Vreva propped her feet up on the wall of the Nighthawk, braids dangling down past her seat. She watched the others from her topsy-turvy view as they gathered their things for the mission ahead. Everything she needed was with her pack. Her rifle was already cleaned and loaded, her blade sharpened.

She was so bored.

"Blood rushing to your head, yet?" Paum mused as he checked his pack.

"Not yet," she replied, though when she righted herself she felt just the slightest bit of nausea. She exhaled with a deep sigh as she bounced her knee. "When the kark are we getting there? Want to get this cleanup done so we can count the creds and be on to the next."

"On to the next?"

"I need to kill something."

Paum let out a whoosh of air through his blowhole. "Vreva. Not every mission has to be to the death. Creds are creds."

"Not for me." Vreva drew one knee up to her chest and wrapped her arms around it. She stared ahead at the far wall and refused to meet whatever look he gave her.

She could still hear the disappointment in his tone. "Vreva..."

"You knew what you signed up for, big guy. Just let me complain." She dragged her pack closer and started to sort out its contents on the seat beside her. Anything to keep her focus elsewhere. Paum wouldn't understand. He couldn't.

"How about a spar when we get back? You and me, like old times. Get some of that energy out."

"It's not that." Her brow furrowed as she returned each item in the same haphazard jumble within her pack.

"You want a challenge."

"I want to kill something." Vreva's yellow eyes turned on Paum. His own ruddy hues met her intimidating glare with a calmness that stifled her anger.

"What's wrong?" Paum asked.

His words caused her fire to flare again. Her nose wrinkled. "Nothing."

"Just a murderous streak?"

"I'm a paid murderer, Paum-Paum. It's what I do."

"You're more than a killer, Vreva."

Vreva laughed loud at that. Loud enough for others to glance her way. She gave a manic grin, daring them to say anything. This is what they paid her for. A Sith. A weapon.

"Didn't think you'd drink before a mission," she said in a biting snarl. Vreva knew it wasn't the truth, and Paum didn't flinch from her words. They both knew she was deflecting, concealing herself from him.

"If only. Might make this trip go by faster." Paum chuffed, then placed a large hand on the zabrak's shoulder. She shrugged off his touch as if burned by it, and his expression turned to a deep frown.

It hurt her in turn to see him so hurt, though she refused to give up her vitriol. "Let's just focus on the mission ahead," she said bitterly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Get this done, and see what comes next."

Paum remained silent at that and mirrored her stance. It was a quiet trip to Gethsemane.

"How about two truths and a lie?" Luka asked, their voice slightly slurring on the last two words. They slid into the space left on the couch beside Yeoni. Somehow they had managed not to spill a drop of their drink as they sidled up under the Kiffar's arm.

Moogan tea. Luka had requested it each time since their first date. A new favorite. Yeoni had picked well, it seemed. It wasn't very likely that the game was necessary for Luka to talk about themselves. The human had grown so comfortable in his presence, and the drinks helped things along. The Kiffar still chose to humor his date. "Why don't you go first and show me how to play?"

Luka sat up quickly and jostled their drink. To some miracle once more, nothing spilled. Yeoni breathed a sigh of relief that went unnoticed by his human companion. "Alright!" they said with a wide smile. They took a sip of their drink and then set it on the table. Yeoni subtly pushed the glass closer to the table's center.

"Didn't think I'd go first. Hold on..." They settled back down against Yeoni and dangled their legs over the arm of the couch.

Yeoni carded his fingers through Luka's hair. They always seemed to enjoy that, touch and attention. Not unlike the Nexu that curled up on the unoccupied bed. "We have all night," Yeoni said with a chuckle. "I don't have to get up early." Luka shivered as goosebumps rose on their skin. Yeoni's head tilted to the side. "Cold?"

"No, I'm fine. Distracted."

"Distracted?"

"By you." Luka looked up at Yeoni through those long lashes. Yeoni knew this to be a deflection, from what he had seen of Luka's tells. There was more on Luka's mind.

Yeoni chose to play into it. He leaned forward to place a kiss on Luka's forehead. This was the right course of action. Luka pulled him in for another kiss, deeper. Their respiration had increased, a heat to their skin. They enjoyed this.

"I'm not sleeping with you," Luka spoke with a heavy breath. Yeoni raised a brow, and Luka gave a soft slap against Yeoni's cheek. They then pointed up at him with a scolding glare. "Don't you look at me with those beautiful eyes of yours. I'm drunk."

"Do you still want me to stay, or should I go home?"

"No. You can stay. I... I wanted you to. I want you to."

It seemed difficult for Luka to speak. Yeoni decided to press, curious as to why. "Would you like me to stay the night? We don't have to do anything."

"I would like that." Again, the words seemed to struggle in their throat.

Yeoni wrapped an arm around Luka. An offer of comfort that Luka sunk into with a shaking breath. "Two truths and a lie," said Yeoni as he gave their arm a squeeze. "What are you thinking about right now?"

"Sex." Luka glanced up through those lashes again. Then their gaze unfocused before drifting to the right. They brushed their fingers against the scar on their neck, over the raised marks of teeth. "This." No further explanation was given, but Luka's tone implied a bitter story. "And you. Always you, nowadays." They reached out to touch him so tentatively, so softly. Yeoni pressed against that hand. He noticed tears starting at the corners of Luka's eyes.

"Come here." A warm tone. More comfort. Luka accepted it and buried themselves in it as they climbed into Yeoni's lap. The Kiffar's arms shrouded them in his warmth as he held them close. "We don't have to do anything tonight, but can I kiss you?"

Luka nodded but said nothing in response. Yeoni placed a gentle kiss on their temple and felt their held breath at his neck. "We don't have to do anything tonight," he repeated. "You're safe here." His lips to that scar earned a shiver from Luka. He then placed his hands on either side of Luka's head as he held their gaze. Tears streamed down and muddied their makeup, but a smile played upon their features. Yeoni smiled as well. "I love you."

There was a brief moment when Yeoni thought he had said those words too soon. Luka seemed almost startled. Their brown eyes were wide and searching for an answer as if written in Yeoni's gaze. Finding nothing there, they took their answer from his mouth. Their kiss was wet from their crying and desperate for the love found in his words.

A game easily won.

Objective III: I'm Sorry, What About My Credit Score?

Vreva stared blankly at the long scroll of paper held aloft by the service droid. She had been shaped to appear like a human woman made completely of chrome with a curly bobbed haircut and Big Wiggly uniform. The glowing, jovial expression that had been installed upon the droid's face did nothing to lift the Zabrak's spirits. "One million credits..." How the frak had she spent one million credits in one night? What had she spent it on? "The kark did you come up with that number?"

"Vulgar language is not necessary. This receipt here has an itemized list of your bill, Miss Vanna. If you have any questions, I would be happy to clarify!" The robot's cheeks glowed with pink light as it tilted its chrome head to the side. "At Big Wiggly Fantastic Casino, customer satisfaction is our top priority!"

"Yeah, I'm not satisfied at all -- and don't call me 'Miss', chromedome," Vreva scowled as she snatched the receipt from the droid. Her yellow eyes narrowed as she glanced down the list.

"I must remind you that vulgar language is not necessary. Is there another way you wish me to address you?"

Vreva ignored the question. "I thought all of this kriff was complementary."

"The 'One Hundred Trillionth Customer' package gifted to you includes your choice of three games, penthouse suite, public amenities, and one round of drinks --"

"Wait!" Vreva's gaze had arrived at the portion of the bill labeled 'Beverages'. "Over a hundred thousand creds on drinks? I'd be in a coma! That can't be right."

"I can assure you the calculations are correct. We pride ourselves in offering only the finest liquors to our customers."

"Karking scrap heap! I know that kriff wasn't top shelf. And what the kark is this about 'private amenities'?"

"Again, vulgar language is not necessary and security may be involved if you continue." The cheerful tone of her voice offset the threat. "Private amenities include room service, private entertainment, mood lighting, television, water, and waste removal--"

"You charged me to use the karking bathroom?! I'm not paying a cred. You slimeballs roped me into this kriff." Vreva crumpled up the receipt and tossed it at the droid. The paper ball bounced off its head and onto the counter. The droid's gaze followed it, then returned to Vreva. Its round orbitals retracted into thin slits.

"Vulgar language and vandalism of casino property are not allowed at Big Wiggly Fantastic Casino. Security and Nar Shaddaa authorities have been notified."

"Well they can all kiss my ass," Vreva spat. "I'm leaving."

"I am afraid I cannot allow you to do that," the droid remarked as its eyes and cheeks glowed a bright red. The droid placed their hands on their hips and Vreva mirrored their stance.

"I'm afraid I don't frickin' care!" Vreva snapped back. She turned her back on the droid and stormed off towards the casino entrance. She made three steps before the doors ahead of her slid shut with an electric whir and a slam. The Zabrak stopped short and spun around to eye the droid furiously.

The droid was now within a foot of her. How had it moved that quickly and silently? This close, Vreva could see that the droid was also taller than herself when not seated at the desk.

"I cannot allow you to leave. Security and Nar Shaddaa authorities have been notified. Failure to pay at the time of service will lead to prosecution under the full extent of the law." The service droid stepped closer and Vreva took two steps back.

Back to the door, Vreva scowled. Her hand went to the slugthrower at her side. "What law? You all are smugglers and drug dealers!"

"Time spent will pay off a portion of your debt. The rest will be paid with your bounty, Miss Vreva." The service droid flicked its wrist and bladed claws extended from the tips of its metallic fingers. "By my calculation, it is a hefty sum."

"Eat spit, metalhead!" Vreva drew her pistol and fired two slugs at the droid.

The first shot pinged off its platinum shoulder without effect, but the second found its mark and shattered its right orbital. The droid's frame shuddered and its head lolled on its neck for a moment before it stood straight once more.

A familiar whisper at the back of Vreva's mind issued a warning: Head down!

Vreva dropped low as the droid shifted impossibly fast to her flank and those bladed fingers sliced through the air where Vreva's head had been moments before. Drawing upon the Force to amplify her strike, Vreva booted the droid's kneecap. The metal joint bent in the opposite direction and the droid let out a duo-toned cry as she fell forward. Metal head met metal door with a clang. It wasn't down and out yet, though. It pushed against the door and attempted to steady itself on its one good leg.

Though Vreva would have delighted in tearing the robot apart, she could hear running footsteps fast approaching. Casino security, no doubt. "Would love to finish this dance, babe -- but I'm out!" Vreva pressed a few buttons on her wrist commlink as she made for the lobby stairs. She ignored the droid as it swiped at her again before falling on its twisted leg.

Paum's grunt of greeting came across her comm. He must have just woken up. "Hey big boy, I need you to come pick me up. Rooftop of Big Wiggly. No time to explain." As she rounded a corner she had to duck out of the way of a Gammorean vibro-axe.

"Making friends?" Paum's mirth could be sensed despite his monotone.

Vreva disarmed the Gammorean with a slug through the bicep. His squeal was cut short with an elbow to the throat. "You know me," she said with a smile. "Always the popular one. They've got law enforcement incoming, so keep the engines hot and keep an eye on your ass."

Another grunt was her answer before Paum disconnected the call. He would need his attention for navigating the ship through the crowded urban expanse. With her locater he would find her easily enough. She just had to get to the roof.

She climbed another set of stairs and heard metallic clanking and scuffling on the flight below her. The service droid had abandoned its bipedal nature and instead had chosen to scuttle after her on its three good limbs like a chrome insect.

"Don't give up, do you?" Vreva remarked as she looked down the flight of stairs. She decided to take two at a time as she raced the droid to the roof. No way did she have the space to fight it on the stairs. Third floor, and many more to go. Wait... The elevator!

Vreva made a dash for the elevator doors without daring to look at what was behind her. Some poor soul was inside. The Human man was a customer by the look of how he dressed. Vreva collided with him and shoved him against the wall before hastily pressing the button for rooftop access.

Access denied.

"Kark!" Vreva glanced frantically at the approaching droid as she pressed every button. Each time a red alert flashed on the screen. "Kark! Kark! Kark!"

"Let me!" The man said as he picked himself up from the floor. He held forward a keycard and attempted to slide it into the elevator's access port. Vreva tore it from his hand and shoved it in before pressing the rooftop button. The elevator's doors slid shut. A moment later a loud clang could be heard as the droid collided with the elevator's doors.

The Human was almost hyperventilating on the floor. Although he had saved her life, Vreva was still annoyed by the display of weakness. There was a long silence as the elevator went up each floor.

"W-w-what was that thing?" the man asked, still trembling. "A-are you going to kill me? I can't die! I won the jackpot!" He started sobbing. "I can't die!"

Vreva rolled her eyes. Then she paused. With a brow raised, she turned to the man. "How much was the jackpot?"

The man sputtered. "You can have it all! Just don't kill me!" Tears and snot streamed down his face.

Vreva turned to stand over him and he shrunk further. "Answer the damn question!"

"T-ten muh-muh-muh--" He was in a full panic as he stuttered his words. "Oh, please don't hurt me!"

"Give me one million."

The man sniffed and hiccupped as he looked at her with confusion. "What?"

"One million for your life, but you gotta play a nice little hostage. Primo?" She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and hoisted him up like one would scruff a feline. The elevator's doors opened and she pushed him through. "Anyone shoots at us, and you don't see that nine mill."

"Yes ma'am!" he sobbed.

She gave him a rough shove forward. "Don't kriffing 'ma'am' me!"

"Yes mistress!" the man whined. Unsure if that was better or much worse, Vreva insisted they proceed in silence.

The rooftop had a view of the full amplitude of the city below. The neon grin of Big Wiggly cast a glow on the pair as Vreva led the man toward the edge. The ship wasn't there.

Vreva swore under her breath in Zabraki and the man flinched. "What's wrong?"

She let go of the man's collar and he stumbled. Thankfully he did not fall over the edge, but he landed roughly on his backside with a loud whump.

"What's taking that lug so long?" she muttered. She took the time to reload her gun and watched the crowded skies for any sign of their ship. No law enforcement either, at least. Though she was not going to get anywhere without a ride out. Sure she could jump, but as she looked down her stomach flopped. That was a long way down.

A shout drew her attention back and she saw the Human cowering and pointing at the approaching droid flanked by two Gammoreons. "I cannot allow you to leave, Miss Vreva," the droid said as she crawled forward. "These two will escort you back to your room, and we will have a discussion regarding your payment."

"He'll pay you." Vreva pointed to the man on the ground. "Owes me a million creds."

"Due to the destruction of casino property, the fee has increased," the droid said in their sing-song tinny tone.

Vreva's eyes narrowed and she looked to the man under her. He scrambled up to his knees. "I-I'll pay it all. Every cred. Please, just let me go home!"

The droid's blank stare moved to the man briefly, then back to Vreva. It seemed unmoved as it advanced toward Vreva.

"He just won the jackpot," Vreva said as she took a step back. Her boot heel met the edge of the concrete. "Ten million should be more than enough."

It stopped and its orbitals flickered. It then turned to the man on the ground, spidery limbs rotating its mechanical body. "Do you consent to the transfer of five million five hundred and thirty-two credits?" It tilted its chrome head.

"Yes! Yes! Please, just let me go!"

There was a pause and then the droid's eyes shone green. A smile spread across its face and pink lights glowed in its cheeks once more. "Excellent. Transferring balance now."

Vreva breathed a sigh of relief alongside her hostage. That had been surprisingly easy. Though the lingering guard gave her a sense that they were not done here.

"There is still the issue of your bounty." The service droid said with a cheery tone. Vreva scoffed. Of course. They would not let something like that go. "Big Wiggly has instructed me to apprehend the criminal Vreva to hand over to the proper authorities. I insist you come quietly so as to not endanger the lives of those around you." The Gammoreans raised their vibro-axes and the man beside her whimpered.

Not everything was lost, however. Vreva could hear the distant hum of engines over the drone of the vibro-axes. A rush of air tossed her braids forward and floodlights blinded the two guards. Only the droid looked on with interest.

"Nah, I think this is my ride out of here. Thanks for the hospitality, though." Vreva gave a salute, then with a Force-amplified backward leap she landed on top of the ship. Sure enough, it was Paum waving from the cockpit. The ship's forward cannons came to life, signaling that C1-INT was arming the weapons. There was no need to waste ammunition, however, as Paum pulled the ship away from the building. Vreva waved as the neon Hutt faded from view, then climbed inside before they exited Nar Shaddaa's atmosphere.

Though the moon was far at their backs with no chase, Vreva doubted they would let her go completely. "Remind me never to accept free booze," she said to Paum, earning a chuckle. C1-INT trilled in agreement.