Fragments of the Dark

Chapter Thirty Three

Celene holstered her dual pistols on her belt and tucked three knives into her pants and one in each boot. 

She strapped her rifle across her back, though she doubted she'd be able to properly use it on the crowded and compact streets of Nar Shaddaa.  

But the intimidation factor was nice.

She shrugged on her dark leather jacket, braiding her hair back.  She could still feel Din's fingers threading through it from last night, the gentle touch-

She shut that thought down.  She needed to focus.  Even if it was hard to expel those memories from her mind because, stars, he really knew what he was doing.

Din appeared in her doorway, clad in his Beskar once more.  It had been a shock to see his helmet removed, and even more so to finally take in the handsome, rugged face that lay beneath it.  She hoped he would take to keeping it off around the ship.  She enjoyed being able to speak to him and read his facial expressions, something that was never an option before. 

His gaze traveled the length of her but he said, "Ready?"

She nodded, brushing past him.  "Let's go."  Earlier they had fashioned a sling for Din to wear that would hold Grogu.  After much discussion, it was decided, Din would carry him for now because in a fight Celene was more attuned to moving and leaping whereas Din preferred to duck and cover.  Now Grogu was nestled into the fabric, the edge of Din's cowl covering him from view. 

The ramp hissed as it slowly lowered and the filthy streets of Nar Shaddaa beckoned.  Eerie colors of neon red, orange, and pink flickered with the flashing holo ads that illuminated the night.  The dark buildings rose on either side and Celene craned her neck upwards, picking up the sounds of the air traffic far above them.  Citizens milled about, cloistered in the shadows or leaning against buildings.  Credits flashed, spice exchanging hands.  

"Stick close," Celene said under her breath.  "That Beskar of yours is going to attract attention."  Indeed she already felt more than one pair of eyes flit their way.

"I've been here before."  His voice had an edge.

"Not with me.  And not with Grogu.  Neither of us can afford to draw any attention or cause trouble."   

He didn't answer and she started walking, off the outcropping of the landing bay.  She flipped a few credits to the workers, telling them to fill the ship while they were gone.  She rolled her shoulders back, wincing at the slight twinge her back gave.  She took a breath, already feeling the Darkside around her, coiled along her bones. 

She took comfort in that, the strength, the power.  Stalking forward, Din a solid, unmovable force at her back they headed down the brightly lit alley.  Holo ads flashed at them on either side, interrupted by fake images of trees in pots scattered throughout.  

Celene led Din to an elevator shaft and punched the button on the door.  It slid open to reveal and small but empty compartment.  

"Up?"  Din asked.

Celene shook her head.  "Down.  Level Fourteen."

He cocked his head at her but she typed in the command.  The doors slammed shut and they plummeted down.  Nar Shaddaa was set up similar to a caste system.  The closer to the planet's surface, the wealthier and nicer the level.  The lower you went, the seedier and worse it got.  

And Level Fourteen was pretty fucking low.

She held her breath as the elevator finally slowed to a stop.  When the doors opened again it was significantly darker, the air thick with the smell of filth and piss.  She scanned the area quickly, hand near her blaster before deeming it safe to step out.  She kept her head low and started to walk quickly toward the darkened side street.

The people were different here, some leering about, strung out on whatever sim was on the market.  In the darker corners, some were curled on the floor either sleeping or dead.  Spice was exchanged in the open.  A blaster shot echoed down a back alley and no one even turned their head to look.  

Sex workers cloistered along the edges of the buildings, some wearing little and others were completly naked, dancing to music leaking from the clubs.  Flashing signs illuminated their way, advertising everything from drugs to food to sex to mods.  Celene kept going, hands within easy reach of her pistol until she finally spotted the familiar building.

She paused outside and Din craned his head up to read the flashing sign.  "Really?  This is where your source works?"

"Not works.  But if we'll find him anywhere, it's here.  As long as he hasn't left the planet."  But Celene doubted he would.  Nar Shadda was far too much his type of scene.

As it had once been hers. 

She stepped through the door, the air instantly hazy with the effect of fog.  Colors flashed, illuminating the smokey substance in electric blue, lavender, and brilliant greens.  A pulsing beat sounded, the music coming from nowhere and everywhere.  Celene scanned the area, noting every exit, the bar, and the few occupied tables.  

She nudged Din and pointed with her chin.  "There."

She sensed him follow her gaze to the singular form at a table in the corner, head bowed, a pile of credits and drink in front of him.  

"Lead the way."

Celene cut across the dance floor, Din a step behind her.  She knew the figure at the table sensed their approach, and only let her slide into the seat across from him because he recognized her.  

"Celene Avyanna.  Now to what do I owe this pleasure," he drawled, tipping his face upwards, peering up from beneath the characteristic wide brim of his hat.

Celene leaned back, folding her arms, a sly smile sliding across her face.  "Cad Bane.  What a long time it's been."

Cad Bane grinned back at her with nothing short of human in his smile.