#doctor Lokin

[glitchy-npc]

I love this little exchange so much especially because you gain approval by calling Doctor Lokin obnoxious.

His polite and friendly attitude is a complete ruse and he never says directly what he means but he's pleased when you see thru the bullshit.

I feel like he's a bit of an underrated character since you get him fairly late in game and he's not a romance option (hey nothing a good headcanon can't fix) but he's easily one of my faves.

[i-looove-dillydallying]

Minor swtor imperial agent spoiler alert

Doctor Lokin after his safehouse blew up:

[jbeansdraws]

I just think the Imperial Agent companions are neat

[swtorpadawan]

I Wish Lokin Wouldn’t Leave His Stuff Lying Around

[eorzeashan]

can you believe this isn't a part of his actual set

[tiredassmage]

let's get that tyr and lokin!!!

[Send me an OC + an NPC and I'll ramble about their dynamic]

First of all, I have an absolutely woeful lack of pictures of their interactions. Someone hold me back from doing another playthrough, and make sure they pay you well because it's going to be one hell of a job, lmao.

Tyr and Lokin are amusing because they speedrun their transition from antagonistic to mentor and mentee. Tyr was so absolutely close to shooting the man on Taris and being done with it, but, once they're on board together, Lokin's advice does become invaluable, even if it isn't always readily accepted.

Lokin is a piece of work on Taris and they spend equal time double crossing one another or only admitting part of the truth. He sets off a lot of red flags for Tyr and it's only incredibly begrudgingly that he lets the man aboard his ship on the grounds that he can't really afford to deny a potential ally, especially one who so quickly became complicit in his current operations.

Lokin benefits from being "on the ground" with him to watch his development in real-time where the Minister must rely on his after-action reports. He's got Nine's diligence and dedication made easily and picks up readily on the same thread the Minister's been worried about since his induction into the agency: underneath that facade of realism is an idealist. An uncompromising, quick on his feet idealist who knows the rules of this loyalty game that they play as servants to the Empire and has gotten a taste for testing what authority his successes grant him.

Within a few conversations, Tyr has settled with his particular brand of humor, shall we say, and Lokin is already picking apart what's making his latest partner tick. Of the two of them, Lokin's probably arguably the better spy on this parameter. He doesn't share the attachment issue that laces through Tyr's chest. Only spies would call their veiled discussions about the realities of operating as a Cipher "truth" and "brutal honesty," but it's that quick understanding of Nine's position that lulls Tyr into lending him an ear as a mentor.

It's not exactly trust. Tyr would not give him something as simple as his genuine favorite color. Lokin and Nine regularly discuss different methods for taking down targets, infiltrating locations, extracting information... They casually flirt with this danger over caf and the holofeed in the lounge without so much as moving their eyes from their cups or their screens, casually slipping the occasional threat that maybe they should try it on the other, maybe Tyr will still flush him out the airlock at the first given opportunity. Kaliyo thinks it's all an overrated game that involves far too much cloak and too little dagger. But Tyr does listen. Lokin doesn't have to pry far to find Nine's situational awareness is rather keen. It's the kind that'll make him enemies.

They will never admit the odd fondness that develops between them. Lokin feeds him this advice and engages in this odd dance of half-threats with him because he's seen enough people lost in this game of theirs and it's hard not to feel for such a bright young operative getting more and more entangled in the web, no matter how careful his steps. In this way, Lokin shows his fondness. In acknowledging and responding to his dialogues, Tyr returns it. He also still occasionally does the equivalent of bapping your pet on the nose with an empty paper towel roll when Lokin digs into the crew's business because Tyr believes his people deserve some level of privacy and he trusts them, Lokin. Get your nose out of where it doesn't belong, old man.

It's unlikely Tyr ever directly voiced his fondness for Alderaan, but I do like to jest that at least part of the reason Lokin winds up on Alderaan, of all places, is because Nine's fondness of it. In a lighter life, Tyr would have liked to spend more time there - part of a "retirement wish" that was little more than idle fantasy. It's a way to honor Nine, supposedly killed in the line of duty aboard Marr's destroyer, in the way he still remembers Twelve, despite their pitfalls.

In fact, one of the first things Tyr says upon seeing him again is a sharp, quick barb that fires off like lightning about stealing his retirement plans and celebrating his "death" a bit too earnestly. Dry smiles are exchanged over yet another flirt with their mortality. Leave it to Nine to outlive something as dramatic as a fleet's destruction. Tyr means it when he says he'll help an old friend, no questions. He still gives Lokin shit for sending him that close to a Sarlacc. Something about still trying to get each other killed.

In short, Lokin is protective in a way that makes them both look abrasive to outsiders, more likely than not. Tyr can't say he'd go to the man looking for emotional relief or understanding, but they do trust each other insofar as doing their duty. Tyr would describe him as "an acquired taste." And he's still one of the only medical officers Tyr will trust to do thorough examinations.

And if there's anyone still in his circle that might know about his relation to the former Keeper and Minister of Intelligence, it's very likely Lokin. He almost certainly has this puzzled out by the time they're settled on the ship. And he will be keeping that secret, in honor of their mutual old friend.

Tyr has a friendship with him that is very much... Tyr would still tear down buildings for him, but on the grounds that Tyr's the one with the rights to punch him in the face for being a piece of shit. And Tyr may not completely trust him, but I think Lokin will follow him wherever his ideals carry them until the galaxy finally puts one of them to rest - either in a proper retirement or the final embrace.

They'll still never admit that straight to the other's face though.

[avitute]

WHY ARE THERE NO VECTOR HYLLUS X READER FICS

I WANT MY BUG BOY

[certified-hunterfucker]

dr lokin said heal.

[shynmighty]

Hello, Doctor! Fancy meeting you here! 😂

[certified-anakinfucker]

20. Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?

11. If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?

56. If they’re scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear?

for darrash! <3

HIIIII HELLO HI HI HI

my blorbo. my boy. my guy. my little gender mongrel.

(from the weirdly specific asks)

20: Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person? (a) Hunter. He always agreed with Hunter's sentiments, and had verbally told him so before. He would have even helped him under the table had Hunter not decided to go the route of killing thousands just to prove a point. That's what he was trying to explain on the Tenebrous, before Hunter decided that mercy wasn't an option.

(b) Oh boy. Probably any given Moff. He respects being in charge of So Much, but he hates that power goes to peoples' heads and they start acting unwise. But it does make a nice Moff Hunting Season™ so hey, you win some you lose some you win some again.

11: If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference? Silly rabbit, you can't impersonate Darrash! Even when the Old Man gave up his beautiful plan to study Darrash on Tatooine through Mia, Darrash wasn't really acting like himself because he fucking hated Tatooine and was being a grump the whole time. If the Old Man went back to Intelligence and impersonated Darrash based on that, he wouldn't even make it to Dromund Kaas' orbital spaceport.

But if you really want to.. well, you'd just have to know him from day one. Darrash is a very unique blend of street rat and Imperial elite; he gets as far as he does because he knows how to blend in naturally - not like he's SUPPOSED to be there (an Imperial seeking to blend in) but like he's always been there (someone who legitimately grew up in these environments). His peers could easily tell he wasn't himself if he didn't offer a snarky retort at the orders given, or if he actually tried really hard on his assignments as opposed to just knowing how to not get himself fucked up in the process.

56: If they're scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear? Darrash would absolutely be seeking comfort from his loved ones.

Firstly, there is Vector. Vector would be his closest friend and confidant. His safe space, his lover, his most trusted companion outside of his own mind. This is his husband. His better conscious, his shining light.

Dr. Eckard Lokin and the Minister of Intelligence (formerly known as Colonel Tylado Bentismo, Watcher Seventeen, or Keeper) come afterwards as Darrash's adoptive fathers once he entered the realm of Intelligence. Tylado brought him in as a sort of pet project or guarantee for his promotion to Keeper, should he prove that he can create a top-notch operative for Intelligence and keep them alive with his remote guidance. He didn't count on accidentally gaining a reluctant son, nor actually seeing himself as a father. Darrash does fully trust him, not just implicitly, but genuinely. He loves him. He knows Tylado didn't have much of a choice once operations spun out of his hands, and Tylado is amazed that he is still .. well, alive.

Likewise, Eckard understands Darrash better than the Agent wants to admit. He's known him since his first day in Intelligence, having to conduct medical examinations and quickly learning that he needs to be heavily sedated beforehand. He doesn't like treating Darrash like an animal, as other officers have suggested, he sees Darrash as a genuine son. And Darrash, albeit feigning a grudge, sees him like a father alongside Tylado. (The two of them had been married for twenty years by the time Darrash came into the picture, and they both had their turns trying to raise and look after him without showing extraneous bias..)

Raina comes next, as Darrash's protégé and adoptive little sister. She's a tad rigid and rough around the edges but she means very well and is always ready to learn when she's made or experienced an error in her ways. She learns to trust herself first, and follow her gut in the field.

[thelealinhypehouse]

How did Ainres get along with his companions?

Now the question: with companions? If we talk about the Cipher Nine companions it goes this way:

Kaliyo At first he thinks she is too reckless. This thought stays with additions her selling empire secrets. First to shoot in KOTFE Vector Ain tried SO HARD TO FLIRT WITH HIM but the bug boi is so oblivious he gives up. They are good friends at least, his moral support in this trying times

Lokin "Two doctors comes to the bar..." BEST FRIENDS. Really, they have alot to talk as both doctors.

SCORPIO Most of the time he don't understand her and is very wary of her

Raina They have good talks and lots of time he ask her how situation in Chiss Ascendancy and is happy to tell about culture difference if she have any questions.

Bonus: Lana For the first time he have respect for Sith, really Lana is one of her kind. Theron: Spy rivals, competition in various situation (and if so goes to romance, rivals to lovers)

Chibi ain to add something there ;u; THANKS FOR ASK I LOVE TO ANSWER THEM

[i-looove-dillydallying]

I’d love to hear your reasoning as well :)

[askshivanulegacy]

Who is Omega's favorite companion and why?

Thanks for the ask! Sorry it took so long to reply. I've been in the middle of moving across the ocean, lol!

Blakk's favorite is going to be a toss-up between Vector and Lokin. Both are very caring in their own ways, and Vector's compassion in particular struck a chord that Blakk wasn't used to. In fact, Blakk very nearly became a Joiner just to feel more of that connection. He's spent most of his life since childhood disconnected from the Force, so it was a compelling replacement at a point when he desperately needed it.

Lokin, of course, being the doctor on the ship, ends up being the person Blakk comes to trust at his most vulnerable. If Blakk's storyline hadn't involved other super important OCs, then Lokin and Vector would probably have played super prominent roles in shaping his life and finding some kind of resolution to his broken Force connection.

[swtorpadawan]

Well...if you're doing it again. Pages 42, 173, and 210 for your dearly departed and presumably still cherished writing journal.

Thanks for this ask, @abysskeeper !

‘Bad Ideas’ - My Writing Journal - Is Dead So i can't show you guys the screencaps, since some of the notes on these pages may be used in future WIPs.

Having said that….

Page 42: This is a side project that i might never actually go through with. Star Wars in general - and SWTOR in particular - has not been kind to the Rodians. Most SWTOR Rodians are petty, selfish, cowardly and annoying, regardless of who they are or what they are actively doing. Sure, a few are antagonists, but strictly as patsies. That's my postion. Page 42 includes a list of the Rodians you encounter in the game, and how their characterization buries an entire species.

Page 173: So… my Halcyon Legacy differs veers greatly from the "canon" story post-Knights of the Eternal Throne. The canon story gives you the "Traitor" arc and the confrontation with the "Order of Zildrogg". Mine doesn't do that. Having said that, their IS a secret order, one that includes several established enemies from the game. (Remember "The Nathema Conspiracy" where some of the enemies are player dependent? That was cool.) Page 173 was an early list of characters for MY Order. MY Conspiracy. That's gone through some iterations since i came up with the idea, but several of them are still on the "current" list, and it discusses their motivations for plotting against the Eternal Alliance.

Page 210: This is a list of "random" headcanons for my Halcyon Legacy that didn't seem to fit in any other area. Most of it is boring, but some fun parts include various friendships that form between Alliance members. One example is Ashara and Guss, two characters who don't fit into the Jedi/Sith dynamic. They're very different, of course, but both are kinda outsiders. Another pairing is Doctor Lokin and Darth Malora, both of whom give off serious "mad scientist" vibes. I imagine two two discussing their experiments over tea.

Hope this is interesting. Thanks again!

[eorzeashan]

ok ik whether the agent companions are with eight is always in flux but it'd be really funny to imagine their reactions to yutorin

[queen-scribbles]

Balancing Act

Hey hey, I have more Ody/Chance fic! Not a prompt fill or anything just straight-up wanted to write them more, so I made a follow-up to Occupational Hazard. ^_^ ---

She made it almost a month before her curiosity got the better of her and she found herself slicing into the medcenter records.

I just want to check on him, Odessa rationalized. I'm not after anything the doctors wouldn't just tell me if I were dating him as a Republic citizen. It was a thin justification, which was part of why she was doing this from her personal datapad, in her quarters, with the door locked. (The rest, of courses, being she didn't need her crew knowing she was in a relationship with a Republic spy.)

The pathways were already laid from her first time infiltrated system to find him, even if they didn't fully remain. It made this faster, easier, though she was careful not to let it make her sloppy. It also made it easier to avoid extraneous data; the path led straight to the file she sought.

Rieves, S. She bit her lip as she skimmed past the personal information, name, date of birth, the classified tag on his involvement with Ardun's team as background for his injuries. Ongoing treatment, there we go...

Someone had been keeping very studious updates, almost daily. She couldn't tell from the ID tag if it was a medtech or doctor(probably the former). Whoever it was, she wanted to hug them. The notes made it clear 'steady but slow' was the best descriptor for his progress. There were addendums about muscle damage, scarring, probable mobility limitations, more positive references to the healing progression in other areas.

Odessa read them with the same focus she gave mission briefings. Truth be told, she cared about this significantly more. Between her training around human anatomy and bits picked up from Dr. Lokin, she was able to parse the main points. There was a note from only two days prior cautioning about physical recovery limits and recommending his superiors be apprised as requested.

She winced and backed out of the file, careful to cover her tracks on the way and wipe the history on her datapad. Seemed like his guesses from when she visited were sound--not in life-threatening danger but highly unlikely to recover enough for field work.

She'd wanted to know. Now she knew. The scarring was unlikely to heal further, all but guaranteed limits to mobility... It would be a lot to handle. She wished she could be there with him.

---

C--

I wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. I'm grateful we got to talk things out and more than satisfied with the conclusion. The only thing lacking is an easy way to be there. Looking forward to next time. x

--L

---

Between tracking down the Star Cabal and "official" assignments, she was too busy to dwell on anything outside work for several days. That didn't keep bashful smiles and warm brown eye from her dreams, of course, but she didn't have time to do much more than dream.

---

Odessa,

This datapad and contact channel each have about three layers of encryption on them. None SIS. Ardun had me trick them out before... you know. He didn't want them traced to the Republic if one of us got caught or one got lost. Point being, it's secure on my end if you want to be direct. We don't need to use spyspeak or vague generalities, just don't put so much traffic on this channel it draws attention and we'll be okay.

All that said, it's good to hear from you. I hope you're keeping safe, though I know that's hard under the circumstances. I'm in pretty much the same spot as when you were here. Can't go far without help, trying to balance progress with not making things worse. The doctor's happy with the rate, director isn't. We'll see how that ends up. I know the odds of it being any time soon are low, but I'm looking forward to next time. Helps keep me going.

Sollen

---

"You're remarkable chipper today, Cipher." Dr. Lokin still used her former title with such intentionality Odessa wondered if he'd chosen to forget her name.

"Am I? I don't feel much different," she said, tone light. She knew better than to lie to a fellow--more experienced--liar, but also didn't want to discuss the matter. The messages on her datapad were just for her.

"Mm. There's something about your mood..." He shook his head. "Forgive an old man his habits. We had a job to do, didn't we?"

She wasn't fooled; the good doctor suspected something now. She'd be under observation. Wish I'd brought Vector. She normally would have; aside from being her friend, he never pried for her thoughts before she was willing to share them. But with rumors of rakghouls or something like them infesting the swamps here, Dr. Lokin was the only logical choice. Even if it meant her balancing the risk of monsters against the risk of discovery. She wasn't sure which was more daunting.

---

Sollen,

I think in your situation, the doctor's approval of how things are going is more important than the director's, though I know it bodes certain things for your career. Look at it as time to think about what you want. Please don't push, take your time so the healing happens properly. I'm keeping busy, but rest assured the next chance to visit will be seized with both hands. Missing you. x

---

A week with no reply had her ansty-- last time he'd replied same day--and that was not a good frame of mind for what she was gearing up to do.

It's infiltrating an estate, she told herself, triple checking she had everything she might need. You've done similar jobs a dozen times. Stay focused and there shouldn't be a problem.

She wasn't expecting to encounter a familiar face, though the familiar part didn't register until she'd leveled a blaster at him.

"We have to stop meeting like this," she drawled, sotto voce.

A low, sardonic chuckle. "Agreed, but it's good to see you all the same, Legate."

She stepped closer, lowering her blaster and her voice. "Likewise, Ardun, but what are you doing here?"

"I suspect the same thing as you," he said with a thin smile. "The baron is a member in formerly good standing with the Star Cabal. Thought the galaxy might be better off without him roaming it unchecked."

"You suspect correctly, though I was planning to rifle his databanks before I did anything to the man directly," she confirmed with a nod.

"Then I have a proposition, assuming this is a personal mission rather than official one." He waited for her to nod again before continuing, "We should work together; you take the data, I'll take the baron. SIS has been pursuing objectives from the Codex and he's the next link in a chain that's very close to snagging some very big fish."

Odessa paused, considering. On-site backup would be useful, and she had been wondering how to handle the baron. "You have a deal. You'll pass along anything you learn from him?"

Ardun nodded. "Might even slip you an assignment or two, if we can manage it."

"Sounds like a plan." She gripped her blaster and gestured for him to take the lead. They accomplished both objectives with very little fuss. Just about the smoothest Odessa had ever seen an op go.

"Do you have a team to help extract him?" she asked, gesturing toward the drugged noble.

Ardun was already raising a comlnk. "Not far," he answered her, before clicking it on. "Saber, Coin, we're ready for our ride."

There was a pair of staticky clicks but no verbal reply.

Coin, hm? "Still enjoying sabacc, I see," she commented.

He shrugged. "It works, and I like to give the team a sense of stability."

"Do you..." she hesitated before gambling on the question, "know how Chance is doing?"

Ardun gave her a keen look in the starlight, like he'd heard her almost say Sollen, and smiled faintly. "Last I heard he was recovering well. Doesn't seem likely he'll be returning to field work, though, which is a shame. With the war and everything I can't keep as close tabs as I'd like on non-active agents."

There was a trickle of disappointment even if that was roughly the answer she expected. "Glad he's recovering," she murmured, looking off the balcony to scan for his ride. She wanted to be gone before they got here.

"Any particular reason you're interested?"

"We were working together when he got hurt, I just want to be sure he's alright," Odessa deflected.

"Mm. I'm sure he'd appreciated the concern," Ardun said with a half smile that was too knowing by half for her taste.

She grimaced to herself. Jedi. It was easy to forget his past life still clung to him. Wonder how much he can sense... "Good luck with your prize," she said, rather than follow that line any further.

There was a flicker of motion off the balcony, commotion stirring among the estate guards below.

"Same to you, Legate, but here's my ride, and I think that's our cue. I assume you're alright making your own way out?"

Odessa nodded. "I'm very good at making an exit," she said, sardonic smile curving her lips.

She ducked away before the darkened speeder pulled up, using the guards' focus on that to make her own escape easier. She wondered if the SIS would actually get anything from the baron, if he was as important to the Star Cabal as he seemed. Suppose I'll find out if Ardun passes anything along, but I think I got the better end of the deal.

---

Dessa,

Shouldn't I be more worried about you than the other way around? Seems like it would fit the circumstances better. I am listening to the doctors, I promise. But rehab is rehab, which sometimes means not much happens for a while. Think I'm in one of those ruts now. They had to do another surgery on something that wasn't healing right, which slowed things down more. It's boring when the therapist isn't here, being so limited in what I can do. I hope you're being safe. Keep out of trouble when you can, huh? For my sake if nothing else.

Sollen

---

Odessa bit back a giddy smile and tugged a lock off hair as she read the message that had been waiting when she returned to the ship. Vector and Temple were sifting through the data she'd found, Kaliyo and Lokin were running recognizance, SCORPIO was doing another 'self-improvement' update; this was the closest to safely alone she would get.

So she read it again. And again. Let the warmth bloom in her chest, running her fingers over the last couple sentences. You're too good for me, Sollen Rieves.

She tapped her nails against the edge of the datapad.

"I hope you're being safe."

She stared at the words a moment longer, then pushed to her feet. Four months was long enough.

---

She was a little more daring this time, slipping in at midday under an alias rather than play the evening ghost. The records would show her there to visit a completely different patient, if anything flagged enough for them to be checked in the first place, and she knew how to time things so the security cameras didn't catch her.

He was up when she reached his room, moving very carefully around the space. Odessa leaned against the wall to watch, not wanting to break his concentration(even though she was fairly certain he wasn't supposed to do this alone). He kept close to walls and furniture, she noted, even as he did his best to walk without touching any of them.

His limp was very pronounced; she could see why both he and Ardun had expressed doubt he'd return to field work. A limp like that was easy to clock, nigh impossible to conceal or alter, and would make quick escapes... tricky at best. And if it was still that bad after a year and a half of surgery, kolto, and rehab, it likely wasn't going to get much better.

Sollen's hand brushed the window sill briefly, then, two very deliberate steps later, grabbed for a chair as his knee buckled.

"Chance--!" It was knee-jerk to fall back on the code name as she bolted to catch him.

He swiveled to answer, all the same. Apparently old habits died hard for both of them. They stared at each other a moment, surprise and embarrassment warring in his wide brown eyes.

"..."Hi," he finally said.

Odessa smiled, hand still around his arm. "Hi."

"What're you doing here? Not that I'm unhappy about it," Sollen added, ears going pink. "Just... very pleasantly surprised."

It was her turn to flush, having to actually put it words. "You know what they say about absence and hearts," she mumbled as she shifted her grip to help him sit in the chair he'd grabbed for support. "I missed you."

"Oh." he sat heavily with a grimace and took a moment to catch his breath. The pink was spreading from his ears to his neck and cheeks. "Good timing. And, um, I missed you, too."

She sat in another chair, scooting it closer to his as she did. "Was this listening to your doctor, Sollen?"

"I am supposed to get exercise," he said. She didn't miss the way his hand massaged just above the bad knee. "And I have been doing better, this was just a cramp."

Odessa bit her lip. "I hate to be a nag our first time seeing each other in months, but are you supposed to be doing that alone? Everyone I know who's been hurt badly enough to require rehab was supposed to have someone with them whenever they worked on anything that could... stress their injuries." She rested her hand over his.

Sollen smiled. "They said as long as I'm careful, which I am. I appreciate you being worried, though."

"Of course." His hand was warm under hers, small rough patches speaking of scars not visible at a glance. She swept her thumb across his knuckles, relishing the simple fact she got to hold his hand. "A lot of my work these days is just watching and waiting, it seems your circumstances carry more risk," she half-teased lightly.

"Only from my own clumsiness," he snorted.

It's not clumsiness if you're healing from serious injuries. She pursed her lips and sent him a mischievous smile. "Would you like a shoulder to lean on getting back to the bed, in that case?"

"Might not be a bad idea, so I don't fall on my face if nothing else," Sollen said wryly.

"Well, we wouldn't want that." She stood and let him use her arm for leverage to do the same. He slid an arm around her shoulder and she instinctively wrapped one around his waist in response. "What are the odds of some orderly or medtech catching us like this and being curious?"

Sollen leaned heavily on her for a moment, his grip tightening. "Low but existent. Lunch was... not quite an hour ago, so we have a bit before they do rounds. And those can vary on timing; it depends on what --if anything--the people ahead of you need." They reached the bed, but he seemed reluctant to change position. Odessa caught him studying her when she looked up. "I'm... pretty stable, so I'm low on the list. You look tired, Dessa."

"I am," she admitted easily. No point lying. "Didn't you mention having another surgery in your last message?" Much as she too enjoyed their current position, she didn't want him to push it. She pressed a hand against his chest to nudge him toward the bed.

"Yeah, but it wasn't anything major this time," he said, his hand lingering as it slid down her arm when he sat. "Somethin' about muscles pulled too tight on the back of my leg."

"Major or not, I'd think a recent surgery would make you a higher priority," Odessa murmured as she helped him get settled. "And that sounds pretty major to me."

"It was a couple days in kolto to make sure things didn't heal to tight again and make the limp worse. No complications or anything," Sollen assured her, though he held his leg in a position that spoke to something still being sore. "They're still checking it a couple times a day, there's nothing to worry about."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it." She sat on the edge of the bed and tentatively rested her hand on his leg near where he'd been massaging. "Is the cramp gone?"

It took a moment from him to look up and meet her eyes. "Mostly."

"Good." She left her hand where it was. "Then we can enjoy what time we have before it gets interrupted."

"What, are you planning to leave if someone shows up?"

"Don't you think that's best?" Odessa sighed, her thumb rubbing arcs as the warmth of his skin soaked through the fabric. "I imagine I'll be difficult to explain."

"Not really." Sollen was studying her face again. "Odessa, are... are you having second thoughts?"

"Of course not!" Knee-jerk instinct put more vehemence behind the words than intended. She swallowed to rein herself in, and gently squeezed his knee. "I don't want to make trouble, or cause enough of an impression I get remembered. I have to balance wanting to see you with being a ghost, at least as far as the Empire's concerned."

"Ah. Well..." He sifted position with a grimace so fleeting she wondered if she imagined it. "That's easy; we can just say you're someone I work with. It's not even a lie, and the doctors know I'm SIS, so they'll just assume you are, too."

Also not technically a lie, even if only three people in the whole galaxy know that. "Smart man," Odessa chuckled. He was right, that was the most logical conclusion people would draw. She was being paranoid.

Sollen shrugged. "I dunno about that, I just... if it's going to be another four months--or longer--before we get to actually see each other again, I want to enjoy this visit as long as we can, rather than you skittering into the ether at the first hint of being seen, you know?"

She did know, and she agreed. But she was an allegedly loyal Imperial on the Republic homeworld, with no idea what other operative from "her" government might be active. Lokin's rubbing off on you. The thought made her shudder.

"I want that, too," She slid her hand from hiss lag to take his hand instead. "I know it's hard not getting to be normal about... a relationship, but I would very much like to enjoy the time we get as well."

"Good to know." He smiled shyly and squeezed her hand. "So, how much of what you've been up to can you talk about...?"

"Oh, most of it," Odessa laughed. "Official assignments have been light; I'm mostly working on my personal project." She paused. "I ran into a mutual friend on Alderaan..."

It was four uninterrupted hours later and closing in on dinner time when she finally--reluctantly--took her leave. "You need rest and I need to get back before my team wonders if I got eaten by a black hole."

He laughed as he let go of her hand. "Wouldn't want that. See you next time, Dessa."

She nodded, warmth spiraling in her chest. "Next time." She leaned in to brush a kiss against his temple and headed for her shuttle fighting a smile.

And losing.