Hiding in Plain Sight

[Luna Eclypse]

The Hapan Princess flew gracefully over the treetops of Ossus. It's hull was brightly decorated with bold accent colors that swirled along the length of the vessel until they culminated together at the center of each side to form the name of the ship. At it's helm blue eyes peered through the viewport as the trees fell away to reveal the Jedi encampment nestled within it's clearing. She could just make out the faces of those skyward to see the vessel. They waved in recognition, and children ran after it as she passed overhead.

The Alliance controlled landing pad was located at the other end of the clearing, and in no time the Princess was settling down on it's landing struts. Rising from the helm she proceeded toward the cargo bay, but fell short when she caught sight of her own reflection in a mirror. She tried not to look at herself too often. It created a dysphoriac effect within her mind seeing herself looking so different than how she thought she should look. Her natural blond hair was gone and in it's place thick raven locks braided neatly. Her face seemed different. Her grimace was gone and time in the sun had stolen her pallor. Even her eyes no longer contained that lasting pain. Something had happened to her. She almost looked happy.

She recalled the last mission brief, how Sinto told her to keep her mind in the game, that she was here to spy and not to enjoy what she was doing. He physically uttered the words that she was taking her craft too seriously, and playing her role too well. Ha. The very idea. Imperial Intelligence was hardly the beast it had been during her childhood.

Putting on a smile she stepped down the loading ramp and into the sunshine. They called out her name and yelled to each other. Lunadonna's back. They crowded around who they thought of as a simple merchant, a kind hearted lady who brought them goodies and interesting wares to sell plucked from markets all over the galaxy. True to her reputation, she had gifts in tow. "These are Suluustan candies. Careful, they are very tart!" She exclaimed as the children excitedly shoved them into their mouths, only to grimace wildly as the intense flavors and sourness seized control of their senses. Their friends laughed at each other, and Luna laughed along with them.

With her adoring fans satisfied she grabbed a repulsor sled and collected several crates from her hold and pushed it toward the Jedi encampment. Several of the children stuck around, some even climbing about the sled, and even a few older teenagers and adults said hello or asked about any news from out in the galaxy. She replied in kind, leaving tidbits and snippets from her travels. The little padawans were always so inquisitive, and she could hardly slip an answer in between all their questions. At the center of the encampment was her usual spot, a place in the grass to set up her kiosk. The children helped her erect the modest tent and help her unload her wares. Scented Chandrilian candles, Verpine glassware, and many other interesting items from across the galaxy.

The local vendors also relied on her to bring them goods for their shops. Their parcels were nestled away on her ship. Paid for in advance. They never doubted her ability to deliver. She liked to imagine that she could accomplish even more if she wasn't having to check in with the Empire at every turn. There was never anything worth reporting. The Jedi were not up to anything sinister, but they did not stop them from worrying that their oldest enemy might start something sinister.