Although she had met with him many times, she was nervous as she drove the purposely erratic route to her destination. The chances that her unusual request was going to be approved were very small, but she needed the assistance badly. Appearing as a normal although highly secure abode in the region, she finally arrived at her destination. As she waited for the security protocols to open the portcullis to the outer wall, she remembered the first time she was driven blind-folded and bound to the initial covert meeting. She had known security measures were expected when one first meets with an areas' guild-master of spies even after over a year of electronic communication. Unsure of how long they traveled, she knew it was over an hour with multiple changes of direction so she'd had no idea where she was back then.
Even now after meeting with him multiple times throughout over a year and developing a business relationship, gun turrets followed her vehicle from various locations as she eased the speeder through the outer wall and moved in to the next entry control point. She entered her access code into the panel at the ECP and had her retina scanned, then drove inside the final wall protecting the compound.
Seeing the multiple weapons systems pointed skyward, she shuddered at the thought of anyone who tried to enter the compound unbidden from the air. Likely only vapor and dust of anything trying to intrude would fall onto the grounds. As she eased the speeder to stop under a covered parking place next to the main building, her tension built, knowing an uncomfortable conversation was about to take place with someone she had become to think of as somewhat of a friend and confidant. Combat droids duel-programed as protocol droids opened the door for her into the facility.
"Ma'am, we trust you know where you're going or would you prefer escort?" the cordial but powerful-voiced B2 series battle droid intoned.
"I'm fine getting there if you're ok with me going alone."
"You're expected Ma'am and our standing orders are to give you all courtesy."
Winding through the corridors of the functional business-oriented part of the facility, she walked the familiar route to his personal living areas. Stopping at the elegant but clearly armored door, she reached up to attempt to buzz for entry, but stopped when she heard an audible click.
"Welcome 'Bo, great to see you again!" said the average height but obviously athletic man with salt and pepper closely cropped hair as he opened the door. Gesturing towards the comfortable seating area, she went to sit in the living room she'd been in multiple times as their professional relationship had grown.
"Great to see you as well, I appreciate your seeing me so quickly."
"I always enjoy our visits. Please have a seat," he said warmly, gesturing to the different places to sit.
She moved to sit on the same couch he was in the process of sitting on, adjusting her armor for comfort as her butt settled onto the cushion while setting her helmet on the low table in front of them. The room was finished in soft earth-tone colors and melded seamlessly into a well-appointed kitchen area with a large dining table. The projector over by the far wall was displaying various events on-going around the sector but was soundless as it was muted. Softly lit, his personal living area was inviting to the weary traveler.
"How was your trip?" he said with interest.
"Cold and wet unfortunately, you know how it goes."
"Oh I'm sorry, be right back," he said as he went to the kitchen and poured them two mugs from the dispenser.
Handing her a mildly steaming mug, she put it to her lips and began to enjoy the hot, soothing drink. They both enjoyed it in silence as she began to warm. The weather in the region was cold and she'd been rained on during her trip. The weight of her armor did little to help keep her warm as her clothing beneath had gotten wet. She'd had shivers for quite some time already.
"So, I got your message. Right up-front Bo, that's a big ask, huge actually," he said calmly, but seriously.
"I know, I know, but events have changed. Everything I've worked for is in danger. My people and I need this."
"You realize that providing you with this could compromise me in a very bad way if things go awry?"
He listened to her respectfully as she spelled out what she needed, why her people needed it, and the consequences if they couldn't obtain what she was seeking. Going through the argument for assistance logically and covering all the bases, she talked for some time while he listened, occasionally asking questions.
"I don't know Bo. What you want to do is risky and it's even riskier for me and my organization."
"I understand that and I understand if you can't do it, but I hope you'll think about it," she said while moving right next to him on the couch for emphasis.
"I will definitely think about it and look into it further."
"I appreciate it Bron, I really do. We'll pay you quadruple the normal arrangement if you can help us."
"I promise I'll look into it."
"Let me put out some feelers," he continued reassuringly as he went into his nearby office and she heard him typing for a while before returning.
They sat in silence as they drank. Her body warming from the hot fluid in her stomach, she began to feel a little more brave. She was fearless in all realms but this. She didn't like asking people for help. She wasn't sure how this would turn out, but she knew she had to try. Sitting her coffee on the table, she also took his and did the same as he looked at her quizzically.
As her hand went onto his thigh, his eyebrow raised as they locked eyes. She smiled nervously as her hand moved up to his crotch, beginning to rub him.
"Bo, you don't have to..."
She interrupted him by leaning in to kiss. Eyes still open in shock, he began to return her kiss first hesitantly, then more urgently. He started to push her back on the couch but always a Mandalorian, she wanted to control the engagement so she stood up and straddled him, coming to rest on his lap.
