Guess who

[Nirvana]

It had already been three days since he had been freed from the prison on Coruscant, and during these three days he had located Faith, and had forged something that he believed would make her speechless – though the process to forge it into something that he would deem a masterpiece took longer then he thought it would have, he had meltet it down several times and remade it more then a dozen times already. But after all, since he planed on giving it to Faith, he wouldn't want anything less then a masterpiece if he was to give it to her.

Turning to his right he saw on one of the screens how he had locked in on the tracing signal from the chip that Faith got from him, he had followed the signal to Kashyyyk – and once he had arrived there, it wouldn't be much longer before he would see Faith once more. Though this time, it was sort of a surprise so to say. Since the chip in his hand didn't work any longer, she had no way of knowing that he was free and on his way to her. It would be interesting to see her reaction when and if it was her that opened the door.

----- A few minutes later -----​

Once the ship had landed Nathaniel walked from the bridge of his ship to the lower deck where the boarding ramp was located, on the way he took with him the item that he had forged – it was something special you could say in a way, though how she would react to receiving it, that was something that he wouldn't know. When the ships ramp was lowered he walked down it and pass the other ship that was located on the landing pad, it was most likely her own ship.

Comming to a halt at the door he knocked three times before taking a step back from the door, and waited for it to be opened. If it was her butler, Nathaniel would simply notion for him to remain silent – and ask that he brought him to where Faith was. But if it was Faith on the other hand, well – he wasn't so sure what he would do when he saw her again. Probably just a ordinary greeting, followed with some form of remark about why he was here.

 

[Padmé]

It was a typical cool Kashyyyk weather/day. Faith, currently in the last trimester of her pregnancy, was feeling rather tired. One wouldn't necessarily place Faith in Kashyyyk, but for the sake of her family, she endured the Wookiee planet and all that it had to offer- wroshyr tree. Falling in a somewhat short nap, the ex Jedi rested next to her favorite holobook while pondering on her life thus far...

It was no secret that the plant holds many useful parts. Among which are its sap (known as "tree blood") used for foods, beverages, rituals, and medicianl purpose. It was the latter byproduct that kept Faith's family rooted on the Wookiee world. Thankfully, the family built business turned into a lucrative medicinal supply business. Kyyysha Incorporated supplied their pharmaceutical medicines to low life of Coruscant Undercity gangs to the galaxy criminals, and the guardians of peace- the Jedi. Even with the pending Jedi diaspora, Kyyysha Incorporated remains in business with the Jedi and their counterparts alike.

Unbeknownst to Faith, her nap would soon be interrupted by someone.

"Madame, I hate to disturb you but-"
Jaye, Faith's long time bodyguard's, voice woke her.

"Yes, what is it?"
The red hair demanded, while still laying down.
Jaye went on to explain the unapproved ship at the family's docking bay, and the man at the main door....

"They released him?.... Unbelievable!"
Faith added. Followed by a short laugh.

Raising up, she telekinetically summoned a cigarra to he hand then added,
"Unbelievable. Let him in."

 

[Nirvana]

When the door opened up he was greeted by the butler, and being told that he was to follow him to where Faith was. Nathaniel just nodded and thanked him for letting him in, though in reality he knew that is was Faith that had told her butler to let Nathaniel in. Being escorted through the house wasn't that bad he supposed, better then having been told where she was and sent of to find his way to where she was without direction – though it would have been sorta amusing to go around in a house he knew nothing about. It was also fun in a way to going around like that, you got to find out so much about a person by just going around in their house. Some art here and there he found rather interesting, though not in a good way – more like, how the kriff is that art.

Jaye who had shown the way to where Faith was stopped for a moment before stepping aside and motioning for Nathaniel to enter, in return Nathaniel just nodded and opened the door to the rom in which Faith was in a way resting on a sofa – or so it would seem like at least. It looked as if she was comfortable to say the least, though he did notice the smoke coming from the cigarra that she held with one of her hands.”Healthy as ever I see Faith.” he said with a snug smirk on his face as he walked towards the sofa, chuckling softly when he saw her.

 

[Padmé]

"Healthy???"

Hiding the cigrar Faith's facial contours changed into that of smile and then a squint. She knew Kariya would not approve of her smoke, thus she quickly blew out the expensive wrapped leaves.

"Well, well. I see they let you out."
She quickly uttered.

Without missing a beat, Faith promptly followed her assertion with a query.
"When did you arrive?"

Soon, a protocol droid arrived by Kariya's side. He'd offer to take his coat, and other belongings. Another servant emerged, this one, however, offered several assortments of drinks and snacks.

"Sit."
The red hair added, while positioning her body in a comfortable position. Meanwhile, her dominant hand would make lazy circles around her side.

 

[Nirvana]

When she extinguished the cigarra Nathaniel instead offered her a smile instead of a smirk, and a slight nod at that to show that he approved of her stopping with the smoking – though if she would continue with it at a later time, that was to be seen. He shook his head slghtly when she said that they let him out.”Not per say let me out.” he answered her.”About five maybe ten minutes ago, though it did take some time to finish some things up and tracking the signal since the chip in my hand got fried.” with that he took a seat after having surrendered his jacket to the protocol droid that showed up, though he was quick to remove one little box from one of the inner pockets and placed it in one of his other pockets – out of sight from Faith, after all it was suppose to be something of a surprise gift from him.

As she made herself more comfortable in her seat did the same so that he was facing her, she was still looking as beautiful as ever to him. When the servant who offered drinks and snacks showed up Nathanil simply shook his head, right not he was not interested in drinks or snacks – right now he just wanted to spend tim with Faith.”How have you been these past months since our last meeting?”

 

[Padmé]

Ignoring the small box being moved to his side pocket, the ex Jedi chuckled.

“I would get up and hug you, but as you can see-“
Pausing, Faith reached out – through the Force- and beckoned a glass of clear substance from her butler’s tray to her hand.

You broke out didn’t you?”
He need not deny it. Faith could already tell what had transpired. Though she knew The Initiative was not behind his break out, she guessed it had it be someone with lots of resources into the Jedi affairs.

“I know it wasn’t The Initiative. My guys won’t take such a job without word reaching me firstly. So, do tell, Kariya. Who let you out?”

 

[Nirvana]

“Like I said, they didn't let me out per say.” he said and chuckled slightly, leaning with one arm against the back of the sofa – with the other crossed over his legs. She was correct about it not being the initative, it was friends that he had befriended during a job not to long ago, though if she had heard about that job or not he didn't know.

“Called in a favor from a friend, though it took three weeks for my friend to stage it. Not complaining though.” he explain to Faith, but he was sure that she wouldn't know who his friend was since she had not meet the person.”Though that's unimportant, don't you agree on that Faith.” Nathaniel said before leaning in and placing one hand on her cheek, and gave her a kiss.”I've missed you.” he said and gave her a heartful smile.

 

[Padmé]

Like always, the butler had done a superb job with the drinks and snacks. Faith took several sips of her drink while listening to her man. Inwardly she was glad he's out and free, however, outwardly, the red hair held her resolve.

“Like I said, they didn't let me out per say.”
Kariya's words, though perhaps not meant in a snippy way was received as such.

"Don't get snippy with me!"
The pregnant red hair interjected.

"Just making sure the Alliance won't be after my tail. I did after all receive a hefty sum of credit for turning you in."
It was true. Faith had done her homework and made sure the reward (3 million credits) had cleared. Being the miser that she is, she immediately diversified the credits into several investments. Her most recent one being perhaps a bit risky. But, thankfully, her intuition paid off and earned her double the investment- courtesy of Yuri Sharp. The only problem was collecting the credits she'd earned.

"Fair enough. Keeping me in the dark about your mercenary is probably the best cause of action....Speaking of which, you wouldn't happen to know a mercenary by the name of Shyra, would you? She owes me a lot of credits for-"

Before the woman could complete her sentence, Kariya had cut her short. Though for a good reason. Leaning in, she returned the kiss and then rested her head on his shoulder.

 

[Nirvana]

If he hadn't been sure that it was safe to find Faith without the Alliance finding out, he wouldn't have come to see her – he wouldn't want to risk her ending up in trouble for something that he had been the cause of.

After the kiss when Faith rested her head on his shoulder, he wraped on of his arms around her and leaned his head a bit so it was sorta resting against the top of her head.”Actually I do.” Nathaniel started.”She was the one I called a favor on to get out from the prison, and also a former partner in crime so to say.” he answered her question with.

Rubbing her shoulder he bit himself in the lip for a second before asking Faith something.”Exactly what does she owe you money for?”

 

[Padmé]

Surprised that her man knew the mercenary in question, Faith lifted he head to face him.
"No way!"

"No way!
That bitch owes me credits for an investment deal."
While taking the liberty not to disclose the gambling deal, Faith was being somewhat truthful. She nearly wanted to hop on a ship and seek out Shyra, however, her current health situation held a prisoner in her own body.

"I would make you get her on Holocall this very moment, but I won't. "

Her tone now slightly softer, Faith continued.
"At least now I know where to send my guys to collect my credits."

"Now tell me, how much did you miss me?"
A frown nearly graced the woman's face as she felt kicks emanate from her protruding belly. Kicks from none other than her soon to be birthed son.

 

[Nirvana]

“Oh yes....” Nathaniel said with a playful tone and kissed her on the forehead.

When she mentioned investment deal he just raised an eyebrow and looked at her with slight disbelief, if she said so – though he didn't exactly trust that it was the case. But he wouldn't raise a question about it, perhaps he would inquier about it some other time.

He chuckled slightly when she said something about making him get Shyra on holocall this moment, butshe wouldn't do it – and then there was her saying that she knew where to send her guys to collect her money. If she thought of using him as a method of finding Shyra, she was out of luck. He didn't know where she were holding up to be honest.

“Isn't that obivous?” he said and kissed her once more as a respons to her question about how much he had missed him, raising one hand up and lifting just a single finger to indicate that he wanted her to remain silent for a moment. Nathaniel brought up the small box that he had taken with him, and handed it to Faith – though he didn't saw a word as to what could have been in it. But he thought that what it contained would be a surprise for her.

 

[Padmé]

Surprises....

The Kashyyyk native abhors surprises. She can't be blamed. Not with the types of jobs she took with The Initiative.... And now Nathaniel Kariya. The man has thus far managed to not only show up unannounced, but with a gift. With a look of dismay, coupled with a slight chuckle, Faith ceased speaking. Her lips were literally sealed after all!

She gently accepted the box and then paused.
"This doesn't mean I'll forget about your friend- Shyra. I can't let her be until I receive all my credits...."

"...and now that we have that out of the way, allow me."
With that, the red hair opened the box.

To her surprise the most exquisite piece of jewelry awaited her touch. As gently as she ever could, Faith took the ring our to examine it- though only for a moment.

Surprised as ever, Faith managed to speak.
"What...This is exquisite....Are you asking?...Kariya what manner of surprise are you trying to pull on me?..."

 

[Nirvana]

“Not trying to pull anything on you, I wanted to give you a gift. Though what it's meaning will be, that I'll let you decide.” he hadn't thought of the reason for why he had made the ring look the way it did, but it did end up being something that made Faith utterly surprised - something that he wouldn't have guessed. Though he had guessed she would have bene surprised a bit, but not so that she was having some trouble speaking.

“What's going through your mind right now, when you think about what that ring could mean.” Nathaniel asked Faith as she looked at the plantinum ring with a gem, placing his left hand over the ring that she held with her hands – and made her look at him with a gentle touch under her chin.”What do you want it do mean to you, to us.” his eyes showed that he was serious when he asked her that question, what did she want it to mean.

 

[Padmé]

She was caught. Caught right in one of her weakest moments.

“Not trying to pull anything on you…”
While Kariya continued to speak, the ex Jedi couldn’t help but hide her true thoughts, and emotions. Good thing her Jedi skills came in handy.

“…Though what it's meaning will be, that I'll let you decide.”
Again, the words hit her innermost heart- that akin to a two by four. An emotional two by four that is.

“Well damn it, look what good I did on my own. You can’t possibly expect me to know what mean. You know how much I hate surprises. So spell it out-“
Faith’s interjection was cut short as her child within made what felt like rapid kicks inside her protruding belly. Now frowning, she paused to ponder on what was happening…

“You can’t answer a question with a question. Now, spell it out, Kariya.”
Truthfully, Faith can easily gather the response she needed. She is after all a Jedi Knight. However, she allowed her man the dignity to do so on his own.

 

[Nirvana]

“I don't...”

“I don't know what you want it to mean, nor do I expect you to be able to decide it within a moments notice.” Nathaniel said to Faith with the same voice he spoke with when he had shown that he cared for her, what the ring meant to him he hadn't figured that out yet either. If he, who had made the ring couldn't figure out what he wanted it to mean – then how was she suppose to be able to do it.... maybe he knew what he wanted it to mean.

When Faith frowned Nathaniel just smiled for a second or so.”Did the baby kick?” he asked and looked at her belly before turning his attention back to Faith.

Back to the question at hand, what did she want the ring to mean – or maybe the question should be what he wanted it to mean.”Didn't I just do that?” though saying it with the tone he did, she would be able to understand that he was joking – sort of at least.”I want you to be part of my life, and I want to be part of your life. That's what I think that I want the ring to mean for me....”

“But do you feel the same way, Faith?”

 

[Padmé]

The exquisite jewelry still in hand, Faith turned her attention to its maker- though only momentarily. Pretending to fathom what was happening, she smiled. But once again her facial contours changed into that of a frown when she felt another kick.

Kariya guessed as much as well,
”Did the baby kick?”
He inquired. To which Faith rolled her eyes.

"No, this is me getting frustrated."
Her response even surprised her.

She couldn't be faulted. Clearly she was in pain due to the child she carried. Anyone could guess as much! Truthfully, she could easily summon the Force to aid her, however, she took the painful road in hopes of experiencing the most natural process as possible...

Continuing, Kariya did a poor job of expressing his desires.
"I want you to be part of my life, and I want to be part of your life."

Ya, and you're doing a terrible job expressing that. I swear you remind me of a stick sometimes...
The red hair thought to herself. Quietly.

"...That's what I think that I want the ring to mean for me....
But do you feel the same way, Faith?”

When the poignant query finally came forth Faith couldn't help but chuckled and then uttered,
"I'm carrying your child for Pete's shake!"

 

[Nirvana]

“I know Faith.” he was a bit to finding himself laughing a bit and smiling after she had finsihed speaking, he knew that she carried his child, their child. And that she wouldn't do it unless she felt the same way that he did, if she didn't then she wouldn't have kept the child.

Standing up from the sofa he took a step away from it before turning around and going down to one knee, as he did he placed both of his hands over Faith's. He closed his eyes and exhaled before opening them once more, and looked at her.”Faith, will you marry me?” there was confidence in his voice when he said those words, this was something that would change his life – and something that he wanted to happen.

 

[Padmé]

The kicks emanating from Faith’s body would slowly turn in that of intense pain. Unbeknownst to the young woman and her partner, something unexpected was pending…

“I know Faith.”
Came the familiar voice.
His tone was different. Though the words were gentle, it felt nothing like before. Merely seconds upon uttering his words, Kariya rose- at which point the red hair wondered why. It was also in that moment that Faith felt a stark change in her body. Kariya on the other hand seemed caught up in something serious- judging by the change of demeanor in his presence.

In hope of avoiding the pain within, Faith moved her eyes/attention on the piece of jewelry in her hand. In lieu of placing the ring on her hand, the ex Jedi merely studied the jewelry; her eyes admiring the delicate intricate details. Unknowingly, her man would interrupt her thoughts to ask the most important question yet.

“Faith, will you marry me?”
Kariya begged the question. To which the ex Jedi belted- albeit unwillingly-
“Nooooooooo!”
...
“No.”
...
“Just no!”

Within seconds another woman was bolting into the chamber where the couple sat. Without even acknowledging Kariya, she knelt down by Faith- examining her body…

“Excuse my manners, Sir-”
The middle aged woman said to Nathaniel Kariya while very much engaged in examining Faith.

“..and my lack of pleasantries, but you’re about to become a Father.
I’m going to ask you to leave the room, please.”

With that the woman called in the rest of her team via her electronic device. Faith, by this time, had passed out due to strong labor pains. Meanwhile, the woman single highhandedly lifted Faith off her seat, into her arms and out to the adjacent chamber….

 

[Nirvana]

When the answer came Nathaniel backed away for a second blinking at the same time and removed his hands from hers, he was at first taken back by the response to the question – but the way she said it made him realize that she didn't say it because she didn't want to, but because she was in pain.”Faith?” he said with a worried voce, and when she said the same word two more times his eyes opened wide and he rose up from his kneeling position and placed one of his hands on her cheek.”Fai....” he interupted himself when a door opened and shot a glare towards the person that entered the room, a middleaged woman came up to Faith to check up on her.

Standing up and moving away from Faith he sat down on the table in front of the sofa and stared down into the ground, he was confused as to why she was in pain now of all time – it couldn't be time for the child to be born, it was way to early for that. When she addressed him he looked up at her and listened to what she said, Nathaniel just blinked a few times when she said that he was about to become a father.”I'm about to become a father....” he said the words to himself, somehow he didn't sound really convinced though. But when she asked him to leave the room, Nathaniel just stood up and looked with a serious expression on his face.

“No...” was the only word that he responded with at first.”If I don't stay with her at a time like this, then I do not deserve to be with her or our child.” his mind was decided upon seeing this through at Faith's side, with those words he followed the woman.

 

[Padmé]

Sorry- not my best work, but it'll have to suffice.



Without a hint of protest, the woman carried Faith to the adjacent chamber- with Kariya in tow.

"Very well. But you'll do as I say, sir"
The woman's word had no emotion behind them.

Moving right along, the woman continued with to do that which she'd been trained to do. She gently placed Faith on the bed, and then took her pulse. With the same efficiency, she moved on to administer a couple of medications. Moments later, the rest of the medical team assembled in the chamber to work alongside the first responder

.......


A few hours later....

Sounds of a crying baby permeated the chamber. Faith by this time had recovered- somewhat- from the unexpected labor/delivery. Ever so gently, the red hair ex Jedi made lazy circles around her child's soft cheek- the only part of the baby's body not wrapped up.

"Madame, you've got yourself a fine trooper."
Came the voice of the first responder.

Smiling, Faith uttered,
"Indeed, we do. He takes after his father."

Now turning to Kariya the ex Jedi concluded,
"I believe I owe you an answer.
A million times yes!"