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ryder-s-block · 5 years

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Jaig Eyes (Ch 28)

Jaig Eyes (28/?)

Always available here.

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Chapter Twenty-Eight: Florrum

I opened my heavy eyes when the ship began to tilt, telling me we were landing. I shifted uncomfortably, my arms aching from being tied behind me for so long. Beside me, Killian and the navigation officer were still awake, both giving me a small nod upon my awakening.

The door to the cockpit hissed open, revealing Aurra with a sour look on her face. Castas and Boba followed her as she leaned down to me, grabbing me by the arm, her fingers digging into the wounds Bossk had left with his talons. I grit my teeth, doing my best to keep from crying out.

As the ramp descended, blinding us all with the pale light, I cast a glance back at Killian. His brows were furrowed as Boba dragged his gag back on with a huff. He knew about my force sensitivity now. Then again...so did Windu.

This whole trip was getting me into more and more trouble. For the first time, I questioned having joined the GAR. It had seemed fine at first, fueled by my apparent connection to Rex.

But Rex wasn’t on this mission. This was real danger and I had no one to watch my back anymore.

It was weird how quickly I’d fallen into being with the clones. Relying on them.

I mentally reprimanded myself. I was a bounty hunter, first and foremost. I worked alone for years. I could handle Aurra Sing and her misfit band. I could handle my kid brother with a loss-driven grudge.

A defiant scowl had found its way to my face by the time we walked down the gangway. I looked around, recognizing the trashed encampment easily. We were on Florrum...at the infamous pirate hideout that belonged to none other than Hondo Ohnaka.

Ahead of us, the Weequay approached, some of his men following, towing massiffs. My muscles tightened when I saw the beasts, remembering how brutal they could be on Tatooine.

“Oh, my dear,” Hondo called as he approached. “You never were good at asking for permission to land!”

Aurra gave the pirate a small smirk, putting her hand on his chest. “I never ask for permission to do anything, my darling.” She drew him close, kissing him hard.

My nose crinkled, my jaw dropping. They were a thing? Since when? Also…ew.

“Yes,” Hondo said, pulling away and wiping his mouth with his thumb, forcing a laugh. “Yes, I remember.” He glanced over to see Boba standing just behind Aurra, practically hiding behind her arm. “Not mine...I take it?”

“Oh force,” I mumbled, earning a shove from Castas.

“No,” Aurra responded, ignoring me. “Part of my crew. He’s Jango’s son.”

Hondo’s eyes cut to me quickly. He knew who I was, but it was clear I was a captive, rather than a guest. He didn’t acknowledge me just yet, kneeling down to Boba, who was standing with his arms crossed and gaze averted.

“Oh, yes, yes,” the pirate mumbled, his voice softening. “Sorry about your father. He was a friend and an honorable man.” Finally, Hondo looked at me, giving me a nod while simultaneously dealing a kick to the snarling massiff beside him. “Kida. Nice to see you again. How are things?”

I lifted my eyebrow at him. “Peachy.” He laughed, but I sensed his concern. He tried so hard to be a brutal leader--and at times, he was--but deep down, he had soft spots. One of those was for children. Another for victims. And finally...one for Jango. Thus, for me and the friendship he and I had maintained after my father’s passing.

Still, would that hold up against his apparent love affair with Aurra? Or Jango’s legitimate son and heir?

“Ignore her,” Aurra hissed, jerking her head towards the Klanooinian. “That’s Castas, but he’s getting off here.”

“Couldn’t handle her, could you?” Hondo asked with a chuckle. Interesting...so the disintegration of the team was happening already. And without my influence. Good. Less work for me then. “Well, don’t be ashamed,” Hondo assured, leading Castas towards the door. “You’re not the first man to bail out from under her command.”

“He’s speaking from experience,” Aurra called after them. Still, despite her usual dark tone, there was some humor in there. She felt safe here. Good. She’d be off guard.

Hondo laughed lowly, looking back at the female bounty hunter. “Oh, you’re a dangerous woman! Yes, very dangerous! Come, come, come! Let us go inside where we can discuss business over a drink like civilized people.”

I did my best to straighten up. If I was going to get the upper hand, I couldn’t appear as weak as I felt. The pirates, including Hondo, respected strength. And wit.

“So remind me why I’m coming in for business discussions?” I asked from behind Aurra, glancing back to see Bossk close the door to Slave I. “Was there a hostage tea party I wasn’t invited to?”

Boba looked at me with disbelief while Aurra rounded. She raised her hand, but I kept myself from flinching, staring her right in the eyes. She stopped, her eyebrow lifting. “Do you need another punishment?” she asked.

“You should save that for Hondo,” I smirked. She slapped me, but I didn’t let myself fall, shaking my head to try and chase away some of the daze. “Come on, Aurra,” I said, my voice lower now as we stood at the entrance to Hondo’s hideout. “You and I both know you’re doing this for show. Why take me into somewhere I might have allies?”

She gripped my face, pulling me close. “To prove you have none.”

“You might be unpleasantly surprised.”

She laughed, shoving me forward. “I promise I’ll enjoy watching you squirm.”

The loud music of the bar poured over us as we entered, following Hondo to the bar. Aurra shoved me against the bar beside her while she turned to Hondo. I leaned backwards on the bar, knowing I wouldn’t be given a drink. Honestly, I’d have loved one. Maybe it would have numbed the burning in my side a bit.

I watched quietly while Hondo ordered drinks behind me, my eyes following the disgruntled Castas to the comms unit. I smirked, seeing a Nautolan appear on the hologram. I closed my eyes, letting sounds filter out until I focused only on him, ignoring the music and laughter.

“This job’s gone south,” Castas complained. “Like every job I do with that hag!”

I couldn’t help the snort of laughter that came from his comment, Aurra digging a hard knuckle into the wound on my side. My laughter turned into a low groan, but I managed to stay upright despite the stars that danced in my vision. Leaning so heavily on the bar certainly helped.

“No, Boba,” I heard Aurra say, making me crane my neck around to see her push Boba’s hand away from her drink. Boba turned away angrily, festering in his own rage and confusion. I wanted so desperately to talk to him. But he clearly didn’t want to talk to me.

“I hear there’s a downed Republic cruiser on Vanqor,” Hondo mused, taking a sip of his drink. “Your handiwork?”

“I wouldn’t take credit for that, no.” Aurra took a long drag of her drink as I watched her, both thirsty, in pain, and thoroughly pissed off. “We saw it, though. Crawling with Republic troops. I wouldn’t try to salvage it for a while if I was you.”

I looked at Hondo from behind Aurra, shaking my head. She and I both knew there were no troops in the area. She’d executed them all. I was glad for the lie. She would separate herself from everyone here...and give me the upper hand. Hondo’s eyes cut to me briefly before looking back at Aurra.

He lifted his cup with a smile. “I appreciate the advice. So, Boba,” he said, turning away from the bounty hunter. “What is it like working with Aurra?”

“It’s alright,” Boba answered glumly. I was going to listen to try and find ways to separate him from Aurra further, but Castas caught my attention.

“I have some information,” he whispered fiercely. I closed my eyes, letting everything else fade out again. “Information that’s worth something to the right people.”

“Careful Aurra,” I said lowly from behind her, drawing her gaze. She had been listening too, using that damned antenna she built into her head. I looked her in the eye, smirking. “You didn’t choose a very loyal crew.”

She set her jaw, about to respond, when Hondo called her name. “Remember Aurra? That job we pulled?”

“Hmm?” she hummed, looking between Hondo and I. “Oh, yes. Excuse me.” She pivoted, drawing her pistol and aiming it across my chest. I watched her closely as she smirked. “Castas,” she spit.

The Klanooinian turned, only to be met with a shot from her blaster to the chest. I didn’t flinch as Aurra smirked, putting her pistol back in its holster. As much as I thought she was a heartless bitch, I also understood the unspoken rule that people that snitched...got shot.

“Hey, hey,” Hondo called, disgruntled. “Someone scrape that guy off the floor! He’s sprung a leak!”

My eyes glanced over Castas’ body. I’d seen so many, what was one more? And then I turned to see Boba, his eyes wide and sad, staring at the dead bounty hunter. How many bodies had he seen?

And how many more were to come if he continued on this path?

Death was one thing. Bounty. A job. But reckless murdering? That was Aurra’s forte. She took what she wanted and killed anyone in her way. At least Jango had honor. She was taking that away from Boba.

My gaze softened as I regarded my scared little brother. He was lost. Lost in sorrow and hatred. I wasn’t there for him when he needed me. He looked up, finding my eyes. His were afraid and wide. They revealed how young he really was.

I nodded at him slowly, careful not to let Aurra see. He looked away quickly, but my message had gotten across. Of softness. Caring. Comradery. That I understood.

That I had his back, even if he didn’t have mine.

“Shall we take this to my office?” Hondo encouraged, glancing over my beaten form. “Do you need a...medic, Kida?”

“She’s fine,” Aurra spit, hitting me hard in the side. I started to double over, but stopped myself, instead turning my head away to let out a long series of Mandalorian cusses.

“Those sounded rather vile, Kida,” Hondo mused, gesturing for our group to head into the halls.

Boba seemed concerned, knowing full well the words I had muttered under my breath. His eyes trailed over me as we walked, taking in my slightly curved back to keep unnecessary pressure away from my wound. My slightly labored breathing that I was beginning to struggle to hide. And the blood that was becoming the new rust-colored paint for the armor our father had given me.

Boba swallowed thickly, his worry potent through the force. Well, it was nice to know he still cared for my safety. I was sure he didn’t want me to die, at least. Maybe he wanted to fight me, and Ka’ra, I’d fight him if he wanted. But die? No...not die.

“Now, tell me,” Hondo started as we walked into his office, Aurra shoving me down to sit against the wall. At least the pirates knew how to live lavishly. The pillows that cushioned my descent were most welcome. “What brings you to my business? And, may I add,” he dared, his eyes cutting to me. “Brings both children of Jango with you...apparently on opposing sides?”

“Kida here is a Republic hostage,” Aurra responded vaguely.

Hondo let out a disbelieving laugh. “Like the Republic would ever pay for a bounty hunter!”

“That’s what I said,” I grumbled from my place on the wall, earning a dark look from Aurra.

“She works for the Republic army now,” she explained, looking back at the pirate. “The jedi trust her.”

I laughed openly now, leaning my head back against the wall in a struggle to catch my breath. “You think they trust me?” I laughed again, mocking her now. “Understand that the jedi trust me as much as they trust a pirate.”

“Hey, I’m right here,” Hondo joked, but his eyes were serious, watching me warily.

“Then why did they accept you into the GAR?” Boba asked now, stepping forward. “Why did they trust you to be their eyes on the Endurance?”

I smiled grimly, Boba’s words like ice against my skin. He spit them at me, trying as desperately as he could to find someone to direct his anger at. “They brought me in to keep an eye on me. And Windu sent me to watch the cadets because he doesn’t like me. And understand me when I say that, out of all the jedi, he trusts me least.”

“Why?”

I glanced at the room with disbelief. “Because I’m a bounty hunter with a high kill count and an even higher success rate. I have half of Coruscant’s underworld either in my pocket or at my beck and call. And he openly knows who I am, so he knows that he killed the only father I ever had.”

“Why haven’t you killed him?” Boba’s voice was quiet now. Angry, but sad. Tired, even.

My lips lifted into the saddest of smiles. “Because I don’t blame Windu, Boba. Not anymore. Our father made his choice in the war. He knew the risks. It could have been any job that kept him from coming home to you.”

“Enough of this,” Aurra growled, standing and drawing forth another gag from her belt.

“No,” Boba said firmly, holding out his hand. “I want to hear what she has to say.” He looked back at me, his face desperate for answers, whatever they may be. “So who is to fault for his death?”

I sighed through my nose, looking down at the ground. “Yes, Windu killed him. But Jango made the choice to join the fight. He made the choice to go against an army of jedi.”

“So it was my father’s fault?” Boba spit angrily.

I looked away. “Yes,” I breathed, my brother hating the answer. “But I am at fault for far more.” His anger dissipated into confusion in a flash, making me meet his eyes again. “I should have ran after you, Boba. I never should have let you go on your own to deal with this. We should have grieved him together. I should be guiding you, not Aurra. She doesn’t have your interests at heart--only her own! She--”

“Enough!” Aurra’s hand caught me hard across the face, cutting off my words and sending me sprawling sideways. It was clear how weak I was now, despite my best efforts. I gasped in air, my side burning more than ever at the quick movements. “Can’t you see, Boba? She’s trying to trick you,” she growled, tying the gag around my mouth and shoving me back against the wall again.

Boba watched me as Aurra sat back down, beginning to recount her story to Hondo. His brows were furrowed in confusion and uncertainty. I shook my head at him before looking away. Maybe it conveyed my disappointment in him. Maybe it conveyed my sadness at leaving him.

All I could tell was that he was more lost than ever. But, his disdain and distrust towards Aurra was growing.

I listened quietly as Aurra finished her retelling, Boba moving to look out the wide windows of the office. Having been in the office before--not as a captive--I knew that Boba was looking over the entire open hangar. The area below was likely bustling with gambling and drunken pirates, their ships lined up beside Slave I.

“Well, my dear,” Hondo sighed as Aurra concluded her story, leaning back in his chair. “You are in an interesting predicament once again. Getting involved with the jedi is never a good idea.”

“Aurra.” Bossk’s voice through Aurra’s comms practically made me jump from my place across the room. “We’ve got an incoming ship. Jedi, by the look of it.”

Boba turned abruptly from his place at the window. “Windu!”

“Finally,” Aurra sighed. “Took them long enough. Move Slave I to the outskirts and get the hostages ready.”

“Right,” Bossk growled lowly, clicking his tongue.

“So, are you in or not?” Aurra asked the pirate whose boots were resting leisurely on his desk.

Hondo downed the rest of his drink, sitting up. “I will not help you. But I will not hinder you either. This is your fight, not mine.”

They all stood and watched as Slave I zoomed away, working through the plan Aurra had apparently laid out for them. I scowled, wishing I’d been in the cockpit when she debriefed the crew.

“Boba and I should get ready. We’ll need downstairs.”

“Of course,” Hondo nodded to the woman.

“Kida will stay here.”

“Unguarded?” Hondo inquired, glancing at me.

“You’ll watch her for now,” Aurra replied coldly. “Until the jedi arrives, when I want you to escort him in. I trust you can handle her? She’s practically dead as is.”

Boba jumped at Aurra’s words, his eyes casting to me worriedly. I met his gaze, giving him a small shake of my head. He understood. I was saying I’d be okay.

“What, may I ask, will you do with her?” Hondo tried as Aurra herded Boba towards the door. Aurra shoved Boba out, turning back to speak lowly so only Hondo could hear. “Oh,” he replied lowly, clearing his throat and nodding to her. “I’ll go out when the jedi arrives,” he assured, closing the door behind her.

I grumbled at him through my rag, my brows furrowed in frustration. He poured himself another drink before slowly making his way to me. He knelt, looking me in the eye.

“She’s going to kill you, you know.”

I gave him a look, conveying that I fully understood that. I gave him a meaningful gesture with my eyes, aiming at my gag. He sighed, pulling the gag down to my neck. I licked my lips gratefully, sighing as my jaw was allowed to stretch out again.

“I know that’s what she plans on,” I responded hoarsely. “But you and I both know that won’t be happening.”

Hondo hummed, offering me a drink of his rum, holding the cup to my lips. I took it greedily while he answered. “She seems to be doing a good job at killing you so far.” His eyes darted down to my bleeding side.

“I’ve had worse, Hondo.”

“But how long can you last with this, hmm?”

“Longer if you treated me.”

He stood, waving his hand and removing the rum from my lips. “You know I cannot do that. This isn’t my fight.”

“I know that,” I tried to reason. “But it’s mine.” He turned to me slowly, arching his brow. “All I ask of you, is to let me fight it.” The pirate sighed lowly, looking out his wide window to watch the jedi transport approaching. “Hondo, please,” I practically begged, wishing I’d downed more of the rum. “No matter your connection to Aurra, you know she’s corrupting Boba. Jango wouldn’t want his children turned against each other, no matter what.” He seemed to contemplate my words, staring into his cup while he swirled the liquid. “Please, my friend.”

Finally, he sighed, glancing up to the ceiling in a mock prayer before putting his cup down. “You,” he said, pointing his finger at me as he approached. He knelt, drawing out a knife and cutting away my bindings. “Will be the death of me yet.”

I pulled my arms to my front with a long sigh of relief, stretching my shoulders briefly before curling one hand to cup my wound. “You and I both know that even I couldn’t make the famous Hondo Ohnaka meet his maker.”

My friend chuckled, helping me to my feet and settling me into his chair. “I must go meet the jedi,” he announced, sighing. “Medical supplies are in that drawer.” He gestured to the one behind his desk. “Try not to make a mess of things.”

He left me alone as I rummaged, drawing forth a bacta-patch and hastily pressing it over the wound between my ribs. It wouldn’t fix everything, considering I’d been bleeding slowly for some time and likely had some internal issues, too. But it would certainly keep me from totally bleeding out and maybe dull the pain enough for me to go and save Boba. I applied another large patch to my shoulder, now marked with Bossk’s claws, before heaving myself up.

Outside, I watched Hondo walk out to meet the jedi shuttle, his posture composed. After all, he had no stake in this game. We were just playing on his field. From the shuttle emerged two jedi, neither of which were Windu.

Wonderful. Boba wasn’t going to be happy. Nor would Aurra. The latter fact made me smirk.

Still, the approaching jedi were Ahsoka and a Kel Dor I knew to be named Plo Koon. I sent a silent prayer to whoever was listening that Ahsoka stayed safe. Aurra wasn’t someone to trifle with, especially when she was growing unbalanced from various issues in this mission.

I turned away from the window as they moved out of my sight, feeling thankful for Hondo’s inclination towards weapon displays. I draped a rifle over my shoulder before grabbing a pistol and rushing out.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Sorry for being off the grid for so long! Things have been busy for me. In addition, I was writing this and decided to split it into two chapters. So the next will come shortly (hopefully tonight)!

As always...likes, reviews, questions, and shares are always welcome!

-Ryder