Moondancers

[Moonbeam]

Freedom-Alysheba
Aly gasps for breath. They had been running for while now.  Although dancing kept their bodies in great shape, they were wearing down.  They needed to find a place to rest, maybe find some food.  Her stomach grumbled, it had been a while since their last meal, but she wasn't sure she could eat anything.  Her insides quivered with fear.  They were so close. 

She glances around at the other two who were with her, Kerenza and Topaz.  They had danced together for years, had actually grown up together.  This plan had been in the makings for months, and it had worked, so far.  Looking down at her hands, she notices that they are shaking. She is so scared.

Glancing up, she notices that Kerenza was farther ahead and had come to a sudden stop. Coming in behind her, Aly and Topaz slide to a halt.  Aly tries to ask her whats going on, but can't seem to catch her breath enough to speak. That's when Kerenza closes her eyes for a moment and mumbles under her breath. She hears a loud thump as if someone has fallen and knows that Kerenza had done it again.  She seemed to have discovered a hidden ability that was passed down from a mother she barely remembered.  Whenever she chanted something, they would fall into a deep sleep.  This was critical in their plan to escape.

Aly peeks around the corner of the structure and sees the guard lying in the ground.  Just then Kerenza motions for them to move again.  This small respite allowed them to catch their breath and take off again.  The ship was in view now, so they ran as fast as the could towards it at the end of the lot.   No slowing down now.  Freedom was so close.  They boarded the ship just as the door was being closed and within moments they were in the air.  Aly takes a deep breath as she looks between the three of them, and tears stream down her cheeks.  They had done it. They had gotten away.

[Moonbeam]

Heartbreak-Topaz
Topaz moves quietly through the room.  She barely sleeps anymore, so she uses this opportunity to think whenever the other two slept.  They needed to separate, that was the only solution.  They would be hunting for three females traveling together.  Two humans and a twi'lek.  Aly was adament that they stay together, but it wasn't safe.  Aly was too friendly.  It was easy for her to make friends and draw attention wherever she went.  She  had talked to her about that.  They needed to keep a low profile, but Topaz wasn't sure Aly could do that. She was going to get them caught.  As heartbreaking as it would be, splitting up was the only answer.

Topaz had already spoken to Kerenza about it and she was leaving tomorrow.  Kerenza wanted to go back to her homeworld anyway.  Learn more about her mothers family, more about herself.  They had come to Corellia because they thought it was the easiest place to submerge themselves into the society. They would fit in.  Maybe find employment, a home, a normal life.  Well as normal as could be hiding from their past.  Aly was not going to be happy about this.  Topaz worried about her the most.  Aly considered them sisters, a family.  She needed them.

Topaz wanders over to where Aly was soundly sleeping. She watches her.  How can she still be so trusting, still so innocent like after all they had been through? Yes, Kerenza and she had tried to shelter Aly from the brunt of the harshness but they couldn't protect her every second.  Aly was too good of a dancer and drew attention,  mostly unwanted.  Aly had no idea how often Topaz had drawn attention to herself so that clients wouldn't request her.  Kerenza too.  They had protected her since she was a little girl, crying for parents that had sold her into this life. Parents who didn't want her. 

Wiping away a tear, Topaz sits on the bed and gently strokes Alys hair.  It was down now, but she rarely wore it like that anymore.  Always pulled back.  Topaz had tried to get her to cut it but she refused.  She had colored it, but it wasn't enough.  Someone was going to recognize her eventually.  This was for the best.  Leaning closer, she whispers into Alys ear.  "Wake up, sweetie.  We need to have a talk." 

[Moonbeam]

Homecoming-Kerenza
Kerenza exited the shuttleport and took a moment to look around.  She didn't know what she was doing here.  She just knew she felt this gnawing from deep inside, a gut feeling that she should come here. She hadn't been to Dathomir in years.  She wasn't even sure she was ready to come back now, not that she remembered much of it really.  She was taken as a small child many years ago and sold into a life a slavery.  She had just gotten out of that life and was struggling to find her place in this world again.  She had avoided coming to Dathomir, but every time she entered a Starport , something made her want to buy a ticket back here, her birth planet.  As she stepped out into the night, she took a deep breath and finally felt like she was home. 

Kerenza took a step towards the outpost cantina. She was sure she would find what she needed there.  The door slid open and the scent of alcohol, bodies, and burnt food hit her, bringing back harsh memories.  Taking a deep breath, she shakes her head and continues on into the building.  Taking a look around, she recognizes her mark immediately.  She walks slowly towards the bar, taking notice of the other patrons scattered around the room.  Most were not in any shape to notice her.

Moving to the end of the counter, she motions for the droid the bring her a whiskey. She had no intention of drinking it, but found it was always a good way to get someones attention.  It of course, worked.

A bleary eyed Nautolan at the bar looked her way.  He grinned and slid down the bar towards her.  Kerenza let her eyes land on him as her drink was placed in front of her.
"Put that on my tab," he informs the bartender, smiling at her, so proud of his gesture.
Kerenza tries to keep from rolling her eyes as she pastes on a fake smile. 
"Well thank you,"she tells him just as she lifts the drink to her lips, but doesn't actually take a sip.  Another trick  she had learned over the years, as it drew their attention to her mouth.  It worked again. She almost smiled for real this time. 
"So what are you doing in a place like this?" he asks, continuing to stare at her mouth. 
"Just visiting some old friends," Kerenza replies.
He nods at her, although she suspected he hadn't even heard what she had said.  Kerenza moves closer to him and places her hand on his arm. 
"So, is one of those speederbikes out front yours?" she asks him.
He smiles proudly and nods.
"I love riding on those, but i don't have one of my own," she pouts. 
"Well, I'll be happy to take you for a ride," as he slips from the barstool. 
Kerenza smiles and does the same.
"That would be wonderful," she beams.

He makes his way towards the door, turning once to make sure she is behind him.  Kerenza follows him out of the building and over to one of the speederbikes.  She watches as he straddles the bike, presses his thumb on the starter button and pats the seat in front of him, indicating for her to climb on. 

That is when Kerenza closes her eyes and recalls one of the few chants she remembered from her mother.  Her mother would use it when she wanted to lull them into a peaceful sleep.  It had actually come in handly over the last few months with her clients.  She found that they were to ashamed to admit they had fallen asleep after paying so much for a night with her. 
Smiling softly to herself she barely whispers, "Sundu linath, ssinss conamori, luth somnum" 

The Nautalon softly closes his eyes and falls into a deep slumber.  She gently gives him a little push and watches him fall from the bike. He hit the ground with a thud, not waking.  He would be fine and well rested in the morning. 

Kerenza straddles the bike and reves the motor.  Looking around, she turns the machine and rides off into the night.

[Moonbeam]

Dancing-Alysheba
Aly had done a few odd jobs around Coronet. She had earned a few credits, but it wasn't much.  She had tried to avoid dancing, but it was the only thing she really knew how to do.  She did know a bit of sewing, making costumes, things like that, but she wasn't as good as Kerenza was at it. She wished she had some of her old outfits, although to be honest, she probably would have sold them off for a few credits anyway.

Aly sighs heavily, they had left her.  Topaz thought it was to risky for them to stay together. So she and Kerenza had gone their separate ways, leaving Aly on Corellia.  She was alone now.

She had found a small house outside the main city and her rent was paid up for a while so she wasn't homeless but she was lonely.  She had always been with them, relied on them, and she missed them. Now she was on her own, and she wasn't sure what she was going to do.

The cantina in town was actually pretty busy, so she had an opportunity to make some credits there. She had also met a few of the folks that lived around town. They were friendly, had welcomed her and made her feel a part of them.  She liked that and they didn't ask to many questions.  They told her she could dance with them if she wanted.  And she did.  She wanted to dance. 

[Moonbeam]

Lost-Kerenza
Kerenza rode through the darkness, not really sure which direction she was heading.  She just knew she would feel it when she had arrived.  She had to see it again.  Her childhood home.  The place she was taken from,  where her life was stolen. The place where her mother had died trying to protect them both from the henchmen sent to collect her fathers debt.    

Her mothers tale was a tragic one of love and heartbreak.  She had forsaken her clan for a forbidden love.  Her father had convinced her mother to escape with him, that he could take care of her.  But he was always getting into some sort of trouble. Her mother was not completely blind to his faults, but since she had turned her back on her clan to be with him in his world, she had no where to go if she left him.  So she stayed.  Only this time, he was in too deep.  He owed to much, and they had come to collect.  So her mother paid the debt with her life, and Kerenza with her soul.  Kerenza was taken captive and sold into a life of which she no idea awaited her.

Her father had long disappeared.  She doubted he had even come to find her, or mourned her mother.  Kerenza truely hoped he was dead, because if he wasn't she would make him wish he was.

As she approached a deserted run down hovel, she knew she had arrived.  Dismounting, she walked slowly towards the broken structure, overgrown with vines and flora.  It was obvious no one had been here in years.  She pushed on the damaged door and it fell from its rusted hinges.  As she inhaled the dust, the cries of her mother invaded her mind, her pain ripped through Kerenzas body.  She knew she was home.

Looking deeper inside, the pain in her chest grew more intense, choking as it rose up her throat and her only thought was to run.  Turning on her heels, she ran out into the night air.  The need to be free from this ache in her heart was so overwhelming, she kept running through the cluster of trees and shrubs.  When her legs could no longer support her, she fell in to a heap on the hard ground.  The world around her was dark and as black as her soul and she sobbed for the first time in years.  Wrapping her arms around her stomach, she rocked back and forth to calm her breathing.  A vast hole had opened up in her chest.  She felt so cold and alone. 

[Moonbeam]

Just Business-Topaz
Topaz sat behind the desk, calculating numbers, figuring out orders, and communicating with vendors.  It felt good to use her mind. 

She was smart, always had been.  She could have attended university if she had been given the chance.  But where she came from, that wasn't an opportunity open to her.  That was not to be her path.  Her mother made it very clear.  She was to be a dancer like all the females in her family. A dancer, companion, an escort, what ever the client wanted.  She was raised to obey, not question.  And she had.  For as long as she could.  Until she had figured out a way to get out. 

It had required all of them working together. They needed Kerenza the most. Her new found ability was key.  Aly was to distract the client, as he had a fondness for her. She could get him to request all three of them for the whole night.  And Topaz was to set up the escape.  She had made a contact, someone with a ship.  He had promised to help them, for a fee of course. He would get them off world, but they had to make it to the rendezvous. If everything fell into place they would be free by the next morning.  And it had.

Looking back at the screen in front of her, Topaz sighs.  It had almost gone too smoothly.  She kept telling herself it was just her cynical mind playing with her.  But she couldn't shake this feeling.  She needed to check on the other two.  See if they were ok.  Looking down at the drink in her hand, and she knew exactly who to use. 

[Moonbeam]

Alone-Alysheba
It wasn't fair. Why did life have to be so complicated? Be quiet and lay low, that was all she had to do. But no one told her how lonely that would be. She just wanted what everyone else had. A life with friends, a home, just normal stuff. A relationship someday. Someday, in the future. Not now. Now she had to stay out of sight and keep her head down. She told him that, why didn't he understand? Just friends. Just one friend. That was all she needed.

[Moonbeam]

Discussions- Kerenza and Topaz
Kerenza walks through the dark cantina just as her Comm beeps. Looking down at it she recognizes Kerenzas ID. Sensing something is wrong, she immediately answers as they had given strict instructions to not contact the other unless it was urgent. Taking a deep breath and fearing the worst, she answers.
<C>" Yes?" she answers.

Immediately, Kerenza begins talking.
<C> " We need to do something" she almost shouts into the comm. "Aly is going to get herself hurt or worse, killed. And she's going to lead them to us. You need to do something. She was here. On Dathomir. And she was with someone. I could sense her. And him. She has a connection to him. We need to put an end to this."

Topaz waits for her to stop ranting before saying anything.
<C> I'm already on it. I've already got someone following her. I'll talk with her again. Just remember she is young." She sighs.

Kerenza is quiet for a moment.
<C> "She is more than young."

Topaz whispers <C> "I know"

Kerenza disconnects.

Topaz stares at the Comm in her hand. Shaking her head slightly, she walks towards the bar and poors herself a drink. It was going to be a long day.

[Moonbeam]

Confrontation - Kerenza
Kerenza walks onto the space station and immediately feels her presence.  She was here.  After all they had told her, after everything they had been though, she still did not comprehend the danger she was putting herself in.  Putting them all in. 

Sighing heavily, she makes her way towards the conference room.  She had helped lead a rescue party to a research group on Dathomir a couple weeks back.  They were here to get an update.  But what was Aly doing here? 

Walking into the conference room, she immediately senses Aly.  She waits to look at her, as she didn't want to draw attention to either of them. Aly had seen her come in, if the expression on her face was anything to go be.  Good.  She could feel her trepidation. 

She waits patiently as the meeting is conducted.  They apparently had no new information about the research team presence on Dathomir.  This needed to be investigated further.  But right now she needed to deal with Aly.  As the meeting was concluded, Kerenza excuses herself and intercepts Aly before she could make it through the doorway. "We need to talk," she whispers. 

Aly slowly nods and follows her over to a corner of the room out of the way of those leaving. "What are you doing here," she whispers back.
 
"This is not about me," Kerenza responds. "You are not supposed to be here. Your are supposed to be keeping a low profile.  This is not that." Frowning at Aly.
"This is ridiculous" Aly frowns back.  "Am I to be captive in my own home? Not go anywhere? Do anything?"
"Yes," Kerenza responds harshly. "That's exactly what we are going to have to do."

Aly rolls her eyes as she continues to stare at Kerenza.  "I can take care of myself," she mutters under her breath. "I don't need you to babysit me."

Kerenza scoffs at that. "Apparently you do.  You were on Dathomir the other day also." Nodding at Aly's shocked expression, she continues. "Yeah, I knew that. You have to be careful.  We all do"  she pleads.
 
Aly sighs as she knows Kerenza is only looking out for her.  And she hated arguing.  Aly nods once, indicating she understands.  "Fine," she mutters.  She turns to walk away, just barely catching Kerenza's last comment. "And lose the young man. For the sake of both your lives." 

Aly stiffens but walks on out the door. 

Kerenza sighs. Good, she hoped she finally put enough fear into Aly for her to do what was needed now.

[Moonbeam]

Feelings-Alysheba
Aly sat at the table holding her drink in hand, her blurred vision barely making out the amber liquid in the glass.  She closes her eyes for a moment hoping to clear her vision and intoxicated mind, before taking another sip. 

She hated fighting.  But that seemed to be the only thing she did lately.   She had argued with Kerenza on Jato, but she was treating her like a child.   She didn't need them to tell her to be careful every second.  She could take care of herself.  She had been doing it for a while.  Kerenza was too protective. She just needed to back off a bit.

And then there was the spat with Vennie.  But surely he understood what she was trying to say.  She didn't want to see him get hurt.  He was too spontaneous.  He ... he just didn't see the dangers.  He was too confident, claiming he could protect her. He didn't know who they were running from.  And she couldn't tell him.  Not yet anyway.

Maybe Kerenza was right.  Maybe she needed to distance herself.  How did things get so complicated?

As she lowered her glass, she felt an intense pain rip through her chest, stealing her breath for a moment.  The sensation rose, choking her, causing her to drop her drink.  She gasp for air as she ran out of the cantina and into the night air.  Finally drawing a deep breath, she glances around to see if anyone else had felt it to.  Her mind was still hazy but she knew something had happened.

She needed to talk to someone. Flagging down a shuttle she makes her way to the only place she could think of.