Bankor

"I've been committed to this since Nar Shaddaa. It's too important."

"I see." Niall's lips pressed together. He was silent for a few moments, one finger tapping idly on the table. He didn't seem to be entirely aware he was doing it.

He cleared his throat. "Layne. One thing about being in the Republic is that no one has to face anything alone." His voice was firm as he spoke. "Don't feel that you have to anymore."

"Perhaps. But we are surrounded by irregulars. And I have no doubt there are Imperial infiltrators among us."

Niall sighed. "You are no doubt correct. Caution is important, even in a Republic military base."

He looked at her, his lips quirking again. "Is there anyone you can trust?"

"A few, no doubt," she said. "Yourself among them."

Niall blinked. This conversation was just full of surprises. And yet... he trusted Layne, too. Perhaps it was not so surprising that she'd trust him, too."I see." He gave her a slow nod.

After a moment he spread his hands. "Well. In that case, if there's anything you need, feel free to contact me. I would be pleased to assist." He smiled. "It wouldn't be the first time we've worked together on something, after all."

"I meant what I said. If I bring you in on this, the likely outcome is death for you, or worse."

Niall spread his hands. "Nevertheless..."

He considered for a few moments, then sighed. "I suppose, if it's Jedi business, it may be that there's nothing I can do to help. I'm not foolish enough to sign up for a fate worse than death for no reason." He grimaced. "But perhaps one of the other Jedi, then. It just..." Niall shook his head. "It doesn't sound like something you should face alone."

She sighed. "I'll think about it. I need to fill in some blanks first anyway."

"Hmmm." Niall didn't quite chuckle, but it came close. "Well, even if I don't understand the rest of it, I can certainly understand that feeling."

He played with what was left of his food a little more, poking it with his utensils. He'd actually done a pretty good job on it. "Well, take care of yourself, alright? I wouldn't like it if something happened to you. I daresay there's no one who does a better job of keeping me humble than you do."

"Have people call you Corporal Coruscant all the time, and you might actually start thinking it's normal that people listen to you. Wouldn't want that."

Niall laughed softly. "Oh, now it's Corporal again, is it? My rank is jumping all over the place tonight."

He shook his head. "And I think Coruscant isn't quite as nice as Alderaan. You should visit it again sometime."

"I'm not exactly welcome, remember. I did visit Delaya though, a while back."

"Well..." Niall shrugged. "Things are different now. You're a Jedi." His lips quirked. "I think this is a case where everyone could agree that the past should be let go."

He waved a hand. "But that's neither here nor there, I suppose. What brought you to Delaya?"

"Taking someone home," she said, which was a pretty short explanation.

"Oh?" Niall's lips quirked. "You want to tell me more? Or should I try to guess?"

"Nothing that interesting," she said, "just some former Imperial slaves."

"I see." Niall said. Actually, it sounded at least moderately interesting, but he didn't want to push.

He sighed. "Well, I think I'm about done with dinner." He tilted his head, regarding Layne. "Feel free to stop by anytime." He said. "Company's nice to have."

She gave a little mock salute.

"Uhuh."

Niall shook his head, chuckling. "Right, then. Corporal Coruscant, heading out."

He rose to his feet, taking his tray with him.

/exit!