Open Nar Shaddaa On The Fence

[Vara Dramm]

​

"Karabast," Vara swore under her breath as she began running again. She bolted down an unfamiliar alley, seeing neon signs in Huttese indicating that a bar was up ahead. briefly she glanced over her shoulder to see that a security officer had joined in the pursuit with the merchant. Up ahead she saw the sign again, IDENTIFICATION ENFORCED. Fumbling through her jacket pockets, Vara found her ID and swiped it on the door access. As the door's light turned green and opened up, Vara ripped off the bandanna covering her face and stuffing it into her jacket pocket as she entered the cantina.

Taking an opportunity to catch her breath, she caught the smell that was familiar in most cantinas and bars on this level, the scent of deathsticks and rusting durasteel. The exhausted human took a moment to look around, and immediately recogned the bar structure in the center of the establishment and made her way over to it. Nestling herself between two seated strangers, she rested her hands on the counter and nodded to the bartender. "Uh," she discretely gasped to catch her breath before speaking again, "What is that up there?" Vara pointed towards the taps, Before giving the bartender a chance to respond, she answers for herself, "Trandoshan Ale. Yeah let's do that."

With the worker's back turned, she looked down at her hand, noticing her white knuckles still clasping onto the trinkets that resulted in her refuge in this cantina. Without giving it much thought as to who was onlooking, she opened her hand to reveal the three rings she had stolen from the pawn shop a few blocks over. She scoffs upon further investigation. Two of the items were painted costume jewelry, practically worthless, but the third ring appeared to be made of a more solid, and valuable metal.

With her gaze upon this ring, she was startled of the glass clinking on the counter in front of her. Vara pockets the three rings and nods to the Twi'lek worker, "Let's start a tab, yeah? Maybe tonight'll be fun." Vara took a sip of her ale as she looked around the room, checking to see if anyone was keeping an eye on her. She set her drink down, deciding that it's best to hide from the heat before trying to find a fence for these stolen goods.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember sat in the middle of the cantina, watching and observing those around her. She was on Nar Shaddaa looking for something, though she did not yet know what. Ember had been on her quest to find the best way to help the galaxy for a while now, though the events on Coruscant were still fresh in her mind. Surely she could find the answers here, in a place that clearly needed help. Ember was no stranger to cantinas, but this one ranked among the worst she had ever found. The smell of death sticks and rust filled the air, and she already was dreading cleaning the smell out of her robes.

She focused again, trying to pick up on the conversations around her. A couple was having a fight in the corner, friends celebrating some event at a nearby table, but nothing stood out to her. This was the fourth cantina she had visited tonight, and she had several more to visit before she would call it a night.

"Bartender, can I have a refill?" Ember said to the nearby bartender while gesturing at her now empty glass. Her glass was soon filled with water. Ember stopped using any sort of alcohol or drugs the day she entered the Jedi Order, and by now she barely missed the ale. There was a noise behind her and Ember could hear someone walking up, out of breath but trying to not show it. Unsure of this newcomer, Ember focused intently on the drink in front of her, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention. The Jedi may be back, but they weren't welcomed everywhere in the galaxy, and she did not want to test her luck tonight.

Beside her, the human woman pointed at something and quickly ordered Trandoshan Ale. Ember remembered its taste, and the times she had while drinking it. Some good, most bad, but always fun. Ember was startled back to her sense when she heard the woman scoff at something in her hand. Ember could not make out what the woman was holding, but something must have annoyed the woman to scoff like that.

Ember did her best to watch the woman as she had her drink and looked around the room. Curious, Ember turned her head to the woman, saying "What kind of fun are you trying to have tonight?" Ember didn't know where her own night was heading, but talking to this stranger would be a lot more fun than the bar-hopping she had planned.

 

[Vara Dramm]

With her eyes still scanning the cantina, Vara was caught off guard by the question asked by the stranger beside her. It was a female voice, so it couldn't of been the merchant or guard chasing her. Plus, she hadn't even heard the door's hydraulic system activate since she entered, so there was no way they were in here yet.

Vara turned slowly, first glancing at her new barmate's drink. Water. She learned at a young age you can tell what kind of person you're talking to based off the drink in their hand, but water? On Nar Shaddaa no less? Vara then made eye contact with the stranger's green eyes, before looking back at her own ale in hand.

"Well. I was hoping to catch the Corellian Star Swoop race tonight, but it seems like no one on Nar Shaddaa wants to pay for premium holonet." Vara grinned as she pointed at the bartender jokingly before she took another sip of her ale. The worker behind the counter sighed at the bad joke and went on to help another patron.

She swiveled in the chair, momentarily resting her right hand on her jacket pocket to make sure her findings were still there. Vara glanced at Ember for another moment before introducing herself. "My names Vara. I take it youre not from around here?" she sat her ale down before clarifying her guess before giving the older woman a chance to answer, " 'Cause of the water. Pilot? Gotta fly tonight?" Truthfully, she refrained from her true guess. The robes and abstaining from alcohol, some sort of monk or religious person? If that prediction was true, Vara would only have further questions.

 

[Ember Blaze]

The woman seemed to be caught off guard by Ember's question. When the stranger turned towards her, Ember could not miss seeing the other woman's eyes glance down at her drink. By now, Ember became used to the questioning glances at her beverage choices. The stranger said she was looking to watch a Corellian Star Swoop race, but needed premium holonet. Ember was no stranger to Swoop racing, having made, and lost, a large number of credits betting. She always took premium holonet for granted, Coruscant had plenty of cantinas willing to pay for the service.

Ember watched as the bartender sighed, likely having heard some variation of this joke at least three times a day. Ember smiled politely at the joke and continued watching the woman as she introduced herself as Vara.

Ember looked back at Vera and responded to her questions by saying "Nice to meet you Vera, my name is Ember. And I'm not from around here, I am only planetside for a few more days." Ember raised her glass towards Vera, telling her "The water isn't for so utilitarian of a purpose as that. I stopped drinking years ago, I was having a little too much fun while drunk." Ember gave Vera a joking wink.

"What brings you into this reputable establishment? You do seem to be in a rush, drinking that ale down as you are." Ember nodded at Vera's drink. Ember suspected that Vera was running from something, and not in a hurry to get drunk. She could tell that the young woman could handle herself, but this is Nar Shaddaa, and anything can happen. Ember waited for a response while drinking more of her more-or-less clean water.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara chuckled for a moment before retorting, "I suppose I could ask what brings you in here as well." She set her drink on the counter, resting her left hand on it and idly slid her thumb across the glass to wipe away the condensation that began to form on it. "I was actually going to visit the Corellian sector, but they don't like undercity riff-raff up there." Vara flashed a reassuring grin to her fellow bar-goer.

While she hadn't tried to visit the Corellian sector in some time, she knew that would be the case any time she'd try to go. Establishments that were free to well dressed patrons suddenly had a cover charge for her when she would try to enter them. Vara had learned that security in the upper level cantinas and casinos could recognize a scoundrel like her from a parsec away.

"Plus, I heard the water is cleaner up there too," she joked, gesturing to Ember's glass of water. Vara began to lift her drink up again to have another sip, but stopped abruptly. That tingling in the back of her mind caught her attention, the same feeling she'd feel sporadically while working a slicing job. The feeling something bad was about to happen.

After lifting her drink up only a couple inches, she set it back down and began to unzip her jacket. A second later, she heard the distinct sound of a hydraulic door open. She couldn't see yet who was coming in, but felt that was what this nudge in the back of her mind was. Vara bundled her burgundy jacket up and slid it between her back and the backside of the chair, concealing the jacket she entered the building with initially.

"Heh. Not sure if it's the ale, but it feels too hot in here to wear a jacket, ya know?" Vara's eyes glanced back over at the door and noticed that it was two undercity security officers that had entered and were looking around the populated cantina. "So. You said you weren't from around here? Where are ya' from?" Vara asked in an attempt to draw any of Ember's attention away from the situation.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember made a noncommital gesture at the suggestion Vara could ask the same questions of her. Vera was clever, responding in a way that did not answer any of Ember's questions. At the mention of the Corellian Sector, Ember couldn't help but smirk. Vara was right, they would not have allowed someone like her there. Vara was right about the water, it was a lot cleaner in those upper-level cantinas.

Ember could feel that something was off with Vara. She sat her drink back down as quickly as she had picked it up. Vara was taking her jacket off, complaining of the heat. Ember could tell that was a flimsy excuse, but why Vara needed to make it, Ember wasn't quite sure yet. It must have something to do with why Vara was so out of breath when she entered the cantina.

"I'm originally from Corscuant, though that's not my home anymore. I tend to travel these days." Ember said, noticing Vara looking towards the door. Internally sighing, Ember readjusted her sitting position. Ember had a good idea of what was going to happen next and was careful to not give this information away to Vara. Ember would help if needed, or if asked. These situations were not new to Ember, she had been in a few such cantina brawls in her younger days.

Doing her best 'everything's ok and I haven't noticed anything is wrong' face, Ember asked "Have you ever been to Coruscant? Or even any of the core worlds?" Ember knew that it was only a matter of time before whatever Vara was running from caught up to her. The real question was, how would Vara handle it?

 

[Vara Dramm]

"Coruscant, huh?" Vara asked as she raised an eyebrow at Ember. "Never thought anyone from there would visit the Smuggler's Moon unless it's one of those fancy sectors or they're looking for something that's less regulated here than in the core." Vara grinned again, implying it was the latter. Truthfully, Vara wasn't certain why Ember would be here. Based off first impressions, this woman did not seem to be the criminal-minded type, she also wasn't sure if her new barmate could bluff.

While she spoke, Vara put her unkempt hair in a bun, in an attempt to further alter her identify from who the sector police were looking for. She knew they didn't get a good look at her, but Vara didn't want to take any chances. "I've seen Coruscant in holotapes and movies, but it seems like a distant fantasy," Vara took another swig of the ale, it was about half gone at this point. She glanced over at the two men looking for her. It looked like they were talking with the bickering couple at the table near the door. Vara still had time to decide if she was going to run.

Attempting to continue blending in, she elaborated further on this point, "Truthfully, I've never even been off Nar Shaddaa." she shrugged, pretending to not act like she was ashamed of this fact. "Traveling the galaxy must be a pretty awesome job, what kind of work is it?"

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember listened to Vara, all while watching the newcomers and doing her best to hide what she was doing from Vara. "My work has been less rigid for the past little bit. I guess you could say I'm free to decide what is the best use of my time. Right now, that is cantina hoping." Ember laughed at herself, knowing that she wouldn't find her purpose in some random Nar Shaddaa cantina.

"It can be pretty awesome you know, until it's not. You should consider leaving and exploring the galaxy yourself. There is no shame in never leaving your home planet. I didn't leave Coruscant until I turned twenty." Ember was starting to get a better understanding of the woman in front of her. She grew up here. The life she had must have mirrored the life that Ember was so eager to have. The only difference is that Vara didn't have a choice in this life, at least she assumed so.

Ember could feel something in herself, a small buzz. She had learned to trust this feeling, as it usually signals danger was nearby. Ember turned her head to the bartender and laid down a cred stick. "Please use this to pay for our drink and close our tabs. Keep whatever is left, you've earned it." Ember knew it was the least she could do, given what this bartender was about to see.

Turning back to Vara, Ember said calmly "Vara the real question is, how are you going to get out of here?" Ember paused for only a second before adding "From the planet I mean." Ember did not want to reveal what she knew, not yet. But given the buzzing feeling, she felt this was the best way to warn Vara.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara pondered the idea of leaving Nar Shaddaa for a moment, leaving a brief silence between the two as Ember paid for the drinks. Vara took a final gulp out of her own glass and set it down and lifted a hand over her mouth to conceal an inaudible belch. She could feel a slight tension in the room as her fight-or-flight instincts were filling the back of her mind. Vara was familiar enough with social cues to know that Ember had probably caught on at this point.

"I hadn't dwelt on it too much," she responded to Ember's question. Vara reached back into her jacket pocket behind her and gripped what was inside. When she pulled out her hand from the pocket, she had her own credit chip and the rings. Vara looked to the bartender, who's back was faced her and Ember, and dropped her own credit chip on the stick that Ember had already laid down. The metals on each made a distinct sound of the chips clinking on each other.

As the bartender turned to this sound, Vara blurted out, "Is there a back exit?" The worker glanced at the chips on counter and subtly pointed towards the other side of the building, "By the refreshers," the Twi'lek murmured and then pocketed the two chips.

Vara nodded, then glanced at Ember. She wasn't certain why she trusted this offworlder, but Vara felt certain they weren't some mere bounty hunter or security. "Hopefully I'll have enough to take care of my mother for a bit and maybe get a shuttle off-world," With her back facing the security, she unclenched her hand again to reveal the three rings. Implying that she was going to find a way to sell them, either on the street or through a fence.

Before giving her new drinking buddy a chance to respond to this implication, she stood up and picked up her balled up jacket. "Thanks for the drink, Miss Ember." Vara said politely as she pat Ember on the shoulder. In the same motion, Vara began to walk towards the back where the alternative exit was, she walked past the refreshers and into the back storage which lead to the one way exit.

Without taking an opportunity to see if either Ember or the security were following her, she slid out of the back door, taking an opportunity to light a deathstick before waiting to see if either party followed her.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember wasn't quite sure that she believed Vara when she said she hadn't thought of it, disbelief flickering on her face before she could hide it. She couldn't imagine living in a place like this without at least thinking of leaving. Regardless, now wasn't the time to question Vara further.

Ember watched as Vara pulled out something from behind her back. A cred chip and some rings. Curiosity piqued, Ember considered if the rings belong to Vara, or if they were the reason she was here. Vara's questioning the bartender about the back exit made the answer obvious to Ember.

"I certainly hope that you are able to do so." Ember said, a smile back on her face. Ember watched the young woman carefully. Vara did not appear to be some common thief, why else would she be concerned for her mother? Ember nodded politely as Vara thanked her for the drinks, and started walking towards the back door.

Alone with her drink again, Ember let out a short sigh. The two men Vara was watching earlier seemed agitated and were making their way back towards the exit Vara just took. "Stars, I should really learn to let things go." Ember said, to no-one in particular. She picked up her drink, intending to finish it off. Seeing something floating in the glass, Ember decided it was best to leave it as is.

Ember followed the same path Vala just took and found the back exit. When she emerged, there was a cloud of deathstick smoke to greet her. "You know, that stuff kills." Ember said, instinctively knowing Vara was the source of the smoke. Ember closed the door behind her. It opened outwards, which was perfect for what she had in mind next.

Ember reached out her hand towards a nearby trash can. She felt for it in the force, the cold, heavy metal. Using her powers, she grabbed the metal can, lifting it up inches off the ground. She moved the large object as quickly and carefully as she could towards the door, finally dropping it off in front of it, blocking the exit. "That should buy us some time." Ember said, a smirk on her face. "How should we use it?" Ember was curious how Vara would react to seeing her use the force. While Vara responded, Ember checked her lightsaber, making sure it was still secured within her robes.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara took this opportunity to get her jacket back on, she was certain that her remark on the heat was seen for what it was. The lower levels of Nar Shaddaa at times felt like night time on Tatooine, from what she heard about that planet. She took another drag of the deathstick. It was low quality, likely made somewhere on the moon, and as a result seemed to produce more smoke when exhaled, never a good thing when dealing with chems or spices.

Alone in this alley, she rested her back against the wall beside the door. She figured she got out before the others saw her, and she maybe had a couple minutes before they finished searching the cantina and would inevitable search outside. Vara took a brief moment to close her eyes, but as soon as they shut, she heard the door's frame swing open. Her eyes jumped open to see that it was blonde haired woman that had startled her for a second time today.

Vara retorted quickly, "I guess that's why they're called death sticks, huh?" She snuffed out the end of the stick and slid it behind her ear for safe keeping. Vara noticed Ember look around for a moment before reaching out her arm towards the trash bin. "Why did you fol-" she was suddenly silent upon seeing the feat that this mysterious woman had just performed. Her mouth was still open momentarily as she reached for the deathstick behind her ear, making sure it was still there and that she didn't unknowingly consume the whole thing and was seeing hallucinations.

Snapped back to her senses after hearing Ember speak again, Vara took a step back. "How... How did you do that? Little tractor beams or some fancy core world tech?" The natural confidence in her voice that could be heard in the bar was now overshadowed by a confused and concerned tone.

She glanced down at the lightsaber that Ember was checking on, vaguely recognizing it by description and rumors. "Look. If you're like a peacekeeper or villain or something, I don't want any trouble." She took another step back, clearly still surprised by this. She didn't know words like Jedi or Sith, but only that people tell stories about peacekeepers and evil beings who fought centuries ago with the laser swords.

 

[Ember Blaze]

I may have messed up here, Ember thought to herself. Ember wasn't even sure herself why she used the force, they could have just as easily run. It was almost as if the force itself wanted Ember to expose herself like this. She would have to meditate on this later. What's done is done, and Ember knew it was up to her to fix the problem she just made.

"Core world tech, yeah, something like that." Ember said, the slight hint of panic on her face. She didn't want to spook Vara, she was truly only trying to help. Ember watched as the confidence Vara had inside vanished, replaced by confusion and concern. Checking your lightsaber was a really dumb idea Ember, she internally berated herself.

Vara took a step away from Ember, almost reflexly. The surprise, and something else that Ember couldn't quite place, was clear on Vara's face. "Let me explain." Ember said, as calmly as she could. "I am sort of a peacekeeper, I'm not here to cause any trouble. I could tell that those men from the cantina were trying to find you and I wanted to help." Ember spoke, unsure if her words would make things better or worse. "I, and those like me, call ourselves Jedi. I am only here to help, you have nothing to fear from me." Ember took a step back herself, wanting to give Vara enough room so that she knew Ember was no threat.

From behind the door, Ember thought she heard someone trying to open it.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara listened to the Jedi's explanation, and contemplated in her own mind on whether or not to trust her. She then pondered momentarily on why this peacekeeper was trying to help her. Perhaps she didn't know? Vara's mind raced if they knew about the theft or her slicing history or any other petty criminal endeavors.

Coming back from her zoned out state, she heard the nudge on the door. She heard the two men shouting at each other on the other side as they attempted to knock the trash bin loose again. Vara glanced at the door and then back to Ember, "Yeah, ok." She slid a few loose strands of hair away from her own face before walking in Ember's direction. Moving towards the Jedi was the only exit out of this alley.

With a hop in her step, preparing to start jogging, Vara stepped past Ember, "Well. We need to go. Do you have somewhere to hide on this level?" The scoundrel took one more look at the Jedi before starting at a brisk pace, hoping that she had somewhere to go without having to level-hop. Right now, the Magic trash can stuff could wait, they needed to get out of the alley.

 

[Ember Blaze]

The noise behind to door was getting louder. Eventually, the men would get through the door, and Ember was not looking forward to being here when they did. She couldn't use her lightsaber and would be forced into hand-to-hand combat. Looking back towards Vara, Ember noticed that she appeared to have zoned out for a bit, but Vara recovered and was on the move quickly. Ember wasn't really sure how to answer Vara question.

"I don't really have anywhere to be tonight. I have a room a few levels away from here we could go to, but I don't think those men are that big of a threat." Ember said, thinking of what to do next. They couldn't stay here, that was clear. If they stayed on this level then it was only a matter of time before the men found Vara again.

A thought struck Ember. In the cantina, Vara had those rings, and from what she said, she might be in need of creds right about now. Ember said "Why don't you lead the way? I'd be willing to bet you have a few places in mind, especially with those rings. I'm sure we can find somewhere to sell them." Ember nodded towards the end of the alleyway. "After you, Miss Vala." Ember smirked, thinking of how Vara called her Miss earlier.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara smirked, before turning towards the alley's exit and beginning to bolt that way. After the brief dash, they were onto a street that was a bit more populated. Her hurried rush slowed down into a brisk pace after glancing both ways and not seeing any of the district security. Vara knew the difference in pace would make them appears more like individuals in a hurry than on the run.

She looked over to the Jedi beside her and grinned, "They may not be a big threat, but my Mom would kill me if she ever heard I assaulted the closest thing we have to law enforcement here," she chuckled a bit. It was her father that was the law breaker, not her mother. Despite never knowing her dad, every time she'd get into trouble, she would always be reminded how much like her dad she was. It didn't bother her anymore, though. She accepted that she'd never know him.

"Up this way," she pointed and then gestured a left turn, "There's a multi-level bazaar a few blocks from here. We go down a few staircases and I'm on home field advantage, maybe even find a couple friends to cover us." Vara took an opportunity to take another look at her new Jedi companion before bringing up the topic again. "So this Jedi thing. Is that what the robes and the not drinking stuff is all about? Why hang around cantinas then? Miss the action?"

Vara took this lull in action to ask one of the questions that was on her mind after finding out so much about Ember just a couple minutes ago.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Jogging to keep up, Ember followed Vara through the streets of Nar Shaddaa. Vara brought up her mother again, and Ember couldn't help but laugh along with her. As soon as the laughter ended, a sadness filled Ember, and the pain of that sadness washed over her face. It had been twelve years since she saw her own mother, and Ember contemplated going back to see them. However, she squashed the thought and emotions. She knew she could never return.

Vara was leading her up into a new area, and it sounded like an area the Vara knew well. Ember was hoping that she would meet some of these friends, there was always safety in numbers. Ember expected Vara's next question, how could she not ask?

"No actually, the robes are just really comfortable and surprisingly easy to move around in." Ember said, smirking. "The drinking thing is just my preference. I used to run around the streets of Coruscant, just like we are doing now. Made a good living for a little while too." Ember thought back to the events that lead her here, the officer in the alley, and the long journey to self-redemption. "I'm here on Nar Shaddaa on a mission of sorts. I was told to help the galaxy, and I have been on the search for how to do that ever since." Ember replied.

"It's your turn, so what about you? Why go around stealing if your mother disapproves? Certainly, a smart woman like you could find safer ways of making money." Ember was genuinely puzzled by Vara. Ember used to be a thief, but she did it for the fun, was Vara like that too?

 

[Vara Dramm]

The streets had begun to get more crowded as they got closer to the bazaar. It was one of the only footpaths nearby that lead to different levels, otherwise they'd have to pay for the lift or find a speeder taxi. Besides, every petty criminal on Nar Shaddaa knew the best place to lose a tail is in one of the many markets across the moon.

"I thought Coruscant was all bantha steaks and Corellian wine," Vara remarked at Ember's reminiscence of the Coruscanti streets. Every holotape she had ever seen depicted the planet as a luxurious world and center of culture. Certainly if it was as big as Nar Shaddaa, it'd make sense that there's a grimy underworld well below the 'civilized' surface.

"Sounds all noble like, I guess," Vara shrugged. She was slightly envious of the ability to travel and help those at will. "Being a Jedi sounds like a good job to have." The scoundrel rubbed her finger behind her ear, contemplating reigniting the deathstick, but opting against it. "I help with the odd job here and there, but there's no money in it. Working a bodega or food shop doesn't really pay rent."

Vara slightly gestured a turn they were making before changing in that direction. Before them was the staircase she had mentioned. It was wide, to allow several people to travel up or down at their own pace. "The only way it seems people this far down get off world is if they win in the casino or run spice for the cartels," Vara shrugged again, her tone suggested it's just a viewpoint that she had accepted. "If it's any consolation, the guy I stole these from? Total crook." She chuckled a bit, knowing very well the irony in what she had just said.

After traveling down only two levels, it was clear the difference in lifestyle. More street lights were out than on, and the merchants in this market seemed a little less friendly.

 

[Ember Blaze]

The pair were clearly in a different part of the city now. Around them, there were broken lights and windows, and litter seemed to be in every place she looked.

Ember couldn't help but laugh along with Vara, understanding the irony of her statement. "That reminds me of something that happened back on Coruscant." Ember paused, unsure if she could trust Vara with her past. 'What is the worst that could happen?' Ember thought as she decided what to do. "There was this gang member going around and getting protection money from the shops. A total crook." Ember said, smiling. "Being the enterprising young criminal I was, I decided to help carry those creds, if you know what I mean. Last I saw of her, she was knocked out in some alley." A splash of regret hit Ember's face at what she just said. She had come to terms with her past, but still had trouble talking about it.

"The point is, you're right, working in some shop is no way to make a living. You do what you have to do and I respect that." Ember said. Various storefronts passed by while they were talking. Ember hoped that they would find the place soon, she didn't want some enterprising young criminal to try and come after her.

 

[Vara Dramm]

Vara chuckled lightly at the story Ember had told. Not so much the contents of the story, but how radically different of a person she seemed to be now. Assuming the story was true, but Vara had no reason to disbelieve. "So your Jedi boss people were ok with your past?" This was something that Vara was curious about. She had always assumed the way she was treated on Nar Shaddaa would be how she'd be treated regardless of planet. Forgiveness and personal growth weren't ideals Vara was too experienced with, unless that growth entailed criminal endeavors.

"Hold on a second," Vara shifted their course to another side path in the marketplace. She walked up to a small kiosk being operated by a stout Ugnaught, their inventory seemed to be a mix of scrap electronics and second hand droids. "H'chu apenkee!" she hollered out in Huttese, and the Ugnaught turned from his workbench and waved. He returned the greeting and looked at both guests for a moment, "How is XB doing since we got that restraining bolt off him?" Vara asked in Basic, uncertain how familiar the Jedi was in Huttese.

"XB is doing fine, still looking for some of the parts he was missing when we found him," the Ugnaught nodded. He turned his attention to the robed woman towering over him from the other side of the counter. "The name's Drakkett, and this is Drakkett's droids!" he extended his arms, gesturing to his humble kiosk of droid and droid parts. He then pointed to Vara, "Most these geeks and droid enthusiasts just call me 'Uncle' though."

Vara looked at Ember and shrugged with a smile, "If you're ever looking for droids or parts, Me or Uncle can probably help you out," she said as she picked up and investigated a loose trinket on Drakkett's counter before setting it back down, "And I promise you it's nothing like the rings." Vara felt like that was something the Jedi would bring up, but Vara staunchly believed in making sure he stayed legitimate.

As Vara set the trinket back on the counter, a small scout droid hopped onto the counter and chirped something cheerful in binary. Vara pat XB's head similar you would a lothcat. She giggled a bit as she spoke, "Oh. This is XB-7, found him abandoned a few levels down with a restraining bolt." The bipedal droid crept it's way across the counter, making sure not to knock anything off, and chirped a few more beeps as he investigated Ember.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember was surprised at how well Vara took the information. Responding to the question, Ember said “Well, they were a bit cautious at first, but I grew on them”. A wry smile flashed on Ember’s face.

Before she could say more, Vara was asking her to wait. Her companion spoke in a language Emeber guessed was Huttese, but she couldn’t be sure. She didn’t speak many languages beyond basic. The Ugnaught introduced himself as Drakket, but asked to be called Uncle. Ember gave a slight bow, saying “It is nice to meet you Drakket, my name is Ember.”

‘Not anything like the rings? She must mean these droid parts and droid accessories aren’t stolen goods.’ Ember thought, curious why Vara pointed this out, the question flashing across her face. “If I ever need a droid, I’ll be sure to stop by here first.” She said, hoping she sounded as sincere as she meant it.

A cute little droid walked up to Ember next, checking her out. She outstretched her hand, mimicking the head pat that Vara just did. “Well aren’t you a cutie! It’s a shame anyone would put a restraining bolt on this little one.” Ember said. While Ember has had very limited experience with droids, she knew that people could be very cruel to them.

Turning back to Vara, Ember said “Is this one of your friends you were looking for?” Ember was sure this wasn’t the place Vara had in mind for the rings, otherwise she wouldn’t have pointed out that all of Uncle’s goods are clean. ‘So if the rings aren’t being sold here, where else will this night take me?’ Ember thought, while looking around at all the droid and droid parts in the shop.