Chapter 3: Archaic

[Rogue 4]

Compromise? I thought you would have forgotten what that was by now. Her granite gaze followed the strong arm blocking her path, up to the handsome face of it's owner. "For now." She reached over, grabbing the blue dress and looking to him expectantly.

[Pandora 77]

Deign nodded, his gaze decidedly even. He lowered his arm and nodded to the guard. "Please escort Ms. Nasrin back to my quarters. I'm right behind you." Deign pushed past Layla to retrieve the shoes from the floor at the end of the cot.

[Bad furday 57]

Coruscant (That Big Bombad Meetin' Place!)

Arlan and Jya emerged from the Arrivals hangar carrying their bags, and quickly walked to the exits. There wasn't much sense in running,

as they wouldn't be making the journey to New Republic Defense HQ on foot.

The pair exited the series of glass doors and found themselves in a plaza, with speeder traffic on the same level as pedestrians.

"Taxi!" Arlan waved at a passing air speeder. The pilot ignored him and whistled past.

"Allow me," said Jya.

Spotting an approaching taxi, she walked into the middle of the flying lane.

Hiking up her skirt, Jya extended a slender leg, and whistled.

The air speeder pilot's eyes widened in surprise, then lust, as he brought the taxi to an abrupt halt.

"Just like in the holos!" explained Jya with a laugh. She then entered the speeder.

Arlan grinned as he threw their bags into the cargo area and climbed into the seat next to Jya.

"NRDF headquarters!" He waved an extra credit at the pilot.

"And step on it!"

[Rogue 4]

Layla walked with the guard, evaluating in her mind exactly what she would have to to do knock this kid out and steal his blaster. Of course the plans ended there as she knew she couldn't get past everyone on the base on her own.

"This way--" the guard tried directing her.

"I don't need your directions. I was building this place from the ground up when you were still in middle school. How old are you, seventeen? Eighteen?"

He shut up, and she continued to walk with him at a brisk pace.

[Pandora 77]

With only a few quick steps, Deign caught back up to Layla and the guard. He took her by the arm. "Now, now, let's not abuse the interns."

The guard groaned. He was clearly sick of that joke.

"So I figured I'd let you get cleaned up in my quarters," he said softly enough to be out of the guard's hearing. The trio reached the door shortly and keyed in his personal entrance code, revealing a crisp sitting room that was just north of sterile and just south of homely and cheerful. "I'm afraid I haven't managed to do much with the place since you've been gone." Deign held his arm out in welcome, then instructed the guard to wait outside.

"I assume you know your way to the refresher unit."

[Rogue 4]

She looked around the room. Clearly there was a reason why she had always been the one to decorate. She remembered their own appartment, filled with rich red and gold fabrics. Nothing too bright for Deign, but nothing too bare for Layla's tastes.

This room was a dead, colorless bachelor pad.

Done with her cursory inspection, she turned to him and raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "There's a catch in all this. What is it?"

[Pandora 77]

Deign smiled as charmingly as he could... under the circumstances. He ushered her inside and locked the door behind them and nodded in the general direction of the refresher unit.

"The 'fresher door. It doesn't close. Don't worry. Your honor's safe. But you are a prisoner, afterall."

[Winters 0]

Cale Sano was on the floor, he stopped crying, but he still felt the sign of heartbreak.

"Sir, Mr. Argos sent a message." A voice said from his comlink. He pulled up his HoloNet page and saw the message. He's probably asking what happened. I should reply to this right away.

Sir,

Forgive me for not doing the job myself, it is unexcusable and I should have seen to it myself.

However, the bounty hunter to which you refer was hired to capure her and bring her to me, it seems that the bounty hunter has took the liberty of bypassing me and going directly to you with hopes of more money. Although normally it would be unacceptable for even the lowest mercaneries of your employ, there happened to be a Mandalorian at the station, or at least one with the armor of a Mandalorian. This Mandalorian caused great death and destruction to my men and even caused me trouble, but he was eventually subdued, at least enough to allow the bounty hunter to, for lack of a better way of saying this, seek the bounty.

Forgive my errors, I shall never do them again. At this moment, we are returning to the base and I hope to speak to you right away about this.

Cale Sano.

He sighed. Stang, he won't accept this ever... He then looked at the hologram of Nasha, I'll never get her...

[Rogue 4]

Typical. She crossed her arms, looking from the door to him. "Incredible...I didn't realize how desperate you really are. Let me make something clear...you take a step into that room, and I swear on whatever religion it is you believe in these days, I'll make you regret it."

Knowing she'd be able to hear his response from the other side of the door, she grabbed the dress and headed into the refresher, closing the door as best as she could. She realized that the mirror was placed conveniently for him if he decided to look. Whatever, let him. He can go ahead and get a good look at what he lost out on four years ago.

She turned the hot water on, stripped out of her clothes, and stepped into the shower.

[Pandora 77]

Deign couldn't help but chuckle at Layla's warning. He held his hands up in mock innocense. "Hey, I'm no peeping Toydarian. I just happen to know how resourceful you are." He turned his back on Layla and the 'fresher and took a seat against the adjacent wall. He could easily shift in his chair to see inside the little room, but he didn't. Instead he pulled up a message from Cale Sano.

He snorted at the pathetic excuse. His reply was brief and to the point. "I will deal with you tomorrow afternoon. Come prepared for bad news."

At the sound of the water turning on, Deign turned in the general direction of the 'fresher door, but did not look all the way inside.

He muttered to himself again, "Yes, what will Mother think?"

[Rogue 4]

Layla shut the water off, stepping out and toweling off before getting ready for this dinner tonight. She slipped into the dress. She had to admit that it was nice. It was a sleeveless v-neck with a seam that was symetrical. It sat just above the knee in the front, and just below the knee in the back. He remembered that blue is my color... The thought slipped, and she had to work quick to amend it.

Kidnapping me, and forcing me to go pretend everything's alright in front of his family...it's disgusting.

Family dinner. That was a term that made her think of her own home. And sweet Ayana. She could just about hear her calling for Mama. Ayana with her sweet voice, kind heart, pink skin, violet eyes...

Violet eyes. She sighed. She wanted to forget that Deign had any responsibility in bringing that perfect child into the world.

She stole his brush to comb through her hair, opening the door and walking out.

[Pandora 77]

Deign stood up when Layla exited the refresher unit, the bright blue dress against her tantalizing pink skin bringing a genuine smile to his face. He set the shoes down in front of her, trying not to think about how the raised heel accentuated the divine curve of her exposed legs.

He cleared his throat and offered her his arm. "Shall we? It is for Mother, after all."

Edited May 31, 2008 by Pandora

[Rogue 4]

Layla twisted her wavy red hair over one shoulder and reluctantly took his arm. "You do realize how twisted it is that you're doing this, right? And after four years your parents still believe we're together?"

[Pandora 77]

Deign led Layla into the hall, on their way to the waiting speeder. "Ah, actually, I told my family we had a fight, which was true, to a degree. Anyway, long story short, they know we broke up and 'lost contact.' But good news, I was able to track you down. As far as Mother knows, we're just friends." He turned and faced Layla, pausing briefly in midstep to give her another once-over.

"Although, in this dress, well... Mother fancies herself a shrewd woman. Don't be surprised if you never find yourself without a drink in your hand tonight."

At last they reached the speeder. Deign opened the door for Layla. "And by the way. Don't try anything funny. I own this city now." He strode around the front of the speeder, situated himself behind the controls and sped off deeper into the city.

[Rogue 4]

"Right, of course because there's nothing more romantic before a nice dinner than a veiled threat." Lay replied from the passenger seat. She tried to act casual despite all the danger she knew she was in, sitting here next to the former lover who had tried to kill her. "And last I checked public record, you cdidn't own Tyrena. The Diktat does. The Empire does."

***

NRDF HQ, Coruscant

Nat and Nima walked in the main entrance to the building. The flight was uneventful, Nima eventually falling asleep. He was merciful and leant her a jacket, although he now walked in in the loose-fitting garb his people wore on Ryloth. Ignoring the looks he was getting from the officers around regarding his relaxed appearance, he walked over to the receptionist to find out where they were supposed to go.

After she had directed them up to the Starfighter Corps levels, the pair of Twi'leks found their way down the hall to the main lifts and waited for one to arrive.

Out of the corner of his eye, Nat spotted a familiar face walking down the main hall and towards the front entrance. "You go on up, Nima. I have to go speak with someone." He left her waiting and started walking back to the entrance.

Edited May 31, 2008 by Drake

[Pandora 77]

Deign smiled and made a winding motion around his right pinky. "Ah, but I have managed to wrap the Diktat around my little finger. Archaic no longer has any competitors for the Empire's favor in this system. And once I put together a few missing pieces to one last puzzle, tie up a few loose ends and all that, I'll be able to extend that claim throughout the entire Empire."

He gave Layla an odd little wink. "Now who failed, sweetheart?"

[Rogue 4]

"You tell me." She shifted in the passenger seat, turning to face him better. She couldn't deny that there were still things about him that were charming, reminding her of all the good times they had had together, a long time ago. "Tell me Deign, are you happy? When you go to sleep at night, do you sleep soundly, or does something wake you in the middle of the night? Maybe it's something you can't even pin down."

[Pandora 77]

Deign met her gaze steadily, if only for a moment before returning his focus to the city streets he manuevered easily. "Questions, Layla. As usual, it's unanswered questions that disturb me. One thing that hasn't changed about me is that I hate not knowing the answer." He glanced at her again, hoping his expression was more stern than it felt.

And the biggest question in my mind right now is Layla Nasrin, do you really despise me so? He was careful to keep his thoughts buried deep within himself. Deep within his mind he heaped layers of resent on top of his weak musings.

"Ah, almost there."

[Drake 53]

Coruscant

The Shadow Runner pulled out of the traffic lane and descended towards the NRDF Headquarters, finally docking there.

Takeshi left his ship still in full armour, minus his helmet which was attached to his belt, and made his way over to the security checkpoint. The guards stationed there looked him up and down before one of them asked, "Got some ID?"

From his pouch, Tak drew his ID chip and fed it into the security reader. A light on the machine changed from red to green and Takeshi's credentials appeared on one of the guards' terminal screens. From this angle, Tak could see the logo for Revenant squadron as well as one for black ops. The guard's eyes widened slightly and he straightened a little. "Sorry, Lieutenant. Go on through."

Takeshi waved his hand and said, "I understand my looks can be deceiving. Thanks, gentlemen." He retrieved his ID chip and continued to the lift which brought him up to the main lobby.

The receptionist at the front desk gave much the same up and down look as the guards, except her eyes were practically bugging out of her head. "C-can I help you, sir?" She asked.

"Yes," replied Tak. "I would like to know where the members of Revenant Squadron are gathering."

The receptionist looked a little nervous. "Uhh...and you are?"

"Lieutenant Takeshi Beskar," came a familiar voice from behind him. "Or is it Skirata now?"

Takeshi turned and found Aeric standing a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest and a slight smirk on his face. "Captain Tunon," he replied with a salute.

Aeric returned the gesture. "At ease. Now, I heard that your ship had arrived so I figured I'd come down and see for myself." To Tak's raised eyebrow, he said, "I just got off the comm with Commander Tebus. He told me all about the attack, Officer Nasrin's capture...and your little revelation. I hope you realize coming out about being openly Mandalorian is going to give me a lot of paperwork." He stopped and looked over at the confused receptionist. "It's fine, Sanna, he's with me. Let's go discuss matters then, shall we?"

"Nothing would make me happier...except for rescuing Layla and wringing the life out of the man who did it," Tak said, grimly.

As they walked, Aeric nodded. "I hope that will be soon." The Captain smiled a little as a familiar blue Twi'lek approached from the other end of the hall. "Ah. Lieutenant Riamor. I see you brought your vacation home with you."

[Rogue 4]

"What vacation, Captain?" Nat asked with a sigh. "I left here this morning, flew to Ryloth, bumped into my sister, Officer Secura, and her mother, and it's been all downhill since."

Looking over to Takeshi he blinked, his lekku straightening in surprise. "I see I've missed out on a lot."

***

Layla felt like maybe she had gotten through to him a bit. She knew she would have to try again later. She found herself wanting to understand him again. Understand how they had gotten here. It seemed like it all happened so fast.

She needed to focus now though, and took a deep breath. As much as she hated that he was putting her through this evening, she knew that she couldn't come out and make the real situation known. She didn't want to put his mother through that. She had always been a kind woman, and she was getting old. She wasn't sure she could handle it. "You have no idea...how lucky you are that I'm a good actor. And a sympathetic person."

[Pandora 77]

"You know as well as I do that one disapproving look from my mother could suck the life out of an angry krayyt dragon and drown it in its own guilt. You sure that has nothing to do with it?" He parked the speeder in front of a small house that surely looked familiar to Layla. He offered his hand as he opened the door for her.

"Now my family has no ide what's happened to Sena. It's wrought a bit of havoc on my father. She was the jewel of his eye, after all, and after she disappeared, well.... let's just say he's never been far from the bottle since."

[Drake 53]

Tak only nodded while the Captain answered. "That you have. And, though I've heard about the events that transpired back at base, I wasn't there. Takeshi was, however. We were just on our way for a debriefing concerning what happened. Care to join us, Lieutenant?"

[Princess 35]

Nima headed upstairs, wishing that there had been time to stop by a locker room to procure a flight suit to change into. Luckily Nat had had a change of heart and lended her a jacket. She tied it more securely around her, then entered the pilots lounge, with just her sandaled feet showing from under the jacket. "So, anyone know why we're here?"

[Bad furday 57]

The air speeder slewed to a stop infront of NRDF headquarters.

Arlan paid the pilot while Jya retrieved their bags.

Entering the building, the two of them went through the security check. After scanning their IDs and inspecting their luggage,

the guards waved them through.

"Hi! Do you know where the members of Revenant Squadron are meeting?" Arlan asked the receptionist.

"That seems to be what everyone wants to know lately!" replied Sanna. She pointed down a hallway

"Upstairs, in the pilots lounge."

[Rogue 4]

Nat nodded. "I'd hate to have the rest of the squadron know just how out of the loop I am."

***

And you don't know what happened to Sena either. I plan on keeping it that way Layla thought, taking his hand and letting him help her from the speeder. She took a deep breath, steadying herself for what was about to come.