The Property Of A Lady

[Connor Harrison]

Looking at her as she spoke, Fixx swirled the drink in his glass, occasionally flicking his eyes out to the city and around their surroundings. When she asked the leading question, he couldn't help but mirror her laid-back attitude, smiling and chuckling to himself.

He cocked his head slightly, as if she had rumbled his plan.

"Oh, no, I land at starports to help save planets and governments. The beautiful women are just a rare bonus."

Sipping his drink, he laughed at himself sounding like he made a habit of this, pointing at her with his finger.

"What I mean is, I don't do this often! I just couldn't resist such a warming smile behind that uniform."

He leaned forward.

"What about you, Miss Tyven. Do you make a habit of accepting drinks with strange men who claim to want to save the galaxy?"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh nodded, giving a playfully sarcastic "Uh huh." to Fixx's mention of saving planets and governments. "Oh, is that so? So grease covered military gals peak your interest?"

With the lighthearted prodding of his own question then proposed to her, she leaned forward close to him, before sliding her drink forward in her hand, taking in one slow sip, her eyes locked on his, before placing it gently down on to the table in front of her. "I accept drinks from interesting men, who claim to save the galaxy. Annnnd I also follow my gut when it comes to these sort of things. So consider yourself passing of both my tests."

 

[Connor Harrison]

"Mm. Didn't know I was under a test."

He gulped down the last of his drink, holding her gaze for a moment and then smacked his lips gently. He looked down and submitted a repeat order of the drinks, again acknowledging the Gran barman.

"One more on the way."

There was a pause.

"A funny thought occurred to me looking around that ship. Is that your home, or as good as one? Your quarters were rather nice. Do you live on the ship?"

The drinks arrived, and Fixx handed her another brandy, taking his own. The question probably had an obvious answer, but he was curious how she lived her life. Two sides of the coin; a greased up pilot and a stunning socialite.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

"Perhaps test was the wrong word. Evaluation is more appropriate. I tend to choose my friends rather particularly." Kayleigh tilted the glass and finished the last of the glass, lightly placing it down on to the table.

She smiled as her eyes closed for a brief moment, "Trying to get me drunk and slip up on the classified info are you?" She laughed at her own joke while in the middle of telling it. She then nodded to the droid and thanked it as it beeped away from their table. Turning once again to face Fixx she answered his question openly. "For the most part, I live on board the ship. Since I am there more often than anywhere else, I typically refer to it as my home. Though it does belong to whomever is the captain of the vessel, so it won't always be mine. Other than that, my home is here, on Coruscant. I have a small apartment off in the western district of the city, but I rarely frequent it except when I will be on world for more than a day. And you? Are you from Coruscant as well?"

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a wave of his hand, Fixx smirked and dismissed her little joke as he took the new glass.

”Well, we Sith intelligence types come in all shapes and sizes….maybe I’ve said too much.”

He took a mouthful, smacking his lips and thinking for a second.

”That was a joke, and as for getting you drunk, I wouldn’t like to be responsible for getting a Lieutenant of a Republic assault ship a little merry and light-headed behind the control deck.”

Listening to her talk, he toyed with the glass and leant forward on his elbows as the entertainment changed from singer to music group; soft and sultry with a hint of smooth Corellian jazz.

”You know the old Senate District? There’s a nice apartment complex there, not too large, but big enough with a nice domed roof. I live there, and it does the job. I was born here and haven’t really left the planet, and I didn’t intend to either but I feel that working with the Republic will tear me away with all these little…distractions.”

Fixx shook the ice in his glass to break the flavour and looked down at it.

”So is there a Mister Tyven around I need to watch out for, taking you away for the evening?”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

"A sith operative aye?" Raising her right hand up toward Fixx, she pointed her index finger and lifted her thumb into a mock gun, and pretended to blast him. "Oh, don't worry. If that were to happen, and I strolled back aboard drunk, I am certain I would be locked up for some time if that ever made its way back to command."

She nodded with a smile, "I know of the area. Gosh, it has been a long time though, there is so much of Coruscant I haven't been in years. Between serving and running a company, I rarely have time for much of anything, let alone sight seeing."

Kayleigh took an overly large sip of her drink as the question regarding a spouse was raised. "No, no. Anyone who got involved with me would have to be out of their minds. Between an active duty naval officer, and a company exec, I have no time for myself, let alone someone I have to offer additional time to please. No, there is no Mr. Tyven. In fact, this is the first, ahem, date I've been on in ohhhh six years?"

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He nodded his head gently, understanding her thoughts about how the job can come before anything else.

”The work is something that asks so much of us, but so often leaves us with little else after. Don’t get me wrong, the satisfaction of helping others can’t be beaten, but when it’s all over – “ he shrugged and took a sip of drink, ” – you want to be sure you leave with some humanity.”

He looked out to the city and the skylines that never seemed to stop outside. Fixx twirled the drink around and looked at Kayleigh, closing one eye slightly in a curious glance.

”And what makes you think this is a date? I was simply making sure I wasn’t trespassing on someone else’s property.”

Placing the glass down, the light below fading into a soft purple, Fixx reached out and placed his hand by hers, letting his fingers brush over her skin.

”But, I mean I will consider this a date if you wish. Like I said, you need to make sure you have some humanity left in our line of work.”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh placed her hand atop of his as Fixx leaned over, her voice dropped to a soft, quiet tone, "Do you take me for the type of girl to doll herself up and go out to a fancy restaurant with a man I just met, if I had a significant other?" She adjusted her hair, brushing it with her hand behind her head, "By all means though, you don't have to consider this a date, but for my own sad record, I am going to."

Lifting one leg she placed it in a crossed fashion over her other, before taking another sip of her brandy. "Humanity is a bit of a rarity now, with so much going on between the Republic and Sith, it's hard to believe in when so much is constantly on the line."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Wincing slightly, he chuckled to himself, wrapping his thumb around her hand as he did.

”Ouch. Good point. However, a nice drink is one thing to accept with or without a significant other. That reminds me, I better call my wife and tell her where I am…”

Again, he chuckled and held up his other hand in surrender.

”Ok no more jokes, I promise.”

Watching her through the glass shift her posture, he finished his second glass and seriously considered what she said about the warring Factions.

”I’ve never dealt directly with the Sith – all the opposition I come across is, ah, complicated others trying to take a piece of the galaxy for themselves, y’know? However, I think this is all going to change now. The Sith are cunning and calculating.”

He squeezed her hand gently.

”I bet you’re a worthy adversary when the heat is on.”

Pointing to her glass, he indicated to the menu.

”Can you stretch to another, or…?

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

The girl's face turned to a wide smile, laughing out loud at the mention of his wife. "Yes, tell her you are out with a younger, more attractive, and more ambitious woman. Give her my card when you get home." She was typically a very modest person, but alcohol tended to bring out her more lighthearted side. She felt a shift in his hand's position, and glanced down with only her eyes as she sipped the last of her drink, hiding another smile behind the frosted glass.

"The Sith...They are nothing but war mongers hell bent on conquering the known galaxy, and enslaving every last person to their will. They're worse than roaches. For every one you stomp out, another three take its place. There's no cure to their disease." She stopped mid thought when she felt pressure on her hand, before turning it over so their palms rested together, interlocking her fingers with his. "I can be a stubborn opponent. Have to be, I'm still alive anyway. That's one way to know you haven't truly lost the battle yet."

She nodded as he motioned toward the menu system. She was enjoying the company, the conversation, the sights, both overlooking the city and in front of her. It was transpiring into a very good evening.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He laughed and patted his chest pocket where he card still resided. Kayleigh’s bright smile was captivating, and nothing he said or did seemed to be met with suspicion or a sense of doubt. The niggling voice in his head told him what he should do.

Already submitting the request for 2 more of their drinks, with the alcohol more than easing them into each other’s company, Fixx listened carefully to her view on the Sith, because away from everything, they were a cloud hanging over the freedom of all Republic citizens. She spoke with a passion and drive. Her hand moved under and then over his, and he felt a swell of comfort when she actively laced her fingers through his.

The drinks came, and their 4 empty glasses were removed.

He had to be open – he just didn’t want to harm her.

”Ok, I may not have been totally honest about what I do.”

Flicking his eyes outside for a moment, tapping his finger on the cool glass, Fixx returned to her gaze as his thumb automatically rubbed the side of her fingers.

”There’s no Arlington Industries. I’ve worked under the arm of the Republic for a good number of years now. Special ops. I’ve been to most corners of the galaxy and been responsible for some nasty operations to try and stop those out to bring us down.”

He swallowed and raised his eyebrows in admission.

”I’ve come here to be a more visible agent to the Republic – intelligence gathering and espionage you could say. A spy? Possibly, but not everyone will know who I am or what I do. I just felt you need to know before you get involved in anything you don’t like.”

Giving a half-smile, he reached and took his drink and took a sharp mouthful.

”Not that you’re getting involved with anything of course.”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

When Fixx announced that he many not have been totally honest about what he does, she was eighty-five percent expecting him to be some high ranking officer of the Navy, about to find out that she was in some kind of trouble, and this was the best way they thought to break it to her. When he followed it up with There's no Arlington Industries, she gave him a quizzical look. The mention of his involvement in the Republic's special operations was more of a relief than he probably knew.

Perhaps this would have ticked off most, that they had been lied to, but they had only just met that day, and neither had any real obligation to tell the other their life story. Hell, he could still be lying to her for all she knew, but it wasn't very important. She worked at a classified military arms manufacturing company, and was simultaneously involved with the very same military she supplied said arms to. She understood the necessity for need to know information. "Look, don't worry about it. I'm not upset. Sometimes there is a requirement to secrecy, and it doesn't need to be out of ill-intent."

She slid herself around the sofa and sat next to him, laying her hand into his again. "But I have to say, if you are some kind of double agent, I'll have to break this hand of yours." She lifted her glass with her free hand, and while taking a sip, squeezed his a bit.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx held his glass and raised it to her in a mock salute, her fair response pleasing him. Maybe she didn’t need to know what he did, but he wasn’t in the mood to deceive her, she was far different than just anyone else in the field; collateral damage.

”Just wanted to let you know. I think the drink was to blame actually, that wasn’t very secret of me was it?”

His eyes followed her as she moved around, a welcome move on her part and he turned to her as she came closer with her drink, and her hand. Fixx thought for a second on her threat and pretended to look suspicious.

”A double agent? You’ve been watching too many holo-vids Miss Tyven.”

As she sipped, he leaned over to whisper in her ear.

”Maybe I’m on orders to seduce you and withdraw all your biggest secrets…?”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

"Those always were my favorite types to watch though! And you can stop calling me Miss Tyven, I hear it plenty at work. Kayleigh is plenty fine."

With her drink in her mouth, and in an entirely un-ladylike fashion, spit the brandy back out into the glass, laughing as Fixx whispered his comment into her ear.
"I hate to disappoint, but if you were sent on orders to seduce me for my secrets, you've been had. Nothing in this head worth all the hassle over. You'd need someone relatively important, not a lieutenant."

She placed her hand on his chest, lightly pushing him in a teasing manner, "Don't hold your breath waiting on those secrets agent man, I certainly can't hold my own for long."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Rolling with her teasing push, Fixx flashed a grin and took his drink and finished it, leaving only small ice-cubes to glisten in the light below.

”In that case, I seem to have taken out the wrong girl! Forget everything I just said. And you can pay for your own drinks.”

He moved to get up, only playing however and he soon sat down chuckling with a satisfied sigh.

”Now either I order another round and really pry those secrets out, or you just want to get out of here? You think you can manage a walk around the plaza outside to get some air?”

His fingers danced around the menu, waiting for her giddy reply.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh motioned towards her heart in a feigned pain. "Owch. Harsh."

She smiled and waved her hand, "I am fine with whatever, honestly. What would you prefer? Though any more of these, and it will look more like a stumble around the plaza than anything."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a nod, Fixx reached into his left breast pocket, and then his right and pulled out two notes of credits. And then another.

""This should do. Let's go. Clear your head and then I better get you to your ship before you forget what a ship looks like after another of these."

Ushering her up, Fixx reached down and pulled out his bag and nodded to the Gran behind the bar in thanks. Reaching out, he slid his hand into Kayliegh's and walked through the small crowd and through the automatic doors into the cool night air.

The humidity was stronger than expected, but comfortable enough to enjoy the nightlife. A few patrons mingled outside, cabs came and went. The city before them twinkled like a thousand diamonds mirrored by the night sky above, and the skylines moved in unison with ships and transports. It really was a jewel, much like the pilot beside him.

He started a care-free walk around the perimeter of the domed bar.

"When you see all this, you know it's worth fighting and living for, hm?"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Glancing down at the credits Fixx just dropped, Kayleigh's eyes widened a bit. That must have been a bit of a tab. Either that, or he is one hell of a tipper. She slid her hand into his once more as they entwined again. Her body felt a bit light now that she were standing. But she gave her best effort not to look mildly intoxicated. It wasn't exactly lady-like to be tripping over ones self. As they walked she glanced around at the people passing by, the surroundings, and the other buildings in the immediate vicinity. The question posed to her was all but easily answered for her.

"Yes, quite worth fighting for. This is my home, no matter where in the galaxy I am. Coruscant will always be my home."

Pausing for a moment as she looked out over the horizon, she leaned her head against his shoulder.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Taking slow, carefree steps around the building on the paved walkway, Fixx provided a few useless facts about the planet they both called home. Along with a few admirations he had of certain places in the city, he was certainly letting the drink talk for him.

Standing along the walkway opposite to the front of the building, they both looked out, and he agreed with her words about home.

"I couldn't agree more. Places change, and people come and go - "he pulled her in to his side and laced his arm around her waist and turned her around so he could look at her, " - but this is what it's all about."

With her bright smile and giggly nature, trying to hard to be demure against the effects of the brandy, Fixx pushed her gently back along the gold barrier surrounding the path.

"I've just realised something, Kayleigh..." he said softly, hands on her waist.

His eyes indicated to his pocket. "I just left double what I needed to on our table!"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh glanced down to see Fixx's arm around her waistline as he spoke. She smiled, as he twisted her around to face him.

And when he spoke softly to her about some realization, she placed her hands atop his upper chest. "What's that?" Hearing him say that he left twice the total at their table she burst out laughing, leaning her head back against the barrier as she tried to contain herself. "I wondered if you were simply an overly generous tipper! I don't think you'll be getting those credits back now."