Tatooine Odyssey

[Jon Burke]

[member="Breanna Volsh"]​

Jon sipped the Whyren’s and pondered his personal mission on Tatooine. Being here was difficult. This was probably the very bar that he’d met Alema’Nilem and been invited to be on the crew of the Revenge those many, many lifetimes ago. Mos Espa was where he met with Calina and planned their excursion to the crystal cave on Dantooine. Those memories invariably brought his thoughts back to Saede – the redheaded pirate queen he’d called his for all too short a time. He’d lost her and, he came to learn later, his unborn son, the way the pirate life required… brutally and mercilessly.

Jon shook his head in chagrin; wondering why he could remember so much of that period of his old life and couldn’t remember the year before he woke up in Corellia. That was why he was here. His Uncle Dallas was going to help him try to use the force to revisit his past and regain his memory. Dallas had lived those events with him and could tell Jon what happened and who was there, but, Jon asked him not to do so. He needed his own memories back.

His reverie was interrupted by a soft, warm voice asking, "Would you like some company?"

He had seen the Zeltron enter the cantina and order her drink. He hadn’t paid her any more attention and was surprised when she approached him so closely unnoticed. He kicked himself for letting his mind wander and not pay attention to his surroundings. If those sith had decided to become naughty they would have been within his guard before he noticed - not a good prospect.

Jon looked at her and studied her eyes, trying to read her motivation. He saw nothing there more than curiosity and a cautious desire for companionship. What level of companionship wasn’t immediately obvious which peaked Jon’s curiosity as well. Pink. Hmmm… well, pink could be nice, he supposed.

Jon nodded at the seat across from him, gave her a grin, and said, “Company would be nice. Have a seat.”

His waitress noticed Jon’s new company and frowned; assuming her night wasn’t going to end like she’d been hoping. Jon indicated their glasses and she sighed and nodded, heading to the bar for a refill of their drinks.

Jon leaned back and looked across at his new companion, admiring how blue her eyes were. “My name is Jon Burke. Pleased to meet you, Miss…?”

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She gave him a little nod as she slipped into the seat. Evening Mr. Burke, I'm Breanna Volsh, everyone calls me Bree thought" She extended her hand to him, You seem to be a million miles away just then Mr. Burke, thinking of home? She kept her gaze on his face as she used her free hand to push back her lavender hair, exposing the high cheekbones, full lips, and neck of the zeltron.

It was not unusual for everyone to be so far from home find themselves a quiet place to drink and eat, though the Cantina was certainly a questionable location. There were many sayings about Tatooine most of them were true. But now this man that sat across from her with his very polite manners, and brilliant blue eyes that seemed to look every where seemed slightly out of place here.

It was why she had approached, the unusual had that affect on her, they drew her in like mynocks to dampness. Bree wondered what was his story and why was he here on the dust bowl of the galaxy.

[member="Jon Burke"]​

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Breanna Volsh"]


“You seem to be a million miles away just then Mr. Burke, thinking of home?”

“Perhaps, Bree… perhaps,” Jon answered though he wondered which home that would be. Most recently home had been a one room apartment on Monastery. Originally, it was the ranch on Dantooine. In between it had been many, many places each of which had been home enough at the time.

He paused as the waitress brought their new drinks, paid her and watched as she left to tend a different table. “Tatooine, as many times as I’ve been here, has never seemed like home in any way.” He sipped his Whyren’s and placed the glass back on the table; absently running his finger around the rim – definitely not crystal. “I’m here looking for a relative – my uncle – that does call this place home.”

He smiled and said, “And I can tell you aren’t from around here either. What brings you to sunny Tatooine?”

 

[Breanna Volsh]

"Was it the color of my dress that said I wasn't from around here? She inquired of her new companion he of course did not look like he belonged on Tatooine, she could always make an excuse, or claim a position within some Hutt's palace as her reason. But she would not, she did not tell lies easily and would not start by telling one to someone she just met.

"I'm just moving from place to place right now, I've been home and back. So far this place seems more like home than what remains of my home" She played with her own drink for a moment not that she felt any need to explain, or feel odd for the reason she gave him. She did feel exposed though that someone could use her softness for home as a way to weedle into her.

A wayward Uncle you say, well I've walked around quite a bit perhaps if you describe him to me I can tell you if I have seem him She would help, no reason not to. Though she was already having her own little fantasies about the man sitting across from her, the intense gaze on his glass. The way he held himself in the chair, the long fingers curled on the glass everything about him said he should be sitting in a place much finer than this, with perhaps a few people looking after his every want and need.

Oh she could take care of his wants and needs with no reservations about it. Yes her romantic side was perculating and feeding her imagination.

[member="Jon Burke"]​

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Breanna Volsh"]



Jon grinned at Breanna and said, “My dear, even after several of these…” - these being his glass of Whyren’s – “I can still tell you aren’t wearing a dress.” He had noted with appreciation her tight black jump suit and the curves it revealed.

His smile faded into a sympathetic pursing of his lips as he realized she was speaking of Zeltros. “I guess I’m lucky I’m from such a boring, uninteresting, out-of-the-way place like Dantooine. Even if I could understand why the One Sith want to conquer new worlds, I will never fathom why they insist on destroying the natural beauty of the ones they defeat. I just don’t get it.” Even though Jon’s training had been with several sith masters and he had considered himself ‘sith’, he couldn’t support the things the One Sith were doing and he doubted he was truly dark enough to be called a sith. That was something else he wanted his uncle’s help understanding and clarifying. Speaking of his uncle…

Jon nearly choked on his Whyren’s when she called Dallas his wayward uncle. “Describe him? Hmmm… well, let’s see. He’s in his late 40s, salt and pepper hair cut short, fit enough to trek the Tatooine desert for days with only what he can carry, Jedi Master Guardian of the Arkanis sector…” Jon shrugged and teased, “Just your average guy I guess. Seen anyone like that lurking around?”

Jon noticed things many that have consumed a half bottle of Whyren’s don’t… like the minute change in the dilation of her eyes and the change in the pheromones she was exuding. He only noticed them because of the awareness the force gave him of what was effecting him. He wasn’t opposed to the idea, but, he wasn’t quite ready to succumb to her Zeltron charms just yet. He closed his eyes for a couple of seconds, concentrating on identifying and eliminating the pheromones he was taking in. He used a simple version of neutralize poison to nullify this most basic of personal assaults upon his person. Maybe later he would drop the defense, or, maybe not. He really didn’t need any stimulus to be motivated by a beauty like Bree.

He leaned forward, enjoying watching the slight changes that played over her like a kaleidoscope. “I know a little roof top restaurant that opens up after the suns set and the night cools enough. Interested in a little local cuisine?”

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She couldn’t help but laugh and nod she looked down, “I usually wear a very light material but this is Tattooine and I don’t want to burn.” Bree crossed her arms resting her hands, she caught his roving eye something she was accustomed to and as odd as it was it was nice to have something familiar, even a roving eye.

“Dantooine, boring, surely you jest Jon” she had taken the liberty of calling him by his first name since he had called her by hers. She listened to how he felt about the Sith destroying things she felt a tightness in her chest about it. “Perhaps it is their way to make sure whatever remains doesn’t get any ideas about causing problems” She knew it would her if she had to be on her knees and watch friends, and family killed.

She couldn’t help but giggle when his eyes flashed and he nearly choked when she mentioned his Uncle, was he not difficult to control because of his behavior, was that not why he was looking for him? Bree realized she may have read that relationship wrong and would work to correct it.

But now the man he described, “A few weeks back someone similar to the description did come through but they headed off into the desert.” She thought about it more, “I don’t know if he’s come back, or maybe he left already.”

Bree was quite skilled at impression images and emotions onto people but right now she was ok with just having conversation. Pleasure was wonderful but it was good to have a mind as well. But he was now mentioning something else that Zeltron love food.

She leaned forward as well, “Yes I would love it, and will there be wine too?” Another vice they loved to drink and could hold quite a bit.

[member="Jon Burke"]​

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Breanna Volsh"]


Jon knew his uncle; he knew his skill with mental manipulation also called mind tricks. If she did see Dallas, and he allowed her to see him, then the old Jedi didn’t sense that she was any threat. Jon, on the other hand, saw that she could be a significant threat to any man with an active libido. Jon normally had an Olympic-class libido, but, he was trying his best to emulate his uncle’s self-control and restraint; an effort with which he was definitely not familiar. None-the-less… he was trying to turn over a new leaf... of sorts.

Jon also knew if it had been Dallas Breanna saw a few weeks past, that the information was only as good as the conversation, because the old jedi could be on Dantooine by now. It was only that Jon knew Dallas was expecting him that assured him his uncle was still somewhere relatively nearby; and, he knew he would only make an appearance when it seemed ‘right’ to the wary guardian. That was all right. Jon was in no hurry.

“The Crystal Moon is one of the nicer restaurants in town. I expect they have a fairly extensive wine list,” Jon answered her question. He was amused and rather pleased that she seemed so delighted with the prospect of a nice meal. She either just enjoyed eating, a trait not apparent by her slim appearance; or, her time on Tatooine hadn’t been good to her and she needed a decent repast. For whatever reason, treating her to dinner was something he could easily accommodate.

“If you are ready we can head over there now. If they aren’t ready to open the rooftop tables, we can wait in their lounge.” He looked around the cantina and added, “And it’s a step up from this place. Several actually.”

Jon was amused at the looks they received as they stood and left the cantina. “I think you had some admirers in there that were sorry to see you leaving with me,” he teased with a slice of a grin. “Anyone I need to watch out for in dark alleys?” Actually, it would take some very pressing matter to entice Jon into a Mos Eisley alley at night. Not that he was afraid of confrontations – this was the very street he had sliced the head from a sith assassin sent to retrieve him by their master. He sent it to her as a mark of his independence. Still, prudence dictated that you just didn’t go some places unnecessarily – Tatooine alleys at night qualified for that list.

“The Crystal Moon has long been a front for local Hut criminal activities. I hope you don’t have problems eating in a restaurant supported by the patronage of the current Hut crime lord in power. There are very few of the nicer places on Tatooine that don’t have some connection to the Huts. I’ve eaten here a few times and never knew the difference.”

“We do have a different option you may be interested in. They have private dining rooms that are holo suites. I had a business meeting in one of them once with the waterfalls of Naboo as the scenery. Just a thought in case the rooftop is still too hot for a comfortable meal.”

 

[Breanna Volsh]

A restaurant she had not heard of how was that even possible she thought she knew all the places that offered food. She listened though as his voice like a soft melody told her things that she thought had long passed. She loved good food, and her time here had not been as profitable as she had hoped. This offer of food was just what she needed to help her mood. She thrived on positive emotions.

I am ready to go she looked around there were too many eyes in here, too many that looked at zeltrons as an appetizer and main course for their personal indulgences. Rooftop will be refreshing once the suns go down, but then a sitting area that did't reek of bantha poodoo, and hutt refuse I would welcome openly.

She gave a hearty laugh when he mentioned dark alleys, and admirers. I"m sure a man of your talents knows exactly what my admirers were thinking, and why they would even care that we stepped out the door together. She was not too afraid of confrontation but it did leave her feeling down it had an adverse affect on her, as any negative emotions would.

Hutts. Oh no she didn't have problems with the Hutts last she knew, course last she new some of them still looked at her as the Shadow Empress, consort to Tiberius Rex. Rex who disappeared and left her homeless, nameless, and penniless. If the rooftop is too hot, then something cooler where we can control the rise of the temperature would be more than acceptable.

She wished she had known about this place sooner she would have tried making a few more friends among the Hutts.

So you are here mainly to connect to your Uncle? She wanted to provide a little small talk at least entertain him while he bought her dinner.

[member="Jon Burke"]​

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

If the rooftop is too hot, then something cooler where we can control the rise of the temperature would be more than acceptable.

Jon arched a brow and a well-used smirk creased his lips. “Bree, the suns are down and the desert is cooling. Whatever do you have in mind if we need worry about the rise of the temperature?”

They had arrived are Jon was pushing the door open for her, interrupting her opportunity to respond. Perhaps she would explain later. The entry foyer contained the receptionist’s desk, two massive doors and an elevator - plus several discrete surveillance cameras. Jon indicated two of the cameras to Bree with his eyes as he stepped to the desk and told to lady, “We’d like a table for two. Will the rooftop be open for dining tonight?”

The lady looked at Jon steadily for a moment before recognition sparked in her eyes. “Oh, Mr. Burke! It’s been ages! Welcome back! Yes, forecast calls for a pleasant evening with two of moons making an early appearance.”

There was a time when Jon was used to being recognized. Lately, recognition was something he had been assiduously avoiding. His mind quickly processed the possibilities as to why she would recognize him after so long an absence. He had to admit that he had no idea who she was. He hoped she wasn’t a dalliance from his younger days, but, didn’t think that was the case. Most of those that he encountered didn’t call him, Mr. Burke.

“Uh, excellent. Could we have the Cascades Room?”

“Of course, sir. You do remember the evaporation surcharge for that experience?” she asked as she made a few meaningful clicks on her reservation assignment computer.

Jon really wasn’t sure what she meant. He didn’t remember any details like an evaporation surcharge, but, did have a memory of the cascade room so he must have found the experience worth the extra expense then. He trusted he would again. “Yes, that’s fine. And have the sommelier attend to us. Miss Volsh wishes to test his cellar,” he gave Bree a grin as he said it, but, the mention of Bree’s name caused the receptionist to pay more attention to her. Or was that just Jon’s imagination.

“Very good, sir. Just take the lift to the roof. An attendant will meet you there and show you to your table.”

As the lift door was closing, Jon noticed the receptionist lifting her comm to speak to someone. “Bree, I have some vague idea why they might remember me here, but, do you know any reason they would k now you?”

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She gave him an arched brow in return as they entered into the restaurant. It was what one would expect in a reception area, she thought. A table for two, sounded intimate. Sounded like lots of room on a table for food. Her stomach growled.

She was hungry she tried to calm her clamoring tummy by rubbing it gently. She had seen a few like this, but they had preferred the arena where they watched the fights, the clubs where she tried to get him to dance, and the long walks where they talked till they were talked out.

That was before. She sighed before everything got complicated and Romeo the Shadow King disappeared leaving Rex to run things, and assume the title. One she had never wanted, had not even considered. She had been happy with their simpler life. It was the past though. Long past.

When the hostess recognized Jon Bree was not surprised. Nope not one bit.

Bree noted that he was taking time to make it an experience. Wine, excellent she loved wine.

They entered the lift she turned to him as he asked his last question, "First, let me address the other question." Additionally it would give her time to think how to answer, "Jon I'm a zeltron surely I wouldn't have to spell it out to someone that draws the eye of every female in the room when he rises to leave with another woman" She tilted her head slightly, "Or leave women in a titter at seeing him again" She was referring to the hostess of course.

Why they would know her. Because she was a fixture on Tatooine for a while. Because she was the Shadow Empress for a while. Because Rex was a bounty hunter and he liked the cantinas. Which answer would suffice right now.

She pushed her hair back and looked up at him, he was slightly taller. But only slightly. "I was...." The doors to the lift opened Bree was a bit startled she had not expected so quickly.

She stepped out looking around this was quite lovely. She looked back at him, "This is very nice" She found it soothing. Why?

[member="Jon Burke"]