Private Take Me Home Tonight

[Katarine Ryiah]

I feel a hunger, it's a hunger​

Location: Fondor SIA Headquarters
Objective: Meet Valery
Tags: Valery Noble

Wearing: X


Katarine Ryiah stood on a ship at the edge of the docking bay on Fondor, her gaze cast outward of the imposing transport vessel that had just landed. The bustling spaceport, a hub of commerce and trade, contrasted sharply with the focus of her mind. She had come to this industrial world not for business, not for political intrigue, but for a cause that weighed heavily on her heart: the investigation into the escape from Black Marsh, one of the galaxy's most notorious high-security prisons. The breakout had been a result of the netherworld events on Naboo, and Katarine suspected that the criminals involved might have ties to a growing network of dark forces—ones the New Jedi Order could not afford to ignore. She walked down the ramp of the landed ship, her deep green eyes surveying the bustling activity around her, a contrast to her own quiet and disciplined mind. A speeder driver was waiting to take her to the SIA building, which Katarine found an odd place to meet Grandmaster Noble, but after checking the message three times she could not deny that this is where she was being summoned. She was just glad that a speeder was waiting for her. Katarine was not a solid driver and should never be behind the drivers seat. She greeted the pilot with a nod and they rode in silence, her mind free to wander back to Black Marsh Prison. She had been hunting the escaped inmates ever since her recovery from carbon sickness. After a surprise encounter with Valery at a strip club (it was a long story) the Grandmaster had mentioned there might be resources that could help Katarine. Perhaps that is why the woman was being summoned to the SIA building? Katarine knew that lawenforcment worked in the SIA branch of the Alliance.

She thanked the pilot when they arrived and walked up the steps to the SIA building. It was an impressive and powerful structure among the urban sprawal of the planet. After being greeted by a bothan woman behind the desk Katarine was shown into a meeting room and finally her deep green eyes met Valery Noble. She smiled warmly. Valery had becom a dear friend to Katarine since Kat's arrival at the New Jedi Order roughly seven months ago and it was always a joy to behold the fiery woman.

"Valery... it's good to see you." The Grandmaster was looking awfully different than the last time Katarine had seen her, that was for sure! She smirked, knowing Valery was probably remembering their adventure in the underworld too.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood near the window of the sleek meeting room, her fiery eyes scanning the bustling skyline of Fondor. The city hummed with life, its towering spires and ever-present stream of speeders painting a picture of unending motion. She had been here plenty of times before, but rarely on missions quite like this one. A slight smirk tugged at her lips as she heard the door open and the familiar presence of Katarine filled the room.

Turning on her heel, Valery's gaze softened as it settled on her friend. She took in Katarine's warm smile and the faint amusement dancing in her eyes, and she couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle.

"Katarine," Valery greeted, stepping forward to meet her with a genuine smile. "It's always good to see you too."

Her eyes flickered briefly with amusement, and she couldn't resist adding, "Though I admit, it's a bit odd seeing you in a place like this after... our last little adventure." The corners of her mouth curved into a mischievous grin as memories of their unexpected encounter at the strip club surfaced. She could still picture Katarine's expression when they'd crossed paths, both equally surprised and amused by the absurdity of it all.

"What was it you said? 'Not my usual kind of mission'? That makes two of us," Valery added with a light laugh, clearly enjoying the shared memory. "At least we got our target, and I've heard they're making good progress on his case."

She smiled and briefly paused.

She gestured toward the chair opposite hers at the meeting table. "Have a seat. I'll get straight to it — I've called you here for a joint mission with the SIA. They've requested Jedi assistance for a particularly sensitive operation, and given your work with the Black Marsh escapees, I thought you'd be a perfect fit."

Valery's tone grew more serious, though the warmth in her expression didn't fade entirely. There was even a playful touch to her lips — as if this mission had a catch that she wasn't explaining just yet.

Her gaze lingered on Katarine, gauging her reaction for a moment before her expression softened again. "Oh, and you're still good for that lesson later this week, right? I've been looking forward to it."

Katarine Ryiah ​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

That tries to keep a man awake at night​

Tags: Valery Noble

Katarine couldn't help but smirk as the Grandmaster mentioned their last encounter. She had to admit it was difficult to get the image of a scantly clad Valery Noble out of her mind. The mission had been so absurd and probably the most jaw dropping encounter she'd had with a colleague. The Jedi of her day wouldn't be caught dead in situations such as that. It had always been a point of contention as Katarine did the necessary steps to complete missions in the underworld. She was glad to see the New Jedi Order was more accepting of such tricks.

"I'm glad they are working on his case. I hope they nail the scum to the wall."

She took a seat across from Valery and settled in as the talk turned a tad more serious. Kat had been right in suspecting that she would be working with SIA. Perhaps they could return the favor and help her with Black Marsh after this was done. It was an interesting lead in.

"I look forward to seeing how SIA is differnet in this time period. I haven't worked with them since before the Clone Wars. "

"Oh, and you're still good for that lesson later this week, right? I've been looking forward to it."

"I'm always up for some desirable skill sessions." She smiled at Valery but her deep green eyes were searching. There was something the Master was not saying.

"What aren't you telling me Valery?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery leaned back slightly in her chair, her fiery gaze flicking briefly to the datapad on the table. A small smirk played at her lips as Katarine's perceptive nature shone through, honing in on the unspoken details of the mission.

"The SIA has come a long way since the days of the Clone Wars," Valery began, her tone light but steady. "They're still a strange bunch sometimes, but most of them are easy to work with — resourceful, sharp, and adaptable. You'll find them quite capable, I think."

She folded her arms, her smirk softening as the topic shifted. "And as for the lesson, I'm glad you're ready for it. I've been looking forward to seeing how you take to it." She flashed a smirk and leaned back in her chair.

Now for the fun part.

"But as for what I'm not telling you..." Her voice trailed off as she slid a datapad across the table toward Katarine. The screen blinked to life, displaying a profile photo of a rugged-looking man, his sharp features and confident grin radiating charisma.

"I'm pairing you up with an interesting agent," Valery explained, her tone laced with amusement. "Agent Dean Walker. Skilled operative, charming personality, and, well, let's just say he's known for being a bit unconventional." Her fiery eyes glimmered with a hint of mischief as she gestured to the datapad. "Go ahead, take a look. He's thorough and effective, but I figured you'd appreciate the heads-up. He has a tendency to... keep things interesting."

Katarine Ryiah ​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Are you the answer? I shouldn't wonder​

Tags: Valery Noble

Katarine couldn't help but note the tone of Valery's voice was full of mischief as she described the agent Kat would be working with. Her deep green eyes narrowed as Valery started to pull up a profile on the datapad.

"Valery this isn't another ... mission like the one you sent me on with Zane Cameron is it?" Katarine still blushed every time she saw Zane in the hallways, which admittedly wasn't that often due to the differing nature of their work, but still the setup had been so obvious it made the Jedi Master squirm.

She picked up the datapad that had been slid across the table to her and felt herself do a double take. Dean Walker had to be one of the most gorgeous men she'd ever seen. Not only was he gorgeous but he had a familiarity and comfort to his looks. Hid dark features, right down to the stern expression on his face made her think of her twin brother Daxium. Instinctively she reached for the place in her mind where she shared the dyad with her twin, but the space was as empty as always since being unfrozen. She peeled her eyes away from the picture and glanced back at Valery. What was the Grandmaster up to?

"You have my attention." She smirked at Valery but inwardly her head was screaming at her. Katarine did not need to go off the deep end again. The last time she had... she didn't like to think about it. Working with Dean was going to be a challenge and maybe Valery knew that.

"So whats the mission? I hope I'll be back in time for our lesson." She smirked again but it couldn't quite hide the panic behind those deep green eyes. Maybe she needed to have a sit down with Valery and tell her to stop sending her on missions with men that could be holo models.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's innocent smile was an instant giveaway. Her fiery eyes sparkled with mischief, and the way her lips curved just slightly at the corners was all the confirmation Katarine needed.

"Oh, of course not," Valery replied, her voice dripping with faux sincerity. But before Katarine could even begin to believe her, Valery's smirk broke free, and she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Okay, maybe it's exactly like the mission with Zane. But you survived that one, didn't you? And who knows, maybe this time it goes even better~" She winked playfully, clearly enjoying herself.

Valery chuckled softly at Katarine's smirk and the faint panic in her eyes. "Relax, Kat. You'll be fine. And you better make it back in time for our lesson." Her voice was teasing but carried a note of playful warning. "You're going to need it soon, and I'm not about to let you skip out just because Dean Walker might be… distracting." She grinned, leaning back in her chair with an amused expression.

Letting the moment hang for just a beat longer, Valery softened slightly, her tone growing more serious but still warm. "Dean will be helping you with your investigation. Same job, same goal, but now you've got a partner to keep things interesting. He's been briefed and is already familiar with your progress on Black Marsh. Think of him as extra firepower. And, well, someone to share the load."

Her smirk returned, and she gestured toward the datapad. "Besides, if things get dicey, he's a great shield. Just stand behind him — he's used to taking hits." Valery's laugh bubbled up again, her mischievous expression softening into something warmer.

"You've got this, Kat. I trust you."

Katarine Ryiah ​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

When I can feel you whet my appetite​

Tags: Valery Noble

"Okay, maybe it's exactly like the mission with Zane. But you survived that one, didn't you? And who knows, maybe this time it goes even better~"

"Valery!" Katarine sounded exasperated and amused at he fellow Jedi's antics. There was so much Valery did not know. Katarine's marriage after Order 66, her husband leaving her, and Katarine going off the deep end and becoming addicted to the darkside through the mutation in her blood. These were things Katarine didn't go around sharing with anyone because they were shameful and embarrassing for the woman. Sure she'd never fallen to the darkside, but she'd followed a dark Jedi around like a lost horned crazed puppy on Zeltros, doing anything to escape the pain she felt from Terran leaving her. It was exactly the reason the Jedi used to preach against attachment and here Valery was just shoving hot men in Kat's direction. They were going to have to have a talk.

"Besides, if things get dicey, he's a great shield. Just stand behind him — he's used to taking hits."

"Valery!" This time Katarine was giggling at the boldness of the other woman's statement. She couldn't help it but she giggled and had to take a second to compose herself. Finally she pushed her long brown and white hair behind her ear and shook her head in disbelief at the Grandmaster. "I cannot believe you said that." She grinned and chuckled again.

"So I take it you've met Dean before then?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smirk widened at Katarine's exasperated tone, her fiery eyes sparkling with mischief. She leaned back in her chair, clearly relishing the playful banter. "What?" she teased, her tone laced with mock innocence. "I'm just giving you solid advice. Shields are important in dangerous situations, after all."

But when Katarine giggled and finally composed herself enough to ask about Dean, Valery's smirk turned downright wicked. She cleared her throat and sat up a little straighter, her fiery eyes flicking to Katarine with a knowing glint.

"Oh, I've met Dean," she said, her voice carrying just a hint of dramatic flair. "Several times, actually."

Valery paused, letting the suspense hang in the air just long enough to make Katarine squirm. Then, she leaned in slightly, her smirk softening into something more conspiratorial.

"In fact…" She cleared her throat again, clearly feigning a moment of hesitation. "We used to date for a little while." The Grandmaster's tone was light and playful, but there was no denying the gleeful mischief in her expression. She leaned back in her chair, one hand casually brushing through her hair as if she'd just dropped the most casual of bombshells.

"Don't worry, though," Valery added, her grin widening. "It was years ago, when I still believed Kahlil was gone, and it ended on good terms. I mean, how could it not? Look at me." She gestured dramatically to herself, her fiery eyes full of humor. "Anyway, he's a great guy. You'll get along just fine."

Valery let the moment hang before she leaned forward again, her tone turning mock-serious. "Just don't fall for him too hard, alright? You do have a mission to complete." She winked, clearly loving every second of the teasing.

Katarine Ryiah ​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

With all the power you're releasing​

Tags: Valery Noble

Valery was trying to set Katarine up with her ex boyfriend? Kat had to work hard not to let her jaw drop. She wanted to crawl over the table and slap the other woman but that would probably get her killed. Of course now that she thought about it maybe this fact would make life easier. If Dean was used to scoring women like Valery Noble then he was bound to be underwhelmed with Katarine. Valery was the type of woman that every man instantly noticed and every woman instantly envied. Katarine was a slender thing that flied under the radar. Maybe this might just turn out to be a good thing. Still she couldn't believe the Grandmasters brazen.

"You are unbelievable." She shook her head and smiled in disbelief. "Well at least I know where to get the details if I need his history." She smirked and shook her head. Valery knew full well Katarine avoided dating, claiming it was because of the old ways but truthfully it was because of her past.

"I am happy to have the help on Black Marsh though. I hope he can handle a long haul. There are at least seven criminals left to hunt down that I know of. Hopefully he didn't just take this mission as an excuse to see you again." She smiled at the woman. Valery was exactly the type of woman men would pine after. Katarine had put seven months into this case though and she wasn't about to let a love sick ex ruin that. Kat was a little worried though. An investigation of this length meant a lot of time together. All her friends teasing aside working with a long term partner could be a challenge. Hopefully Kat could handle it. These criminals needed to be rounded up.

"So when do I meet your ex boyfriend?"

She wondered if Valery had arranged this so that Kahlil didn't have to be jealous of her ex or of that little dance with Kat. Clever girl.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's grin widened the moment Katarine called her unbelievable. She tilted her head, her fiery eyes alight with playful mischief, and waggled her brows. "Oh, come on, Kat. You knew what you were getting into when you started hanging out with me," she teased, clearly relishing the banter.

When Katarine mentioned she'd be happy to get details about Dean if needed, Valery smirked and leaned in slightly, her tone dripping with mock secrecy. "Oh, I have plenty of details I could share," she said, her grin positively wicked. "But only if you really want to know~"

The mention of the long haul and the criminals they'd be hunting brought out a thoughtful look from Valery. She nodded, but her smile quickly turned innocent, her voice overly casual. "Oh, don't worry. Dean has great stamina. He's more than capable of keeping up with you."

The playful glint in her eye made it clear she wasn't just talking about missions, and she couldn't help but chuckle at Katarine's expression.

As Katarine expressed her hope that Dean hadn't taken the mission to see Valery again, the Grandmaster leaned back in her chair and raised her hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Kat. Dean and I are definitely done," she said, her tone shifting to something a little more sincere. "He's not interested in me anymore, and I broke things off with him for a reason. Nobody could ever replace Kahlil. That man's my whole galaxy. When I dated a few men back when I thought he was dead... I realized that I just wasn't going to ever find the same thing again." Her fiery gaze softened for a moment as she thought of her husband, but the mischief quickly returned.

At Katarine's final question, Valery's grin turned positively devious. "When do you meet him?" she repeated, tapping her chin as if considering the answer. Then she straightened, her smirk widening.

"Right now." She pointed toward the door. "He's waiting in a meeting room downstairs. Good luck, Kat." Valery winked, clearly enjoying herself far too much.

Katarine Ryiah ​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

It isn't safe to walk the city streets alone​

Tags: Valery Noble

"Oh, don't worry. Dean has great stamina. He's more than capable of keeping up with you."

"I'm going to slap you!" She giggled and shook her head. It felt nice to joke with Valery. It reminded Katarine of the friends she had once had during the Clone Wars. She knew Valery was only teasing her and that there was truly no other man in the galaxy for Valery. The Grandmasters entire face lit up when she talked about her husband. It made Kat's heart melt and a small part of her envious but deep down she knew better than to hope for such a thing. She'd tried that once and it had ended in pain.

"He's waiting in a meeting room downstairs. Good luck, Kat."

Katarine got to her feet, still shaking her head in comic disbelief at the other woman. "I'll see you at that training session." She winked at the other woman and chuckled as she left the office. She was still chuckling to herself as she crossed the lobby and headed for the lift. She entered and hit the button for the meeting rooms downstairs. As the lift descended downward she took a deep breath, calming her mind and steadying herself. Despite her fun with Valery this was a serious investigation and she didn't want word to travel to SIA that the Jedi didn't take these matters seriously.

The lift opened and Katarine crossed the hallway, her black boots echoing slightly. She nodded at the few agents and droids she saw in the hallway. Many of them glanced at her curiously, wondering what a Jedi was doing roaming their halls. Finally she found the meeting room and opened the door, her deep green eyes glancing around for a sign of her new partner.

"Agent Walker?"

 

[Dean Walker]

Valery laughed, a bright and teasing sound that echoed in her office as Katarine playfully threatened her. She leaned back in her chair, her fiery gaze sparkling with mischief. "Slap me?" she said, her tone laced with amusement. "Oh, come on, Katarine, I'm just helping you expand your horizons. You'll thank me one day."

She waved Katarine off with a grin as the other woman got to her feet, shaking her head in disbelief. "Good luck, Kat. Don't fall for that charm too quickly — he can be dangerous when he turns it on. And remember, training session later. You don't get to skip out just because you're busy."

---

The lift doors opened with a quiet chime, revealing the lower-level corridor of the SIA building. Sterile, professional, and bustling with activity, the halls hummed with quiet purpose.

Standing at the far end of the space, leaning casually against the edge of the table, was Dean. His dark, sharp features were every bit as striking as Valery had described. His confident posture radiated an effortless strength, and his well-built frame was clad in practical, field-ready attire — a mix of dark tactical gear and civilian touches that hinted at his versatility as an agent.

Dean's piercing gaze lifted the moment Katarine entered, and for a moment, there was nothing but a calculating silence. Then, a faint smirk curved his lips, and he straightened, crossing the room toward her with easy, fluid steps.

"Agent Walker," he confirmed, his voice a smooth baritone laced with a subtle edge. He extended a hand to her, his grip firm but not overbearing. "You must be Master Ryiah. Seems you've survived Va- Master Noble," He was quick to correct himseld, and flashed a brief smile after his quip.

His eyes, a shade of deep, stormy gray, lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, his expression unreadable but not unkind. "I've read the reports on Black Marsh. Looks like we've got quite the challenge ahead of us."

He released her hand, stepping back slightly to lean against the edge of the table again, his arms crossing over his chest. The smirk returned, though it was faint — just enough to hint at his confidence. "You've been at the case for longer than I have. Could you update me on recent findings?"

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Anticipation is running through me​

Tags: Dean Walker

As soon as her deep green eyes fell upon Agent Walker she felt herself stop in her tracks. She hadn't expected him to be so... big. Katarine was a short woman so she had anticipated him be taller than her as almost every one was, but she hadn't counted on the sheer size of the man. His arms looked bigger than her waist. Was that standard SIA training procedure? She closed her eyes for a split second, inwardly cursing Valery, and then opened them and shook the mans hand.

"You must be Master Ryiah. Seems you've survived Va- Master Noble,"

"Trust me she didn't make it easy."

She watched as he leaned against the table and crossed his arms in front of his chest in such a characteristic gesture of her twin that it made her heart jump. This was going to be a difficult paring in more ways than one.

"You've been at the case for longer than I have. Could you update me on recent findings?"

"Certainly. Have a seat." She motioned for him to join her at the table, mainly so he'd get out of that pose and stop torturing her. She took a seat at the table, trying not to let her thoughts drift towards bounty hunters she could set on the Grandmaster as payback.

"Well as you know the netherworld event happened three years ago so our criminals have had plenty of time to scatter across the galaxy. Black Marsh was once a top secret prison under the waters of Naboo, but I doubt many of the suspects are stupid enough to stay on that planet. The one good thing we have going is that these criminals were frozen for a long time so many of them might stand out in ways. They will do their best to blend in but there should be signs. I've already apprehended Tazrak, and am planning another visit to get more intel from him. I have some leads on the others. Our attention right now should be focused on Dr. Roderick Wells. He's managed to evade me twice but his M.O is particularly gruesome so he needs to be dealt with."

She paused and let her deep green eyes study his gray ones for a moment.

"Agent Walker I'm not sure if Master Noble told you all the details but these are some of the most dangerous creatures the galaxy has ever seen. The things these monsters do is nothing short of sinful and nightmare causing. I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you if you were absolutely certain you wanted to be a part of this investigation..."

She had already worked with one Jedi Knight in the past who had puked when he saw the medical examiner report on one of her assignments. There were plenty of law enforcement types who were great at the job but were in no way prepared to go toe to toe with a serial killing psychopath. There was no shame in that and she wanted to make sure that Dean wasn't here because he owed Valery a favor. She didn't want to cause the man to lose any sleep at night over the things he was about to get into.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean listened attentively, his sharp eyes locked on Katarine as she spoke. His expression was calm and composed, though there was a flicker of intensity behind his gaze that hinted at the gears turning in his mind. When she gestured for him to sit, he pushed off the table and took a seat across from her, pulling out a datapad from one of the pouches on his tactical vest. He tapped a few buttons, bringing up a screen, and began making notes as she explained the situation.

As she spoke about Black Marsh, the netherworld event, and the criminals they were hunting, his posture remained relaxed but focused, his pen gliding across the screen of the datapad with quick efficiency. He didn't interrupt, allowing her to lay out the details without distraction. Only when she mentioned Dr. Roderick Wells did he pause briefly, his gaze flickering up to hers. He noted the gravity in her voice, the weight of her words, but his own expression didn't falter.

When Katarine finished, her deep green eyes studying him intently, Dean set the datapad down and leaned back slightly in his chair, his hands folding loosely in his lap. For a moment, he let the silence linger, his steady demeanor offering an unspoken reassurance.

"I've read the files. I may not have seen it myself, but I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could handle it."

His gaze held hers, unwavering and resolute. "This isn't my first time chasing nightmares. I've tracked killers, taken down cartels, and dealt with people who'd make most decent folks lose their lunch just hearing about their crimes. It's not something I enjoy, but it's the job." And he was damn good at it.

He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "I don't scare easily, and I don't lose sleep over doing what needs to be done. So if you're worried I'm here because Valery twisted my arm or because I owe her a favor, don't be. I'm here because I want to be."

Dean paused, his expression softening just slightly. "And as for Dr. Wells," he added, tapping the datapad lightly with a finger, "I've already pulled his file from the SIA databanks. If he's the priority, we'll start there. Whatever his tricks are, whatever made him slip through the cracks before — it won't work this time."

He leaned back again, his confidence returning to the forefront. "Let's get to work."

Katarine Ryiah​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Let's find the keys and turn this engine on​

Tags: Dean Walker

His confidence was reassuring, as was his description of his past jobs. Katarine was glad he seemed up to the task and hopped he wasn't upset by her asking. If even a Jedi Knight could be shaken by this investigation she never wanted to assume just anybody had the stomach for it. Agent Walker seemed to be of the right mold so she felt confident they could get started.

"I don't scare easily, and I don't lose sleep over doing what needs to be done. So if you're worried I'm here because Valery twisted my arm or because I owe her a favor, don't be. I'm here because I want to be."

"I'm glad to hear that. I wouldn't have asked but I haven't had a chance to read your file to see your expertise. Master Noble sort of sprung this assignment on me about half an hour ago." That much was true. Agent Walker had clearly had longer to prepare for this partnership than Katarine had. She inwardly cursed Valery again. One of these days she was going to get even with that woman.

She admired his confidence about Dr. Wells. Katarine certainly did not want to let that psychopath go again but the doctor was extremely intelligent and resourceful, and he had no qualms about using innocent civilians as bargaining chips, which made catching him a difficult task.

"Alright why don't you get whatever you need and meet me in the hangar. Do you fly? Or should I arrange a pilot?"

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean listened to Katarine's reply with an easy smile, his sharp gaze flicking briefly to the datapad before returning to her. The way she spoke made it clear she was a professional, someone who cared about the mission and the people involved, and he respected that. But her comment about Valery springing the assignment on her? That earned a soft chuckle.

"Yeah, that sounds like her," he said, his smirk widening. "She has a way of dropping things on people when they least expect it. Keeps us on our toes, I guess."

When Katarine asked about flying, he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his broad chest. A playful glint sparked in his gray eyes as he tilted his head slightly, clearly enjoying the moment.

"I can fly," he said, his tone calm but with just enough edge to make it clear he was confident in his skills. Then, his smirk grew, and he added with a raised brow, "But I thought Jedi were supposed to be some of the best pilots out there?"

He let the teasing tone linger for a beat before shrugging lightly. "Either way, I've got what I need with me. I'll meet you in the hangar." Rising from his seat, he slid the datapad back into its pouch and gave her a nod, his smirk softening into a more neutral expression.

With that, Dean turned and strode toward the door, his confident stride a testament to how at ease he seemed with the task ahead.

Katarine Ryiah​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I can feel you breathe​

Tags: Dean Walker

"But I thought Jedi were supposed to be some of the best pilots out there?"

Katarine grinned at his quip. "SOME Jedi, but not me. It's a long story." She watched as he shrugged and said he was ready to go. She was as well because Jedi packed pretty light. She watched him walk out of the room and realized as soon as he was gone that her muscles had been clenched the entire time with nerves. She as going to strangle Valery. The Grandmaster liked to cause trouble it seemed.

A few moments latter Katarine was walking into the hangar. She'd retrieved her datapad and changed her clothes so she didn't look like such a Jedi. It was a lot easier to blend in on assignments when people didn't suspect you were a Jedi from the beginning. Her lightsaber was concealed inside her leather jacket and her ELG-3A. blaster was strapped to her side.

When they were inside the ship she took a seat and pulled up the mission dossier on her datapad. All of the tech from this century was still confusing to her but after a few wrong clicks she finally got the datapad off of a calculator app and onto the file she wanted. She scanned over the briefing to find that they were headed to Zeltros. The thought made her squirm from the distant memories of her past and she had to push those feelings away. As she kept reading she found they were going to be doing undercover surveillance of a leader inside the Pyke Syndicate whose financial records showed a previous interaction with an associate of Dr. Wells. It was likely Wells would be in contact with the mobster soon so this might be a great chance to locate the serial killer. As Katarine read on she saw that the office was next to a fancy hotel on the planet, which made surveillance easier. They could rent a room and monitor the comm activity and video any meetings that take place. Stakeouts like that were often low key and could get boring because you spent all your time waiting to overhear something but it sounded simple enough.. that is until she read their cover story. They would be staying in the honeymoon suite. Damn it Valery! Katarine felt her anxiety shoot into overdrive and glanced at Dean over her datapad. She wondered if he'd already read this.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean sat in the pilot's seat, his hands steady on the controls as he prepared the ship for departure. The hum of the engines filled the cabin, a sound that always settled his nerves. Not that he needed much help staying calm — this kind of work was second nature to him. Flying, blending in, gathering intel — it was all part of the job.

He glanced over his shoulder at Katarine, who had taken a seat and was already engrossed in the mission briefing. The furrow in her brow and the way she seemed just a little too focused on the datapad piqued his curiosity, though he didn't say anything right away. Instead, he shifted his attention back to the console, smoothly lifting the ship off the ground and guiding it toward the stars.

Once they were in hyperspace, Dean leaned back in his seat, his sharp gray eyes flicking toward Katarine again. She was still reading, and something about her expression made him smirk just a little. "So," he began, his voice calm and conversational, "Where exactly are we headed? And what's the plan once we're there?"

He turned fully in his seat, resting his arms casually on the armrests. "I figured I'd let you dive into the briefing first," he added with a faint smile. "Valery was rather... vague."

Which usually meant trouble.

The way she kept glancing at him over the top of her datapad made him wonder. Whatever was in that file had her rattled, and he had a feeling it wasn't just the mission details. "Anything I should know before we touch down?" he asked.

Katarine Ryiah​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I can feel your heart beat faster (Faster)​

Tags: Dean Walker


Katarine could feel his grey eyes on her as she stared intently at the datapad, her deep green eyes unfocused, unable to take a single word in. This type of assignment was usually her element and might even be an opportunity for a fun use of her simmering sensuality that always bubbled under the surface. She'd surprised and teased a few Jedi in her day when they went on assignment with her, only to be shocked to find out that Katarine was impish to her very core. Now however that playful exterior was hiding behind a sudden shyness and anxiety induced panic that had everything to do with the man sitting opposite of her. She couldn't tell if it was just the way he looked, or the fact that he reminded her of her twin who was a darksider and thus reminded her of her drug of choice that she was desperately craving, or if she was just still frustrated with Valery but Katarine was off her game at the moment.

Why does he have to be so dark.. and broad...? Damn it Valery I'm going to kill you​

He spoke, indicating he had not read the mission briefing yet, but his tone when he said the Grandmasters name made Katarine realize he suspected something was up too. That or he'd deduced it from the way Kat was acting. Either way the observation was impressive. Maybe he'd prove a good investigator.

"Anything I should know before we touch down?"​

"Actually yes. Happy wife, happy life." She finally looked up from her datapad and let her deep green eyes meet his. She smirked at him, an attempt at the normal bravado she was famous for, and handed him the datapad so he could read himself.

"Set a course for Zeltros."

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean arched a brow as Katarine handed over the datapad, her smirk a clear attempt to mask whatever was churning beneath the surface. He took it with a small nod, his sharp gray eyes glancing at her briefly before turning his attention to the screen. His thumb flicked over the display, scrolling through the mission details.

Then he saw it.

The room. Specifically, the room Valery had arranged for them on Zeltros.

Dean released a slow breath, leaning back in his chair as the corners of his mouth twitched in dry amusement. "Valery..." he muttered under his breath, a mix of exasperation and begrudging respect for the Grandmaster's penchant for setting people up in the most inconveniently effective ways.

He glanced back at Katarine, who was clearly trying to feign nonchalance, though her previous nervousness hadn't entirely faded. "It'll do," he said simply, his tone calm and steady, though the hint of a smirk tugged at his lips. Without another word, he turned back to the console, his hands moving fluidly over the controls as he prepared for the jump to hyperspace.

But he had to admit to himself, sharing a room with Katarine certainly wasn't something to complain about.

The familiar starlines stretched and blurred before snapping into the infinite swirl of hyperspace. Dean leaned back in his seat, his expression returning to its usual composed demeanor, though his mind was still running through the mission details. Zeltros. Not exactly a quiet, inconspicuous place, especially for Jedi. But that also made it the perfect environment for blending in — if they played their cards right.

As the ship prepared to drop out of hyperspace, Dean sat up, his hands steady on the controls. The swirling blue tunnel collapsed back into starlines, and Zeltros came into view — a vibrant, glowing jewel against the void of space.

"Here we go," he said, his voice calm but with a faint edge of focus as he guided the shuttle into the planet's atmosphere. The ship hummed steadily, and the bright lights of Zeltros's cities glittered beneath them like a galaxy of their own. Dean deftly maneuvered the shuttle through the sky, heading toward their designated landing point.

"Let's grab everything we need and head to our room first."

Katarine Ryiah​