Disclaimer: I do not own star wars or any of its character and while plot points are from various RPG games I take no credit for their origins only of their application in the story therein. This a labor of love and not for profit though if Disney or Lucas Arts would like to hire my creative brain I'd be more than happy to drop everything and come running. Please read and leave a review.
Episode 4: Mandalorian Captain Part 1:
Chapter 1: Welcome aboard
Hutt Space is a realm where the only law is avarice and the only limit is ambition. The criminal syndicates of the insatiable Hutts grant countless opportunities to any who can stomach the risks.
Name your vice: gambling, luxury, spice, beauty perhaps? Whatever your pleasure, it can be found in Hutt Space, provided you're willing to pay. You can even count on minimal interference from the Imperials, provided you pay a premium.
Opportunistic criminals flock to these hives of scum and villainy to fulfill their depraved desires and reap the profits. The only thing that could possibly outweigh the abundant opportunity is the perilously steep price. Mistakes are rarely forgiven, and anyone who flies these lanes and hauls illegal cargo must continuously ask themselves how far are they're willing to go in the name of cold hard credits. And after long enough, the best of them-or worst, depending on your point of view-stop caring. Their hearts become as ugly as the corpulent grotesque masters they serve.
The Hutt Kajidics hold their ancient home firmly in their slimy grasp. For the desperate, it can be a haven from the Empire's increasingly oppressive and violent rule. However, anyone who enters Hutt Space risks getting entangled in the devious schemes of the galaxies most notorious criminals...
...and the Krayt Fang was flying directly into it. Jarek Orion wished he was anywhere else but that section of space, but alas the job would not allow it. The old YT1000 freighter was filled to the gills with crates of ryll spice en route to Toydaria. After dealing with Teemo the Hutt the crew had returned to the settlement of New Meen and taken Nyn and B'ura B'on's job offer.
Though the crew was already well-off, the ship would always need more fuel and, according to Tersen, additional repairs. Jarek had already overheard the Lannik accusing the freighter of becoming a credit-pit. He wasn't surprised even if he was frustrated at throwing good credits after bad on a ship they'd technically stolen from a dead bounty hunter, but they didn't have many other options. Perhaps after this job, they'd invest in another ship. One that could actually accommodate the six members of the crew and one which they didn't have to worry about breaking down mid-flight. The ship only had five births one of which being the captain cabin and one shared fresher.
Jarek had opted for one of the single cabins giving the larger captain's cabin to Slick and Madlyn seeing as they were a couple and needed the privacy. He'd stayed in worse accommodations over the years but even he was starting to get irritated at the lack of space. In the brief time, they'd already spent together, the close confines were starting to grate on all the crew's nerves.
"I'm not saying don't groom!" he heard Slick call out to Gare, "I'm just saying close the bloody cabin door so we don't have to watch!"
"I'll close the door when you and Maddy invest in soundproofing!" the Gank fired back and then all was silent. It wasn't the first personal argument he'd overheard and wouldn't be the last. There was little in the way of privacy and the small cabins tended to get stuffy so the hatchways were left open to circulate the air. This only served to exasperate the lack of privacy and Jarek had seen more then he'd ever wanted to of his fellow crewmates.
As he tried to refocus back on the workbench where he was attempting to repaint and repair his beskar'gam, Jarek's mind wandered once more to his Mirialin crewmate and the conversation they'd yet to have.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Era attempting to study a data-pad and take notes. Her hair was done up in a ponytail but wasn't sporting her usual jacket. She'd glanced up at him once or twice when she thought he wouldn't notice but never said a word. Finally, she seemed to get frustrated at something and hurried to the cockpit.
Since setting out from Geonosis to Ryloth and then to Toydaria, there hadn't been a proper time or place to talk. He'd hoped for an opportunity to get a private moment at New Meen when they picked up the spice, but the welcoming Twi'leks had been very distracting. The brief layover had been fun and soon they were off to deliver the spice to a medical refinery on Toydaria.
Jarek's gaze followed her and he started to say something but the words never came. He didn't know what to say, or how it would be received. Instead, he refocused his attention back on his armor...or more like distracted himself. "Sooner or later you two will need to sort out your feelings," Tersen stated. The Lannik sat nearby and was currently tinkering with one of his gauntlets. Jarek blinked in surprise wondering how the technician was privy to such things. Tersen chuckled at his expression and gestured in the general direction of the cockpit saying, "You could cut the tension between you two with a knife, Jarek."
The Mandalorian growled in embarrassment and went back to his repairs, unsure how to respond. Armor and weapons he understood. Hunting and fighting he understood. Relationships...not so much. He wasn't even sure how the dynamic of the crew had shifted since they'd officially become a crew.
At that moment Slick, wearing his long coat, walked in with some spare parts that Tersen had asked for. After passing them off, the Pantoran looked at Jarek, then at the cockpit and back. Shifting his gaze to Tersen he asked, "He still hasn't talked to Era yet?"
Jarek's forehead hid the edge table in frustration and embarrassment. "Does everyone know?" he groaned.
Madlyn never considered herself a girly girl. Sure she enjoyed dressing up on occasion, but Madlyn preferred fast speeders, faster ships, and the odd bottle of Tharaxian brandy. She didn't do touchy-feely emotional baggage...so why in all the galaxy was she having a conversation with Era on that very subject? She decided to blame it on being bored from being crammed inside the freighter for the last several hours.
"So let me get this straight," she said propping a leg up on the control panel, "You kissed him? And nothing else?" Era blushed and looked away. Rubbing the back of her head she nodded slowly. Era cocked her head arching and eyebrow asking, "Why?"
The Mirialin looked indignant. "Well I thought we were going to die," she retorted, "and I didn't want to leave anything unsaid-"
Madlyn raised a hand to stop her and saying, "No I mean why nothing else?" Era's eyes widened and the blush deepened. The Alderanni chuckled before adding, "He's an attractive man. Tough, smart, and loyal." She spread her hands in a grand gesture saying, "I don't see why you haven't jumped his bones yet."
The Mirialin looked away once again and bit her lip nervously. Madlyn could tell she wanted to say something and against her better judgment encouraged her to speak. "That's not...entirely true." Madlyn nearly fell out of her chair and gapped at Era. Realizing how that had sounded she quickly amended herself, "No not like that. It's...well..." Once again Madlyn gently prodded her friend into continuing. Era finally relented and revealed the event that transpired the morning she, Jarek, and Gare had left New Meen. It was difficult but Madlyn managed to keep a straight face for her friend's benefit. The poor girl blushed so easily it seemed.
"Yeah I can see how that would twist things up a bit," the Alderanni admitted while giving her an empathetic smile, "but I've seen relationships built on less and underway weirder circumstances." When Era gave her a 'yeah right' look Madlyn explained, "Slick's upper gentry on Pantora. I'm a street-rat from Alderaan. He found me passed out on the floor at the cantina. He picked me up, I vomited on his coat and we've been lovers ever since." This time it was Era's turn to gape at her friend and Madlyn giggled, completely shameless. Once she'd regained her composure the pilot patted the archeologist on her knee affectionately. "What I'm trying to say is, don't let a couple hiccups ruin a good thing," leaning back she propped her leg up again, "besides, those moments make for the best stories."
Era covered her face in hands feeling the weight of her embarrassment and frustration. "But what if he doesn't feel the same." She made a gesture of vexation, "There's so much I don't know about the man."
Madlyn ignored the urge to roll her eyes. Why did Era have to over-think these things? If she knew what she wanted, just go get it! Rather than put her thoughts to words, Madlyn just shrugged before replying, "The way I see it, you won't know any more than you already do. Especially if you don't try and get to know him."
"I know," This time the Mirialin gave an exasperated sigh and looked up at her. "I doubt he wants very many people to know too much about him."
That, Madlyn could understand. Jarek was honest and loyal but he was a man with secrets and pain to go with them. They all had their own skeletons of course, but Jarek seemed to have the most. She was grateful she and Slick didn't have too many such secrets themselves as those tended to pollute any relationship. Ridding herself of such thoughts Madlyn refocused on the topic at hand. "Yes, but," she held up an index finger and slowly pointed it at Era, "I'm sure an archeologist could dig something up."
"Oh fates, you pun!" Era half groaned half chuckled. She sighed again and looked out at the swirling blues of the hyperspace tunnel. Madlyn shared her gaze and found herself once again mesmerized by the spiraling vortex of blues and whites. They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Era spoke.
"What if it doesn't work out?" she murmured and in her voice, Maddy could hear genuine concern, revealing for an instant how much this was really important to her. "It could get real awkward," she added meeting Madlyn's eyes.
Madlyn smiled sympathetically. Leaning closer she placed a hand on Era's shoulder. "More awkward then it already is?" she asked.
Before Era could make a comment or rebuttal, a small alert went off on the communications console. "Receiving a transmission," Madlyn stated curiously. Era also looked on confused. They weren't expecting any calls from New Meen or from Toydaria. Also not too many sentients knew the frequency for the ship and even fewer knew they were its current occupants. Madlyn figured it could've come from one of Trex's old associates and was prepared to cut it off if things got...awkward. To be honest she was grateful to be distracted from the current conversation. Madlyn didn't know if she could stomach dispensing relationship advice much longer.
Leaning forward the pilot pressed the 'connect' button. A holo-projector lit up. The image was static and broken, however, a verbal message came through clear enough. The pair of females looked at each other in alarm at the messages conclusion. Madlyn immediately set to work at the nav computer while Era reached for the intercom.
"Everyone to the bridge!" Era practically yelled just as Madlyn dropped the freighter out of hyperspace, "We have an emergency!"
"Attention, any vessel within the range of this transmission." An accented female voice cried out through the static, "The-is the Ferialis. We are in need of of-of assistance. Our ship was ambushed by raiders," there was a sound like steam venting and sparks popping and she continued, "and we are dangerously close to losing life support. I repeat to anyone within range: we are need of immediate assistance-" There was the sound of a muffled explosion and then nothing but static.
"The message cuts out after that," Madlyn explained to the assembled crew, "but our sensors located the source of the distress beacon."
"We care for these folks why?" Gare asked in a low growl. Both Era and Madlyn cast him disapproving looks, but he merely shrugged in response.
Slick stepped forward looking reluctant, "It does sound like we could already be too late." He wasn't being hateful only making an observation. If the Ferialis was in as dire straits as the transmission indicated, by the time they arrived the crew could already be dead.
"We can't take that chance," Era declared eyes as fiery as that night in Nabat when she convinced them to help the Twi'leks. "We have to try at least."
"Agreed," Tersen added appearing to side with Era. "If the ship isn't too badly damaged I could affect repairs-"
"But if not, those folks may need a ride," Madlyn added also siding with the Mirialin. Jarek could appreciate her heart being in the right place, but between the six of them and the cargo, there was very little empty space remaining on the freighter.
Slick shrugged and they all looked at Jarek, "Your call, Captain."
Jarek was reminded of that night in Nabat again when they had all looked to him for leadership and guidance. As a newly minted crew, it hadn't changed. He was the leader and needed to be decisive. As it stood most of the crew wanted to help the damaged ship and thus he would go with the majority. They may have been on a deadline to deliver the ryll but the cargo didn't have an expiration date and he was sure their patrons would understand the deviation.
"Set a course for that ship, Madlyn," Jarek declared. He earned appreciative smiles from Tersen and the pilot, who was already bringing the Krayt Fang about and zooming towards the new coordinates. Era smiled as well but managed to avoid his gaze. Ignoring the nervous flip of his gut Jarek addressed the crew. "We'll do this smart. Tersen," the Lannik looked up at him, "You'll accompany me aboard in the event of repairs-"
"Doesn't seem suspicious that a distress call would reach us just as we are entering Hutt Space," Slick pointed out, though his tone was dry, he was merely being observant, "and while we just so happen to be carrying several kilograms of unrefined ryll spice."
"How do we know it's not a trap?" Gare asked with a skeptical tone.
Jarek held his gaze for a moment before answering, "We don't. That's why only three of us will go on board and the rest will stay back in case we need to make a quick exit."
"If there's injured," Era said standing up, "You'll need me," but Jarek shook her head. She started to argue but the Mandalorian was already way ahead of her.
"I need you back here in the event it is a trap," he explained. Looking up at the others he added, "But I need someone for additional security-"
"I'm in," Gare stated causing everyone to look at him in surprise.
"You are?" Tersen asked.
Gare glanced at the technician as he replied, "The sooner we clear the ship, the sooner we get to Toydaria and get paid." The Lannik scoffed looking at him annoyingly. "I need to get off this ship for a bit," he added in a low voice, "Too cramped."
Jarek was acutely aware of the Ganks frustration. Earlier he'd caught the former gladiator lobbing a knife into a wall. When asked the only explanation was that he needed to blow off steam. "The only reason I'm on this ship," he'd growled, "Is for my unique skill of scaring sentients. I'm being under-utilized!"
The Mandalorian had offered to spar with him if it would help, but Gare had refused. He'd stalked off mumbling something akin to 'too many soft parts' under his breath. Jarek wasn't sure if he liked the idea of the hot-blooded Gank accompanying them aboard, but he preferred that over leaving him on board the freighter with Era and Madlyn to keep him in check.
In the time it took for them to get within visual range of the Ferialis, Jarekhad returned to his quarters and donned his beskar'gam holstered his weapons. He returned to the bridge, helmet in hand, just as they approached the damaged vessel.
"Haar'chak," mumbled Jarek at the state of the ship.
"Bal'ban," agreed Era.
The craft was a Kestral-class medium freighter. A long wedge shape, it was near twice the length of the Krayt Fang. The largest of Core Galaxy System's freighter line, the Kestrel had three times the capacity of the next largest in the line, the Kite, as well as much stronger shields and armament for fighting off pirates. From what Jarek could tell, the craft was armed with one ArMek SW-6 Heavy Ion Cannon mounted below the chin. It also sported two Arakyd Flex Tube Proton Torpedo Launcher port and starboard and two Taim & Bak dual medium laser cannon turret mounted ventral and dorsal.
Even with all that offensive capability, the craft looked as if it had received the worse part of a dogfight. Its hull bore an array of blackened scorch marks from weapon scoring. On a number of locations, he saw sparks fly and along with the telltale signs of atmosphere venting. It was also apparent the Ferialis was without power and drifting in an uncontrolled lateral spin.
Jarek was about to question whether anyone was still alive on it when Madlyn beat him to the punch. "I'm picking up just under ten life signatures," she declared.
That clinched it. They were definitely going in.
As they drew up alongside the vessel, Jarek turned to Madlyn. "Maddy I leave the ship in your hands," he stated and as he passed Slick he added with a wry smile, "And I leave her in yours." The Pantoran smiled and wished them luck.
Just outside the cockpit, Jarek nearly collided with Era who swallowed nervously. He stared down at her, opening and closing his mouth several times, unsure of what to say. Era was the first to break the stalemate. "Be safe," she breathed, "let me know if you need me."
Looking deep into her purple irises Jarek could see the insecurities within. But he also saw desire and hope. He gave her a small warm smile before briefly taking her hand. "Trust me," he replied with deep sincerity, "I will." She smiled understanding his meaning. He hadn't forgotten what they felt, and he'd speak to her when the time was right.
With that, he donned his buc'ey and joined Tersen and Gare on the way to the airlock.
"You going to be okay, Gare?" Tersen asked as they stood before the docking hatch waiting for Madlyn to confirm they had a hard seal on the neighboring ship.
The Gank growled low in his throat before replying, "I'm just looking for a change of scenery." He looked down at the Lannik and ruffled his top knot earning a derisive glare. He looked up at Jarek who was merely observing the exchange. Gare's tone took on a slightly colder edge that made Jarek's eyes narrow. "If that's okay with you...captain."
Jarek only nodded in reply not giving him the satisfaction of seeing his ire rise. He wasn't sure what was eating the Gank but he'd have to figure it out soon. His attitude could start affecting the rest of the crew and Jarek needed them to be focused. He wasn't sure what lay on the ship so they'd each brought along blasters and wore armor except for Tersen who carried a toolkit.
At that moment they heard a dull thud reverberate through the ship followed by a brief hissing sound. "Docking tube secured and pressurized," Madlyn confirmed over the intercom. Jarek nodded to the others and they donned rebreather masks, before hitting the door panel. The inner door opened, they stepped in, and it closed. A second or so later the outer door opened and they were treated to a view of the darkened interior of the Ferialis.
Gare and Jarek activated their headlamps while Tersen switched on a torch. The beams illuminated a stretch of hallway. They advanced weapons drawn. To the right was a hatch leading to some sort of cargo bay, while another door to the left lead to a recreations room that had seen better days. Old fashioned weights lay scattered all across the floor as if they been tossed off their racks.
"Stay close," Jarek said, "and stay alert."
As they pressed forward they noticed a light haze in the air indicating smoke accompanied by the scent of ozone. The atmospheric system was definitely on the frits and whatever damage it had likely shorted out the power as well. Surprisingly aside from scattered bits of refuse and other items, the shipped looked remarkably intact...that was until they turned the corner and approached the door to the main cargo bay. The large double door was open, but a wreath of blackened scorch marks decorated the entire frame.
Jarek recalled what Slick said before their failed infiltration of Teemo's palace and it seemed perfectly applicable. He had a bad feeling about this.
Just then they heard a series of coughs and groans somewhere in the darkness of the cargo hold. Jarek and the others stopped and played their lights across the massive room and saw a number of figures lying prone on the floor. One, a Cathar female was shielding her eyes from the light while reaching out for them. "Please, help." It was the same voice form the emergency transmission.
Throwing caution to the wind Jarek moved towards the injured woman, but something was bugging him. It was a tiny nagging thought at the back of his mind he couldn't quite place. Then it occurred to him. He could breathe without issue. For a ship that was venting as much atmosphere as they saw he hadn't found it at all difficult to breathe.
Suddenly a series of bright floodlights flared to life.