Arani Jakal was not ready to be stranded on an unfamiliar planet, causing her whole life to change. But in the chaos, a friend or two popped up - seemingly from nowhere - wishing to help. Ari gladly accepted and quickly became part of a small town...
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BOBA FETT'S SHIP SHOT INTO THE AIR once the ramp closed and the three found their way to their seats. A blaring sound came from the front of the ship and Fett called down to them. "We got company. Hang on." He swerved the ship to the left causing Ari to almost fall out of her seat, but the vice grip she had saved her.
The distant sound of blaster fire was becoming louder as a pair of TIE Fighters rushed after them, most likely the same as the one who had initially saved them. There was a vibration through the air and then the sound of another explosion. Fett took off again with no assailants this time round.
The ship straightened, and Ari sighed. The first part of their mission for getting the kid back was over. She stood from her seat walking past Mayfeld and Din, both watching her as she pressed a button on a panel, a door opening in front of her. She stepped inside the room and found the clothes she had given to Cara on the bed (as it was Boba's sleeping quarters she was in).
Racing to strip herself of the Imperial uniform, finding it to be uncomfortable now, she pulled on her leggings and boots. As she stood upright, she caught herself in the mirror. Small cuts littered her face and a small streak of blood ran across her cheek. Her hair was a mess, loose strands fell into her face - her original hairstyle was now just a simple ponytail.
Ari went to grab her shirt but paused, looking at the bruising that had started around her wrist. Taking her throbbing hand in her other one, she sat on the bed, staring at it. She heard the sound of the door open and she cursed herself for forgetting to lock it. Looking up, she saw Din, still in the Imperial armour, the bag that housed his clothes was slung over a shoulder. Without hesitation, he walked in and the door shut, but not before she caught sight of Mayfeld smirking.
Din dropped the bag on the floor, letting it rest against the wall. "How are you?"
"Fine," Ari responded a bit sharply. She grabbed her shirt and threw it on, thankful that she decided to wear a camisole. She stood and made for the door. "I'll leave you to change."
An arm shot out, stopping her. "Ari, we need to talk."
"We really don't. I understand what is going to happen. We get the kid, we say goodbye, and I leave. No evidence of my ever seeing your face."
Din sighed and crossed his arms, she would not even look in his direction anymore. "I'd rather lose my religion than lose you, Ari. Please, talk to me."
His words crushed her heart. Was the pain of loving someone more tolerable than the pain of losing them? She wished he did not want to know but she did - was hearing him out worth it? "Okay," she mumbled. She sat back down and waited for him to speak, staring at her hand and constantly tugging at the sleeves wishing they were longer.
