You're My Only Hope...

[Ben Corscifine]

He had sent out the holo message to the only person in the galaxy whose number he possessed. She was a much-missed friend and a much needed comfort.

"Jessica, I wish that your hearing from me could be under better circumstances. Turns out I'm reaching out much sooner than I had expected, and with little good reason." Ben Corscifine's face was not the youthful image of virility and confidence that it usually was. His hair was longer than usual, and he was unshaven--stubble growing on his cheeks and along his jawline--and his eyes were clearly dark with restlessness. Seeing in his mind the face of his dear near-human friend, his brown eyes retained a certain gleam, and a familiar, simple smile crossed his otherwise haggard face.

"I have left the Jedi Order. I don't want to bore you with the details over comm, and I really would rather see you anyway, but I have no one in the whole galaxy anymore, and nowhere to go. I need to find a purpose that has abandoned me, and your doorstep is the only place I could think to start. I know that this probably sounds very desperate and even more unwelcome, but please, if you hold me fondly in your memory, come find me in that cafe where we had drinks on Chazwa.

"I have a lot to tell you, and I need a friend."

Ben did not know how he was meant to handle his own decision to go into exile, but he had to start someplace. He did not know what exactly he was searching for, but he knew that he could no longer be still.

And not a day had gone by since meeting Jessica in which Ben did not imagine speaking to her once again.

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

Kark laws. Speed limits? Traffic Violations? To hells with them.

Besides, when you had Justice Money, fines were a joke.... If you got caught.

Making record time to Chazwa, Jessica could be found running through the streets, accidentally bumping into more than a few people as she bee-lined the best of her ability to that cantina. Plumes of smoke followed like a steam-engine train, smoking in a manner that would both be a source of pride and concern for her father. Finishing the Red as she reached the entrance, she'd flick it aside and manage a forced, but still winning, smile to the bouncer on her way in.

Dressed similar to normal; high boots, short skirt, tank-top and short-jacket with concealed hold-out blaster, she entered the cantina, eyes scanning fervently for that familiar face. Her pheromones didn't proceed ahead of her, as her concern for her friends well-being kind of overrode her subconscious desire for attention.

Still, faces turned, as a pretty girl of her caliber tended to need to introduction. Eventually though, she saw the face she was seeking.... or at least, the profile of it. Ben's eyes were downcast, as was common and expected of one in a downward slump of depression. She'd move swiftly to his table, slipping into the seat across from him. Concern was excessively apparent across her face as she stared at Ben.

"I came as swiftly as I could. Are ye.... Are ye alright? What... No.... not here..." She'd cut herself off, scanning the environment. Giving a slight nod, more to herself than anyone, her eyes snapped to Ben's. "Come with me. Ye say ye have nowhere ta go, then I be givin' ye one. Let's go ta me ship. Ye need a fresh start? Then a fresh locale be the best path ta a fresh start." A delicate hand extended towards Ben, as a soft, genuine smile was offered. "What do ye say? We can talk more comfortably aboard the Angel." Like all of the ships the Justice clan seemed to fly, they were all named Angel. James' Lost Angel. Brook's Princess Angel. And Jess' Rowdy Angel. She felt it was fitting.

Still, it was Ben who needed saving, so she was intent to play this out as he saw fit.


[member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Ben Corscifine]

It was good to see her face. The last several weeks had been a whirlwind for Ben: Corvus gone, Dune knighted, Ben's decision to leave Lothal and his training behind. He did not intend a permanent absence, but he could not be with the Order...not with Corvus gone. It was mostly the way that his master, his trusted friend, had disappeared without an explanation. Ben had felt so alone, with his whole concept of purpose cast into nothingness.

It was time to make his own sense of purpose.

Jessica had come, and Ben's spirits were significantly raised. He had missed those purple eyes--he had not until now noticed that both Jessica and Corvus had those strong, piercing eyes. Usually, Ben had noticed on their first meeting, Jessica's eyes were the only place where one could find her true feelings. On this particular occasion, however, Jessica's usual facade had given way to concern. Ben saw her apparent care for him and immediately felt safer. It was good to see her so honest. Or, maybe Ben just saw what he wanted to see.

He took the hand as she offered, but, when he felt the contact of his skin on hers he had to stand and pull her into an embrace. It was good to have her near. The name of her ship was fitting, she was very much descending into his pit of despair, an angelic light in the darkness. Today, she was very much his savior and guiding light.

"Yes, let's go...the sooner the better."

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

As he pulled her in, she couldn't refrain from taking a long, slow, breath through her nose, taking in his scent. His embrace, felt right. Natural. When the man pulled away, her knee-weakening smile was what he was rewarded with. At his words, she'd nod, and start towards the door, guiding him out. They shared no words on the way, on the warmth of each others presence. In short order, Ben would be greeted by a familiar sight. The Rowdy Angel, the same ship he last watched this woman leave him upon, was waiting for them, entry ramp lowered, and the warm glow of the interior lighting as a welcoming beacon for them. It seemed, (perhaps a little influenced by the young woman's subconscious use of the Force) as if it were a beacon of hope, of salvation, of a new beginning for Ben.

As before, the little astromech, a BB unit, whirled and chirped tauntingly, to which Jessica laughed and playfully scolded the little droid. "Alright, ye git! I dannae care what me da thinks about me bringing a man aboard me ship! We help people, and if'n he want's ta have a tiff over it, I'll be sure ta not make 'im any more of me special tea!" Not much of a threat, but she knew as protective as her father could be, he'd not deny his daughters will to help someone in need. He'd do the same had he been in her shoes. She was sure of it.

The fact that she fancied the boy more than just a little shouldn't matter..... right?

A quick tour of the ship, and she'd secure some spare pillows and blankets. "I apologize, but this freighter was nae built with entertainin' of guests in mind. Only one bed means ye get the sofa 'ere in the lounge. At least it's comfy!" She'd state cheerfully. The sofa, as it turns out, was quite comfortable. Softer than most beds tended to be. "In fact, sometimes on long trips, I find meself sleepin' on it almost as oft' as me own bunk!"

Meanwhile, the BB unit had already gotten the second astromech, a friendly little K1 model, to help prep the ship for launch. The engines started to hum, warming up, as clearance to launch was requested. After setting the sleeping-stuffs upon the sofa, a hand was offered to Ben once more. "C'mon, let us go ta the bridge. I believe it's time we said 'fair well for now' to good 'ol Chazwa!" With a bounce, almost a skip, in her step, Jessica would lead Ben to the cockpit, taking the pilot-seat, while gesturing towards the co-pilot's seat. "Ye got any flight experience to go with that pretty face?" Yup, there's the flirting. She knew she couldn't resist the urge for too long.


[member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Ben Corscifine]

It was only their second meeting, but there was something already familiar about time spent with Jessica. She was rougher than anyone Ben had met on Lothal, both in her manner of speaking and her way of being. And yet, Ben somehow felt a sense of ease and safety around her that the cool-headed Jedi never gave him. It was probably her unabashed honesty—yes, she was a criminal by trade, with a morality far removed from the strict codes of the Jedi, but there was something pure in her voice and in her eyes. When he was with her, he felt the opposite of the suspicion he sometimes felt around his Masters on Lothal. He watched her attentively, maybe even carelessly, as she spread the bedclothes on the sofa.

Maybe he was simply under her spell.

It was as if the simple act of leaving Lothal had cut something out of Ben, rending from his guts the roots of his sense of duty and purpose—or maybe Corvus had done that. Jessica was clearly flirting with Ben. Not surprising, necessarily, except in as much as Ben felt special in this moment. Something in him had snapped open, and he no longer felt like another clueless man manipulated by something beautiful. His code still floating in his blood somewhere, he averted his eyes just as Jessica finished setting up.

As she led him to the bridge, Ben felt so much older…

"Ye got any flight experience to go with that pretty face?"

Nope. He was still something of a kid. And he sure as hell wasn’t a pilot. If there was a time to admit you don’t know anything, it’s after you leave your first home. “I think you’ll find me an exceptionally quick learner.” He took the co-pilot seat with a coy smile, emboldened by Jessica’s compliment and by his own sense of abandon.

Ben had piloted a Jedi Starfighter in his time at the Academy. Once.

This was going to be fun.

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

She couldn't refrain from gleefully clapping her hands at his reply. Oh, this was going to be a grand adventure! The droids maneuvered about behind the two seated humanoids, managing small subroutines and other navigationally relevant tasks, while Jessica began guiding the Angel into orbit. "Ah figure Ah should start ye with some basics, 'fore subjecting ye ta more risky endeavors, like leaving orbit." She'd say with a wink. After clearing a fair distance from Chazwa, the young woman turned a playful eye to her compatriot.

"Well then, handsome.... Where's a pirate lass ta abscond with one such as yeself ta?" She'd tease, inquiring possible places for a new start. "There be many worlds one can go ta start anew, if'n that be what one wants...." She'd state, bringing up a couple of viable options on the astrogation charts. "Pick a point love, and Ah'll see ta ye getting there!" She'd almost sing-song, smiling, those piercing hues gazing at Ben. She hoped desperately that she was lifting his spirits, and that this adventure was what he needed. A fresh start, a new life, and new hope....

At this point the BB unit began blaring and trilling, to which Jessica rounded her attention to the noisy little astromech. "Ah'll have ye NOT poisoning 'is decision-making, thank ye!! Soceras is not a good place..... Well, okay, it is a good place ta lose oneself, but it is not a good place ta start anew!" she scolded, before growing contemplative for a moment. Turning to Ben, her face holding an expression of gentle unease. "Ye... ye be seeking a good life.... Yeah? If'n ye be seeking.... more.... dangerous.... paths.... Ah think Soceras would be a decent choice, in that case alone....."

[member=Ben Corscifine]​

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben had seen quite a few astrogation charts, but only ever in an academic setting at the Temple on Lothal. It wasn't until every door was open to him that the young man realized just how huge the galaxy was. Where would he go? And what would he do when he got there? These were questions he had never asked on Lothal--he hadn't had a choice. Until weeks ago, Ben Corscifine had had his entire life laid out before him. The episodes were subject to variation, but the outline had been constant: Knighthood, the Republic, the Order. Now there was just a giant map, a pretty girl, and the vague tingle of adventure on the horizon.

Maybe not the worst condition for a young man to be in.

Ben didn't know how to respond to Jess's suggestions. He had hardly been away from Lothal, and even when he was off-world, it was under the supervision of a superior in the Order. Most of these systems were wholly unfamiliar to Ben aside from being names on charts. "Soceras...that's where you came from?" He wasn't looking for a dangerous path--not really--but he needed a path. Jess's concern for him warmed him a little. It meant a lot to him that she wanted a good life for him. He guessed that's what friends are meant to want for each other.

Ben pressed his elbows into his legs and leaned forward. His gaze wandered from the charts to the cartographer--[member="Jessica Justice"], with those piercing eyes. Her knee-weakening smile elicited his dumbfounded one. He couldn't help but grin when she was looking right at him. Ben couldn't help but wonder if she made everyone feel this way.

"You don't think it's a good idea to go there?"

 

[Jessica Justice]

She'd give a slight shake of her head. "Not quite. I be from the core. Coruscant ta be exact. Me Da came an' found me there. Lead me out and inta the great, wide 'verse!" She'd say, spreading her arms wide, gesturing to the charts. "But Soceras... Well, me Da runs it. Found it, weeded out most of the really bad bads. The slavers, the hard drug pushers an' producers. It still be a hive of villainy and illicit activities, but none that actively harms others."

She'd look back to Ben, and feel a strong temptation to reach out to touch that gentle face of his... "Ye be sweet, innocent, and truthfully, Ah fear a place like Soceras would taint ye." She'd say, a soft smile on her lips. "So, let us find ye somewhere else for a fresh start." She'd say, reaching out and instead of touching his face, rested her hand on his knee.

"For now though, let's get this show going!" Jessica stated cheerfully, turning to the controls for the ship. Gesturing as she explained what was what. "Throttle, stick, altimeter. Shields, various alarms, and, if needed, weapons systems. Let's get out in ta open space!" And with that, she eased the throttle forward, and they began propelling away from Chazwa's immediate space.

[member=Ben Corscifine]​

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben hoped he was lucky in that all of his teachers would be beautiful women--Corvus had an elegant beauty, but Jessica's was more youthful and spontaneous. If it weren't for her cool eyes, Ben would swear she was made of fire. Even if Ben was inexperienced and not particularly interested in piloting ships--he had given very little thought to it, if he was being honest; he preferred to fight with his feet on the ground--this was hardly a disagreeable learning environment.

There were quite a lot of controls, but the art of flight seemed far less complicated with Jess's rundown of the basics. Ben had only rarely had such a vista of the galaxy from the cockpit of a spaceship. The last time he remembered spending any significant time in a copilot's chair is when he met with Corvus for the first time, at the beginning of his training. Ben did not like to feel small, which was hard to help in the face of both a daunting vastness of stars and his complete inability to fly a ship staring him in the face.

"So how much of this is just autopilot anyway? And what does the copilot do that the pilot doesn't?" Ben shot the pilot a coy smile, "And how long before I'm better at this than you are? I've got and eye on that seat."

Confidence in the face of ignorance: Ben Corscifine's exile hadn't changed him too much. Although now that Ben had abandoned the Order, he did feel a little less guilty for the extra moment that his eyes lingered on his companion's lower half.

As long as there were no surprises, maybe Ben would make a decent co-pilot. Given the right training, of course.

"What do you have in mind?"

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

"Autopilot? Plenty 'o it, truth be told. But, Ah be more a fan 'o flyin' meself when Ah can." She'd say, smirking. "And also, be careful how keenly ye be eye me seat. Ah may get the wrong impression 'o the nature 'o our relationship." She'd quip, winking with more than a slight hint of flirtation back at Ben.

"Some aspects 'o flyin' be managed by the droids. If'n Ah be extra lazy, Ah can trust these two ta get me wherever Ah need ta be." She'd state, gesturing to her droids. "But, me Da always taught me ta be more..... hands on...." She' explain, as she toggled a couple switches idly, before easing the throttle forward the rest of the way to maximum impulse. "We be approaching cruising speed. If'n ye be wantin' a new start across the galaxy, we be about five minutes out from where ye will need ta hit that button." She'd intone, gesturing to a large button in the center of the console between their seats.

"That be the control for the hyper-drives. Jump us inta Hyperspace, get us on our way across the cosmos. The first step on yer journey, be a big red button."

[member="Ben Corscifine"]​

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben smiled. A big red fresh start button was absolutely an appealing concept. The Order had left Ben with a great deal of baggage and not much else--aside from the lightsaber and space magic, which Ben guessed was pretty cool. He could soon be somewhere else entirely, on the edge of adulthood and free. That was a thought: freedom. Ben hadn't considered his current situation to be a liberation until this moment, with the engines of The Rowdy Angel humming through the vacuum of space and the gleaming hyperdrive switch all neat and easy at his fingertips.

But easy was about to go out the window.

A module on the control board of the ship began to beep somewhere beside Ben. He spun in the co-pilot seat to find the source of the warning signal. He soon found the ship's radar, two small blips and a third, slightly larger, coming toward them quickly.

"Jess?" Ben blurted, concerned. "Do you see this?"

Across a quickly shrinking expanse of space, three vessels approached. At the point flew a ship about the size of Jessica's, flanked by two fighters. They sported no uniform color. Pirates or mercenaries, clearly chasing Ben and Jessica.

"How soon can we make that jump?"

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

The young scoundrel just finished queueing up coordinates for their first jump when the alarm began blaring.

"Oh feth...." she swore. "That be a sound that belongs in the 'things Ah dun't want ta hear' list." She grumbled as she grabbed the controls of the ship. "Looks like yer lesson in flying be delayed love. Keep an eye on the sensors. Ah need another three minutes before we make the jump!"

She hoped that her little freighter would be able to keep far enough ahead the potential hostiles close enough to open fire.

Luck wasn't quite on her side at this time....

Ben would see the target-lock alert flash as the first salvo of missiles were launched. When he cried out a warning, the little BB unit rolled to a terminal, and jacked in.

Outside the ship, near the rear, two small compartments opened, releasing multiple small, electronic devices. Each one was mimicking the ship's frequency, causing the missiles to redirect and close in. Their explosions were small, but the Electromagnetic Pulses they released would have surely fried the ship's engines.

"Good thinking B-Boy! Now, let's git gone while we be able!!! Hit it Ben!" Jessica cried out to her copilot.


[member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben had never in his life experienced space combat. He felt the ship lurch forward as the missiles that he had seen on the sensor detonated just behind The Rowdy Angel. Ben had no idea why anyone had any reason to fire on the ship. Were they after him or Jess? The latter seemed more likely. Ben wasn't well connected outside of Lothal, but he hadn't lived under a rock: he knew Jess was the daughter of an infamous crime lord. These bannerless aggressors may be enemies of Justice Shipping. Or perhaps they were just looking to steal a ship and whatever it held.

Either way, Jess's BB unit had outsmarted them for now. Ben didn't know much about space combat, but he knew they didn't have long before the next barrage of missiles. Jess was barking orders like a real ship captain. Ben had to hide his glee at observing her out of her comfort zone but so in her element. Unlike him, [member="Jessica Justice"] was born for danger.

"Does this thing have any guns?" Ben exclaimed, watching the hostiles creep closer and closer on the sensors.

Before he knew it Jessica was commanding him to hit the hyperdrive, so Ben slammed his hand down on the big red button, hoping with all his might that they could escape their attackers.

 

[Jessica Justice]

"Guns? A few. More ta dissuade a single ill-intentioned pirate." She'd state, falling back into her seat as the ship lurched into hyperspace, their pursuers quickly fading behind them.

"But against three, one which looked ta be much larger than the Angel here.... well, let's just say we'd be having.... less than favorable odds...." she'd say with a soft, nervous giggle. "Ah'm just glad that me crew be capable." A smirk and a wink given to Ben before rising from her seat.

"We be on the way ya Commenor. My adopted Aunt be a senator there. It'd be a peaceful world for ye ta restart from. We have a few days before our first stop for fueling. Let's get some rest."

She'd offer a hand to Ben, nodding towards the corridor out from the cockpit towards the living quarters. The BB unit gave a low, taunting whistle, wiggling back and forth teasingly like a little sibling threatening to tattle.


[member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Ben Corscifine]

The endless blue of hyperspace enveloped the ship as Ben felt the button give under his palm. They were safe, and everything was peaceful again. Ben had actually never been in the cockpit for a hyperspace jump before, and all things aside, it was lovely. He was glad to know they had managed to escape whatever danger they had left behind in the space beyond Chazwa--for now at least.

Ben knew nothing of Commenor, but was willing to take Jess's word for it. The adrenaline was pumping through the young man's veins, and he was still full of focus and dread. Ben was not much for relaxing, and the surprise guests to his going away party had ensured that he would be on edge. Still, something about Jessica extending a hand to him put Ben Corscifine at peace, if only a bit. He happily accepted her gesture, and allowed himself to be led into the living quarters. He willfully ignored the chiding droid. Ben didn't speak their language, anyway.

"Days, huh?" Ben grinned, emboldened by their escape. "I guess we're going to have to find a way to occupy ourselves." He sat and reclined on the sofa Jessica had made up for him. "You have anything fun to do on this rustbucket, Captain Justice?"

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

"Rustbucket!?" She cried out in feigned indignity, grabbing a throw pillow from the end of the sofa, and sending it with some force at the handsome face on the other end of said sofa. Her Firrerreo heritage showed faintly from that one soft cushion impact, had he any clue of said heritage. Taking up a second throw pillow, her eyes alight like a fire. "Fun? Ah can think 'o a few things!" She'd tease with a grin, waiting for Ben to take up his weapon.

"Defend yerself, Ben! Have at ye!" she cried out. 'Weapon' in hand or, not, she lunched, swinging the pillow playfully at his head, a laugh cutting the air as she did so. Yes, this could prove to be plenty of fun.

The BB unit rolled into the room, witnessed the first strike, gave a low whistle, before turning about promptly and rolling back into the cockpit, ushering the K1 unit along with it, very much a 'nothing to see here' manner in it's tones to the larger droid.

[member="Ben Corscifine"]​

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben was quite happy, actually, that Jessica had initiated a small skirmish. Some perverse part of him had been a little disappointed that the two escaped Chazwa without seeing combat. Ben loved stability as much as the next Jedi, but sometimes he got bored when there wasn't something careening towards his head. And on the list of preferable possible threats, [member="Jessica Justice"] with a throw pillow was high. After recoiling from the initial impact, Ben seized the pillow just in time to meet his opponent's lunge.

But Ben was a bladesman first, and the throw pillow proved an awkward instrument of force. He swung too hard and pulled himself along with the weight of the pillow. He laughed as Jessica slammed his back. Pressing his legs into the ground, he threw Jessica back across the sofa with his back.

He moved to pull his pillow into a guard, forgetting that it was not rigid or straight like a sword. It flopped down slothfully. The young Jedi surely looked ridiculous.

"I'm good at this, I promise. The weighting is just all off when it's a pillow!" He tried his best to explain, the grin glued to his face.

Ben swung the throw in a wide arc over his head, thinking of it more like a flail than a sword. He leaned forward and poised to bring the pillow hard into Jessica's side.

 

[Jessica Justice]

The giggling. Had anyone other than the droids been present aboard the ship, all they would hear WAS Jessica's giggling. She hasn't had so much fun in ages. The boy was just too damn cute flailing that pillow around.

Jessica was to busy giggling to prepare an adequate defense against his side-swipe. The pillow made contact, as she gave a startled yelp. Tumbling onto the sofa, she began flailing the pillow ineffectively in Ben's direction with one hand, while she attempted to get her bearings and back upon her feet.

Unfortunately, she was small, and the sofa was big, and soft, and made hurried movement for the petite woman exceedingly difficult and awkward. Especially while attempting to maintain some measure of propriety with that tauntingly short skirt on.

All the while, the giggles continued.



[member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Ben couldn't help but notice Jessica struggling to keep her skirt from hiking too far up her already largely bare leg. He was a young man, with little experience with women and an imagination that the Jedi considered more than slightly overactive. His bad judgement in the face of lust was a struggle in his early adolescence, and it had been a topic of discussion between Ben and some of the Masters on Lothal. Part of him was chiding his thoughts, while a part of him countered that he was no longer working for a promotion from the Jedi Order any more. And Ben could feel deep down that Jessica was touched by the Force--maybe together they were padawans of a different kind, disciples of their own training regimen.

Yet there was no denying the values that had been baked into Ben's mind. Whether he agreed or not, there was shame when he reached out a hand to touch her, pushing her down against the sofa and raising the pillow playfully. There was shame in the way he drank in her laughter the way he had been taught to drink in the Force during meditation. But this was the only way Ben had ever known calm, staring into someone's eyes with violence or lust in his head-- meditation had so rarely worked to silence his mind. The only thing that did that was intention, pure and unclouded. And looking down at the small woman, the young Jedi was full of it. He ran his hand up her side, forgetting himself in the play.

And then he blinked, and they were very close. He felt himself turning red and pulling away slightly.

[member="Jessica Justice"]

 

[Jessica Justice]

Her own complexion reddened with Ben's, her own thoughts not far from his own. That thrill of electricity his hand ran up her side. They were young, hormonal, and very much attracted to one another.

She'd be a liar if she claimed no desire for the young rogue padawan, but she felt it was more than a carnal one. Had he pushed for more, she likely would have given it to him, given her Zeltron heritage, and her largely lone upbringing... but when he did the stronger thing and pulled away, she felt a flicker in the back of her mind.

She wanted him. Completely, not carnally, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The strength he showed in that seemingly simple action sealed her fate.

As he moved slightly away, she sat up and straightened her attire with a sheepish smile. Looking Ben in the eye, her smile softened with affection. "Ben, Ah need ta ask ye two favors... nay, three...." she started, the intensity of her state, and the warmth of her smile enough to render any man observing the two into a fit of jealousy, even without her passive pheromones in the atmosphere.


[member="Ben Corscifine"]