Star Wars: Dissention of the Sith

Chapter 19

A few days later...

The ship touched down on the landing platform, and the engines wound down as the ramp slowly extended. The city of Nar Shaddaa sprawled out before them, a massive metropolis filled with towering skyscrapers, seedy alleyways, and the constant buzz of activity. Shady characters moving about their business, casting furtive glances at the newcomers as they disembarked. The air had been thick with the scent of spice and danger, and the sound of blaster fire could be heard in the distance. Terentous had taken a deep breath, feeling the thrill of the unknown as he stepped onto the neon-lit streets of Nar Shaddaa.

As Terentous followed Lyra and Vek off the ship, Vek turned to Lyra and asked, "So, how does it feel to be home after so many years?"

Lyra rolled her eyes and let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Oh, it feels just great, Vek," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I can't wait to catch the eyes of the seediest men in the galaxy while performing at my old club. It's a real dream come true."

Vek laughed, knowing Lyra's biting humor all too well. "Hey, you never know," he said, still chuckling. "Maybe you'll find your true love here on Nar Shaddaa."

Lyra shook her head and grinned. "Yeah, because that's exactly what I'm looking for," she replied, her voice laced with amusement. "But who knows, stranger things have happened, right?"

Terentous couldn't help but steal a glance at Lyra as she made her comment, sensing her anger and frustration through the Force. He knew that Nar Shaddaa held a complicated history for the Twi'lek, and it was evident that the memories this place brought back were not pleasant. He could see the tension in her face and the way her body language shifted, revealing the discomfort she was feeling.

Jax turned to Lyra, Vek, and Terentous. "We need to meet up with a contact who will chaperone us to Droegel's meeting place. I'll see if I can get in touch with her and we can arrange a meeting spot," he said.

After a few minutes of looking around, a small human female, no more than twenty standard years old, approached them. She wore a tight-fitting leather outfit, and her hair was dyed bright pink, giving her a rebellious edge. "You guys looking for a chaperone?" she asked, a sly grin spreading across her face.

Jax nodded. "That's right. You must be our contact," he said, extending his hand in greeting.

The young woman shook his hand, then turned to Lyra, Vek, and Terentous. "My name is Kira. I'll be your chaperone to Droegel's meeting place," she said, her voice carrying a hint of confidence and authority.

Lyra raised an eyebrow, taking in Kira's youthful appearance. "You don't look like much of a chaperone," she remarked sceptically.

Kira's grin widened. "Don't let my size fool you. I know my way around this city better than anyone, and I can handle myself in a fight, if need be," she replied, her tone daring anyone to challenge her.

Lyra nodded, impressed by Kira's boldness. "Alright, let's get moving then," she said, as the group set off towards their destination with Kira leading the way.

As they walked, Terentous noticed something that the others seemed to miss. Underneath Kira's tight-fitting leather outfit, he could see the faint outline of a slave collar. Terentous wasn't surprised; Nar Shaddaa was known for its thriving slave trade, and it made sense that Droegel would have slaves to serve him.

Despite his own history as a former slave, Terentous didn't feel any particular sympathy for Kira. If she was capable of handling herself in a fight, then she must have made some mistakes or taken some risks that led to her current situation.

Terentous watched as Kira led the group through the crowded streets of Nar Shaddaa, her eyes darting back and forth, scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. He could see the determination in her gaze, and he had to admit, she seemed to know what she was doing. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain towards her, knowing that she was nothing more than a pawn in Droegel's game.