Never Talk to Strangers...

Chapter 11

Three long weeks had passed since Aislynn reluctantly agreed to entertain Xizor’s court. The audience was always polite, but they didn’t quite know how to respond to love ballads and drinking songs. The Prince himself seemed to find her quite entertaining, and it wasn’t so terribly awkward after everyone got lit. The Falleen’s firewater had some kick.

After the first night, Ash found herself less inclined to get drunk. Some of her reasons were practical. She found falling on her ass in front of complete strangers to be less than amusing. Some were more subtle.

The more she learned about Falleen, the more uncomfortable she became around the Prince. The strange attraction she felt towards him was due to a unique blend of pheremones secreted by the species. Pheremones which acted on certain other species as well, including humans. It was always present, but the amount could be controlled. In larger quantities...

She shuddered at the image.

As for Xizor, he treated her in a manner somewhere between a beloved pet and a prize to be displayed. He dropped by her quarters at least once each day, to chat and bring her some present - usually jewelry - and invite her to visit him in his quarters. She always declined the invitation, and he never stayed long enough for her to accuse him of imposing, always on his way to handle some important business.

Her days were her own, and she spent them exploring the vast palace grounds, accompanied by a silent guardian. She was allowed to wander anywhere so long as she stayed within the walls. She had a new dress each day, thankfully uncorseted since she needed to breathe to sing. Each night there were new exotic dishes to try, imported liquor to be imbibed, and new guests to hear her songs.

Still, she felt as though every move she made was being watched. Whispers followed her wherever she walked and she knew the rumors were flying. She felt as though she had a glowing target painted on her forehead and was waiting for the sniper to pull the trigger. She found herself unable to converse with anyone but the Prince, because she didn’t know how to talk to them. And she was desperately lonely.

She missed Kip’s incessent bitching, and Riley’s bragging. She missed Mac’s dirty jokes, the sound of real laughter, and her little room that smelled of smoke and beer. Most of all, she missed waiting and watching the door during each show, waiting for the familiar silhouette against the door frame. Forcing her mind to face matters at hand, she finished twisting her hair into a braid at the back of her head.

The clock read 7:00. That meant she had an hour or so before she would be expected at dinner. She quickly finished dressing and walked out towards the atrium gardens, tailed by her silent escort. The sun had finished setting and the stars were beginning to appear. The glow from the city made them hard to see. She remembered a time when all the stars were beautiful and she knew nothing of ships that traveled through them, or the empire, or alien races. She tried to recall the smell of the earth after the rain, and the sound of rough hands on a rain barrel, dark eyes above a half-smile...

She drew a deep breath and a sob escaped her.

“Don’t cry, pretty Aislynn,” a sybilant voice whispered in her ear as arms encircled her waist. “Life is too short for such sadness.”

“Dammit, Xizor!” she snapped, trying to push him away, “don’t sneak up on me like that. You’re worse than...” she trailed off.

He stepped away from her and gently spun her around to face him. For a moment, her anger flared white hot and she longed to wipe the smile off his face. His incessant flirting was driving her up the walls.

“Than whom, pretty one? Who do you pine for tonight?” he shook his head sadly. “I confess I do not understand why you suffer this pain. I know the cure, though.” He reached up to stroke her hair.

She let him do it. Anything else only seemed to encourage him. “I’m fine.”

“Liar. One doesn’t need to be Jedi to read your mind, or your body,” he turned her around so she was facing out over the railing as he had found her. He leaned close to her ear and she felt the now familiar sensation grab the pit of her stomach, then creep lower. “You, my dear, are sexually frustrated.”

Without looking at him, she returned, “Not everyone’s life revolves around sex, your Highness.”

“Ah, but it should. If it did, men would spend less time with their guns and more time with their women. Which would solve your problem.” He slid his hands up to rub her shoulders.

She flinched, and he paused.

“I know I am not your bounty hunter, but most women do not find my touch so...repulsive. You wound me.”

She snorted. “No doubt your enormous ego can handle the blow.”

“No doubt,” he murmured into her ear, continuing his work on her shoulders. “I should not torment you so.”

“It is rather cruel,” she replied flatly.

“Not so cruel as some. I would never leave you alone for so long. What sort of man would ask for such loyalty?.”

“He didn’t ask me for anything.”

“Truly?” He sounded genuinely amazed. He stopped what he was doing and slipped his arms around her. “I will see you at dinner?”

She nodded. He released her and slipped back into the darkness. She waited until the sound of his robes swishing against the stones receded, then sank to the stones and wept.

~ ~ ~

She sat to Xizor’s left that night, sipping the liquor of the evening - a vibrant blue which tasted like the black anise candy her mother used to make for the winter festival. The visiting dignitaries were a trio of couples. The women were three sheets to the wind already, engaged in a loud argument about which had found a better match for their daughters. One had already lost an earring in her drink.

The men spoke with the Prince in quiet voices, ignoring the antics of their wives. She tried to ignore them, watching the members of the court who were slowly gathering for the evening’s festivities. Many of them took their meals elsewhere, but more and more returned to the hall after for the nightly songs.

She tried to ignore the way the Prince kept brushing against her leg, or reaching over to stroke her arm. She did her best to look vacant and totally engrossed in watching the women. She heard familiar names cross between the men. Imperials. Vader, Tarquin, Radeesh. And the Others. Jabba. Ard Mydrn.

“What do you think, Aislynn?”

“Hmm?” Her head snapped up at the sound of her name. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening, You Highness. I was too busy watching his wife.” She pointed towards the ladies, one of who was on the floor with her skirts hiked up, frantically searching for one of her numerous rings. “Someone might want to tell her it’s still on her finger.”

The men roared with laughter. Xizor reached out to pat her leg. Good dog. Sit. Stay.

“Didn’t I tell you she was fabulous? Wait until you hear her sing.”

“His Highness is too kind,” she murmured. Good dog. Sit up and beg. Sing. She rose smoothly and walked down to check the equipment which played her background music. She adjusted the levels and checked her mic, and the translator.

She shot a questioning look at Xizor who nodded, and then she launched into a bawdy drinking song, totally a cappella. All three women stopped and stared, trying not to laugh. Scattered applause answered the final chorus.

She turned on the background music and sang a few more for fun, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath, launching into a lengthy love ballad. She cast her heart out into the hall and felt herself caught up in the music, soaring into the rafters, past the ceiling and into the sky.

When the last note echoed through the hall, there wasn’t a sound. Then she heard the sound of one of the women weeping. She didn’t waste time: she hit them with another one. The pain slipped away from her as she cast it off on the strangers.

Halfway through the last song of her set, the massive wooden doors slammed open. She stopped mid chorus, staring in shock at the guard crawling into the audience hall on all fours, babbling gibberish. A brilliant flash of blaster fire, and he collapsed in a heap.

An armored figure stalked into the hall, weapon drawn. Ignoring the shouts of the guards drawing their weapons, he walked straight up onto the platform. Xizor rose and met him halfway.

“Master Fett, welcome,” Xizor began smoothly.

“Falleen, you have made the last mistake of your career...” Boba pressed the barrel of his blaster into the Prince’s chest. “Aislynn, get behind me. We’re leaving.”

She could see Xizor’s guards filing into the hall behind him. She bolted over to him and grabbed his arm, placing herself between him and the guards. “Boba, please. I’m fine!” She shook his arm roughly. “I’m fine. Put the damn gun away.”

A long moment passed, as the two men faced each other. Slowly, Xizor reached up and wrapped his fingers around the gun. Without taking his eyes off of the bounty hunter, he handed the gun to a guard. “Captain, see that this is returned to Master Fett upon his departure.”

“I will see to it personally, Highness.”

“Leave us. All of your,” the Prince ordered, just loud enough to be heard. A moment later, the three of them were left alone in the hall. “I applaud you for your dramatic entrance Fett, although I should charge you for the loss of my guard,” Xizor retrieved his goblet and moved smoothly to his chair at the front of the room.

“You try to hire me and I will personally shove that goblet up your ass.”

The Falleen cast a broad smile in her direction. “Quite a temper on this one, Aislynn.” then turned back to the hunter. “Care for a drink to calm your nerves?”

“No.”

“Have a seat. We have...business...to discuss.”

“I’ll stand.”

“Aislynn, go ahead to your quarters. I’ll send for you when we’re finished.”

“She stays.”

The Prince sighed. “If she wishes to stay, she may stay. Help yourself, Aislynn. Bring the bottle over here when you’re finished if you would, dear.”

“Dispense with the pleasantries and get to the point.”

“Come now, Fett. You act as though I’ve mistreated the girl. I assure you I have treated her well. Better than you, perhaps. I certainly dress her better. I pay her far better than that rathole I found her in. And her quarters...well, I had hoped, for her sake, that you would be able to offer an opinion on those yourself. She has missed you terribly.”

“I’m leaving here tonight and I’m taking her with me.”

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that to happen. I’ve become rather fond of the girl. I enjoy her company.”

“Who do you need me to kill.”

“You misunderstand my intentions. I don’t desire to contract with you. I have my own hunters, within the family. What I desire is simple.” he paused to refill the glass.

“Then get to the point.”

“Information is currency. So are rumors, if they are the right rumors. Lately I’ve been hearing too many of the wrong rumors. I should like to hear that you have been seen at my court, if you will also be seen at the court of my enemy.”

“Vader.”

“Do you understand now, hunter?”

Fett nodded.

“You will, of course, remain tonight, as my guest. You may stay as long as you like. All that you require will be provided. When you leave, the rumors will fly in my favor. Aislynn, please inform Lucretia that we need another set of guest chambers prepared.”

“He can stay with me,” she snapped, then added sarcastically, “Are we dismissed?”

The Falleen nodded regally. Aislynn grabbed Boba by the arm and pulled him towards the door.

~ ~ ~

She led him back to her rooms and together they walked into the front chamber. Aislynn could feel the tension building in Boba. The door slid shut.

“Lock it.”

She did so.

He scanned the room carefully, his eyes falling on the blaster on the bed stand. He slowly reached over and picked it up. “He let you keep this.”

“Sure. What am I going to do, storm the castle by myself? Steal a ship?”

He whirled around and fired once, taking out the security camera in the corner, then wrenched his helmet off and hurled it across the room against the wall. Aislynn backed up until she felt her back touch the wall.

“Bloody hell! Fucking piece of shit Falleen prick! Who the fuck does he think he is!” He stormed into the next room. She heard three more shots and smelled acrid burnt plasticene and melted metal. She heard him launch a string of curses, some she recognized as Huttese. Most were merely incomprehensible.

She reached up and cut the lights off, then sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her knees.

He walked back into the front hall, arms crossed, looking down at her. In the darkness, she couldn’t see his expression.

She looked up at him, and said very quietly, “Boba, I’m sorry.”

“How many times have I told you not to apologize to me. This is not your fault. I should have known it was coming. I should have expected this.” As quickly as it had begun, his rage subsided. He sat down beside her, and pulled her into his arms. “Lights?”

“I think he has more cameras that you can’t see. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, but...”

“You’re probably right. It would be like him.”

“I missed you so much,” she said, snuggling against him. “But you shouldn’t have come. I told Kip...”

“I know what you told him. Did you think that would stop me?”

“I...”

“Hush,” he silenced her with a kiss. She wriggled against him and he groaned. “I’ve been away from you far too long.”

“It’s always too long.”

He rose quickly, picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, and lay her down on the bed, and stripped off his gauntlets. She looked around nervously. “What if there are more cameras?”

“Let him watch, fucking pervert,” Boba growled, tossing the gloves in the corner and making short work of the rest of his armor. He reached down to caress her ankle, running his rough hands slowly up her leg, working the skirt up around her hips. “Long time since I saw you in a dress.”

“I hate it. I can’t dress or undress myself in these things,” she complained, struggling to sit up.

“I like it. Good memories,” he murmured, reaching around with his free hand to undo the lacings and working the bodice open an inch at a time until her breasts were freed.

He leaned down and pressed his face between her breasts, turning his head to the left, he took her nipple into his mouth and sucked gently. She gasped and arched her back, leaning into his mouth. His right hand continued to work on the lacing as his left traveled higher up her leg, dipping into the soft nest of curls between her legs.

She hear his sharp intake of breath as he slipped first one, then two fingers into her already dripping cunt. “Miss me?” he teased, and received a moan in return. He worked his fingers in and out, lightly brushing against exactly the right spot with each stroke.

She writhed in his arms, begging for mercy. He held her there, working her to her climax before he released her and disposed of the dress, dropping it in a pile next to the bed. He flipped her over and raised her hips. She pushed against him, and he didn’t make her wait any longer. With one savage stroke, he buried his cock inside her. He pushed her across the huge bed with each thrust, until she could brace against the wall, and he surprised her by crying out her name as he came.

He collapsed beside her, holding her tightly to him, practically asleep before he hit the mattress. She fell asleep still marveling that he had called her name.

She woke to the feel of his hands on her body, tracing slow circles across her stomach. She opened her eyes to see sunlight streaming in the window. Boba was lost in thought.

“I know the wall can’t be that interesting,” she said softly.

He rewarded her with one of the smiles which haunted her dreams. “You sleep late.”

“I enjoy sleeping. Especially with you sleeping naked next to me.”

“There are much more enjoyable things I would rather be doing with you naked,” he said, reaching for her. She slipped out from beneath the blanket and shot off towards the bathroom. He started to follow, but she shut the door before he could reach it.

When she came out, the bed was empty. She stopped, glanced around, then walked towards the next room, only to be caught from behind. He spun her around and pinned her against the wall. “I like this game,” he growled, lifting her off her feet. She struggled against him.

“Boba, I’ve got to...” he kissed the side of her throat, moving up to her ear, circling the lobe slowly with his tongue before giving it a quick nip. She shivered.

“You’ve got to...what?”

She nipped him on the shoulder. He slid his hands down to her hips and she spread her legs. He impaled her on his cock, lifting her body weight easily, bracing her shoulders against the wall. Sweat slicked his body as he thrust, the sight of the sweat dripping down his powerful chest drove her insane with desire.

His eyes were closed, head tilted slightly forward. She dug her nails into his shoulders at the peak hit her, and heard him gasp, saw his eyes widen in surprise. He finished in three powerful strokes, and she released her death grip on his shoulders. He set her gently on her feet.

His dark hair was soaked with sweat, sticking out at odd angles. She noticed for the first time a new scar just above the ridge of his left eyebrow and reached up to trace it with her fingertip. "New one.

He shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t know how you remember them all.”

She shrugged, then crossed the room and flopped back down on the bed.

He laughed. “Going back to bed? All this fancy living has made you lazy.”

She folded her arms behind her head and closed her eyes. A moment later, he landed on the bed beside her, almost bouncing her off the other side. She smacked him in the shoulder and they mock wrestled for a few minutes, until he managed to pin her beneath him.

He stopped, staring down at her as she pushed against his chest, trying unsuccessfully to move him. “You are beautiful.”

“You are blind.”

“You are beautiful to me,” he said smiling, then abruptly the smile disappeared.

“What’s wrong.”

“Nothing,” she felt the change in him, like a door slamming shut.

“You’re lying. Tell me.”

“I...can’t. It’s nothing,” he said, getting up quickly and beginning a search for his discarded clothes. She watched him don his pants then sit on the edge of the bed to put on his boots, refusing to look at her. His gaze remained on the floor directly in front of his feet.

She walked out into the main sitting area and picked up his shirt, then returned to the room. He had not moved. “Boba, what the hell did I do now?” she snapped.

His head jerked up and she could see something she had never seen in his eyes before. Fear. And doubt. He stood and crossed to her. “Aislynn, I know...”

She waited.

He took a breath and started again, “I know a thing or two about the Falleen and I...” He struggled with the words. “I wouldn’t blame you if... if anything happened.”

“Anything what?”

“Anything. Have you...” He stopped, and dropped his gaze to the floor again. “Has he...” He stopped again, and she saw thought she saw his hand shake. Finally, he started again. “Have you and he...”

“Me and Xizor? No.” His head snapped up, “He tries,” she conceded.

She thought she could hear a sigh of relief. “If he had truly tried, you would not have had a choice. And I would not have held it against you, Aislynn. I keep my promises.”

“I don’t think his pride would let him stoop to the level of rape. He considers himself quite a ladies man...lizard....whatever.”

“I will not risk you on that gamble.”

“I don’t really know why I’m here at all.”

“Politics. There are rumors that I’ve signed an exclusive contract with Vader, and Xizor is worried Vader will use that contract against him.”

“So he found out about me and decided to invest in a little insurance policy.”

He nodded.

“Do you have a contract with Vader?”

“No. He is one of my more reliable clients. The man’s always looking for someone. However, I don’t particularly trust him. He’s too powerful. He keeps pushing me to take imperial credits, instead of cash. I’ve always had a standing cash only policy. Vader knows and he still tries to hedge the deal.”

“Then why deal with him.”

“It’s...complicated. Vader is a difficult man to say no to. He and I have a professional relationship based on mutual respect. I know more about him than most people. But he also knows things about me. We keep each others’ confidence.”

“Hmm. Interesting dilemma. You can’t afford to piss him off, but he can’t afford to piss you off either. Sounds like a strange kind of respect. Bill would have called this a sinkhole waiting to happen.”

“You’ve never talked to me about Bill before.”

“You’ve never talked to me about your work before.”

“I try to protect you, Aislynn. You can’t be forced to tell what you don’t know. However, in this case, it’s more important that you know what’s going on.”

“What should I do?”

“Play along as much as you can. Keep your ears open and your bags packed. You’re not going to be here long. I promise.”

The door buzzer sounded, loudly. He spun around.

“It’s probably Lucretia. She brings me a new outfit almost every day. Seems wasteful.”

“He’s got the money. Can’t you tell her to leave.”

“You’re welcome to try. I haven’t figured that trick out yet. Let me know if you do. Get dressed. I’ll answer,” she took a silk robe from the closet and headed for the door. He pulled her into his arms for a final long kiss.

~ ~ ~

That evening, Prince Xizor, Lord of Black Sun, entertained a house full of guests. An unknown singer from the Outer Rim took center stage, and the infamous Boba Fett watched the show from the shadows.

The next day, the rumors flew. By the end of the week, they had reached Tatooine, and onward to the edges of the known galaxy.