The Dawn of Truth

[Claire Organa]

She was on her way to her new ship, there were more staff, officers, and naval personnel on board. It had been decided she needed it. Course some committee somewhere had made the decision.

Her shuttle was moving slowly as if it knew she was dreading returning to Kuat, but she wasn't dreading knowing that [member="Andorreth Vikar"] was near. He...well he provided a comfort to her that she needed. He was warm, funny, giving...and at times unpredictable and she didn't mind.

The other Jedi with them would meet them at Kuat, but he wanted to talk was it about Torie, about what terrible thoughts she was having about her sister?

It wasn't possible, it couldn't be....could it?

She groaned knowing in her own mind she had accepted the possibility. Kark it all.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I'd been sitting in orbit cloaked waiting for Claire to board her ship. After our impromptu discussion through messages I'd realized a few things. First, Claire was seen as weak the ship I was currently latched on to and that her shuttle was making it's way towards was good for a diplomat but it needed support. I'd need to speak with her about procuring a sturdier vessel with teeth and claws. Second was Torie, while some of her issues had come form various illicit substances it make her a weapon to be used against Claire. Chances were 50/50 she knew what she was doing. The other 50% was that she was being used to cause Claire pain. I voted for the 50/50 chances it'd actually explain a great deal. Watching Claire's shuttle approach I activated the surveillance package aboard the Dauntless then activated the sensor jammer and scrambling package.

If anyone did come against Claire's ship they'd be spotted before even leaving the planet. The toys I had in The Dauntless meant I could spy on anything within a full system. I could also remain cloaked and undetectable while doing so, add to that the fact that The Dauntless was essentially a mobile spy and fire support platform and Claire was good to go. For now I waited until Claire boarded to see what happened....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire arrived on board the Endless Dawn nothing seemed out of place. Everything and everyone doing what they needed. She nodded looked around...no Andorreth. She must have misunderstood.

hmm

She nodded to the crew as they began to refuel and service the shuttle. Claire headed towards her offices on the ship. This ship was a lot bigger than the last and had more weapons. She felt certain that this ship would meet Andorreth's discerning eye.

She still kept running the words of the Silver Jedi over in her mind, the words from Andorreth. Which reminded her if he arrived with the SJO that meant he was part of their order. Interesting. Not surprising considering his skills with sand.

The words though had they realized that with each one it felt as if they had shot her with tiny sharp barbs in her most vulnerable places. She couldn't reach them to pull out and even if she could she knew the ache wouldn't go away. Ever.

She had been making her way through the corridors as she thought about it. It just felt horrid, but she was borrowing trouble she didn't know the answers.

Everyone was going to help her find the answers. She only hoped that the answers were something she could live with. She sat at her desk and stared at her data pad.

Contessa Orders.

News from Alderaan.

New Order from [member="Natasi Fortan"]

Message from [member="Laira Darkhold"]

She stared at the messages from Andorreth. Then she tapped out, "made it to the ship in one piece." Claire half turned in her chair and looked out the view port. Stars as far as the eye could see.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I'd actually switched out of my "normal clothes" and redressed in my Vespera beskar'gam while I'd waited. My weapons had been charged and sat where easily accessible and after refitting my helmet over my head I locked it in place and dropped the hangar door after magnetizing anything that wasn't me. Triggering the micro-thrust jets I moved towards the area of the ship I'd already pegged as Claire's office. I got her message in my HUD as I made my approach. Thing was that people rarely thought of other beings boarding their ships from the outside. Claire's crew were making ready to depart which gave me a way to enter as sensors were being tripped. Making my way against the outer hull by Claire's office I ran electronic interference from my gauntlet and opened a bulkhead before passing through and re-sealing it.

Engaging the stealth field on my belt I made my way through the ducts to avoid crew attention and after moving over Claire's office I pulled a ceiling grate aside and dropped to her office floor using The Force to land soundlessly on my feet and move the grate back into place. Popping the seal on my helmet as Claire looked at the stars I smirked and said "Still need to work on security M'lady."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

Claire jumped and backed up at the same time her heart thundered as adrenaline shot through her, "ANDORRETH!!! You scared me!" She held her breath hoping it would slow her heart down some.

Closing her eyes she counted 1 2 3 4 5, "oh gosh.." then she began to laugh as the moment passed. Her shoulders slowly eased down, she took another deep breath. "Here I was hoping the new ship would meet with your approval." She sighed. "Maybe you should become the trainer for all of my security so that they can be at least half as good as you." She smiled hoping he understood she gave him a compliment.

She walked back towards her desk just a few steps. "You look well." He did, "a 10" a reference to their first meeting.

She remembered he didn't drink, "I have cold water, are you thirsty?" She invited him closer so they could talk.

He would see the confusion and sadness there as once again things twisted around her. "Do you think it's Torie?"

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smirking I said "Or instead I could have the person who trained me, train your men. Also it does meet my approval more armed men, more teeth and claws." I looked towards Claire as she offered me water "I'm fine for now Claire" moving closer towards her I saw many things tangled threads of emotion woven around her. Her question about Torie was intriguing.... "Aye I feel she's alive and has been used as a way to get to you. Drug withdrawals only to give her more motivation to do whatever it took to get more. I think she was used as a way to eliminate you, cause harm to both your Mandalorian and Royal friends. If she is alive she's likely being held somewhere and has either given some kind of statement that could be twisted to claim responsibility for the attacks or whoever has her will orchestrate something of the like. Kuat was where you were attacked but Kuat Drive yards is the only thing of tactical or financial worth there. It's likely that there was a power play done before you arrived in order to orchestrate some kind of gain."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

I wanted to tell him how happy I was to see him it just felt like the wrong timing. Seemed like the times he was around was only when she was in some kind of trouble. Except for that time on Alderaan.

Those memories she guarded they were precious to her and perhaps the only ones that were just for her. I knew I had to stop thinking about that I could already feel the heat in my face.

A little whimper escaped my lips not from pain of hurt but in remembering cool waters, and dimly lit caverns.

He certainly was a mystery and a wonder to her. Captain Vikar, Jedi Vikar, Star Gazer Vikar, Vespera yes she remembered the names. She also remembered she made a promise to help him out back home on Corellia.
Maybe after all this.

She didn't tell him the other things she had already agreed to, that too felt out of place and time right now.

She looked at him wondering if he thought about her just a little, maybe...she knew she shouldn't press it. There was something infinitely more important happening right now.

"Torie alive, that's good." It was a relief in many ways to know that so far I had not caused her death. "Yes KDY recently changed hands maybe they are looking for a weakness in the new owner as well." I couldn't help but think of Torie.

All the damage drugs could do, all the terrible things that I read about drugs and the things people did to get them. I couldn't help but feel my heart sink. Each word Andorreth spoke I felt a cross between sadness and anger.

My anger would be part of the fuel I used to get my sister back, and my life. I was tired of living in a bubble.

"Ok Andorreth well, what else do you need from me to help with this. I'll get it done."

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[The Story Narrator]

Undisclosed location on Kuat

Overlooking the Kuat City a woman with long red hair studied the streets below. Behind her a door opened allowing in light from the hall to fill the darkened room just as quickly the darkness returned. "No sign of the Organa Ambassador that we have been tracking."

She nodded, "Our bosses won't like that." Her voice was soft like silk each syllable rolled off her tongue with a grace that would draw anyone to her. The softest scent of honey and jasmine lightly filled the air. "Keep looking, I'll let them know."

Without being seen she knew he had nodded, the flood of light again told her he left.

She stepped forward and placed a hand on the frame of the window each nail was perfectly shaped and painted. She was someone that could afford to take care of herself with the finer things the galaxy offered.

She didn't get this way from giving her employers bad news, she opted to wait.

"Where are you Claire? How could slip through....eyes every where....soo..." She began to tap a single finger on the frame as she thought about the problem and for a solution to present itself.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Looking towards Claire as she asked what it was I'd need to help her out I said "I need you to be willing to kill Claire. These people whoever they are have repeatedly targeted you. The fact is that there are people gaining status through things like KDY changing hands." I thought about Torie and what might motivate this if it was in fact her. The solution I kept coming to was that Torie was being used for her knowledge of Claire. Things pointed back to her but at the same time didn't. I felt like she was a prisoner somewhere but that her being a prisoner made it easy to control her and fashion any number of lies and horrific acts that could be blamed on Torie.

Looking back at Claire I said "For now what I need is technical blueprints for this ship and any others you've recently traveled on. Then I'd appreciate a meal with you m'lady as we discuss some things." I gave Claire a sultry look as I moved over towards her desk. a cushion lay on the ground and I sat down on it as I awaited her response.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]​

​

To kill it sounded so simple. I need you to kill. She could do it. Not that she had but that she could when it comes down to you or them who would she choose? She certainly wouldn't chose them. She wasn't a martyr by any means.

She looked down briefly thinking about it all, "I can if there is no other choice Andorreth." It frightened her to admit it outloud. Remembered the pirates and how mad she had been she wanted them all dead for hurting her people. She knew she should be more mad now because people were targeting her. She wasn't a marshmellow for heavens sake. No.

Something in his eyes though told her that he was thinking about Torie. Truth she hadn't stopped thinking about it since it was mentioned.

"Blueprints, this one is a thranta class and I traveled on an old cruiser . Nothing else though" She had not been traveling a lot. She was slowing her duties down as Ambassador. She wouldn't be Ambassador for much longer. She would just be Claire, owner of Contessa, and soon to be owner of the Blue Grotto Restaurant. She would still travel extensively but she would also now only represent herself. Opening up her abilities to go places, and attend more shows.

She looked over to tell him about the designs when she caught that look. it warmed her to her toes which curled just from him looking at her. "Dinner it is, do you care what we have?" They had eaten a lot of steak and stew together. He sat down and she was weak in the knees from just watching him. Goddess help her.

She kept the comm with her and moved to sit by him.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Nodding as she handed me the blueprints I scanned them via my left hand gauntlet. I could look over the designs later...for now dinner with Claire took priority. Looking at her I said "I will eat whatever you're having cyar'ika." I saw her meet my gaze and I continued to simply look at her. I'd seen her both in and out of clothes. Truth be told she was gorgeous either way. She'd have to ascertain what my look meant exactly though, for now I'd simply let her think and see about food. I had the sense things would get fairly complicated and with this I'd need to take the quiet peaceful moments where I could. Dinner with Claire made for one of those peaceful moments....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

Dinner wouldn't be something extravagant. It would be rations either. "I tried to pick up a few skills. I can cut things from big pieces into little pieces. I don't burn water any longer. But..I've learned to make some great egg dishes. So...on my handy dandy cook top over here in the corner" She pointed, "I'll make us something."

She had been practicing quite a bit really. She didn't like not knowing how to do something and her teacher insisted that if she could cook an egg perfectly she could cook anything.

She watched him though it made her feel good to do so. She made some noise while pulling what she needed out. She had requested the cook area in here she cooked her own meals. It was easier, safer and she liked it.

First she found the cured bantha belly, it was referred to as bacon. Then she began cracking some eggs into a bowl she wanted to show off some by doing it one handed and it failed slightly. "oo" she began picking out the shells.

What am I doing she thought. I god its just he makes me feel self conscious of my movements. Is he watching? She looked over and smiled. Off and on. She frowned finding one more shell. She started over the old fashion safe way gentle crack then release the egg. She let the eggs warm in the bowl as she chopped the vegetables she wanted inside the egg blanket. A bit of toast would be needed. A good runny yolk egg would be perfect, should she make both? She bit her lip nervously.

Shaking her head.

She worked quietly lost in her thoughts. "Do you think someone is hiding on the ship again?" She had to ask.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I had to admit it was possible there was someone hiding on the ship at least in theory... Thing was I'd gone over the crew roster while cloaked. Then I'd Force sensed them each and all of them had intense feelings of loyalty towards Claire. If any had had ill intentions they'd have been slotted and ejected from my airlock.

I smelled what Claire was cooking and it was heavenly breakfast was perfect for any meal. What Claire was cooking already had my mouth watering and looking at her it watered even more. Closing my mouth before I began drooling I simply watched her, a sultry look on my face.

Her question confirmed my own line of thought and I silenced it in her mind. "No I already checked your crew manifest then I went a step further and sensed them all through The Force. All of your crew have intense feelings of loyalty and respect for you. Some may think you're a little untried in battle but they also think should the need arise you'd rise to the challenge." I didn't want to let her know that if anyone had meant her ill they'd already be dead and floating in the void. I t really didn't make for great foreplay or meal conversation.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

She stared at the pan watching the egg cook as she absorbed Andoreth's words, "I was concerned about that." He probably already knew that though, "I can rise to the occasion especially if someone is point a blaster at me."

She knew she could, she knew she could do a lot more than most gave her credit for. "I'm stepping down as Ambassador Andorreth. It's not that I don't like the work." She did not exactly find it fulfilling, "I want to go back to doing something that I love." She glanced over at him catching that look in his eyes the heat rose to her cheeks.

"I will still get to travel and do things. I just" she sighed at that moment, "need...more or less.." She sprinkled the vegetables into one pan, while working to flip the other egg without breaking the yellow center.

Bantha bacon was done, toast was coming out and the eggs would be finished in a few minutes.

She was tired of being a diplomat she wanted to be Claire. The eggs finished Claire quickly plated everything and brought it to where he waited, "dinner is served" She held out a plate rather proud that she had made it. Without help and nothing had burned. "I hope...it tastes good" She studied his face there were always emotions to be found in the eyes, the lips, or the tilt of a head. She smiled at what she hoped she saw.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"I know you can cya'rika I've seen you do it." I was quietly pleased she was giving up the role of ambassador though. She loved the world of fashion and design memory still served and I still had the suit from that night on Alderaan. Meeting her gaze I said "sometimes less means more in life.... As I recall your love of design and one incredibly nice suit led to some amazing things on Alderaan." I let the very understood statement hang there as I took the plate from her. I could her her desire for me to like it and picking up a piece of bacon I bit into it and crunched down lightly. It was heavenly and my head tilted back facing her and I let out a low, throaty moan of appreciation.

Opening my eyes with a predatory slowness I looked directly at Claire as I gently popped the egg and soaked up the yolk with a piece of toast. Taking a crunchy bite of the yolk-soaked toast I met Claire's gaze again and licking my lips I said "Well, that is deliciously crunchy and juicy." The insinuation was right there in the open, I'd missed her and I wanted her. I just hoped I could help her find Torie and then I could have Claire to myself aboard the Pruddi'kad. My cabin, lights down low, and Claire in my arms...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

He had this way of making her turn into a statue that gaze the one that said he wanted to devour me where I stood. It took everything in me to make sure I didn't fall over. He just...god I couldn't put my finger on it, he made me melt.

"You know" I finally found my voice, "it really is the man that makes the suit." What I didn't add was and when he looks like you do who cares about the suit at all. I couldn't help but return the come get me glance. I wanted him I felt the same way that I missed him and wanted him.

"B3" she addressed the protocol droid, "go outside and make sure no one comes in until I signal you." From the corner the silver plated droid with the large green orbs lit up and moved outside ready to stand guard.

"I have always enjoyed a good breakfast...I'm glad you like it.....can I interest you in something else...for dessert?" She as she picked up the bacon..."or do you prefer to continue to talk about the ship designs...and wait for later to get dessert?" She could wait, or indulge....but she needed his input.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Claire asking the protocol droid to stand guard was an intriguing development. I could hear the hunger in her voice as she asked in a sultry, provocative voice if I wanted something else for desert. I already had reviewed the designs and I had behaved long enough. "Designs can wait, but yes I do want something sinfully sweet." To emphasize my point I moved, faster than the eye could track and my hand was around her waist. My other hand around the back of her neck, pulling her against me I gently but fiercely kissed her soft, sensuous lips. I shuddered slightly and gently grinded against her hips.

Goddesses I'd missed her! Gently nipping the side of her neck I brushed my lips against her soft skin and huskily whispered "The forbidden fruits are always the sweetest cya'rika. Perhaps we should move this towards your personal quarters?"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Sinfully sweet? Oh yes he was a sinful delight to behold every movement full of purpose, every look told her exactly what he wanted. He stole her breath away in a single kiss, the delicate yet firm touch upon her back pressing her towards him. But the kiss full of desire captured her her arms went about his neck while her fingers raked through his dark masses.

Her own passions began pooling as her heart skipped a beat.

All I had thought of since seeing him had been what trouble i was in not only from the people on Kuat but from him. He held all this passion within himself and once he had let it loose upon me I had become lost in the waves that crashed around us. Waves that had left us parched and exhausted. I wanted that again, his touch so light it gave me the chills, his lips so soft so possessive ignited a fire within me that I instantly recognized as want.

My hips began to press forward to meet his when he asked moving this to her quarters which thank the goddess were only through another door I nodded in agreement and yet I could not bring myself to be parted from him yet. I looked up into his eyes to see desire, his desire for me and for some reason my heart nearly burst to see it.

"We had best hurry then I have missed you so...I'm not sure I can wait too much longer for you have spoiled me with your attention and now all I want is you" I kissed his chin then dipped down to kiss the hallow of his throat all while my arms remained around him as my body sought out his. I began the trail of kisses up his neck seeking his lips to capture with my own. I felt the ferociousness of my desire welling as I kissed him.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Growling softly as Claire kissed below my chin I felt her tongue graze the skin and I simply picked her up scooped her into my arms as we headed towards her quarters she was now frantically pointing towards as Licked along her neck and nipped gently. Using The Force to open the door I walked in and waved the door shut and locked with a whisp of thought. Gently laying her on her bed I de-magnetized my armor plates and heard them fall to the floor as I reached up and peeled the charcoal grey shirt of my toned frame. Crawling towards Claire she had no fething idea what she'd unleashed...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

She was ready for the predator that was [member="Andorreth Vikar"] aka Vespera she liked this side of him the feral sounds that rolled from deep in his throat, the look of hunger in his eyes all she could do was prepare for him. She shook her hair free of the combs allowing it to fall to her shoulders. She inched out of the dress as his armor slipped to the floor yes he looked much better without the armor all muscle, all man. All she could do was wiggle a finger at him to come ahead as she purred back at him opening her arms to lavish kisses upon his skin while her fingers played with his senses. Fade to black

Later how much later no one really knew

Tangled within sheets, glasses on the side filled with ice and water half empty left a ring on the table. Claire laid within the crook of Andorreth's arm her head on his chest as she watched it rise and fall. She could feel the beads of sweat glide along her skin. She was certain he had skills that put others to shame.

"I missed you"