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The next morning, when Krillgan woke up, he knew that he had to bleed some oil out of his system. He told Talmi, that he would be on his own that morning. He had stuff he needed to do. First he went to the shops to see if they had anything that he could use. He found one that sold knickknacks and souvenirs. He found little bottles that had Starpleasures stencilled on the side. He did not know what they were for, but they were glass, and they sealed. He had been hoping to find something smaller, but they would do.
Krillgan then went to the botanical garden, and found an attendant. He asked her if she knew about some of the properties of some of the plants. She said that that was part of her job. He pointed out some plants, and from her description, he knew they were similar to what he knew, and could use them. He asked if people were allowed to pick their leaves. She told him that people were not allowed, but he was. Because she had noticed his gold bracelet. He asked her if she could pick the leaves for him, because she knows her garden, and he might accidentally injure a plant. So she went and picked the leaves for him that he indicated. While she did that, he noticed a pleasant smell coming from one of the flowers in the garden. He asked if he could have one of the flowers. She did not want to. But because he had a gold bracelet, she did. She had a secret business on the side, where she made perfumes from the flowers in the garden, and sold them through one of the high end shops on the ship. That particular flower was used in a lot of her perfume blends. Then Krillgan asked her if she had a mortar and pestle that he could borrow. The lady turned red, and asked him how he knew. Krillgan told her that from the way she talked about the plants, he suspected that she had some training as a shaman. She said she did, and showed him where she mixed her medicines. Krillgan asked her, if he could use it? Unfortunately he could not let her watch him, because he had some special secret ingredients, but if she had an empty vial, he could share some of the end product with her. She agreed to his terms, wondering what it was that he would making. When he was finished he handed her the vial, and told her that it was a very powerful healing potion. Similar to the med-packs that medics carry. She opened the vial, and took a sniff. She could smell the fragrance of the flower she picked for him. Unfortunately it masked the smell of everything else that was in there. As a shaman he was pretty good. She thanked him and put it away. She wondered when she would get an opportunity to test it. If it really was as powerful as he said, it was not something to be trifled with.
When he caught up to Talmi, for lunch. He gave him one of the bottles he had prepare. Telling him that the ointment in it could heal most anything. Talmi politely thanked him. He did not know if he was serious or not. He did suspect he skipped breakfast, because he ate more than his normal amount for lunch. The next time they met the ladies, he gave each one a similar bottle, and told them the same thing. So Talmi knew it wasn't a joke. He would not do that to them. It was only the Togruta that asked some serious questions about it.
Later when their contract was nearing its end. A big heavy passenger backed up, and stepped on one of the Twi'lek's foot. Breaking it. Just after she finished her shift. They had to carry her to the ship's clinic. When the ship's doctor scanned her foot, he told her a couple of bones were broken. She would have to stay off of her foot for more than two months, for it to heal properly. She started crying, because she was sure that this would kill any chances of her getting a third contract. The Togruta remembered Krillgan's ointment, and how he told her that it would even heal broken bones. She ran to her cabin. Grabbed the ointment, and ran back to the clinic as fast as she could. The doctor had iced the Twi'lek's foot, because it was swelling. He wanted to get the swelling down before applying a cast. When the Togruta came back, she asked the doctor if all the bones in her friend's foot were where they were supposed to be. He told her they were. She went to her friend, and told her to stop crying. She removed the ice from the foot, and got her little bottle out. She carefully dripped some drops on her friend's foot. The first two drops disappeared almost right away. The third drop took longer, so she only added one more drop. The Twi'lek recognised the bottle as being what Krillgan gave them. She told her Togruta friend that she could feel something happening in her foot. The other Twi'lek had shown up at the same time that the Togruta returned with her bottle. She asked her, how she remembered about the bottle? She told them that she remembered Krillgan telling them that the ointment could heal broken bones. They didn't remember, but they remembered their Togruta friend asking Krillgan a lot of questions about the ointment. After a while the injured Twi'lek said she could not feel anything different anymore. The Togruta went to the doctor, and asked if he could examine her friend again. When he came in he saw that the swelling was gone. He purposely poked her foot with his finger, and was surprised that she did not scream. He went and got the scanner. He could see that the broken bones had mended and there was a buildup of calcium around them. He asked her what she had done. She told him that a friend had given her some healing ointment a while back. She remembered him saying that it was strong enough to heal bones. So she put some on her friend's foot, and it worked. The doctor wanted to see the ointment. The Togruta opened the bottle but would not let go of it. The doctor noted that it had a green tint to it, which meant it was plant based. He smelt it. It had a nice odour, but could not tell anything else. He asked if he could have it to run some tests. She said, "No!" The doctor sighed, he told them that he was still going to put a caste on her foot. But it would be a light one. One that she can dance in. He wanted her to come back in five days so that he could re-examine her foot. When the doctor left to get his equipment, the injured Twi'lek hugged her Togruta friend, and started crying again. This time she was thankful that she had remembered Krillgan's present to them.
The ladies promised they wouldn't cry, but they did, when it was time for Krillgan and Talmi to depart. Krillgan and Talmi had to take a shuttle from Starpleasures to Nal Hutta's moon, Nar Shadda, the Treasure of Hutt Space. It was really a small planet. It was only classified as a moon because it orbited Nal Hutta. They were disappointed that the shuttle terminal they landed at, did not have any shuttles down to Nal Hutta. They would have to walk the entire length of "The Promenade" to get to the shuttle terminal they wanted. The Promenade has the widest variety of goods and services in known space. Everything from cutting-edge military equipment, to ancient archaeological relics, and the richest casinos in the galaxy. They had to stop and watch the ten story video promo, on the front of one of the casinos. It was the promotion video for the upcoming darts tournament on Sleheyron, to be broadcast live. Their friends looked so hot and sexy in the promo, when they were recorded jumping up and down and hugging each other because they won big money. The promo made it look like they had bet on the team that placed first place, and were rewarded with a dinner invitation to celebrate the victory, and their winnings. The promo looped through two more times, before switching to something else. Because the Hutts knew that the secret in advertising, is to repeat things three times if you want someone to remember. Krillgan was glad that he was not seen in the promo, even though he was recorded in the raw data footage. There were lights everywhere. Advertising this, and selling that. If there was a place in the galaxy where you could sell your soul, or buy someone else's, this was it.
It was a slow walk, since they wanted to take everything in. This also made them a target for peddlers and street merchants. Since their gawking labeled them as newcomers. Fortunately there were frequent patrols of the local law enforcement, which caused the peddlers and street merchants to suddenly disappear. Krillgan and Talmi found themselves constantly checking their person, to make sure that nothing had gone missing.
The shuttle terminal seemed like a safe haven, when they finally arrived. Krillgan spent his time watching a program, where analysts were discussing the chances that Churabba the Hutt's team in the Rancor Races, would recover from their humiliating loss, in their last race. Along with the loss, was the death of the rider, who was considered the team leader. They were also discussing whether the Rancor "Smasher", considered the strongest Rancor on the team, would be able to accept another rider, after having lost so many strong riders. Most of the analysts felt the team was a total wipe-out. They felt that Churabba would have to get rid of Smasher, and start fresh with a new rider on a new Rancor. As he still had time, Krillgan went to a kiosk where a Balosar male was preparing hot and cold beverages. He would rather purchase something from a humanoid, than a vending machine. He ordered a hot cocoa, which the ladies had him try once on the Starpleasures. He asked the Balosar male, what happened to the Rancor that would no longer accept riders for the Rancor races? The Balosar seemed to think that they were shipped to Sleheyron, where they would battle Rancor and other creatures in the gladiator arenas. This was not a pleasant image to Krillgan, who had so many Rancor friends. On the shuttle ride down to Nal Hutta, Krillgan voiced his concern over the supposed plight of a Rancor, which was now found riderless. Talmi was surprised that Krillgan would feel so much compassion for a creature, that most if the galaxy had nightmares about. He also told Krillgan that he was starting to show a bit of a purple tinge. It was time to reapply the blue fur dye.
When they landed on Nal Hutta, they chose a nice hotel, near the arena where the Rancor races are staged, that was affiliate with a local casino. They took separate rooms, dividing the credits and peggats between them. When they went to the dining room, Krillgan ordered a Nice Surprise with his lunch, and was surprised that the waiter did not ask him to describe the drink. When they brought him his drink, it was a nice surprise that it was just the way he liked it. He asked the waiter how long they have been serving this drink. He said that they only started recently. This was only the third one that he himself had served. After lunch Krillgan retired to his room, where he tried to find information on what happened to Rancor, when they were no longer good for the races. All he kept finding was the video showing how the rider was killed in the last race. It looked like one Rancor and rider had engaged the rider that was killed in the race, and his Rancor in battle. While another Rancor and rider came up behind them. The Rancor just slashed him with his talons. There was quite an outcry on the Holonet, because the rider was clearly involved in a battle, and the rules state that other riders and Rancor are not to interfere (because there is a lot of money wagered on the battles). When Krillgan watched the video, it looked like the rider that was killed, was deliberately set up. Which means that the other team was afraid of him. The two riders and their Rancor were disqualified from the race, but that did not matter, because the team that had just lost their rider froze, giving the other team an easy victory. Talmi had gone to the market after lunch to try and find the blue fur dye. When he found it. He decided to buy a few packets, because he did not know how much longer Krillgan would need to maintain his blue persona. When he returned, Krillgan showed him the video of the Rancor rider's death. After Krillgan applied the dye, and showered to remove the residue, Talmi showed him a statistic on Rancor riders' survivability in the ring. Over the last ten years, only one rider has outlived his contract. Krillgan asked him how long the average contract was for, for Rancor riders. Talmi showed him that the standard contract was for two years. Unlike their dancer friends on Starpleasures, no one has ever renewed a Rancor rider's contract. When they went down to the dining room for dinner. The hotel staff all felt that their new guest, somehow looked bluer.
After dinner Krillgan and Talmi used the computer, to find out where everything on Nal Hutta was situated. Talmi pointed out their hotel, where the spaceport was that they landed at, where the arena was situated for the Rancor races, and where the market was. Krillgan also looked up where Churabba the Hutt had her palace situated, and in the process found out that she took her name from an ancient ancestor that had freed the Nikto people from the control of the Cult of M'dweshuu. In gratitude they were one of the co-signers of the Treaty of Vontor. Putting the Nikto people in permanent servitude to the Hutts. Joining with the Vodran, and Klatooinian under the leadership of the Kossak the Hutt, in defeating and capturing Xim the Despot. To this day there are more Nikto warriors actively serving Churabba the Hutt and her clan, than serve any other Hutt clan. They also found out that it is against the law to use stairs in any structure on Nal Hutta, because the Hutts cannot climb stairs. To Talmi that would explain why every structure on Tal Nami has stairs before their entrance way, and only government buildings have ramps built into their designs.
The next morning after breakfast, Krillgan decided to start becoming familiar with Nal Hutta, by walking to the various sites they were looking at on the map, and aerial stills. When he was walking around the market, becoming familiar with the different vendors and their products. He thought he saw someone out of the corner of his eye, who he knew. He knew it wasn't Talmi, because he was back at the hotel looking up the Rancor racing schedule, and seeing what information he could find out about the various teams. Whoever it was, did not want to be seen. He knew where they were, because of his ability to see life energy using the force. Being able to distinguish between different life forms even in a crowded market. Manoeuvring through a crowded unknown market was a different thing. The person had snuck around behind a fruit and vegetables stand, and was getting ready to steal a piece of fruit. "Rasha?" The person froze and looked around to see who had called her name. For some reason she did not struggle when the blue man grabbed her by the hand, and dragged her into the alley way. She would have fought him with all her might, if he would have grabbed her arm. But he grabbed her hand. There was something familiar about him. After making a couple of turns so that they could not be seen from the market, and checking that there were no large life forms in the area. Krillgan stops and turns to his friend, "Rasha. It's me Krillgan. What happened? What are you doing on Nal Hutta?"
Rasha looked at his face and put her hand on his cheek. As soon as she felt the fur, she knew it was him. She threw her arms around his neck, and started sobbing. He hugged her to himself and let her cry. She started telling him, that instead of returning to Republic space, and going back to the planets they had shipments for. Her father complained that they had lost money by bringing him there. Even though everyone on the ship knew it wasn't true. So he picked up some freight shipments to deliver to the next planet, than the next planet, taking them deeper and deeper into Hutt space. "Finally father accepted a shipment for Du Hutta, not knowing we were being led into a trap. When we jumped into the Du Hutta system, pirates were waiting for us. They quickly took out our in-system drives, connected an umbilical to us, and cut their way in. I was sleeping, when the computer started calling, "Warning! Warning! Umbilical has been attached! Prepare to repel borders". I threw off my night shirt and put on my blouse and pants. I did not even bother telling the computer to turn on the lights, because everything was red. I lifted a floor tile in my room and went into the utility crawl way below the floor." Krillgan remembered suspecting that their cabin could be accessed from the floor, and remembered putting a couple of practice mats down, so that no one could sneak a peek at his mother. "Father had made a couple of secret hiding pods in the ship, in the missile reloading system, for me and my mother, when he first became captain of the Phoenix. Instead of going to my hiding place, I went back towards the crew lounge just to see what was going on. The second man to board the ship, looked like he was wearing bounty hunter armour. When my father saw him he raised his hands shoulder height, and told him not to shoot. None of them are armed. The guy who looked like a bounty hunter walked up to my father, and told him that he had always wanted to watch a man die. Then he stabbed him in his stomach. I screamed, and did not hear what my father's last words were. I had to put my hand over my own mouth, and make my way back to my hiding place, with tears streaming down my face. I knew I had enough dry food and water that I could survive for two months in there. Father had told me that if the ship ever broke up. The hiding pod would become an escape pod, and take me to the most habitable planet in the system. If no habitable planets were detected, than after two days of drifting, a distress beacon would be activated. I heard people crawling through the crawl way. I don't know if they were looking for me or something else. But they never found me. When the ship indicated in my pod that we had landed on a planet, I waited until I could hear nothing at all but my breathing, before coming out of my hiding place. Everything was dark, it was a good thing I knew my way around the ship. The ramp was down, and it was night out. As I was going down the ramp, I thought I heard my mother's voice say, "Goodbye Rasha." I was able to sneak out of the compound where the ship was parked. Unfortunately I forgot to take some food and water with me. I made my way to this market, and found out I wasn't a good thief. Krillgan, men have attacked me, wanting to rape me. Slavers have attacked me, trying to make me a slave. If you had not taught me how to protect myself, I would be a sex slave in some brothel right now. You saved me!"
"When the young homeless kids that hang around the market saw that I could protect myself, and they knew I never attacked them, when they had food and I didn't. They started to share the little food and drink they could steal, with me. So that I would protect them from the older kids who would beat them up, and steal their food, and from the adults that would try to steal them, to make them slaves. We would all huddle together on cool nights. They even helped me find Grim, and Kran, and Elibet. They are slaves in a mine not too far from here. They told me that this is Nal Hutta. Everything can be bought or sold for the right price. But I have no money to buy my friends freedom, let alone a ship." She started crying on his shoulder again. Krillgan shook her, not hard, but hard enough to get her attention.
"Stop crying and take off your clothes. I have an idea."
Krillgan started undressing, and placing his clothes were she could reach them. She hesitated at first, because she had nothing on underneath. She told herself that now was not the time to be shy. Ludia and Diennu always told her about Krillgan's good ideas when faced with a challenge. So she turned her back to him and took off her clothes. Hoping that Krillgan would like what he saw. Krillgan did not remove his undergarments. He put on her pants and blouse as soon as she took them off, and told her to hurry and dress. She had been barefoot, so he took off his socks for her to wear before putting his boots on. He suspected that his feet were bigger than hers. He showed her the dagger that he had hidden in each boot. He did not tell her that they were Dathomirite, because she could not activate them. But they were sharp enough, if she needed to protect herself. He showed her the card that would give her access to his hotel room, and gave her the code. Then he showed her the secret places his father had sewn into his jacket to hide credits. He told her to grab something to eat in the market. Some changes of underwear, a sexy dress, and some nice footwear. People are supposed to believe that she is his mistress. He will confirm it with the hotel staff the next time he is back at the hotel. He told her that the man in the room next door, is his friend. His name is Talmi. When you first see him, tell him, "That if he wants you to trust him, he must show himself worthy of your trust." That way he will know that I sent you.
One more thing Rasha, "I know you have a beautiful body, but you are wearing my clothes. Try not to wear them too long, because it took a long time before they formed to my body, and I want to be able to wear them again."
Rasha blushed, "He noticed."
As he was turning to leave, she asked him, what was he going to do? He turned back and smiled.
"I'm going to ride a Rancor."
Talmi thought he heard Krillgan enter his room next door. He was back much sooner than expected. He wondered if something is wrong. So he went next door and knocked on the door rather than try to connect via the room's computer. He was surprised when a pretty young lady opened the door, wearing Krillgan's clothes. He just stood there with his mouth open. Rasha had to pull him into the room and close the door.
"You must be Talmi."
"Uh-huh."
Rasha introduced herself, than gave him the message that Krillgan had instructed her. Talmi started laughing, now he knew for sure that Krillgan had sent her. Rasha asked him, what was so funny? He told her that those were the first words he spoke to Krillgan, when he first met him. She told him to make himself comfortable, because she was going to take a nice long, hot, shower. Then she would tell him her story.
When Krillgan arrived at Churabba the Hutt's palace, he studied it for a few minutes. He suspected that if he tried going through the main entrance, dressed the way he was, they would kill him first, then ask questions. He started walking around the palace, until he found another guarded entrance. He hoped that this was the servants' entrance. He stopped the first person that came out, and asked them how he can get to ride a Rancor? They just motioned with their head towards the guards. Krillgan assumed that that meant that he was supposed to ask them. Krillgan approached the two Klatooinian guards, and told them that he wants to ride a Rancor. They told him to wait there. Then one of the guards disappeared into the palace. He returned a number of minutes later, with a Gotal following behind. Krillgan recognised the odour of Rancor right away. The Gotal asked him, why he wanted to ride a Rancor? Krillgan told him that he heard that riders get fed every day. The Gotal snorted, than asked him to follow him. The first place the Gotal took him was to an office for him to sign some papers. He gave his name as Chitrah Grimshaw. When they asked him if he had a name that he should be called in the arena, he told them, "Blue Ghost." He said that this was his name on the street. He signed a two year contract for indentured servitude as a Rancor rider. He asked them if he would be getting some money after the two years, because he did not want to go back out onto the streets hungry again. The Gotal just smiled, and told him that he would be looked after. From there, the Gotal led him into the belly of the palace and took him to see a young female Rancor. He told Chitrah that they were still training her. He would be her first rider. Krillgan said she seemed like a nice Rancor, but he wanted to ride the big one. The one they called Smasher. The Gotal sighed, he told Chitrah that this Rancor is very sad right now, and might not let anyone ride it. Krillgan pleaded with the Gotal to let him at least meet the Rancor, if he won't let him ride him, he could always come back to the young female. Krillgan sensed the young female was disappointed. He spoke to her and told her to cheer up, her time would come soon enough. The Rancor was shocked, no one has ever spoken to her before. The beastmasters communicate with her, and the one with the blue man, could sense their emotions. But the blue man spoke. The blue man actually spoke.
The Gotal beastmaster did not know what just happened. He sensed that the female Rancor had been excited, than became sad, than became excited. Could this Chitrah Grimshaw be some sort of beastmaster? He led Chitrah past the other stalls of Rancor. The Gotal beastmaster noticed that they all turned to look at the blue man. Their mood was changing from sombre, to excited anticipation. He did not know that Krillgan reached out and touched each one. He did not say anything, he just let them know that he was there. When they came to Smasher. Krillgan sat himself down at the stalls opening. He told the Gotal that it would probably best if he left them alone, so that Smasher could get used to him. The Gotal warned Chitrah, that the Rancor could kill him, if he upset him further. Krillgan told him that he would be all right, he just needed Smasher to get used to him. It may take a while since he just lost his rider. But he was sure that he would accept him in the end. The Gotal decided to leave him, and go talk to the other beastmasters. He wanted to tell them about their new rider, who seems to be able to connect with the Rancor in some way, that has gotten them all excited. Maybe he can connect with Smasher as well. Maybe he can save his life. The beastmasters hated the idea of having to ship their friend away, they have all grown quite fond of him. But he has had too many riders, and is in emotional turmoil. He was getting to the point that they were having trouble controlling him.
After the Gotal had left. Krillgan moved even closer to the Rancor. Close enough that if this Rancor, who had his back to him, turned around quickly, he could hit Krillgan. Krillgan wasn't worried. He could use the force to stop the Rancor before he actually connected. He spoke to Smasher, and told him that his name was Krillgan. But here he will be called Chitrah, or the Blue Ghost. He told Smasher that he is a member of a great Rancor herd, called the Singing Mountain Clan. Smasher turned his head, so he could catch a glimpse over his shoulder, of the one talking to him. He told him that he did not have a herd smell, he could just smell a little of the other Rancor that where there. Krillgan told him that he has been a long time from his herd, and wanted a friend. Smasher turned away, and told him that the other Rancor would be happy to be his friend. Krillgan said that he could talk to any of the other Rancor, and they all seem friendly. But they need to know that the biggest and strongest amongst them, is going to be okay. They have no Herd Mother to comfort them. They need their leader back, even if he is only a male. Smasher turned completely around, and looked at the blue man.
"They need me?"
"Yes! They need you, more than you need them. What you need is me, and I need you."
Smasher studied the blue man. He was intrigued by him. He then asked the blue man to tell him about his herd. Krillgan told him about each member of the Rancor herd, including the humans who bonded with them. He told Smasher which ones were born to the herd, and which ones came to be accepted, and why. Smasher was surprised to hear that he would be one of the smallest members of the herd. Because here he was one of the biggest Rancor, on all the teams that raced. There were only two that were larger, and they killed his last rider, and he could not stop them. He asked Krillgan, if his Herd Mother would accept him? Krillgan liked that he had finally called him by name. He told Smasher that if he only lets him ride him. She would not. But if he bonds with him, she would have too. Because Krillgan is an accepted member of the herd. Smasher liked the idea of being a part of a herd. He asked Krillgan what he must do. Krillgan told him that he must accept him, and be willing to open up his whole heart to him. Including the places where he has hid the other riders. Smasher hung his head down and asked him if he was going to try and remove the other riders from his heart. Krillgan told him that no one can do that. They are part of him, and when they bond he needs them to be part of him. Smasher roared, to announce to the other Rancor that he has a new rider that wants to bond with him. The other Rancor roared back their congratulations. The beastmasters all came running when they heard the roaring. They thought Smasher had killed the new rider. When they came to Smasher's stall. They found the Rancor, and the new rider Chitrah Grimshaw, sitting and facing each other. Chitrah turned and told the beastmasters that Smasher had accepted him. The Gotal told the others that Smasher was definitely feeling much better. The beastmasters were all feeling better about this news. They told the Gotal that he was right in introducing the new rider to Smasher.
After they returned, the Gotal decided to go back and talk to Chitrah. To ask him how he did it?
Krillgan asked Smasher if he knew what his name meant. Smasher said he did not. So Krillgan thought for a moment, how to explain his name to him. He got up and told Smasher that he would be back shortly. The first person he found, he asked them where the kitchen was?
When the Gotal went to Smasher's stall, he found the Rancor sitting quietly all by himself. He asked, where is the new rider? Smasher indicated that he left, and would come back. The Gotal wondered where he could have gotten to. He had not even been assigned his own room yet. So he started searching the palace for him.
By asking people along the way. Krillian was able to find the kitchen quite quickly. He saw a crate at one end of the kitchen that looked like it had all sorts of melons in it. He made himself look small, and stealthily walked up to the crate, and selected one of the larger melons. He rushed out of the kitchen, before anyone could stop him. A few of the kitchen staff looked up from what they were doing, and asked what just happened. Since no one could answer, they went back to what they were doing. Krillgan quickly retraced his steps, and put the melon next to Smasher. He told Smasher to hit the melon. Smasher smashed the melon with his fist, and pieces of melon flew everywhere. Smasher laughed at what just happened. No one in the palace heard a Rancor laugh before, so they started to approach Smasher's stall to see what was going on. Krillgan told Smasher that what he just did was to smash the melon. His name means that he is one who smashes. Smasher liked his name, it felt good to smash that melon. When the other people and Rancor approached Smasher's stall, they found the new rider throwing pieces of melon into Smasher's mouth.
The Gotal came back and found a crowd around Smasher's stall. When he pushed his way through. He saw Chitrah throwing pieces of melon into Smasher's mouth, and Smasher seemed to be enjoying the experience. He asked him what he was doing. Rancor are meat eaters. Krillgan told him that Rancor eat all sorts of things in the wild. The problem is that it is hard to find enough of anything besides meat in sufficient quantities to satisfy a Rancor. He had heard people say that porridge cakes are the best thing for Rancor to have in the morning, it also helps them to have better bowel movements. The Gotal asked him if he was some sort of Rancor expert. He said he wasn't, but he would always listen to the ones who were. Rancor have always fascinated him. The Gotal thought for a moment, then asked him if he knew of a recipe for porridge cakes. Krillgan said that he thinks he remembers. It would be better if he watched the cooks make it, to be sure. Then the Gotal asked him where he got the melon? He told him that he got it from the kitchen. The Gotal asked him, if he asked, before taking it? The one called Chitrah, asked why should he? People never let him take anything. So he never asks anymore. The Gotal had to suppress his desire to laugh. He asked, if the next time he would ask him, if he needed something from the kitchen? Krillgan just ignored him. The Gotal sighed, he was going to have to keep an eye on this one.
He asked Chitrah if he wanted to see the room assigned to him. The young man looked at him. "Don't we just sleep with our Rancor?" This caught the Gotal off guard. He told Chitrah that most people sleep in their own room. Chitrah asked him, if it was okay for him to sleep with his Rancor from time to time? The Gotal said he could, but first he will show him his room.
After showing Chitrah the room assigned to him. He went to talk to the other beastmasters. They were always being hounded to cut costs in the Rancor racing program. Claiming that their expenses were always higher than their winnings. Meat was always a big expense. If they could cut back on the meat, by having the Rancor eat porridge cakes in the morning. They could use the meat money to buy other things that they need, and still reduce the budget at the same time.
After she showered and dressed, Rasha told Talmi her story. She told him about the pirate ambush, and having to fend for herself. She was surprised at first when Krillgan approached her, because she was used to seeing a purple Krillgan with more hair. When Krillgan promised he would help. It was like a great burden rolled off of her shoulders. Talmi asked her, what Krillgan said he would do? Rasha told him that the only thing Krillgan said he would do, was go ride a Rancor.
Talmi started to panic.
"He's going to get himself killed, because of you."
"Talmi relax. Krillgan knows what he is doing. He has been riding Rancor for as long as I've known him. And I've known him since I was little."
Talmi told himself that he should not be surprised, but every time he learns something new about Krillgan, it surprises him. No wonder he wanted to come here, he must know how to communicate with Rancor. What an inside edge when betting on Rancor races. Rasha told Talmi that she suspects that Krillgan might not be able to get in touch with them for a while. What can they do in the meantime to help? Talmi said that they need to get a hold of a broker. Someone who can negotiate on their behalf, because if they try to negotiate on their own, they will get super inflated prices. Rasha said that there are a couple of brokers next to the market. There is one who has a very good reputation with the people of the market. Talmi said that they could go right after lunch. Rasha asked if they could have lunch at the market. It was probably cheaper than the meals they could purchase in the hotel. Talmi told her that all their meals are included with the room. Rasha told him that she still preferred to eat at the market. Talmi said that they could, but first he needs to change into something that looks more business appropriate, if they were going to talk business with a broker. Talmi changed into the outfit he wore when they went to the formal dinner on Starpleasures. He had hung his outfit in his bathroom when he first arrived, so that it would be steamed, when he showered, to get rid of all the wrinkles. Rasha wore the dress she bought. The one that was supposed to make her look like a sexy mistress.
At the market Rasha asked Talmi to buy twice as much of everything he would normally buy. When they found a clean bench to sit on, and enjoy their lunch. Rasha asked Talmi to put everything that he was not going to eat or drink on the bench, and leave it alone. Rasha did the same thing with hers. In a short time when Talmi glanced down it was gone. He asked Rasha what happened. She told him that if he looks at her, then looks out of the corner of his eye behind them. He will see a group of children dividing up the food and drink they had left on the bench, between them. For many of them this will be their only meal for the day. What Rasha and Talmi did not know was that the broker that they were planning on going to, had been watching them out of his window. The young lady looked familiar to him, but he could not place her. He knew what they did for the street kids. Their heart was in the right place, only they were dressed too elegantly for the market. He was both happy and surprised that they came through his door. This was the type of people he liked to work for. They told him that he has the reputation of being an honest man. So they were going to be straight forward with him. Some friends of theirs had been capture by pirates, and sold as slaves. Rasha told him what mine they were working at. They want to purchase their freedom. They also wanted to buy back the ship that was captured. Can he help them? He said that he could, but the price he could negotiate for them would depend on how they presented themselves. If say, she was some aristocrat, who was looking to supplement her personal guard, because a couple of them had become sick due to food poisoning. Then a very cheap price could be negotiated. But she would have to wear one of those awful aristocrat dresses, and he would have to be in uniform. With a real force pike. It would look even more realistic, if there was at least two personal guards accompanying her. Concerning the ship. It will depend on the ship, and what it could be used for. Rasha told him that it was an unusually designed old freighter. It looked like a black tadpole with a stubby tail. She told him where he could see it for himself. He was not happy to hear the location. The people there were not trustworthy. He warned them that after they purchase the ship. The people will try to steal it back. Rasha assured him that this time they would be ready for them. The broker gave them a rough figure, which they could expect, for purchasing their friends, and what his fee would be. He asked them, how long it would take them, to get all their resources together? So he would know when to start serious negotiations. Talmi told him that they would be back in touch with him. Once they knew they had everything in place. As they stood up to leave. The broker asked Talmi, if he was from Tal Nami? Talmi told him he was. The broker told him where on Tal Nami he could expect to find his relatives. Talmi told him that he has been there, and has probably met some of his relatives. They shook hands and departed as friends.
Before leaving the market Talmi bought some fresh fruits and vegetables, some breads, preserved meats, and cheeses. Items that would not spoil right away, if it was not placed in a cooler. He asked Rasha if she could purchase some containers of water. As they were leaving the market. He asked Rasha, if she could signal some of her little friends to follow? When they were out of sight of the market, the children approached Rasha.
"What happened to you? You look beautiful."
Rasha told them that a special friend found her, and rescued her. They motioned with their heads at Talmi, and asked if he was the special friend? Rasha said no. He was just another friend. She introduced Talmi to them. He asked them, if they had a special place to hide all this stuff they bought them? So that they could share it with the others, later. The children's eyes went wide, when they saw all the food that was purchased for them. They told Rasha that she has some nice friends, and disappeared with all the food and drink. As they walked back to the hotel, Rasha asked Talmi, what was bothering him? Talmi said that the way she was dressed bothered him. Rasha stopped him and asked him what he meant. Talmi reminded her that Krillgan wanted her to look like his mistress.
"Isn't that how I look?"
"No. You look like his girlfriend. You should buy some more dresses, and be prepared for Krillgan to alter them when he shows up."
Rasha was all embarrassed, she was afraid to ask how a mistress was supposed to look. Krillgan said that she should wear something sexy. This was something sexy, and Talmi said that she just looked like a girlfriend.
A beastmaster had the team on their Rancor in the practise arena. He had made up a pretend obstacle course and expected them to go through it. He called for Chitrah on Smasher to go first. Chitrah had Smasher go outside the obstacle course to the finish line. The beastmaster got angry with Chitrah and asked him why he did that. Chitrah told him that there are easy ways, and there are hard ways to do things, and he was teaching the team to do it the hard way. The beastmaster told Chitrah he was in charge and left. The other beastmasters kept their laughter to themselves. They did not like his teaching methods either.
The other team members were upset with Chitrah, because now they had no one to train them. Krillgan asked out loud and spoke to the Rancor at the same time. "Who thinks I can do a better job training you. Raise an arm." The riders were surprised when all the Rancor raised an arm. The one they called Chitrah told them that Rancor are a lot smarter than a lot of people give them credit for. They need to trust their Rancor just like the Rancor needs to trust them.
The Churabba Rancor racers, consisted of Blue Ghost, sometimes just called Blue by his teammates, on Smasher. Slim, who wasn't very slim, on Crusher. Jezzy, the only female rider on the team, on Breezy. Who has a gas problem that Krillgan believed he could cure, if he found the right plants. Wallup, on Big Money. Big Red, because of his big mane of red hair, sometimes just called Red, on Quick Feet. The only female Rancor on the team, and the fastest. Then there was Sweet Spice. The young female Rancor that had no rider.
Krillgan talked to each rider about their strengths and weaknesses, and the strengths and weaknesses of their Rancor. He showed them how as a team they could be stronger. Slim, Jezzy, and Big Red, preferred using a long pole as their weapon of choice in the arena. Wallup preferred the weight on the end of a rope. Krillgan hadn't selected a weapon yet, because he did not like any of the ones available. He would have preferred a sword on the end of a fighting stick, but edged weapons weren't allowed in the arena.
The beastmasters were used to seeing Chitrah sleeping in Smasher's stall. One night Krillgan told Smasher that he needs to leave the palace tonight, and he wants the beastmasters to think that he was sleeping with him. He pushed some straw together, and covered it with a blanket. He told Smasher that that was supposed to be him. Smasher said he understood. He sat ahead of the straw pile, so no one would disturb it. Krillgan saw as he approached the servants' entrance, that one of the guards had a cut on his face. He must have been in a fight recently. So when Krillgan asked for them to let him leave, he told them that he needed to gather some herbs for a healing ointment his mother taught him to make. He only had a couple of drops left, but he would use it to help heal his wound, if he was allowed to go gather herbs. The Klatooinian guards were sceptical about a healing ointment. Krillgan held his hand up to the guards face and let a couple of drops fall on the wound. It was dark, so the guards could not see if he had anything in his hand or not. But the one guard felt a couple of drops hit his wound. When Krillgan removed his hand the other guard saw the wound on his buddies face disappear. They both asked Krillgan when they expected him to be back. He told them that he wouldn't be back until after the market open's in the morning, because he can't find all the herbs he needs growing in the wild. They told him to hurry back, because they can only cover for him for so long, before they get into trouble. Krillgan promised that he would be back as soon as he can.
When Krillgan arrived at the hotel, he went around back to where the balconies to the unit he was in, was situated. He figured the first two balconies would be alarmed. So he jumped all the way up to the third balcony. Just making it. From there it was simple thing to jump up, from balcony to balcony, until he reached his unit. He needed to use the force, to unlock the locking mechanism on the sliding glass doors to the balcony. After entering the unit, he verified that he was in the right one, before having the computer turn the lights on. He went into the bathroom and took a nice hot shower. When Rasha unlocked the door to her unit, after coming back from dinner with Talmi. They were both surprised to hear the water running in the bathroom. Talmi entered her unit, having her wait outside. He opened the bathroom door until it was slightly ajar, and asked if this was Krillgan. Krillgan told him that if it wasn't, he was in big trouble. He then asked Talmi to ask Rasha, where his clothes are? He wasn't coming out of the shower until he had something decent to wear. Talmi waved Rasha in, and told her that Krillgan wants his clothes. After Krillgan dressed, he told them about how he is spending his time. Talmi told him about visiting a broker who happens to be from Tal Nami and what he said. He also shared the information on the teams he would be competing against, and asked him, if he had any insight? Krillgan apologised because he was trying to get his own team ready. He told him that it would be a safe bet that his team was going to win the next race. But he could not give them anything else.
Krillgan asked Rasha if she could show off her dresses. Rasha could sense that he was not overly pleased with the dress she was wearing. While she went to change, Krillgan and Talmi talked about their finances. Talmi showed Krillgan the calculations he had made. He showed Krillgan how many credits they would need, and still have sufficient funds for betting on the Rancor races so that they can accumulate enough credits to purchase the ship.
Rasha overheard them talking. She was angry that they had enough funds to free Grimm, Kran, and Elibet right now. She accused them of turning into Hutts. Caring only about money. Krillgan had to sit her down. He told her that for gambling you need money. Without money, it doesn't matter who you think will win or lose. Because no one will pay you for your opinion. Yes they could pay for Grimm, Kran, and Elibet to be free right now. Than what would they do? He would have wasted his time and his life, getting involved with Rancor racing. Because without them betting on him, to raise the credits they need, they may be sitting on Nal Hutta, for the next fifty years, doing odd jobs, until they raise enough money to buy a ship. Which may have already been cut up, and sold for scrap. Krillgan was sure that if she asked Grimm, Kran, and Elibet, they would be willing to stay where they are for one more month, if it will mean that they would be leaving the planet together on the Fenelar Phoenix before the end of the year. Rasha did not understand everything that Krillgan had been talking about. Her father had neglected to teach her anything about business and economics. But she did understand that you needed money to place a bet, and right now it sounded like Krillgan and Talmi were betting on all their lives, and their future. So she calmed down. After she had shown off all her dresses. Krillgan asked the room computer if they have a seamstress, or dressmaker on staff, to perform alterations. The computer referred him to the front desk. They told him that they do have someone on staff who can perform alterations in their room, while they wait. In a few minutes the room computer tells them that there is a female staff member outside their door, with a sewing machine. Krillgan let her in, while Talmi put all the papers away that they had been discussing. Krillgan guessed that the lady was originally from Chalacta, she also looked anemic. He asked her about her contract with the hotel. Was she an outright slave, or was she working under contract? She studied Krillgan for a moment, then told them that she might as well be a slave, because she was forced to sign a 25 year indentured servant contract. Krillgan asked her, if he gives her a tip, does she keep it, or does the hotel get it? She told him that the hotel gets it. They claim that it gets applied to shorten her contract, but she doesn't believe it for a second. He asked her, if she has to cover the expenses of her own meals, or are they included in her wages? She told them that she has to pay for her own meals. Krillgan asked her, if she has had dinner yet? She told him no, she only has enough money left to cover breakfast until the next pay period. She had some unexpected expenses. Krillgan told her that he was going to call for room service, was their anything she would like while he was at it. She turned him down. Krillgan told her, that he doesn't want her hands shaking while she was sewing. Krillgan ordered two large meals, some snacks, and six Nice Surprises. When everyone looked at him, he said he was thirsty. While they waited for room service, Krillgan started describing the alterations that he wanted done to the dress that Rasha was currently wearing. The Chalactan suspected that the blue gentleman was close to someone who was a seamstress. She also noticed that the lady was rather embarrassed by the alterations he was suggesting. This was not a good night for Rasha. Rasha suggested that it might be better, if she just walked around naked. Krillgan stopped. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. But you will have to stay in the hotel, except the part where we need you to dress up like an aristocrat. So you do not interfere with what we are doing." Rasha said she wants to help, but this seems like they are going too far. The lady asked them just what they were doing. Krillgan told her that some friends had been captured by pirates and sold into slavery. They want to buy them back. To do that they need to gamble. Right now Rasha looks too nice to be found in a casino. If she goes in looking the way she does, people will suspect something was up, and it would draw a whole lot of unwanted attention.
"It's not like I want her mountains hanging out all over the place, where everyone can see them. I just want them to look like they might, so she blends in with all the other ladies in the casino, and becomes invisible."
The lady looked at Rasha, "He's right you know. But there are a few tricks that I know, that will keep your mountains safe and secure."
She asked Rasha, if she had any bras that she could cut up and incorporate them into the design. It will produce the look he was after, at the same time having her feel more comfortable. Rasha brought out some bras, than changed into another dress, so that they could discuss how it should be altered. While Rasha changed into the third dress, their room service arrived. Krillgan notice, that while they were eating, the lady was shaking a little bit. He suspected that she was on a starvation diet. He reached out and touched her shoulder, assuring her that she does not need to finish altering all the dresses tonight, she can pace herself over the next few days. She understood what he was saying, and nodded her head okay. She than asked him quietly what he was doing. His baby finger had touched some bare skin on her shoulder, and she could feel the Kolto trickling into her body. Krillgan had felt this feeling before, when he was healing the people from the Misty Falls Clan. He leaned forward and told her that he is a healer. The last time he felt this, was when he was healing a woman who had problems with her moon cycle. The lady was clearly embarrassed that he had so easily guessed what her problem was. Talmi noticed the two of them talking. Krillgan had his hand on her shoulder for a long time. Talmi could see the look of concern in his friends face. He saw that the woman blushed, but made no effort to brush Krillgan's hand away. She had tears in her eyes while she was eating. When Krillgan finally removed his hand, she turned to him and said thank you. Talmi could read it on her lips, just as if she had spoken it out loud.
After they finished eating. Krillgan suggested that the dress Rasha had just put on, be converted into the dress for an aristocrat. After explaining what he thought should be done, Rasha blushed, it was completely opposite of what he wanted done with the other dresses. He wanted every part of her covered up. There would be frills and lace, and extra padding for her mountains so that they would appear to be much bigger than they were underneath everything. Krillgan than had an idea. He took his emerald jacket and black pants out of his backpack. He asked the lady, if she could convert the jacket and pants, so that they would appear like a military dress outfit? She told him, not wrinkled like that. Talmi went to his room, and retrieved his own outfit. He showed the lady that this was how it appeared without the wrinkles. Krillgan suggested some gold trim on the jacket. A gold strip down the outside seam in the pants. This lady knew how a military dress uniform should look like. The more she heard Krillgan's suggestions, the more she started to see the way it should be. She suddenly said that she could do it. Talmi left his jacket and pants in Krillgan's room, and took Krillgan's jacket and pants to his room, so that he could steam the wrinkles out in the morning. The lady started working on Rasha's first dress. When she was finished she gave it to Rasha to try on. After Rasha had put it on. Rasha went immediately into the washroom so that she could see it for herself, in all the mirrors that were in there. After she convinced herself that she could wear it in public. She stepped out into the main room so that everyone else could see. They had her turn around a couple of times. Krillgan thanked the lady for doing such an awesome job. Krillgan told Rasha that if Ludia was here, she would make him cover his eyes. This made Rasha smile and blush at the same time. She asked Talmi if this was the look he thought she should have. Talmi's eyes were large. He didn't say anything, he just nodded his head yes. He was afraid that if he opened his mouth, his tongue would hang out, and he would drool all over the floor. After the lady packed up all her sewing equipment. Rasha made the appointment for when she should return. After she left, Krillgan warned Rasha that they would be getting up early. First thing in the morning. He then told the computer what time to wake him, stretched himself out on the couch and went to sleep. Talmi and Rasha took the hint and retired themselves.
In the morning Krillgan decided to wear his own shirt, instead of Rasha's blouse. Which he had been wearing since they switched clothes. He still wore her pants, because he thought it would be too noticeable of a difference if he didn't. He was still barefoot, when Rasha in her newly altered dress, escorted him to the hotel's front desk. Krillgan made sure that they knew that she was authorised to withdraw funds from his room's accounts in his name. Krillgan's attire did not phase the staff. They were used to the eccentric ways of their clients. The clerk mentioned that they did not notice when he returned. Krillgan told him that he sneaked back in, because he wasn't sure the staff would recognise him, the way he was currently dressed. The hotel's security staff would spend days pouring over the hotel's security footage trying to determine how Krillgan entered the hotel, without being seen, because of that comment. In the hotel lobby, in front of the main doors. Krillgan gave Rasha a long passionate kiss. She wasn't expecting it and her heart started racing, and her face became flush. When he stopped he reminded her that she was his mistress, and no one else had the right to touch her. To the hotel staff who overheard it, it meant one thing. To Rasha it meant something else. When she went to the casinos it was a look but don't touch policy, and he just gave her the permission she needed to enforce it. Rasha returned to Krillgan's hotel room and went back to bed, dreaming about that kiss, until she finally got up. Krillgan went straight to the market, picking weeds along the way. At the market, he not only purchased flowers and herbs, from the merchants that were open. He also purchased vials, bowls, mortar and pestle. Anything he felt he needed to make some ointment. The guards were relieved to see him, because their shift was almost up. Krillgan asked them where he could meet with them, to give them the ointment he promised them, after he finished making it. They told him when their next shift would be, and where. Near the Rancor's stalls, there was a closet that no one was using, but had the hardware that it could be locked. Krillgan put all his supplies in the closet and took an old lock out of his pocket, which he had purchased at the market that morning, and locked the closet. He then went to Smasher's stall, carefully went around him, so as not to disturb him, and laid down on the pile of straw. Placing the blanket over himself, and took a nap. Running over in his mind, all the things he needed to do that day, and figuring out when he needed to do them. When he finally decided it was time for breakfast, he got up. Smasher was awake, and told him that he knew when he returned. Krillgan told him that he knew, but he kept quiet anyway, because he knew that Smasher would not actually wake up, unless he had to. Smasher grunted, he kept forgetting that Krillgan was used to Rancor, and was familiar with their ways.
Krillgan first went and got Smasher's porridge cakes for his breakfast, before going for his own. After breakfast, Krillgan went back to the closet, with a lamp he had appropriated, and made himself some room. Then he proceeded to make his first batch of ointment in the palace. The Gotal beastmaster noticed Krillgan going into the closet and not coming out. When he opened the door he found Krillgan sitting on the floor pulverising herbs in a mortar and pestle. There was just enough room for him to squeeze into the closet with him. So he squeezed in and closed the door. He asked Chitrah, what was he doing? Krillgan told him that he was making a healing ointment. His first race was going to be tomorrow, and he wanted to be ready.
"So you're a Shaman?"
"I know about healing and potions."
To the Gotal this explained everything. He had a healthy respect for Shamans, because they understood the balance and flow of life. They were part beastmaster, part healer, and part councillor. This would explain why the Rancor reacted to him in a positive way. It would also explain, how he came to know so much about their diet. What it did not explain, was why he was there? It was a good thing that he was taught from an early age, not to question why certain gifts are given. He told Krillgan that after he was finished, that he should go hide all his stuff in Smasher's stall. He would get some of the other riders to clean out the closet for him, leaving only a good strong table. He would let him know when he can move his stuff back in. If anyone asks him where the key to the lock is? He will tell them that he cannot remember where he put it.
It did not take long for word to spread among the servants, slaves, and warriors, of the palace, that the new Rancor rider was a Shaman, and has a very powerful healing ointment.
When Rasha got up she found her blouse, the one that Krillgan decided not to wear. She sent it to laundry before going down to the dining room for breakfast. She told Talmi at breakfast that she needed to go to the market after breakfast, to buy some more shoes, but was uncomfortable wearing the altered dress there. Talmi told her that she did not have to wear the mistress dresses to the market, they were for the hotel and casino. She should buy something more comfortable to wear to the market. Something pretty, not sexy. After breakfast, she told Talmi that she was going to change, and asked him to wait for her. Outside Krillgan's room, there was a package waiting for her. It was her blouse, clean, fresh and smelling nice. She than remembered, that all the other dresses had chalk marks on them, for the alterations that needed to be done. So she just wore her blouse over her dress. When she returned to the dining area, Talmi was surprised that she returned so quickly. Rasha explained to him that all the other dresses were marked up for their alterations. So she only had her blouse to wear over top. Talmi assured her that she looked fine. As she approached the market, one of the children ran up to her, and told her that a couple of older boys had beaten one of them up real bad, and stolen the food he was eating. Rasha told Talmi that she wished that Krillgan was here, he could heal the boy. Talmi was shocked to hear that Krillgan can heal. Rasha looked at him. I can't believe that you have been with Krillgan as long as you have, and didn't know he could heal. Why do you think he kept his hand on that lady's shoulder for so long last night? He was more than reassuring her. Talmi told Rasha that Krillgan had given him some healing ointment. "Don't just stand there. Go get it." Talmi ran back to the hotel, while Rasha questioned the child.
From what she was told, she was pretty sure she knew who did it. She slipped her shoes off of her feet, and gave them to the child to hold for her. She was going hunting. She found her prey in the area of the market she had expected them to be. When they saw her coming for them, they scurried off like rats. She caught one and grabbed him by his ear, and twisted.
"Just because I'm not here every day, does not mean I have stopped looking after the children. It took two of you to beat up one little boy. I hope you're proud of yourself."
"I was hungry."
"That's no excuse and you know it. When I was on the streets, no matter how hungry I was. I never attacked the little ones. That's why they came to me, and were willing to share what little food they had with me. I looked after them, and they looked after me. That's the way it should be. You Hutt."
The older boy started to whine, saying he was sorry. Rasha told him that he was lucky she knew a healer that could help the child. Otherwise she would be marching him down to the edge of the swamp. The boy turned white at that threat. He promised her that he would be good and not attack her children any more. Rasha told him that was not good enough. He started whining again asking what more she wanted from him.
"Promise me that you will protect them."
The boy promised he would protect them from now on. The broker showed up dragging the other boy before him. He was holding him by the scruff of his shirt.
"Look who I found running away from you."
Rasha grabbed him by his ear and gave it a twist. The broker walked away laughing. Rasha made the first boy tell his friend what he had promised her and why. Then she made the second boy promise the same thing. After that she let go of their ears. The child that had been following her with her shoes came up to her. One of the older boys asked Rasha when they can expect the children to start sharing their food with them. Rasha told them, "That it will probably happen when they know they can trust you". The two boys looked downcast, they did not think the young children would ever trust them.
Talmi couldn't believe it. Krillgan really was the purple healer of Tal Nami. Of course he suspected it, but at the same time he thought it was ridicules. When he went back to his room, he was reluctant to take the bottle of healing ointment back to the market with him. If it was as strong as he suspected, people were willing to kill over it. He remembered that Krillgan handed out rags on Tal Nami, with the healing oil in it. So Talmi grabbed a washcloth, and splashed some of the ointment onto it. He hoped it was enough as he raced back to the market. Rasha waved to Talmi when she saw him. She looked at him funny, when all she saw was a washcloth in his hand. Talmi told her he splashed some ointment on it. Rasha led him to where the boy was curled up in pain. Talmi placed the washcloth on his cheek, because that was the biggest exposed piece of skin he could see. The frightened little boy said he felt funny, and asked if that was okay? Rasha told him it was good, that meant that the ointment was working. After a while the little boy said it doesn't hurt anymore. Rasha told him to just be still, and let his body finish healing. After a while the little boy said that he thought it was finished, because he doesn't feel funny anymore. Talmi picked up the washcloth and handed it to one of the children that appeared to be a leader. He told her to go find a special hiding place for it, which is not near the food. Because there is still healing in the cloth. The boy who met them when they first came to the market, disappeared after confirming that his friend was healed. He reappeared with two small pieces of bread, with a little piece of cheese on each. He went up to the two older boys, who had been watching from a distance, and gave them each one. The older boys quickly grabbed them, and shoved them in their mouths, in case the little boy changed his mind. The little boy told the two older boys, that many of them heard what Rasha made them promise. If they are good to them they will get more. But if they are bad, they are not afraid to tell Rasha, so that they will get what they deserve. The boys shook their heads like they understood, because they could not speak with the food in their mouths.
It was race day. The riders got to see the course for five minutes as a team, an hour and a half before the race started. Then they had to go and stand by their Rancor, while the odds makers, and anyone else willing to pay the fee, can come in and see the riders and Rancor, for themselves. So that they can determine how they want to bet on the races. There was the main bet, on which team would get a rider and Rancor set across the finish line first. There was the side bet on which set of rider and Rancor from each team would cross the finish line first, provided that they were one of the first three sets to cross the finish line. Then there was the other side bet when two sets from opposing teams would fight, on who would win. This is where most of the money was bet. When the Churabba team looked down on the obstacle course. Krillgan asked his team mates if they saw what he saw. Big Red asked if he was talking about the shortcut over the maze, rather than through it. Krillgan said that because he could see it, he should take Quick Feet up the ramp first, then they would play follow the leader. They need to be slow off the start to let the other team commit to the maze. Slim asked him, "What if the other team goes for the ramp?" Krillgan told him that he and Crusher would have to get close enough to challenge anyone from the opposing team that might try to head that way. He mentioned that he suspected that the other team would try to get to the choke points in the maze and hold them, while their fastest set would negotiate the maze to reach the finish line first. The riders all agreed to the strategy, and went back to their Rancor. Krillgan told Smasher what they planned to do, and asked him to warn the other Rancor, that they can expect the other team to slash their feet and tails while they are on top of the maze.
Rasha felt naked when they first entered the casino. Until she saw that many of the women were even more scantily clad then she was. She could not understand how some of the women could wear dresses out of shear fabric, and not have anything on underneath. Only one person tried to touch her, while they walked to the area where the Rancor races would be viewed. She reacted so quickly, without even looking, that Talmi had to warn himself not to bump into her by accident. He might end up face down on the ground. They found a place to sit, where they had a good view of the screen. The screen was split with the announcer and commentator talking about the course, pointing out the choke points where they can anticipate action, and which team was more suited for this course. On the other half of the screen there was a live shot of each rider and Rancor, being panned by a cameraman, as they walked around the viewing area. This is the first time that Rasha and Talmi would get to see Krillgan's teammates, and the Rancor they will be riding. When the betting droid came up to them, to see if they were ready to place bets, they both bet a thousand credits on Churabba's team to win. They weren't supposed to, and they did not tell the other, but they both also bet a thousand credits on Blue Ghost on Smasher as being the first set to cross the finish line. If Churabba's team did win, but the Blue Ghost and Smasher did not cross the finish line first, they would only be ahead a few hundred credits each. But if the Blue Ghost and Smasher did cross the finish line first, than their total winnings for the race could easily reach ten thousand credits, depending on where the odds were locked, once the race started. Because they had both placed large bets, a female server, in what looked like a dancer's outfit, was sent to them to take their order, of complimentary drinks and snacks. Rasha ordered a Nice Surprise with a bowl of roasted nuts. Talmi ordered a Nice Surprise with an order of fried potato wedges, with the bright red sauce. Rasha warned him, that he was in big trouble, if he gets any of that red sauce on her dress. Their orders were brought around quickly. Talmi devoured the fried potato wedges before the race even started. He told Rasha he was feeling hungry. The server noticed and came and removed his plate. She asked him if he wanted anything else, it was still complimentary. Talmi asked for a bowl of roasted nuts.
Just before the race started, all the servers disappeared. Only the betting droids were allowed near the patrons.
Announcer, "It looks like a bad start for the Churabba team. They allowed the other team to get the jump on them for the maze."
Commentator, "The Churabba team looks dazed, and leaderless. It appears like they have not yet recovered from the death of their team leader, from their last race. The rumours that the new racer, the Blue Ghost, had been able to galvanise this team, are not true."
Announcer, "They are not even attempting to enter this maze. Can you believe this? The Churabba team is taking advantage of the dirt and sand that the grounds crew pushed aside to form the maze, as a natural ramp to get on top of the maze."
Analyst, "You can see if you look at the maze from above, that this is the most likely route that the Churabba team will have to take over the maze, with two places here and here where they would have to jump."
Announcer, "Can the Rancor jump that far?"
Commentator, "For the Rancor it is more of a hop than a jump. They should not have any problem."
Announcer, "Well they have all cleared the first jump with no problem. What can the other team do to stop them?"
Commentator, "Their only hope is to forget about holding choke points, and get through the maze as fast as possible."
Analyst, "Statistically, the Churabba team is the faster team. The only question now is, which one of them will cross the finish line first."
Commentator, "With Big Red on Quick Feet leading the team right now. My money would be on them crossing the finish line first."
Announcer, "It looks like the Blue Ghost on Smasher has stopped following his team and is heading to the last choke point in the maze. What could he be up to?"
Commentator, "It looks like he spotted the fastest set from the other team approaching the last choke point. The only one who could possibly challenge for the third place across the line."
Announcer, "Can you believe that Blue Ghost had Smasher step on the opposing team's lead Rancor, and rode him down to the ground like an elevator, then stepped off, running for the finish line."
Commentator, "That clinches it. The Blue Ghost and Smasher have trapped the opposing team in the maze. They either have to trample over their own downed Rancor and rider. Or wait until they get up, and get out of the way."
Announcer, "The Churabba team has stopped just before the finish line. It looks like they are waiting for the Blue Ghost on Smasher to catch up. The Blue Ghost on Smasher has crossed the finish line first, with the rest of the team right behind them. Hold onto your betting stubs folks, you can bet that this whole race will be under review. Does anyone remember when a whole team has crossed the finish line before the other team? What will they be looking at in the review?"
Commentator, "This is a first for me. They will be looking at whether team Churabba has violated any rules. I for one cannot think of any. We know that the first one to the line does not have to cross it. But for the whole team to wait, means that they have tremendous respect for the Blue Ghost, riding on Smasher. It looks like the rumours are true. The Blue Ghost has made Churabba's team, his team."
Announcer, "I just want to interject here. We have just received official word. The race stands the way you saw it. The Blue Ghost on Smasher are officially the first ones to cross the finish. No one has been disqualified. Team Churabba has won the race."
Rasha and Talmi had not noticed, but they had been holding hands throughout the whole race. When the official announcement came through, that the Blue Ghost on Smasher had crossed the finish line first. They both jumped up and hugged each other, then they both went red from embarrassment.
When they both collected their winnings, and got up to leave, a guy approached Rasha, very interested in the winnings she was holding.
"Honey, why don't you drop this skinny dude, and let a real man show you a good time."
"This skinny dude is my friend. My man is a real man, and he knows how to make me feel like a woman. Something I am sure that you know absolutely nothing about."
She put her hand on his chest and gave him a strong shove that made him fall backward, and caused all the people around her to laugh at the man. As they walked away, Talmi asked Rasha, if she and Krillgan were kind of in a relationship?
"Don't be silly. I just said that, to put the jerk in his place. Ludia, the lady Krillgan is engaged to, is a very good friend of mine. I could never do that to her. Besides, Krillgan is a man of high morals. He would not have me, no matter how much I wanted him. You know that you did sound a little jealous just now."
Talmi turned red, "It's just that I care about you, and you and Krillgan seem very close. I did not know how I fit in."
Rasha took his arm, and told him that he fits in as a good friend. Over dinner that evening, she started sharing with Talmi how she first met Krillgan, and how well she was treated and received on Kindell's world. She told him that she did not know the real name of the planet, that's just how it was recorded on their ship. She was very careful not to let Talmi know that Krillgan, and most of her friends on that world, are force users. So she toned down all her stories to make them more believable. Talmi expressed his sympathy to her, when he found out that she had met Krillgan and all her friends, because of the death of her mother. Now with her father's death, Grimm the Iktotchi, and Kran and Elibet, the Zabrack couple, are her only family. That would explain why she was so upset, when she found out that they had enough credits to free her family, and refused, because of financial matters.
When they returned to the palace, the servants welcomed them like conquering heroes. The beastmasters asked Chitrah what they should do to celebrate. Krillgan asked them if there are any melons the Rancor can smash. They all went down to the practise arena to celebrate. Krillgan suggested to the Gotal beastmaster that Sweet Spice should be with them to celebrate. That way she will know that even the Rancor are happy when they win. Krillgan went to each Rancor with a vial of healing ointment in his hand. He knew the beast masters were watching him, so he did not want to be seen healing by touch alone. As he suspected every Rancor had slashes on their legs and tails courtesy of the Rancor in the maze. After he finished, the beastmasters were surprised to find no marks, because they noticed the wounds when they first arrived back at the palace.
To bring their little playtime to an end. Krillgan told the team that the officials in charge of Rancor racing, will be examining every track they race on more carefully, from now on. They can expect no more easy victories. From now on they must earn the respect of every team they face. The next team they face is the team that killed their last team captain. So now they must force respect down their throats. Over the next few days Krillgan met with each team member to talk to them about their fighting ability, and what they remember about the team they will be facing. At first Smasher was reluctant to talk about it. Krillgan forced the issue, by asking Smasher if he wanted the other team to kill him too. When Smasher realised that the things he knew about the other team, could help Krillgan plan to defeat them. He started to open up. Krillgan saw that Smasher believed that he could not save his last rider because he wasn't strong enough. Krillgan knew he was blaming himself. Krillgan asked him to tell him about the two Rancor that teamed up to kill his rider. When Smasher finished, Krillgan thanked him, then told him, "Now I know how you can defeat both Rancor." Then walked away. Strongman was confused. Why didn't Krillgan tell him? Why did he walk away? Krillgan found that his fellow riders had never been taught how to fight with the weapon they chose. All their knowledge was from what they learnt in the arena. Krillgan did not have time to give them martial arts training, all he could do, was to give them suggestions. Jezzy was the easiest to teach. She admitted that she had taken a few dives because she did not know how to defend herself. With Krillgan's help she started to feel confident about defending herself. Slim and Big Red were harder to train. Finally Krillgan had to ask the beastmasters, if they can borrow some armour from the guards to help the riders with their training? When the beastmasters approached them. The guards were curious to know why they wanted to borrow their armour. Krillgan told them that he wants Jezzy and Slim to fight each other while on their Rancor, and he doesn't want them to hold back. The guards all wanted to see that, but Krillgan said that he would only let the guards watch, that let the riders borrow their armour. He had a lot of volunteers. It was easy to find a guard around Slim's size, it was impossible to find someone Jezzy's size. So they had to make do. When they had the fight, Slim was surprised by how much better Jezzy was, than he was, in handling their weapons. The guards had a good laugh watching, the little girl as they called her, beating up on the big guy. (Krillgan broke down and let the guards who were not on duty, watch through the large doorway to the training arena, only letting the two guards that had lent their armour enter the arena.) The battle stopped when Jezzy broke her pole. Jezzy asked Krillgan, if she could have another one? She was having too much fun to stop. Krillgan had to lie and tell Jezzy that the guards needed their armour back, because they would be going on duty soon. That little battle convinced Slim that he needed to listen to Krillgan. Wallup would not listen when Krillgan told him that using a rope with a weighted end, was too predictable. He told Krillgan that it had served him well in the past, and it will do so again. Big Red had secretly watched the fight between Jezzy and Slim, so he too started listening when Krillgan suggested something.
This time when Krillgan went to sneak out of the palace, he had a much easier time. The guards let him walk out while it was still daylight, and told him that they would tell the next shift to expect him in the morning. Krillgan left earlier, because he wanted to go down to the swamp, to see what type of plants he could find there. It did not bother him that the sun would be setting shortly after he got there, because of his Chagrian vision.
There were a lot of plants he did not recognise, so he had quite a collection of leaves. It was a good thing no one was around to watch him, because he had to throw small water javelins at the swap creatures, to keep them from attacking him. It would take a few more trips to the swamp before they would learn to finally leave him alone. This time Krillgan entered the hotel by the main door. Since they now knew what he looked like in his Rancor rider getup. He asked at the front desk, if his mistress was in his room. They checked their system and told him that she was. He asked them to call her, so she knows that he was coming up. When Krillgan arrived at his room, he found the door ajar, and he could hear Rasha and Talmi talking. Rasha wanted to hug him, but he told her he should shower first. He went to his backpack to find a change of clothing, but it was empty. When he asked Rasha about it, she told him that she had put all his clothes away.
"A mistress needs to look after her man."
This comment made Talmi start laughing, and made Krillgan smile. Rasha showed him where he could now find his clothes. Krillgan walked into the shower with his clothes on. They were filthy from his crawling around by the edge of the swamp. But he did not want to send them to laundry, because they would come back too clean. He showered twice. Once with his clothes on. After he wrung them out and hung them to dry, he showered again. When he came out of the bathroom, Talmi started to report on their financial situation. He told Krillgan that if they do as well betting on this race, as they did on the last race. They will be ready to contact the broker, to set up the purchase of Rasha's people. (He almost said family.) Krillgan asked them, why they did so well? They were only supposed to bet that Churabba's team would win the race. Rasha and Talmi both admitted that they had also bet on him crossing the finish line first. Krillgan was furious with them. They could have set the whole operation back a race or two. Big Red on Quick Feet should have been the first one to cross the finish line. Rasha and Talmi both apologised, they shouldn't have, but they did, so now they are further ahead. Krillgan was not happy with their apology. He told them that now they were at greater risk of doing something stupid, and digging them into a hole they might not be able to climb out of. They both knew that Krillgan was right. So they apologised again, and promised that they would not make any more bets that they all did not first agree to. Krillgan accepted this apology. Rasha also told Krillgan about the man who propositioned her at the casino, and how easily he fell down when she pushed him away. Krillgan did not like that either. Because now they have an enemy, that could cause trouble for them down the road.
Krillgan asked Rasha, if her market children would be willing to help her? They had not told him that they were feeding them on a regular bases. She told Krillgan that she has kept in touch. Krillgan smiled, because now he knew. He suggested that they ask for their help. If the jerk is as bright as they say he is. He will probably keep an eye on them the next time they are in the casino. He won't do anything in the casino, because security would be all over him if he did. But if he sees that they are winning their bets, he might be able to talk a couple of his buddies into laying an ambush for them, when they leave the casino. If the children are outside keeping an eye on things, they should be able to warn them well in advance, so they don't fall into their trap. Rasha thought that this was a very good idea. She asked Krillgan, if she can buy sweets for them, if they help? She has never bought sweets for them before. Krillgan looked at Talmi, "Do you think our finances can handle it." Talmi smiled, and assured Krillgan that they could. Krillgan also smiled, and gave Rasha the go ahead. Rasha also told Krillgan, that the lady who was doing the alterations, had finished everything a few days back. That reminded Krillgan that he hadn't eaten dinner yet. When he asked them, they admitted that they had already eaten. Krillgan asked the room computer to contact the front desk. He asked the front desk, that if the lady who does alterations is not busy, could they please send her to his room. Rasha asked him, if something is wrong? Krillgan told her yes, he doesn't like to eat alone. When the lady showed up. Krillgan opened the door, and invited her in. She brought all her equipment in, and asked him what needs to be done. Krillgan asked her if she has had dinner yet. She was caught off guard, but replied no. Krillgan asked her if she would join him for dinner. She said yes, "But what needs to be done?"
"Nothing yet. I just did not want to eat by myself."
The lady laughed, "I was warned once, that I would run into crazy people like you."
While they waited for their dinners. Krillgan had Rasha and Talmi dress up in the outfits that had been prepared, for when they rescue Rasha's friends. When Rasha walked in, Krillgan told her that she looked too pretty. She had to try and look like a snob.
"You have to look on us like we are all disgusting creatures."
Krillgan got excited. He asked the lady if she has the look now.
"Doesn't she look like an aristocrat?"
The lady laughed and said she really does. That made Rasha happy. When Talmi returned in his uniform. Krillgan was even more excited. The uniform looked perfect. Krillgan asked if his looks just like it. They all told him that it does. When dinner came, Krillgan told the lady that there will be more work for her. When they rescue Rasha's friends. She asked Krillgan what she should mark down as to the service she provided him today. He told her that she can tell them that he split his pants and needed her to repair them. Then he asked her to check the pants in the washroom, in case they really are split. They don't want people thinking that she did a bad job.
When she left after dinner. Krillgan told them about the team that they would be competing against in the next race. How the two Rancor teamed up to eliminate his predecessor, and that they would probably try it again, to intimidate all the Rancor on the other teams. Next to them, Smasher is the next biggest Rancor, and if they can intimidate him, by killing his rider. What chance do the rest of the Rancor have? Talmi remembered Krillgan pointing out the fight video. He did not like that Krillgan was putting himself in such a dangerous predicament. Krillgan told Talmi not to worry. He knows what they do, and how they do it. With Smasher's help, he should be able to turn the tables on them, and restore Smasher's confidence. Talmi was even more, unhappy, when he found out that Krillgan's Rancor was lacking confidence. Krillgan outlined the betting strategy they should employ on the next race. He told them that there would probably be a lot of fighting in this race. As the two biggest Rancor would be coming after him, his teammates should have no problem handling the rest of their team. This time they should bet on Big Red on Quick Feet, crossing the finish line first. Talmi asked him if maybe he was being a little overconfident about this race. Krillgan told them about all the practise time he had with Jezzy, helping her prepare for the race. How he managed to arrange a real fight, between Jezzy and Slim. She was just wailing on Slim's armour, and finally broke her pole. How she wanted him to get her another one because she was having so much fun. Because of that fight, he has also been working with Slim and Big Red, helping them improve their fighting skills. The only one that would be in question is Wallup. But if they bet on everyone else on the team, and not on him, than it will start looking suspicious. Occasionally they will have to place a bet, knowing they will lose, just so that they don't trigger an investigation. Talmi agreed. Rasha did not like it. Every time they lost money, meant that Krillgan would have to stay racing longer.
The next morning, when Krillgan brought Smasher his breakfast. Smasher told Krillgan that he was ready to listen to how to beat the two Rancor. Krillgan told him that was good, that meant that he now believed it was possible to beat them. Krillgan ran and got his own breakfast and sat in Smasher's stall. So he could talk with him while he ate. To the beastmasters it just looked like they were spending time together. Krillgan reminded Smasher that he has been training to fight on Rancor, for longer than Smasher has been running races. The opponents he was training to beat, are much more powerful than anyone he has seen in the arena. The first thing Smasher has to do is trust him, because he knows what he is doing. It also means that when he tells Smasher to do something, he expects Smasher to do it, so that they can both beat their enemy. Smasher should not expect him to stay seated on his back, the whole time. That is too easy of a target, especially when someone is trying to sneak up on you, from behind. Smasher just needs to be sure that he will be touching him the whole time. Just so Smasher knows where he is, and that he is still there.
When they were looking down at the arena. Krillgan explained were he and Smasher would be going, to draw their two biggest Rancor after him. That leaves four on three. He told Big Red to race to the finish line, and wait. If there are fights going on, and they are winning. He should wait until the fights are over before crossing. But if there are fights going on and they are losing, he should go ahead and cross the line. He told Slim where he needs to go on Crusher to force a fight. He told Wallup, where he and Big Money need to be, to slow the other team down. He told Jezzy to stay near Big Red, until she sees someone get past Wallup. Then she can cut back, and take them out. Everyone said they knew what they were supposed to do. So they went back to their Rancor.
The children were happy to be helping Rasha. They knew how to keep out of sight, and they each brought something to eat and drink, because Rasha warned them that they would be a while. One of the children asked Rasha if this was how she gets the money to feed them. Rasha said it was, it is called gambling. They asked her how it works. She pointed to two children in the group. She asked the rest of the children, who they thought would win the fight, if they both fought each other. Most of them picked the bigger child. Rasha told them to imagine if they were using stones for gambling. So all the children went and got a stone. She piled the stones up by the way they had decided who would win. Rasha told them that if the bigger child won, then all the children that bet a stone on the bigger child, would divide the stones from the children that bet on the smaller child between them. It's not very much. "Now let's say that the children that bet on the smaller child knew that I had been teaching the smaller child how to fight, but no one else knew. Then when the smaller child wins, the children who bet on the smaller child, get to share all the stones that were bet on the bigger child. It is the same when we gamble. We hope that we have good information on who to bet on. Information that others don't know, so that we have a chance at winning a bigger amount of stones." The children asked her if she always won. She said no, which is why you always have to be careful. "Because if you gamble and lose all your stones, than you have nothing left, to buy the food to feed the children." Talmi told her that she gave a very good presentation. She might want to consider becoming a teacher. Inside the casino they pre-set their bets like they did before. Team Churabba to win, one thousand credits. They both bet five hundred credits to cross the finish line, first on Big Red on Quick Feet, also on Jezzy on Breezy. To those watching the betting, it would look like they were hedging their bets. It would not matter which of the two crossed the line, they would both be winning more than they were losing, but not much more. Then they pre-bet one thousand credits on Slim, Jezzy, Wallup, and Big Red, each, to win their fight, if they did fight. If they did not fight, then the money would be returned to them. The only deviation they made from a standard bet, was that they placed all the remaining credits they brought with them, on Blue Ghost to win, if he was in a fight. Nothing to raise any red flags, which might trigger an investigation.
When the race got underway, the announcer pointed out that the Blue Ghost on Smasher was going in a different area of the track than everyone else. Their attention shifted slightly when Slim on Crusher reached the first choke point, and engaged an opponent there. It was long pole verses long pole.
The commentator mentioned that Slim's opponent had more experience fighting, so would be the favourite to win the battle.
The analyst pointed out, "That Slim was fighting, like he was the more experienced of the two."
Slim was definitely blocking most of his opponent's attacks, and getting past his opponent's guard, with strong counter attacks to his opponent's shoulder and head. It wasn't long before Slim's opponent slipped off the back of his Rancor admitting defeat. Crusher gave a roar as Slim held his long pole high, looking around to see who he could challenge next.
The announcer focused everyone's attention back to the Blue Ghost on Smasher, and the two sets of opponents chasing him.
The analyst told everyone that the Blue Ghost had entered the race weaponless.
The commentator told everyone that his source told him that the Blue Ghost had not yet decided on a weapon, so now he was playing the coward and running away.
The announcer told the commentator that he also would run away, when chased by the two sets of rider and Rancor, that teamed up to kill the last rider Smasher had.
Their attention was shifted once again, when Wallup on Big Money, engaged an opponent.
The announcer announced that it was rope thrower verses rope thrower. The commentator mentioned that there was no clear favourite between the two. It would all depend on who got in the lucky shot that would unseat his opponent. The screen suddenly split into three views.
The announcer told everyone that Smasher had stopped running, and was now wrestling with the first Rancor. At the same time Jezzy on Breezy, who had been running just behind Big Red on Quick Feet, has suddenly turned to hunt down and attack an opponent.
The commentator said that this was a very unusual turn of events. Jezzy is not a fighter, she has always slipped off of her Rancor when engaged by an opponent. He thought that she was running behind Big Red, so that he could engage the enemy, and she could slip around to the finish line.
The commentator also said, that the Blue Ghost has no chance of defeating his opponent, who is using a whip to fight with. So far the only one who has been hit by the whip is Smasher. This would not bother him at all, because of his thick hide.
Krillgan had kept Smasher shifting his feet, to keep the Rancor he was holding, between him and the other Rancor that wants to attack him. Which the second Rancor found very frustrating. Finally the second Rancor committed himself to try and get around his compatriot on his right hand side as fast as he could. At the same time the rider on the first Rancor was getting ready to snap his whip again.
Krillgan told Smasher, "Push hard now, and remember that he would be moving."
Smasher was surprised that he had the strength to push, and pushed hard, forcing the other Rancor back a few steps. The sudden push caused the rider with the whip to momentarily lose his balance. Causing a very weak forward motion of the whip. Krillgan easily caught the whip about a third of the way from its tip, in his right hand. He placed his left hand on Smashers head to act as a pivot.
When the second Rancor saw, that Smasher had pushed past him. He turned to take a swipe at Smasher's rider. When he did, the rider wasn't there. Krillgan had quickly stepped down Smasher's right arm using the momentum he gained to lash out at the rider with the whip, with his foot. Giving him a solid kick in the side of his head. Causing him to let go of his whip, and fall off his Rancor. Krillgan told Smasher to engage the other Rancor, while he threw the whip away. Krillgan told the first Rancor to run. The Rancor was so startled, that a person had spoken to it, it froze.
The commentator asked, "How stupid could the Blue Ghost be? He threw away the only weapon he had, to help him against the rope thrower."
The announcer commented, that he did pretty good, against a guy with a whip, when he had no weapon. The announcer then mentioned that Jezzy on Breezy has actually engaged an opponent.
The commentator did not give Jezzy a chance. This was a novice long pole handler, going up against an experienced rope thrower.
The announcer decided not to point out that he has been wrong once already this race.
Rasha and Talmi both told the betting droid that they want to place all the credits they have won so far, on the Blue Ghost for this next fight. The droid objected that the first fight was still under review. "The Blue Ghost may have been disqualified." They both said he won't be disqualified. The casino management, instructed all betting droids to accept bets on the second fight, everything will be sorted out after they hear what the ruling is.
Smasher instead of locking forearms with the second Rancor, like he had been trained to do by the beastmasters. Grabbed the other Rancor on its upper arms, and sunk his claws in. This was the Rancor that killed his last rider, and taunted him for being weak. Krillgan easily dodge the weighted end of the rope. He did not do anything right away, because he wanted to make sure that Rasha and Talmi had placed their bets.
Jezzy easily dodged the weighted end of the rope, like Blue had taught her. She was supposed to get a feel for how quickly he tossed the weighted end, and how quickly he pulled it back. Blue had taught her, that if she can smack the weighted end while he was pulling it back, he would lose control of it long enough, so that she can launch a series of attacks. She successfully smacked the weighted end. Then she started hammering her opponent in the head with the tips of her long pole. Whap-whap-whap, back and forth as fast as she could. Her opponent kept moving his head back to keep from getting hit in the head, but Jezzy kept moving with him, until he fell over backwards off of his Rancor. Breezy let out a victory roar.
The commentator pointed out what Smasher was doing to the other Rancor. He reminded the announcer that this was the Rancor that killed Smasher's last rider, and apparently he wants revenge.
Krillgan grabbed the rope, as the weighted end flew by his head, and gave it a strong jerk. The rope thrower has to really hold on to the rope after throwing the weighted end, because the rope will jerk out of his hand if he missed his target. With Krillgan jerking the rope at the same time as it went taunt. The rider was pulled forward and sprawled on the head of his Rancor. Krillgan simply leaned forward and grabbed the rope thrower by his collar on the back of his shirt, and yanked him off his Rancor and onto the ground. Krillgan than told Smasher to let go of the other Rancor, and make fists, and smash him on both sides of his head. Smasher did as he was told, and connected with two solid hits, one to each side of head, at the same time. Than he punched him hard in his chest. Smasher than told the other Rancor that with his next hit he was coming with his claws, and was going to tear out his liver and eat it. The frightened Rancor turned tail and ran away. Past the starting line and into the building. The beastmasters had to act quickly to keep the Rancor from getting into the stands and start trampling spectators. Smasher gave a victory roar.
When the Rancor that Big Money was holding, heard first Breezy's victory roar, than Smasher's victory roar. Answered by Crusher right behind him. He panicked and twisted, exposing his rider to Wallup, who caught him cleanly in the head, causing him to fall off of his Rancor. When Big Red saw that even Wallup had beaten his opponent. He encouraged Quick Feet to cross the finish line. Ending the race.
The commentator, wishing to cover up his bad calls, told the announcer that a source had told him that one of the beast masters on Churabba's team had consulted with some Rancor Guru, who had them change the diet of their Rancor. It seems to have paid off. Their Rancor all seem stronger and faster than he could remember.
When Smasher started hitting the other Rancor, a lot of the spectators were disappointed when they were told that they could not bet on the fight. After the race, the announcer said that he has received official word. The Blue Ghost at no time left his Rancor, and at all times was in control of his movements. He is credited with two fight victories in this race. Rasha and Talmi were jumping up and down, when they heard that news. Because these were the Blue Ghost's first fights, and because he had no weapon, the odds were stacked against him. He was a long shot. Both Rasha and Talmi picked up close to one hundred thousand credits, in total winnings for that race. When the guy that Rasha had pushed over, the last time she was in the casino, saw the victory dance. He went outside and told his two buddies that she was loaded. They went to prepare their ambush. He wanted to do a grab and snatch. He would grab her, for some play time later. While his buddies would snatch all the credits that she and her wimpy friend had won.
When Rasha and Talmi came out of the casino, the children shouted out a warning, there was an ambush. The guy rushed out of his hiding place when he heard the children warn the lady, with his two buddies right behind him. He launched himself at Rasha, hoping to tackle her. She easily sidestepped the tackle, and gave him a solid chop to the base of his skull as he flew by, stunning him. Because he was stunned, he did not prepare himself to hit the ground. So he was winded when he hit. The children had gathered stones while they were performing their vigil. They wanted to show Rasha that they had lots of stones to buy food for the children. So when the bad guys ran out of their hiding place. The children started throwing their stones at them. The two buddies stopped following their friend and started going after the children. When Rasha saw this, she went into mother Rancor mode. She caught one of them with a double drop kick in the back, which is even more painful when it is done in heels. Sending that guy sprawling. She quickly got up, and delivered a round house kick to the head of the other man. Who decided play time was over, and ran away. The guy who she stunned, then was winded, got up, hoping to hit her from behind.
When Talmi saw this, he moved into action. Delivering two solid punches to the guy's side. The guy tried to retaliate by taking a swing at Talmi. Talmi grabbed the guy's arm and flipped him over his back, onto the guys back. He then kicked him in the head, just below the ear knocking the guy out. The guy who had gone sprawling, because of Rasha's dropkick. When he saw the one guy take off running, and his buddy taken down by the guy he said was a wimp. He decided that he should leave quickly.
The children were surprised to see Talmi fight almost as good, as Rasha. They told Rasha that they thought she was supposed to protect him. Rasha told them that she thought so as well. Talmi told everyone that he also thought that. Which made everyone laugh. Rasha told the children that they have earned the sweet treats. She was going to go back to her hotel to change into proper clothes for a lady, and would meet them at the market, to buy the sweet treats.
Churabba was surprised when one of her advisors told her that a number of Hutts were trying to get a hold of her. She was not one for following the Rancor races. To her it was just one of those things that was expected of her and her house, for prestige. So when the other Hutts started to congratulate her on her team's victory, asking where their beastmasters could reach the Rancor Guru that her team had consulted? She thought that she should investigate. She reminded the Hutts that contacted her. That one does not just hand over that type of information. She then asked to see a replay of the race, and all of the commentaries. At the same time she asked that one of the beastmasters be brought to her. When she heard the announcer call the one rider the Blue Ghost, she had to think for a while, about where she heard that name before. When she remembered, she knew that she would have visitors.
When the video of Krillgan's back to back fights, hit the Holonet, alarm bells all over the galaxy started ringing. The video mentioned, the Blue Ghost, and Chitrah, all in one story. When the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter reached Mandalore, he was surprised to find a government official waiting for him, telling him he needs to go to Nal Hutta. He was given a memory chip with all the information he needed to complete his mission.
When the Rattataki Sith dropped out of hyperspace on his way back to Dromund Kaas, his computer told him that he had a message from the Dark Council. He was instructed to go to Nal Hutta. Churabba the Hutt, has a Rancor rider by the name of Chitrah Grimshaw, who is blue, and goes by the name of Blue Ghost in the arena. It is possible that this Blue Ghost is the Krillgan Djo that shut down the account of the real Blue Ghost, Chitrah Drashing. He was to bring him back alive, to Dromund Kaas, for questioning.
Every bounty hunter in the galaxy that had forked out credits to some computer hacker, to get a program that would scour the Holonet for clues, concerning the disappearance of the Mandalonian Bounty Hunter, and his prey, the Blue Ghost and his family, from Manaan. Was heading to Nal Hutta, to see if they could kidnap the Rancor racer, and find out if they could get him to reveal the source of his knowledge about the Blue Ghost. No one believed that this was a mere coincidence. A lot of them were inexperienced, with no reputation, and no credits.
The day after the race, Talmi went to the broker, and told him that he could start negotiating on their behalf, to purchase the slaves. They have sufficient credits. The broker ask a favour of Talmi. His regular shipment of Egoa fruit jam, and powdered Capabara root, has not arrived. He was hoping that he could have some of his. He would deduct the cost, from the fee for his services. Talmi promised that he would bring some over right away.
Krillgan had an unexpected visitor. An older female Nikto in elegant robes came to the Rancor area of the palace. When the racers saw the beastmasters bow to her out of reverence, they followed suit. The female Nikto asked the Gotal beastmaster if he was the one, pointing at Krillgan. The Gotal said yes, so she instructed everyone to leave the two of them alone. Krillgan noticed that there was an honour guard of Nikto warriors following this woman around, at a distance. This told Krillgan that she was important, it also told Krillgan that she was quite capable of defending herself, or they would have surrounded her. She told Krillgan that she had been appointed as nurse, for Churabba's Huttlet, ever since it came out of her brood pouch, three years ago. She has noticed a recent deterioration in the health of her charge, and she suspects the Huttlet was being poisoned. She described the conditions that she has noticed. Krillgan asked about what precautions were being taken, in the preparations of its food and drink. After describing the extensive measures used to safeguard the health of Churabba's child. Krillgan told her that if the Huttlet was being poisoned, the poison was present in the Huttlet's room itself. The symptoms she was describing, seem to be from an ingested poison, not an airborne poison. Otherwise, others would be showing systems as well. Not having the Hutt's regenerative abilities, they would have succumbed to an airborne poison sooner.
Krillgan asked her, what plants where in the child's room? The nurse told Krillgan that many plants have been gifted to the Huttlet, from other Hutt clans, and they have bouquets of fresh flowers in the room, to add colour. Krillgan asked her if she could bring him a leaf from each plant in the room. She should also take all the bouquets of fresh flowers to the kitchen, and have the kitchen staff remove all flowers that are not edible, and have them brought to him. Krillgan knew that the kitchen staff would know which flowers were edible, and which ones were not. Because of the many banquets they had to prepare, and flowers were often used as a garnish. The nurse dispatched two of her guards, to handle the flower bouquets. While she went back herself, to pick the leaves from the plants. Krillgan found nothing wrong with the flowers that were removed from the bouquets. He mentioned to the nurse, that to be on the safe side, only edible flowers should be allowed in the room, in case the Huttlet decides to snack on them. Of the leaves that the Nurse had picked from the plants in the room, Krillgan found only two that were poisonous. The Nurse was very impressed with the Blue Ghost, he only needed to touch the leaves to know whether or not they contained a poison. She had heard from her own guards that he was a powerful Shaman. One of them even demonstrated the strength of the healing ointment he made. By cutting himself, than using only one drop of the ointment to bring complete healing with no scar. But to detect poisons without smelling or tasting, makes him more powerful than any Shaman she has encountered. She noticed that he was staring at one of the leaves. She asked him, what was wrong? He told her that he has seen a plant recently that has this leaf. She asked if that was important. He said it was. Usually when a poisonous plant naturally grows in an area, then a plant that can counter the effect of the poison, will often grow in the same environment.
"Now I remember. I saw it in the swamp, when I was out picking medicinal plants. I may even have some leaves here from the plant that can neutralise the poison of one of these plants."
Krillgan took her to his lab in the closet. Her guards started approaching, when she went to enter the room behind him. She had to wave them back. Krillgan started spreading out some leaves on his bench. The Nurse picked one up. She was surprised that it was not dry. She put it down and asked him when he picked the leaves. Without looking up, he told her that he picked them a couple of days before the race. He likes to use fresh leaves when he is making up his ointment, and he likes to make a batch of ointment before a race, in case it is needed right afterwards. The Nurse said that she thought Rancor riders were not allowed out of the palace. He told her that they are not. Then he stopped what he was doing, and looked at her.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you, that I can sneak out of the palace."
The Nurse smiled, and told him that no one would get into trouble. The rule was there to keep the riders from running away. They can get very nervous, especially just before a race. Krillgan made a knife suddenly appear and nicked the plant leaf with poison in it, causing a drop of the plant's juice to appear. He picked up a plant leaf from his collection, and nicked it as well. Suddenly the knife disappeared. He let a small drop of the second plant drip onto the first drop. It was clearly evident that there was a reaction. The Nurse noticed that the expression on the Blue Ghost's face, was just like a child that had discovered something wonderful. Krillgan told her that he knows how to neutralise at least one of the poisons. The Nurse asked if he would be able to neutralise the other plant as well. Krillgan told her that if it also grew in the swamp, he would. The nurse asked him what he would need, to make something to help the child. Krillgan told her that he would need to go back to the swamp. To check out more plants. He would also need to go to the market to buy some more equipment. He cannot use the same equipment he uses for making the healing ointment, as he uses to work with the poisons and antidote. In case he accidentally introduces the poison into the healing ointment. The Nurse asked him to write up a list of the equipment he needs. She will arrange to have someone go to the market and purchase them. She will also give orders for all the guards on duty at the servants' entrance, to let him enter and leave as he chooses, day and night. That way no one will get into trouble when he sneaks out. She asked him, if he needed an escort, when he goes to the swamp, to keep the creatures at bay? Krillgan told her that it would not be necessary, he knows a few tricks for dealing with creatures like that. It would also be a distraction, because he would always be worrying about anyone who was with him. The Nurse suspected that this might be the case. Every Shaman she has known, has preferred to be alone when gathering plants, unless they had an acolyte.
When Talmi had returned to the broker that afternoon, to share some of his Egoa fruit jam, and Capabara root powder. The broker told him that he has good news. He has already been in touch with the mine, where his friends are slaves. They are very interested in selling some of their slaves. He figures that they should be ready to go to the mine in two days. He will arrange for a suitable repulsar-lift vehicle to take them there and back. This was sooner than Talmi had expected. How was he going to get word to Killian? As he was slowly walking through the market, wondering how he was going to get a hold of Krillgan, he overheard a lady talking to a vender, that the reason she was buying equipment that was so small, rather than what they normally get for the kitchen, was because it was for a Shaman in Churabba's palace, that was going to mix up some special potion. Talmi went up to the lady, and asked if the Shaman happened to be the Blue Ghost. The lady looked at him. Than asked him how he knew that? Talmi told her that he is a friend, and needs to get a message to him. If she could tell him that his friend needs to get a hold of him. The lady told him to tell him himself. He has gone to the swamp to pick leaves for his potion. Talmi did not know which swamp Krillgan would have gone to. So he decided to hang around Churabba the Hutt's palace, to see if he could intercept him on his way back.
Since the Nurse now knew which plants, were poisonous. With the mid-day meal approaching. She decided to hide herself in the Huttlet's room to see if the lady serving the mid-day meal, was the one responsible for poisoning the Huttlet. The Huttlet was delighted to have its Nurse hide herself in its room. It wondered what game she was playing, and with whom? The Nurse watched as the serving lady came in, went to the two plants and picked some leaves. She then proceeded to tear up the leaves and mix them in the Huttlet's salad. The Nurse stepped out of her hiding place and yelled "GUARDS". The serving lady dropped the bowl of salad, which made the Huttlet upset. because it was hungry. The guards entered the room almost immediately, and the Nurse told them that this lady is under arrest. She then asked the lady who she was doing this for, and why? The serving lady kept silent. She told the guards to take her to one of the palace's cells and hold her there. Churabba herself will want to question her. She had another couple of guards stand guard over the plants. No one is allowed to touch them without her permission. The nurse took a bouquet of flowers out of one of the vases, and took them over to the Huttlet. She told it that it could snack on the flowers, until a new meal was brought to it. The Nurse went straight from there, to seek an audience with Churabba.
Churabba noticed that when the Nurse arrived to speak with her, one of her top advisors disappeared. This advisor is an Umbaran.
The Umbaran are a hairless, pale skinned, humanoid species from the world of Umbara in the Ghost Nebula. Believed to be the gloomiest system in the galaxy. Other than their pale skin, and sunken eyes. Making them very sensitive to light. They are so close to humans that many consider them a subspecies. They have been a political presence from the earliest years of the Republic. Having become objects of fear and suspicion, because of their subtle ability to influence others. When subtlety does not work, they will readily dawn a shadowcloak that uses special sensors, allowing the wearer to blend in with their surroundings. Making them virtually invisible, to beings with normal vision. They are well versed in spying, political manoeuvring, blackmail, subterfuge, and cool assassination. Because these are the only ways to get ahead in Umbara society.
If the Umbaran was starting to use her skills against Churabba. Churabba vowed that she will make her pay. The Nurse told Churabba about her suspicions, that her Huttlet was being poisoned. She consulted a Shaman. They pointed out, that two plants that had been gifted to her Huttlet by other Hutt clans, are poisonous. Knowing this, she hid in its room, and found one of the ladies that serves the meals, picking the leaves from these two plants, mixing them into her Huttlet's salad.
Churabba was not upset that the Nurse referred to her child as an "it". Since the Hutts are a hermaphroditic species, possessing both male and female sex organs. Her child has only recently come out of her brood pouch, where it has lived for fifty years. It will be another twenty to thirty years before the Huttlet will choose what sex it wants to be, for the next stage of its life. When it will be considered the equivalent of a human teenager.
Churabba ordered guards to go bring the prisoner. Churabba noticed the Umbaran had returned just before the guards arrived, dragging the prisoner. When the guards threw her down onto the floor, the Nurse bent over her body and pronounced that she was dead. After examining the dead woman's body, the Nurse found a dart in her neck. She had been poisoned. Churabba questioned the guards. They told her that when they first arrived at her cell. She got up and followed them. About halfway to her throne room. The prisoner started having trouble walking. She was able to continue walking, with them supporting her. The last twenty meters before they reached the throne room. The prisoner had stopped walking altogether. So they had to drag her the final distance. The guards claimed, that they neither saw anything, nor heard anything out of the ordinary. Churabba told the Umbaran to stand before her. She asked her, where she went, when she left the throne room, after the Nurse had entered? The Umbaran claimed that she went back to her apartment to relieve herself. Churabba ordered her guards to search her. When they did, and found nothing, Churabba did not like the smirk on the Umbaran's face. Thinking that she may have hidden something on one of the other advisors, Churabba ordered all of the advisors be searched. When nothing was found, Churabba ordered a general lock down of the palace. She wanted the assassin, or any trace of the assassin be found.
