©2018
DECISIONS PART FOUR
Force Ghosts and Demons
The Moff of the Kashyck Sector took his personal shuttle to Yatibo's surface. Along with a bridge officer from his ship to take over as temporary Base Commander. As well as a large contingent of Imperial Troopers.
The Imperial Troopers exited the shuttle first, as an honour guard. As he did not think the mercenary Commander would have one.
The mercenary Commander was there to greet him when he came of the shuttle. The Moff had him arrested. Then he sent his Troopers to round up and disarm all the Wookiee mercenaries guarding the spaceport and, and the military base.
The Wookies were quite angry, not expecting this type of reaction from the Moff. When you consider that they liberated the spaceport and the base for him. But they did not resist, and surrendered their bowcasters.
The bowcasters were placed in shipping crates, and were carried by porter droids behind the prisoners.
All the Wookiees were brought before the Moff. Were the Moff asked that their Commander stand before him.
The Imperial Troopers asked, what he wanted done with the other Wookiees? The Moff pointed to the Fenelar Phoenix, and ordered them to load them on that prisoner transport.
The porter droids asked the Moff, where he wants the crates? The Moff pointed to the Fenelar Phoenix, and asked that they be loaded onto that freighter.
Kran in the bounty hunter armour, rode the ramp down, as the Wookiees, escorted by Imperial Troopers, approached the ship. He stood there with Rasha's modified blaster rifle. A trooper approached him, and told him about the Moff ordering them to load the prisoners aboard his ship. Kran told them to take off their hand restraints. He doesn't think the Wookiees will give him a problem.
The Imperial Troopers did not say anything, when the porter droids followed the Wookiees onto the ship, and dropped the crates full of bowcasters at the top of the ramp. Because there was no room anywhere else.
Rasha raised the ramp and took off, when she saw that the droids had cleared the ship. She had to do it gently, because there was standing room only on the Phoenix.
Kran had made his way through all the bodies, to the bridge, and sat down on one of the jumper seats beside the captain's chair, and asked, what is going on? The mercenary sitting in the captain's chair, told him that this is why he prefers to work for Hutts rather than Imperials. He then told Rasha that she should land the Phoenix on any rock in the system. So that the Imperial ships in orbit, will lose tracking ability on the Phoenix. Otherwise they will remain locked onto its signature, and be able to track the ship straight to the Wookiee colony.
Rasha knew that this was because of the gravitational field. So she landed on a large barren planet. Then immediately took off, heading for the magnetic pole of this planet, to hide the Phoenix. Then made for the magnetic pole of Yitabo, so that she could use its magnetic field to keep the Phoenix hidden, as they made their way to the colony.
Kenny had convinced Ludia, to stop making it obvious that she is a force user. They used the equipment on the ranch to load Smasher's body on the Mantas-5. Ludia still had to use the force to help them, because the ranch equipment was not strong enough.
Kenny and the foreman had also downloaded some of the Rancor races Smasher had been in, under different riders. To show the foreman's parents and the other farmers, that Smasher was not a wild Rancor. But was used to being ridden by humans. So what Madam Djo did, was not really a big thing. If they had the right training, they could have ridden him as well. They wanted to downplay what they saw Ludia do, as being attributed to the force.
Ludia knew Kenny was trying to protect her, but she did not care. A member of her family died, protecting others. She kept replaying in her mind what she could have done differently, so Smasher did not have to die.
Kenny did not want to leave Emily. But he also believed he owed it to Ludia and Smasher, to go with them. He was also disappointed in how much of the Kolto solution the Apothecary in town had left. Less than half a vial. He was using it on common things like cuts, burns and scrapes. Rather than saving it for what was important.
What was left, was not enough to heal Emily. At least there was some noticeable improvement. Some of the farmer's wives, that are members of the Weaver's Guild, have stayed in the ranch house, to look after Emily, until they return.
Ludia wanted to cremate Smasher's body, and Kenny thought it would be best to do it next to the Wookiee's colony. First there was more wood there. Second, a large fire on the ranch, during harvest, could set the fields on fire. Third, the Imperials are very nosey, and will ask how a Rancor came to be on Yitabo?
So the two of them flew the Mantas-5. Keeping low to the ground, so it would be hard to detect them. Heading for the Wookiee colony.
The Moff had the hand restraints removed from his so called prisoners, after they were aboard his shuttle. He even returned Tamrack's pistol. He told them that he had to make a show of being in charge. He wanted to ask them about their contracts with Madame Djo? He really wanted to know, if they could take on a Sith Lord? But had to be very careful about how he broached that subject. In case there were Imperial spies aboard his own ship. He was shocked when both the human mercenary and Wookiee mercenary did not have contracts for what they just did. They said they knew that Madam Djo was good for it, and would compensate them fairly.
Commander Tamrack did admit that it was more personal for him. He had been working for the Hutts. But because of faulty intelligence provided by a Barseg Nobleman, his unit walked into an ambush and was decimated. There happened to be a healer nearby, who saved him, and a handful of his comrades. Pulling them back from death's door. The Hutts dissolved his unit, so he followed the healer. Madame Djo was good friends with the healer. So when she found out about this situation. He volunteered to help.
The Wookiee commander just told the Moff that they have done work for the Djo's in the past. Sighting as an example the time the one Senior Ministry Official, misinterpreted Yitabo law, in a poor attempt to try and steal the Radcliffe ranch. He would not reveal how many Wookiees were hired for the contract. Because only one was revealed to the Imperial Troopers. He just said that the Djo's had hired enough. So when Madam Djo contacted them, and said the matter is urgent. They acted, expecting to be adequately compensated, after the fact.
The Moff just shook his head, not believing what he was hearing. He was informed from the bridge, that they lost track of the Fenelar Phoenix, when it landed on a barren planet in the system. They asked, if they should send out some starfighters, to re-establish contact with the Phoenix? The Moff decided against it. He does not want to get on the wrong side of the Djo family. Especially, when he might need their help. They seem to know how to use the back channels, to get things done.
The First Minister from Yitabo contacted him. He told him that the Sith Lord that took over command of ISSC, is interfering with his ability to divert all freighters in this sector, to haul grain. He has used the military, to force his competitors' freighters to land on surface spaceports, then arrested their crews. He has also ordered that his competitors' freighters that are still operational, not to deviate from the routes he has authorised for them. The ISSC does not have enough operational freighters to take up the slack. The Sith Lord claims that there is a freighter war going on, to take down the ISSC. One of the ways that the competitors are doing it, is that they have tied up all surplus parts, for repairing freighters. So the ISSC has a number of inoperable freighters, and their competitors claim that there is a shortage of parts, because of the war between the Sith Empire and the Republic, and the increase in pirate attacks. Yet all their freighters are operational.
The Moff sent a message to the Dark Council. Telling them of the Sith Lord's interference. Asking them to tell the Sith Lord to release the freighter crews he has arrested, and to release control of all the freighters in this sector to the Interior Ministry. The Ministry of Intelligence has already caused major damage to this year's harvest on Yitabo. If they do not get the freighters to start moving grain. The only food he will be able to offer the people is breakfast cereal. Because the grain will not be good for anything else. Even the animals will refuse it, as a feed stock.
The Dark Council knew that the Sith Lord was trying to re-establish the ISSC as a major freight company. After that secret base was destroyed by the Revanites. It is also believed that they were also responsible for destroying ISSC headquarter on Nar Shaddaa. The main lab was untouched, so the Military is pushing for the project to be re-opened. The Dark Council is in support of the Military's project. If they can find the right serum, then they can send a wave of supper strong sub-humans to tear the Republic apart with their bare hands. Then they can destroy each other. While the Sith take over the galaxy.
The Dark Council also recognises the urgency of the Moff's request. But they do not want to undo what the Sith Lord is doing. So they sent a reply urging the Moff and the Sith Lord to cooperate, for the wellbeing of the Empire.
The Moff was disappointed with the reply. But it was what he expected. The only viable option he can see, is to get rid of the Sith Lord. So he can regain control of the sector. The only other thing he foresees, is being executed for losing control of this sector, with all the planets rioting because of the food situation.
Kenny and Ludia arrived at the Wookiee settlement before the Fenelar Phoenix. The Wookiees were not expecting to see a bounty hunter's ship, so they came out of their dwellings with bowcasters in hand. Just in case the occupants of the Mantas-5, wanted to cause trouble. So it was a great relief when they recognised who came out. All the Wookiees had seen Smasher on his hunting forays in their territory. Their hunters spoke of him with great respect, when describing his hunting abilities, to the rest of the colony. Including his willingness to share his kills. So when they were told that he was killed, the whole colony felt a sense of loss. They readily agreed to help gather wood for a funeral pyre.
Ludia asked it to be built by the edge of the lake. That way if anything else caught on fire, she had a ready source of water, to quickly put the fire out.
The Fenelar Phoenix arrived just as Ludia was getting ready to bring Smasher's body out of the Mantas-5. She waited for everyone to come out. Including bringing out Richard and Rudy.
Rudy started howling, when he saw Ludia bringing out Smasher's body from out of the small ship. He knew now, that he would not be able to play again with his best friend. Richard and Rasha hugged him around his neck, just to remind him that they were there. But no one tried stopping him, because his mournful howling seemed to express how everyone felt.
Ludia started the funeral pyre burning by creating a ball of fire in her hands, and placing it at the base of the wood. The day had been calm to this point. Then suddenly a breeze appeared out of nowhere, fanning the flames of the fire, so that it quickly enveloped Smasher's body. Some of the Wookiees were hoping that they were not showing disrespect. When they ran back to their dwellings, and returned with forked spears. They waded out into the lake, up to their knees, and stood there. It wasn't long before a Wookiee jabbed his spear into the water, and came up with a nice big fish on the end of his spear. Soon others were also jabbing their Spears into the water, coming up with their own fish.
An elder approached Ludia, and told her that Smasher has provided them with a nice fish feast. So that they can celebrate his departure. Ludia had tears in her eyes, when she told the elder that she would like that. She asked if a portion could be set aside, for Krillgan to partake of. Because he wasn't here for the celebration. The elder thought that there would be more than enough, to set some aside for Krillgan as well.
The Wookiees noticed that the funeral pyre was burning hotter and faster than what they would have expected, because of the breeze that was blowing. It was the same effect as the bellows in a blacksmith's forge. So they positioned the fish on the end of a stick around the funeral pyre accordingly, so the fish would cook and not burn. It was like a palisade of roasting fish had surrounded Smasher for his send off.
When the fish were ready, everyone sat down to eat in the light of the funeral pyre. With bowls of salads and plates of flatbread being passed around. Ludia had to keep an eye on Richard, because he was feeding Rudy. She wanted to make sure that Richard remembered to eat, and not just give everything to Rudy. Rudy was happy to know that Smasher had provided them this feast.
After the celebration meal, there was a meeting, on what everyone wanted to do next.
Rasha agreed that it was her responsibility to fly the Santhes Security Officers home to Lianna. Tamrack's comrades said that they would stay with the Wookiees, until they found out what became of their Commander. They told Ludia about Tamrack being arrested. They also told her about the Wookiee mercenaries being round up and disarmed. But that the Imperial Troopers brought them and their bowcasters to the Phoenix. Because they were told by their Moff that it was a prison ship.
Kenny told Ludia that he believes that the Moff is trying to save face, by demonstrating that he is restoring order to Yitabo. He does not believe that Commander Tamrack is in any danger.
The Moff decided to contact Madam Djo. To see is she has the connections to get rid of the Sith Lord. He connected to the Ministry, who then connected him with the Radcliffe Ranch. It was the foreman who answered the communicator. He told them that neither Mr. Kenny nor Madam Djo were at the ranch at the moment. They were making funeral arrangements for the member of the Djo family that had died, during the retaking of the ranch house from the bounty hunter, and his pirate companions. The foreman could not give any details about how they managed to defeat their enemy. He told the Moff that he was at his parents' farm. He had been released by the bounty hunter, to contact the Phoenix, and Master Djo, when they realized that the Master was not home. He did see the person that was killed. He described him as being big and strong. Easily able to take on two men at once. No he wasn't a Basilisks. He was bigger and only had two arms. The foreman told the Moff that he did not know if they had any special weapons. The women rescued told him that Madam Djo was only armed with a bow and arrows. He did know that no mercenaries were used in assaulting the ranch house. Only Djo family members. He did not know how many. (He did not think that the Moff would believe him if he just said that there were only two.) The Moff did ask the foreman to have Mr. Kenny and Madam Djo contact the Ministry when they return.
The Moff wondered if the Djo family is connected to one of the casino operations he heard about, in the outer rim. They are supposed to be somewhat primitive, but still manage to stop attempts by the Hutts and The Exchange, from taking them over. They would also have connections with many mercenary units, as they would be clients. He doubted that they would be intimidated by a Jedi Master or a Sith Lord. He actually became excited. This might work. He just had to be patient, and let them contact him. He made sure that the Ministry knew to connect the Radcliffe Ranch with his ship, when they called.
Ludia let Rudy decide where he wanted to be. She was returning to the place where Smasher was killed, with Richard. Rasha was taking their flying den, to take the men home. She would also be returning with Krillgan. Rudy decided to stay on the flying den. He was sure that Rasha would take the time to play with him.
Ludia went aboard the Phoenix before it left. She had an empty jam jar that she had cleaned and washed before she had left the ranch house. She wanted to fill it with the Kolto that Krillgan bleeds off at a regular basis. To help Emily get better. She knew that she would not be able to take it all. Krillgan likes to keep a portion in reserve, to top up the supplies, when they return to Dathomir. Little vials are also handy to keep on hand, if they ever need to persuade someone, to see things from their perspective.
One of Tamrack's mercenaries was flying with them in the Mantas-5. To the ranch house. He would then fly it back to the Wookiee settlement. He did mention to Ludia that his comrades would like to keep the bounty hunter ship. If she had no need for it. Ludia told him that Krillgan would have the final say on what happens with the ship. She did not mention that Rasha would be heartbroken, if she did not have the opportunity to search the ship, and check out its armory. There are bound to be special weapons aboard. Since it was trained assassins that were using it.
The Moff had both mercenary Commanders go over the satellite surveillance footage of their taking control of the spaceport and the military base. He appreciated that they tried to do it, without taking anyone's life. It was only when the fake Base Commander, yelled out, that Imperial Troopers were killed. It was somewhat unnerving to witness how efficient the Wookiees were, in eliminating the Imperial Troopers that did pick up their blaster rifles, and start shooting at them. The Moff was disappointed that they had no satellite surveillance of the assault on the Radcliffe Ranch. He assumed that the Ministry of Intelligence ordered that that satellite self-destruct, to cover their tracks.
He did not know that it was the First Minister's Personal Secretary that ordered it to self-destruct, when released from the detention cell, by Madam Djo's mercenaries. While still in the Base Commander's office. He believed that it would be best that the Empire did not know what happened. He also erased all recorded footage. Then made it look like the fake Base Commander did it. In case someone went snooping.
When Mr. Kenny did call, the Moff invited Mr. Kenny and Madam Djo, to come aboard his ship. He would like to meet them. Mr. Kenny refused. He told the Moff that it would be better if he came to the ranch house for dinner. He would also appreciate it, if he brought his prisoners, and turned them over to him. The Moff was about to object that he has no prisoners. Then remembered that the two Mercenaries where still technically his prisoners. He knew that it would look good to the locals, if he did surrender his prisoners to Mr. Kenny and the Djo family. So he agreed.
Mr. Kenny then went on to stipulate, that he could not land his shuttle at the ranch house. He can either use the Ministry vehicles, or a troop transport, from the base. The Moff realized that Mr. Kenny was probably worried about their being powerful eavesdropping equipment on the shuttle. Which there was. He also did not want anyone listening in on their conversations, so he agreed.
Ludia decided to mix some Kolto with massage oil, and give Emily a massage. It would be a good way to have the Kolto go to every part of her body.
What she did not know, was that no one secured the front door after they returned, and Richard decided that he wanted to explore the outdoors. The shaggy creatures he met earlier were real nice to him. So he hoped that the saggy creatures he saw near the ranch house would be just as nice. He went back to the ranch house crying, because these shaggy creatures were not nice at all. They spit at him.
Ludia heard him, and went running out of the house. She wanted to laugh, when she saw what happened to her son. At least he will not be quick to leave the ranch house on his own. She went and picked up her crying little boy, and held him to herself. Knowing that she was going to smell just as bad as him.
When she returned with Richard in her arms. Neither Emily nor Kenny had to be told where Richard went. They could smell it. They just hoped the ranch house would be aired out in time, before their guests arrived.
Ludia went straight to her shower stall in her bedroom. She turned the water one, and they were both in the shower with their clothes on. This was a new experience for Richard. So he forgot all about crying just a short time ago. He found it funny that his mother was getting soap all over their clothes. This was a new way to take a shower. He was disappointed when his mother started to remove all his clothes. He was hoping that taking a shower with his clothes on, was all that was needed. Then he could run around the house in his wet clothes.
His mother washed him very thoroughly. Then dried him in a big towel. She wrapped him in another towel and lay him on her bed. She told him that he needs to take a nap. She is going to finish taking her shower, than will come back, and lay down beside him. He nodded his head in agreement, and fell asleep before she returned.
The guest did not say anything when they arrived. Being very polite. But there was a lingering odour. The Wookiee Commander started laughing when he recognised the smell, and told Tamrack, who told the Moff.
Madam Djo confessed that her son Richard escaped the house, while the adults were occupied. Heading straight for the Nerfs. Apparently, the cows are no very fond of little boys, and at least two cows spit at him. Which made him very upset.
Madam Djo and Emily Radcliffe complimented Kenny on a superb meal. Which surprised the three guests. Who also complimented Mr. Kenny.
The Moff mentioned that he had never tasted the wine before. Nor had he heard of Singing Mountain Winery.
Mr. Kenny told him that he is not surprised. It is not a common wine, and does not age well, so needs to be consumed within its first year of being bottled. He also let it slip, that it was only available in Republic Space. Then he winked at Tamrack.
The Moff was not phased. He asked Kenny if he could send him a bottle, the next time he gets a shipment. He would pay him of course. Then he asked Madam Djo, if the family has any connections with a casino? Madam Djo told him that they are part owners. (This had all the other adults on the table look at her.) Then she asked him why he asked? The Moff told her that he suspected that this was how her family had connections with different mercenary groups, and why they could import such exquisite wine.
Everyone smiled, and no one corrected the Moff.
For dessert, Kenny had made a berry cake. It was a one layer cake, with a berry glaze on top. Because it was harvest. Berries were in abundance. Richard had a bowl full for his desert. Mama also shared her cake with him. Which he very much enjoyed.
After dinner, Grandmother Emily took Richard with her. It was their bedtime.
After they left, the Moff asked Mr. Kenny, how Mrs. Radcliffe is doing? He heard that she was injured during the hostage taking.
Kenny told him, that the bounty hunter slapped her around, because she refused to do what he told her. Telling him that he had no manners, and should respect the elderly.
He told the Moff that she has been getting a lot better, once Mrs. Djo started giving her regular massages, along with her regular medication. Only she is not as strong as before. She seems definitely, more frail. He is quite concerned about her.
The Moff told him that he was very sorry to hear that. He also assumes that the cowards got what they deserved? There is no record of their bodies being brought to the base to be identified.
Mr. Kenny told him, that the predators are very bold around the ranch. Especially when they can smell a fresh kill. While they were occupied with their own dead. The predators dragged all the other bodies away. He was not in the mood of trying to recover their bodies, when he realized what the predators had done.
The Moff asked him, what happened?
Mr. Kenny told him he did not witness what happened outside. He just saw the bounty hunter being pinned to the bookcase with one of Madam Djo's arrows. He even got up and pointed out where the arrowhead had been imbedded in the bookcase.
The Moff saw that it was about heart height. Madam must be an excellent archer.
Kenny than mentioned that Madam headed back outside, to help with the fight outside. He saw her fire her bow twice, at two different targets. While standing in front of the front door. Then she ran to the side of the building, and screamed. When he came out, she was crying on Smasher Djo's body. Blaming herself that she wasn't fast enough to save him. Apparently, they kept attacking him in the same spot until his armour failed. Madam felt if she had been a little faster racing through the house. She would have made it outside in time to kill one more pirate. Which would have been enough to save Smasher's life.
The Moff was intrigued with Kenny's story telling. He asked, how many family members, were outside fighting?
Kenny told him that there were only two. Smasher was dealing with the pirates outside, while Madam went through the house. Smasher Djo killed five of the pirates, before he himself perished.
The Moff found it hard to believe that one man would take on, basically, two Ministry of Intelligence assassination squads, all by himself. He must have been one exceptional fighter. No wonder the Hutts and the Exchange have trouble making inroads into the gambling establishments, in the outer rim.
The Moff decided that it was time to share why he really wanted to talk with them. He told them about the Sith Lord that had taken control of the ISSC. He has turned the office on Randon into its new head office. He is also using the Imperial Military, to place a strangle hold on the ISSC's competition. Wanting to force them to merge with the ISSC.
The Moff noticed that Madam Djo reacted when he mentioned the ISSC. He asked if the Fenelar Phoenix had a run in with this company.
Ludia did not want to tell him what she knew. She told him that she was on the Phoenix, while it was travelling along the Trax Tube. It was suddenly knocked out of hyperspace in an unknown system. They came upon pirates attacking an ISSC freighter. The pirates must have recognised the pirate killer. She explained that this is the Phoenix's nickname in most spaceports, and cantinas. Earned under a previous crew. Anyway, the pirate starfighters headed straight for their support ship, and exited the system. The freighter was too badly damaged to leave the system. So the captain ordered everyone to abandon the ship. They took them on the Phoenix, and dropped them off on Uogo'cor.
The Moff remembered reading a report about that incident. He asked Madam Djo, if the ISSC ever offered the Phoenix a reward, for rescuing their crew and passengers?
Ludia told him that the ISSC had never made an effort to thank them.
The Moff told them that normally all of the freighter companies surrender control of all their freighters to the Interior Ministry, during harvest. But this Sith Lord is too interested in bringing his rivals to their knees. Only releasing a couple of freighters to the Interior Ministry. What has happened on Yitabo, has already set them way behind, as far as the harvest is concerned. Without getting all of the freighters under Ministry control, he is afraid that there is going to be food riots, on most of the world's he is responsible for.
Ludia told him that he could have the Fenelar Phoenix as soon as it returns. It can carry more than most freighters.
The Moff was actually surprised to hear that the Phoenix was not in the system. He thanked Madam Djo for the offer. Every little bit will help. He told them that what he needs is someone to take out the Sith Lord. Then the Military and all freighters would once again be under his control. He asked Madam Djo, if her family has ever dealt with a Sith Lord before?
Ludia coyly told him that they have had to deal with a Sith Lord before.
The Moff asked her, if her family could help him deal with this Sith Lord? He apologized, that all he can offer them is intelligence. He cannot even offer them compensation at this point. If this Sith Lord is not eliminated, he can foresee all his assets being frozen. There is also a good chance that the Dark Council will execute him, if food riots break out.
Ludia told him that they will not be able to do anything until Krillgan returns. Then they will discuss it.
The Moff asked her, when she expects Krillgan to return?
Ludia told him that she was expecting him to return aboard the Phoenix. He had a prior commitment that he had to deal with. Otherwise he would have been here. She did caution the Moff, that she did not know how Krillgan will react to Smasher Djo's death. They were extremely close.
The Moff said he understood. Then he started to explain the strategy that would be the most disruptive to the Sith Lord. He suggested that they attack the ISSC office on Deysum III. Making it look like an insurgent attack. Ever since the Military failed to capture the human smuggler. With all parties getting away. Deysum III has been in military lockdown. The Sith Lord does have a Sith apprentice watching over everything for him. So they have to be prepared to deal with him.
Kenny asked the Moff, if taking out the office on Deysum III, might be taken by the Sith Lord as a warning? Causing him to tighten security on Randon. Making it harder to get to him.
The Moff told him that the Sith Lord is very arrogant. He believes that security measures on Deysum III are the best the Military can do. So he will actually slacken security, believing that he has to confront any attack personally.
They talked late into the evening. It was actually Richard that broke up the talking. He came and asked Mommy if he could have a cup of water. This was his way of saying grandmother is snoring again, and he would like to sleep with her. This was something else that was bothering Ludia. She could not remember Emily snoring before the attack.
The Moff got up and excused himself. Telling them that he himself was returning to Randon. To see if he could coax a few more freighters out of the Sith Lord.
Kenny suggested that the two mercenaries spend the night. In the morning they can contact the settlement. There is a Mantas-5 parked there, so they can get someone to fly over and pick them up.
Dreamarra is hoping that Krillgan gets her message in time. There is a sector wide arrest warrant issued for Erin Skywalker. Rumour has it, that there is also a bounty on his head. The freighter company that he and Shmi work for, managed to smuggle them around for a short while. Now they have snuck around to her doorstep. She has taken them and their son Junda into her home. But Erin has the Devronian wanderlust, and is driving everyone crazy. If Krillgan does not come soon. He is libel to do something stupid, and get himself arrested.
Erin told her that the Sith Lord wants him, because he has been working as a ship's engineer, on most freighters that have stopped at spaceports, and indicated that they need help fixing something. The Sith Lord needs some spare parts, because his fleet is falling apart. The Sith Lord believes that he knows were the spare parts are. He admitted to Dreamarra that he knew where they were. But he believes that both of the major freight companies have already moved everything. If he gets caught, and can't deliver the spare parts. Than he is going to be shipped for basic training, as an Imperial Trooper.
Ludia sent a message to the Phoenix, to let them know that as soon as they return, they will be shipping grain from Yitabo to Deysum III. That the contract is for the duration of the harvest. This way they will know to return to the spaceport, and not the Wookiee settlement.
Grimm received both messages, as soon as they dropped out of hyperspace in the Lianna System.
They landed at Santhe Corporation, where Rasha was escorted to Madam Santhe's office. To report on how everything went.
Madam Santhe told Rasha that her ship sent a message, saying mission accomplished. So she is expecting them any day now.
The Cereans asked Rasha, if she knew how well the starfighter did? That they built for Krillgan.
Rasha told them that she wasn't sure. She did know that Smasher died when they attacked the ranch house. So it must have flown them over the mountains, for them to get there. She was surprised that the Cereans showed sorrow on hearing of Smasher's death. Since they always appeared to be afraid of him.
They asked her, if Krillgan will by obtaining another Rancor? Since Smasher was very good at his position, as head of internal ship's security.
Rasha told them that she did not know. Smasher and Krillgan were bonded. She did not know if Krillgan could now bond with another Rancor.
They told her that this made the situation even sadder. Then turned to leave.
Rasha had to call them back. She asked them about loading the back seat of Krillgan's starfighter, on the Phoenix. They will probably need it when they return. The Cereans were surprised that they did not have the starfighter on the ship. So that they could install it. Rasha told them that they had to leave without it. They had their Santhe Security Forces aboard their freighter, dressed as Imperial Troopers, when the Moff entered the system. He would have been quite upset, if he would have seen them dressed like that. The Cereans said they understood. What they really did, is ask the bounty hunter honour wife to explain the situation, so that they would understand.
When the royal yacht did land. Krillgan ignored everyone, and went straight to Rasha. He asked her, who died? She was surprised that he knew, and told him it was Smasher. Krillgan just stood there with his eyes closed, and tears streaming out of them. He did not make a sound.
When he finally opened his eyes, he asked her, if they were ready to depart? She told him that as soon as he loads Ludia's Starfighter onto the Phoenix. They can leave. Krillgan smiled at that comment. He forgot that he had promised Ludia she could have it, as soon as the Cereans finished building the one for him.
Krillgan spotted Madam Santhe standing on the tarmac, looking at him. He went up to her and thanked her for the use of the ship. She asked him if he was going to be alright. He told her that he did not know. But right now, the needs of the living were more important than mourning the dead. She reminded him that he still needs to take time to mourn. Krillgan assured her that he will, then went to retrieve Ludia's starfighter.
When they left the atmosphere, Krillgan had Grimm play the two messages. He sensed there was more to Ludia's message, and contacted the ranch house. Ludia told him that a Sith Lord is in charge of ISSC. That was all he needed to know. He told Ludia that they will be making one quick stop before returning to Yitabo.
Rasha told Krillgan that Rudy has started sleeping on the floor of her cabin. She can feel him through the night, reaching out through the force, just to touch her. To reassure himself that she is still there. The only thing that is hard for her, is to look down, to see where the tip of his tail is. So she does not accidently step on it when she first wakes up.
When Krillgan heard that, he made sure to give Rudy a big hug, and not just scratch him behind the ears. He told Rudy that he also misses Smasher. Rudy asked him, if he would have another Smasher for the ship? For him to play with, and so they could go hunting together. Krillgan told him that he doesn't know. He doesn't know if there can be another Smasher. Rudy then went and retrieved Smasher's ball. He asked Krillgan, if he would make it squeak for him? Krillgan picked up the ball and made it squeak. He then started crying. He finally had to sit on the deck and let the tears flow. Rudy responded by howling. This brought everyone on the ship running. To see what was going on. Rasha knelt behind Krillgan and hugged him. Grimm got down and hugged Rudy. Kran went to the bridge to sit in the pilot's seat. He had tears in his eyes, and did not want anyone to see. Elibet followed him and gave him a wet washcloth to wipe his face. She sat in the captain's chair, and let her tears flow. Kran gave her the washcloth back, when he saw she was crying.
They went to battle mode, after entering the Deysum System. Rasha pointed out to Krillgan which asteroid they would be sitting on, until he returns.
Krillgan took the smuggler's route, down to the planet's surface. As he approached Dragnoor, he sensed the city had changed dramatically, since the last time he was there. Even though it looked the same. He cautiously approached the station, to catch the transit. This station is the end of the line. He noticed the checkpoint restricting access to the station. He decided to walk further down, and catch it at the next stop. He did not get very far, before he saw another checkpoint just down the road. It made him think of Daalang, when he was just a child. When they were running from the Sith. They had checkpoints like this, all over the place.
Krillgan stepped into the alley. He sensed no life signs nearby. So he jumped to the roof of the building. He started running down the block of rooftops. Then he jumped across the street to the next block of rooftops. He knew he could do this here in this residential neighborhood. But what will he do when he needs to cross a major thoroughfare. He won't be able to jump that. There might also be more people. A greater risk of being seen. At night he could just jump on top of the passing transit, and make himself look small. But this is morning. The streets should be packed shortly, with everyone going to work.
The crowds did not materialise. He found out later that most people try to work where they only have to go through no more than one checkpoint. Less chance for them to getting dragged away for conscription. Apartments around factories, will sometimes have two or three families living in them. One family per bedroom. In order to minimize the number of checkpoints one needed to go through, to get to work. Most factories are not working at full capacity. Just because they don't have enough apartments nearby, to house their employees. It's only old people that can move around without fear. So often they are doing the shopping for a whole block of apartments. Which means that they need to make frequent trips every day. Since they are not strong enough to carry very much, nor can they afford porter droids.
Krillgan was very careful, but finally made it to Dreamarra's home. He jumped from the roof, and landed beside the planter at her back door. He knocked softly, not to frighten anyone. The door opened a crack, so an eyeball could get a good look at him. Then the door opened, and Shmi grabbed his arm, and dragged him into the kitchen. She quickly closed the door. Through her arms around his neck, and started crying. It was not long before other eyes started peeking around corners, and down the stairs. Erin only made it down half the steps before launching himself at Krillgan. Krillgan had to catch him using the force, and gently bring him down. Erin told him that he remembers him catching him like that, when he was little. A little boy around Richard's age came down the steps, when he saw both his parents hugging this stranger. Then Grandmother Dreamarra came out of her workshop and started rubbing cheeks with him, than start crying.
Erin and Shmi were proud to introduce their son Junda to Uncle Krillgan. Krillgan told Junda that he looks about the same age as his own son Richard. He would bet that he would have fun playing with him. Junda asked him, if his son also rides around in spaceships? Because that is the only time that he sees other children that he can play with. Krillgan told him that his son does travel with him. But right now he is waiting for him on another planet. When he comes visit, he will be able to play with him there. Shim told Krillgan, that Junda often sees the neighborhood children playing outside. But they can't let him outside. Or everyone in the neighborhood will know that they are there.
Krillgan picked Junda up, and told him that when he was his age, he also had to be careful. Because there were bad men chasing his family. But they eventually found a place where he could go outside and play with the children. He had a lot of fun then.
Junda told him that he hopes it will happen soon for him as well.
Krillgan suggested that they go upstairs, so that they can watch Junda play while they talk.
Shmi offered to make them some tea. Dreamarra suggested that she also bring up some biscuits. Junda asked, if he could have one? Erin told him that he can, as long as he promises not to eat all of them. Junda laughed, because his father was talking silly talk. He promised that he would leave them at least one. Which made the adults laugh.
They were disappointed when Krillgan told them that he wasn't ready to take them with him today. It was hard for him to get around, without going through a checkpoint. He thinks that it will take both him and Ludia to get them to the edge of the city. But they can only take them one at a time through the city. But they should leave the planet as a family. Junda asked him, if he will be taking him someplace where he can play with other children? Krillgan told him that he will be taking them to come play with his son.
Before leaving, Krillgan passed light force energy through them. To calm their spirit, so they would peacefully wait for his return. He only briefly touched Junda, because he felt him absorb the energy. Krillgan believes that he will be like Rasha and his parents, when he is older.
Dreamarra knew that he had only one seat available in his starfighter, just outside the city. She told him that Lindream's daughter is hiding in a warehouse at the edge of the city. Her name is Reighla, and she is pregnant. She is afraid that her number is up, for being conscripted. Dreamarra was hoping that he could take her to the planet where he took the other young adults from her clan.
Krillgan warned Dreamarra that it might be a while before he will be able to take her there.
Dreamarra told him that it was alright. As long as she leaves the planet tonight.
When Krillgan reached the warehouse, he sensed that there was more than one person inside. He knocked on the side door, and gave the password Dreamarra gave him. Someone opened the door and let him in. He found three Devronian females, and one Chagrian couple inside. They asked him, if he is the smuggler? He told them that he is. But that he wasn't prepared to take them all tonight, since he only found out about them.
He told them that Dreamarra asked that he take Reighla tonight. Then he will come back for the rest of them, when he has the time. They asked, how can they be sure he is not a slaver? He told them that they cannot be sure. All he can say is that he is family. Dreamarra would not have sent him, if she did not trust him.
That was good enough for Reighla. She gathered her things, and told him to lead the way. When they were outside, Krillgan told her that it will be faster if he carried her. He also warned her not to rub cheeks with him, because he has Devronian fur. She reached out and touched his cheek with her hand, and was surprised that he did have fur. When he picked her up, she was amazed at how fast he could run.
The ones watching them through their electrobinoculars were also surprised, on how fast he could run. They would need speeder bikes to catch him. The one asked the other, if they should keep watching the warehouse? The other guy said that their informant only knew about one Devaronian female hiding in the warehouse. They just saw her leave with that smuggler. They might want to see if they can set up a surveillance droid. In case others decide to hide out in the warehouse. The first guy said, that with the cost of surveillance droids, the boss will think it is cheaper to have them come out from time to time.
While flying up to the Phoenix, Krillgan introduced himself. He let Reighla know that they really are family. Her mother, is his aunt. He heard Reighla gasp. Then she asked him, if his mother is called Andriel? Krillgan assured her that this is his mother's name. She told Krillgan, that a lot of the older people in the clan, have told her that she looks just like her aunt Andriel. Krillgan told her that he thought so as well.
When they landed on Yitabo, Krillgan asked permission to fly his starfighter from the spaceport to his ranch house. They told him that it would be no problem. Krillgan had Reighla climb into the back seat of the Devaab fighter, while they were still aboard the Phoenix, and had her keep her head down, so that she would not be visible through the canopy. He was surprised, that no one came out to inspect the starfighter, to make sure he was not smuggling anything. Not knowing that everyone was ordered to leave the Djo family alone. By order of the Moff.
As they were lifting off, Krillgan told her it was safe for her to sit-up. Reighla looked down, and saw the line of porter droids carrying containers to the Phoenix.
Kran directed the droids, on where to place the containers of grain. They packed Cargo Bay 2. Deck to ceiling. They filled the tail. Just leaving enough room for Kran to squeeze through, if they were ever attacked by pirates. They piled the containers against the Cargo Bay 1 bulkhead. They even left containers on the ramp. All in all, they were able to load two freighters worth of grain on the Fenelar Phoenix. Without touching Cargo Bay 1, as that is still considered Rudy's den. Even though there was room, with both starfighters off the ship.
While the ship was being loaded, Rasha found out which farm had Krillgan's starfighter, and arranged that the backseat be delivered to the farm. When everything was ready they left.
The First Minister on Yitabo contacted his Moff, and told him how much grain the Fenelar Phoenix was able to load on their ship. He suggested that because of this, the Phoenix should be paid by how much they haul. Not per trip, as is most freighter contracts. The Moff agreed. If he could find just six more ships like the Phoenix. This crisis just might be averted.
Ludia came rushing out of the ranch house as soon as the starfighter landed. She right away asked Krillgan to forgive her. Krillgan told her that he cannot forgive her, because she did nothing wrong.
It was his fault for not listening to her. Ludia asked him what he meant. He told her that he should not have kept his promise. She should have kept it for him. It was her starfighter that was needed on Eriadu. Not him. The Moff never saw her in any of his dreams. She is just as good at duplicating the image of the starfighter as he is. Maybe that would have been enough of a shift in the way things turned out, that Smasher would still be alive.
Ludia told him to stop beating himself up about Smasher's death. They all could have done things differently, if they knew what they were really up against. If it had just been a bounty hunter and pirates, than Smasher would still be alive. But it wasn't. It was two assassination squads from the Ministry of Intelligence, and they were ready for something bigger than Smasher.
Krillgan asked her, if she agrees that they should both stop beating themselves up? Their plan was sound, for the knowledge that they had. The execution by both of them was good. It was something that neither of them anticipated, that cost Smasher his life.
Ludia told Krillgan the last words Smasher said. Which made them both cry on each other's shoulder. Then Ludia told him that she really misses him. Krillgan told her that he did as well, and they both cried again. Then Ludia asked him, if Rasha told him about the funeral, ending in a big feast? Krillgan told her that she did, it was a fitting send off for Smasher. Ludia then asked him, who is the young lady?
Reighla had been patiently sitting there waiting. She did not know how to climb down from the cockpit. Since Krillgan always used the force, whenever she went in or out. Krillgan apologized to Reighla, and lifted her out of the cockpit, and placing her on the ground. At the same time introducing her to Ludia as his cousin, and introducing Ludia as his wife.
After the acceptable hug, they entered the ranch house. Before Krillgan could introduce her. Emily yelled Andriel. She then grabbed her with tears running down her face. While she hugged her, she rubbed cheeks with her. She told everyone that both her daughters have visited her on the same day. They must celebrate. She told them that Bacgruta visited her last night. She said that she would be coming back in a couple of days, to take her to where she can learn to dance. There are a lot of people who want to dance with her. Emily then looked at Krillgan. She told him that Bacgruta told her that he needs to talk with Grandmother Dreamarra, on how to be recognised as a Krillgan. She told her daughter that she does not understand. Krillgan is very easy to recognize.
Krillgan started telling Reighla about his mother coming to Yitabo, and finding Grandmother Emily who adopted her as her daughter.
Emily could not understand why Krillgan would tell Andriel that. She was there, while their hearts bonded.
Krillgan told Emily that he is only showing her, that he remembers all the stories she told him growing up.
Emily told him that he is a good son. Then she took the woman that she thinks is her daughter, on a tour of the ranch house. She did not introduce her to anyone. Because she knew who Kenny was from her first visit, and she should know that Richard is her grandson. The foreman left the kitchen with drinks for his crew. He believed that the family would want to handle Mrs. Radcliffe. He has never seen her like this.
Krillgan whispered to Kenny that she is his cousin Reighla. The youngest daughter of his mother's sister. Now Kenny understood. He had also mistaken her for Andriel. She is also around the same age that Andriel was, when she first came to Yitabo. Krillgan asked him, if he thought they should intervene? Emily is blending the past with the present. Kenny told him that he doesn't think they can do anything but humor her. She has not recovered since the fake bounty hunter slapped her around.
Krillgen went up to Emily and told her that she forgot to give him his kiss, since he returned. Emily apologised, and took both his hands and kissed him. Krillgan was surprised that she did not need very much Kolto. He also quickly scanned her brain using the force. He was not at all pleased with what he saw. He detected scar tissue, but was not able to determine how much. He also believes that portions of her brain are dead.
Krillgen asked his grandmother if he could have his mother back. He needs to talk with her. Emily agreed, she said that she was going to see if Kenny needs help in the kitchen. Now that her daughter has come visiting, she wants to make sure that she doesn't starve to death.
Krillgan took Reighla into his bedroom, with Ludia right behind him. He told them both what he was able to detect. He admitted that Grandmother Emily is dying. If her dream is correct, than she only has a couple of days.
Reighla asked him, why he thinks that the dream is more than a dream? Krillgan told her that he believes that Grandmother Emily was never told that Andriel's mother is called Dreamarra. The real Bacgruta would not have known this as well.
Reighla told them that she does not mind pretending to be her aunt. She could really feel her love for Andriel while they were rubbing cheeks. More important, her baby could feel it as well.
Both Krillgan and Ludia gave her a hug. They told her that the little boy playing in the living room, is their son Richard. The man called Kenny is also family. Bacgruta was also an adopted daughter. Kenny had served Mr. Radcliffe for many years. Even after Emily married him. Then Kenny fell in love with Bacgruta and married her. Reighla smiled and told them that this is why she felt so much love in this house.
Kenny was not happy to hear about Emily's condition. Krillgan told him that he believes that most of the damage was done before Ludia rescued them. So even had he been there, as well. He could not have reversed what has been done.
Emily died the day that they were supposed to depart for Deysum III. Ludia was supposed to accompany Krillgan in his new starfighter. To help him rescue his brother Erin. As well as Shmi and Junda.
Commander Tamrack, along with a buddy, was supposed to depart in the Mantas-5. Then they were to rendezvous with the Phoenix in the Deysum system. Rasha was to join them in the Mantas-5, along with some of the explosives stored in Rudy's den.
Instead it turned into a day of mourning. Krillgan and Ludia let Kenny handle everything. As he knew the procedure for burying someone on Yitabo. He first had to notify the Interior Ministry. When they asked for the cause of death? He told them that it was the Ministry of Intelligence.
The foreman called his parents. They in turn called all the farmers.
Kenny then called the dress shop, since Emily still owned it. He then called the town Mayor. He asked for permission to cremate Emily, in market square. Which the Mayor readily agreed to.
It was not a traditional market day. So the Mayor called all the food vendors. Asking if they could come and feed the people. They all agreed.
Ludia and Reighla picked out one of Emily's dresses, to dress her in, after washing her body. Ludia had to remind Reighla that she can look at the rest of her dresses after the funeral.
Before leaving Deysum III, Reighla had been working with her mother Lindream, in her dress shop. She was also scheduled to be examined as a Master Seamstress. But that has been postponed, until she arrives at her new home. So Emily's dress designs were very intriguing to her.
The flower vendor had somehow convinced the Interior Ministry, to lend him one of their droid driven vehicles. He used it to transport most of his stock of flowers out to the ranch.
They laid Emily's body on a white bedsheet, then laid her on one of their farm skiffs. The florist mentioned which flowers Emily loved most. They placed them around her head, with the rest of the flowers placed around the body. The farm skiff slowly made its way to town. Followed by the ranch limousine. With Kenny, Krillgan, Ludia, Richard, and Reighla, inside. Another farm skiff followed behind, with the foreman, and all the ranch hands aboard it. This was followed by the Ministry vehicle, with the florist inside it.
Commander Tamrack and his buddy decided to stay at the ranch house. Since they did not know Emily, or the people of Yitabo. They had come to the ranch house to give Krillgan and Ludia a ride to their starfighter. Since they were planning on leaving together.
When they reached the town, the town's people had prepared market square. In the center of the square, they had a base layer of firewood. On top of that was piled some straw from the harvest. Around the outer perimeter they had placed pails of water filled from the town's water system. Because it was harvest, everything was tinder dry. So they felt it was best to take this precaution.
Both Krillgan and Ludia felt that they could use their control of the fire element, to keep sparks from becoming a hazard when they cremated Emily. With all the hands that were there, it was a simple matter of transferring Emily's body from the farm skiff, to the funeral pyre that was prepared for her. Without one flower being moved out of place. Everyone mentioned how it looked like Mrs. Radcliffe was sleeping. All the people from the town were there, except the baker. They gave everyone from the ranch their condolences. The reason the baker wasn't there, was because he had returned to his shop, to start preparing buns for all the food vendors that would be coming to town. To make sure everyone was fed.
They met the lady that runs the dress shop. After giving her condolences, she asked them what was to become of the dress shop. Since it was still owned by Emily. She also mentioned to Ludia and Reighla that their dresses did not suit the type of dancing they do on Yitabo. She assumed that Kenny forgot to tell them, that there will be a dance after the burning. To celebrate Emily's life. She suggested that they both come to the dress shop, to change into one of the dresses they have there. Just before the dance.
The three ladies made a quick trip to the dress shop to see what is available. Since the farm skiffs just started arriving. They expected that it would still be another six to eight hours before the farthest farmers could make it, and they would light the fire. They will be back at the square in plenty of time to meet all the farmers that would want to speak to them.
Ludia laughed when she saw the dresses that the seamstress brought out for them to try one. After taking their measurements. She told them that on Chalacta it is called the pregnancy dress. Because of the high success rate for women becoming pregnant, after they wear it. The seamstress turned red, and told them that this was also its nickname on Yitabo. If they prefer, she will try and find something else. Ludia told her that it would not hurt them to wear it. Since they are both already pregnant. Ludia then explained to Reighla that this is one of her Aunt Andriel's designs. Reighla wanted to look at it before trying it on. But Ludia reminded her that it would not look good if they were away too long. The seamstress told Reighla that if she was going to be in town a while longer, she can show her all of the designs that her aunt left them. She always enjoys making them, when a Ministry Official orders them because she is being transferred, and wanted to upgrade her wardrobe.
The dresses fit well enough, that they could wear them to the dance, and no one would notice that the seamstress did not have time to make alterations.
When they returned to the square, all the old farmers stared at Reighla. There were whispers that the Blue Wizard's wife had returned. Kenny had to tell them that she is her niece. She just happened to be visiting the ranch, when Mrs. Radcliffe passed away. She also thought that her daughter had come to visit her. So she was a very happy lady, the last few days of her life. This made the farmers more comfortable in meeting her.
The women found that the town folk had lit four smudge pots, and placed them around the funeral pyre. The smudge pots had a mixture of damp sweet grasses. The purpose being that their smoke would keep insects away from Mrs. Radcliffe's body. So that the people would not be forced to retreat from the square, because of insects.
The First Minister and his Personal Secretary also came out to talk with Mr. Kenny, about the cause of death. Kenny told them that he had a healer give Emily a quick check. Because she never completely recovered from her beating. The healer told him about the scar tissue on Emily's brain. As well as parts of Emily's brain being killed because of the trauma. The healer was upset that he could not restore her. Telling them that Emily was slowly dying. For the First Minister, this showed that Mr. Kenny and the Djo family knew that the people they killed at the ranch house, when they took back control. Were really Ministry Intelligence assassins. This was the first confirmation that they knew. They were also concerned about how this will affect the relationship between the Djo family and the Sith Empire. Mr. Kenny politely told them that the family has no negative feelings towards the Interior Ministry. The same cannot be said for the rest of the Sith Empire. They would not hesitate to kill someone, if they found out that they were from the Ministry of Intelligence. As far as they are concerned, they declared war on their family.
When this was relayed back to the Moff. He agreed that the document should not be altered concerning the cause of death for Mrs. Emily Radcliffe. It should be placed with all the documentation concerning the Radcliffe Ranch. This file needs to be sealed. Requiring permission from the Moff, before it can be opened to be read. The First Minister and his Personal Secretary, did have permission from their Moff to keep the file up to date. But no one else was allowed to look at it.
Most of the farmers had seen the videos of Smasher racing in the Rancor races, and asked Mr. and Mrs. Djo about the Rancor. Krillgan and Ludia told them that they know of a planet that has no tractors. They use Rancor to do all the things on the farm, that tractors normally do. Smasher was not taught to do farm work. He was only taught to compete in the Rancor Races. They were only able to purchase him from the Hutts, after his last rider was killed in the races, and their beastmasters believed that he would no longer accept another rider.
They asked the couple, why they would even consider buying a Rancor?
Krillgan and Ludia told them that they knew they are beastmasters, so could communicate with the Rancor. They purchased him because the Fenelar Phoenix has a flaw. It is too easy for a stranger to sneak aboard the ship and steal freight. By making Smasher the head of internal ship's security, this flaw was eliminated. It also kept customs officials and Imperial Troopers off of their freighter. So they had never been charged additional excises.
The farmers asked them, how the crew felt about the Rancor? Krillgan and Ludia had to admit that the crew did not like it at first. Especially when they heard that the Rancor still considered all human species as being on its menu. But after they realised that the Rancor considered the ship as its den, and all the crew as part of its herd. Even going as far as fighting another Rancor to protect them. They all felt better. They also liked how Smasher kept the customs officials off their ship.
The farmers then asked them, if Smasher has ever eaten anyone? Krillgan told them that unofficially, there are custom inspectors missing from some spaceports. Officially no evidence has ever been recovered to explain their disappearance. This made all the farmers laugh.
They told the foreman that they like talking to their bosses. They also like meeting the niece of the Blue Wizard's wife. They were happy to hear that Mrs. Radcliffe's last days were full of joy.
Someone did comment on the Holonet, that Andriel's niece looks just like her. This caused a new batch of bounty hunters to come to Yitabo. Wondering if the wife of the Blue Ghost could be there.
After that, every ship that was not a freighter, when landing at the spaceport, was immediately surrounded by Imperial Troopers. An Imperial Officer would then approach the ship. They would tell the young bounty hunter, that they now have a description of them and their ship. If they do not leave this sector of space, and foolishly land at another spaceport. Then this sectors Moff will seize their ship, and assume that they are volunteering to become Imperial Troopers.
No one knows how many young bounty hunters became Imperial conscripts. All that is known was that the Mandelorian Government refused to get involved, if they were ever contacted. They took this as one of the ways that bad bounty hunters were being weeded out. So that the good bounty hunters would start to be noticed.
It was the Mayor that kept track of which farmers made it to town. When he believed that everyone had arrived. He let Mr. Kenny know.
After the last farm family greeted the family and passed on their condolences. The sun had already set, but there was still a little colour in the sky. Kenny lit a torch. Krillgan, holding Richard, and Ludia, also put their hand on it. Even Reighla was invited to put her hand on the torch handle. Together, they lit the funeral pyre. The farmers, and town people, all had to back up from the funeral pyre. Because it was burning hotter than anyone expected. They also were happy that any embers that flew off. Instead of flying up, then floating over the town. Went up in a swirl of air, and quickly burnt themselves out, before they became a hazard.
As the fire started to diminish, the farmers started going over to the pavilion. To make preparation for the dance. The food vendors also moved to the pavilion, and set up, like they do for a barbecue. Word had been passed around that the ranch was picking up the cost. So no one was going to be charged.
The seamstress came over and told Ludia and Reighla that it was time for them to change. Krillgan assured Ludia that he could look after Richard and the fire. The ladies left to change, and Reighla asked Ludia about the comment. Ludia whispered that they have been helping the fire burn faster, so that no one was too tired from standing around. Reighla asked her, how they did that? Ludia told her that it is just one of the tricks they learnt growing up. But she could not explain how they do it.
There was a good amount of talking while everyone was eating. Kenny was happy to overhear the farmers describing Smasher jumping down from the starfighter, when Madam Djo held out her arms to the Rancor. No one ascribed anything thing she did, as using the force. They just considered her to be very athletic, and very confident of her abilities. Especially when you consider that she was planning on taking on armed men, using bow and arrows. The women who were in the ranch house, described how accurate she is with her bow and arrows. Pinning the bounty hunter's arm to the bookcase with her first shot. Forcing him to drop his blaster pistol. Then she pinned his other arm by thrusting an arrow through it. So he would not interfere when she went outside to kill two of the pirates.
The one farmwife told everyone about Mr. Kenny. How he openly wept, when the bounty hunter beat Mrs. Radcliffe. He could not go to her rescue, because the pirates had him restrained. When he finally had his chance. He did not hesitate to go to the kitchen and grab a knife. Then he went back to the main room, and made the bounty hunter scream, by flicking one of the arrows. When he realized that the bounty hunter was really a coward, he just slight his throat.
The other thing the farmers did in their story telling, was starting to call the Rancor, Smasher Djo.
They all liked that Master Djo looked like he knew how to dance. Madam Djo was a quick learner. Master Djo and Mr. Kenny both danced with Andriel's niece. Little Richard Djo also enjoyed dancing with his parents, and his aunt. The whole community felt that this was a good way for them to say goodbye to Mrs. Radcliffe.
Everyone at the ranch house slept in the next morning. It was almost noon when they boarded the Mantas-5 to fly to Krillgan's Starfighter. Krillgan then followed them out to space, because he would need the data from their astrometric computer, to enter the proper data into his hyperspace drive, so that they could jump to the Deysum System, together.
When they left, Kenny took Reighla and Richard to the dress shop. Entering through the back door. Kenny went upstairs, so that he could watch Richard play. This gave the seamstress time to be with Reighla and show her all the designs she has on file. So that she would know which are Andriel's designs, and which ones were Emily's. After making tea for everyone, she had time to talk with Mr. Kenny about the future of the dress shop.
Rasha knew that she had a couple of days on the rest of them. Rather than wait. She decided to dock with Deysum III's orbiting spaceport, and unload all the grain.
They were surprised that there were no humans to bother them. Just the porter droids. The porter droids told them, that everyone was told not to interfere with any ship transporting grain. What the Moff had said, that if anyone interfered with a grain shipment, they will find themselves being transferred to the front lines, the very next day. Since the Phoenix told traffic control that they were there to unload a shipment of grain. No one wanted to be near them, in case someone reports them as interfering with the shipment.
The droids were very efficient. Removing every container full of grain, then replacing them with exactly the same number of empty containers to take back to Yitabo.
Rasha then flew the Phoenix to the edge of the system, and waited. This gave Elibet time to go over the alterations on the officer's uniform for Rasha. Krillgan told Elibet, that the uniform could not look like it was altered by a seamstress. Female officers in the Imperial Military would only go to that extent for their dress uniforms. The alterations need to look like a friend helped them do it. Or the Imperial Troopers manning the checkpoints would become suspicious.
They still had to wait for more than a day. They found out later that this was because of Mrs. Radcliffe's death and subsequent funeral.
Krillgan's custom built starfighter, and the Mantas-5, both entered the Deysum system at the same time. Krillgan continued on to Deysum III. While Commander Tamrack docked with the Phoenix. Rasha came aboard the Phoenix wearing her uniform, with Tamrack's uniform draped over one arm. She also had an Imperial backpack, stuffed with all sorts of explosives, except incendiary devices. Krillgan made it clear, he did not want a fire. She was also wearing her blaster pistol. His pistol holster was in the hand that had his uniform. She also had two blaster rifles draped over a shoulder. Krillgan told them that the officers on this planet, also carried blaster rifles.
As soon as Rasha was aboard the Mantas-5, it headed for Deysum III, and the Fenelar Phoenix jumped into hyperspace heading for Yitabo.
As soon as they landed, Krillgan took Ludia on the route he took the first time he went to Dreamarra's home. He pointed out, that when they return for Shmi and Junda, after taking Erin to the starfighter. They can jump on top of the transit system, and make themselves small. He doubts that anyone would notice them. But right now they have to take the back alleys and rooftops, to skirt around the checkpoints.
Because they were both wearing their leather outfits, and looked like smugglers. There was no doubt in anyone's mind, that they would be stopped, to show the proper id at the first checkpoint they came to. Krillgan would not be able to explain why he was wearing a modified blaster pistol, when civilians were not allowed any weapons at all. Ludia's light saber would also raise a few questions.
Dreamarra did remember to leave her roof access hatch unlocked, so they entered her residence that way. Junda was the first one to see them, and jumped into Krillgan's arms, than asked him who the nice lady is that came with him. Krillgan told him the she is his wife, so Junda should call her Aunt Ludia. Junda then went racing through the upstairs apartment, through to the kitchen on the main floor, to tell all the adults that Uncle Krillgan and Aunt Ludia are here.
After Erin hugged his brother, Ludia asked him, if she could hug him as well? Erin answered by putting his arms around her. He told her how thankful he is that they returned. He was sure that it will be one thing less that Dreamarra has to worry about. Now that she is shopping for many of her neighbours, because of the situation on Deysum III. Shmi was also quick to give Ludia a hug, then hugged Krillgan. Then she ran down the stairs, to prepare dinner for all of them. She told Erin to set the dining room table. They won't be eating in the kitchen, in case someone unexpected, came to the back door.
Dreamarra came home from her shopping trip, and from the smile on Shmi's face she knew she had company. She quickly made it up the steps, and hugged Ludia. Because she was the closest. Then she hugged Krillgan, and rubbed cheeks with him. Krillgan asked her, how her supply of Kolto was holding out? She told him that she still has her vial. Krillgan asked her for two small glass jars. He does not know when he will be able to come back, and he wants to leave some extra for her, and some extra for Chitrah's family. While he was bleeding out some Kolto, he asked her, if Cabrera ever figured out who had betrayed them, and dealt with them?
Dreamarra told him that she did not know. Then she remembered a news story about a member of the Businessmen's council, being attacked in the city by predators, than being dragged out to the wasteland. There was not that much left of the body to identify him. They say that this is the reason the Imperials are planning to dome all the cities on Deysum III. Most people believe it is to stop all the human smugglers. Apparently, people walk out of a city and get picked up by smugglers. They say it happens all the time. Then they all laughed, because that is just what is happening tonight.
Krillgan told grandmother about the dream that Grandmother Emily, had before she died. Dreamarra thought for a long time. She told her grandson that the Devaronians are considered one of the original spacefaring species. They are also one of the original species involved in the founding of the Republic. So Devaronian law is respected in all of the Republic. She was sure the old laws would have mentioned something about Krillgans, since they were important in shaping Devaronian society, before they ever went to space. It would mean that Krillgan will have to go to Devaron, to research the old laws. Because he is a member of the One Clan on Eriadu, they cannot deny him access, even though he is of mixed race. She would not be surprised, if there were also rules on how to test him. To determine whether he really is a Krillgan, because of the authority he would have, in rendering judgement. She doubted that anyone on Devaron would want to give him the freedom to execute whoever he wants. Especially people who hold power. As Krillgan, he would hold authority, even over them.
They took Erin first. Leaving through the roof hatch. Both Krillgan and Ludia could jump across a regular street to the next block of buildings. They both felt it was safer if they both carried Erin across that gap. They both believed they could do it on their own. But then they would need to stop and rest. By doing it together, they did not need to rest. When they came to a major boulevard. Krillgan jumped down, then crossed the road, than jumped up on top of the building on the other side. Ludia would them pick Erin up, and carry him halfway across. Krillgan would then grab him and carry him the rest of the way across. Finally, Ludia would run and jump. At the same time Krillgan would reach out and grab her. Both lifting her and pulling her. So in this way she made it across.
The Sith Lord's apprentice on Deysum III, did not like sitting in ISSC's office at night. He preferred walking the streets, in case the Imperial Troopers needed him. He felt drawn by the force, to go to a part of the city he had never been to before. When he saw someone jumping from rooftop to rooftop across a street, he knew someone was using the force, and chased on the ground after them. He did not know how to get to the rooftop, and doubted that he could jump that far using the force. The first checkpoint he came to, he ordered the Imperial Troopers to follow him.
When Krillgan sensed all the bodies on the ground chasing after them. He gave his communications device to Erin, and told Ludia to continue without him. He believes the Sith apprentice is chasing them. It's time to create a diversion. Krillgan jumped down from the rooftop to the street the apprentice was approaching from. There was enough of a gap between the apprentice, and the Imperial Troopers, that Krillgan did not have to worry about them. As soon as Krillgan landed, he opened fire on the apprentice, at the same time as closing the distance between them. This tactic confused the apprentice, who stopped dead in his tracks, and pulled out his lightsaber, to reflect the blaster bolts straight back at his adversary. The Imperial Troopers just saw a stream of blaster bolt fire traveling between the two adversaries. They did not know if the apprentice was missing what looked like a smuggler. Because none of the blaster bolts seemed to impact him. Yet the rate of fire seemed to be increasing.
When Krillgan was close enough, he used the force to push the lightsaber, causing the blaster bolts to impact on the apprentice's armour, one right after another. Eventually going through the armour, then going through the apprentice's heart, killing him. Just to be safe. Krillgan took his lightsaber and cut his head off.
By this time the Imperial Troopers were close enough to level their rifles at Krillgan, and order him to drop his weapons, and place his hands were they can see them. Krillgan tried telling them that the lightsaber was not his. He just borrowed it to behead the Sith. The safest way to deal with a dead Sith. Krillgan did not want to drop his blaster pistol, in case he somehow damaged it.
When they felt they had enough rifles trained on the smuggler. One of the Troopers approached him, and took the lightsaber and blaster pistol from him. Then they secured his hands in slaver's restraints. They asked him, how he did that? Killing a Sith with a blaster pistol. He told them that it was easy. The Sith was used to him firing in a rhythm. So he fired a couple of shots out of rhythm, which got passed him. He was so surprised, that he did not try to stop anymore. The Troopers did not know whether or not to believe him. But it did seem to make sense.
Krillgan asked them, where they were going to take him? What he did next would depend on that answer.
Rasha and Tamrack walked right through all the checkpoints on their way to ISSC headquarters. Tamrack had the higher rank, which is why Rasha had to carry the backpack. They knew from what the Moff shared with them, that headquarters should be empty. The headquarters took up the top two levels of a business building, in the downtown area of the city. Not very far away from the Interior Ministry Building. The first thing they were supposed to do, is find the main computer with all its data. They knew it wasn't a mainframe, like the Ministry's computer. But they needed to access it, to see if one of their computers could read its memory, or would they need to dismantle it. They knew from what the Moff shared, that it was not a Hutt computer. Where they could take all the memory chips, and plug it into another.
Tamrack was more familiar with computers. He told Rasha that he believed that the ship's computer, on the Mantas-5, could read the memory, if none of Grimm's computers could. So they only removed the computer's memory, and replaced it with explosives. Tamrack saw that Rasha had done this a time or two before, and followed her lead. He only made a suggestion, if he thought it would achieve the same results, but used less explosives. You never knew when you might need them.
Krillgan wanted the top two levels of the building leveled. So it would be hard for anyone to determine what happened, besides there being an explosion. That way it would be harder to blame someone for what happened.
When the Imperial Troopers told Krillgan they were taking him to ISSC headquarters, so that the Sith Lord could come from Randon to question him. He reached out with the force, and touched Rasha. If they had told him they were taking him to their Military Base. He would have been forced to kill all of them. Leaving conclusive proof that a force user had been on the planet.
Ludia and Erin had been watching all this. So when Rasha asked Krillgan why he touched her? Ludia told her that Krillgan does not have his communicator on him. He just killed the Sith apprentice, and some Imperial Troopers have captured him. The Troopers must have told him that they are taking him to the detention cells at ISSC headquarters. So Krillgan wants her to be ready to welcome them. Rasha told Ludia that she has just the thing, and broke contact.
Ludia and Erin continued to the starfighter. While Rasha and Tamrack discussed where to place some anti-personnel mines, and how to warn Krillgan. They knew the direction that they would be coming from, from the preparation they made for the mission.
Ludia and Erin made it to the starfighter, before Krillgan reached ISSC headquarters. Ludia told Erin that he can listen, but not speak, unless spoken to by name. She made it back to the transit station, to catch a ride the way Krillgan suggested, before she heard an explosion.
Rasha was standing in the shadow of the building, were ISSC headquarters was. When she saw Krillgan, she motioned downward with her arm.
Krillgan had been reaching out and touching Rasha as they came close to ISSC headquarters, so she knew where to look to see her. When she saw her motion, he dived for cover.
Rasha pressed the trigger to ignite the explosives. Not knowing that Tamrack had put a slight delay between when the headquarters was blown up, and the anti-personnel mines went off.
The Imperial Troopers saw their prisoner dive for cover, and started unslinging their rifles. Then they saw, heard, and felt, the explosions at the top of the building in front of them. They looked up and froze. At that moment the anti-personnel mines exploded, shredding them.
Krillgan pulled a Dathomirite danger out of his boot, and sliced through the hand restraints. He could not believe that the Troopers did not check him for other weapons, when they took the lightsaber and pistol away from him. He went to the Trooper that had taken the light saber and pistol, and retrieved them. He knew that the Troopers had communicated to others that a smuggler had killed the Sith apprentice, and they were taking him to ISSC headquarters so that the Sith Lord could question him at his leisure.
Krillgan ran up to Rasha, sensing that Tamrack was next to her, and reminded them that they need to go. Ludia cut in, and told them that all the Imperial Troopers are leaving their checkpoints and heading towards the heart of the city. She believes that they want to seal off the business district, in order to try and capture them.
The three of them took off running, with Krillgan in the lead. When he sensed others approaching where they are, he ran into an alley. He told them to do as he does, when he tells them. Krillgan started jumping up against each building. Jumping back and forth across the alley way, getting higher with each jump. Rasha saw that it was similar to jumping back and forth between branches in a forest on Kindell's World, when they wanted to reach the canopy.
When Krillgan reached the top of the building, he leaned back and empowered Rasha, who did exactly like he did. When she landed next to him, he signalled Tamrack to do the same. Tamrack felt himself to be much lighter, and found he had no problem jumping back and forth between the walls of the two building.
After landing next to Krillgan and Rasha, he asked Krillgan, if he empowered him, the same way he does Rasha? Krillgan told him that he did not. He wasn't sure that he could have lifted him all the way to the top of the building. So instead he lifted him slightly, and had him use his own strength. Tamrack asked Krillgan, what would have happened to him, if he wasn't strong enough to make it all the way up? Krillgan told him that this is why he had Rasha come up before him. If she would have still been in the alley, she would have tried catching him, even if it meant injuring herself. Tamrack was not sure how to take that. Rasha whispered that Krillgan would not have let go of him. She was sure that by the time he was half way up, Krillgan could have lifted him the rest of the way, but chose to let him continue.
It was just a regular street that separated them from the next building. Krillgan jumped across first. Followed by Rasha, then Tamrack. Again Tamrack felt himself get light, as soon as he jumped off, and floated across.
They watched for a while, as the Imperial Troopers ran up the street, from the building they were on, and set up their perimeter. They were safe. Krillgan asked, if either one of them had a suggestion on how to get down? Tamrack asked if it was alright to use the building's lift. So Krillgan found a way into the building, without triggering any alarms, and the three of them took a lift down to the main floor.
Ludia entered Dreamarra's residence through the roof hatch. She told them that she thinks it will be safe for both Shmi and Junda to come with her this trip. She reminded Dreamarra to lock the roof hatch after they leave. Dreamarra asked her, about the explosion? Ludia told her that it was just Krillgan showing off. She was sure he will tell her what it was all about, when they reach Yitabo. Dreamarra laughed, she knew that Ludia was not telling her everything she knew. But if she says it is safe, than she believes her.
Junda was very excited, he had not been allowed on the roof before. When they reached the edge of the building. His aunt jumped off like it was not a big thing for her. His mother had warned him that they may have to jump up and down from a lot of buildings, and he was looking forward to it. He watched his mother jump down into his aunt's arms, then she waved to him. He did not know that his mother actually did not have to go into his aunt's arms. They did it this way for him. So he would be more comfortable. So when he saw his aunt was ready, he jumped off the building into his aunt's arms, and received a nice hug. His aunt took one hand, and his mother took his other hand. Then they made their way to the transit line.
Junda was disappointed. Now that he jumped off a building, he wanted to jump onto another one. He has taken transit before with his mother. There were a lot more people outside than he expected. They only found a place for him to sit, because of all the people. At least the bad men were not there to scare all the people. They walked right out of the edge of the city. He asked his aunt, if it was safe? His parents told him that there are animals out there, which would like to eat him. His aunt told them that the animals are out there. But she has told them to stay away, and so far they are listening to her. The ship their aunt took them to, is much smaller than the freighters Junda is used to. There was no room to run around and play. It felt nice that his father caught him when his aunt lifted him up. Then he caught his mother. Then his father closed the clear roof on the ship, because he said that his aunt is going to rescue some other people. If he didn't close the roof, than some of the hungry animals might try to jump up, and eat them. His father told him that he has a listening piece in his ear, if they put their heads next to his. Then they should be able to hear what his aunt and the other good people are saying.
Krillgan and Ludia told Dreamarra, that they did not know if they would have the time to take all the people in the warehouse as well. It would depend on how quickly they could move everyone, without being detected.
Because Ludia only had to make one trip, instead of two. To get Shmi and Junda. They also moved quickly because they could use the transit, instead of hoping over buildings. So she told Rasha to let Krillgan know that she was going for the people in the warehouse.
Krillgan told Rasha to let Ludia know that she will probably get the people from the warehouse to the Mantas-5 before they would arrive. It was much slower going for the three of them, then they could have possibly predicated. They stuck to the shadows, because they did not want anyone to see two Military Officers with a smuggler. Not even by accident. They could not believe how many people were taking advantage of there being no one at the checkpoints. Despite it being the middle of the night. They could not even imagine what they were up to. But it must be something important to them, if they were willing to take that risk. So Krillgan, Rasha, and Tamrack, would have to find cover, whenever Krillgan detected anyone approaching. Tamrack grumbled that they need to bring a change of clothing for next time. Rasha complained that the backpack was already full, then she complained about how heavy it is. So Tamrack took it as a clue that he should start carrying it. Not knowing that Krillgan had been giving her force energy. But no one said anything. They just both smiled.
Ludia ran to the warehouse district, then slowed down. She had never been there before, and did not want to go to the wrong warehouse, and find herself in an underground casino. She was not appropriately dressed for that type of venue. Junda could not understand why his parents laughed at what Aunt Ludia just said. Ludia asked Erin if he remembered the password that Dreamarra gave them for today. She also asked him for direction for the right warehouse. Junda was surprised that his father could speak with his aunt, and asked if he could say something? Erin asked him if he had anything important to say, because what he was saying was helping his aunt. Junda did not know what a password was, or he would have told them what it was. He remembered everything his grandmother said tonight. Instead he tried to think of something the adults might think is important.
With Erin's help, Ludia found the warehouse. She gently knocked on the side door. When asked for the password, she told them that she did not remember. When they were talking to Dreamarra tonight. They were not sure if they would have time to come for them. Because they heard a young lady's voice, they decided to open the door. When Ludia was inside, she reminded them that they have conscripted women into the Military. The two Devaronian women went dark, because that is why they were hiding.
Ludia was surprised to see the human couple. They were not in the warehouse, when Krillgan took Reighla. The others in the warehouse vouched for them. They have known their family for generations. So the six of them quickly packed their belongings, and followed Ludia out of the warehouse.
The two Planetary Defence Officers, turned Sith informants. Only knew of the human couple that had taken refuge in the warehouse, after the Devaronian young lady left. They did not know the others were also in there. They were waiting for others to come hide, before informing the Sith. The one had a shoulder mounted missile launcher, along with their standard issue blaster pistols. So he targeted a choke point in front of the group, hoping to capture everyone alive. Then claim the bounty for capturing anyone trying to escape conscription. (Because they are hiding, their names must have been selected.)
Ludia sensed the missile being launched, and deflected it using the force. It ended up smashing through the main doors of the warehouse, setting it ablaze, when the missile exploded. She then drew her lightsaber and went after the men that attacked them. Reflecting the first few blaster bolts at the person holding the missile launcher. Taking him out. Then deflecting the remaining shots back at the guy that was shooting at her. When she determined there was only the two of them. She launched a missile straight up into the air. She then ran back to the others. Then she brought the missile straight back down to where she launched it from, causing the remaining missiles to explode. Destroying the bodies. Making it hard for PD to determine what exactly happened, when they did their investigation.
The people from the warehouse believed Ludia to be a Jedi, and willingly followed her wherever she led them. Amazed that Grandmother Dreamarra had such great contacts. They reached the Mantas-5 before Krillgan and his group did, and were surprised that the Jedi left them.
Ludia ran back to Krillgan's starfighter and started firing it up as soon as she sat down. She used the force to help lift the starfighter before it reached its optimum power output. Then flew over to where the Mantas-5 was sitting. Arriving just as soon as they started lifting off. She would need the values from their astrometrics computer, to enter into her hyperspace drive. So that they can fly back to Yitabo.
As soon as the Moff was informed that ISSC headquarters on Deysum III was destroyed. He had his Personal Secretary contact the regional transport offices on Deysum III, ordering them to release all the freighters under their control to the Interior Ministry. The two offices were happy to comply. Their freighters would actually be making money. It wasn't that the Interior Ministry paid a lot for freight. Their rates were actually the cheapest. But they made money because their freighters would always be full during the harvest. Making it well worth the venture. They did not care that they were now in the middle of a conflict between a Sith Lord and a Moff. They knew to keep their heads down and fly. Let others sort it out. As long as they were paid.
The Sith Lord in Randon, was able to determine all the ships in the Deysum System, before the headquarters on Deysum III was attacked. (At least all the ships that contacted the spaceport.) He was told about the independent freighter, Fenelar Phoenix, delivering grain from Yitabo. When they informed him when they returned with the next shipment. He knew that they had to be on their way back to Yitabo, when his headquarters was attacked. That means that they were not directly involved. He started to wonder if they were an omen ship. They forced changes on Reaver Station, when they were docked there. They were the ones that rescued the crew and passengers of an ISSC ship, from pirate attack. At the same time ISSC's Vaiken Frigate disappeared. That was followed up with the mercenary attack on the secret Sith Base, then destruction of the ISSC Corporate Headquarters on Nar Shaddaa.
He wondered if their being in this sector was an omen of his own demise. Or did it foretell his own acceptance onto the Dark Council. He knew that he was one of the top candidates to take over the Ministry of Intelligence. After it was revealed to the Dark Council that the former head of the Ministry was allied with the ghost of the Emperor, and secretly taking orders from him. This was brought to the forefront by the fiasco the Ministry of Intelligence created on Yitabo. Which has brought him into direct conflict with this sector's Moff. He knew that all would be forgiven if he could capture the Revanite that was supposed to be responsible for the attacks on Sith Empire property.
The Sith Lord actually became excited. He needed to figure out how to entice the Revanite to come after him.
For a young boy, flying through hyperspace in a starfighter was not very exciting. First his parents had to move around, so he was sitting at the right place whenever he had to go to the bathroom. When his parents had to go. They had to pass him forward to his aunt. At least she would smother his face with kisses when that happened. Which always made him laugh. She also told him about her son, who was waiting to play with him, when they arrived. When he was passed back. His parents would tickle him. The only food was the prepackaged food like on the freighter. Only he did not get to choose. It was whatever was available, next. At least he could trade with his parents or his aunt, if he did not like something. The only thing he had to drink was water. His parents had to use the drinking water to wash his face after eating.
On the Mantas-5, Tamrack asked the ship's computer, if it could read the computer's memory that they brought back with them? The ship's computer told them that there was a special station on the ship for that. It turned out that there were a number of interesting modifications done on this Mantas-5, to help the Intelligence assassins do their work. Krillgan had to warn Rasha that all the edged weapons in the ship's armoury have poison on them. So she had to be careful. There was a closet full of outfits and uniforms. So that the assassins could pose as just about anyone. Next to this closet was a station for sewing clothes. Which would have impressed Mother Andriel.
Tamrack found a lot of data on the computer's memory to be very boring. A lot of it had to do with freighter trade routes analysis. It was obvious that the poorest routes were given to ISSC's competitors. Normally when a company is given a poor route, it is also given a wealthy route as compensation. But ISSC told the competitors to take the poor routes, or sell out to them.
The competitors knew that ISSC did not have enough ships to man all the good and wealthy routes. If they can hold out long enough, the whole trade infrastructure will collapse around the ISSC. If they cannot keep the raw material, parts, food, trade items, and other material moving. It will be more than food riots they will have to contend with. Factories, businesses, even planets will grind to a halt and shut down. You are looking at wide scale insurrection, supported by local governments, and factory owners. The very items that are being built for the Empire will be used against them. Just because one Sith Lord wants to prove how important he is.
Tamrack called Krillgan, when he came across some interesting data. Apparently, the Sith Military is backing the ISSC. They have a lab on Nar Shaddaa that has some product that needs testing. The Sith Lord's mandate is to make ISSC profitable enough to support the lab, build a new secret base, and provide the test subjects for the experiments. As well as paying back the Military for its initial investment, then sum. Krillgan swore. He knew that he should have gone after the lab. He just did not have the right people to do it. He asked Tamrack if there was any mention of the layout of the lab. Its defensive capabilities. As well as, how to access it. Because of where it is, you could not just walk in. There a creatures down there that would love to walk in, and destroy everything.
Tamrack told Krillgan that he did not find anything like that. But he was sure that the computer on Randon would have that information, but would not guarantee it. Krillgan knew where he could find the information, but did not want to expose where he kept that information hidden.
The other thing they learnt about the Mantas-5, is that it has a code that it transmits to a spaceport. Which basically means ignore this ship, and look the other way. Something handy when you want to land at a spaceport, but not have it recorded.
They came down through a magnetic pole, and flew low to get to the ranch. After the passengers had exited both ships, Rasha took control of Krillgan's starfighter, and flew it to the Wookiee settlement. She wanted to spend time with Commander Tamrock. She also rendezvoused with the Phoenix to get Rudy, so that they could go hunting.
All the people from Deysum III, liked living on the ranch. Even though they all knew that it was temporary. Junda really liked playing with his cousin Richard. Uncle Kenny even bought some toys at a market that, they could share, and play with together. Erin told Uncle Kenny that he did not know what arrangements Krillgan had made with him, but he was brought up, that a person payed their way by working. Uncle Kenny told him that this was harvest time, they can always use another hand. So he had him start working on repairing farm equipment. He also let the Agro Equipment Store know that they have hired a top notch mechanic for the harvest, who they are willing to loan out. So the ranch foreman would take Erin to the other ranches and farms. To repair anything that broke down, and needed to be operational right away. Shmi would board the Phoenix, and pilot it every other mission, to give Kran a break from piloting duties. She found that she likes the way the piloting station is laid out. Wishing that all freighters were laid out in a similar way. Kran was disappointed whenever she left the ship. But understood that she had a little boy waiting for her.
They also tried finding work for everyone else to do, because time travels faster when you can keep busy.
Kenny, Krillgan, and Ludia, strategized about what they need to do next. They brought Kenny up to speed concerning their last encounter with ISSC. That this problem is happening now, because they did not finish the job. They also asked his advice about Commander Tamrack and his men. There is definitely some chemistry between Rasha and Tamrack. But they suspect that the rest of his men are bored.
Kenny told them that for now, his men are okay. Periods of boredom are a normal part of a Mercenary's life. The hard part will be how to ensure that they keep their mouths shut about Krillgan and Yitabo. They knew that some of them had expressed interest in the Mantas-5. A dream ship that every up and coming bounty hunter would like to have. Even more deadly, with the special modifications that they told Kenny about. Kenny told them that it would not hurt them to set someone up as a bounty hunter. They might need their services down the road. They told Kenny about the bounty hunter that Madam Santhe has under exclusive contract. Maintaining him on their books as a test pilot. Having people who are willing to make him just about any toy he can think of. Kenny asked them, if they could afford someone like that? Krillgan looked at Ludia. He then told Kenny that they could probably afford it. They just don't have the work to keep someone like that busy. It would be best to set them up, then have them at the top of their list, as a preferred client. Kenny said that he agreed with their assessment. He would mull over what to do about the others. He will also talk to the Wookiees. They have been keeping an eye on them. They might have some insights on what to do with them.
Krillgan also talked with Ludia about going up against a Sith Lord. He reminded her about the near disaster they had with the cleansing ceremony. Smasher was there to lend his force energy, when they needed it most. Krillgan does not believe that they have the people to help them through something like that again. Krillgan told her that he also believes that there must be a defence against the pure dark force energy. They have never been taught it, because it wasn't used as a weapon, except during the Acolyte Wars. He told Ludia that he needs to enter the force, like the elders do, to gain knowledge about this.
Ludia told him that the elders have the support of all the Sisters when they do that. All he has is her, and maybe Rasha, as she is force sensitive. It would also mean that Rasha would also need to get naked with them. As his wife, she is not happy about that. She also does not believe Rasha will be very thrilled about that, either. Krillgan told her that there must be some way that they can honour the ceremony, yet stop him and Rasha from seeing each other's bodies. That was something else they need to meditate on.
They both agreed that they need to conduct the ceremony, on the land near the Wookiee settlement. It is closer to what they have on Dathomir. Krillgan also noticed that they have the plants they need, for the potion he will need to drink. They decided that they need to talk with Rasha. They also needed to talk with the Wookiee elders, because they want to do this in their backyard. The last thing they would want to do is disrespect them.
Rasha was willing to help them. She did not understand why she had to get naked to do it. They told her that they also did not understand. They do not have their Clan's Book of Wisdom and Knowledge to better understand the ceremony. They were preforming the ceremony according to what they both remembered and agreed upon. They also believed that they could do something so that Krillgan did not see Rasha, and Rasha did not see Krillgan. They also ran through the ceremony with their clothes on. So Rasha could see what they expected of her. At least she already knew the unity chant.
The meeting with the elders went much better than they expected. They also knew about the potion, and its effects on force users. All of the Wookiee elders claimed that they had a force sensitivity. They do not mind forming a ring around them during the ceremony, saying the unity chant. They promised Krillgan that they would also be naked. Krillgan told them to let Ludia know, so she knows that he did not talk them into it. So he could see some naked Wookiees. They all had a good laugh, because Ludia was sitting right there. Both Ludia and Krillgan had assumed that Wookiees always walked around naked. With all that fur, how could you tell if they were wearing anything else?
What they decided, is that Rasha did not need to be present at the first part of the ceremony. She could be behind the Wookiee elders, saying the unity chant with Ludia. After Ludia gave Krillgan the potion to drink, he would lay down. Ludia would then stick some green branches in the ground. Bending them over Krillgan's body, so they formed hoops over him. She would then drape a piece of canvas over the hoops. So that Rasha would not see him, but still hold hands with Ludia over his body. Ludia would just pin back one corner of the canvas so that she could see his face, to make sure his was alright. Too much of the potion could kill him.
Tamrack and his buddies decided to see if they could sneak up and watch the ceremony. Because they had heard that Rasha and Ludia were going to be naked. They did not know Rudy was responsible for perimeter security. He appeared before them with his teeth bare and growling. They had never seen him like this before. Tamrack often hunted with him, Rasha, and the Wookiee hunter. He always thought they were the best buds. He also noticed that Rudy's tail was positioned to swipe them. Tamrack was told, that Rudy was mature enough, that he had enough venom in his tail to paralyze all of his men. Without Krillgan's assistance, there was also the possibility of the venom making it to their heart. Paralyzing their heart, which would kill them. Tamrack told his buddies to back up. They are clearly not welcome. After they left, a Wookiee came out of the shadow of the trees, patting Rudy on his head, then scratching him behind his ears.
Krillgan found his experience to be similar to when he was in the sword. Only he was walking through some woods on Dathomir. Covered with clothes made out of the grass he was laying on. He came to a beautiful clearing with wildflowers in full bloom. He could swear that he also smelt their sweet perfume as he walked. He saw a lady in full leather armour, and a drawn Dathomirite sword. As she approached, Krillgan saw that it was Ludia's grandmother. She told him that the other Clan Mothers gave her permission to approach him, and see if she could help him. It was forbidden, for her to come out and tell him, what he was looking for. She suggested that they sit down and hold hands. She then directed him to think back to every time he encountered dark force energy. She wanted him to think about the interaction of dark force energy and light force energy. She also reminded him that one is not stronger than the other. This last statement puzzled Krillgan. Because it seemed that the dark force energy was so devastating. So naturally he assumed it was stronger. As he looked back at each encounter, with the knowledge his grandmother, by marriage, shared. He started seeing each encounter differently. He saw that the dark force energy seemed strong, because it was affecting lives on a level, which he as a healer with his natural abilities, could not heal. He saw in the cleansing ceremonies, that the light force energy was acting like fresh water on an open wound. It was washing the dark force energy away, just like water washes away impurities. Water is not weak. It is a powerful cleanser. It's just that large volumes are needed for it to work. At the same time it is not damaging the wound anymore. The light force energy was also washing the dark force energy away, at the same time, it was bringing healing to what had been damaged. He remembered that his wedding shirt did block some of the dark force energy the Sith Lord threw at him. When he thought about it, he saw that the dark force energy was blocked by the light force energy in the shirt. Only the shirt was like a sieve, when it came to blocking the dark force energy. He remembered feeling full of light force energy when they were paddling out to minister to the Great Mother. The chanting of the Selkith had filled him to overflowing, yet he could still take in more, because it wasn't hurting him. He realized that if the Sith Lord had thrown dark force energy at him at that moment, it would not have affected him in the least, he was so full of light force energy. Krillgan opened his eyes, and asked his grandmother if he was allowed to share what he has learnt from his observations? She smiled and told him he was allowed to share. He told her that he noticed that when he used the force, only a little flowed through him. Most of it was around him. So there was room for the dark force energy to enter and do him damage. Before facing the Sith Lord, if he allows himself to fill up with light force energy. Then there will be no room for the dark force energy to affect him. His grandmother smiled and told him that what he shared was true. Krillgan than asked her about using some of the attacks, that comes from the dark side of the force? Grandmother told him, that while he was full of the energy from the light side of the force, he could not access the dark side. She then reminded him that it was his responsibility to share what he knows with others. Then the world disappeared.
Krillgan opened his eyes, and looked at his beautiful wife. When she looked at him, he smiled and told her that he knows. Ludia smiled at him, and told him to close his eyes, so that Rasha could leave. Krillgan did as he was told, and chanted with Ludia, until she stopped. He opened his eyes again, and told her everything he experienced. Then he realised that he forgot to say goodbye to grandmother. Ludia told him that he was sure grandmother understood. She then removed the canvas and hoops. Then helped Krillgan dress. Krillgan than helped her dress, while he repeated everything he told her, when he first told her. They both knew that this needed to go into their Clan's Book of Wisdom and Knowledge.
When they were both dressed, they reached out and touched Rasha and the Wookiee elders. When they came to them, Rudy came with them, because he felt them reach out with the force. Krillgan again repeated everything he remembered. They found it interesting that he was clothed in grass. He explained that it was because that was the physical thing his body was touching. He suspected that if a Wookiee force user went through the same experience, they would be covered in fur, because that is what their body would be touching. They reminded him that he also is covered in fur, but it was grass that covered him. Krillgan's face went dark, and he admitted that all he mentioned was speculation. The only thing that he knows for sure is that he is wearing clothes now, because his wife helped dress him. This cause Ludia to go red in the face, and all the Wookiees laughed. Krillgan kissed her on the cheek to show her that he appreciated her.
Now he felt he was ready to face this Sith Lord.
Krillgan, Ludia, and Rasha, met with Tamrack and his people. Not mentioning anything about them trying to see the ceremony they were conducting. Even though Rudy told Krillgan and Ludia. The Wookiee hunter told them what he saw, and how proud of Rudy he was. Later Rasha tore a strip off of Tamrack for being so foolish. Coming close to desecrating sacred ground. Not to mention that they would have insulted their hosts the Wookiees, and would have been asked to leave. Even though Krillgan still needs them.
The plan was for Ludia and Rasha to pose as two Sith Apprentices, sent by the Dark Council, to replace the one, the Sith Lord lost on Deysum III. Tamrack and his people will pose as two officers and a squad of six Imperial Troopers that are accompanying them, to relieve the Troopers the Sith Lord has prepared to restrain the force user. The one the Sith Lord believes will attack him. They were just told that Krillgan will sneak in behind them, and go confront the Sith Lord in his residence. They were not told what the Sith Lord thought would bring Krillgan to him.
The Sith Lord had studied every confirmed incident that the Revanite had a conflict with Sith operatives. He could not understand why he intervened on Manaan, except to ensure access to Kolto. Which is a very expensive commodity in the galaxy. He deduced from all the construction material the Revanite stole from the Sith Empire construction sites, that he was building a temple and palace somewhere. So that he could recruit and train more force users. In order to establish his own army. The Sith Lord went into his own personal treasure trove. The one the Empire did not know about. Bring gem stones, jewelry, precious metals, and expensive fabrics he had accrued, while undertaking the various missions for the Empire. He believed that if the Revanite has a palace, he will want these items, just to finish it off. Which is why he has been secretly collecting them. Once he becomes a member off the Dark Council. He will be allowed to have his own palace, and decorate it however he wants.
Krillgan, Ludia, and Rasha, rode in Krillgan's starfighter. Commander Tamrack, and his men were in the Mantas-5. They entered the Randon System and headed straight for the planet. When spaceport traffic control detected them. They transmitted the special code, and the spaceport did not communicate with them again. They just kept an eye on where they were, so that they could direct traffic away from them. When they determined which shuttle station they were heading for, the spaceport warned them to leave them alone. Sharing the code they transmitted.
They landed without incident, in the disused section of the shuttle station. Where the Moff indicated they would not be under any scrutiny, if they used that shuttle station. He had given them information on the three shuttle stations closest to ISSC headquarters.
Ludia and Rasha, dressed in Sith robes, walked down the center of the street like they owned the planet. Followed directly behind, by their own Military escort. All vehicle traffic got out of their way. Many going up on the pedestrian walk way. One driver who wasn't paying attention, had his vehicle flipped sideways by Ludia. Causing the pedestrians to scramble, to keep from being hit. The one pedestrian that did freeze up. Felt something slam into them. Knocking them out of the way. But they could not say what hit them.
Krillgan had made himself small, and stuck to the shadows. So the people did not see the smuggler keeping pace with the Sith parade, carrying a wrapped package in one hand. Nor did they see him using force push, to send that one pedestrian flying, before the vehicle crashed where they had been standing.
They entered the building unchallenged, by any of the Imperial Troopers guarding its base. With none of them noticing the slight breeze that blew by them. While Ludia, Rasha, and their escort used the lift to get to the detention level of ISSC headquarters. Krillgan used the stairs. First he put on his wedding shirt. Which he could not wear while making himself look small. Then he strapped his sword, Liberated, on his back. Then he jumped from landing to landing. He believed that running up the stairs would be too slow.
Ludia went straight to the unit responsible for the equipment to restrain a force user. She told them that their orders are to make sure the new Troopers are adequately instructed in using their equipment. Then they are to report to Military Headquarters for reassignment. The Troopers assumed that they are to report to the Base Commander, after making sure that these Troopers knew what they are doing. The two Sith Apprentices then went up to the next level, and made sure that anyone working there, was sent home. Then right in the middle of that floor, they sat down facing each other, held hands, and started the unity chant.
Krillgan, who was connected with them through the force, felt the light force energy flow into him. The unity chant, was the easiest way they knew of, to cause the light force energy to start flowing. Later, Krillgan would discover how easy it was to fill his body with light force energy on his own. After training Ludia, she went on to train the clan.
After learning how to handle the old equipment, Tamrack and his men were to find and dismantle the main computer. They were not given permission to set explosives to obliterate these levels, since they were not at the top of this building. They were only allowed to damage equipment, and detention cells. Other companies had offices that were on higher levels. They had already been given notice, how they will have to find new accommodations, once their lease expired. The Sith Lord was planning on taking over the entire building as the new ISSC Headquarters.
Krillgan entered the Sith Lord's residence with his sword drawn and ready. He knew where the Sith Lord was, but kept ready for any traps. The Sith Lord told him that he knew he would come. "Who can escape the allure of treasure?" Krillgan told him that this is not why he is there. He found out that he was trying to start up a project that he had destroyed. He cannot imagine how dense the Sith leadership must be. You would think that they could take a hint? The Sith Lord snorted. Obviously he felt insulted.
"What do you know about leadership, and running an Empire? What we were planning is quite tame to many of the experiments that the Emperor undertook. If they prove successful, they could shorten the war by a considerable amount of time."
"You know that this is not true! With the Sith, a new war begins before the last one ends. Let's say for arguments sake, that one of you had a stroke of genius, and did figure out how to defeat the Republic. The next thing you know, the Sith Empire will be fractured. While you all try to claim the title of Emperor. The reality is that you are already at each other's throats. Which is why you need someone like me. To make life bearable for the average person on the street."
The Sith Lord snorted again. He told Krillgan that the average person on the street is insignificant. "They will always need someone like us to Lord it over them. To let them know when they can relieve themselves, and to give them permission to wipe their behind, when they are done."
Krillgan told him that he is a perfect example, as to why the Sith will never win. Then he rushed the Sith Lord.
The Sith Lord threw fear at him. But it did nothing, since he was so full of the light side of the force. Krillgan would normally throw the fear back at his opponent. But could not this time, because it would have required dark force energy.
The Sith Lord then hurled dark force energy at his opponent. Not understanding what happened to the fear. Before the Sith Lord could contemplate what just happened to the dark force energy. He had to draw his lightsaber to defend himself from the attacks of the enemy. The next thing he knows he is flying through the air. He cannot believe that this Revanite just hit him with a cheap shot from the Academy. When he slammed into the wall behind him. He remembered why it was an effective strategy. He only had enough time to use the force to throw something at his opponent. To try and slow his rush down, because he needs to get away from the wall to maneuver. He only deflected it away, like it was something insignificant. Then was all over him.
Krillgan stabbed the Sith Lord in the right side, with a dagger, through a seam in his armour, while pressing the attack with his sword. He did not let up on the Sith Lord. As he had no room to retreat. To move to either side would open the Sith Lord up to a sword attack. He then used the dagger to stab the Sith Lord in the seam between the abdominal armour and the thigh armour, on the same side of his body. The Sith Lord could no longer move to his right. This also gave Krillgan the opportunity to cut through the armour on his upper right arm. Krillgan did not think he made him bleed with that hit. But if he gets him there again, his arm is coming off.
The Sith Lord was starting to panic. This was not supposed to be happening like this. He is the Sith Lord. He is the one that is supposed to be in control. So he pressed the button. He just hopes they get up there in time.
One of the Commander's men asked his buddy, if he remembered what the flashing light meant. His buddy told him that it meant that he needed to go for a snack. They have some good eats in this headquarters.
Krillgan kept pushing the Sith Lord, not giving him a moment to rest. Forcing him to remain on the defensive. Forcing him to react to his attack.
When the Sith Lord thought he had a chance to attack, he took a swing at the Revanite. Only to find that the Revanite had blocked his lightsaber with his dagger. Then the force warned him about the sword. But he had no way to stop him, as he forced the sword between the chest piece, and the abdomen piece of his armour. The Sith Lord was in so much shock, that he did not react when the Revanite pulled his sword out of his belly, and spun around, and cut off his head.
Krillgan reached out and touched Ludia, and Rasha. So they knew that they could stop chanting. He made his way down to the top floor of ISSC headquarters, and hugged both ladies. He told them that it worked. When the Sith Lord threw dark force energy at him. The only thing that happened was the puzzled look on the Sith Lord's face. He knew for a fact that this Sith Lord died. He did not escape his body, to try and find a baby. Then he patted his wife on her belly. He knew it was hard for her to get into the clothes that she wore.
The three of them went down to the next level of ISSC headquarters, were the detention cells are. Commander Tamrack and his men were waiting for them. He told them, that when one of his guys mentioned that the light was flashing, he knew he would be down, shortly. He then explained to Krillgan, how each piece of equipment was supposed to be used against a force user.
Krillgan could feel the dark force energy in each piece. He could see it being able to restrain a Jedi. Since they would only try to use the light side of the force, to break free. But he felt that he could actually use the dark force energy in each device, to break free from each device. They did not have the time for him to experiment. He pointed to the device with the metal collar that had spikes inside that would push against the neck. He told Tamrack that it looked like it was his size. The collar was attached by chains to two hand restraints, with spikes. They were in turn attached to leg irons, which also had spikes inside. To put pressure on his ankles. He told the mercenaries to pack up all the other devices. They were taking them with them. He reminded Ludia to keep away from these pieces.
After Krillgan was secure. Tamrack gave Rasha the detonator switch. They took two lifts down to the main floor. So Ludia did not have to be near the equipment. They both opened at the same time. Ludia and Rasha went first, with Ludia holding Liberated, in its scabbard. The two Military officers were behind them, with Tamrack holding the chain attached to Krillgan's restraints. Four Imperial troopers, with their rifles at the ready, were on either side of their prisoner. Two more followed behind them.
They marched past the Imperial Troopers on the outside of the building. They marched down the middle of the road, like they owned it. Tamrack became nervous, and whispered to Rasha that she was almost out of range, of the detonator. Rasha whispered back that she knew, and pressed the button. All of those mini-bombs going off at once, gave a satisfactorily loud explosion. Loud enough for the Moff to hear it, in the building where his office and residence were situated.
All the Imperial Troopers ran into the building. The Moff with a special Military escort drove over to the explosion. When he arrived, he was informed that the ISSC Headquarters was destroyed, and the Sith Lord was dead. They let the perpetrators walk right past them. Think that they were Sith, escorting a force using prisoner, to be questioned by the Dark Council. The Moff had them contact the spaceport, to find out who just left the planet.
At the shuttle station, they removed Krillgan's restraints. They then all boarded the ships they arrived in. While they were travelling to the edge of the system, spaceport traffic control ordered them to stop by order of the sector Moff. They ignored them.
Before giving them the data to input into Killgan's hyperspace drive. Tamrack informed Krillgan that it is all there. Lab schematics. Defensive placements. Entry codes. Codes for other sections of the lab. As well as detailed instruction on how to negotiate the labyrinth to get them there. There are both Sith and Imperial Troopers present, protecting the facility. It will not be an easy nut to crack.
The Moff was informed that the two ships did not respond to his order to stop. They jumped towards Chalacta, which means that they are making a run for Hutt space. The Moff asked them if the Empire has a fleet that was close enough to intercept them. The spaceport told him that all they have out there are freighters taking the grain from Yitabo. The Moff asked them, how they made it to the surface, without every security alarm on the planet going off? They told him that they used the Ministry of Intelligence code. Saying they were not to be interfered with.
The Moff smiled. He realised that they must still have the ship that the two assassin teams used to capture the Radcliff ranch house. This shows that the Djo family is intelligent and resourceful.
The Moff told the spaceport to issue a warning to all spaceports, that this code has been compromised. So must be ignored. (This should get the Ministry of Intelligence upset.) He told the spaceport that he will also be mentioning it in his report to the Dark Council. So they should also be issuing their own order, as confirmation.
The Moff returned to his office. He had his Personal Secretary contact the regional heads of the two freighter companies, to order them to surrender all their freighters to control by the Interior Ministry. He himself contacted every Base Commander that has detained the crews from any of the freighters. He ordered them to escort the crews to their freighters, and release the freighters. When they objected, he told them the Sith Lord is dead. So all his orders are rescinded.
After the business was taken care of, he sent his Personal Secretary to supervise the crating of all the Sith Lord's personal possessions. He reminded him not to allow anyone to inventory any items. The Empire does not know that they exist. He is not going to try to explain where these items came from. When it is the Sith Lord himself, who should have been explaining. He told his Secretary that once everything is crated up, they are to be loaded onto his personal ship. He needs to dispose of them quickly. Before an audit can be done of his possessions.
When the Secretary told him that everything is ready, the Moff asked him to join him on his ship. They jumped to the Deysum system. They arrived as the Fenelar Phoenix was getting ready to jump back to Yitabo. The Moff had his ship's Commander, order the Phoenix to dock with his ship. When they were docked, the Moff ordered the crates to be transferred to the Phoenix. Kran tried to stop them. He pointed out that they were kind of full. Pointing to all the grain containers. The Moff himself told Kran, that his people left these items behind. He was just returning them to their rightful owners. The Personal Secretary quickly figured out what the Moff had done, and smiled. He still has his full support. Kran directed the Troopers, to pile the crates against the bulkhead, with Grimm's cabin on the other side. He will figure out where to place them later.
After they disengaged, Elibet suggested that they open one of the crates. It will help them figure out where to put them. When they opened a crate. Elibet whistled. Kran said he believes that this crate alone holds a planet's ransom. They all wondered what their Captains and First Officer have been up to, that the Moff would give them this. At least they knew where to put the crates. In Cargo Bay 1. Right next to the crates with armaments, explosives, and Imperial uniforms. They would have slept more peacefully, if Smasher had been there to keep an eye on them. Even Rudy would be a big help. Kran slept in a gun turret, in case some pirates knock them out of hyperspace, before they can get back to Yitabo.
When they did land on Yitabo. Grimm asked the spaceport, to contact the Radcliffe Ranch. They need their Captains to come to the ship right away. When Krillgan and Ludia arrived, the crew took them to Cargo Bay 1 right away, and opened a crate. They saw that Ludia was just as surprised as they were, when they first opened a crate. Krillgan on the other hand was not surprised. It was more the look of disappointment.
Krillgan told Ludia that it's all the Sith Lord's treasure. The bait he was using to try and entice him to come to Randon. The crew wanted to know, if they need to be concerned about a Sith Lord, and why his treasure is on their ship? Krillgan told them that the Sith Lord is dead. Apparently, his treasure must be a hot potato item for the Moff. So the easiest thing for him to do, is get rid of it. Except for the people who have seen it, in the Sith's apartment. No one in the galaxy knows it exists. He suggested that they not even tell Rasha. He figures that eventually she will find out. She will notice that there are more crates in Cargo Bay 1, and will eventually open one up to see what is inside. But right now she is distracted by Commander Tamrack. So this will probably not happen for quite a while.
Krillgan and Ludia agreed to take turns flying the grain runs to Deysum III. Ludia would accompany Shmi, when she will be piloting the ship. Krillgan and Rasha will take the alternate trips. It looks like Rudy's play time is over. For now, he will be resuming his duty as internal ship's security. Commander Tamrack decided, that when Rasha would be aboard ship, he would accompany her. This would also give him the time to talk to Krillgan about assaulting the Lab on Nar Shaddaa. What he did not know, is that Krillgan would use this time, to talk with Tamrack about the future of his people. How certain is he, about them keeping quiet about Krillgan, and the setup they have on Yitabo.
Tamrack did ask him if he was thinking of eliminating any of his men, if he thought they would be a security risk. Krillgan told Tamrack that he would not eliminate them. He would turn their brains into that of a child. Then he would arrange a place for them, where they would be happy for the rest of their life. Tamrack thought that this would not be a bad thing. Isn't being happy, what everyone wants. It's just that life, and responsibility, have a habit of getting in the way.
When Kenny saw the id that Erin and Shmi have, he took them straight to the Interior Ministry, and had the Ministry issue them proper id. When the Ministry Official asked for the place of birth, Kenny told him that it is Yitabo for both of them. He was afraid that if they mentioned Deysum III, it would trigger alarms. He knew that Erin still had an arrest warrant issued for him. When they returned to the ranch house, Kenny complained about their old id, and destroyed them. He told Krillgan about this guy he knows in Republic space. He could issue fake id that could not be distinguished from the real thing. Krillgan did not have the heart to mention to Kenny, that the guy he is talking about, was the one that made the fake id. Apparently he did not upgrade his equipment, since when Kenny knew him.
When the harvest was finished, there was a big dance on Yitabo. Reighla had sewn dresses for all the ladies from Deysum III. She sewed a nice dress for Ludia to be able to dance, at her stage of her pregnancy. The seamstress sewed a similar dress for Reighla. They only had to do alterations on the dresses that Elibet and Rasha have. The seamstress really appreciated all the help that Reighla had given her. She knew that she would be leaving after the harvest dance. Just like all the nice people visiting the Radcliffe Ranch. Commander Tamrack and his mercenaries would also be leaving with them. Grimm was sure that He could attach the Mantas-5 on top of the Phoenix. Right behind the forward gun turret. They would have to rendezvous in the system to do it.
During the barbecue, Krillgan overheard a number of farmers tell their wives to dance with the mechanic friend, because he helped to keep the harvesters in the field. Krillgan told Kenny that it would be bad for Erin if they tried to do what they were planning. He suggested that they be told that this might be the last dance for the mechanic and his wife. So they should be allowed to enjoy it together. Kenny went around to talk with some farmers, while the foreman went around to talk to the rest. They all agreed that they were a nice couple, and should leave them to enjoy themselves.
Richard had been to a dance before. So he told Junda all about the dance. He could get all that he wanted to eat, but should not fill up on the meat, because they have some really nice deserts. He told him that his mamma and papa let him dance with them. If his own parents don't know how to dance with him, then he will share him with his parents. It was okay to find a place to lay down when he is tired, because the parents will not forget them.
Kenny let everyone sleep in, at the ranch house, the next morning. There was nothing pressing, as they will all be leaving later that day. He knew that the house will seem empty when everyone leaves. He liked having Rudy come for a visit. He thinks that he will have his foreman check if any of the farmers have a litter of puppies. He figures that he is too old to marry again. He certainly was not expecting to marry again, until Bacgruta came into his life, and made living so exciting, all over again. He feels that having a canine companion is what he needs at this stage of his life.
When Junda woke up, Kenny told him that he is allowed to take any toy in the house that he wants. Junda asked him, what about the toys, Richard would want? Kenny told him that the next time Richard comes, he can go get more toys from the market. But he will not be coming back, so he needs to think about what toys he can play with by himself, and what toys he can share with other children, when he is back living on a freighter. Junda had to think about it for a long time. He would like to take all the toys, but he knew it was not practical. He does not have a lot of room for toys. When Richard woke up, he asked his friend what was wrong. Junda told him, that Uncle Kenny said that he can take any of the toys that he wants. But he does not have much room, so doesn't know what to take. Richard decided to help his friend. First he collected all the toys. Then he described to Junda how they played with it. Junda liked that his friend was not upset that he was allowed take some toys. He started making a small pile of toys he thought he might want to take. Krillgan had been watching them. He wondered if Richard might become a salesman. He was good at describing the different toys.
When Erin woke up, and found out what his son was doing, he told him that he cannot have any of the toys. They did not work for them. It was someone else's money that paid for them. Krillgan asked his brother, if he would accept a gift from Grandmother Emily? Erin told him that of course he would. But Grandmother is dead. Krillgan told him that Grandmother died the day he had planned to leave, to come and get him. Reighla who knew that Erin and Krillgan are brothers, backed up Krillgan. Telling him how happy Grandmother Emily was, because she thought that she was Andriel. For the few days she knew his grandmother, she fell in love with her. Krillgan told Erin that Kenny is in charge of Grandmother Emily's estate. Which is why he has been negotiating with the seamstress about the dress shop. So it was Grandmother's money that bought the toys their sons have been playing with. So if Kenny says that Junda can take some toys, than he needs to understand that it is a gift from Grandmother Emily. Erin told him that since he explained it like that, then Junda can have the toys. He just needs to talk with Shmi, to see how much room they have.
Junda had been following this conversation closely, because he really wanted to take some toys. So when his father said that he could, he jumped up and gave him a hug around his neck. He then kissed him on the cheek and said thank you. This made Erin happy that his brother talked him into it.
While they were having everyone board the Phoenix. One of the Imperial Officers, in charge of security at the spaceport, reminded the crew that they need to check with the Interior Ministry before they leave. Ludia and Elibet went together to the Ministry, wondering what this was about. The official at the Ministry told them that they need to pay them before they leave. Since they do not have a registered account that they could just deposit the credits into. The Official confirmed with Elibet, how many trips in total the Fenelar Phoenix took. She then confirmed how many containers of grain they transported each way. Elibet reminded her that the containers on the return trip were empty. The Official told her that it did not matter, because they took up the same amount of volume. She also told her that they were paying them on a container basis. Since they were hauling more than the average freighter. After she finished her calculations, she gave them a chit, and directed them to where they could take it to collect their credits. Elibet was surprised by how much they were paid. She did not expect anything, after those crates of treasure were loaded on the Phoenix.
They both decided not to deposit the credits into their ship's account. In case it attracted the attention of Empire bureaucrats. Ludia told her that she has the fun part of figuring out how much each of them gets paid. She reminded her that Shmi has also earned a share. She also reminded her, that she and Krillgan were not on a lot of the flights. Elibet reminded her, that she and Krillgan organised the contract, so there must be a fee for that. She also reminded her, that they own the ship. So they get a fee for each trip, whether they were aboard the ship or not. Then she told Ludia, that she has a headache. Which made Ludia laugh.
Elibet did finally figure out, how much each one of them should be paid, using one of Grimm's accounting programs. Erin was very proud of how much Shmi was paid. With the pay he received from the Radcliffe Ranch foreman, the other three ranches, and the Agro Equipment Store, they both made a descent about of credits, to help them with their new lives.
Life aboard the Phoenix was crowded once again. Kran and Elibet retreated to the cabin in the tail. Shmi moved in with Ludia. Krillgan took a couple of the practice mats stacked in Cargo Bay 2, and stacked them in Cargo Bay 1. To keep Rudy company. Erin decided to join him. Rudy did not mind, because he knew from their scent that they are brothers. Just like he knew that Ludia and Shmi are cousins.
Richard slept with Aunt Rasha, and Junda slept with Aunt Reighla in the top bunk of the first cabin on the First Officer's side. The other two Devron ladies shared the bottom bunk, even though it was a tight squeeze. They both said it reminded them of going to summer camp when they were little, and all the Devaronian little girls all tried to squeeze onto one bunk. Partly for comfort, because they missed their mothers. Partly for friendship, because they just met these other girls who were going through the same things they were. The two couples shared the next cabin. No one asked them, who shared what bunk. That left the two crew cabins on the Captain's side, for Commander Tamrack and his men. The Commander himself decided to sleep in Cargo Bay 2. Taking advantage of some practice mats. The only rule he had for anyone who would join him, was no snoring. That rule was broken the first night, because they all snored. They just believed that it wasn't them. It was the other guys.
The women all used the washrooms either in the Captain's Cabin, or the First Officer's Cabin. The men were to use the crew's washroom. Richard and Junda were allowed to go wherever they wanted. They preferred Rasha's washroom, but if it was occupied, they went to Grimm's cabin. Grimm let his Captain and Erin use his washroom as well.
Junda like sleeping with both his Aunt Reighla, and with his father Erin, and would alternate between them. Richard decided to try it one night. But saw that he would have to push Rudy off of his father's mat, and he did not want to do that to his friend. So returned to Aunt Rasha, and told her why. He earned a nice hug for that.
The first planet they stopped at, was where the Devaronian Clan was, in Mandelorian space. Reighla was able to contact the head of this clan. She came out with some of Reighla's cousins to make sure they had no trouble going through the bureaucracy. The Changrian and human couple also decided to get off at this planet. Krillgan knew the Changrian couple were heading to Manaan. They had family there with a shared trade. Krillgan made sure that they had enough credits. He also told them where to catch the one freighter that he knew still traded with Manaan. The human couple were still undecided as to where to go. They had a few names of people they are supposed to be related to, and the planets they are on. But they knew nothing about them, or what they did. Krillgan pointed out the planets that were the closest. He told them which planet had the most trade, and therefore the cheapest fares. He reminded them that if they did not like it at the first place. They can always try the next relative on their list.
The next planet they went to is Myrkr. Grimm said it was time for some maintenance. He wanted to take advantage of Erin while he could. The crew had also agreed with Krillgan, to let Erin and Shmi have the smaller of the two pirate gunships, that were just sitting there, taking up valuable room, and were only collecting dust.
When they landed, there was a Vornskr standing in the base, looking at the ramp as it lowered. Kran recognised him right away, and called out Vorn, and went down the ramp to hug him, and scratch him behind the ears. Rudy just stood at the top of the ramp. Not knowing if he was allowed off. Vorn asked him about Smasher. He howled when he heard that his friend was dead. Everyone on the ship heard the howl that responded just outside the force field. Vorn told Krillgan, Ludia, and Rudy, that they have found a good den just outside their force field. So the territory just outside, belongs to his family pack. He told Rudy that the area inside the base is his territory. His children know not to come inside. He reminded Rudy that he does not have permission to hunt inside his territory. If he wants to go hunting, it can only be with Krillgan. Not on his own. He told them were his territory ends, and as far as he knows, it is still unclaimed. So a safe place for Rudy to go hunting. Rasha had Ludia ask Vorn, if she was allowed to go outside and visit with Dreshy? Vorn responded that Dreshy would have been very upset, if her man did not come visit her.
Vorn then disappeared down the hole that went under the force field. Expecting Rasha to follow. Rasha remembered that the hole was too narrow for her. So she had to get the code from Grimm to go through the outside door. When she did Vorn was waiting for her, and led her to their den. Dreshy had recently given birth to a second set of puppies. They were at the age were they could come out of there den. The older children faintly remembered her scent, from when they were born inside the base, and where happy to meet her. Dreshy also came out of her den, and started licking her face, because Rasha had started crying. The children and puppies learnt, that there are special humans on the base that they should not harm if they came outside. Over the course of the next day, they met the ones that are special. They also met Rudy, who they were not allowed to challenge if he was with the man that could talk to them. They were happy that his mate could talk with them as well, and would usually come visit with the other special people. So could talk for them as well. It was usually their mother's man that would visit them on her own.
Erin was not pleased that Krillgan and his crew wanted to give him and Shmi the pirate gun ship. He told Krillgan that he did not have enough credits to pay him for it. Krillgan reminded him, that he knows the rules that their parents taught them. He must pay Krillgan the same price that he paid for the ship. Erin agreed that those are the rules. So Krillgan told him about how he recaptured this base from the pirates. Richard and Junda really liked this story. Krillgan told him that Fate or the Force just gave it to him. So to be fair he can only give it to Erin and Shmi. He also reminded Erin, that before he complains about Grimm helping him to get it operational. Grimm did not pay him for the help he gave him with the Phoenix. In fact he and father have been helping Grimm all through Erin's life, and they do not know how to pay him back.
Krillgan told him, that Erin has also given him something that is beyond value. He has woken up many a morning, to watch him wrestle with his son Junda. These are precious memories that Krillgan will be able to share with mother and father. Because Erin will not have the opportunity to share them, himself. So Krillgan is giving them something of lesser value in return. Something that can only come from him. He gave them some vials of Kolto. Krillgan told them that he has already mixed them up. So they are the equivalent of the Kolto packs in medi-kits. Krillgan gave them two more things. One was a memory chip that would fit in most freighters' computers. He also gave them two letters which were hard copies of what was on the chip. The one letter was from their former boss. It was addressed to other executives of his company, describing Shmi as an accomplished pilot. Ready to take on the challenge as Captain of her own freighter. He then described Erin as being a capable First Officer to Shmi. He then mentioned that Erin's biggest strength was in ship's maintenance. He can tackle anything from a freighter to a cruise ship. He then listed all the planets, were his company has maintenance yards. The other letter was from the executive of the other freight company. Also addressing other executives in that company. Stating how Shmi was recognises as an accomplished freighter pilot. They would be smart to snap her up. He also described Erin as a very competent ship's maintenance engineer. That he maintained a number of their ships under a special program, where there competitor shared him with them. He also listed planets were their maintenance yards could be found. Krillgan suggested that they use the gunship as a deposit on a good freighter.
Erin and Shmi were blown away by everyone's generosity. Krillgan reminded them that it was something they earned. Erin's only disappointment, was that Grimm was not willing to share the code that gave a ship access to this base.
The Mantas-5 was in orbit over Myrkr, with a three man crew. Since Grimm did not believe that the Fenelar Phoenix could safely handle landing and taking off from a planet, with the Mantas-5 riding piggyback. So when Shmi took off from the planet. The Mantas-5 challenged the gunship. They were surprised to see Shmi and Erin. Shmi told them that the Phoenix was just a few hours behind. They were saying goodbye to some friends, and gathering last minute provisions. This confused the mercenaries, since they were told that there was no human habitations on this planet. Which is why it was a good place for a smuggler's base.
When they finally docked with the Phoenix, they heard some interesting tales from Commander Tamrack. They very much enjoyed the game meat that was roasted over a fire pit in the smuggler's base. So there must be some truth to the stories. They knew that they could not return without Krillgan, since he has a Vornskr pack guarding the base. None of the mercenaries were allowed to leave the base. If they opened the door through the force field. They would always find Vornskrs there, growling at them.
The next stop was a place called Kindell's world. The mercenaries were told that the Phoenix was not landing there. The locals are on the primitive side, and hostile towards offworlders, because of attacks by pirates and slavers. Most communities have force users that in their own way, protect the communities. Krillgan told them that he was going to see, if he could recruit a couple. For the attack on the lab on Nar Shaddaa. Because of their mistrust of strangers. He will be forced to leave his wife and son behind as hostages. But this is the only place he knew of, to find force users that were not Jedi or Sith.
The mercenaries did not know that Grimm had already contacted Kindell's world. Warning them that Krillgan would be landing in a small ship. He was also hoping for a couple Sisters to help him attack a base controlled by Nightsisters.
The Sisters made Krillgan give an explanation, on why he came in such a small ship, and left the Phoenix in orbit. An impromptu meeting of all Sisters, the Clan Mother, and the elders, took place in the dining hall for the main village. Krillgan had to tell them that he had mercenaries on his ship, that have already seen too much of his life. He was sure, that if he brought them down to the surface. They would quickly figure out that this planet is Dathomir. That meant that after this next mission. He would be forced to alter their minds, making them the equivalent of the farmers from the former slave village to the Nightsisters. Something that he was not willing to do. Some of the younger sisters told him that if the rest of their body worked, it might not be a bad thing. Krillgan told them that he knew now who to pick, to change their diapers, feed them, and bathe them. If that was what he was forced to do? He told them about the lab he needed to destroy. Where they made potions similar to what the Nightsisters tried with their mind control potions. He told them about some of the creatures they will encounter along the way. Creatures created by dark force magic, to guard the outside of the facility. Which is why he is opposed to taking Ludia in her present state. There are also creatures that are the failed experiments of this lab, the Hutt's lab, and a lab controlled by a criminal group called The Exchange. The elimination of these creatures will provide some reprieve for runaway slaves, which are hiding in these levels.
Kreen was one of the Sisters to ask her Clan Mother for permission to go with Krillgan. She wanted to see what life was like off of Dathomir. To live on a ship like her grandfather did. Her best friend, Tannath Elu, was pregnant, so could not go with her like she had hoped. Bariatha, who had fought alongside Krillgan against the Nightsisters, also volunteered to go. Since it was obvious that a Warrior, and not a Ranger, was needed here.
The Clan Mother gave them both her permission. She felt that they were a good balance. So that neither one would get carried away, by all the strangeness they will encounter. She wanted them both to have Dathomirite swords, but Krillgan told the clan mother that having those swords might give them away, to more than just the mercenaries. He had Ludia's lightsaber with him, and activated it in the Clan Mother's office. He told them that any opponents they encounter, will expect them to have these types of swords. The Clan Mother activated her sword, and smashed at the lightsaber blade. The blade held, as if it was solid. She put her sword away, and Krillgan deactivated the lightsaber. He told them, that it seems all the force users in the galaxy prefer this blade. It is lighter, and easier to carry. Because it is lighter, it does lack the momentum needed to cut through some of the armour that their opponents will be wearing. He did find that the Rancor leather did hold up fairly well against a lightsaber, where a good sword would have no trouble cutting it. He did suggest that they wear the heavier Rancor armour, which is normally worn by Sisters, who ride out to challenge a pirate ship, or slave ship. The Clan Mother agreed to that request. She felt that Chitrah would have no trouble sewing some more armour, after they leave.
Krillgan did tell his mother-in-law, that she will want to call a mandatory meeting for all Sisters, and suggested that the elders also be there. He told her what ceremony they used to get some important information. He mentioned that he would also be telling Kreen and Bariatha, since it can make a big difference in the upcoming battle.
Before leaving, Krillgan went and had a talk with the Herd Mother. He told her that Smasher is dead. Ludia will be better able to describe how he died. He can just assure her that he died a hero. The Herd Mother wanted to know, why is it Ludia would be better able to describe his death? Smasher was his Rancor. Krillgan told her that he wasn't there. He was very far away. The herd overheard this. This did not sound right to them. How could a bonded Sister not be with their Rancor when they died? The Herd Mother sensed that this was not the time to question Krillgan. He felt he had to leave right away, when he had just arrived. Ludia will be here, they will have time to talk with her. Maybe Krillgan did not do anything wrong. She asked Krillgan, what was bothering him? Krillgan asked her, if he would be able to bond with another Rancor again? The Herd Mother told Krillgan that she did not know. If he had been an ordinary Sister, she would say no. Nothing about him is ordinary. She definitely would not give permission for him to try with any of the Rancor in her herd. Krillgan told her that they were all too big, except for the Swamp Rancor. So the Herd Mother understood that he wanted a Rancor that could live on his flying den. The Herd Mother warned Krillgan, that if he takes another Rancor aboard his flying den, and is not bonded to it, she would never allow that Rancor to be part of her herd. She may even give her herd permission to eat it, if it stepped out of the den. The Herd Mother sensed that Krillgan is very sad. He is not handling the separation from Smasher very well. Maybe his not being there, is hurting him more than he knows. She will definitely need to talk with Ludia about it.
Krillgan made sure that Kreen and Bariatha understood their roles quite clearly. He did give them permission to tease and flirt with the mercenaries. As long as they kept them in their place. He suggested that they wear the heavy Rancor armour. They can change into their regular clothes, once they are aboard the Phoenix.
They were surprised that they were not crowded on the back seat of Krillgan's small ship. They had never seen the Fenelar Phoenix in battle mode before. They asked him, if his ship is broken? Is that the real reason he did not land? Why is there a little ship on top of the Phoenix? Has it given birth and is nursing? They both laughed after they said that.
Krillgan told them that the Phoenix is the way it is, so his starfighter and come aboard the Phoenix. He told them that in space there is no air. So the ship has to have a special curtain over the window to space. This keeps the air in the ship, but allows the Starfighter to glide through it. He told them that they can reach out with the force, and detect the curtain vibrating. It is the vibration that allows them to go through it.
They did reach out, and were surprised.
Krillgan told them that they have the small ship because they have been using it, and did not want to leave it behind. It is also too big to go inside the Phoenix. The reason they were not flying side by side, is because the Phoenix travels faster through hyperspace.
After going through the force field, Krillgan ordered the ship to standard mode, and the two Sister watched as the tail of the Phoenix moved back into its proper position. They watched as Krillgan moved the wings on his ship from horizontal to vertical. They moved it using the force into the room that was once Smasher's den.
As they followed Krillgan through the ship. They encountered the mercenaries in the crew's lounge area. Kreen asked Krillgan, if these are slaves he captured in his last battle? If they are, shouldn't they be doing something, like cleaning his flying house? Instead of just sitting around. One of the mercenaries jumped to their feet, and told Kreen that he was no one's slave. Kreen picked him up and smashed his back against the ceiling, using the force, and told him to watch his mouth. She would have no trouble turning him into her slave, and doing whatever she wanted. Then she released him. Krillgan had to catch him, so he did not smash into the deck.
Krillgan took them to his cabin. He left the outside door open, as he led them to the washroom area, and explained how to use the water. Including how the toilet worked. There are no latrines on the ship. He then closed the outside door. He told them that this is his and Ludia's cabin. He showed them where he keeps his clothes. Then he showed them where Ludia keeps her clothes. Ludia also had to store some in Rasha's cabin next door. He showed them his collection of lightsabers. Putting Ludia's back with the others. He explained that Rasha has one in her cabin. She will be joining them, while they practice in Cargo Bay 2. So they can get used to it as a weapon. He then had them sit on the bed, while he sat on the chair. He then shared with them, everything Ludia would be sharing with the Sisters. Including how to fill themselves with light force energy, without having someone nearby, repeating the unity chant.
Ludia told the Sisters about the first Sith Lord Krillgan defeated. But how it left him with dark force energy inside him. It was nowhere near as much as had been inside of their Clan Mother, when she was attacked by the Nightsisters. She thought she would have a wonderful evening of making love to her husband, and he would be clean. Instead, her husband became a monster to her. He also dragged her and her baby to the abyss. She knew that if the three of them had fall in. They would all be Nightsisters. It was Rasha that saved them. She rightly believed that what they were planning on doing was both foolish and dangerous. She remembered the unity chant from her wedding, when she was Krillgan's honour guard. To be safe, she taught it to the rest of the crew. When in desperation she called for help. They responded. Vorn, Dreshy, and Smasher all came to her, and with the crew, and let the light force energy flow through their bodies, and cleanse the dark force energy from them.
When the situation arose, that they would have to engage another Sith Lord. Krillgan was worried. Smasher was no more. (This was the first that the Sisters heard that Smasher was dead.) Vorn and Dreshy had their own family to worry about. They now just have Rudy. They did not have enough people on the ship, if they had to do another cleansing ceremony.
She then told them the ceremony that Krillgan proposed to undertake. It would mean that Rasha would have to join them. Only Krillgan did not think it would be good if Rasha saw him naked. Rasha thought the same thing. She also did not want Krillgan seeing her naked. So she explained what they did, to accommodate the two blushing inductees. (The Sisters knew she was talking about the first time any of them has attended a bonding ceremony.)
She told them about the surprise help their neighbours offered them. Since their neighbours had the best site for an outdoor temple. She described a Wookiee to them. She started by showing how tall they are on average. She described them as being covered from head to toe in fur. Not the short fur that Krillgan has. She then pointed to a couple of Sisters and told everyone to imagine a creature covered in their hair. Then she described the color. She mentioned that they are strong, and good hunters. She also mentioned that there are a lot of sounds they cannot make. So cannot speak basic like everyone else. It is almost like they are always growling. But if you listen closely, you can understand what they say. She told them how their elders were willing to help them. How like Rasha, they are force sensitive. So they surrounded them with the unity chant. Krillgan drank the potion and lay down. She covered Krillgan, than Rasha came and joined her. She then described what Krillgan shared with her.
The elders and Clan Mother knew that this had to go in their book.
Ludia than told them what Krillgan shared about his encounter with the Sith Lord. He was untouched by the dark force energy that the Sith Lord threw at him. With the Sith Lord forced on the defensive. It was easy for Krillgan to inflict a mortal blow, then cut off his head.
Ludia then let them ask her questions. When they asked about Smasher. She told them that she will be sharing Smasher's death, and how they honoured him, with the herd the following evening. She suggested that the Sisters also be there.
After the meeting, Ludia was asked if she could recount the story the following day, so that they can include it in the Clan's Book of Wisdom and Knowledge. Ludia had her own request of them. She asked if they could have a copy of the book, to keep on the Phoenix. They are always racking their brains trying to remember what is written. Whenever they encounter a different situation. They are afraid that they will remember something incorrectly, and condemn themselves.
Her mother looked at the elders. Then she told Ludia that they need to discuss it. Before they can give her an answer.
Kreen and Bariatha decided that they would put on a show the next morning. They gushed about all the outfits they found in Krillgan's closet, and could not imagine him ever wearing them. They but on Ludia's outfits. They did not fit them properly, anyways. So they did not do them up properly. Exposing enough flesh that would make Father Chitrah blush. But not enough that Mother Andriel would scold them. They also kept their boots on whenever they showed an outfit off. To remind the mercenaries that they are still primitives. They would come to the crew lounge, and asked Krillgan when he would wear them. Krillgan's face darkened, and told them that they are not his clothes. They laughed, then they reminded him that they were in his closet. The mercenaries certainly liked the show. Rasha missed it, since she was sitting in the Captain's chair on the bridge, since she was the watch officer. Or she would have questioned Kreen's and Bariatha's sanity.
After the show, Kreen and Bariatha, asked Krillgan what was for breakfast. Krillgan warmed up a tray for each of them. They looked at the trays than at each other. They asked Krillgan if he had any porridge cakes left. Krillgan went and retrieved a porridge cake. He also found a jar of jam that they keep for the children. He then went and took the trays to Rudy, and told him that he has a treat for him. Rudy was quite happy, and gobbled it all up.
Later that morning, Bariatha brought out a lightsaber and told a mercenary that Krillgan told her that this tube is a sword. She asked him if he knows how it works. He just told her that she just needs to activate it. She asked him how? He told her that he did not know. He never used a lightsaber. He just knew about blaster rifles, and explosives. She activated the lightsaber, and singed his hair, when the blade extended. She then powered it off, and thanked him for his help. That mercenary got up and went and found Krillgan. He told him that one of his lady friends just about killed him. They are more dangerous than anyone he has ever met. Krillgan smiled, and told him that this is the reason he picked them. The mercenary grumbled, than went to complain to the other mercenaries. They all laughed when he told them what he told Krillgan, then Krillgan's reply. Commander Tamrack had to explain it to the confused mercenary. He still thought the lady is dangerous.
When Rasha came off watch, she joined Krillgan in Cargo Bay 2, with the two Sisters. First they stretched. Then they did the modified exercises that Father Chitrah had taught them. Then they performed sword exercises with the lightsabers activated. The mercenaries could hear the hum of the lightsabers. Every once and a while, one of them would peak in at them practicing. Then they would go back and tell the mercenary with the singed hair, that they really are dangerous. He could not tell if they were teasing him, or were serious. So he did what he was comfortable doing. He took his blaster rifle apart, and put it back together again.
Ludia addressed the Herd Mother, the herd, and her Sisters. She knew that Father Chitrah, Mother Andiel, her sister-in-law, Allianna, her family, her own daughter Lydna, and all the people in the main village had all tried to find a comfortable place to sit. Because they were all expecting a good story. Even if it was supposed to have a sad ending. Ludia did not disappoint them.
She started by telling them about receiving a coded message from Lianna, asking if they could go to Livien to rescue their Queen and her family. She told them that normally a ship needs to travel to the edge of a system to engage their hyperspace drives, so that they could jump between systems. They did not wait. As soon as they understood the message, they engaged their hyperspace drives right away. They did not know what to expect, or what they would need to do. So they all prepared to jump into the thick of battle. They even helped Strongman get all his armour on. Because he can be quite the formidable weapon.
She told them about contacting the planet, as soon as they were in range. Transmitting the special code they were given. It turned out, that the code told the Queen and her family to go into a special underground room, and lock the door. They were not to come out, until they were given the special code to come out. It turns out that they beat the mercenaries to the planet, who were going to try and kidnap the Queen. The Lianna Palace Guard showed Krillgan all the special equipment they have to protect the Queen and her family. The Palace Guard had special places where they were protected, yet could still shoot the weapons, equivalent to ten men. There were also special warriors that worked for the Queen's company on this planet practicing. They also went to special nests where they could fire their weapons, and still be protected. Krillgan realised that the mercenaries were walking into an ambush. Krillgan knew that some mercenaries are good, while others are bad. He did not know what type are coming. But being a healer, he just wanted to save lives. He asked permission of the Queen, if he could ask the mercenaries to surrender, so that their lives can be spared. The Queen knew that her warriors are just like mercenaries, except they work for her. She gave Krillgan permission.
Smasher and Rudy were sent back to the ship, there was no place for them there. Krillgan was shown where he could stand. Without interfering with anyone's ability to use their weapons. She and Rasha were also told where to stand, so they could support Krillgan. It seemed like forever, but the mercenary ships finally arrived, and landed where Krillgan expected them to. The mercenaries were not expecting to see Krillgan or them. So Krillgan had a moment to ask them to surrender. A mercenary who smoked deathsticks yelled at Krillgan, and started shooting. (Everyone knew from clan history that pirates and slavers had deathsticks on their bodies when they were killed. But no one knew what they did. Now they knew that they made a person stupid.) In a matter of seconds, about ten blinks of an eye. All the mercenaries were either dead, or dying. Krillgan ran to them, if he found someone still alive he touched them for a moment, then asked them to carry them aside. Of the sixty mercenaries. He found twelve that were alive. Unfortunately, four more died before he could get back to them. The Queen's own healers ran over to help Krillgan. One of the people he was trying to save was the Commander of these mercenaries. He told Krillgan that he was wasting his time. A bad man that wanted to force the Queen to be his mate, had lied to the Hutts, and told them that their enemies that they hate, are alive and on that planet. So the Hutts were planning to drop potions of poison all over the planet, to kill everything. Not even one blade of grass would survive. Krillgan found out that the Commander and his men were loyal to the Hutts and not the bad man. He asked the Commander, if he can get him to the Hutt in charge, will he tell him what he knows, so that innocent people will not die? The Commander agreed.
Krillgan decided to take some of the Queen's warriors. He also asked Smasher to come along. You know how loyal Smasher is to Krillgan. Krillgan did not have time to touch all the Warriors so that they would have his scent. But because Krillgan said that they were fighting on the same side. He did not hurt them. Krillgan also found one of the Warriors who was a beast master. So that he could communicate with Smasher. Because Krillgan would have to help the Commander get to another part of the ship, in order to speak to the Hutt in charge.
Ludia told everyone that the ship they were going to, was big enough that all the people in all the clans could live inside of it. That is why they had to separate. But they carried special equipment so that they could all talk to the beastmaster.
When they first landed inside the ship, Krillgan used the force to destroy a machine that could kill all the warriors. Then he destroyed another. Ludia said that she also destroyed one. Smasher went and tore one apart making it safe for the Warriors to come out and defend the portion of the ship that they just captured. While she, Krillgan, Rasha, and the Commander were racing through the ship. The Hutt sent his warriors to try and recapture what the Queen's warriors were defending. Smasher just sat down. He was hungry. (This made the herd laugh.) He grabbed one of the Hutt's warriors, and smashed his head against something. Killing him. He then tore his legs off and started chewing on them. When the other warriors of the Hutt saw this, they became afraid, and stopped fighting. They ran out of that section, so that they would not be eaten.
By that time, they had fought their way to the Hutt Commander. Krillgan approached the Hutt. Instead of attacking him, he bowed and asked permission to speak with him. Before the translator told the Hutt what Krillgan had asked, Krillgan was surrounded by four men specially trained to kill force users. Krillgan demonstrated that he was also a skilled warrior, even injuring one of them. He managed to break free of them. Though he could not use the force against them directly. He grabbed the body of a dead warrior and threw it at them. Knocking them down. This gave the translator time to tell the Hutt what Krillgan had asked. So the Hutt ordered all fighting to stop. He then let Krillgan speak. Krillgan apologised to the Hutt for forcing his way into his presence. He did this because he has a bad man he was listening to. He was afraid that the bad man would kill the Human Mercenary Commander, before he could give him his report. The Hutt asked the Commander to give his report. The Commander informed the Hutt, that all the information the Hutt gave his people was accurate. All the information the bad man gave them is lies. Because of his lies, most of his men are dead. If it wasn't because of the healer, pointing to Krillgan, he would also be dead. The Hutt wanted to test Krillgan, to see if he really is a healer. Krillgan told the Hutt that he managed to injure one of his special warriors. He told him that if the warriors stop interfering with his ability to use the force, he will heal him. The Hutt talked to the Warrior, and asked to see the injury. When he was satisfied, he gave Krillgan permission to heal him. Krillgan took him aside, because he did not want everyone knowing how he heals. When he was healed, the Warrior returned to the Hutt, so that he could examine him.
The Hutt concluded that Krillgan spoke the truth. Because Krillgan spoke the truth, the Commander was also speaking the truth. That meant the bad man was only speaking lies. The Hutt had a special machine brought to him, so he could force him to speak the truth. The bad man was afraid of this machine. He admitted that he lied, and pleaded that they not attach him to the machine. The Hutt would not listen to him, because he wanted to know all his lies. Because they had been lied to, the Hutt decided not to attack, and destroy all life on the planet. He ordered that they return home.
Ludia told everyone that the best thing about Krillgan healing the Commander, is that Rasha has a new boyfriend.
Ludia told everyone that Krillgan had made a promise to rescue someone, when the need arose. She warned Krillgan that when he makes a promise, the force will usually tests you. Often someone you love will perish. She reminded him of all the examples they have in their own clan history. So as they were heading back, to let them know on Lianna, that their Queen is safe. Krillgan told her that the time has come, for him to keep his promise. She was dreading the news that they will hear next.
As they approached Lianna, they received a message from Yitabo. Some bad men had captured Mother Andrial's human mother, as well as all the women that were working on her weaving loom. They said that if Krillgan does not return to that planet and surrender to them. In one month they will start killing all the people they are holding hostage.
The Commander told Krillgan that he could not go to Yitabo. He asked permission for him and his men to go instead to help rescue the people. Krillgan was torn because of his promise, and the price for keeping a promise.
Fortunately, the people of Lianna were willing to help, because we had saved their Queen. They presented the small ship to Krillgan. A ship they built specifically for him, because of the help he had given them in the past. The ship that Kreen and Bariatha left in, with Krillgan. They also had a ship they built for their Queen that they needed to test, before they could give it to her. Because of their help, they were able to sit down and come up with a plan. They knew that a bounty hunter and pirates could not land on the planet, without having help. So they had to expose the help, or they would continue to attack again and again.
"It was decided that Krillgan would go on the Queen's ship, and keep his promise. Smasher and I were selected to handle the pirates. Since I have the best training to defeat pirates. The Commander and all the people with him would capture the special place, the ships like the Phoenix, are supposed to land. To find the people who were helping the pirates."
We were able to approach the planet and land at a secret place where we have allies. They are called Wookiees, they are like tall mounds of straw after a harvest. Only their fur is darker. They are good hunters and warriors. So they agreed to help the Commander.
"We had to fly over some mountains to get to a safe place, where we could sneak up on our enemies. I flew Krillgan's ship, and Smasher sat behind me. He had to make himself small, so that I could close the ship for our flight over the mountains. It was hard for Smasher, but he was a good Rancor, and really wanted to help."
"He felt better after we landed. He was even willing to let me ride him, until we approached the house where they were keeping the people. Smasher told me that he smelt seven people. So we knew that there had to seven pirates outside. This planet has no Rancor, so you could imagine how surprised the pirates would be, when they heard Smasher roar. Smasher agreed to keep everyone outside busy, while I went into the house, to kill the bad people I found there. What we did not know. Was that these were not pirates. These were assassins, trained by their Nightsisters, to kill and capture people. They did not use blaster rifles against Smasher. They had weapons similar to our fighting sticks, with swords attached to the one end. Like our Dathomirite Swords, these swords could cut the skin of a Rancor. Only it was much harder for them to do it. Krillgan later told us that these swords also had a deadly poison on their blades. It was strong enough to kill a man with just one scratch. It seems this poison just made Smasher angry, and he tried harder to kill the pirates that were hurting him. These assassins also had a special weapon that was strong enough to shot the Phoenix out of the sky. The assassins that handled this weapon moved it, so that they could use it against Smasher."
"I snuck in the back door of the house, not knowing what Smasher was dealing with. I had a clear shot, and pinned the arm of the pretend bounty hunter to a book case. Then I ran, and grabbed the other hand and pinned his other wrist to the book case with a jab of an arrow. The captives told me that there were no more bad guys in the house. When I left the house, the assassins fired the first shot from their special weapon. It hit Smasher square in the chest. I took out the one pirate at the weapon. Before I could kill the other pirate, he fired again, and broke Smasher's heart. In breaking his heart, he broke all of our hearts."
Ludia paused there, to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"I killed the other pirate and ran to the side of the house. I was just in time to witness Smasher kill the last pirate. Then he collapsed. He told me how proud he was to have been bonded to Krillgan. He said that he felt special because he was part of a good herd. Then he died. I cried because I was too late. If I had been just a little faster going through the house. I could have killed the two pirates before they killed Smasher. I cried because I was not a healer, and did not know how to help my friend. I cried because a member of my family just died."
"Grandmother Emily was injured, by the pretend bounty hunter, when they first capture everyone. He wanted to prove how strong he was, by beating up an old lady who stood up to him. The only man in the house, her son-in-law, was held by the pirates, so he could only watch the beating and cry. He got his revenge. After making the bounty hunter confess all he knew, including that he wasn't a bounty hunter, but an assassin. He cut his throat, for hurting Grandmother Emily."
"Because their ship was bigger, we loaded Smasher's body on it, and flew to our allies the Wookiees. Smasher knew this land, it was the only place on the planet he was allowed to go hunting. We even teased the Wookiee hunter that went with him. He would be Smasher's lunch if he did not help him find fresh game. There was always a feast after they went hunting."
"We thought that this would be a good place to burn Smasher's body. The Wookiees helped us gather enough wood. We piled it high beside a nice lake. The Phoenix had time to land, so that the crew, who loved Smasher, could say their goodbyes. The only one missing was Krillgan. As the fire was burning some of the Wookiee hunters went into the water up to their knees with spears in their hands. It wasn't long before they started spearing fish attracted by the light of the fire. Throwing them to shore, were other Wookiees mounted them on sticks, so that Smasher's fire could roast them. The Wookiees said that this is a very good sign. Smasher wanted to feed everyone before moving on to the ancestors of his herd."
Because the Herd Mother believed Ludia had finished her story. She asked her, if Krillgan had a chance to mourn?
Ludia told her no. Then everyone knew she was going to start a different story. So no one left, even though the children had already fallen asleep.
Ludia told them that as Rasha and the crew were flying back to Lianna. To take home the people who had helped them, and to pick up Krillgan when he returned from his rescue. Grandmother Dreamarra had sent a message to the Phoenix. Erin and Shmi had returned to her, to hide. A Sith Lord was trying to capture Erin. She told everyone that the Sith are a type of Nightsister. Only most of them are male, just like there enemy, the Jedi.
Ludia told them that the reason the Sith Lord wanted to capture Erin, is because Erin knows how to fix freighters. He had a lot of freighters that needed fixing. She told them that the Sith Empire is ruled by a council of Nightsisters. They call themselves the Dark Council. They appointed the Sith Lord to take control of a freighter company. They also told him what he could do and what he could not do. What he did do, is step on the toes of the area Moff.
Ludia then had to explain that a Moff is the offspring of a Sith. He was given control of a number of planets. He was required to produce certain items, to help the Sith Empire in their war against the Republic, and their enemies, the Jedi. That this Moff had controlled these planets for many years, and knew what needed to be done, and when it needed to be done. He knew to ship leather before the cobblers ran out. He knew to ship the items to make thread, string and yarn. So that the weavers and seamstress could keep busy. He knew when to ship food items, so no one was hungry. Compared to a Sith, he was a good man. But this Sith Lord disrupted everything he built, and was doing. He tried taking over the other freighter companies in the area. They fought back my stopping the import of parts needed to repair freighters, and hid all the stock that they did have.
So the Sith Lord's freighters were breaking down, and he had no way to fix them. He found out that the other companies were still fixing their freighters, and that Erin was the one doing it. So he tried to capture Erin.
Ludia told everyone that she did not go on the Phoenix. She stayed on Yitabo with Richard. Because Grandmother Emily did not fully recover. Even with Krillgan's healing oil. So she stayed behind to look after her.
What was a surprise to her and everyone in Grandmother's house, was when the Moff came to visit them. He told them about the Sith Lord. Because of him, the cobblers were always running out of leather. There was not enough string, thread, and yarn, to keep the weavers and seamstresses busy. He wasn't moving enough food to keep everyone fed. What was worse, was it was harvest time. If they did not move the grain off the planet, the farmers would have no place to put it. So it would just rot in the fields, and in a few months, people on all the planets would be starving.
The Moff said that he believed that they were a resourceful family. Not the type to be intimidated by a Sith Lord. He wanted their family's help to get rid of the Sith Lord. He did not know if he could even offer them what they would accept as payment. If it was ever found out, that the Moff had approached them about this. He would be executed. If he failed to do anything, and food riots breakout on all his planets. He will be executed. So he prefers this option.
Ludia told him that the only thing she could promise him was the use of the Phoenix to start moving his grain. Nothing else would be decided until her husband returns to the planet. The Moff pretended that they had an agreement, and started revealing information about Deysum III, the planet where Father Chitrah, and Mother Andriel were born. The one thing that was important to them. Was that the Sith Lord had an apprentice on Deysum III that ran the operations there.
Krillgan unaware of the situation. Only knowing that the Phoenix was committed to hauling grain. Decided that they should stop in the Deysum System. He wanted to make contact with Grandmother Dreamarra, and check how his brother and Shmi were doing. He had no plans to take them with him. Because he only had the old starfighter. He only had room for one passenger at a time. He would rather return and take the whole family at once. It would depend on what he found when he visits with Grandmother Dreamarra.
Krillgan was used to landing the small Starfighter behind some hills outside of the city. So that no one would see it. Then he would walk into the city and take the local transit to his grandparents' house.
Ludia realized that she would have to describe transit to them. She told them that it is like having long Rancor carts all attached together. But no Rancor. She herself did not know how they moved. But they always took the same path through the city. For her it was confusing at first. But once she figured it out, she did not even think about it.
Ludia told them that when Krillgan entered the city this time. He found that the Sith Military had set up barriers at key points in the city. To get past a barrier, you had to show them you had the right papers to proceed. Otherwise they would arrest you, and force you to join their military. Krillgan had no papers, so instead he jumped to the top of the building he was standing beside. She told them that it was around the same as jumping from the village level to the temple level. Everyone knew that this was not a hard jump for a Sister.
By this means, Krillgan was able to get around all the barriers. When he arrived at grandmother's home. They were all happy to see him. Erin even launched himself from the stairs going to the second level. So that Krillgan would catch him. It was only his son Junda that was surprised by what his father did. He had never met Krillgan before. Ludia than told mother and father that Junda is around Richard's age. She did not think that there was more than a month, separating how old they were.
Grandmother Dreamarra told Krillgan that Erin has the Devaronian wanderlust, and was driving everyone crazy, because he wanted to get out of the house, but could not. Because of all the barriers everywhere. She was starting to worry that he was going to do something stupid. But she can see that because Krillgan has come, that trapped look has disappeared from his eyes. Krillgan ministered to them first as a healer. He wanted them to have a sense of peace inside. So that they would be confident that things would work out. Krillgan felt that it would require two force users to get everyone out of the city. It was not that he could not do it. He could, but then he would have to rest along the way. With two force users they would not need to rest. So getting them out of the city would be much faster, as well as being safer. Erin and Shmi agreed to wait. Junda was just happy that he was going someplace where there was someone his age to play with. So he could wait.
Grandmother Dreamarra did make one request of Krillgan. She told him that her Grandaughter is hiding in a warehouse with some friends, because her name was drawn, to join the Sith Military. Grandmother told Krillgan that she is also pregnant.
Ludia turned to Mother Andriel, and told her that it was Reighla, Lindream's youngest daughter. Everyone believed that Mother Andriel knew who she was.
Grandmother told Krillgan that she believes that it was important that Reighla leave with him that night. For her own safety. Ludia told them that they know now, that someone was watching that warehouse. When they saw only one person leave, they probably thought it was empty.
The morning that Krillgan arrived on Yitabo, Grandmother Emily had a dream that her daughter Bacgruta came to visit her. She told her that in a few days she would return for her. It was time she learnt the Togruta dance, so that they can dance together.
"Krillgan flew the small starfighter to Grandmother's house. I was the first one to meet them when they landed. I asked Krillgan to forgive me. It was my fault Smasher died. Krillgan told me that if I had done something wrong, he would forgive me. But from what Rasha shared with him. He could not see me doing any wrong. Then he asked me to forgive him. He told me that he should have listened to me more carefully, concerning keeping promises. He believes that I should have gone in place of him. That way he would be breaking the promise. Yet at the same time keeping it. So the force would have given us a different outcome. Maybe Smasher would have been spared. So I asked Krillgan, who was beating himself up? Krillgan admitted that it was easy to look back and see the many things we could have done differently, which could have given a different outcome. We both agreed, that if we knew that there were assassins, and not pirates, we would have made different plans. But we made the best plan for what we knew. What is done, cannot be undone."
Ludia liked it that all the Sisters said it with her.
"So we both agree to stop beating ourselves up over Smashers death. Reighla had been patiently waiting in the starfighter this whole time. Whenever she went in or out, it was always by Krillgan using the force. She did not know that she could climb out by herself. We had quite the unexpected reaction from Grandmother Emily. She thought her daughter Andriel had returned to look after her, until her daughter Bacgruta returned to take her dancing."
Ludia turned to Mother Andriel, and told her that her niece really does look like her, when she was that age.
"Grandmother told everyone about her dream, then she grabbed who she thought was her daughter, and gave her a tour of the house. Not bothering to introduce her to anyone, because she thought that she already knew who they are. Krillgan used the force to quickly look at her brain. He said that he saw a lot of scarring, and it looked like part of it was already dead. He told us that Grandmother was dying."
"Grandmother Emily was a very happy lady the next few days. Having a daughter and a granddaughter to look after her. Reighla admitted that she fell in love with her. The short time that she knew her. The morning we were supposed to leave to rescue Emily and Shmi. Grandmother Emily passed away with a smile on her face. She died happy!"
Ludia then told them about the funeral preparations. She forgot that as the planet's only seamstress for a number of years, every woman on the planet knew her, and considered her a friend. So everyone needed to be contacted so that everyone would know. At least they contacted one person so that they could contact five. Then they would contact five more so that everyone would know.
She told Father Chitrah and Mother Andriel that she looked so peaceful laying there, surrounded by flowers. She could see that Mother Andriel was crying.
She told about meeting the farm families as they came to town. That all the food vendors that normally come to the weekly market, came and set up shop. So all the people would be fed. The baker had disappeared, because he knew all the food vendors would need his buns. They were also planning on having a dance afterwards, to celebrate Grandmother Emily's life.
It was the Mayor of the town that told them that the last farm family has arrived. It was time to light the fire. We had Reighla joining the family in placing the torch, because so many people believed that she is the Blue Wizard's wife.
That made Mother Andriel smile.
"It was not until the next day. Late in the morning that we went to rescue Erin. This time we took the larger starfighter. We also took the captured bounty hunter's ship. They docked with the Phoenix, so that Rasha could go aboard the larger ship. They were going to steal some data for us to analyze, and destroy the Sith's freight office. So that they would know that we were there."
"Krillgan and I did not wait, we went straight to the planet. He took me on the route he first took. He also explained how we could take a faster route once it was dark, and people would have trouble seeing us. It was really nice to see Erin and Shmi again, and to be introduced to their brave little boy, Junda. Shmi cooked us dinner, while Erin set the table. It was decided it was best we ate in the dining room, since it was on the second floor, so there was little chance that a Sith informer would hear us. Grandmother Dreamarra came home when dinner was almost ready. So all she had to do was great us. We had a nice family dinner, while we waited for the sun to go down. Krillgan told Grandmother, that it would depend on how long everything took. On whether we would rescue the people waiting in the warehouse that night. Or whether we would come back for them on another day."
"When it was time, Erin followed us up onto the roof. For the small gaps between buildings it only took one of us to carry Erin across. For the large gaps it did take two of us working as a team to carry him. It turned out that our use of the force did not go unnoticed. The Sith Apprentice found us. He instructed some Imperial Troopers manning a barrier to follow him. Fortunately for us, he was much faster than the Troopers. Krillgan instructed us to keep going, then jumped down to engage the Sith. We only went a short distance, then turned to see what happened. Krillgan has a blaster pistol, that also has a shield attached, made out of a similar metal to Dathomirite. He shot a number of blaster bolts at the Sith, at the same time getting closer and closer to him. The Sith used his lightsaber to reflect the blaster bolts back at Krillgan. Krillgan used the shield on his pistol to reflect them back. It almost looked like they were playing a game. With the blaster bolts going back and forth. Finally Krillgan was close enough that he grabbed the Sith's hands using the force. So he was no longer able to deflect the blaster bolts. They impacted him on his chest armour. One after another, until they finally broke through and killed him. When the Imperial Troopers finally caught up to them. They thought that somehow the Apprentice was not very good, and that Krillgan had shot him with his blaster pistol."
"The arrested him and took his pistol away from him. They also confiscated the lightsaber. They thought the Sith Lord will want to examine it. In case it is defective. Krillgan touched Rasha using the force. So I had to tell them that Krillgan allowed himself to be captured. He was hoping that they would prepare a welcome, since he is coming their way. I then continued taking Erin to the starfighter. I returned to Grandmother's house the way Krillgan had suggested. On the way, I heard a loud explosion. I knew that Rasha had prepared a proper greeting. What was unexpected, was that all the Imperial Troopers abandoned their barriers, and started running towards the explosion. Probably hoping to capture the people responsible."
"Because we did not have to worry about barriers, I took both Shmi and Junda together on this next trip. To make the trip even faster we rode the transit. It was surprising to see how many other people took advantage of no Troopers at the barriers. Since we still had lots of time, I went to get the people hiding in the warehouse. There were more people there than I expected. Another couple had shown up. They also knew Grandmother Dreamarra. More important, the other people in the warehouse knew them. As we were leaving, someone fired a missile at us. I was able to deflect it. So it smashed into the warehouse away from where we were. It blew a big hole in the main door, and started the warehouse burning. I ran towards the people that fired at us. I guess that I was angry, because I thought they tried to kill us. One of them started firing a blaster rifle at us. I was able to reflect the blaster bolts at the man holding the missile launcher. Before he fired another missile. Then I killed the one firing the blaster rifle. To confuse anyone who might come and investigate what happened. I fired a missile straight up into the air. Then I ran to where everyone was waiting. Then I used the force to control the missile, and brought it back down to where I fired it. As far as I know, nothing else exciting happened that night. So we left and headed back to Yitabo."
Ludia told them that they were able to find work positions for everyone, because it was harvest time. Reighla helped the local seamstress when she was busy. When the seamstress wasn't busy, Reighla was studying the designs Mother Andriel had left behind. As well as all the designs Grandmother Emily had come up with over the years. She was so caught up with what she was doing. She had to be told to pack up or be left behind. Which would have made her husband very upset, because he had already prepared her new home, and was waiting for her. Shmi would pilot the Fenelar Phoenix every other trip. So she was able to keep current with her piloting skills. Yet still had time for her husband and son. Erin was kept the busiest. Helping to keep all the harvesters on the planet, in the fields. A skill very much appreciated by all the local farmers and ranchers. All the ranches needed help in their kitchens keeping all their workers fed. One of the ladies, would go around with Erin, as a helper. Which Erin appreciated. Even Junda and Richard kept busy, playing with each other.
"While everyone else was working, Krillgan, the Commander, Rasha, and myself, went over the data that was obtained. Krillgan was not very pleased, that this Sith Lord was wanting to resurrect a project, Krillgan destroyed."
"When I was pregnant with Richard. He destroyed a secret Sith base, where they were performing mind control experiments on innocent people they had kidnapped. He then destroyed the headquarters of the company that was overseeing the experiments. Krillgan hoped that this was enough to discourage the Sith. Since he considered the lab where they produced the Nightsister's potions. To be in too dangerous of a place to attack and destroy it. With the help he had at the time. If Smasher had been shorter, then he would have destroyed that lab as well."
"This Sith Lord's plan was to establish the new headquarters on Randon. A planet controlled by the Sith. Instead of where it was before, on Nar Shaddaa, a planet controlled by the Hutts. He thought by establishing it on Randon, no one would dare attack it. But after the office on Deysum III was destroyed, he cut back on the defences to his office. Because he wanted to lure Krillgan to come to him, so that he could try and capture him. He believed that if it was too well defended, Krillgan would not come. He also tried using some bait, to lure Krillgan to come to him. He had pretty stones that he stole from different planets he had been on. None of which were as pretty as the stones that come out of our mountains. That the artisans in the Great Canyon Clan use, to make earrings and necklaces for us. Krillgan believed that this bait would have been attractive to a Sith. Since they do not know the value of family and clan."
"From the information the Moff was able to provide. Also with the help the Wookiees were able to provide, concerning matters of the force. Everyone knew their role, and what to do, so we could defeat this Sith Lord and foul his plans. We again used the captured ship and Krillgan's large starfighter, to transport everyone to the planet. Rasha and I were dressed like Sith, so that people and Imperial Troopers kept their distance. We did not want anyone who is innocent being injured or killed because they were in the wrong place. Commander Tamrack and his men marched behind us. Dressed like Imperial Troopers under our direct command. Krillgan made himself small, so that no one payed any attention to him. Because everyone's eyes were on us. When we entered the office, Rasha just said, "Go Home", and the people could not move fast enough to get out of there. After they all left we sat down in the middle of everything, and Rasha and I, started the unity chant. We connected with Krillgan, and started feeding him light force energy. He knew that it was time to confront the Sith."
"Krillgan told us later that the Sith Lord launched a couple of attacks using dark force energy that did nothing to him, because he was so full of light force energy. He wasn't trained by the Nightsisters, so did not try dark force lightning."
The Sisters laughed, because they knew that this was the favorite first attack of all the Nightsisters.
"Krillgan was able to give him a very powerful force push. That stunned him. He was then able to close the distance, and attack him with sword attack combination, after sword attack combination. The Sith Lord had nowhere to go. Since Krillgan trapped him. All he could do was try to defend himself." Ludia then showed them on herself, where Krillgan stabbed the Sith Lord using his dagger. She explained to everyone that he had to stab him there, because he was wearing armour, and that is where the seams in his armour was. Making it easy for Krillgan to injure him with one thrust, without first having to damage the armour. Krillgan then pretended to stop. So the Sith Lord could launch a counter attack. Krillgan was able to block the attack with his dagger. Leaving the Sith Lord fully exposed, and unable to block Krillgan from thrusting with his sword. Ludia showed them where Krillgan thrust his sword. She said that the Sith Lord could not believe what Krillgan had just done. So he just stood there, as Krillgan spun around and lopped off his head. The only way to be sure that a Nightsister is dead, and stays dead.
After that, they pretended that Krillgan is their prisoner, and left the building. Commander Tamrack and his men had collected everything that might be important to Krillgan. Then they planted little bombs in all the office equipment. So that the office could no longer be used, as well as to cover up what was taken. As they marched away, Rasha ignited all the little bombs. People stopped looking at them, and started looking at the building where the explosions came from. So to everyone, they disappeared.
What Commander Tamrack and his men were able to recover, was directions to get to the lab. The design of the lab. The external and internal defences. The number of workers. The number of Imperial Troopers, and the number of Sith, defending the lab. This is why Krillgan asked for help, and Kreen and Bariatha went with him. Krillgan wants to make sure that the Lab is destroyed this time. So that no Sith Lord in the future, will think that this is a good project.
