Whiskey for Two

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s eyes closed, listening to Connor’s voice as he spoke of his past.

“So Voss really is your ‘home’ home then?” Her hands shifted, readjusting as she distributed her weight more to one side. “I’m from Zeltros, predictably. My mom was a prostitute and raised me by herself. I was discovered to be Force sensitive as a kid, but she wouldn’t let anyone take me away. So I stayed on Zeltros, eventually working as a waitress and a dancer. I finally left when I was a teenager and joined the Galactic Alliance. Circumstances led me here though.”

She shrugged and inhaled deeply. “The air here is much nicer to breathe than the volcanic ash on Sullust. You guys picked a nice planet for your headquarters.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

She was right; they had picked a nice place. It had the balance of a fair climate and was never too hot or too cold, and geographically it wasn't near any ripe hot-spots.

"We have a bit of teething trouble with the natives a decade or so ago, but we worked it out and since then have thrived. We have places here that are secret to those only who use them. We can be anything and everything we have to be when required. Hopefully it won't come that far."

The threat of invasion was always real; he prayed that Voss would never see the dark skies of warships emerging from the pearly white atmosphere. It made him sick to the stomach. Still, he changed tact.

"I don't mean this in a funny way, but it sounds you've had a rather adventurous life. I guess it made you as strong as you are today. I'm sure your mother would be proud of where you stand today. And don't be a smart-arse about your current predicament. You know what I mean."

He gave her a curious eye.

"Two questions; one - why did you come here from the Alliance, and two - why did you never say you were a dancer before?"

He couldn't help grin at that. She was turning into a woman of many surprises.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza nodded at the mention of trouble with the natives. “That’s good to hear. I’d like to think that our presence is welcome.”

A brow arched at the mention of her adventurous life. “Now that you say it, things certainly haven’t been boring.” Still, she smiled when he said that her mother would be proud. “I hope so. We didn’t have much, but she always made sure that I was taken care of. I guess that’s one of the reasons as to why I’m so nervous—I saw what being a single mother did to her, and I don’t want to put this child though any hardship if I can help it.” A hand instinctively rubbed across her stomach. It was almost surreal, like she was talking about someone else. Joza’s own circumstances were better than those of her mother, however.

Pausing for a moment to think on his first question, she sighed. “A few reasons. One, I preferred the atmosphere. But more importantly, there were two people among the Silver that I admired—Jericho Hex and Krux Mullarus. I wanted to follow them. Kind of a childish reason, but I ended up preferring the way the Silvers did things, so here I am.” Her thoughtful look gave way to a wry smile.

“What is it really that important?” Her voice held an obvious teasing note before she cleared her throat. “I’m not sure. It’s not a big secret—I still dance, actually. I’ve been hired to perform at different venues, and even have my own studio on Lianna where I train other dancers. Believe it or not, I actually lived on Sith Coruscant for a few months while working a gig. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been doing it longer than I’ve been a Jedi. Plus, I’m good at it.” Joza couldn’t help a playful wink, but it was clear that she was proud of her skill and reputation in the entertainment industry. That being said, it typically came as no surprise considering her race and upbringing. “And if you’re looking for lessons, I’ve been thinking of starting an all-male dance session.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He laughed - the absurdity of it!

"No no, thank you but I'm quite content in being the one watching the dancing rather than doing it, and I'm sure everyone else prefers that too!"

The eye twitched a little and he closed it, resting the raw muscle for a moment, and looked away trying to hide it. He still had a smile; there were some nasty rumours around these parts that Connor had rather good dance moves, but they were NOT true and he didn't even know where or when they stated. Probably one of the Ike girls.

"I know Jericho and Krux. Well, Krux has vanished. Has been gone for a long time. I tried to help him find his way to the Silvers, but his heart belonged to Setzi and she effectively broke it, and he never recovered from it. And, I'm sorry, but I'm surprised I didn't see you dancing at the masquerade recently. Or is your dancing...forgive me...something not suitable for all ages?"

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

The air seemed to ease between the two Jedi as they moved on to more lighthearted conversation. But at the mention of Krux and Setzi, Joza couldn’t help a little frown.

“I saw them together once, long ago. I wasn’t sure how close they were…” Well, she sort of knew. Zeltrons and their empathy, it wasn’t hard to detect the adoration radiating from the couple. “I believe Krux might be dead.” Her voice lowered, hardening a bit as she held out her inorganic arm. “The Sith who took my hand was a former apprentice of his, Abelain Narv’uk. He told me that she slew Mullarus himself, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to that.” A roll of her shoulders, and she moved back up into a sitting position. She’d looked up to the Knight, and she allowed a brief wave of grief to wash over her before moving on to the other Jedi she’d mentioned. And then she groaned.

“Jericho, though…where do I begin with him. I met him when I was seven, and he punched me in the face. A seven year old girl! I always admired his strength, so I wanted to learn from him. Unfortunately, that meant a lot more face punching once I became an Apprentice. I’ve broken my nose more times than I can count.” It hadn’t happened in a while, so she was fond of those memories and it gave her cause to chuckle.

A wide grin spread across her face. “Not suitable for the young, fragile, faint of heart or easily offended. I suppose I am a Zeltron where it counts.” She ticked off the points on her fingers, giggling a little. “Besides, who doesn’t love scantily clad women and suggestive dance moves?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The news - or rumour - about Krux was a sad one. A shame, but not totally unexpected. Krux was rash in his decision making and blind when it came to the matters of the heart. He sacrificed a lot without thinking, and Connor felt he had gone one one damned foolish crusade too many to win Setzi back if he had met his end.

Connor's eyes fell to the floor for a moment, looking at his fingers pressing up in a steeple as the two shared a moment. But the mood cleared a little with Jericho's antics, and Connor could only wince in disbelief, and stifle a little chuckle at his less than gentlemanly way.

"Ouch! Somehow that doesn't surprise me with old Jericho." He held his hand out and ticked off his fingers. "I'm none of the above too. One day you'll have to show me your moves."

And his smile hung, and stayed there, and he turned away again as if he tried to pretend he hadn't said it. He regretted it the second it fell from his mouth and wanted the ground to open up to swallow him.

"Not like that I mean," he back-peddled. "You know what I mean."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

It was good to know that at least Jericho’s actions weren’t surprising. “He still calls me Padawan…” Though she grumbled, Joza appreciated it as an affectionate gesture. Jericho wasn’t one to outright say that he cared, but let his actions speak for themselves. Even though he wasn’t her official Master, the pair had bonded quite nicely over the years.

Connor’s next words earned him a pair of arched brows, and a mild look of disbelief. “Oh,” A sleazy smirk slowly curled along her face and Joza had to restrain herself from teasing him too hard. “I didn’t think that Master Harrison enjoyed that sort of…provocative entertainment. Perhaps I misjudged you?” A finger twined in her red locks as she reflexively tilted her head down, peeking up at him beneath her lashes—but only for a moment. It was instinctive alright, and Joza found it hard to turn off.

“I actually don’t know what you mean. Are you saying that you want to watch me dance around in my underwear?” Yeah, the holding herself back part wasn’t working out too well. How could she resist? “I don’t come cheap, you know. Why, I’m one of the Galaxy's most sought after dancers to a…certain crowd.” Oh, this was too much fun.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

All he could do was raise his head a little, as if he was facing a Sith Lord in battle, not being the one to crack. But this was a more nefarious enemy - a flirtatious Zeltron. He couldn't help crack a small smile.

"People misjudge me an awful lot. Always leaves them surprise when they discover the man beneath this shell." He lingered on her for a second, a serious glint in his eye. And his mouth curled, and he looked away and kicked at the dirt.

"The thought of that is one that I'm sure will keep many comforted on cold nights, and I am sure you have a skill second to none."

He didn't know what to say. The thought of Joza in her underwear was a wonderful one; the dress on Rhen Var had been enough of a tease that didn't leave his mind quite so easily, and for all her worth as a Zeltron, it was Joza whom he was warming to. And he hated himself for it.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Typically when Joza started being flirty, she got one of two reactions: they either started flirting back, or ignored her completely, bushing her off as a hussy or a silly child. Both she was used to, and perhaps she took things a bit too far without thinking if her conversation partner would appreciate it or not.

Her smile remained, but the humor drained from it as her eyes studied the man before her, trying to figure out if she’d done something wrong. “Oh. Yeah, I’m sure. I’m sure…” Her voice trailed, softening as it went, trying to adjust to this situation. He wasn’t flirting back, but he didn’t turn up his nose in disgust either. Whatever this was, it was a reaction she hadn’t encountered before.

“Is…everything alright, Connor?” Her voice was small and a bit childlike as she glanced back over to him, nervous that she’d somehow offended him. Unlike her pure-blooded brethren, Joza had fairly anxious nature that occasionally led her to over-analyze situations until they spiraled out of her control. She’d learn how to regulate that in her Padawan days, and often appeared more carefree, but it snuck up on her in situations like this. She genuinely liked Connor, and didn’t relish the idea of making him uncomfortable.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

First he frowned, then turned her and sighed, shaking his head.

"Everything is fine Joza, I promise. I...just, well I've..." he hated moments like this. "...it's just been a while since someone has given me attention like this. Attention I value over the trying to kill me attention or I don't agree with you attention."

He wouldn't name names, but certain allies and enemies gave him attention he didn't always desire.

"I end up hurting people. I give them attention, and they get hurt. I said it wouldn't happen again. That, and someone as pretty as you saying what you say is enough to make a warm blooded man - or woman - hot under the collar!"

Connor scratched the back of his head and couldn't help feeling like a Padawan again on Lorrd.

"I'm sorry. I'll explain one day. You're a wonderful girl, Joza. Really."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s head tilted to the side, lips parting slightly as she stared up at him with a hint of worry in her gaze. The last thing she wanted to do was scare someone off with her suggestive behavior, especially someone who had already helped her through one of the most difficult times in her life, and was already helping her through another. Do you think that everyone wants you? Get real, Joza. She chided herself mentally, trying to sort through his reaction in her head.

“Oh…” She stayed completely still, save for the faint blush that washed over her cheeks. It wasn’t as if she’d never been told she was attractive, but for some reason the way he said it made her feel a little warmer. “I’m sorry about that. I really do need to be more conscious of what I say sometimes. It’s just that…I feel comfortable with you.” She gave him a tiny, awkward smile, but it was still a smile.

Her eyes studied him for a few moments, taking in his expressions and body language in conjunction with his words. “Connor, if you want to talk—if you need to talk—then I can’t think of a better place and time than right here and right now.” Her face softened, an earnest look smoothing out her features. If Joza were looking at herself from the outside, she would have sworn that she appeared more like her gentle mother, strange as it may seem. “I won’t press you, but I will admit that I am curious about you, Connor Harrison. You’re more than the stern faced Rogue I first assumed you to be.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a stretch, cracking his fingers, the soothing Force aura around them both, Connor shook his head.

"No….not with me, nothing bothers me, don’t worry….." he shifted on the stone stair, elbows on his knees, looking down to his solace of the garden, "…I’m here for you, happy to help and talk. I say talk, I’m happy for you to do the talking and me do the helping. Nobody has much time for me recently."

He pushed out his bottom lip playfully and sighed, but it soon dissolved with a chuckle.

"Nah, I’m just playing. But thank you, Joza, I appreciate that. The more you come to learn about me, the more you’ll find I’m rather introverted to those on the outside looking in. Get in the outer wall of my trust and I’ll open up more and let you in. I have no trouble talking, but I know how much needs to be said without sounding like I need counselling, which I don’t. I’ve learnt to cope on my own. I’ve had to, you know?"

His brow arched a little as he rested his head on his hand and turned to her.

"But, by the Force, a stern faced Rogue? I’m curious to how many people think that. Not that I blame them. What are you curious about? Feel free to ask and I shall tell."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza arched a brow, looking a mix between mildly amused and confused. There was something troubling in Connor’s words, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Regardless, she would respect his boundaries and not try to push him to talk about anything he didn’t want to. Given the gritty pasts many Jedi had, she was often afraid to step on a landmine and ruin relationships.

A slow grin crept along her face and she shook her head. “Well, can you blame me? The only other times we’ve really interacted have been in battle and me being scolded…and counseled, now that I think about it.” She shifted, suddenly uncomfortable with her words. “I’m just curious about…all of you, you know? You as a person, not just the Jedi. If that makes sense.” Resting her palms behind her again, she leaned her weight onto her hands once more.

“You know so much about me, and you’ve seen me at some of my lowest points.” A pause as she reflected on that, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. “What do you do for fun? Or to relax?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

So the inevitable question came, and with a playful hum, Connor tapped his fingers on his chin. He slinked down off the stone step and la on his side, propping up his head in hand on a rested elbow and fiddled with some thin dry heather growing from the ground.

”I’ve heard of this fun you speak of,” he said slowly, ”but I don’t know what it is.”

He grinned and threw a flick of purple heather out to the Zeltron.

”I guess I prefer my own company, it’s all I’ve known. I like to go for walks and explore. I scaled a Star Destroyer skeleton once on Jakku for the fun of it. Hell of a view. I read. I drink Blue Milk.”

Chewing his cheek, he thought a few more seconds.

”And that’s it. Could say I’m a pretty boring Rogue Master on the face of it.”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza tilted back slightly, away from the assailing flower before she reached out and grasped for it with her hand. She missed, and the wispy petals floated to the ground. Being alone and being lonely were different, and she shrugged. Her kind was used to heavy social interaction, but there was something to be said for being alone. It allowed for introspection.

“That’s all good. Except for the Blue Milk part. Could never stomach the stuff myself.” Her nose wrinkled as she spoke but her expression evened out to one of curiosity after a few moments. “I’ve done quite a bit, but I can’t say that I’ve ever scaled a star destroyer or anything like that. That’s a view I’d like to see.”

Pushing a hand through her hair, Joza hummed as she thought. “I wouldn’t say boring. Considering how much battle you’ve seen, it makes sense that you’d have calmer hobbies.” She picked idly at a weed growing between one of the cracks in the tile before addressing him again, this time with a little grin. “It makes me want to see how you fair in the clubs on Zeltros, also known as my natural environment.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Wincing at the thought of a club, and on Zeltros, Connor inhaled sharply.

”Hmm, I don't know. I've traveled to some strange and dangerous places, but I don't know if I'm ready for a Zeltron club. I'd have to latch onto you and you couldn't leave me alone as I'd never make it out alive.”

He played again with the heather beneath his fingers.

”I tell you what,” he mused, ”I'll make a deal. One day you scale the destroyer with me on Jakku, brave the desert and the Graveyard Of Giants, and I'll go with you to Zeltros and experience the Joza Perl lifestyle for a little while. Sound fair?”

Connor picked the flower and tried again for the Zeltron; throwing it to her with a flick.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza hummed idly, considering his offer. “I like the desert.” She commented in an offhand way as he mentioned that long with the start destroyer and graveyard. What Joza meant was that she preferred the desert compared to an icy tundra. Like most of her race, she liked temperate, sometimes tropical climates.

But something had to be said for her affinity for Tatooine. Even the robes she wore were modeled after ornate desert patterns and had a flair for modesty. Covering up or letting it all hang out didn’t have as much to do with empowerment as simply having the choice did.

“Alright, I’ll go on your little desert field trip with you and climb some old death machine.” Extending a hand out, she managed to catch the little purple flower, accidentally crushing part of it in her enclosed fist in the process. “And if the famed Master Harrison can’t handle a dance club, I suppose we could move onto a resort? Are beaches less intimidating?” She couldn’t help but smirk as she toyed with the broken flower. It was still pretty, she decided.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Turning to look up at the natural umbrella of overhanging trees, afternoon light peeking through, Connor imagined this could be a beach. Quiet but noisy with nature. Private, isolated, relaxing. Lazing around without a care in the world. Connor actually realised he’d caught himself having NO care about the outside world currently. Something he should do more of to remember he was nothing but human, not a machine.

”I could do that. Warm sand, hence my liking for those desert worlds, blue or purple sky, warm water between your toes, a stretch of tranquillity to walk across hand in hand on and experience more than just the Jedi way.”

He nodded and looked back to her, knowing what he’d said, but to be honest, he was relaxed and it felt good.

”Sounds good to me. However, due to a certain little something,” he pointed to her tummy, ”I am postponing all expeditions and dangerous activity until after you are settled and baby Perl is here.” He grinned. ”Baby Perl. Bet you never thought you’d be laid out here talking to that rogue Connor Harrison about your future baby when you arrived on Voss, hm?”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Hmm…” Joza hummed, eyes falling closed as she entertained the thought of walking along a warm, sandy beach. It would be nice to turn off and relax for a little while, and she figured it to be especially so for Connor—seeing as how he seemed so alert at the masquerade ball. Parties were a chance to let go for her, and even though they were not without risk, she typically ignored it in favor of having fun. “The beach it is then. Maybe pop into a club later for a drink and a dance.”

The mention of hand in hand did not go unnoticed, but she decided not to draw attention to it. Besides, Joza found that she wasn’t exactly opposed to the idea. It sounded rather nice, to be honest.

At the mention of Baby Perl—she actually found that a little cute but moreso terrifying—the Zeltron huffed. Now that she was settling, her anxiety found the opportunity to jump again. She would have to give up drinking and smoking, no question. No more engaging the Sith, no more trailing slaver rings. No more dangerous fun behavior. “Never.” Exhaling sharply, she shook her head and let her hand curl into the fabric of her shirt against her stomach. “I also never thought I’d get the chance to leave Zeltros and become a Jedi, but here I am. Somewhat of a Jedi.” She shrugged. Life had been so predictable on her home planet, but things became immediately chaotic when she was thrown into the world of Jedi and Sith. “Would you believe that I was a good little Padawan who didn’t go frolicking around with Sith for the most part?”

Her lips upturned in a cheeky grin as she recalled her apprentice days. It was true, Joza had been a hardworking and sincere student—often fueled by her own anxieties and was actually somewhat of a prude.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”I can believe that. Just.” Connor smiled, sighing and shaking his head knowing all too well how fate can dictate a path one previously never thought of treading. ”Can you believe I was once a goody goody Jedi...no, hang on. No, I never was one of those really.”

He flashed her a small wink and a chuckle as he twirled his finger around more purple fauna growing from the ground.

”And you're more than somewhat of a Jedi. You're a Master. That speaks for something. Regardless of the past, I told you this - you're here, and you're doing just fine from where I'm sitting. Standing. Whatever.”

He looked down at her hand across her stomach, wondering just what was going through her mind. No doubt excitement, worry, fear, eagerness. Everything a mother-to-be would feel but amplified knowing there were Sith genes at work also.

”Joza, don't worry about them.” By them, he meant the Sith. ”You're not going to be alone during, when, and after you give birth, alright? I'm here. We are here. We're all going to be here for you. If you need me, no matter where I am, just contact me and I'll be here, alright? Unless I'm facing down a Sith Lord or riding the back of a Krayt Dragon, then you'll have to wait a few minutes.”

[member="Joza Perl"]


[member="Joza Perl"]