"Are you sure you want to come?"

You place your hands on your hips, looking up at Kylo in exasperation. He had been asking you that same question all morning and your answer was the same every time. Yes. Kylo wanted to adjust you back to your normal life as quickly as possible ever since he executed Kess. He put you through a tougher training regiment and made sure everything ran smoothly with your recovery. His efforts did not go unappreciated by you. You were glad to be getting your mind off of what had happened, but now you were getting bored. When Kylo had brought up his mission to Coruscant again, you jumped at the opportunity to get off of the ship.

So far, you were doing well. The welts on your back were beginning to fade away, but the deep ones would leave small pink scars. It was hard getting your body used to fighting and training again after a week of torment, but you managed to pull through. Then there was the matter of your trauma. It was a touchy subject and proved to be more difficult than you imagined.

Every time someone touched you, your first instinct was to recoil. It had gotten better, but sometimes it was rather startling. Kylo was smart about being intimate with you. He never overstepped and you two hadn't done anything overly sexual since the incident. You were grateful for that. Your emotional scars would take a longer time to heal than the physical ones. His kindness was extremely surprising, in fact. It was something you never expected from him. It made you view him as Ben sometimes.

"Alright," Kylo sighs, rising from the bed. "I'll have the Stormtrooper carry our bags to the shuttle." He offers you his arm and you take it. "Have you ever been to Coruscant?"

"No." You reply.

Truthfully, you didn't even know what the mission on Coruscant was for. It was a last minute decision for you and nobody had filled you in on the purpose of the mission. You figured they would go over it once you arrived. All you knew is that you would be staying for two or three days, depending on how successful it was. Although you hadn't been to that planet before, you had heard plenty of stories of its unconventional beauty.

As you and Kylo board the command shuttle that would take you down to the surface of the planet, you begin to come up with theories about what the objective was. The Supremacy had relocated overnight so it could stand watch over the entire planet and ensure nothing suspicious left the atmosphere. This was also convenient for the mission since it would result in an incredibly short flight. Given your little dislike of flying, you were happy.

The Stormtroopers rush into the shuttle after you both strap into your seats. They seat the bags down and make sure they are secure, before hurrying back out of the ship. The ramp slides back in and the door slides shut with a soft hiss. Everything rumbles and shudders as the ship's engines spring to life. The landing gear groans as it retracts into the bottom and the shuttle lifts off. Another small transport follows closely behind. It carried the Stormtroopers and the Knights of Ren accompanying you both on the mission for extra security.

As the shuttle gets farther and farther away from the Supremacy, the planet of Coruscant comes into view. You lean to the side, peering straight ahead through the cockpit to see it getting closer. As far as you could tell, there was not a single speck of green in sight. The entire planet was an ecumenopolis, which meant it was covered by sprawling cities. You knew that it had a population in the high billions or even trillions. It was a miracle the planet recovered after the Fall of Coruscant back in the time of the New Republic. Now it was thriving and better than ever. That wasn't to say it didn't have its issues. It was difficult controlling waste, feeding, and providing breathable air to such a massive amount of people. Coruscant's technology was far more impressive than anything you had ever witnessed when it came to sustainability.

Clouds break as the ship pushes past the upper-atmosphere of the planet. You suck in your breath at the sights you are introduced to. Kylo stares at you, smirking at your reaction to the glorious view of the cities. The skyscrapers were taller than any you had ever seen. They dwarfed the small houses that belonged to the less-wealthy below. In fact they were so high up, that the city on the ground didn't have natural light. Streams of ships and transports fly in designated airways through the towering buildings. The mid-section of the city was covered with holograms, advertisement, and beautiful neon lights. Concrete pathways suspended high over the ground provided pedestrians ways to move around without having to travel down to the city floor. It was a perfect example of how terrible the class system could be. Still, it was breathtaking.

"We'll be staying at the top, of course." Kylo says flatly, as though he could read your mind. In fact, he probably was at that moment. "But our mission location is, unfortunately, in the lower sections."

You nod, not ripping your gaze from the passing buildings. The shuttle pulls around one of the glistening skyscrapers and slowly sets down on the landing pad. As always, the door slides open and the ramp lowers. Since you were so high up, you are greeted by a blast of cold air. You rise from your seat and shiver, crossing your arms to preserve heat. Kylo leads the way across the platform, not paying any mind to the Stormtroopers and the Knights of Ren spilling out from their transport. He steps into an elevator and the doors close behind you as you step inside. The ride up to the penthouse is silent but once those doors reopen, your breath is knocked out of you. It was the most luxurious thing you had ever seen. And that was saying a lot considering the fact that you had lived on Canto Bight.

Everything was sleek, polished, and modern. The colors were bold but not in a way that they were tacky or overbearing. The furniture was made from expensive woods, silks, leather, and glass. It made you wish you lived this way back on the Supremacy. The ship was stunning of course, but it was nothing compared to this. You knew Kylo's grandparents spent a lot of their time in a penthouse just like this and if you weren't mistaken, there was a Jedi Temple somewhere nearby.

"Come." Kylo beckons you, snapping you out of your state of awe. He leads you down a short hallway and points to a door at the end. "Your room. Get your things unpacked and change into the clothes they left in the red bag. When you're finished you can join us back in the dining room."

You nod and step into your room. The door slides shut behind you and you make sure to lock it. No surprise, your bedroom was just as beautiful as the rest of the penthouse. Your bags were sitting on the dark blue, silk bed-sheets. The red bag Kylo had mentioned didn't belong to you, but you were intrigued to find out what it contained. Upon opening it, you discover a dress and a matching pair of heels. What kind of mission required this kind of look? You sigh and dig through your bag, pulling out the small travel bag you kept your makeup in.

Not knowing how long Kylo expected it to take you, you try to get ready as quickly as possible. You choose a lightly dusted eye-shadow look and rogue your cheeks. Not wanting the lipstick to clash with the dress, you decide on a more nude color. You go through your hair with a curling iron and a shit-ton of hairspray before moving onto your dress. It is rather risque, but elegant and classy. The color suited your skin tone nicely and hugged your body in all of the right places. You slip your feet into silver, glittering heels, gripping onto the dresser for balance. Taking a big step back, you gaze at your reflection and crack a smile. You looked stunning.

You take a deep breath and unlock the door to your room, stepping into the hallway. Your heels click softly against the sleek ground, drowned out by the noises of loud conversation coming from the dining room. Kylo and several men were standing around an expensive-looking wooden table. Data pads and papers were spread out everywhere and they were currently discussing locations on a projected map.

"Go over it again. And get me the captain." Kylo orders, stepping back to stare thoughtfully at the map.

His focus is cut off by you. Kylo's eyes flicker up and he stops cold in his tracks, freezing at the sight of you. His lips part as he looks you up and down observantly. The entire room falls silent and your cheeks heat up as the men all turn to gaze at you. Obviously this doesn't sit well with Kylo because he snaps at them the next second.

"Continue."

They tear their eyes away from you and clear their throats, trying to get back on track. Kylo swallows as you approach him, shifting his weight rather suspiciously. You smirk at him and he gives you a look.

"Is someone going to explain to me why I'm wearing this?" You gesture to the dress.

"Right." Kylo coughs. "We've gotten word of someone selling First Order parts to the Resistance. Apparently there's another meeting going on in a little cantina tonight. Unfortunately we can't just storm the city and threaten everyone. The goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible. Find out what we can. To do that, we need someone on the inside." He shoots a glare at one of the officers. "You were the one they decided on. We're going to fit you with a transmitter and send you in."

"You're not coming?" You furrow your brow.

Kylo shakes his head. "I'll be listening to everything, don't worry, and I'll be right outside. Nothing is going to happen." He lowers his voice. "I won't let it."

You fight back the urge to throw your arms around him. One of the officers hands Kylo a small transmitter implanted into a wide silver cuff bracelet. He takes you by the wrist and manages to slide your hand through it.

"When are we leaving?" You bite your lip.

Kylo releases your hand upon realizing he had been holding it for too long. "Now."

~

It was a shock to go from the clean and classy regions of Coruscant's upper-sectors, to suddenly arriving in the lower ones. You pitied the people who were forced to live in these conditions. You weren't even in the lowest sections on Coruscant and it was already terrible. The dark walkways were uneven and littered with water-filled potholes. It wasn't quite as dark as it would be below, but it already looked like nighttime when the sun was only just now going down. Most of the buildings were boarded up and were squished together, overshadowed by the glorious glittering skyscrapers. Exposed piping ran all over this part of the city. The holograms and neon advertisements were reduced to flickering, broken lights. Everything was just as dark and gloomy as expected. You figured it was parts like these that never fully recovered after the siege.

The people and creatures that passed by all kept to themselves. They all wore dark cloaks and hoods pulled down over their faces. You passed by the occasional prostitute or two, but you couldn't judge. Times were hard down here and work was work. Everyone you passed would stare at you. You didn't exactly look like you belonged.

"Why exactly am I wearing this?" You mutter to Kylo. "I thought the point was to blend in."

He was walking beside you with a hood pulled over his head. "The men and women who come down here purposely are all rich. They all come willingly because they're up to something. The man we're trying to hunt down knows you're coming. He thinks you're looking to buy."

You nearly stop walking at this. "Kylo, I don't know anything about weapons and machinery. What am I supposed to say to keep him distracted?"

"You know enough about the First Order." He replies flatly. "That will be enough. Just do what you do best."

"And what's that?" You chuckle lightly.

"Talk his ear off." Kylo gives you a smirk.

You give him a small push, but laugh softly and shake your head. Kylo stops you rather abruptly as the entire party halts. Your heartbeat begins to quicken at the sight of the cantina just ahead. Just like the rest of the area, it looked beaten down and suspicious. You force yourself to take a deep breath, before turning to Kylo for reassurance.

"We'll be out here." He gestures to the Knights of Ren. Kylo reaches for your wrist and presses down firmly on the small transmitter built into the cuff. "We'll be listening to everything. Don't worry too much." Kylo presses his lips together. "If you think something's wrong then get out of there."

Vicrul steps forward. "I can go in with her if you feel it would be best, Sir."

Kylo shakes his head stiffly. "She goes alone. Good luck."

You nod and slowly approach the door to the cantina as Kylo and the Knights cram themselves into the alley just beside it. The door slides open for you and you step inside, gazing around the room. It certainly wasn't the same level of luxury as on Canto Bight or even with the Black Sun. A heavy layer of smoke hung over the room and it smelled strongly of alcohol and sweat. The lights were terribly dim and some were shattered. There were people sitting at a long bar on rickety chairs with their heads down and grimy glasses of alcohol in their hands. A few tables were scattered around the room, but they were mostly empty. The back walls were lined with booths. The seats were made of ripped red leather and the tables were mostly stained. Everyone inside looked incredibly suspicious.

Your hand brushes against the deep pocket on the inside of your cloak for comfort. It was the place you had stashed your lightsaber. At once, all eyes are drawn to you. It was clear you didn't belong there, but you appeared to be rich and they knew better than to mess with the wealthy and powerful. One man in particular was staring at you intensely. You knew at once that it was the one you were here for. You glance at him, making sure to lock eyes at least once, before taking a seat at the far corner of the bar away from the others. The bartender asks you for your order and you wearily give it to him. When he returns with a glass, you notice that it was cleaner than the others. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the man rising from the booth and slowly making his way over to you. He sits down on the bar-stool beside you, but doesn't make eye-contact.

"I assume you're here for me, doll." His voice was raspy and his words were all drawn out.

"That depends on who I'm talking to." You reply smoothly, trailing your finger over the rim of your glass as you try to force down your nerves.

He chuckles darkly. "For a pretty thing like you, how could I refuse?" You could practically feel Kylo's rage through the walls of the cantina. The man takes a long drink from his glass. "I don't give anyone my real name, sweetheart, surely you can understand. My clients call me Pierce. That's all you get. Now it's your turn."

You give him the most disgusted look you could manage. "I don't give my name out either, especially to the likes of you."

To your surprise, Pierce chuckles once more. "What can I say? It's a rough galaxy to live in. I do what I can to survive. Surely you could understand. I know girls like you don't just get to the top playing fair. That's why you're here, isn't it?"

"Observant, aren't you?" Your eyes flash. "Very well. I'd rather get down to business now than to stay in this pigsty for much longer."

Pierce cocks a brow. "And here I thought you enjoyed the presence of my company. Say... don't I know you from somewhere?"

"You might. I've done my share of business around the galaxy before. I meet a lot of people." You play it off coolly.

He was right. There was something horribly familiar about Pierce, but you couldn't quite place a finger on it. It was a face you had seen before, but nothing was ringing a bell just yet. The memory of it was blurry, distorted, and rushed. That was odd.

Pierce hums. "Then let's not stall for much longer. Did you bring what you owe me?"

"Only if you brought your end of the bargain." You raise your eyebrows expectantly.

He chuckles and reaches deep into his pocket. When his hand re-appears, it is clutching something in the shape of a small disc. What could that have possibly been? With a furrow of your brow, you reach into the pocket of your cloak and remove the small bag of credits. It falls onto the countertop with a dull thunk and Pierce's eyes light up with greed. He reaches for it giddily, but you quickly cover it.

"Not so fast. I'd like to know where you got this. I don't want to be dealing with any syndicates or First Order officers coming to snoop around because of this disc. The Order has caused plenty of trouble for me in the past." Your grip on the credits tighten.

Piece smirks. "I guess you'll just have to trust me. That's the beauty of the trade, dollface. It's all about trust. Don't you agree?" He leans in, his breath hot and reeking of alcohol.

You slowly release the credits, knowing deep down that he was being truthful. Pierce scoops the bag up and immediately begins to sift through it. As you reach for the disc, his face falls and he quickly grabs you by the wrist. His fingers dig into your skin, causing you to wince loudly enough for the transmitter on your wrist to pick up.

"Let go of me." You order angrily.

"You're one credit short! A deal's a deal, princess!" Pierce snaps. "Give me back that disc so I can sell it to a client who actually pays."

You needed to think fast. Even if Pierce was lying about the credits falling short, there was no way you could pass this up. This was your only chance to retrieve this disc and get Pierce caught for selling First Order parts.

"I could pay you in another way." You say quickly before Pierce has a chance to pull away.

A devious smirk spreads over his face. "Really? What did you have in mind?"

"Nothing of that sort," you huff. "But I can provide something else." You lean in to whisper, lips brushing his ear. "Secrets."

"Keep talking."

You rest your hand on his thigh. "That's right. First Order secrets. I've had my fair share of sellers and buyers who are willing to tell me what I want to hear. A few of them were Order defectors and they've given me some interesting little bits of information."

"Anything that would be of interest to me?" Pierce narrows his eyes at you.

You nod smugly. "They have a storage facility in a nearby system. It's where they keep everything you could possibly imagine. Weapons, explosives, precious metals. I've heard rumors that kyber crystals were kept there."

"Why would the First Order keep kyber crystals?" Pierce scoffs, rolling his eyes. Despite his dismissal, you could tell he was getting excited.

"They have two Force-Users." You smirk. "I'd say that's a plenty good reason, wouldn't you?"