Thema’lia’doome blasted away at the Imperial troopers as Sera Wes got the Songbird fired up. “Any time now Sweetheart.” The Chiss woman yelled up the boarding ramp to the red Twi’lek pilot.
The docking bay allowed for a choke point so she could take down two of the troopers at a time. The engines of the yacht came to life and the ship started to lift off.
Malia ran up the boarding ramp and closed it as a few errant blasts from the troopers scored the interior.
The Songbird twisted and spiraled up. It took the craft’s artificial gravity a second to catch up with the maneuvers. Malia grabbed a hand hold on the flight deck as she watched the viewport. “Gun.” Sera said.
“Aren’t you getting a bit pushy?” Her companion joked.
Sera rolled her eyes as she maneuvered the ship between the skyscrapers of the floating city.
Malia shifted positions and took manual control of the ship’s limited firepower. Sensors indicated no hostile targets, but Sera was flying in the flow of speeder traffic so it would be difficult for the sensors to differentiate hostile from civilian vehicles.
“Do you think they will follow us in traffic?” Malia asked after a moment.
Her question was answered by a blast from the linked laser cannons of a TIE fighter. “Yes.” Sera responded with a smile.
Malia swung the gunner’s seat around and lined up a shot.
“Two more incoming.” She announced as two more of the little fighters joined the group from below.
She fired two shots, taking out the first TIE’s right wing.
Songbird jinked and banked as Sera accelerated through traffic. She was trying to put speeders between her and the TIE fighters, hoping they would try to avoid hitting civilians.
She wasn’t surprised when one of the fighters shot down a speeder that had managed to get between them.
She cursed as she rolled the Songbird into a dive and descended into the lower tiers of the city. She dodged through the canyons and under span ways that connected the upper levels of the city.
The TIEs maintained their pursuit but none of them fired. Taking their eyes off the flight path could cause a fatal collision with a building or bridge.
“Malia. 10 o’clock. 16 degrees up on my mark.” Sera barked. Without hesitation Malia aimed the gun.
two TIE fighters appeared from above. “Now.”
Malia was ready and fired two bursts. The left TIE exploded, and the spiraling wing glanced off the other TIE, causing it to buck. The pilot righted the craft, but Sera had already blown past the ambush. Malia swung the gun around and fired two shots. The first went wide and scored the building. The second struck the engine of the TIE and it exploded.
The pursuing TIEs were forced to climb in order to avoid the incoming debris.
Sera rolled the songbird on its left side and brought the craft between two buildings that Malia was sure it wouldn’t fit between.
The space was so tight that Malia could have touched the building. “Gun.” Sera reminded her.
Malia noticed the TIE in time to fire a blast. The TIE had a lock but was forced to abort and climb to avoid Malia’s shot.
Sera righted the Songbird as soon as the left were clear of the buildings.
Malia was distracted as the world dropped away. Sera had left the confines of the city and the ship was flying in the endless pink, yellow, and orange expanse of the planet’s atmosphere.
Malia heard Sera let out her breath.
She flew level for a short time, then dropped the ship into the atmosphere.
Sera brought the ship to a hover and engaged the stealth system. “Between the gas and the stealth system, we should be able to stay out of trouble for a while.”
She stood and walked towards the access hatch.
“Do you think someone sold us out?” Malia set a drink in front of Sera and sat across from her at the small table.
Sera nodded. “We need to find out who.” She performed a functions check on her A180 blaster as she spoke. “And how they knew.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you are pissed off.” Malia looked across the table. Sera looked up with her eyes. “Yeah. I am.”
Malia laughed. “I thought Jedi weren’t supposed to get angry.”
“The Jedi are dead.” Sera reminded her. “Emotions are unavoidable. It is how they are directed that is important.” She finished without further explanation.
Malia teased her, but she was also genuinely curious about the order that Sera had come from. It wasn’t every day you got your own Jedi Knight as a lover.
Malia let Sera cool down and the pair planned.
“Essa, who are the power players in the subsurface areas of Tarria City?” Sera asked the BD3000 Luxury droid.
“Ma’am, there are four known factions that control the subsurface. The core is controlled by the agents of the Empire of questionable loyalty.”
“Please clarify.” Malia requested.
“According to recent reports the Governor of Tarria has been making inquiries into the activities of the representative assigned to manage the city’s core machinery.” Essa responded. “As of the last update, approximately three local days ago, the inquiries have proven fruitless.
“The landing platforms and attendant mining equipment are controlled by the Tarrian Operator’s Mutual Aid Society.”
“What do we know about the Society?” Sera wondered.
“The majority of the equipment operators and dock workers are a part of this illegal union. The Imperial governor tolerates their continued association due to their influence among the workers that keep mining operations going.” Essa explained.
“The third faction is a gang of sorts. They are active in the deep core of the city where the riffraff and unemployed Tarrians dwell.” Essa’s voice was full of disdain. “They operate illegal businesses and vice operations. Though they operate illegally the authorities are unable to do anything about it. There is a rumor that the gang is affiliated with one of the Hutts. Though no one seems to be sure which one.”
“The last is a cult that worships some great monster that lives deep in the atmosphere of Tarria. Details are sketchy and the cult doesn’t bother anyone. They control a small portion of the core
and keep to themselves. Most of the members are from the core, but there are rumored to be a couple of members that come from the upper city.” Essa reported
“Which would explain why the cult isn’t touched.” Malia offered.
The Songbird settled on an exterior landing pad towards the bottom of the city. The roar of the repulsor engines that kept the city afloat, and level was almost deafening even through the hull of the ship. Malia stood at the base of the boarding ramp leaned against a stanchion, waiting for the dock manager.
She had been expecting a human but was greeted by a Devaronian man in a blue and red TMO jumpsuit. He was followed by an old, but well-maintained Bulk Loading Droid. Grime, grease streaks, and chipped paint marked up the worn blue and yellow paint scheme that matched the controller’s coveralls.
He stopped a few meters from the ship and waved for her to follow him. Malia stood up straight and walked towards him cautiously.
Sera walked down the ramp after she cleared it and leaned against the stanchion, taking Malia’s place.
The Devaronian leaned close to Malia and shouted over the noise. “You speak Huttese?” Malia nodded.
“We talk inside. Too noisy out here.” He turned and walked towards the blast doors.
Sera walked down the ramp and followed a few meters behind. The boarding ramp closed behind her. She had assigned Essa to keep the ship ready for a quick departure.
The heavy blast doors closed behind Sera and the noise of the repulsors was nothing more than a dim thrum that made the walls vibrate.
“You pay me now.” The Devaronian held out his hand.
Malia dropped a purse of credits in his hand and walked past him. “Where you going?” He asked.
“Where do you recommend?” Sera asked.
“Never seen a red one before.” He looked at her lustfully.
Sera ignored his comment and assumed he wasn’t going to answer.
“I give you your money back if you let me sleep with her.” He said as they walked away.
Sera turned and gave him a smile. “I think my lover might get jealous. Besides, if you've been with one Twi’lek, you’ve been with all of us.” Sera touched his chin with a gloved hand gently. “Keep the money. I can assure you, it’s worth more to you than a few minutes with me.” Her face was close to his and she spoke in a quiet, sensual voice.
He smiled back and stole a kiss.
Sera leaned into it and pick pocketed his identi-card. She held it out behind his back and Malia took it quietly.
Sera let him kiss her for a bit longer than gently broke it off. “Hmm. Maybe we can work something out. I have some business to attend to first but maybe we can meet later.” She winked slyly. “Where do you suggest?”
He was happy and a bit surprised that his tactic worked. “My shift ends in four hours. Go to the Taphut on this level in Block 7.”
Sera gave him a knowing smile and little wave as she and Malia walked away. He waved back, hoping Sera was going to keep her word.
“Do you think he’s going to be disappointed to find out you are part droid?” Malia joked. “Hopefully.” Sera responded with a chuckle. “I think he’s going to be more disappointed when he finds out that we used his ID to access various places we shouldn’t be.”
“Baz Nottus.” Malia looked at the card as they walked deeper into the city’s bowels.
Block 7 was a long-abandoned section of the city that had been converted into a shanty town. There was a marked difference as they passed through the open blast doors that separated the blocks. In Block 8, the outer ring, the faint smell of lubricants permeated the air. Machinery hummed. Maintenance droids, supervised by the occasional being, kept the massive pumps operating.
It was hard to tell what its purpose had been, all of the machinery had either been removed or stripped of parts and precious metals.
It was run down, and the slap-dash huts and lean-tos were dangerously unstable, but the ground was mostly free of clutter. The heady smell of cooking spices filled the air. Shops lined the makeshift streets formed by the temporary buildings set up inside the cavernous block.
Many of the inhabitants of Block 7 seemed to be old or suffered from some debilitating condition that made them unable to work.
In the center of the block was a large bazaar
The Taphut was a canteen in one of the few permanent structures that were original to the area. They were leftovers from the previous function of the block. Many of them had been converted into shops and vice dens.
Sera laughed when she realized it was spelled “tap hut” in Aurebesh, but Baz had pronounced it “taffoot.”
The canteen was dingy and smelled of cheap booze and pungent cooking spices. Malia and Sera were greeted by an old Nemoidian who didn’t recognize them. She did it partly to get everyone’s attention.
Sera noted the patrons with a stylized rancor on the backs of their leather jackets. Most looked ate them then went back to their activities.
Sera stepped to the bar and ordered a redbrew and some food.
“You’re not from around here.” The Nemoidian suggested as he set the brown bottle in front of her.
She ignored the comment.
One of the rancor jackets stood next to her and took a sip of her beer and gave her a challenging look.
Sera slid the bottle in front of him and ordered a second.
When the Nemoidian set the second in front of her the ganger reached for it.
Sera pinned his hand to the bar and brought her blaster to his face. “First one was free. The second costs a hand.”
There was some laughter spread out throughout the bar.
“She’ll take it too. I’ve seen her do it.” Malia told him, with a smile.
Sera let the young human male’s hand go and holstered her blaster, then took a drink from the second bottle. “Take your drink and disappear.”
With a damaged ego the ganger snatched the bottle and walked away. Malia watched two other gangers laugh and exchange some credits.
The Nemoidian wiped the bar and kept quiet.
Sera dropped several credits on the counter and she and Malia found a table near the wall.
A Weequay in a leather jacket sat down in the booth next to Sera, trapping her in the booth. She gave the woman a side look and found no violent intent after scanning the surface of her mind. “Please excuse my friend's boldness. He’s new and thought you might be the right person to prove himself.”
Sera knew that the Weequay was testing her and Malia too. She wanted to know if they would be a good mark or, more likely, they could capture her and force her into one of the brothels. “What brings you to our little bit of paradise?” the Weequay asked.
“Looking for some information.” Malia responded.
“Oh? What sort of information?” The ganger followed up.
“Someone on the surface sold us out to the customs office.” Sera told her. She laughed. “I heard you caused quite a stir with some fancy flying.” “Word travels fast.” Malia added.
“You embarrassed the garrison commander. That counts for something.”
A large human male pushed Malia into the booth, trapping her as well. Sera and Malia were being challenged again.
Sera gave the second ganger a barbed look. “I suggest that you find a different seat. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”
He took her words as the threat that they were. “What are you going to do about it? Seduce me?”
Sera’s left hand shot out and grabbed the male by the throat and drew her blaster. She shoved the barrel in his mouth. “Maybe you’d like to kiss my blaster.”
The Weequay reached for a blaster under her jacket then noticed that Malia was drawing down on her and thought better of it.
The human was grasping at Sera’s arm, she held his throat tight. His face was turning red as he struggled to breath. He pushed up the sleeve of her jacket and exposed her cybernetic arm. His eyes went wide when he realized that she could hold the grip indefinitely.
Malia clicked her tongue. We could have been friends, but that seems more and more unlikely. The human struggled to speak. “You can’t fight all of us.”
Malia gave a big smile and tossed a bag on the table and let some of the peggat pour out. “Are you willing to bet on that?”
The Weequay straightened up and looked at Sera, who was still holding the male by the throat. “I’ll pass.” She pushed the bag back towards Malia.
The male was starting to turn blue as Sera let him go. He gave her a dirty look and left the table. Sera leaned close to the Weequay and spoke just loud enough for her to hear. “Get your friends under control or I will.” Her hand was on her blaster lying on the table.
Her voice was full of confidence and betrayed no hint of fear. The Weequay’s eyes fell on Sera’s blaster. Her fear was obvious.
“Unless you have any useful information regarding our inquiry, I suggest you let my friend out of the booth.” Malia’s face was passive, but her voice conveyed the seriousness of the situation.
With the Weequay out of earshot Malia asked Sera, “Do you think we’re going to have a problem with them?”
“Without a doubt. But they won’t put up much of a fight.” Sera looked at the Weequay who was talking with a group of patrons.
“Do you think she’s the top dog?” Malia wondered.
Sera shook her head. “She’s probably middle management. I’m not even sure she is in charge of the area.”
“I don’t think they are with the Hutts.” Malia pondered. “Not directly.” Sera holstered her blaster and drank from her bottle.
“Since we’re good friends now,” Sera stood next to the Weequay gang leader and slipped a few peggats in her jacket, “You can tell me where we can find some entertainment. I like races.” The Weequay smiled. “I have just the place.” She drew a map on the napkin and put it in Sera’s breast pocket. “They have all of the sports you like.”
Malia waved at the Weequay as they left.
The location was an old machinery monitoring and control station on a platform mounted to one of the walls. Someone had erected sheet metals walls and fastened them to the guard rails.
Sera noticed the stylized rancor among the graffiti on the outside walls.
The room was large and hazy. On the wall the platform was attached to had several screens displaying odds, details, and collected bets for various races. Four large hologenerators dominated the middle of the room. Three of them were off. The fourth had several people crowded around it yelling and shouting encouragement or insults. Neither woman could see what was being projected and didn’t care.
At the back of the platform was a cage with barred windows. The two windows were attended by a green and a blue Twi’lek woman in halter tops and leather head wraps. Behind them stood two men in leather jackets holding E5 blasters.
Neither woman seemed uncomfortable, so Sera assumed they were there of their own free will. Malia studied the board and placed a bet on a swoop bike race that was coming up.
The green woman handed her a slip and thanked her. She watched Sera closely. Malia whispered. “Can you use your space sorcery to win this bet?”
Sera looked over at her companion and said nothing. Malia shrugged. “What? It was worth a try.”
People started to crowd around the hologenerator that the race had been assigned to. Sera watched each person and made note of small things. Two of them were obviously from the surface. One was a Twi’lek man, the other was a human woman. Both wore what would have been high fashion on Coruscant four or five years before.
Another human was dressed to fit into the core as a technician. But she didn’t think he belonged. His eyes darted around, looking at everyone nearby. He was trying too hard to blend in. The rest were workers and residents.
Sera moved closer to the man who was trying to fit in. She was separated from Malia but kept eye contact. She put her hand on the young man’s shoulder and got close to him. “Have you bet on swoop bikes before?”
“No. I’ve never done this before.” He stuttered slightly. He sounded nervous.
She talked him through the various bikes and how the races worked. All the while she assessed how he reacted. After a moment he seemed to get comfortable with her and relaxed a bit.
She cheered and yelled with the group. The race lasted about half an hour and Malia’s racer had won. The young man had not, but he didn’t seem particularly disappointed about it. “Were you planning to play some more?” Sera asked suggestively.
The young man, Bilis, realized Sera’s intent. “I was, but I think you have other ideas.”
“Very observant.” Sera said in a silky voice.
Sera sat close to Bilis at a table in the set up near a small group of kiosks in the central bazaar. She expected him to make a move on her, but he seemed content to be close.
“You seem like you haven’t spent much time down here.” Sera said, keeping up the suggestive tone.
“You noticed that?” He asked.
Sera took a sip of her drink. Her answer went unspoken.
“I'm tired of life on the surface.” He looked down with a bit of shame. “I realize it sounds ridiculous, but my family has everything they ever wanted. They have earned none of it. They are only successful because of the Empire and their connection to the governor.” Bilis sighed.
“I had been thinking about leaving Tarria for a while now. But my decision to do something more was cemented when I saw the rebel ship evade the Imperials. It looked so exciting.” His eyes lit up as he described the Songbird’s chase through the buildings.
“It all seems so exciting.”
“Yeah. I can imagine.” Sera smiled.
“I mean, just look at you. I bet you’ve been all over the galaxy.” His voice was filled with admiration. “You must have seen all sorts of things.
“Have you ever had to use that blaster?” He reached for it, but Sera grabbed his hand and moved it gently to the table.
“Oh. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Bilis seemed genuinely sorry the moment he realized he had crossed the line.
“In my trade my weapon is my life.” Sera told him.
“What is your trade? Are you a smuggler?” Bilis asked excitedly. “I'm a courier.” Sera responded. “Nothing that exciting.”
“Do you need a helper? I have a basic understanding of mechanics.” Bilis asked. Sera couldn’t feel any hint of deception. He wanted to join her crew.
“I have an engineer.” She told him.
“I was going to be a doctor.” He said. “I have studied, and I know most everything I need to know about the medical field.”
He didn’t seem to be lying.
Her right lekku twitched, indicating that she was in immediate danger.
She pushed Bilis down and got to her feet, blaster in hand. She spotted the young ganger she had humiliated with a holdout blaster. Standing next to him was the big one she had threatened. “Stay down.” She told Bilis as she flipped the table and fired back.
Two more blaster bolts hit the table.
She looked down to see Bilis trying to escape the fray.
She rolled out from behind the table and fired a couple of bolts to keep them from firing back. She was on top of them before they could respond.
The smaller one went down after Sera’s gun hand connected with his face.
The larger one caught her in the side of the face. She stumbled back into a roll then was on her feet pointing her blaster.
He took a boxing stance and challenged her to a fist fight. Sera holstered her blaster and took a wide stance. “Fine. I guess I didn’t humiliate you enough the first time.” She smirked.
He lunged forward and she smacked away his blow.
She spent the first bit of the fight on defense, dodging and deflecting his swings and jabs. His blows were powerful, but she gave no ground. She noticed that he tended to lean a little too far in when he swung with his left.
He attempted his feint and Sera grabbed his left arm as he led with it. She stepped into his reach and kicked his shin as she threw him to the ground. She turned and took her stance again.
He stood and went back to his own.
Sera started to dance around him with her arms blocking her face. She went in for a test punch and connected with his jaw. He reeled back and caught his footing again. She had definitely hurt him.
She noticed that a small crowd had gathered to watch the fight. The Weequay woman was watching with interest.
She turned her head to check on the younger one and the big one struck. She ducked the blow and again stepped into his guard, then elbowed him in the gut.
Blaster boy was on his feet looking for his pistol.
She danced around to keep the big guy between her and Blaster boy. She spotted Malia not far from the Weequay.
The moment she took her eyes off of the big guy he struck again.
She grabbed his arm, twisted it and moved behind him bringing him to an arm lock that allowed her to control his direction.
She ran him, headfirst, into Blaster boy. The holdout pistol clattered to the floor again as he stepped back.
“Enough.” The big guy cried. “I get it.”
She brought his arm around and dislocated his shoulder, then let him go. In the same movement she drew her blaster to cover him and Blaster boy.
The big guy sat on the floor holding his shoulder, looking up at Sera with a mix of awe and fear. She walked quickly and confidently towards the holdout blaster and picked it up while covering Blaster boy.
The Weequay’s face was a mix of amusement and annoyance.
The big guy struggled to his feet and looked at the Weequay for some sign of how he should proceed.
“Do you feel better?” She asked her subordinate. His face fell. He had obviously been hoping she would take his side. “I told you not to mess with her. You’re lucky she didn’t just kill you. I would have.” She turned and walked away.
Sera tucked the holdout pistol in her jacket pocket and waved Blaster boy away. “If you try anything again you won’t be walking away.”
The big guy stopped and stood in front of her. They were about the same height, but his shoulders were twice the width of hers. He looked her in the eyes. “Twi’lek aren’t supposed to fight like that. I could beat you if you didn’t have cybernetic arms.” He jabbed her chest with a stubby finger.
Sera side kicked his left shin about where she had earlier then in a fluid motion stepped back and flipped backwards catching his chin with her right foot. While he was stunned, she landed a roundhouse with her left foot to the side of his head.
The shock of her boot connecting with his chin caused blinding white pain. The second strike knocked him cold.
Her left lekku twitched and she turned. Blaster boy was close enough to her and was about to grab her lekku. She turned, stepped back, and fired her blaster into his left leg. He screamed in pain and collapsed.
Sera pointed her blaster at Blaster boy's head and held it there for a long time. “I suggest that you and your friend take a few moments to reflect on how you will proceed in the next few minutes. I’m not one to worry about loose ends, but if they become a hindrance, I will tie them up.”
Sera’s Lekku twitched again, and she heard a roar from behind her. She sidestepped the big one and tripped him as he tried to bring his fists down on her. He crashed into a surprised and terrified Blaster boy.
Sera fired the blaster into the big one’s back twice. He collapsed, pinning Blaster boy under his weight. “Y’all just won’t listen.”
Malia was talking to the Weequay when Sera joined her. Sera gave her a look that communicated her desire to avoid that situation in the future.
The Weequay looked up at one of her subordinates and nodded in the direction of Blaster boy. She heard a short plea that was cut off by a blaster shot.
“Now. Let’s put this behind us.” The Weequay suggested. “I’m Keesa. I am the leader of the Rancors here in Block 7.”
Sera and Malia shook her hand.
“You were looking for some information.” She told the pair. “I’ll see what I can find. As a favor.” Sera didn’t want to push for more.
“We are looking for the person who sold us out on the surface.” Malia reminded her. Keesa rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “I will see what I can do.”
Sera stood with her arms crossed as Keesa and her crew walked away. “Do you think we have to worry about them?” Malia asked.
“Have you seen any uniforms down here?” Sera asked. “I’ve seen some agents not in uniform.” Malia responded.
“I reckon they are the law in the low quarters.” Sera looked around. Baz was already in the Taphut when Sera and Malia walked in.
Sera sat down next to him and Malia across.
“I found this on the ground outside of the access door.” Sera laid his identi-card on the table in front of him.
“I wondered where that had gone.” He said thoughtfully. “You don’t have to verify your identity?” Malia asked.
Baz shook his head. “Only if I need to go to the surface. The Imps mostly let us alone. As long as we keep up production, they don’t bother us.
“Occasionally some big-wig comes around and wants to look at the operation, they may get all tough, but the Mutual Aid Society usually has good information and gives us a heads up when we will see a crackdown.” He leaned back with his hands behind his head.
“So, who runs the Mutual Aid Society?” Malia asked. She tried to sound nonchalantly curious. “There is no real central leadership. Each group elects a representative and they elect a chairperson. I’m part of the Longshore group.” There was pride in his voice.
Sera scooted a little closer and added a little honey to her voice. “So do surface workers have representatives?”
Baz considered the question for a moment. “I honestly don’t know. I don’t see why they wouldn’t.”
He shrugged and put his arm around Sera’s shoulder. She smiled as he realized that it was cybernetic.
He took his hand away for a split second then put it back. Sera wasn’t sure if he felt he was committed or that he was just surprised and didn’t care. Either way she didn’t want it to go any further.
“The Longshore rep is Biggle Denoran. He works on Pad 46. Good guy.”
They chatted and flirted for a while. Baz talked about himself and his work. He provided nothing else of value. Sera left a small purse of credits on the table and kissed him on the cheek.
She and Malia stood to leave.
“Hey, I thought.” He was about to say something when Sera leaned down.
“I’m sorry Baz, it was lovely to meet you. But you’re just not my type.” Then kissed him on the horn.
“What’s your type?” He asked.
Malia turned and pointed at herself while mouthing the word “me.”
Baz looked down at the significant amount of credits in the pouch and laughed. He was satisfied with the outcome.
Pad 46 was about a quarter of the way around the circle. The blast doors were sealed, but they could hear activity on the other side. A small red light flashed on the door control console. The words “caution, offloading” in Aurebesh flashed on a small screen just below the light.
After several moments the light turned to a steady green and “Safe” crossed the screen to replace the previous words.
A cargo speeder pulled up to the blast door. It was well maintained but, like most machines in the core, it had spots of bare metal and lubricant streaks on it.
The droid controlling the speeder looked at the pair of women then looked back at the door. After a short wait the four segmented blast doors slid into the wall. The sound of the city’s repulsors weren’t as deafening on this platform.
A dark-skinned human man with very tight curly hair looked up from his data slate and seemed a bit surprised at seeing Sera and Malia.
He was clean shaven and despite the lubricant stains on his coveralls looked like they were almost brand new. He had a small metal pin of a golden serpentine creature on his chest.
He put his finger up indicating he would be with them when he was done.
“DX-68, Unit 15 is on the pad and took some damage, please get started on the repairs. I will be out in a moment.”
The droid gave him an acknowledging droning sound and floated through the blast doors. “Is there something I can help you with?” He was polite and pleasant.
Sera felt like he was out of place among the rough and tumble workers he was supposed to represent.
“I understand you are the Mutual Aid Society representative for the Longshore workers.” Malia told him.
“Yes. What can I help you with? I don’t recognize either of you. Did you have a problem with one of our people?” He didn’t seem to be concerned.
“Do you represent the workers on the surface?” Sera asked.
Biggle shook his head. “I do not. They have their own representative. I believe her name is Jawan Kniccka. She is a Twi’lek. A blue one.” He smiled.
“Thank you for your help.” Sera said and turned to leave.
“Have anyone talked to you about the Devoted?” He asked as they were walking away. Sera turned. “No. We just arrived.”
The human reached into his coveralls and pulled out a folded leaflet with a picture of the serpentine monster. “Take a look at this and if you wish to see the light of the Leviathan when she returns you know where to find me.”
Sera took it and looked it over, then folded it and slipped into her jacket pocket. “I will. Thank you.” She smiled and caught up to Malia.
“What was that about?” Malia wondered.
“Have you thought about joining a cult?” Sera asked.
“You would know all about that wouldn’t you?” Malia teased.
They caught a tram back to Block 7. Sera noticed several people on the tram were wearing the same pin.
“Have you noticed the number of Devoted around?” Sera asked Malia quietly.
“Are you talking about the pin Biggle was wearing?” Malia was looking for confirmation. Sera nodded.
“Yeah.” Malia said suspiciously. “Should we be concerned?” Sera shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Why?” Malia was skeptical. “I’ll tell you later.”
The tram slowed and came to halt at the station near Block 7. An improvised checkpoint manned by 4 Imperial Troopers and an officious looking officer had been set up while they were away.
The officer, a captain, by the rank on his uniform, stood passively with his hands behind his back. He watched the troopers intently.
Sera and Malia took out their identi-cards and stood patiently in line.
When they were four people from the checkpoint the officer pointed at the Weequay behind the next person in line. “Him.” Sera could hear the arrogance in his voice.
Two of the troopers broke off and grabbed the person roughly. The Weequay fumbled to get his identification card while protesting. The officer snatched it out of his hand and examined it, then handed it to one of the troopers.
The Weequay was dragged off to an office guarded by a sixth trooper.
Malia looked at Sera. She could tell her red Twi’lek friend was fighting the urge to intervene. The officer had joined the group in the office by the time the pair reached the checkpoint.
The trooper checking documents was obviously bored. Malia showed her identi-card and he gave it a brief glance. “What did the Weequay do?” She asked.
“The captain hates Weequay.” Another trooper responded. “I’m pretty sure he does this sort of thing to get his thrills.” The third trooper piped in.
Sera made a note to herself as the trooper waved her through.
“You’re going to deal with that officer, aren’t you?” Malia asked when they were far enough away from the checkpoint.
“I thought you said you weren’t a Jedi.” Sera looked at her sideways. Malia chuckled.
Baz had reserved the landing pad for several days under a different name for the ship. When Sera and Malia walked through the blast door a maintenance droid greeted them with friendly chirps and beeps.
Sera patted it and thanked it for its assistance.
Malia sat on the bunk and Sera laid down with her head in Malia’s lap. She absently stroked Sera’s lekku as they talked.
“When you looked at the pamphlet for the cult of the leviathan what did you make of it?” Sera looked up.
“You mean the light of the leviathan reawakening?” Malia asked. Sera nodded.
“Sounds like some cookie cult worshiping a monster lurking in the depths of the planet’s atmosphere.” Malia raised her eyebrows.
Sera rolled her eyes. She could tell Malia was teasing her. “Or a euphemism for a rebellion.” Sera offered.
“Do you think there is another Jedi involved?” Malia asked sincerely. “The Jedi are dead.” Sera corrected her.
Malia laughed. “You still believe that don’t you?” “The order died with the council.” Sera said.
“So, it was some crotchety old dogmatic try-hards that made you a Jedi?” Malia countered. “Technically, yes.” Sera was arguing just to argue now. She knew Malia was right. She just wasn’t ready to accept it.
“What does your overwhelming sense of justice tell you?” Malia asked. She knew goading Sera wasn’t going to get anywhere.
“We need to help them.” Sera admitted. “But I don’t want to get involved.” Malia chuckled. “Of course, you don’t.”
Sera drifted off to sleep.
She found herself standing in complete darkness. She could feel the living force around her, enveloping her. But it wasn’t the comforting feeling she knew when she meditated.
She heard the sound of a lightsaber igniting behind her. She turned to see the blue of Kopesch’s blade lighting the immediate area around her old mentor. There was a fog around his feet that reflected the light of his saber.
He glared at her with an anger that burned into her soul.
Sera took a deep breath and opened up herself to the force. She could feel the presence of someone in her mind. Kopesch roared and rushed her.
She pictured her lightsaber in her hand and conjured it in time to easily parry his swings.
He began hiring insults at her as he pressed his attack. He brought up names that he called her and things that he said.
Sera kept steady and controlled. She let Kopesch, or whoever was using him, think that the apparition was winning.
She flipped over Kopesch’s head behind him as a second apparition plunged its blade through the first Kopesch.
She landed in a defensive stance, waiting for the second Kopesch to lunge forward. The second Kopesch acted as she predicted and struck from an overhead swing.
Sera noted the technique Kopesch used. It was a rudimentary Form II, Makashi, fighting style. Like her, the real Kopesch used Form VI, Niman, combat style. She found herself toying with the apparition. Very few Jedi were practitioners of Makashi, it was primarily designed for lightsaber duels. She had never faced a master of the form, and she likely wouldn’t have been able to account for herself if this person were.
A third apparition appeared and swiped at her. Her shoto appeared in her hand and she parried the swing. She fought the two apparitions simultaneously with ease.
One of the apparitions flashed with a new face. The true face of the person she was dueling. “Brun Tavis.” Sera said out loud.
With a stamp of her foot the first of the two apparitions dissipated. At the first opening she quickly dispatched the phantasm that had betrayed the human force user.
Sera opened her eyes to find Malia watching her.
“Why do they always think that Kopesch is going to catch me off guard?” She asked Malia. “Essa.” Sera called her droid.
“Yes mistress?”
“What data do you have on the Leviathan and its cult?” Sera queried.
“The very few records available indicate that the cult was started by a young man who had come to the city two years ago.”
“Is there a picture of the individual?” Sera asked.
Essa activated the holographic projector in the table and the picture of a young human man rotated over it.
“Brun Tavis.” Sera said out loud. Malia looked at Sera sideways.
“I’m afraid that is not his name, Mistress. Records indicate that he is Octavio Isaac.” Essa added helpfully.
“Are there creatures that live in the atmosphere that fit the description of the Leviathan?” Malia asked.
“Yes, Mistress. There is a species of giant life forms that convert the gas to nutrients. The conversion gives them a slight aura.” Essa responded. “Have you encountered one?” The droid was curious and nervous.
“No Essa, we have not.” Sera smiled as she answered.
“Oh good. If you do, please do not tell me about it unless it is absolutely necessary.” Essa business herself with some other tasks.
“Thank you, Essa.” Sera offered. “You are very welcome, Mistress.” “You know him.” Malia wasn’t asking. “No.
“He was a padawan when we were betrayed.”
“You just said you didn’t know him.” Malia looked up from her cup.
“His techniques were rudimentary, but he had training. He never had a chance to perfect his abilities or techniques. His mentor was taken from him before he could go any further.”
“He knows you’re here and what you are.” Malia deduced. “It looks that way.”
Malia and Sera stood in front of Pad 46. Biggle seemed surprised to see them. “Did you ladies want to know more about the Leviathan?”
“I want to see the light that will come with her return.” Malia told him. Biggle’s face lit up slightly. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
He reached into a pocket in his impeccable coveralls and handed Malia a one-way commlink. “I’ll arrange a meeting and give you the details.
She pocketed it and they walked away.
As Sera and Malia approached the tram access, they were confronted by three gang members in Rancor gear. “Keesa wants to speak with you.” It wasn’t a request.
“Is that so?” Malia said with a hint of defiance.
“How many of us do you think you can kill?” The Twi’lek woman who had spoken asked. Sera started calculating numbers with her gloved fingers. “How many of you are there?” The Twi’lek rolled her eyes. “Are we going?”
Sera smiled as they were led to a speeder and two swoop bikes.
The two women found themselves in front of a pair of blast doors that led deeper into the city. Several vehicles were parked outside of the doors and three Rancor gang members stood guard.
The doors slid open to a large open area with groups of people spread out throughout the area. On either side of the room the walls had doors evenly spaced over two levels.
As they stepped through the door activity nearby stopped.
Sera’s hand moved to her blaster. She allowed herself to feel the people around her looking for anyone who might hold a grudge over the two gangers she had fought.
There was a low murmur as she looked around.
“Isn’t she the one who took down Hub?” Someone asked. Sera looked in the direction of the speaker.
They were led to one of the doors on the first floor.
The smell of cheap alcohol filled the air of the room. Keesa sat in a booth and watched them enter.
Sera noticed a hooded figure leave through a back door. “Brun.” She said just loud enough for the room to hear. She was ignored.
Keesa motioned for them to sit.
Malia sat down on the bench next to Keesa forcing her further into the booth. Sera sat on the out edge of the opposite booth and looked around, daring anyone to try the same with her. “You have some information?” Malia asked in a friendly voice.
“No.” she said with some annoyance. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“We’re here.” Sera said sharply. “Talk.”
“Two things.” Keesa raised a finger. “You work for the Hutts.” She wasn’t asking. “And the other thing?” Sera asked without denying the first statement.
“One of you is a Jedi.” she raised a second finger and looked directly into Sera’s eyes. “The Jedi are dead.” Sera told her.
Keesa laughed. “Are they?”
“Who do you work for?” Keesa asked politely. “Who is asking?” Malia responded.
Keesa pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. “Do you know what the Rancors do in the undercity?”
Sera looked at Keesa. “Y’all keep the peace so that the garrison on the surface doesn’t stick its nose too deep.”
“I’m glad you see that.” Keesa seemed surprised. “There is a captain who is on the rise, and he has a particular dislike of non-humans.” Keesa continued.
“Weequay especially.” Sera interjected.
Keesa nodded. “If he gets wind of Hutt involvement, he will use it as an excuse to come down hard and build his career.”
“I’m not going to tell you who my employer is.” Malia informed her. “But I will tell you that we have no desire to move in on your operation.”
“I want you to leave.” Keesa said, slightly annoyed. “You need to go away.” Sera looked from the table and looked directly into Keesa’s eyes.
“Who is Brun Tavis?”
Keesa gave an annoyed snort laugh. “I have no idea who you are talking about. “Octavio Isaac.” Sera connected.
Keesa caught herself panicking and steadied her composure.
“He’s the kook who leads the cult.” She hoped the two women hadn’t noticed, but understood they probably did.
“If you want us gone, then you need to find out who sold us out on the surface.” Malia told Keesa as she stood.
Sera stood as well.
She leaned down and spoke into Keesa’s ear. “While you find the culprit, I’ll take care of your problem.”
Malia poked Sera’s arm as they left the bar.
“I knew you were going to solve that problem.” Sera stopped and scanned the room.
“Wait here.” She told Malia and pointed at one of the gang members. Sera disappeared back into the bar.
Malia recognized the gang member from the checkpoint. He was the one who told them that the captain didn't like Weequay.
The Twi’lek woman who had brought them into the headquarters answered her commlink and took the other two who had gone with them towards the guard.
The two women had left the area before they could see his fate.
Captain Dagget stood at the makeshift checkpoint he and three other troopers had set up near the access to the dock where the Songbird was parked. There was no need for Sera to pass through the checkpoint, but she was curious. She and Malia stood away from the checkpoint observing the activities. Sera didn’t hide but also didn’t try to draw attention to herself.
They had parked the transport speeder to funnel people through the checkpoint.
He was a pleasant looking man with red hair and brown eyes.
He carried himself with the typical arrogance of Imperial officers. He studied each individual who passed through, occasionally selecting people seemingly at random for a search. Most were aliens, but he selected a few humans.
Sera noted that the humans he selected carried themselves like Biggle. She assumed they were members of the cult. She couldn’t see any indications other than their demeanor.
Most everyone was searched and allowed to move on. One of the human’s was brought into the transport for further questioning. Dagget followed the trooper in.
Sera and Malia approached the checkpoint as they emerged from the transport.
Dagget eyed Sera with a hint of lust. As the pair approached the troopers. He chose to examine her card personally.
“Captain huh?” He looked her over and back at the official identi-card. “Where’s your ship?” He asked. The intent to search it was clear in his voice.
“Pad 7.” Sera looked him in the eyes. Dagget turned to one the troopers and yanked the data pad out of his hands. After a quick search of the information. “The Songbird?” He taped the screen. “Fees paid through a week.”
He was looking for some pretext to search or seize her ship. “What is your business?” He demanded. “Why are you here?”
“It seems that we were subject to a case of mistaken identity when we landed on the surface.” Malia responded.
Dagget looked up from the screen with some annoyance. “That doesn’t answer my question.”
Sera sighed. “Look.” She paused to check his name badge. “Captain Dagget, it is clear you are looking for a reason to search my ship.
“I’m not going to give you the access code so we might as well meet there so you can satisfy your concern.”
His face screwed up as he tried to deal with the way she handled the situation. He was not used to anyone he saw as subordinate confronting him, but he was caught up in the authority she spoke with. He finally settled on indignant but yielding. “You will provide whatever information the Empire requires, but I don’t think a search of your ship isn’t necessary.”
He waved them trough and watched them walk away.
“He’s definitely going to search the Songbird.” Malia stated.
Sera nodded in agreement.
“I think he likes you.” Malia teased. “We should set up a romantic dinner for you two when he comes.”
Sera sat at a chair in the Taphut and watched the patrons. “Essa, prepare for a search of the Songbird. I expect a Captain Dagget to demand entry. He may have troopers with him.” Sera radioed the droid. The usual protocols are in place.”
“Yes mistress. When should I expect our visitors?” The droid responded.
“I don’t know. Within a few hours. We have some business to take care of here. Once that is concluded I will be back.”
“Yes mistress.”
Malia returned to the table with the woman who had been taken into the transport for further questioning.
The woman’s clothing identified her as someone who lived on the surface. She wore the leviathan pin on her chest.
“This is Taniya.” Malia pulled out a chair for her, then sat down.
“Oh, I have met a red Twi’lek.” The woman said with some surprise.
Sera smiled. “We are rare jewels.”
Taniya examined Sera’s face. “Your Chiss friend says that you have some questions about the Leviathan.”
“I wanted to ask why Captain Dagget detained you.” Sera was direct.
“There are some in the ranks of the Imperial Army who are, understandably, suspicious of our religion. Captain Dagget is one of them. He is quite loudly opposed to it.”
She looked directly into Sera’s eyes.
“He seems to think that detaining one of us will scare us. He is mistaken” Her tone went dark for just a second. She watched Sera’s reaction but found none.
“I want to know more about your organization.” Sera changed the subject.
“What would you like to know?” She smiled again.
“I have seen a few people in Bloc 7 working helping around the market. But I rarely see you proselytizing.”
Taniya laughed a bit. “Show don’t tell. The people here have more to deal with than their salvation. The Leviathan bids us to bring them the light and when they have basked in it offer them an opportunity to help others find it.” She recited some mantra she had been taught.
“Who id your leader?” Sera asked.
“The Leviathan.” She responded.
“Who started the cult?” Malia asked.
“Octavio Isaac is the spiritual leader. He says that he has communed with her.” Taniya said with a small amount of concern.
“Have you communed with the Leviathan?” Sera asked.
“Yes. She came to me in a dream. Her voice was sweet and told me to help the under people. They would be the one’s who would help awaken her. She will bring the light back to the galaxy.” Taniya seemed to truly believe what she said.
“Thank you, Taniya.” Sera said as she stood. “If you see Octavio, please let him know I look forward to meeting him.”
There was more confusion on Taniya’s face.
Dagget was already standing at the boarding ramp of the Songbird when Sera and Malia arrived.
“Captain Dagget.” Sera called as they approached the ship. “I trust Essa has been forthcoming.”
The Imperial Officer was somewhat annoyed to see her.
He ignored them as he walked up the ramp.
Essa stood at the top of the ramp awaiting his entry.
They could hear her addressing the captain. “I apologize sir, but my mistress would like you to wait until she returns.”
“I will do no such thing.” He attempted to push her aside, but she stepped back in an effort to avoid falling over.
“Oh mistress.” Essa was glad to see Sera as she boarded. “It seems you were correct. The Imperial Authorities have begun their search of the ship.”
Sera caught up with the captain but remained silent as he opened every door and container in the crew compartment.
When he finished in the cargo bay he stood with his hands on his hips.
Sera crossed her arms and spoke. “I’m not sure what you were expecting Captain Dagget. Did you find it?” She let just enough defiance out to get her message across. If you have any further issues, please cross check my manifest versus the records that were submitted.”
He turned and gave her a perplexed look. “I don’t get it.”
Sera stared at him.
“Why is the Empire letting non-humans transport cargo to Imperial worlds?” She could feel a hint of his racism.
She leaned against the doorway. “You’re from Vardos.” She wasn’t asking.
“How did you know?” He was defensive but curious.
“Your accent.” Sera said simply. “And the way you wear your holster.”
The captain’s hand strayed to it.
“Come off it, Captain.” Sera told him. “If you shoot me, you’ll have to answer to a bunch of people.”
“No one will miss a Twi’lek.” He retorted with his hand still on his blaster.
Sera laughed and straightened up. “You’re just another rich boy playing at warrior.
“You are under the mistaken impression that the Empire controls the outer rim.” Sera kept her arms crossed.
“It sure isn’t your species.” He seemed to be aware of what she was saying but it was some thing he had a hard tie grasping.
“It bothers you to no end that humans are allowed to mingle with non-humans.” Sera took a step towards him. His hand grasped the pistol grip. “It bothers you even more that you are attracted to us.”
He denied it.
“I saw how you looked at me at the checkpoint.” Sera’s voice took a bit of a sultry tone.
He shook his head to feign denial. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Sera chuckled. “Okay.”
“How did you get a contract to transport goods to Tarria?” his grip relaxed.
“I just take work that comes up.” Sera put threw her hands up bent at the elbow. “Is it really worth dispatching an Imperial freighter to transport some nonessential goods requested by a governor or some important official?”
“If the Empire doesn’t control the Outer Rim, who does?” Dagget challenged her earlier statement.
“The same people who controlled it before the Empire.” Sera responded coolly.
Dagget took a second but made the connection and shook his head. “That doesn’t seem right.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Sera told him. “Y’all don’t have the resources in the outer rim right now to take control.”
He thought for a moment and drew his pistol. “I’m going to do something about it.”
Sera sighed and snatched the pistol out of his hand with her left, then punched him in the head with her right. The solid metal of her cybernetic fist connected with his temple, and he dropped like a stone.
“He got his first kiss.” Malia entered the cargo bay and helped Sera drag him to the passenger compartment.
“Do you know who I am?” The Imperial Officer demanded.
“Captain Nolrin Dagget. Imperial Army Officer.” Sera tossed his identi-card on the table in front of him.
“I’m going to seize this ship and have you executed for assaulting an Imperial Official.” He struggled against the restraints.
“You are going to leave my ship and report to your superior. They are going to acknowledge your complaint and send you back to work.
“Then when you make a ruckus about their inaction, they are going to ask why you were aboard my ship without authorization from Port Authorities and what happened to your assigned blaster.
“The way I see Captain Dagget, you have two options. You can walk out of this ship and accept the reality of the Outer Rim and request a new assignment. Or you can put an end to your career by constantly making things hard for your superiors.”
Sera put her feet up on the table.
“I will have you executed. I will be back with troopers to take care of this.” He yelled.
“Yes, I’m sure you will.” Malia looked up from the console.
Sera picked him up and carried him of the cabin then down the ramp. “Make sure you tell everyone you got beat up by a Twi’lek woman.” Sera pushed him down the ramp.
He fell and tumbled to the bottom. Malia threw his identi-card. It landed next to him.
The ramp closed as he yelled expletives.
“Do you think he’ll follow up on his threat.” Malia looked at Sera.
“He’ll try. If he had any pull, he would be patrolling the surface.”
“Or in a more prestigious posting.” Malia considered.
Sera watched the monitor that showed the boarding ramp. Dagget raged for a few minutes before two troopers in Port Authority uniforms came to his rescue. A third individual, someone higher ranking walked out to him. She also wore the uniform of the Port Authority.
There was no sound, but the conversation clearly was not going well or him.
After the troopers had taken Dagget away she motioned for them to open the boarding ramp.
She waited until the ramp dropped and walked aboard. She was an older woman. Her gray hair was in a tight bun and her uniform was crisp and fit perfectly.
“Hello Captain Wes. I want to apologize for the actions of Lieutenant Dagget.”
Sera noted the demotion.
“Many of the young officers assigned to Tarria have a fundamental misunderstanding of the way things operate in the Outer Rim. Usually, they catch on quickly and either accept the situation and do well, or they find duty stations elsewhere. Occasionally we get an Officer who believes they should be commanding a Stormtrooper unit.
“If you would close the boarding ramp, I have some important things to discuss regarding your cargo.” She pointed at the controls.
Her tone was officious and didn’t match her statements.
She walked towards the crew compartment and sat down without invitation. She was working to maintain control of the situation.
Malia stood in the doorway, ready for a fight. Sera offered her tea, which she accepted.
“The governor’s wife would like to extend her apologies for the way you were treated on the surface. Her husband is currently looking into the incident.” She accepted the drink Sera offered and sipped it.
“Why were we attacked and pursued when we landed?” Sera asked.
“It seems you were mistaken for someone bringing spice into the city.” She answered crisply.
Sera wasn’t sure if she believed what she said or not. “There are not many Lethan Twi’leks and you know how these young officers can be.”
“Things have changed a lot around here.” Sera said. It was a bit of a test.
The woman sighed. “I have lived on Tarria my whole life. We managed to avoid the predations of the CIS and stayed out of the war. For the first year or two, while the Republic reorganized into the Empire, we were left on our own. The only change we saw was the uniforms we wore. The gas we process is vital to the functioning of hyperdrives. No one asks questions when we continue to make our quotas.
“I fear that it won’t last much longer.” She took another sip.
“Because of the cult?” Sera asked.
“I’m afraid so.” She seemed sad about it. “At least the rumors around it.”
“What are the rumors?” Malia asked. She already knew but wanted the official to say it.
“The claim is that they are an anti-Imperial group.” The woman confirmed.
“Is it?” Sera asked quickly. She watched the woman’s reaction.
She shrugged. “I have no idea.”
Sera knew she was lying but chose not to say anything.
“Young officers like Dagget think they can make a name for themselves by investigating and reporting the activities, innocuous or otherwise, that have even a hint of suspicion. To top it off the curriculum sent by the Empire is filled with xenophobic nonsense.”
She paused and looked up at the two women. “There is only so much I can do to limit the destruction caused by the Empire. It is only a matter of time before we lose our autonomy and diversity.
“What do you know about the cult?” Sera asked as she refilled the woman’s cup.
“Very little. The governor’s wife is a prominent member. Her presence gives it an air of legitimacy.”
“How does the governor feel about it?” Malia wondered.
“As far as I know he is ambivalent. They do outreach work in the under city and keep the population from getting to rowdy. The Garrison Commander doesn’t have nearly enough troops to patrol there so she appreciates its presence. Unfortunately, there are more and more Daggets looking to make a name for themselves.” She sipped her tea.
“What do you know about the Rancors?” Sera sat down next to the officer.
The older woman smiled. “They are a challenge. They control the vice trades and Tarria, but they also keep the peace. I don’t think they have Hutt affiliation. But they are going to give us trouble if the Imperial Authorities take a closer look at our operations.”
“Do you approve of the Mutual Aid Society?” Sera asked.
“Approve? I organized it. It functions as a way for the workers to take care of each other. They may use it to help with collective bargaining. That’s not my business. That is between the governor and the leaders.” She brushed her hands together indicating that she has nothing more to do with it.
She drank the last of her tea and thanked Sera for the tea. She handed the Songbird’s captain a data pad and asked her to sign it.
Sera reviewed the document. It was an official inspection form that showed the ship was violation free. Sera looked at the Port Official.
“Just a formality. Dagget is not qualified to search a vessel, however it is important that his complaint be followed up on.”
Sera looked it over one more time and signed it.
“It seems that part of the mystery was solved.” Malia suggested.
“We still have cargo that needs to be delivered.” Sera responded.
Malia felt a soft buzzing in the pocket of her jacket.
The commlink Biggle had given her had activated.
“Bloc 2 three hours. May her light clear the darkness.” The masked voice spoke then the commlink went dead.
The tram stopped about a kilometer away from the entrance to Bloc 3. The station was used to access the one of the processing plants and most of the passengers were on their way to work.
Sera identified two cult members. They seemed to be watching her.
She ignored them.
The blast doors that led to Bloc 3 were painted with a massive glowing leviathan. It wasn’t the same stylized version they saw on pins and pamphlets. It was a more realistic depiction. Sera studied it looking for clues or hints that may have been hidden in the picture.
Before she could get a good look at it the massive doors slid open and four people in heavy robes greeted the pair.
They found themselves flanked by the cultists who had been with them on the tram.
“Looks like we’re committed.” Malia quipped.
One of the robed individuals. A human woman. Grabbed Sera’s blaster from her holster. The same happened to Malia.
“You better give that back.” Malia snapped.
The group remained silent.
Sera was glad they hadn’t done a thorough search.
The blast doors closed as soon as they cleared them.
Bloc three was as active as Bloc seven. Makeshift shelters and kiosks were scattered around the massive open bay. They formed helter-skelter alleys and walkways. Like Bloc 7 it seemed to be a refuge for the displaced and homeless.
Sera spotted a Rancor jacket among the crowd.
The group entered what would have been a large office in the far wall. It was well appointed and looked like it served as someone’s quarters as well.
“Isaac.” Sera said out loud.
“Leave us.” One of the robed people raised a hand and dismissed the others.
He dropped his hood to reveal his identity.
Octavio Isaac was younger than Sera, though the stress made him look older than he really was. It had been several years since the order was destroyed and the time had taken its toll.
He looked the red Twi’lek woman over. “Why are you here?”
Sera raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “I’m here because someone wanted cargo delivered.”
“You’re lying.” He snapped.
Sera sniffed out a laugh. “Brun Tavis.”
He stepped back and his hand strayed to his waist. “How did you know?”
“What did you think was going to happen when you tried to invade my mind?” Sera asked. “You tried to use my past against me.”
“I.” He stuttered a bit. “I detected you when you first came here. On the landing pad.”
Malia went for her pistol but remembered they had taken her weapon.
“So, you told the Imps that we were running spice?” Sera kept her cool.
He nodded in confirmation.
Sera crossed her arms and stepped closer.
“I did what I felt necessary to protect myself and the movement.” He straightened up and puffed his chest out a bit.
“But you almost got us killed.” Malia was almost yelling.
“What is your plan here?” Sera asked calmly.
“I was hoping to spread the cult across the galaxy and foster a grand rebellion.” There was some hesitation, but Sera could tell he believed in his cause.
“What would you do if succeeded?” Sera gently put her hand on his shoulder.
“Restore the Republic and the Order.” He looked hopefully into her eyes.
Sera shook her head. “The Jedi Order is dead. We brought about our own demise.”
Octavio jerked stepped back. “No. That’s not true. The Empire and the clones wiped us out.”
He walked towards a window that looked out over Bloc 3.
Sera took off her gloves. “Do you know who did this to me?” And held up her cybernetic hands.
Octavio looked then his eyes strayed away, like he was afraid of the answer.
“My master. The one you tried to use against me.” Sera watched his reaction. “When the council was given proof that he had killed another master in anger nothing was done.”
She pulled her gloves back on. “His actions almost turned me to the dark side.”
She watched his confusion. “The Order allowed that to fester. They allowed people who should have been expelled to stay because they, we, lost our way.” Sera sat down in a chair near his desk and awaited his response.
“You can’t believe that the entire Order was corrupted by the Dark Side?” He asked. Sera could tell he was in conflict.
“No. I don’t. I don’t even believe that the Council had fallen to the Dark Side.” She looked at him gravely. “I think they forgot the will of the Force and followed the will of the Republic.”
She saw some spark of understanding. But she could tell that he was not convinced. She had no real desire to press further.
He watched the window with his back to Sera.
Malia took a seat near Sera.
“Who was your master?” Sera added compassion to her voice.
“Master Bantone.” He said simply He hoped Sera knew the Jedi Master.
He could tell she didn’t.
“She was a kind Zabrec. She knew exactly what to say to diffuse a situation. She had a quick wit and, if needed, a sharp tongue. She told me before the war she was a consular. She said she hoped she would be able to teach me the way.
“There was nothing I wanted more.” His voice cracked slightly as he remembered her.
“The last time I saw her she sent me on some menial errand. She was worried about something, and when I asked, she smiled and told me not to concern myself.”
“She took her clones and left me alone. Neither she, nor the clones came back.” Sera could tell he was barely holding back the tears.
She stood and walked to him and turned him around. “It is okay to grieve for loved ones. If you let that grief fester into anger or fear the Dark Side will consume you.”
Octavio broke down and collapsed to his knees. Sera sat on the ground next to him.
“Stoicism has its place, but emotion is an inevitable part of our being. They cannot be stopped or suppressed, no matter what the hardest Jedi master tells you.”
The group sat in the office for a while Octavio let his grief out. Malia sat on the ground facing Sera and Octavio.
“She knew she was going to die. She knew it would be the clones that would kill her. Yet she never once failed to respect them. Even when they were going to their deaths.”
“I’m not sure they knew what they were doing at the time.” Sera told him. “I don’t know if they even had control of their actions.”
He looked up suddenly and locked eyes with Sera. “Help me rebuild the Order. Help me train he next generation of Jedi. Help me train them to bring down the Empire.”
Sera shook her head. “We were not supposed to be soldiers. We were not supposed to be commanding armies.
“I can’t be part of that anymore. If I’m a warrior I can’t be a Jedi.” Sera looked deep into his gray eyes.
Octavio laughed sharply. “Master Bantone often told me that she felt that way.” He stared off into the distance for a moment.
“What if we rebuild the order her, in secret, and when the Empire falls, we can come back.” Sera admired his naivety.
“I am not the right person for this.” She put her hand on his shoulder.
“Keep this going. You don’t need to be a warrior to fight the Empire. Let the warriors handle that. The light of hope doesn’t come from a blaster or a lightsaber, it comes from compassion and kindness. When this is over more violence isn’t going to heal the deep wounds the Empire has caused. You are sewing the seeds that may not see fruition until it is over.”
“The Empire is looking for violent dissidents. If you attack the Empire, you will undo what you have worked so hard to build.” Malia added.
“I think Master Bantone would want you to be a beacon of hope showing others the way towards peace.” Sera watched Octavio closely.
He gave a wry laugh. “The day before you arrived, Master Bantone came to me in a dream. She had a red bird on her finger. It sang a mournful song, except for the last few notes. They were soft and soothing.
“I’m sure she sent you.” He finished.
“Maybe.” Sera agreed. “Trust in the Force.”
Sera stood. Octavio jumped to his feet and hugged her tightly.
“You gave me a lot to think about. You helped me understand many of the things Master Bantone told me.” He paused for a moment, thinking about his next words.
“I wondered why she never spent much time teaching me lightsaber techniques. Maybe she knew that wasn’t where my future lay.”
His entire demeanor had changed. Malia was impressed. She shook her head and looked at Sera with a mix of awe and admiration. She couldn’t tell if Sera understood what had just happened.
As Sera and Malia left the office Sera turned and looked at Octavio. “Be mindful of your dealings with The Rancors. They are a powerful tool. But they are dangerous. Treat them like you would your lightsaber.”
Octavio escorted them into the open area of Bloc 3. As they emerged, he nodded at the remaining robbed people.
The people who had taken their weapons handed them back.
Malia and Sera checked the weapons and holstered them. The two who had tailed them on the tram followed them back to the landing pad to make sure they were safely back to the ship.
Baz stood just inside the blast doors. He had a look of concern on his face.
He said nothing and activated the monitor above the door controls.
On the platform near the Songbird, Dagget and twelve troopers stood holding DC-15 blaster rifles at the ready.
“They mad at you.” Baz said.
Sera’s commlink buzzed. “Mistress it seems that some of the Imperial Army fellows are gathered outside of the ship. They do not seem to be interested in conversation.” Essa reported.
“Thank you, Essa. Stay aboard the Songbird and find a safe place to hide.” Sera advised.
“Yes Mistress.”
“I don’t think he’s here to arrest us.” Malia suggested.
“Baz, please go talk to Biggle about the situation.” Sera requested of Devaronian.
“I already notified him.” He responded.
“I think she meant for you to vacate. Dagget ain’t to fond of non-humans and he might accidentally let a shot go astray.”
Baz shrugged and walked away.
“What is your plan Will of the Force?” Malia looked at Sera.
“How long do you reckon they can stay out there?” Sera stood with a hand on her chin watching the monitor. “I give them about an hour before they start getting fidgety and irritated.” Sera looked at the chronometer on her wrist.
“Hm.” Malia considered for a moment. “Depends on how long they have been out there.”
She looked in the direction of Bloc 7. “I figure we have just enough time to head to the Taphut for a drink.”
As they passed through the blast doors two Rancor gangers seemed to be looking for them. “Keesa wanted to talk to you. She has some information.” The Taphut had a few customers when they entered.
Keesa was sitting at the table they had initially encountered her. Sera slid in next to her and Malia across, she stayed on the edge of the booth.
“Keesa noted the move and chuckled.
“I know who sold you out.” She said.
“You’re a little late.” Sera told her.
Keesa was surprised.
“Someone got me confused for a spice runner and reported us to the garrison. The Port Master paid us a visit and cleared things up.” Sera took the drink the waitress brought.
Malia took the other.
“I thought you took care of Dagget.” She said. “He’s on the landing pad waiting to kill you.”
“We know.” Malia responded.
“The powers that be don’t take kindly to young Imperial officers who try to make names for themselves.
“There are a lot of people here who would rather avoid the scrutiny of the Imperial Intelligence. Dagget is the sort that makes that difficult. If he played this officially, he will have to answer to those people. If it is not, he won’t be missed.” Sera sipped her drink.
“So you’re going to leave?” The Weequay asked.
“As soon as the cargo gets to its recipient.” Malia responded.
Sera sighed as she heard the commotion outside. She handed Malia a credit.
She swallowed the rest of her drink and stood.
Malia did the same.
When they emerged Dagget was harassing people and knocking over shelters.
She saw three other mooks with blaster rifles.
Sera looked at Keesa. I figure that he has about eight more people waiting outside of the Bloc. If you have some folks on the outside, you might want to keep them busy. I have a feeling they will open fire if there is a stampede.
Keesa nodded and disappeared into the Taphut.
“Dagget. Stop making a fool of yourself.” Sera said loud enough form him to hear.
He stood up and drew his blaster. “I’m going to kill you for what you did.”
He was surprised when she wasn’t where he fired at. The troopers were surprised too.
Malia ducked behind cover and the crowd panicked.
“Now Dagget I hope you have official sanction for this.” Sera said as she dodged a second shot.
“Its official.” He yelled and fired another shot.
“DC-15s? Really Dagget? Your patrols always carried E-11s.” Sera told him as she moved towards him.
She just barely failed to get out of the way and his last shot hit her in the right arm.
His mouth opened when she just flinched slightly and kept moving. She stopped in front of him and smiled.
He turned to his compatriots, who had surrendered to the overwhelming number of Rancors who had found their way into the Bloc.
He swung the back of the rifle at Sera in an attempt to butt stroke her. She caught it and pulled it out of his hands. As she tossed the rifle into the crowd, he realized just how tall she was.
“You have made a big mistake.
“If you kill me, there will be an investigation.” He was smug.
“You are correct. There will be an investigation.” She smiled. “And it will be reported that you got into a fight in a place you shouldn’t have been off duty.”
Dagget realized she was right. He also realized that it was too late for him. He steeled himself for Sera’s blaster.
To his surprise she turned and looked at Keesa.
The Weequay smiled. He could feel the weight of all of the Weequay had targeted throughout his time on Tarria in her look.
Malia and Sera stepped outside. Several of the Rancors examined their new DC-15 blaster rifles.
Biggle and Baz were waiting at the blast doors when Sera and Malia returned.
“Boss, you got big friends. I never seen a ship get so much attention.” Baz shook his head.
“It seems you are to host the governor’s wife aboard your ship.” Biggle translated.
Sera sighed at looked at her chronometer. “Do you suppose we have time for another drink?”
A woman’s voice came from direction of the tram station. “You don not, I’m afraid.”
The woman did not dress like the wife of planetary governor. She was well dressed, but not ostentatiously. She wore the leviathan as a brooch. She was flanked by a Twi’lek man and a human woman. Behind her stood the port master.
Sera lowered her head in respect. Malia did the same.
The woman left her guards on the pad outside of the ship. The port master escorted her into the songbird.
“Isaac tells me you were responsible for the new direction of the Leviathan.” She said as they walked up the ramp.
“Isaac found his own way.” Sera told her.
“You seem rather humble for a smuggler.” She smiled.
Sera chuckled.
Essa made her entrance. “Is everything okay Mistress?”
The woman was surprised by the BD3000 droid’s presence.
“Yes Essa.” Malia answered.
“Are the angry men gone?” She asked.
Sera nodded.
Essa finally registered who the guest was and made an odd noise. “Your ladyship, please pardon my manners.”
The woman was amused at Essa’s reaction.
“Shall I fetch some drinks?” The droid asked.
The visitors both declined.
She excused herself and found something else to do.
“He seems to have found clarity of purpose.” The woman continued.
“He needed it.”
Malia brought a case of obscure liquor out of one of the storage lockers and set it on the table so that the woman could inspect it.
“Why didn’t you take it when you were aboard?” Sera asked the port master.
“It wasn’t mine.” She said as she counted the bottles.
“Is this satisfactory?” She looked at the other woman.
She smiled a knowing smile and took a single bottle then closed the case. “Perfect.”
She walked towards the boarding ramp and turned. “Galla always seems to know what I need.”
“What about the whiskey?” Malia asked.
“Oh. Thank you for the bottle. I’ll make sure to include the cost in the credit transfer.”
Malia and Sera looked at each other with slight confusion. Then Malia broke out in a loud laugh.
“I didn’t sign up to be at the whims of some all-pervasive space magic, but I’m glad I’m along for the ride.” She kissed Sera on the cheek as the boarding ramp started to close.
Sera noticed the Rancor gang member waving his arms and stopped the ramp.
He threw a package up onto it. “Keesa wanted to thank you.”
Sera unwrapped it to find a black biker jacket with the stylized Rancor on the back.
The Songbird lifted off the platform and accelerated into orbit leaving the floating city behind.
Fin
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