Impulsive
A pleasure doing business with you.
As always, Siri said, slipping a few credits into
the Rodians hand as he got up from the table and
began to make his way through the mob of dancing patrons.
The busy nightclub was known for throngs of rambunctious characters, loud
music, and its flashing lights. The combination of which were giving Siri a headache. She fingered the data chip just given to
her by a long time informant, a connoisseur of the Republics dirty laundry
before securing it into a pouch of the belt that clung tightly around her hips.
She had just reached the door to the establishment when she sensed a flicker in
the Force, a presence she had known for a long time. She looked out into the
sea of beings, beginning to push her way towards the bright beacon in the Force
when strong shields snapped into place, snuffing it out without any explanation
or acknowledgement.
She looked around again. She was sure he had been close. Straining to hear over
the crowd, one distinctive voice emerged.
I have a room not too far from here.
She turned to see two figures push their way through the crowd and followed
them out the door, still keeping her distance. The Force signature had been
unmistakable and the distinct Core accent was more than familiar.
Siri leaned her head back against the wall where she
was seated in the dim corridor. A musty, stale smell hung in the air, not
uncommon for this district of Coruscant. She ran her
fingers through her blonde tresses.
This is a definite invasion of privacy, she said to herself. She
couldnt figure out why she was here or why she even cared. Hes a grown
man. Its not like hes doing anything wrong. Siri
knew of other Jedi, other men who sometimes hired the services of she shook
her head. Not something she wanted to think about. Why did it matter? Because
hell hate himself tomorrow if he goes through with this, she finally
rationalized.
A husky feminine chuckle escaped from behind the door Siri
was sitting next too, drawing her from her thoughts.
Thats it, she whispered to herself.
She wiped the sweat from her palms and got up off the ground, positioning
herself in front of the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked. Nothing. She knocked harder a second time and heard
footsteps cautiously approach the door. She took several deep breaths to calm
her racing heart. She was committed now.
The door opened and a thin woman with long dark hair put her hand in the door
frame and leaned in.
Think you got the wrong room honey.
No, Im pretty sure this is the right one. Siri may
have muted her Force signature, but his no longer was. I need to have a word
with your friend, she said, not sure how else to refer to him. She
felt a tremendous amount of unease as the woman shifted her scantily clad body.
Let her in, came the cultured voice from inside the
room.
The woman moved her body allowing Siri to step into
the room, and closed the door behind them. Obi-Wan stepped out from where he
had apparently been hiding in the corner of the room.
Hello Siri, he said plainly, holding back the
irritation she sensed.
Siris eyes were drawn to the path of red smudges
that made their way down his neck, and she had to stifle the uncomfortable
emotions bubbling within.
What are you doing here? she asked firmly.
I would think that would be obvious, he chuckled. Besides, I should
be the one asking that question, he said harshly.
Im here because Im a friend Obi-Wan, she said softly, looking with
puzzlement when he winced, closing his eyes.
Hey, I thought you said your name was Ben, the rooms other occupant said
from where she was standing.
She walked up behind Obi-Wan and draped her arms around his neck. Obi-Wan
pushed her arms away and Siri sensed unease and
something similar to embarrassment from him.
In my line of work, sometimes you have to use aliases, he said through
gritted teeth, looking Siri in the eyes as he walked
to a chair and shoved the blaster he was holding into a holster draped along
with a leather jacket over the back. He reached up, self-consciously pulling
the soft collar of the blue silk shirt he was wearing closely around his neck.
Siri felt heat rise in her cheeks and swallowed hard.
She hadnt even noticed the unfamiliar clothing and weaponry. She breathed a
sigh of relief that her usual wardrobe didnt immediately identify her as a
Jedi.
So was this one business or did you break her heart, the woman said to
Obi-Wan, motioning to Siri as she once again attached
herself to Obi-Wans side.
Siri saw a mischievous gleam in his eyes and knew she
was about to pay for her misguided intrusion.
Strictly pleasure, but obviously didnt get that it was over, he said,
hugging the woman closer to his side. She let out another husky chuckle.
Two can play at this game. Something dangerous flashed across Siris eyes and Obi-Wans smug
expression melted to worry.
So, are you finished here, Siri asked,
moving towards him.
Well, youve kind of ruined the mood, he countered with humor.
Have you paid the lady for her time then, Siri
asked, moving towards closer then resting her hands on the chair in front of
her.
Yes, he said, suddenly not certain what she was up
to.
She quickly pulled a blaster from the holster draped over the chair in the
front of her and aimed it at the couple before they had a chance to move.
Good, she purred.
The womans face paled as she looked into the muzzle of the blaster aimed at
her.
Look honey, you can have him if you want him, she said, snatching up a bag.
She stumbled over the slim heels of her stilettos trying to escape from the
room as quickly as possible, leaving Obi-Wan alone facing Siri.
You know they say never to point a blaster at someone if you dont intend to
use it, Obi-Wan said dryly after the door shut.
Siri paused.
Well, youre in luck. Im not in the mood to shoot you, she said, finally
lowering and re-holstering the weapon.
Obi-Wan breathed deeply.
Are you going to tell me why you are here?
I was getting some information at the club next door.
Well, looks like we have something in common, but I was asking why are you here?
Siri looked down, her face flushing once again.
I thought I was helping a friend not do something he would regret, she
admitted.
I thought you knew me better than that.
You certainly look like youve been enjoying yourself, she said nearing him
and tracing her finger down the smudges on his neck.
He grabbed her hand before it traveled any further.
Ive spent most the evening in a vain attempt to maintain some sort of
distance from her, he snorted. Nothing happened, nor was anything going to
happen, he said looking Siri in the eyes.
I know, she said breaking the uncomfortable eye contact. I just sensed your
presence at the club, and I dont know what got into
Weve been through this before Siri, and we both
know why we cant
He found himself unable to continue, and instead leaned down a gently pressed
his lips to her forehead.
I know.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the room.
Come and grab something to eat with me. I know a great little place, Obi-Wan
said, breaking the tension.
Siri disappeared into the refresher and returned with
a towel.
Youre not going out looking like that, she said wiping the smudges from his
neck. Its not even my color.
Master Noi