Ask The Last Song

[Hatice Altaris]

Flashback: Pre-Sith​

Nadya entered the club to the sound of music. It was a rendition of an older song from a bygone era, with a ridiculous name she could not quite remember, and it hummed through the air like a canary’s tune. She had to admit, the song fit the luxurious atmosphere of the Gilded Club, where men and women came to smoke spice, dine on roast pheasant, and gamble their life savings away without a second thought. This was where Don Lorenzo, one of her closest competitors, ruled.

This was also where he would die, if Nadya had her way.

Since murdering Don Salvara and seizing control of his assets and criminal organization, she’d been busy in rooting out dissidents and rivals, strengthening her hold on the Axxilan underworld with unbelievable speed. If she got rid of Lorenzo, there would be very little enemies left to have. She would arguably become the most powerful crime lord on the planet—if not the most dangerous—and while she had only recovered a small percentage of her family’s wealth, it was still a recovery. Baby steps.

First the lower districts, then the upper.

Sliding into a cushioned booth, Nadya sat opposite from the Don, a smile tugging her lips. “Don Lorenzo,” she said, making herself comfortable. “I’d say it’s a pleasure to meet you, but that would be a lie.” The two of them were meant to hold negotiations, a meeting to hash out their respective territory, but it was only a farce. There was only one way this little ‘conference’ was going to end: in bloodshed. She would make certain of it.

Meanwhile, barely out of earshot, someone on the club’s center stage began to shout, “A great many thanks to the beautiful Lady Jaba for her performance! Wasn’t she just stunning?” The announcer clapped his hands and laughed. “Now, as a special treat for our female guests, tonight we are lucky to be hosting our newest entertainer—rising pop star and songwriter—the handsome, the talented, Jaime Martins!” The patrons erupted into applause and cheering.

On the other hand, Nadya stayed where she was, blissfully unaware, locked in a staring contest with Lorenzo. “So,” she said. “How goes business?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

”You are making a tremendous success, my boy! If you continue this way, I can see you making a show at the Galaxies Opera House in less than a year.” said his manager, an obese yellow skinned Twi’lek called Adon Iethan. They were at a dressing room that the administration of the Gilded Club had assigned to him. It was the second night that Jaime was going to perform there.

“My boy, you should smile more. It would attract more fans.” he always said that and Jaime always ignored him. The Twi’lek knew very well that the young man’s distant demeanor was one of the reasons for him having some fans at his homeworld. They thought that he was mysterious, considering him attractive because of it. His fans wanted to decipher his secrets. Even with him being this way, the Humbariner never was rude with them. He would always stop to take pictures and sign autographs.

They weren’t wrong, Jaime really hid secrets. In his free time he was a slicer, working under the codename “Alcaide”. Even after starting his career as a singer, the Humbariner still continued to work with it. He would need all the money that he could make to take his mother out of the dirty place where she lived in Humbarine. After working his entire life, she deserved to retire to a nice country house in Chandrila.

Before Adon could continue talking, someone knocked at the door. The Twi’lek opened it, allowing a Rodian, who worked for the Club, to enter the room and say that it was time for his presentation. “Good luck!” his manager said to him. Jaime only nodded and walked after the Rodian.

After the announcer called his name, Jaime walked through the Club’s center stage stopping in front of the microphone. He was dressed in the outfit that he always used in the shows. His manager used to say that it was his brand, together with his indifference. Even while the people cheered and applauded his arrival, his face remained impassive.

When he started to sing, he changed completely. Jaime’s demeanour changed to one of sorrow, matching the lyric of the song, which was about a love that went away to never return again. While he sang, his voice would also be heavy with suffering. It was as if he had really lost someone that he loved and was telling it to them. It would not take much time for some in the audience to start to cry.

 

[Hatice Altaris]

As Jaime sang, Nadya and Lorenzo exchanged mild pleasantries and formalities she found otherwise boring and lackluster. She had not come to the Gilded Club for talk, or even negotiations. She came expecting results. Right now, the Don was not delivering, and she was almost tempted to kill him where he sat and get the whole meeting over with already. Still, she had to keep the timing right—even as he began to ignore what she was saying, his eyes going glassy and distant.

Nadya pursed her lips, tapping her nails against the table. “Don Lorenzo, are you even listening to me right now?”

“Forgive me, Dona Nadya, there are simply far more interesting performances going on right now than the poor acting you are currently portraying.” Lorenzo looked longingly over her shoulder and toward the stage. Nadya followed his gaze to where Jaime was belting out a song, and while she had to admit, his music was quite stunning, she had zero interest whatsoever, especially after the rancid insult she’d just been served. A frown cut across her cold features.

“Careful, Don. If you don’t start giving attention to where it’s due, you may be surprised by what happens next.” The threat hung in the air like a shadow, just as the song reached its climax and end. Lorenzo stared at her, his mood quickly souring. It would not be long before they were at each other’s throats.

Meanwhile, once Jaime was finished with his performance and was ushered off the stage by the announcer—who’d clearly been crying—the Twi’lek manager he’d been working with would greet him backstage, nodding sagely.

“Beautiful performance, my boy. Although I might argue you may have—as your generation says—‘killed the vibe,’ as you can see.” The manager glanced over to the crowd, taking note of many in the audience dabbing at tears or sobbing quietly into their drinks. “Perhaps next time, you could smile and play a more happy song? Something upbeat?” The Twi’lek gave a practiced laugh and patted Jaime on the back. “But for now, why don’t you stop by and say hello to the club’s owner? He’s quite a fan, I’ve heard, and the reason why you’re here today.”

His manager led him away from the stage and into the more luxurious side of the lounge. “Come, this way. He may already have some company but I’m sure they’d welcome more! Especially from a star like you.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

After he finished his song, Jaime bowed to the audience and walked out of the stage. When he arrived backstage, his manager started to say his impressions about the show. It was something that Adon would always do. The Twi’lek considered that his comments were useful suggestions for the young man to improve.

"I'll try." Jaime would say, his voice sounding with the same monotony that it always had. Looking at the audience crying, the Humbariner was satisfied with the result. The song was sad and caused them to have the intended reaction. For him it was a success, because he was able to make them feel the sadness that he wanted to transmit with this.

However, his manager never liked when he sang the songs that made the audience sad. Adon preferred the happy ones, which would always make the people excited. Like in the show of yesterday. The Twi’lek would be happy then, because Jaime was already planning to sing one of his happy songs.

When Adon said that he should go greet the Club’s owner, Jaime only nodded in agreement. Don Lorenzo, he heard some interesting things about the man. One was that he was a mafia boss and that the club was only a facade for his dirty business. He wondered if the guy would be interested in his slicing services. Perhaps he should contact him as the Alcaide.

Following his manager, Jaime walked toward the luxurious side of the louge. While he passed, some people would stop them to congratulate him for the show and to ask for pictures. Even if his face remained impassive, he would act politely with them, accepting what they asked for.

They stopped in front of a table where Don Lorenzo was talking with a woman. Analyzing her body language, Jaime thought that she was getting mad. It was interesting. He wondered what the two were talking about. His musings were interrupted by Adon discreetly tugging him, hoping that he would say something "Sorry for disturbing you, Don Lorenzo. I only wanted to say thanks for the opportunity of presenting at your club."

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

Nadya felt about ready to reach over the table and strangle Lorenzo with her own bare hands, at least until a pair of newcomers approached. The first man she did not recognize, a poorly-dressed Twi’lek with an overarching belly, but she did catch the face Jaime Martins, the singer from the stage. She hadn’t listened to his music, although from what little she’d heard minutes ago, he was clearly talented. Perhaps he might serve as another prize for Nadya to steal from the miserable Don.

“Mister Martins!” Don Lorenzo exclaimed, with a smile that made Nadya’s eyes roll. He sounded far too enthusiastic when it came to a musician from a cesspool like Humbarine. “Please, you are not interrupting at all! Nothing important, at least.” He glanced at Nadya, smirked, and turned back to Jaime. “It’s so good to finally see you in person. I’m quite a fan, and your performance tonight was short of astonishing. Come, why don’t you take a seat? Or have a drink? I would deeply appreciate the company.”

The Twi’lek manager grinned. “Why, that would be wonderful! You wouldn't mind if I join—”

Don Lorenzo scoffed. “I only said Jaime could sit. Not you, Adon. How about you go fetch a drink at the bar instead?” The manager blinked, a little surprised, before nodding and retreating from the booth. Now, only the three of them remained, with Nadya not too pleased about the outcome. Another stranger to talk to. Another witness to the chaos that would begin very soon.

Expecting Jaime to sit, either by Lorenzo or Nadya, the club owner would continue, “By the way, this is Nadya, a dear friend of mine. She runs a gambling hall in a neighboring district.”

“Oh, Lorenzo, don’t mislead him. We are not friends,” she said, swirling her glass of wine. “But it is nice to make your acquaintance, Jaime Martins. You have a great voice. It’s a shame you waste it at a place like this. You’d probably draw far better crowds at the House of Glass.” She was toeing a fine line by aggravating the old man, but Nadya so enjoyed the look of disgust on his face. “Now, I’m a little curious, Jaime. What’s a man like you doing in the Axxila underworld? Strapped for cash?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

While Don Lorenzo talked, Jaime thought he preferred to have stayed in the changing room. He had thought that the older man would only want to talk a bit and ask for a picture, maybe even for an autograph. The Humbariner didn’t expect that he would be invited to join him and have a drink.

If Lorenzo was one of his normal fans, the slicer would politely decline. But this man was responsible for him doing shows there. If he wanted to continue there, Jaime would need to please him.

Before he could say anything, Adon answered for him. The Twi’lek was excited with the offer, even asking if could join. He looked so dejected when Lorenzo refused. Poor guy, at least Jaime would have some time without his manager, who could be very annoying sometimes.

"Thank you, sir." he said before sitting next to the woman. Even if his apathetic expression didn't show it, Jaime was paying close attention to what was happening on the table. He was curious to know who the woman was. She must be someone important for Lorenzo to be talking with her in a booth.

When Lorenzo presented her to him, Jaime showed no emotion. However, he was surprised that the older man was talking with her. Nadya, he had heard about this woman before. She was growing up as part of the Axxilan criminal underworld. He wondered if she would be interested in the services of the Alcaide. "Hello, Nadya. It's nice to meet you."

The Humbariner noticed the tension that existed between her and Lorenzo. Hopefully they would not start to kill each other while he was there at the table. Nadya's comments were an obvious provocation toward the older man.

"Don Lorenzo offered this opportunity and I accepted. It’s good to know that my songs are appreciated even in the Outer Rim." he said with a monotonous voice, which made it look as if he wasn’t grateful or happy for this opportunity. However, he appreciated it. He was being well paid to sing at the Club and this money would help him take his mother out of Humbarine.

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

Nadya studied the pale musician more closely, not sure whether or not he could be trusted. While he looked harmless, as did his oblivious manager, there was still the issue that he was working for Lorenzo. But maybe he could be turned. She’d done the same with Don Salvara when she’d killed and seized his assets: bribing his former guards, persuading his lieutenants to serve her instead. It hadn’t been easy, but it had payed off well. She only had to wonder, what would having a man like Jaime on her side accomplish?

Profits, said a voice in the back of her mind. He was an accomplished singer. If he could perform at her club every once in a while, he could draw even more patrons, and that meant more games, more customers, and more credits.

“I understand now,” Nadya said. “So, you and Don Lorenzo have a purely professional relationship then. That’s good. I was afraid you were his consort. I mean, I’d always pegged Lorenzo as the type of man to shoot for boys half his age.”

Lorenzo’s good eye twitched, clearly provoked by her insult, but maintained his rigid composure. “You have quite the mouth there, Dona Nadya. It would be a shame if someone decided to sew it shut.” The old man tapped an impatient finger against the table. “Besides, Mister Martins would never dare step foot into a raggedy public bar like the House of Glass. He’s a musician made for the stars. Only the most luxurious establishments would do.”

Nadya rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe she was about to play tug-of-war over a singer she’d never even heard of until that moment, but she wanted nothing more than to spite Lorenzo, so she happily played along. “Please, Lorezo. If you call this dump ‘luxury,’ then I’m the Empress of the Sith.” She tilted her head to Jaime. “I would suggest you avoid trying the drinks while you’re here, Mister Martins. I’m afraid the dishwater is at good as it gets at the Gilded Club.”

“You know what,” she continued, despite Lorenzo’s increasing anger, “why don’t you come by the House of Glass sometime to perform? It pays well. Probably better than whatever the Don is offering your manager.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

When Hatice made the comment about him being the consort of Don Lorenzo, Jaime raised an eyebrow. The woman was really bold, she was provoking one of the most powerful people from the Axxilan criminal underworld. He wondered if she was suicidal. Although, she didn’t seem to be this type of person.

Jaime would remain in silence while the two argued with each other. Watching it was amusing, they looked like two children trying to sound better than the other. Looking at Hatice, the Humbariner could tell that she was having fun with this small game.

When she proposed that he could go to the House of Glass to perform, Jaime thought about this offer. It was obvious that she was saying to provoke Lorenzo, but he wondered if she would be really interested in it. Tomorrow would be his last presentation at this place, so having another place to sing would be very good.

If this small dispute between these two would give him an opportunity to have more money, then he would join it. "Tomorrow is my last presentation there if you are interested, we could discuss the possibility of having shows at the House of Glass." he said with his monotony voice.

"You can talk with my manager." Jaime pointed to the fat Twi’lek, who was watching them from some distance. Adon was trying to not be noticed, but he was failing miserably. The Humbariner ignored any reaction that Lorenzo could have, the singer had no loyalty to him. If someone offer a new job to him after this one ends, he wasn’t going to refuse.

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

She felt a smile pull her lip. Jaime was smarter than he looked. Had he been an idiot, he would have made the mistake of defending Lorenzo, of standing by his side like a shivering dog, but clearly he understood the benefits of working for someone like Nadya. The Gilded Club was nice, but with the House of Glass came the promise of wealth, influence, and stability. If he joined her, then he could look forward to far better things than fools like Lorenzo and drinks that tasted like piss.

“Great,” said Nadya. “I’ll be in contact with him shortly. How does a show tomorrow night sound? I could probably have enough credits wired to you before—“

Don Lorenzo slammed a fist against the table. It seemed he’d finally reached his limit. “This is my club, stupid girl,” he spat. “I had thought you might have come to beg for an end to our rivalry since Don Salvara’s death, but I see you are nothing but a spoiled, insignificant brat. Your veiled insults were laughable at first, but now you have crossed a line by cutting underhanded deals to my face. Mister Martins works for me, and this club will never be yours as long as I draw breath.”

Nadya tilted her head. “Is that a promise?”

Don Lorenzo jolted from his seat, revealing a blaster from his waistband. There it was. The big reveal. He’d probably intended to kill her the moment she walked into the club anyway, which was fine by her—she had planned to do the exact same thing to him.

Nadya moved like liquid lightning. A knife shot from her sleeve, landing between her fingers before it sailed across the table and into Lorenzo’s hand, impaling it to the seat. “They say you shouldn’t bring a knife to a gun fight,” she began, pulling out a second knife from her other sleeve, “but I have found them to be so much more effective.” She observed the Don closely, watching as he struggled to free his skewered hand from the booth. Sweat shone on his brow.

She revealed a comlink between her thumb and forefinger, then her gaze shifted to Jaime. “I’m sorry that you have to witness this, Mister Martins. What’s about to happen next isn’t going to be pretty.” And without a second thought, despite Lorenzo’s pleas, she pressed the comm, signaling the men outside the club to attack. That was when the real party began.

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

While Hatice talked, Jaime looked at Don Lorenzo. The man’s face was red with anger, he seemed to be going to explode at any second. The Humbariner noticed that the woman had asked if he could make a show tomorrow, when he explicitly said that his contract with the Gilded Club would only end after the next night. She was obviously wanting to get the man furious.

And it worked. Suddenly, Don Lorenzo hit the table and started to scream at Nadia. While Jaime watched the two with apathy, the other patrons at the club looked at the scene with fear. Many were starting to leave the place, fearing what was going to happen. Adon was one of them, leaving the Slicer there.

When Lorenzo got up from his seat, Jaime knew that someone was going to die tonight. Nadia was really a bold person, but she didn’t seem to be afraid. The Slicer wondered if the woman had wanted for the old man to make the first move.

Before the old man could attack her, Nadia threw a knife at his hand. That was a very fast move and confirmed whatJaime had suspected. She was already prepared for it, probably she only came to talk with Lorenzo as an attempt to make him lower his defenses. This was very clever.

“I don’t mind.” Jaime said with a cold voice, while getting up from his seat and walking toward the bar. The bartender had fled, leaving some drinks behind. He picked a bottle and filled a glass, while Nadia’s men started to enter the club. He was going to watch this show, but he suspected that Lorenzo was going to lose. Thankfully he was already paid.

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

The raid began with a bang. Men burst into the club armed with blasters and clubs. Bouncers posted around began to pull out weapons of their own, meeting Nadya’s little army head-on, and soon the sound of gunfire and clashing swords resonated throughout the club. The music halted suddenly and people shouted and scrambled for the exits, seeking cover or escape. Nadya had no intentions of killing anyone tonight. Except for perhaps Don Lorenzo, but only if he decided to run his mouth. She wanted a smooth transition in seizing his business.

As he continued to struggle freeing his hand from the booth, Nadya rose from her seat along with Jaime. She’d leave Lorenzo to rot there until the raid was finished. Meanwhile, she would help her men deal with the fallout. Just because she was a crime boss, after all, did not mean she was above getting her hands dirty.

Moving through the club, she found the first bouncer she could and kicked him directly between the legs. He let out an unexpected gasp, and before he could so much as blink, Nadya followed through with an upper cut to his jaw, knocking him out cold. She continued this for the next few minutes, jumping from one guard to the next, helping clear the room of threats to prevent anymore bloodshed. It was only after a while that she finally found herself at the bar Jaime had taken refuge at, drinking casually on his own.

“Sorry, I can borrow this?” she said and, not bothering to wait for his response, plucked the bottle of liquor from his hand. Then she whirled and smashed it across the head of a nearby bouncer. Glass shattered and the man fell onto the ground in a crumpled heap. Nadya turned to Jaime, nodding gratefully. “Thanks.” He was probably annoyed after she stole his drink, so she leaned over the wet bar and grabbed a second: vintage rose wine, aged to perfection. “Hope you don’t mind if I join you for a quick second. All this fighting is thirsty business.”

She collected a second glass for herself, but unbeknownst to her, another man was coming in close behind her, a knife dancing between his fingers, ready to plunge it into her side.

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

Jaime sipped his drink, while watching the scene that was unfolding in front of him. Several armed men were entering the club, making the patrons that were still there to enter in panic. Lorenzo's men moved to intercept the invaders, starting a fight to death between them. It would not take much time for dead bodies to start to fall on the floor of the club.

The Humbariner watched Nadia while she moved around the club. The woman was a good fighter, she was knocking up all of Lorenzo's men that crossed her path. Jaime gave her 80% of the chance of winning this territorial dispute. Maybe she could be a good employer for the Alcaide.

Then Nadia stopped at the bar, asking for the bottle of liquor that Jaime was using. He only shrugged, she had already picked it. The Humbariner saw the bottle flying and hitting a bouncer on his head. Now he gave her 85% of the chance of winning it.

He nodded, picking the bottle that Nadia offered to him. The Humbariner didn’t care that she had picked his bottle, but would accept her offer anyway. "I don’t mind. After all, this place is going to be yours." he said to her. There were more of Lorenzo's men on the floor than hers.

While she picked a glass for herself, Jaime noticed that a man was approaching her with a knife. He was going to stab Nadia and she didn’t notice. The Humbariner grabbed the bottle of wine and threw it at the man, hitting him directly at the head. The sound would alert the woman. The slicer would not help her more than that.

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

As soon as Nadya finished pouring herself a drink, Jaime snatched the bottle from the bar counter and tossed it over her shoulder. For the briefest moment she thought he might be trying to strike her, but instead the glass crunched against something behind her. She whirled around to find that he had struck a guard who’d been attempting to sneak up on her with a knife. A smile curled her lip. While the musician did not bother to finish the job, she enjoyed the opportunity she was given and delivered a roundhouse kick across the bouncer’s jaw. He hit the floor in a resounding thud.

“Why, thank you again,” she told Jaime. “I suppose I owe you one.” Nadya reached back for the counter and downed the glass in one swoop. Satisfaction rolled down her throat and she let out a cozy ‘ah’ before rearing back an arm and throwing the glass across the club’s dance floor. She didn’t bother to see where it landed. There was just the sound of a man’s cry followed by shattered glass.

With a comfortable nod, she reached back around the bar and grabbed a third, final bottle—aged brandy. This time, she hoped, it wouldn’t go to waste. “How about a toast?” she suggested and poured her and Jaime a second glass. “To new beginnings.” She swirled her drink like some bored gambler, then clinked it against his and quietly sipped. At this rate, she might end up wasted on the floor along with the rest of Lorenzo’s guards, but tonight was a stunning victory. She deserved to celebrate.

“You know,” Nadya continued, “despite me stabbing a man and raiding his club, you seem surprisingly relaxed for a pop star musician. I take it this isn’t the first bar fight you’ve attended?” She cocked an eyebrow, clearly trying to make sense of Jaime’s calm expression. “Well, even if it’s not, you’ve got good reflexes. Have you ever considered pursuing a career that involved more than… singing?”

She wondered if there was some hidden talent he might be hiding underneath that pale, picture dreamboat face, but chances were he was just like any other Outer Rim denizen and had simply grown used to so much fighting.

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

Jaime merely nodded when Nadia thanked him. “Yeah, I’m not cheap.” he said to her. The woman could interpret this comment as a joke or as him being serious. However, the lack of emotion in the Humbariner’s voice would show that he means the latter.

While he sipped more of what remained from his drink, the Slicer would watch the woman throw her glass. The cry of a man would signal that another of Lorenzo’s men was down. Her chances of winning this dispute increased to 90%. The Club was really going to change hands very soon.

He accepted the glass that she offered him and joined on her toast. If in this new beginning of hers there was the opportunity of a job for him or for the Alcaide, he would be satisfied with her victory. Since Lorenzo already paid him for the shows, he would not cry for his fall, even if the man was one of his fans.

“When you sing at seedy nightclubs like this one, you get used to these fights." he answered her with a monotonous voice. Of course, during his time living on Humbarine, Jaime had seen and participated in many of these fights. However, he wasn’t going to tell her this.

When Nadia asked if he thought about doing other things beyond singing, the Humbariner continued calmly sipping his drink. He never liked physical jobs. Jaime always prefered the slicing. The way that he could outsmart the defenses created by others always made him feel powerful.

"Never thought about it." he said, before turning to look at the club. By now Nadia’s men were the only ones still standing. Jaime pointed to the scene in front of them. "Congratulations. You defeated Don Lorenzo."

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

“Figured as much,” Nadya said at his answer. She still felt like Jaime was hiding something from her, that there was a secret beneath that cold expression on his face, but maybe she was wrong. Maybe he really was just an ordinary musician, a pop star from Humbarine looking to score big. He was like most people on Axxila, but that did not make him any less special or valuable. A talented enough singer could draw enormous crowds into a club, and judging by what she’d heard earlier, Jaime could probably double her profits at the House of Glass if he performed.

She was lucky to have met him tonight.

At his last remark though, Nadya leaned against the counter and surveyed the club. Most of the present guards were either down or surrendering, clearly outnumbered and outmatched. She’d predicted this outcome from the start. Don Lorenzo had never thought much of his competitors, her included, and hadn’t expected such a bold move against him. Had he readied a few assassin droids, he might have stood a chance, but it was far too late for that. He’d lost, and now the Gilded Club was Nadya’s to claim. As for what to do with the bastard, she wasn’t sure anymore.

Two of her men approached, dragging Don Lorenzo by the arms. They dropped him onto the floor, pushing him onto his knees, as he cradled his bleeding hand. He muttered to himself, refusing to look Nadya in the eyes. The man had gone a long way from threatening to kill her to kneeling at her feet.

She glanced at Jaime. “I respect and value the opinions of all the men and women employed under me and the House of Glass, and since you work for me now, that includes you. If there is something you think I should do, or that best suits my interests, you’re always free to voice it.” She gestured dismissively to Lorenzo. “So, saying that, what do you think I should do with him?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Jaime Martins]

Jaime was the witness of a historic moment of the Axxilan underworld, a shift in the balance of power. Nadia’s men had brought down all those that were faithful to Don Lorenzo. Only now the Humbariner noticed that all the other patrons had left the Club, with him being the last “civilian” still there.

Don Lorenzo was dragged like an animal by two of Nadia’s men and thrown to the floor in front of the two. It was strange to see the man defeated and afraid this way. He was one of the greatest criminals of the planet, but now was only another poor old man. The Humbariner wondered if the woman was going to kill him.

To his surprise, Nadia wanted him to decide what she should do with Lorenzo. Jaime would stare at him with disinterest. He didn’t care for him, not having any loyalty to the man. However, the guy was still his fan. Perhaps if he stayed alive, Lorenzo would continue being one.

He shrugged. “Let him stay alive.” Jaime’s monotonous voice showed that he really didn’t care if Nadia was really going to do it. He sipped some more of his drink, waiting to see what the woman was going to do now. After finishing there, the Humbariner needed to find Adon and sign a contract with the House of Glass.

@Song

 

[Hatice Altaris]

“Spare him?” Nadya repeated, an eyebrow raised. She was not surprised by Jaime’s answer though, even if his expression stayed cold and impassive. He likely didn’t give two shits whether or not Lorenzo lived by the night’s end, but she supposed mercy was the right thing to do. Real justice. Then again, in a way, letting him live might be an even crueler fate. The former Don had lost everything. His club, his men, and all of his assets and valuables. There was nothing more to his name than a broken ego.

“Alright,” she said and looked to Lorenzo. She knelt down before him. “Looks like you get to see morning after all. You can thank Jaime for that.”

“Assuming you don’t bleed to death with that wound in your hand, you have until sunrise to get off Axxila. I hear you’re anywhere near the system again, and you’ll find yourself stuffed in a keg and dropped into the sea.” She nodded to the men accompanying him. He groaned as they lifted him by the shoulders and escorted him out from the club, tossing him out the doors. He had a good six hours to reach the nearest spaceport. There was a good chance he’d make it out alive.

“Now, where were we?” she said and blew a loose strand of hair from her face. “Yes, I believe you and I were finishing a deal.” She leered her head over the bar counter to find Adon, curled up in a ball with his hands over his ears. She’d sensed his presence there for sometime now, but figured he could use the extra privacy since the raid had come to an end. “Adon. Why don’t you come on out and draw us up a contract?”

The Twi’lek paused, looking up at her, blinking uneasily. Nadya smiled before tilting her head to Jaime. “We have a lot of good business ahead of us.”

end thread.​

 

[Jaime Martins]

Jaime watched impassively while Nadia considered what he had said. Perhaps she didn’t expect that he would say for her to spare Don Lorenzo’s life. Well, if the woman refused it would show that what she had said was a lie and she didn’t care for the opinion of her employees. He wouldn’t work for someone that could lie this way.

It had been a test and the Humbariner was patiently waiting for her answer. Without any choice, Lorenzo was also waiting for it. However, he hoped that she would allow him to go away. His face became full of relief when Nadia finally agreed. She really cared for the opinion of those that worked for her, this was good.

After Lorenzo ran away, it was time for him and Nadia to make business. The Humbariner saw the woman call Adon, who was curled in a corner. So he was hiding there all this time, it was a surprise. Jaime had thought that the Twi’lek had fled with all the other patrons. “Come here, Adon. We need to make a new contract.” he said, convincing the frightened manager yo approach them.

While Adon prepared the paperwork for this deal, Jaime continued talking with Nadia “I agree.” perhaps this new business would not be limited only to him as a singer, but it could also be an opportunity for the Alcaide. The Humbariner only needed to wait for an opportunity.

End thread​

@Song