Location: Nar Shaddaa, Alex's living quarters
Time: 13 BBY, continuation
Dinner was a pleasant silence. After months of field rations, even simple pasta with synthetic meat seemed like a delicacy. Alex watched Verena eat neatly, using her cutlery with an elegance that always surprised him. Over their time together, he had learned not to ask questions about her past—too many painful memories.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, noticing his gaze.
"About how good it is to live in a furnished apartment, not on a ship," Alex replied, pouring himself more Corellian wine. "And that we need to relax. We've been at the edge of the galaxy for too long."
"I agree," Verena put down her fork. "What do you suggest?"
Alex activated the holographic projector in the living room.
"Let's watch something light. Entertaining."
He scrolled through the catalog of new releases from the "HoloNet" channel. Most films were typical action movies or romantic comedies, but one title caught his eye.
"'Agents of the Empire: The Last Hunt,'" he read aloud. "This week's premiere. About Imperial agents tracking down hidden Jedi."
"Sounds interesting," Verena remarked. "Shall we watch it?"
Alex started the film, and they settled on the sofa. Verena snuggled up to his side. Over months of traveling together, a closeness had developed between them that required no words or explanations.
The film turned out to be a well-made propaganda action movie. The protagonist—a noble agent of Imperial Security—hunted "dangerous Jedi terrorists" who threatened innocent citizens. The Jedi in the film were portrayed as fanatical cultists using "dark magic" to achieve their goals.
"Not bad special effects," Verena noted during a particularly spectacular chase scene.
"And good actors," Alex agreed. "The Empire doesn't skimp on propaganda."
The climactic scene unfolded in an abandoned Jedi sanctuary on a deserted planet. The protagonist confronted the last surviving master—a gray-bearded fanatic who planned to blow up a peaceful city. After an impressive duel, the agent won, saving thousands of innocent lives.
"The End," Alex commented jokingly. "The galaxy is safe thanks to the courage of the Empire's agents."
Alex turned off the projector and leaned back on the sofa.
"You know what's most ironic?" he said thoughtfully.
"What?"
"As a child, I watched films about Jedi. How heroic they were, defenders of justice, fighters against evil. And now, after watching this film, I myself want to kill those disgusting Jedi terrorists."
Verena laughed. "That's the power of good propaganda."
"Exactly. It shows how easily you can change the worldview of an entire generation. Rewrite history, redefine heroes and villains." Alex shook his head. "In ten years, children will sincerely believe that Jedi have always been enemies of the galaxy."
"Or maybe that's for the best?" Verena suggested. "Maybe there were reasons? There's no smoke without fire."
"Perhaps..." Alex didn't finish the sentence.
Verena decided to lighten the mood, got up from the sofa, and straightened up theatrically, striking a combat pose.
"Agent Korren!" she declared in a dramatic voice, mimicking the intonation of the actress from the film. "You'll never take me alive!"
Alex laughed and stood up, joining the game.
"Jedi Verena," he said in the official tone of an Imperial agent. "You are surrounded. Surrender, and you will be treated humanely."
"Never!" Verena waved an imaginary lightsaber. "The Force be with me!"
"Then I have no choice," Alex took a step forward with an exaggeratedly serious expression, "but to immobilize you."
He gently embraced her, and Verena laughed, not resisting the "arrest."
"This is the gentlest arrest in the history of the Empire," she remarked, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I have my own methods," Alex replied, pulling her closer.
They stood in an embrace, and the atmosphere subtly changed. Playfulness gave way to something deeper. Alex looked into Verena's eyes and saw his own feelings reflected there.
Their lips met in a kiss—tender, but full of accumulated feelings from months apart. Alex felt the tension he had carried for years begin to dissipate. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't just a lone survivor, but a man next to a woman.
When they broke the kiss, Verena smiled. "You know, Agent Korren is quite attractive."
"And Jedi Verena is the most beautiful criminal in the galaxy," Alex replied.
They walked into the bedroom, where a large window offered a view of the night Nar Shaddaa. The city shimmered with millions of lights—each representing someone's life, someone's dreams and fears.
Alex hugged her from behind, and she pressed against him. Verena turned in his arms.
They kissed again, and this time the kiss held not only passion but also a promise. A promise to share not only this night but also the long road ahead.
***
Alex woke with the first rays of the artificial sun illuminating the upper levels of Nar Shaddaa. His apartment was located in one of the most prestigious districts of the city-planet—where the air was clean and the views breathtaking. Here, several kilometers above the surface, it was easy to forget the hell unfolding in the lower levels.
Verena slept beside him, her breathing even and calm. Alex carefully got up, trying not to wake her, and went to the kitchen.
After making himself a caf in his favorite mug—a gift from his classmates on Corellia years ago—he settled by the panoramic window with a view of the city. Nar Shaddaa was slowly waking up. On the upper levels, life flowed at a measured pace, almost civilized. Elegant speeders glided between skyscrapers, delivering their passengers to their workplaces. Holographic advertisements softly flickered, offering goods for wealthy clients.
But Alex's thoughts were not occupied by the view outside. He thought of Verena, how beautiful she was, but also how astonishingly similar Twi'leks were to humans. Not just externally—though the external similarity was striking. Similar anatomy, very similar physiology, food preferences, even the same emotional reactions. The differences were minimal: lekku instead of hair, a more graceful physique, slightly different facial proportions, skin colors. He had once read about differences in cognitive abilities. But that seemed insignificant. Such similarity could not be a coincidence.
Twi'leks were too similar. As if someone had taken a human base and made minor changes to it. Removed hair, added lekku, slightly altered proportions. As if the result of genetic engineering, not natural evolution.
"What are you thinking about so early?" a sleepy voice sounded from behind him.
Alex turned. Verena stood in the doorway, wrapped in his robe. Her lekku were not neatly tied as usual, which made her even more attractive.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said, getting up. "Caf?"
"Definitely," she walked over and kissed him on the cheek. "So, what were you thinking about?"
Alex prepared her caf, adding a little cream—he remembered she liked it that way. Meanwhile, the kitchen droid began preparing breakfast: fresh fruits from Alderaan, eggs from one of Corellia's agri-corporations, bread from a mid-level bakery.
"About how astonishingly similar humans and Twi'leks are," he replied, handing her the mug.
Verena raised an eyebrow. "Similar? Are you serious?"
"Absolutely," Alex sat down opposite her at a small table. "Think about it yourself. Similar anatomy, physiology. You breathe the same atmosphere, eat the same food. You even express emotions similarly."
"Well, there are some differences," Verena remarked, taking a sip of caf.
"What differences?"
She thought for a moment, running her fingers through her lekku—a habit Alex found charming.
"Lekku, of course. They're not just decoration—they're an extension of the nervous system. Very sensitive. Through them, we can feel vibrations, changes in pressure, even the emotional state of other Twi'leks."
"Interesting. What else?"
"Skin. It's not just smooth—it's more sensitive than human skin. We feel touch, temperature better." Verena smiled. "That's why Twi'leks are so valued as... entertainment."
Alex frowned. He didn't like it when she mentioned her past, but he understood it was part of her life that couldn't simply be dismissed.
"Anything else?"
"Coordination. We have a better sense of balance, spatial reasoning. Most Twi'leks are natural pilots. We can perform maneuvers that would drive a representative of another race insane."
"That explains why you handled the ship so well during the expedition."
"Partly. Although skills are also important." Verena took another sip of caf. "And there's one more important difference."
"What?"
"Offspring." She looked at him seriously. "Humans and Twi'leks cannot have children. Our species are too genetically different, despite the external similarity."
"Although," Verena added thoughtfully, "there are legends that such unions were possible in ancient times. But that's more myth."
"The ancient past is full of mysteries," Alex agreed.
The droid served breakfast, and they ate in pleasant silence. Outside the window, Nar Shaddaa had fully awakened. Speeder traffic intensified, holographic advertisements became brighter, and the first flying platforms carrying cargo appeared in the air.
"Want to go for a walk?" Alex suggested when they finished eating. "It's been a while since I've been to the park."
"Great idea," Verena agreed. "I need to stretch my legs after all these months in space."
They dressed and left the apartment. The elevator quickly took them to one of the highest levels, where Nar Shaddaa's Central Park was located—an amazing oasis of greenery in the middle of the metal city.
The park was a true marvel of engineering. An artificial atmosphere maintained an ideal climate, holographic projectors created the illusion of a clear sky, and a hydroponics system allowed plants from dozens of worlds to be grown. Here grew trees from Alderaan, flowers from Naboo, herbs from Corellia.
"Incredible," Verena said, inhaling the scents of blooming plants. "It's so peaceful here."
"And so unreal," Alex added. "We're only a few kilometers from the lower levels, where people live in dirt and despair. And here—paradise."
They walked along neatly trimmed paths, past fountains and sculptures. Other residents of the upper levels strolled around—wealthy merchants, successful professionals, affluent criminals. They all looked content with life, as if the galaxy's problems didn't concern them.
"You know what strikes me?" Alex said, stopping by an artificial lake. "These people live literally above hell. Go down a couple of kilometers by elevator—and you find yourself in a world where people kill for a handful of credits. But they don't think about it, except for those who profit from it."
"Should they?" Verena asked.
"I don't know. Perhaps it's the only way to keep one's sanity. If you constantly think about the suffering of billions of beings below, you can go mad."
They sat on a bench by the lake. Artificial fish swam in the clear water, creating the illusion of a natural body of water. Somewhere in the distance, quiet music played—classical pieces from Corellia.
"Alex," Verena said, taking his hand. "Have you ever thought about just... stopping?"
"What do you mean?"
"Stop trying to change the galaxy. Just live. We have money, a comfortable apartment, interesting work. We could be happy."
Alex looked at her intently. There was no reproach in her voice, only sincere curiosity.
"Sometimes I think about it," he admitted. "Especially in moments like this. When everything seems calm and right."
"And what stops you?"
"Knowledge." Alex gestured to the beauty surrounding them. "All of this is built on a foundation that is crumbling. The galaxy's technological base is degrading. Sooner or later, even this park will cease to exist because the life support systems will fail."
Verena nodded, understanding his logic. "But today, it's still here."
"Yes. Today it's here," Alex paused, gathering his thoughts. "But you know what? Even if I didn't know about the technological degradation, I still couldn't just stop."
"Why?"
"Because it's only in moments of fatigue that it seems you can be happy just enjoying peace. In reality, any sentient being needs a mission to be truly happy and whole."
Verena listened attentively, without interrupting.
"I need something to live for and something to die for," Alex continued. "It's almost a physical need—to serve something I believe in. Without it, life would become an empty existence. Beautiful, comfortable, but meaningless."
"Like this park?"
"Exactly like this park. Beautiful, but artificial. There's no real life in it, only imitation. I don't want my life to become the same imitation."
Verena nodded thoughtfully: "I understand. But can't meaning be found in something smaller? In family, in close relationships, in simple joys?"
"You can," Alex agreed. "And it's important. And for some, that's enough. But for me, it's not enough. I can't ignore what I know about the state of the galaxy. I can't close my eyes to the problems I see. It would be a betrayal of myself."
"Even if the chances of success are minimal?"
"Even then. Because trying to change something gives meaning to everything else. It makes these moments of peace, our closeness, and even simple pleasures significant. Without a grand purpose, all of it becomes... empty."
***
They spent several hours in the park, simply enjoying each other's company. They walked along the paths, fed the artificial fish, listened to street musicians. To an outside observer, they looked like an ordinary couple enjoying a day off.
As the sun began to set—or what simulated it—they returned home. The apartment greeted them with the coolness of the air conditioning and a view of the evening Nar Shaddaa.
"You know what I realized today?" Alex said, hugging Verena on the sofa.
"What?"
"That happiness is not a goal, but a side effect. When I tried to seek it specifically, it eluded me. And now, when I focus on something greater, it comes on its own."
Verena snuggled closer to him. "Maybe that's the secret? Not to chase happiness, but just to live?"
"Perhaps," Alex kissed her lekku. "But I can't stop thinking about the future."
"Then think," she said simply.
They made love again—this time slowly, tenderly, as if they had all eternity. Outside the window, the lights of Nar Shaddaa lit up, but inside the apartment, there was silence and peace.
Later, lying in bed, Alex thought about the day that had passed. No ancient artifacts, no plans to change the galaxy, no reflections on technological stagnation. Just him and Verena, simple joys, the illusion of a normal life.
Things really went awry that day. He didn't even check messages, didn't respond to client requests, didn't plan future projects, missed a meeting with Luthen. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to just be human.
And it was wonderful.
Maybe Verena was right. Maybe sometimes you just need to live, without thinking about global problems. Enjoy what you have while you have it.
Tomorrow, he would return to his plans, to studying artifacts, to trying to change the course of history. But today... today he was simply happy.