Alone in the dark.

[Lupaster]

Theme​

High hopes ended oblique as Shishi's steps did indeed cross the mark of thousand to unnumbered light years traversed quickly through technology that was 'Hyper drive'. Yes, the Chiss lassie didn't own a space craft and if Shi had had then she wouldn't have encountered such predicament that she was by then facing. The plan was pretty simple and such Aa'shi'ra had devised was to slip in unnoticed and get the cargo then go poof. So soon after meeting with her Chiss brethren on Csilla, Shi embarked a journey across different grids jumping from 'Comit' nearby her home-world to Coruscant passing by Celwis. And She didn't even think about getting some rest. Actually, on the contrary and with due respect to her disdain to the capital city controlled by the filthy treacherous Sith, Shi pushed forward through Perlemian trade route though not continuing onward and far but preferring instead to go for Kashyyk.

If you didn't manage to predict where she was going, then it was time to spoil it all up. Shi was heading for Hutt space with a mischievous intention of infiltrating their shipyard then hijacking a Chiss battleship. Of course, the blue girl didn't plan to go back through the same route as she really doubted the Sith would allow it. Simply Shi would shift the ship's course to Bothawui then split the whole thing into parts and sell them to the Bothan brothers. Shi wouldn't only get credits for her fellow Chiss only but the parts needed to complete a certain project in mind which was a frigate with special capabilities.

Shi aimed big and jumped high but unfortunately she fell so hard. It was in Lannik that this young Chiss made her stand since operation 'Subtlety' went awry when she was spotted by the cartel prior slipping in. Well, the Cartel acted differently form those who dwelt in the Hapas consortium and that was the reason for her being captured. The way the Cartel operated was certainly intriguing, Shi thought to herself as her hands were shackled to the wall, her knees feeling the harsh ground beneath and the coolness of special kind of collar was decorating her neck. A collar that was meant only for slaves.

Then why she was alive? Shi kept questioning herself the same question as why things suddenly went perverse. The answer was certainly simple, her approach was not as diplomatic. Instead, Shi had to be one with the shadows becoming betrothed to dark corners sneeking to the battleship docked which she successfully did. The second part was to slice through the cockpit to gain control over it's main systems but the surprise stroke her on the spot. The boards where the circuits were built in was forcefully removed rendering the ship ultimately useless. It was a trap that wasn't meant for her as it was meant for rogue fangs though she fell for it nonetheless. The cartel security force swarmed in as she made her fight inside the cockpit fending off by the power of suppressive fire until she was dry on bullets. One trapped against, Shi couldn't flee not to mention the inability to hunt her hunters her down due to the lack of space and cover, plus working on and against two entrances in the same time was difficult. Once out of ammo, Shi opted for melee as they charged after a short period of respite gauging as why the bullet storm stopped blowing. They came for her and she went for them slashing one, parrying the other then getting her face wacked with a club of sorts.

That's explain the pain she felt within her jaws. However what really explained Shi's head being split in half by a bullet was the mere fact that her belt stopped functioning once she lost conscience. Thus she lost her human appearance and went blue all of a sudden, by then the security whole prospective changed from a thief of sorts try to steal into a Chiss infiltrator going in to hijack thus changing the hopless grim situation. Shi's life was spared but not much could be said about her fractured ribs from a night full of kicking, she didn't feel it that abysmal night but she awfully felt by then alone in the darkness.

'Great!' Thoughtful sarcasm fleeted quickly her mind while feeling her dry blood upon her tongue and the slight cut across the side of her lips. No more Shi was clad in her light armor but was essentially cloaked in rags as she remained unspoiled. It meant that she was present to be a present and the prize was nothing but a teenager Chiss.

At least she was alive, at least Shi could her own chuckle and taste the pain of being alive across her body. In the darkness that was her cell, her crimson red gaze peeked at the bowl of water out of her reach. How her shackled hands were supposed to grab them to drink? What kind of mockery was this? Were they laughing at her just outside behind their masks?

The cell was so dark and what was left for Shi was nothing but to wait for her own fate while forcing out a malicious smile.

 

[Gaja]

A luxurious apartment was illuminated by the day light, and all the valuables inside. From a leather chair a man watched the Nar Shaddaa skyline, which could easily be confused for that of Coruscant some ten years ago, while a child drew using one of the newest holo drawing programs of the other side of the room. While she was still a child the little girl, only nine in age, was a talented artist as she attempted to recreate her family. To her, her father was Superman. He was the strongest man in the world and nobody was stronger or kinder than he was.

Looking closer at the parent one saw a man in his thirties sitting in a leather chair, looking out the window and wondering about something while a big brown wooden desk was next to him. Kashyyyk imported wood, very sturdy and expensive, was the material used. On the table was a few devices, among other things the man's TranspariPad.

Looking closer at the man one saw a very muscular human who had the look of a fighter about him. Big muscles and short hair. The medals on his desk reminded him of his accomplishments in the war some ten years ago. The phone rang. His eyes moved away from the passing traffic and his hand reached towards the device as the little girl continued to draw, quite used to hearing the device ring.

Seeing who it was that called him the man wasn't sure why they were calling him. "Yeah?" The reply was short and to the point. "Boss, there's been an incident over at the docks." Despite living a few hours away from where it all went down Yuri Sharp didn't waste time and made the trip there to see what went down.

He'd eventually learn that a Chiss woman had tried to steal the ship from under the Cartel's nose but that she was still alive, which he was quite surprised about. The local Enforcer who ran those docks briefed Yuri on what happened exactly and led him to where they kept her. Their conversation was mostly regarding the young Chiss.

Once they entered the cells however their conversation stopped and another figure joined them, the one who kept everyone in chains. The main Jailer, a bald mean old guy... "There she is. Hasn't said much lately... Hehehe." He snickered sadistically, no doubt looking forward to inflicting more pain upon the sorry souls who were chained here. From the shadows emerged the three, from Aa'shi'ra's point of view the Jailer stood all the way on the right, Yuri was in the middle while the Enforcer was to the left.

It would be her first time seeing the two men on the left. Though it was a bit noticeable that Yuri was the one in charge, judging by the way the man on the left addressed him. "We've restrained her, she won't cause problems for us anymore." Looking at the "woman" Yuri was surprised to see that she wasn't that old, at all.

And so after a few more seconds the tall human finally spoke. "What's your name girl?" He looked upon her with this stern look, though deep inside the man saw someone in chains and that always struck a very particular place in his heart. The other two remained silent, though were a bit surprised at Yuri's desire to learn her name.

 

[Lupaster]

The sense of hearing didn't lie, they were faint indeed but grew louder with each passing moment. They were the steps of fate, the fate which the young Chiss was waiting for. Each step had it's weight speaking honestly about their proprietors. And one of them, Shi picked up it's rhythm, was truly heavy as fate should be. But Alone in the dark, she patiently waited for judgment and execution. Though Aa'shi'ra couldn't grasp the grim visage of death yet but she was pretty much determined to smile back at it's gaze. And if she had to die, then she would do with a curse upon her lips.

However Shi didn't have to wait for long, as from within the shadows three figures had emerged and appeared clearly despite the lack of light and overwhelming dark radiance. The Chiss' eyes gleamed a little bit, the blood of her people that evolved across the centuries coursed through her veins making it possible to see a glimpse of their shapes. They were able to see her as the bars of her cell showered the imprisoned with dancing hues of never sleeping Nar Shaddaa. And Shi saw them as they saw her. Three graced her with their presence beginning from the extreme right, a mocking clown that was a Jailor. To the opposite, standing aside to her left lied a stranger who proved new to the crimson red marble like eyes. But whomever he was, the enforcer didn't hold a candle to the person who stood between them. The one with such frightening aura, Shi could say that the heavy steps belonged him. That much could be concluded that he was their boss.

“What is your name girl?” Ah, it was fate knocking her door thus the Chiss raised her head to meet his gaze with hers.

“Aa'shi'ra is the name..” That what Shi said remembering Mara brought a smile over her wounded lips. “Infiltrating is the game, big boss!” The teenager rattled her shackles thus she continued and words flew away “Ooops! I would have shook your hand..but! As you can see, they are tied.” This one proved to be very talkative Chiss for one of her own species.

“Tell ya what! Unshackle me and I hereby swear that I would bake you Corillean Air cakes everyday” Shi let out a mischievous giggle but in the same time felt painful throbbing stinging her ribs which muffled her giggles with some tired coughs and jaded groans. They didn't know that the sweetest air cake ever was called 'vengeance'. It was bound to become her own quote for the teenager had a sweet tooth that she couldn't resist. Unwise as Shi was, one of the many things she would yield to were sweet temptations.

 

[Gaja]

Between the two laid steel bars and as he saw her wide cheeky grin and heard her reply Yuri thought about his time helping the Chiss Ascendancy battle the Rakghoul plague back in 1012 ABY. Looking at Shi he wondered, how old was she back then? Two, three, four? The former Imperator as well as the Chief of CAIN had personally met with him and the other brave souls who pulled it of and awarded them with medals and honors. To this day the Chiss Ascendancy offered a home, a safe haven to Yuri Sharp. Despite everything they didn't forget what he did for them and because of it there was a friendship there that would last as long as Yuri was alive.

Looking at the girl the man remained silent, contemplating what he was to do with her. Others would probably want to kill her and erase her from the face of the galaxy and be done with it, but Yuri wasn't like the others. "Open it." He said in a calm voice. He didn't need steel cages to keep him safe from a young girl. He wasn't threatened by her at all and as such he wished to speak with her properly. The jailor looked at the Captain, then at the Enforcer and without a word did as he was told. He had seen the videos and reports of what it looked when Yuri Sharp fought someone.

And so the door to the cell opened with a swipe of the jailor's palm, as if he were a Jedi though in reality it was because he had an implant in his hand that could open any door in this facility, Yuri left the other two behind and entered. His imposing figure drew closer and closer and within seconds Shi saw what Yuri's opponents saw when they stared in to his eyes. One could say a Reaper?

"Tell me Ashira... Do you want to stay here, with them?" Obviously he meant the two behind him. If the girl didn't realize it this was probably her only chance to escape this hell, and if she didn't convince Yuri to get her out her destiny would be chains and beatings, and possibly worse at the hands of the Jailor, his Bosses... "Or would you really like to come with me?"

His brown eyes looked at her and the man tried to judge her. Could he trust again in people like he used to? Or was betrayal something that was in everyone and he was naive in seeking it? Who knew... Or maybe he simply liked to defy the odds.

 

[Lupaster]

“Open it!”

Shi heard as her eyes widened in disbelief. The Chiss lassie never thought that the boss would enter her cell. Actually, it surprised her more as why he was there in the first place instead of disposing from afar. Yet, the nonchalant smirk didn't leave her blue face. Shi was trying to act tough, something the young one was successful at for some extent. However when Yuri entered her solitary cell, Shi was able to drink on his visage and her smile began to die and wither like a fallen leaf meant soon to be crushed and Shi didn't want to get crushed.

Shi met his gaze with her own though the task was difficult that is for sure specially when what she saw in his eyes was death. Guess what? Smiling at the face of death was a courageous and daunting task. By then, she felt that she was just a teenager girl locked up in a dark cell but no more she was alone. Shishi was alone in the dark with Yuri who was her judicator, jury and executioner. He was everything as fate dictated that he was her fate.

'Eh!' Suddenly became so dumbfounded by his unexpected one time proposal. Yuri didn't ask her why she was there in the first place, he didn't interrogate the young Chiss with ultimate force questioning why she attempted to hijack a battleship. Between his hands, figuratively, there were two pills, red and blue. It was a deal that she can't refuse and perhaps Shi would live after all. Mayhaps the young Chiss was still far away from Death's clutch despite how close she was bowing to it, peering at it while silently praying that it would change it's mind as not to claim her blue soul.

Shishi gulped a frightened saliva as she felt the beads of anxiety trickling from her forehead own to her cheek. She had to answer the big boss who happened to be really big.

“I..umm..I want to go with you” Unintentionally Shi was able to quietly pull out some words of wisdom and a ticket for safety that if Yuri was convinced. But why would he? Maybe because of the collar trapping her neck. In the end Shi managed a shy innocent smile pure of mischief while raising a righteous eyebrow of suspicion.

Salvation and annihilation are the opposite yet they are two sides of the same coin. What is it going to be? The imprisoned Chiss contemplated and tired to cross her fingers but her hands were tied.

 

[Gaja]

Looking at the young one the man's expression was difficult to read. An imposing and intimidating man when he wanted to be, and sometimes even when he didn't, he looked at her with these intense eyes and you knew right then and there, this guy was something else. He wasn't your typical two-bit thug who just tried to live day by day. He wasn't here to as a pawn of some king. He was a king, however if this was chess this king was a tad different than your average one.

And if she had the character and courage maybe she'd learn a bit about him. "Unlock them..." It was then that the two were joined by the Head Jailor who with a simple click of a button unlocked Shi's shackles and observed quietly. He wasn't sure what was going on but he wasn't about to start playing the smart guy now, he simply did as he was told. A lot of times it was that way of thinking that allowed someone to live freely and live to see the next day, talking back.... Well talking back in this situation could earn you a first class beating and a trip to the hospital.

It was the truth, the man was scared of Yuri. He saw and knew what Yuri did to guys like Lyon Skirata, a Mandalorian Clan leader. Watching gladiator fights was never watching an execution. Watching a Yuri Sharp fight, you watched a destruction. Guys like Maxx Trhall, Lyon Skirata... all good fighters but against Yuri they just got mauled.

The chains held Shi no more and the girl was free, and before her stood this tall muscular human crime lord. "Come with me..." What was he to do with her now...

From there it was a minute long walk to reach the exit of that section of the facility. Obviously they were no longer at the docks, at least not the part where Shi tried to steal the Chiss ship. For the better part of a minute Yuri didn't say much, though as he exited the cells only the Enforcer walked behind him, and unless Shi decided to back out now her as well.

Once they made two lefts they reached a large room, or office to be more precise, with more than enough space for all three of them. "Take a seat Ashira..." What indeed was he supposed to do with her now. Bring her to his home, where his daughter was? Hell no, he didn't trust her enough. But what was he supposed to do with her then...

Taking a seat himself he looked at her and wondered. Now not quite as intense as before Yuri wondered...

 

[Lupaster]

“Unlock them..”​

Yuri was a man of short precise words but when he spoke others eventually obeyed, they must as there was no otherwise. The Jailor played his role so commendably once he clicked the button, the ticking which had set certain armatures and gears in quick motions freeing her hands in the instant. Indeed wonders of the technology though indeed Shi never did put such appliance in study but she was able to understand the process in mere seconds. The Chiss didn't confine their own blue prisoners but they set them free to space where exile awaited, so inventing shackles were imparactical and not really needed. However, Shi grasped the idea in a fleeting notice and perhaps would add more to the apparatus if given the opportunity.

But such thought was like a sniper shot, so quick that it didn't deter her from this important moment. She found her arms slamming on the ground as she wasn't able to raise them, courtesy of how the warm red vitae coursing through her body worked. The blood had to flow first so that Shi could swing wherever she wished and thus the Chiss left everything for time.

Indeed, the imprisoned infiltrator was so tired to lift up an arm or move onward for another step however with sheer force of willpower, Shi stood. Fueled by emotions that she tried not to show. Over burdening Shame and a pure sense of curiosity. The shame that Ashira felt when she failed her forefathers. Her mind shifted gears thinking, why did she fail? Why did the Chiss ascendency fell? It was because of greed thus how the Chiss became indebted and that's why she had fallen in capture as their whole fleet. Only fight when provoked and react with calm only, such were the wisdom of old and only then their cause was righteous. There was no righteousness in fighting for the Sith, there was no righteousness in stealing a ship. Hard lesson learned as hardly it was earned.

“Come with me..”​

And so, Ashira followed his trail and likewise obscured by his shadow. The Jailor was a history thus she paid him no heed. Only the clicking of their boots and the claps of her bare feet, Shi could hear. To Yuri's rear, The Chiss gazed at him with an inquisitive red eyes and such was her pure sense of curiosity. Indeed Yuri freed the young Chiss of her shackles but he didn't spare Shi's soul yet. Ashira wanted to shout 'Why?' but she kept these questions to herself cherishing the moment when such knowledge could be claimed.

“Take a seat Ashira”
Theme​

The office was their destination after all. And since this was his roof, Shi was bound by his rules. Void of motion, the Chiss sat contemplating and tactically thinking how may she would be able to avert the crisis but in the same time keeping her silence. No more she was the human in the cell. It was just a lie that Ashira had believed as a counter-intelligence operative. The fake identity that she forged herself, she had to believe her own lie that was a human, or the belt invented by her own hands wouldn't produce results. The belt was like a mask of glass and normal acting wouldn't save it from shattering, only a firm belief that she was someone else would do.

Waking up from her humanly bad dream, the true Chiss in Ashira's self resurfaced and emerged. Wary and cautious of her own captor, Ashira opted to continue her silence as there was nothing to say in this moment. Yuri was older then her and way more experienced but her line of profession had shed some light about what he was thinking by then. Oh yes, Ashira realized that her captor was thinking about what to do with her. It was not hard to deduce else why he didn't kill there in the solitary cell and why his fierce demeanor changed into a stance of contemplation trying to reach a certain decision about a blue individual that was Shi sitting within the space of his office.

Courteous silence​

Ashira became devoid of emotion simply sitting there thinking while altering what had happened and predicting what may come. There Yuri was the king and in a king's presence, it was better to keep one's silence and best to speak when spoken to. For the time being, courteous silence was the answer. Not that she had to pray for answer, Ashira simply made it even if it was non existent.

 

[Gaja]

He wasn't sure what she thought of him, nor did he really think about it. Dropping in to a chair that was placed on the opposite side of the room from Shi the thoughts and possibilities continued to run through his mind. Yuri wasn't a slaver, nor did he want to be one. He might have "owned" a few bars in the Red Light District but hey, nobody's perfect.

A long sigh signaled that it was time to speak once again, and before he said anything he had to admit that he was surprised that the young Chiss girl didn't say or ask anything in the mean time, she simply went quiet. And he kind of liked that... Looking at her she seemed young, too young to be doing work of that nature... But then again he was probably around her age when he had his first fight as a gladiator in an arena. What was he back then? Maybe 15?

So maybe he was underestimating the blue skinned humanoid a little bit, after all the galaxy was a big place and lots of different people lived in it. "Tell me something..." While Shi had no one in particular to thank for it, except maybe fate or destiny, she would live through this day. "... what do you want in life..." Because even though she found herself in a heap of trouble fate decided to send someone powerful who liked the Chiss Ascendancy and had also a very particular history that played enough of a role for him to not kill her for her actions.

So now she might just have a chance to roll the dice once more and begin a new chapter in her life... Right now the man leaned back in to his chair and looked at her. He asked her a simple question, one which he asked himself more than ten years ago. If Shi was smart she'd answer honestly and see what happens next, because there really was no point in lying at this point.

Oh! And if you wondered what Yuri's answer was back then... Stick around, and you might just find out.

 

[Lupaster]

Not so long Ashira had to wait as her new king came to speak. The Chiss assumed the placid plastic face that shows only none, no single twitch, not even an eyebrow being risen and totally nothing. Though Shi's marble like red eyes became more darker in color as the tone of her skin became 'blue'er' than blue. Ah, the after effects of the oxygen. So it was nothing to worry about.

Yuri demanded, the polite side of an order, to tell him 'something' which he desired. A solitary moment of reticence passed though silence was no more with six words being born. It was rather a philosophical question that required a sense of prudence that Shishi lacked with due respect to her age of fourteen. With such abysmal amount of wisdom, Shi contemplated his question with her beautiful intellectual mind and pursued an answer with such cold calculating intelligence. And she would indulge her king with an answer that perhaps he may or may not expect. It was an honest answer though dark as reality could be.

“Those with the shackles around their necks are not allowed to want for themselves.” A quiet elitist voice filled the office which knew fluent galactic with a flavor of an imperial accent unlike the rebel-like one she demonstrated in her cell of imprisonment. Though these words were not the last, there were more to add. Indeed Shi maintained the same deadpan features while exuding an arrogant aroma of politeness. Like an air cake, served elegantly cold.

“However they are allowed to crave the wishes of their masters. So Master! What do you want me to want?” And that was the end of her speech. There was no glamor in her argument. It was just the fantastic reality that one plus one was equal two. The collar is around her neck and the controller wherever it lied was within his inventory. It meant her neck was his. So Shi anticipated two routes, either she would love him like a father or otherwise something totally else.

There was of course another sort of honesty, the honesty that a free Chiss could say but she wasn't free. And those who were not shouldn't be as demanding, so Ashira kept vengeance for herself unless it was her master's desire to know. And if that was the case, all what he needed was but a word.

 

[Gaja]

Looking at her as she spoke, leaving no emotions for either him or the other man in the room Yuri closed his eyes. And as he opened them, not a second after, they were set on the local Enforcer who stood near the door and listened to their conversation. Looking at the man Yuri gave him a simple nod, acknowledging that he did a good job, and a simple statement followed. "Wait outside."

They probably wouldn't be seeing each other soon but Yuri made a mental note to send a few men his way, and keep an eye out for him. If he proved capable... maybe he had a future in Yuri's world. The man however knew none of it and with a silent nod exited the room. He had both fear and respect for Yuri, as any sane person would. it was such a simple and instinctual thing, to stare down someone whom you couldn't control and knew that you didn't wish to mess with. Yet it was different for the promising Enforcer and the Jailor as the Enforcer wasn't fearful of Yuri the same way, he wished to please the Champios for his own reasons.

His reasons in return were not known to Yuri and he saw the man leave in silence, their thoughts remaining hidden from each other as the door closed and a few seconds later those same eyes turned towards Shi, and there was no hint of a smile on Yuri's face as he looked at her. He didn't remain seated however, but instead stood up and walked around the table and straight towards her...

Shi didn't have much time to prepare for it either as she felt a powerful hand grab her shirt and lift her of the couch and to her feet. "Don't give me that!" For the first time since she met him his voice was raised, and boy was it thunderous when he yelled! Much like with Shi there was a deep reservoir of feelings fueling him as well, though he didn't show it often, much like she. "If you want to be free say it! If you want to kriffin' kill me. Say it! I don't need back stabbers around me!" It was reality that slapped her in the face, she was polite and aware of it. But it was a different reality then the one she prepared for... "You want to be free?"

Then came another surprise, a simple click on the device behind her neck was all Shi could hear as the device simply fell of. Yuri's eyes revealed no surprise, he did it on purpose. "Go ahead..." Yuri Sharp was a different kind of king...

 

[Lupaster]

And again there was silence. Ashira's red marble-like eyes held the visage of her master who deliberately closed his eyes. She was trying to predict what would happen later and calculate ahead further more steps though the enslaved blue girl couldn't peer into his minds and all what she had, were her own assumptions. They may prove correct or false, one or zero, nothing at all and nothing else.

“Wait outside”
theme​

However once he opened them, his eyes were not meant for her. Specifically, the enforcer. Vouching him a permission of leave where the latter had obeyed and left on short notice. What the King was thinking by then? Well, it eluded her indeed but Shi was far more concerned about the safety of her own well-being. The move that he made, she didn't anticipate.

And suddenly, Yuri stood and his steps carried him so quick towards the young Chiss. It was irrational, Ashira didn't offend him as on the contrary hers was a way of appeasing that could have worked with others but 'him' wasn't 'others' . Data proved scarce and her days hunting the Hapani and the training within the unknown regions didn't prepare the young one against someone with such grand stature. There she was ineffective within the confines of the cartel space, it was totally different issue. Natural procedure for anomalies like these was to retreat then recollect thoughts and devise a plan. Shi wanted to flee, she stood up to run for it but there was no fleeing from Yuri.

“Don't give me that”​

Truly, the king was so tall for her but Shishi felt that more once so close being lifted up with a forceful arm and no more her toes felt the cold ground. Shi's face was in close proximity to his where it proved hazardous for her ear drums to receive his booming voice in such high volume which in return forced her face to betray the cold mask worn thus she flinched.

And Yuri was certainly serious about, the swearing was the evidence of course with adding the raging turmoil in her voice speaking choices of morality while grasping the prisoner's rag with one arm without showing any signs of fatigue whatsoever. The king had no wanting for back stabbers, that was his desire thus Shi concluded. But there was more yet, something she wasn't prepared for.

“You want to be free?”​

And his question was met with defensive silence, not the courteous one. One wrong word and she would hear her neck snapping. There was need to choose words carefully for better outcome. Ashira thought about what she wanted to answer. But the question itself had never needed one. It was rather more of mocking phrase, the criticism that demanded an action to prove something. A small ticking that would send the collar falling as it would do the prisoner free. On the spot, Shi thought to herself, what he was thinking? Go ahead, the word echoed through and through her mind while asking herself what she needed to do?

There was no escaping this man, in his eyes Shi sought her own despair. There was no running out of there as running was not a question to be posed. With a collar or without, Yuri there ruled supreme. Question was, what is the best course of action? That She never knew. But the Chiss were indeed cold and calm yet they were very thoughtful beings as well despite their chilling appearance.

“Sir, it is not freedom that I want. It is vengeance upon those who wronged my people whether they are Sith or hutts.” A proper Chiss would never lie a blame upon his or her community, though in the back of her head Ashira knew that it was there mistake trying to expand outside of the outer rim forsaking all ideals that made the Chiss, Chiss.

“That's why I came here, but mistaken was I. A confession to be made of my own guilt. I shouldn't have done this and dirty my hands and an apology wouldn't really suffice.” Her voice remained calm with no hints of emotion though her words spoke of bitter lament. Perhaps living under Csilla's ground to rebuild was wiser then traversing half the galaxy to steal for the sake of former glory.

“Sir, there is no freedom for us Chiss. We are bound with our traditions and honor.” Though they turned back to their traditions and that's why their honor was by then, so shallow and meek. They were no more anymore and it broke her heart to see that even if she didn't see the days of their true might, only by hearing. But Shi dreamed the red flame rekindled.

“So do whatever you see fit, Sir.” Her words were final. For in absolution, there was honor. And still, Ashira was lifted up there with his might. There, Shi knew that she wasn't really free.

 

[Gaja]

He looked at the young one as she finally broke her silence and shared her motivation, and in her words he found honesty. Looking at her he listened, and tried to understand. And understand he did, regardless how much or little it mattered to the young Chiss. She wanted revenge for the fall of her people, and the obvious choices for that were the Sith and the Hutts. They really were, aside from the Chiss themselves of course.

Sith for dragging the Chiss in to the war and the Hutts for bankrupting them with their loans. He didn't have a hard time understanding her feelings, and as she piped down the man offered his reply. "The name's Yuri..." Turning around he allowed her some space, as he walked back to his desk, leaning against it as he once more faced the blue skinned girl. He didn't say much because he didn't need to, it was simply a reminder that this galaxy was still in very bad shape. The war had caused so many bad things and to this day it still did just that. Hate and dislike, wounds from the war, were still present and seemed to bleed, evidenced by Shi's actions.

"I'm not going to kill you if that's what you're implying..." He looked at the door and then back at the girl. "... I'm simply not sure what to do with you. Got any advice?" Looking at her still it was probably a little confusing how relaxed the man was, even around someone who hated the Hutts, he didn't seem all that bothered about it. His eyes revealed that he understood Shi's feelings, yet he remained composed.

 

[Lupaster]

“The name's Yuri..”​

The king became compassionate and merciful. He offered her the private space that every Chiss yearned for and spoke about his pure intent that she would be spared, no execution whatsoever. Shi found herself again sitting while thinking about a question that he left in store for her. Indeed Yuri was quite the gentleman, letting his prisoner to chose her own fate but Shi deduced there were limitations for such courtesy. For instance, she was free to act within his reign and not without thus why he invoked a notion that she was a piece on the board which may prove useful or not. What he would do with her? Certainly woe to her, if she was not.

In order to preserve her own dignity and personal freedom. Shi concluded that there was only one way to walk out of this, to recall the first deal, the one she couldn't refuse and remembered quite vividly in her cell room. The only way out of this room was to be with him and to be with him Shi needed to join his organization. And in that, she would pay her debts for sparing her blue soul and perhaps to be free forever.

“Sir Yuri, I am indebted to you. If you would allow me to serve within your ranks to pay my debts then I would be grateful.” And the young Chiss said no more. She knew that Yuri worked for the Cartel. But a question there lied about what would really entail such a matter. To let a Chiss work with her bitter enemies would leave perhaps some doubt within his heart and Yuri would be right to do so. Mayhaps further explanation would do.

“I shall be honest and voice my disdain for the Hutts but you shall you find me honorable in holding my part of the deal.” And to prove her intentions, Shi picked up the collar from the ground fatigued from her wounds and bruises, returning the device between her neck. It was up to him to enslave her again, if he so wished.

 

[Gaja]

He'd been in this galaxy for a while, yet it was rare that he saw someone so young with the understanding that she displayed. She wasn't wise, nor could he claim to be, but he thought of her as intelligent. And intelligent people would more often than not survive when dumb people wouldn't, that was just the way of the game. As confirmation to Shi's words came a bit of a grunt from the muscular man as he looked at her across the room.

"Hmph, is that so?" She had courage, there was no denying it. And she played the game fairly well, putting the collar back on out of her own free will. Yuri didn't ask her to do that yet he appreciated her stepping up and understanding that with or without a collar made little difference to the man. He had no desire for a slave, he wanted someone capable, and as he saved her life she offered to repay him by working for him...

He liked that deal. "Alright then. So be it..." By now his right hand went over his unshaven face as he thought about what kind of jobs Shi could do to "pay" her debt. What she dedicated to was similar to the Lifedebt of the Wookies, though not quite as extreme. Yuri trusted that if he treated her properly she would return the favor, and if and when a time came where they needed to go their separate ways then so be it. Right now however they were far from it.

"Let's get out of here then, no sense staying here unless you want to revisit the cells again." Pushing against the table Yuri scooped up his TranpariPad and as he placed it in his pocket walked towards the door. Looking back at the Chiss he smirked before adding. "Lose the collar, it doesn't look good on you." The door opened and outside waited the Enforcer that originally caught Shi on the ship. Observing Yuri as he walked out with the young Chiss girl behind him he remained quiet and escorted them both outside to the landing pad where Yuri's swoop bike was parked.

A monster of a machine produced by Yuri's company, the Noisagi, was parked there and as he walked directly towards it Yuri looked forward to riding it once again, though as he mounted the powerful machine he looked at Shi and added. "What's wrong? Get on?" If she had any comments to add, now would be a good time. Leaving the prison unhindered, Yuri relaxing around her, nobody saying anything. Just who was this Yuri that he had this kind of effect on people... Was this a blessing in disguise perhaps?

 

[Lupaster]

“Is that so?”​

What did he have in his mind again? Ashira's mind was going to overheat, this was too much for her mind to predict. She needed a cool drink and an air conditioning system to the lowest temperature as a momento from the Chiss core world, Csilla. Unsure, Shi appearance remained composed as most of her kindred though inside she was too cautious and so wary to the point of irritation. Indeed, the girl was safe but the argument held some sort of vision, maybe he was going to test her abilities despite her inflicted wounds. Or she hoped he would show her new quarters. A bed, the thought of it soothed the soul within promising a good sleep. After a warm shower then cloaking herself with a cosy blanket. Okay, a very filling meal and..

“Alright then. So be it..”​

Deal was a deal and it got the king's approval. He proposed to move on and leave the cells behind which was totally perfect for her. There was no need to dwell there and an unknown future proved warmer then a freezing past. Not that Shi had issues with cold but the cell was dark and lone. And the pressure of humiliation for being captured was so tense. The Chiss nodded in agreement, perhaps they would agree in a lot of things in the future. Such would make things a lot easier and that she hoped. His boots and her feet played a non synchronized beat. Yuri was taller thus faster, Shi was fast too but when running which was not the case here as she followed his footsteps. Yet, her new king turned around abruptly to end her steps on a short notice.

“Lose the collar, it doesn't look good on you.”​

“You have my gratitude, Sir. I would like to bow for such noble gesture but my fractured ribs wouldn't allow me. Please forgive this act of insolence.” Truly calm which made it questionable whether she was grateful or cynical. Aye, Shi was of course grateful but her speech would leave an aftertaste that perhaps a strange artificial intelligence was speaking. Which was very close to the truth as the Chiss lassie was actually an alien with human origins though.

So, Ashira followed him as the enforcer did. All of them remained silent but their feet were doing the speaking saying some greetings, arguing who was taller than the other and laughing at the shortest one that was Shi. The Chiss thought and her imagination really went that wild. It was not as wild as the swoop bike waiting for them outside. And suddenly, the young Chiss wanted to howl like a fan girl. Congratulations Mr.Yuri, you have won her heart with that peace of technology by presenting a red gaze with such marvelous eye candy. She wanted to study it with scrutiny however the king's voice returned her back again to reality.

What she was waiting for? Nothing, totally nothing. Wait a second..

“Actually, my equipment. Specially, the belt. They are very important to me!” Ashira rode behind him trying to make herself comfortable as possible. She couldn't get herself from thinking how the engine would roar. It would play to her ears like music, such a fancy bike deserved a compliment.

“The bike looks awesome, sir!” Also reserved in voice, the word 'Awesome' showed her great curiosity and enthusiasm regarding the bike. Shi raised up her rag's hood to shadow her face as she didn't want her presence to be known in Nar Shaddaa thus why the girl was in need for the belt. It will facilitate any kind of operations in the future.

 

[Gaja]

"“You have my gratitude, Sir. I would like to bow for such noble gesture but my fractured ribs wouldn't allow me. Please forgive this act of insolence.”"​

He wanted to laugh and play along, maybe say something along the lines of. You are forgiven madam. But he simply smirked and moved on... So far he certainly liked her sense of humor though. Actually given the circumstances under which the two met they seemed to get along quite well, or maybe Yuri was just crazy and naive.

Soon enough though Yuri was on his bike asking her if there was anything wrong, and he quickly got his answer. Looking at the Enforcer who escorted them out, the man produced all of the gear that was taken from Shi when they captured her. In particular her belt was there, and it remained in the same condition as before. Some of her other items might need some repairs or replacing but the really important ones were there. It was not a problem of course as the Cartel would supply the gear she would need.

It didn't matter though as she wouldn't be doing jobs right away anyway, but Yuri took the belt and put it in the tank bag in front of him. By now the short Chiss girl was already sitting behind him, and deep inside Yuri would smirk if he could. So that's what her weakness was. Technology.

Smirking on the outside too the man offered her his helmet and added. "Put it on." After she'd take the helmet in to her hand a clicking sound could be heard and seconds later the machine roared to life as if it were an animal from the deepest jungles of Dxun. Starting it up Yuri looked at the Enforcer and nodded, they'd be in touch...

Looking back at Shi to check whether she managed to put the helmet on Yuri was pleasantly surprised that she managed so he focused on his part, the riding.

Another clicking sound signaled that the swoop had been put in to gear, and short but sharp revving of the bike revealed more symphony to the ears. Slowly turning around Yuri accelerated while looking around, guess it was time to go for a ride and seeing as Shi was a total tech geek he knew just where they could go...

About twenty minutes of riding later the machine slowed down and went along at a pace where one could have a somewhat normal conversation on the swoop. The ride wasn't much to brag about, mostly just general driving though Yuri did twist the throttle once or twice, just a little bit of course, to satisfy his own need for speed. But as he didn't know whether Shi would be scared of such things he mostly held back and only broke a few driving laws...

Their destination was coming up, a large warehouse which Shi might confuse for heaven...

 

[Lupaster]

They were ready and set. Yuri held dominance over the beast's reins but thoughtful as he was, he presented the blue girl with a helmet which she gracefully accepted as safety was above all. Her red marble like eyes caught the scene of her belt being safe and presented to her new king, and by then she felt signs of relief. The belt was important, surely it will provide her with ease navigation without fearing for her own well being. After all the Chiss were not welcome everywhere due to their allegiance with the Sith. And the cartel space was the least saf for someone who had blue skin and red eyes.

Safety above all else, Shi's human form will bestow on her the warmth of protection and while in that form, Aashira would be known as Arisa. There was a twist in the name of course, pun intended. The engine roared and they began to elevate in attitude soon after Shishi had worn her helmet and connected the straps. By then, she was able to realize how large was Yuri again and there was no way to contain his back with her arms. So instead Shi's fingers firmly grasped where it could as not to fall but before that the Chis apologized politely to the rider.

The swoop bike gained momentum sometimes and sometimes not. But the Chiss was intrigued by the new world introduced to her. The hustle and bustle marking Nar Shaddaa more than any other planet in the galaxy but there was no room to be surprised as she was considered Coruscant's little sister, however remaining as one after the demise of her older one. There was beauty there but of a different kind, the kind which was deemed dangerous. The colorful florescent lights beneath them became their guide as they passed through and around defiant skyscrapers decorated advertising boards of different sizes and shapes elaborating the specialty of the establishments they were promoting.

The ride ended sooner than expected and all due to the biker's masterful riding and her conscience absorbed by heavy tasks of observation which she without any doubt enjoyed. They arrived at a warehouse though Shi never had known what was hidden within them. But her feet clapped the ground nonetheless, there must be a reason why she was there.

“May I take my belt back?” Shishi asked her new boss after getting back her broken armor which would be considered while worn then her current rags. Perhaps inside the mysterious looking warehouse, the Chiss would be able to change if they got inside. But why king Yuri accompanied her there? That was the question.

 

[Gaja]

This was the destination. Several warehouses, docks, or garages. Call them what you want, for to Yuri the name mattered little, it was the purpose of housing his babies that was important. Revving his machine a few times after coming to a stop the man saw Shi dismount the swoop first and after shutting it down he did the same.

Looking in the opposite direction of the garages that belonged to both him and the Cartel Yuri had a unique view of Nar Shaddaa.

Spoiler: His view

And as he wondered about a certain job that was coming up the tall human heard his new Chiss friend ask a question. It was obviously something important to her, especially considering that aside from complimenting Yuri's bike she only worried about her own life and the belt. None the wiser Yuri took it out the tank bag and gave it to the Chiss girl.

"Come on. Let's go inside..." Unaware of what the future had in store for him the man decided that it was time to geek out a bit and so he made his way inside the garage that was closest to him and Shi. It wasn't a long walk to enter and when they did the two were greeted by the wet dream of every tech nerd of the galaxy.

Inside the massive space sat machines. In particular Yuri's own personal ship, the Sparrow, and three more swoop bikes. Two of which were produced by his own company. There was the ZX-RR, the Triple R racing swoop as well as a BARC speeder that Yuri bought on Coruscant more than a decade ago.

Crossing his hands it wasn't hard to guess that Yuri felt rather proud about this little collection he had here. Of course this wasn't the whole collection, but some of his favorite machines were here and he felt pretty damn good about showing them of. "So, what do you think?" Brain meltdown time for Shi?

 

[Lupaster]

And so, Shi got her precious belt bowing a little bit in gratitude as her fractured ribs would allow her to do. But the young Chiss wouldn't wear her belt there fearing a very mocking appearance of a belt held to chasten her waist over the rags. Waiting was the better option and they had already landed there, a huge warehouse awaited them holding within somethings that Aashira's red eyes would yearn to see. But first things first, when Shishi turned around to explore her surroundings, a breathtaking scenery beheld her. Towers that reached the skies of different heights glittering with various shapes of light turning this dark hour into a glamorous night.

“Come on. Let's go inside..”​

The view was quite different than from the one in Csilla as there was no such huge constructions above the ground where only tunnels and under ground cities lied. Nar Shadda was certainly as she found herself unable to lift her red eyes from this exhilarating vista. But then she closed her eyes and remembered the white beauty of her homeworld to follow her new master. Yuri led her inside, light seeping through and outside of the gates being opened, light that deterred her vision for seconds but once the veil was lifted up then and only then her marble like eyes would be hailed by the magnificence of the Sparrow.

Arisa's jaws were about to drop but this was not the last for her to view. There were other hidden punches meant to drop her out of conscience. The visage of ZX-RR sent tremors into her legs persuading Aashira to sprint over to the wild looking swoop bike to inspect. However! The triple-R standing there aside ended any hope for advance for investigation as it's visage hailed her eyes. No more Arisa would be able to choose where to go as if it was up to her, she would have visited them all in the same time but such task was impossible.

“So, what do you think?” ​

Aashira shifted her gaze back to her king realizing the look of amusement over his features. And behind him, coruscant's technological antique lied that was a BARC speeder. It was too much for her, brain meltdown was an understatement as Arisa was much closer to a heart attack. Her precious belt fell to the floor without noticing her grip going more loose as there were no words on the tip of her lip to say. The young Chiss was that dumbfounded of the marvels being shown to her. But there was an answer and an expected answer from a Chiss.

“Huh?!” And there was emotion within this one word surprised gesture as she lost her ability to say anymore.

 

[Gaja]

His arms crossed, his smile proud. Yuri Sharp was a man who went through many hells during his life so far, but for every hell he got something in return. Whether it was a lesson of the mind, or a handful of credit, whether it was an ally or victory he made sure he got something out of it. By signing up with the Ona'bak Retrade over ten years ago and then going over to the Hutt Cartel he'd earned a lot of credits, though they came with the results.

The bikes were products of his company, SHI, or Sharp Heavy Industries, while the Sparrow was a little something he bought once he became the boss of the Retrade just before the Battle of Coruscant. To someone like Shishi it might be difficult to understand, because she was only a child when it all happened but to Yuri it felt like yesterday... With his arms crossed the man walked towards her as she stood near the bikes and smirked... He was familiar with Csilla as well, and well liked last time he checked. Sadly he didn't visit that part of the galaxy as much as he would have liked anymore.

But without giving voice to those thoughts he smiled at the young Chiss who just dropped her belt and walked over to the Triple R. "They're quite something right? I had this one made when I raced as a Pro for a little while. Cleaned up for the most part, though once the other pros caught wind of it, I had more success selling it then winning." He wasn't ashamed to admit it, being a second behind some of the baddest racers in the galaxy was no insult. He simply had a different background and wasn't on their level yet, however he still found comfort in the fact that he could whoop their ass in a fight.

Chuckling the man wanted to let Shishi explore the various machine and details on her own, though truth be told their time here was limited as Yuri had somewhere he needed to be sometime soon. He paid little attention to the belt Shishi dropped earlier as he had no idea what it did, and was to focused on the subject of machines anyway.