Edge of the Empire: Book 01: Outcast Origins

Chapter 19: A Kindness

Jarek wasn't sure how he was ever going to repay Karst. The man's generosity was matched only by his surliness. Instead of returning to the Embrace, Karst traded every kilo of his merchandise to book them passage off Kalevala. Jarek needed proper medical attention and unfortunately, there wasn't a place on the planet he could go without attracting the Death Watch.

"Never thought my first trip off-world I'd have to be smuggled," he groaned conscious of how little effect the cheap pain meds were having. Karst told him to try looking at it as 'traveling by limited means.' Jarek couldn't understand how the man could look so comfortable stretched out in the cramped cargo-hold.

Despite all his haggling and bartering Karst only managed to get them to a system just outside of Mandalorian Space. It wasn't far by galactic standards, but it was better than nothing. The backwater scug-hole they were deposited on lacked any spaceport or significant population center. The perfect place to disappear. They stumbled upon a medical center that would treat Jarek's injuries without asking too many questions. Or so they thought. The attending nurse turned out to be the chatty sort.

"You two must be new to space travel," she said applying a fresh layer of medical gel to Jarek's wounds. "Most spacers know to avoid plasma exhausts during maintenance." Her tone was warm but teasing.

Karst shrugged offering up a dopey grin. "Hehe...yeah."

As embarrassing as it was, feigning incompetence was the best cover they could come up with to explain away Jarek's injuries. Lying on a bed of nutria-paste, Jarek was unable to avoid the conversation both literally and figuratively. It didn't help that aside from her gentle touch she was disarmingly sweet.

Jarek did his best not to flinch beneath the woman's lingering fingers. Coupled with the numbing effect of the medi-gel his brain was having a hard time forming coherent thoughts. He wasn't exactly sure how to proceed. After all, she was the first non-mando he'd ever interacted with, and only the second female approximate to his age. Her easy smile and golden eyes were off-putting, to say the least. It didn't help that there was no hiding the flush she brought to his skin.

After helping Jarek sit up she began applying fresh bandages with quick professional grace. "So, where are you traveling from?" she asked. Unlike her fingers, her eyes barely lingered on the scars crisscrossing his body. At least some small mercies exist.

"Err...yes, we're travelers." Jarek wasn't sure if it was her touch or the medicine that was making his skin tingle, but either was horribly distracting.

She barely paused in her task to look questionably up at him. "Do you have names?" There ws that teasing tone again.

"Names?" Jarek's stomach flipped as his jaw clenched uncomfortably. He stared imploringly at Karst, but the old man remained silent. He looked amused if anything. "Of course, we have names. I'm J-" He caught himself clearing his throat to buy time. "J...Jaeger." Karst rolled his eyes but gave him a thumbs-up. "And...this is my uncle...Kodo." Scowling Karst immediately upturned the gesture. Jarek gave him a hard 'you do better' glare.

As the nurse turned away from Jarek to deposit her remaining supplies, Karst hastily dropped his arm. Smiling pleasantly, he added, "Yes, my nephew is named after my brother, so we just call him Junior." Jarek made a strangling sound but managed to look nonchalant when the woman returned. At this rate, it would be a miracle if they lasted a fortnight on the run.

The nurse wiped her hands as she examined her work. Satisfied she smiled at the pair. "Jaegar and Kodo, huh? I'm Sona. You two look like you could use a good meal." As if to emphasize her point Karst's stomach gave a rude growl. Jarek rolled his eyes while Sona giggled. "Why don't you come to my mother's Inn for dinner."