Ep V: Chapter 10

Enthea leans gamely over the speeder to shake hands. Handshaking is not common practice with the wider populace, but Enthea doesn’t have extensive dealings with wealthy businesspeople like this.

“Enthea Ro.”

“That’s a pretty name.”

“This is a pretty place you’ve built.”

“Thank you,” Scora replies, looking pleased. Her movements are as athletic as her figure as she hops into the driver’s seat. Enthea does the same and they skim away from the landing pad. “Welcome to Chandar’s Folly. Do you travel much?”

“Too much,” Enthea replies, raising her voice to be heard over the speeder. She looks over her shoulder at the Stormlands, where the sky is dark and blue lightning crackles incessantly. “Doesn’t the noise bother your guests?”

“Oh, we use active control to keep it sounding distant and soothing,” Scora assures her. “You have a mind for business.”

“I have a mind for sleeping soundly.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Scora takes Enthea to the tallest building in the resort. It’s not exactly a tower, but it appears to have at least eight stories.

“We’re fully booked, so your room only has a partial storm view,” Scora says apologetically.

“I’m just glad not to be sleeping on the ground.” Enthea watches a droid take her bag from the back of the speeder.

Scora watches her for several moments.

“Usually, this is where the beautiful woman gets out of the speeder,” she prompts.

Enthea ignores the compliment. Scora’s flirtiness is instinctive, not heartfelt. “I’m here to protect you.”

“I know. I thought you would do it, uh, discreetly. You know.” Scora waves a finger. “Prowling around invisibly.”

“I need to be visible.”

“Oh. In that case, we’ll have to get you out of those robes.” Scora smiles. “And into something more fashionable. Let me take you to the shops. I’ve never given a makeover to a Dathomirian before.”

“Let’s not do that.”

“Suit yourself.” Scora smiles over at her. “Get it? Suit? Because we’re talking about clothing?”

Enthea smiles patiently.

“You know, sticking with me won’t be very interesting,” Scora warns.

“I don’t need interesting.”

“That is fascinating. I was going to work out, have some lunch, and then get back to work. Do you like to work out?”

FTL

In fact, Enthea does, but this is not the time for that. This is the time to assess the location and its occupants with security in mind. Scora has a small security ****, but it’s not very substantial. She does have a lot of automatic security systems that look good to Enthea. The Resort appears safe enough that they shouldn’t have to worry about pirates or raiders. There’s nothing to steal, but this is a destination for the wealthy. **** for ransom is a real threat, and Scora seems mindful of that.

The Resort is full of carefree people, strolling around the clothing of tourists or just their bathers. Enthea sees plenty of different species walking up and down the lovely pathways and crossing bridges over bubbling streams that wind through the Resort.

If Laki comes here, she will tear through all of this as though it isn’t here at all.