Hale took another sip of his drink which was bluish and glowing but heavily alcoholic. He held up his head by his hand as his arm rested on the bar counter. He watched Lorelei, who was sitting on the stool beside him, laugh and smile as she talked to one of her female friends standing close to her. Although he could have given his attention to the exotic dancers on the center stage like the other men in the club did, Hale found himself more fascinated with the effect of the strobing lights on Lorelei’s glossy hair. Her hair was the perfect deep red.

He went to take a sip of his drink, but his glass was empty. Quickly, the bartender filled another drink for Hale and slid the glass halfway across the counter. With his drink in hand, Hale signaled a thank-you to the bartender.

By the time Hale had finished the next drink, he began to feel slightly dizzy. The darkness of the room only made him sleepier. The heavy beat of the music was in sync with his own heartbeat. Lorelei, although still conversing with her friend, reached for and then held Hale’s hand. She turned slightly and winked at him, gripping his hand tighter.

After her friend said goodbye, Lorelei turned her attention fully to Hale. She smiled and shifted off the bar stool. When she attempted to get closer to him, he pushed her gently back into her seat. It was already obvious enough that something was going on between them. But he didn’t want to make it any more noticeable.

“Not here. Everyone knows that you’re with Coran, I’m sure,” Hale whispered.

Lorelei sighed. “It’s not really that big of a deal, I promise.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure, Lorelei.”

“Just relax. Have another drink,” Lorelei suggested.

Hale shook his head. “If I have one more of those, I won’t be able to know my right from my left.”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re safe with me.”

Hale smirked. “I know you saved my life and all, but we know that we can’t trust each other.”

Lorelei sighed and released his hand,“You’re right.”

Hale stood to his feet. “I’m gonna go check in a room. I think I need some sleep.”

“I’m sure you do,” she said, pulling him to her. “I’ll come see you in a little bit.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” He kissed her hand and then walked away from the counter.

Hale inched his way through the maze of people on the dance floor. Several times the drowsy patrons nearly tripped him, but he kept his balance. Hale had to push away a few who were blocking his path. Once he finally passed the dance floor, he closed his eyes and took a moment to breathe. He didn’t like being surrounded by people. It made him feel uneasy, even with alcohol. He wanted to get back to his room where he could just have silence. He was so tired. He hadn’t slept, and the alcohol made him feel more disoriented.

Having opened his eyes, Hale spotted Zaya sitting alone at a small table near the entrance of the club. Out of curiosity for why Zaya was at Coran’s base, he decided to speak with her.

Hale sat at Zaya’s table in the chair across from her. She didn’t acknowledge him; instead, she watched the aquarium spanning a third of the left wall. Aware of her eccentricity, Hale leaned back in his chair and decided to wait.

After Zaya finished her drink, she finally looked him in the eyes. Her cold stare made him shiver.

“What are you doing here?” she snarled.

“Umm... I.. I...” He exhaled. “I noticed you were sitting alone.”

Zaya scoffed. “Really? Don’t waste my time!”

Hale stood up from the chair and distanced himself, incase he needed to make a mad dash for the exit. Zaya’s behavior could be erratic at times. “I thought you said were done with, you know—”

Zaya interrupted. “With people like you?”

Hale grinned to avoid appearing unsettled by her voice. “Yeah, basically.”

“What else can I do when I’m wanted in every quadrant of the galaxy?” she answered. “I have no other way to find work.”

“So that’s why you’re back. I assumed, but I wanted to ask you personally.”

“I won’t be here long. Just came to drop off a gift for Coran.”

Hale turned his head and looked through the club entrance at the lavender haired girl who was still stuck to the wall. “That girl then. Who is she?”

“She’s like royalty or something. Coran paid me to bring her to him to get the attention of her father,” Zaya said.”

“For ransoming?” Hale asked.

“I guess. All that really matters is that I’m getting paid,” Zaya replied.

Hale was still staring at her. Honestly, he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t remember the last time he found a woman so beautiful.

“Hey!” Zaya pounded on the table. “I’m going to stop you right there!”

“What?!”

“Don’t even think about it. I don’t want you ruining this job for me because of your weakness,” Zaya barked.

“Weakness? I think you had better take a second look at exactly who you are talking to,” Hale retorted defensively.

“I’m not talking about physical strength or your gun skills,” Zaya said. “Or even intelligence...”

“What are you saying then?”

“I’m saying your weakness is that you are willing to risk it all for a pretty face.”

“Maybe.” He gave a quick glance back at the bar where Lorelei was sitting. How was he already thinking about another woman? Although, Lorelei wouldn’t mind. She never got jealous of anyone. “Maybe not. It’s not really your business.”

Zaya pointed to her. “Well that girl is. You touch her, you die.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’m not here to cause trouble. It’s not like she would be interested in me anyway. I’m a criminal,” Hale replied. He smiled, hoping to irritate Zaya.

“If she were only that lucky...” Zaya mused, her showing no emotion.

“As soon as I secure a ship, I’ll be gone,” Hale said as he was leaving the club.

“I hope so,” Zaya replied harshly.

Hale stepped outside of the club, and planned to pass the lavender haired woman without stopping. He glanced at her a couple times as he walked by her. Hale could tell she was trying to hide her terror of the base, and he felt sorry for her. It was obvious she didn’t belong here.

When he had completely passed her, he figured she didn’t notice him. A part of him, his weakness, wished she had. Though mostly because he knew Zaya would hate it. And Zaya was probably watching him right now.

He would’ve continued to move on, but the girl shouted at him. Hale stopped suddenly, debating on whether he should turn around or not. Zaya would certainly not be pleased with his decision.

As he walked closer to her, he became more amazed by her. And when their eyes met, he couldn’t find the strength to look away.

“Do I know you?” he asked, walking up to her.

Her eyes were pleading for help. “How long am I going to be here?”

He failed to pay attention to her words. Her dark violet eyes drew his attention, not only because of their beauty. He saw something within them, a bright energy within that gleamed like a thousand stars all in different shades of violet. As he stared into her eyes, her presence felt stronger and very familiar…. He didn’t understand why because they had never met before.

“Are you listening?” she yelled.

Her loud voice made him refocus. “I’m sorry. Where are you from?” he asked, noticing her unique accent.

“Why would it matter! I was taken from my home! I just need your help. Please!”

“Sorry. But I don’t see how any of this my problem!” Hale responded.

“Are they going to kill me?”

“Doubt it. Most likely they will return you back home if you cooperate.”

“I don’t want to cooperate. I don’t trust anyone here but you.” she said.

Hale crossed his arms. “Why would you say that? You don’t know me.”

“But you’re not like them.”

He had to admit this was strange.“How would you know? I mean, if I wanted to I could kill you right now. What makes you think you can trust me?”

She scoffed, obviously seeing through his false threat. “I don’t actually have to give you a reason. I know. And that’s all that matters.”

Hale stepped further away from her. “Have we met before, and I just don’t remember it? How do you know me?”

“Well, I don’t. Not completely.”

“This is just all really bizarre.” Hale wondered if she had some kind of mental illness because nothing explained her odd behavior. He knew it would be best for him and for Zaya if he just stayed out of the way. “I’m sure that everything will be fine as long as you don’t try anything stupid.”

“Please don’t leave me here!” The girl pleaded.

“I can’t get involved,” he said walking away. He actually felt sorry for her. She wasn’t used to the cruelness of the real world. He could tell because of the innocence he saw within her eyes. Who really knew what

Coran had in mind for her. Hopefully she would be ransomed back to her father. But it was also likely that she would end up as one of Coran’s many servants. Either way, she was too attractive for Coran to leave her alone.

* * * *

Pandora kept quiet as Hale left her still handcuffed to the shiny wall. She pulled against the wall as hard as she could, well aware it would do nothing, but she wanted to try to escape. The scaly creature beside her continued to laugh at her like the rest of prisoners along the wall.

Here she was completely alone because she had no one to trust. She was in a strange place, surrounded by the galaxy’s most notorious criminals. And the strangest part about her current situation was that she didn’t want to go home. Though she was in danger, staying here could allow her to save Elani. If she remained calm and aware, she might just be able to escape. Well... after Zaya got her off this wall and whenever she could get away from Zaya’s watch.

Pandora looked up and saw Zaya half-stumble outside the club. She looked like she had drank far too much. She kept one hand on her holstered pistol, and the other was holding a remote of sorts. Zaya brushed her bushy curls to the side and clicked one of the buttons on the remote.

Pandora lurched forward, realizing her handcuffs were no longer stuck on the wall. She would have fallen to the ground if Zaya didn’t push her back.

“It’s about time,” Pandora commented.

Zaya shrugged. “I doubt you have anything better to do right now.”

Pandora knew she shouldn’t continue argue with Zaya and followed her through the octagonal room to an all-glass elevator. As they rode up the floors, Zaya looked too serious which intimidated Pandora and kept her quiet. She didn’t want to antagonize Zaya more.

When the elevator stopped and the doors slid open, Zaya pushed Pandora out. “See those huge doors ahead.”

Pandora nodded.

“Well, get moving! I’m right behind you.”

Hesitantly, Pandora walked to the solid, silvery doors, carved with holographic detail and crystals. She stopped about a foot from the elaborate doors which reflected the bright corridor lights.

Zaya stepped up a keypad next to the door and entered a code. Next, the door opened on its own.

Zaya pulled Pandora behind herself as she entered the darkened room. Eleven pairs of eyes stared intently at the obvious outsider. Pandora imagined they were estimating the cost of her jewelry. But she was used to attention so she didn’t pay much attention to the onlookers.

Zaya stopped at the center of the large room in front of a white cushioned seat resembling a throne. Coran, a Rhisi male, with an azure complexion and short black hair, sat on the seat. Hale’s red-headed friend sat beside the Rhisi, and she smiled evilly at Pandora.

The Rhisi acknowledged Zaya with a slight nod.

Zaya boldly looked into his yellow piercing eyes. “I have successfully brought the princess to you. When will I receive my proper payment?”

Coran half-smiled. “I already had the credits deposited into your account.”

“Good,” Zaya answered.

Coran turned to one of his security guards. “Take Pandora to the waiting room.”

The guard in midnight black armor concealing his entire body moved from Coran’s side and pulled Pandora from Zaya.

“Just be careful with her,” Zaya said.

Coran raised his eyebrows. “Is that concern I hear?”

“Not for her. For you and this place. I wouldn’t want you to enrage her father. Who knows what he would do.” Zaya answered.

“Don’t worry. This isn’t my first dealing with her father, Zaya,” Coran assured.

With the guard shoving her, Pandora stumbled out of Coran’s chamber. The guard pushed her down the hallway furiously.

“Where are you taking me?!” Pandora asked.

The guard gripped her arm tighter. “SHUT UP!!!”

Pandora scoffed. “You have no right to treat me this way! I have done nothing to you!”

Holding up his fist at Pandora, he shouted, “What did I say to you!”

Handcuffed and held by his grasp, there was little she could do to escape. “Please don’t.”

* * * *

The Rhisi waited for Zaya’s response along with everyone else in the room.

Zaya rolled her eyes and huffed. “Why do you care about why I went dark for a time? Isn’t that my business?”

Coran nodded. “However, your return is of great interest to us all. Last time you were here you were announcing your retirement. Of course, your former position is yours to take.”

“That was years ago when I left. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal anyway,” Zaya answered.

“But it was,” Coran assured. “I have yet to have a member as reliable as you were, Zaya.”

“Right,” she scoffed, “like I haven’t heard that one before. I’m not looking to come back to work for you. I came back because you offered me this one job.”

“As you wish, but I would appreciate if you gave my suggestion a little more thought,” Coran replied.

“I think I’m good on my own,” Zaya said sharply. “I don’t like to be tied down. Sorry, Coran.”

“As you wish,” Coran replied. “And you are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

Zaya nodded and left the room.

She walked around the base which would be better described as a space mall. It had posh hotel rooms, gourmet restaurants, and a large spa. The longer she walked around the hungrier she felt, and the more going to a restaurant appealed to her. And she wasn’t one much for relaxing at spas anyway.

Zaya passed by several restaurants, but the warm food scent did not draw her in. She realized it wasn’t food she craved. After making a sharp left, she walked straight into the closest bar possible.

Once she sat down, the bartender handed her a menu which she very briefly looked at. She pointed at the third option. The bartender fixed and handed Zaya her drink and went to held the other customers.

Zaya gulped down the lavender colored liquid and then signaled for another drink. She didn’t talk to anyone around her or look at them, preferring to stare at her own reflection on the shiny countertop. She wondered why she was still on Coran’s base... Well it’s not like she had anywhere else to be. Or anywhere she wanted to be. And traveling without a purpose was a stupid idea for someone wanted by the galactic authorities.

But maybe she was still here for another reason. Perhaps she was considering Coran’s offer after all. A constant supply of credits was appealing. However, working for him again wasn’t.