning to see how uncomplicated the simple life really would be here.[/SIZE]
@[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The middle-aged man walked casually through the streets of the relatively small town. If it hadn't been for the fact that most of the local populace appeared to largely mind their own business, he would have reservations about exposing himself in such a manner. Unfortunately, it was his only realistic option. The target was well-connected to the individual that, arguably, held the most sway over the locals albeit through a proxy.

As a result, Antoine had been forced to travel to Corstris several weeks ago. In fact, he'd even gone as far as to initiate a relationship with a local bartender. Truth be told, Antoine was beginning to resent this assignment regardless of the lucrative pay. His target seemed to almost never be openly in the public, or she visited the town during times when he was definitively busy at work.

Today, however, appeared to be different as he caught sight of the diminutive woman on the way to his place of employment. Antoine afforded Alexia presence little more than a fleeting glance as he casually made his way towards work. Once he'd entered the shop, he made his way to the back to deposit his things and make a quick phone call.

"Yes?" Antoine's employer was a rather successful businessman in the outer rim. Not all of his success was legitimate...but details were irrelevant in his profession.

"I'm executing the plan. Today."

"You can do this without massive exposure?"

"Yes. However, I will have to remain in place following the conclusion. My immediate departure for any reason might become...problematic."

"We pay you to think on your feet, but I don't need to tell you what it is you are up against."

"I can handle the woman."

"She's not the only one you need be concerned about. Let me know when it's done. I may yet have more for you to do while you're in place."

Antoine...loved the sound of that. Before he could respond, the connection went dead. Swiftly, Antoine went back to preparing for work and returning to the sales desk. He'd waited this long, it couldn't hurt to wait just a little longer.

@[member="Alexia Preston"]

 

[Alexia Preston]

Alexia contemplated heading back. The day would be almost over before she returned as it was. While productive, she felt the desire to continue to be selfish. She caught sight of a shop that sold the kind of clothing she used to wear, before Cosette and the hiding. Fine gowns and lingerie and shoes. Alexia looked at her rather plain cotton, and sighed. Cameron didn't complain much, since they spent most of their time together out of clothing lately. But she did want to surprise him.

She stepped into the shop, noticing a man at the counter before stepping further in. It did not take long before she was lost in silks and statins of many colors and styles. The Coruscanti proverbial princess deep within Alexia's soul stirred. She reached out, letting her hand trail along the embroidery of a flowered vine. The gold thread stood out from the crimson fabric, and it was so soft and flowy. This place was like a haven that resembled what she used to be.

Feeling like a traitor, Alexia swallowed hard. She let her hand drop, fingers clenched in a guilty fist. It wasn't that Lexi didn't have the credits to spend. It was the feeling of self imposed depravation that made her sacrifices seem cheapened. This ever present guilt that plagued her soul.

She took a step backwards, toward the door, seriously contemplating giving in to her guilt and leaving empty handed ...

@[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Ordinarily, middle-aged men did not work in stores that specialized in high-end women's clothing. At least, none that didn't understand the first thing about women's fashion. However, intelligence on the woman had been sparse since she moved to this planet. The years prior she'd been off the grid completely. However, once upon a time she was a rather active member of upper society in Coruscant. During those times, she'd hardly been seen in anything but the latest fashion.

As a result, Antoine had dedicated himself to studying what he'd need to know in order to assume his new...role. The man knew more now about women's fashion than any man ever should.

When Alexia entered, the store wasn't terribly crowded as to be off-puting, but it was clearly busy. Her entrance had gone unnoticed as Antoine had been working with a customer. The moment he finished and looked up to see the target inside the store, he casually went into action calling over one of the female employees. Antoine asked the woman if she'd mind taking the register so he could try to make some sales. The woman saw him glance in Alexia's direction and smirked, taking her mind down a path that was wildly inaccurate.

Stepping around from behind the counter, he approached Alexia from her left just as it looked like she was about to leave. The ring on his right hand contained a concealed needle that would deliver an acute, precise amount of the substance he'd been provided. Antoine just needed a way to deliver it without appearing too awkward. "Looking for anything in particular ma'am?"

@[member="Alexia Preston"]