Decisions Part 3 Destiny or Choice Is there a difference

by Jules Cesar

The Singing Mountain Clan has tricked the Nightsisters into believing Krillgan is dead. Now he has to leave Dathomir even though he has just become engaged. The Clan Mother has told him not to return until he can prove to her that he can properly support her daughter in his new life. Not easy with a bounty on your head. Recommend reading Part 1 and Part 2. Both are rated Mature.

4. Chapter 4

©2016

When Talmi saw Krillgan approaching Churabba's palace, he almost shouted Krillgan to get his attention. He could not remember what name he was using in the palace, so he yelled out "Blue". Krillgan stopped. He was sure he recognised the voice. He turned around, and saw Talmi running up to him. Talmi did not say anything about the armload of plant parts he had. He just told him that the broker said to be ready to go to the mines in two days, to purchase the slaves. Krillgan told him that he would be there.

As Krillgan approached the servants' entrance to the palace. He heard the sound of alarms, and he saw the flashing of lights coming from inside the palace. There was a crowd of people standing around the servants' entrance. They all served in the palace, it seemed they were not being allowed in. Krillgan approached the guards, and asked what was going on. The guards told him, that the palace was in a complete lockdown. Someone had killed a prisoner, who was being taken to Churabba for questioning. No one was allowed into or out of the palace. A squad of four Nikto soldiers arrived at the gate. They told the guards, that the Blue Ghost had been given special permission by Churabba, to enter the palace. They were to escort him to his room, where the Nurse is waiting for him. The guards stepped aside to allow the Blue Ghost into the palace. When Krillgan arrived at his assigned quarters, the Nurse asked him for the key to the old lock on his closet. Krillgan told her it was on a string around his neck. The Nurse reached to the back of his neck, found the string, than the key. She gave it to one of the soldiers. She told him to search it thoroughly, but not to trash anything. When they came back, to return the key to the nurse, they told her it was just as she described it. They found nothing. Since Krillgan's arms were full, with the plants he had collected. The Nurse held onto the key, and told the Blue Ghost to follow her. As he followed her, the four soldiers fell into step behind him. As they entered the throne room, Krillgan heard the Umbaran asking Churabba, if she could have her Shadowcloak back? Claiming it was an old family heirloom. Instead of responding, Churabba ordered the guards to take all the advisors to the waiting room. The only ones left in the Throne Room, was Churabba, her two personal Nikto guards, in very extravagant, but still very functional armour, the Gotal beast master, the Nurse, and Krillgan. On the table before Churabba, were all the items that Krillgan had asked that they purchase for him. Krillgan placed the armload of plants on the table. He assumed that he was supposed to do his work here. Churabba asked him, if he was as good a Shaman as others have said about him? Krillgan said that he does not know what others have said about him. He just knows that as a healer, when a patient gets better under his care, than the family sings his praises. But if one of his patients dies, than they call him a quack and a charlatan. Churabba liked his answer. She asked him, if he has lost many patients? Krillgan remembered the men of the village that were poisoned by the Nightsisters. He told her that he has lost some, but he has helped save many more. Churabba asked him, why it was, that when he showed up, that things start to change around the palace? Krillgan told her that if she is referring to her child being poisoned, he suspects that it started a few months before he entered the palace. It was that a very observant nurse had spotted the symptoms now. She asked Krillgan, why all the plants? Krillgan told her that he only knows the plant that will counteract the one poison. He is still trying to find one that will work against the second poison. Churabba sent the nurse to go get the poisonous plants in case he needs to use them. Churabba then questioned him about the plants, since he speculated that her Huttlet has been exposed to the poisons for quite a while. Krillgan told her that he suspected that there were more plants in the palace, which would be rotated at regular intervals. So that one plant does not get noticed, as losing its leaves. He told her that if he extracted the poison from just one plant, there might be enough to kill the average child, but it would only make an adult sick, and that was because it would be administered all at once. He believes that the poisons were not intended to kill the Huttlet directly, but would slowly breakdown its immune system, to the point where even the most common of Hutt illnesses, would be deadly to it. Classifying the illness as the cause of death. Churabba recognised it as being a very diabolical plot. Something that a Hutt, or an Umbaran would come up with. Churabba knew that the Blue Ghost was looking for some sort of reaction, when the juice from different plants were brought together. When she spotted a colour change, she asked him if that was the reaction he was looking for? Krillgan told her that it wasn't. The plant that caused the colour change can be very useful when analysing new plant combinations. Or trying to analyse a new plant. But the ones that benefit most from the juice of the indicator plant, are bartenders when they are entertaining customers, and they want a drink to change from one colour to another, by adding a clear liquid. It was the last plant Krillgan tested that produced the effect he was looking for. Krillgan muttered. "Why is it always the last plant you test, that gives you the results you're looking for?"

After Krillgan finished mixing a potion to be administered to the Huttlet, Churabba asked him to take a sip? Krillgan told her that that would not prove anything. He was immune to most poisons. So she ordered a servant who had a young child to the throne room. Before letting the young child taste the drink, Krillgan turned his back on everyone. Facing Churabba so only she could hear him, believing that she understood Basic. He asked if the child could be given a sweet treat right afterward? Because the child has no poison in its system, the potion would taste bitter to the child. Churabba asked, how would the potion taste, to someone with poison in their system? Krillgan told her, that the person will crave the potion, once they taste it. Which is why you have to monitor how much you give them. If you give too much at once, the organs responsible for removing waste from the blood can get overwhelmed, and shut down, making the situation even worse. Churabba asked, when would they know, that they need to stop giving the potion? Krillgan told her, that once it starts tasting bitter, the person does not need it anymore. Churabba sent a guard to the kitchen for a plate of sweets. The child tasted the potion, and made a face, that made most of the adults' present laugh, except the Nikto. The guard had returned with some sweet treats, so Churabba told the guard to let the child chose one, then to give the plate to her. She than asked the Nurse to bring her Huttlet to the throne room. The same potion was given to the Huttlet to drink by the nurse, and it right away asked for more. Churabba told her child that the Nurse would give it some every day, until it did not want it anymore. She overheard the Blue Ghost asking the Nurse, to increase the amount of fluids given to the Huttlet, especially water. She should also cut back on foods and drinks that were overly salty, or overly sweet, to make it easier on the Huttlet's system, during this time.

Churabba reinforced the order. Also allowing the Blue Ghost to come and go from the palace as he pleased. She did not want some overzealous guard, stopping him from going to get the plants that he needed, to make the potion for her child. She had also ordered the Nurse to find him a pair of boots. Because he had been walking through the palace with his bare feet caked in mud, since returning from the swamp. The other riders were upset, that the Blue Ghost was not spending the time with them, training them. They realised after the last race. That their survivability in the races just went up considerably. The person who wins fights, has a greater chance of outliving their contracts, than the ones who lose. Unless they get targeted like the Blue Ghost.

To help them, until the Blue Ghost gets to spend more time with them. The Gotal beastmaster suggested that they each playback their fights in slow motion, so that they can describe their fights to the other riders, including what they were thinking at the time. When Jezzy described her fight with the rope thrower. Slim and Big Red, appreciated the insight. She was further along in her training with Blue than they were, because she accepted his instruction right away, and they had to be convinced. Wallup did not like to hear that he was so vulnerable to the long pole. He wondered, if this was why Blue kept trying to get him to change weapons? Jezzy also told Slim and Big Red what Blue told her about fighting someone with a whip. If they can get the whip to wrap around the tip of their pole, than they have the leverage to tear the whip out of their hand. If they don't let go of their whip, than they can be pulled off their Rancor. The riders who used the long pole, talked to the beastmasters, to see which one of them was best at handling the whip. They wanted to see if they could practise disarming a whip user, because Wallup would not let them use him, to practice hitting the weighted end of the rope.

On the way to meeting up with Rasha and Talmi at the hotel for lunch, Krillgan cut through the market to get there. He noticed that a vendor had a bunch of ceremonial dress helmets on display. Some mercenaries that had hired on for dress parades, had passed through the market after their contract had expired, vowing never to do that again. They were not very good at looking after their equipment. So when they sold them to the vendor for enough wupiupi to buy a meal, the vendor applied a lot of elbow grease, to get those helmets to shine with a mirror finish. Krillgan realised that this was the one piece of equipment that he and Talmi needed to finish off their military dress outfits, and they would also obscure their faces, so they could not be identified. So he bought two helmets not knowing he had spent the last of his money. There were some Kaleesh mercenaries at the market. Also between contract. Krillgan approached them, to ask, if he could have two of their force pikes for the day? He offered to pay them 20 credits a piece. They asked him, if they would have to return the credits, when he returned the force pikes? He told them that the credits would be theirs to keep. When he found out he had no money left on him. The Kaleesh told him that they knew he was an honourable warrior. Because they were present when he fought the Nikto on Sleheyron. So they would let him take it, only on his word, that they would receive payment. Krillgan asked if the two that would be giving him their force pikes, would follow him. Because he did not want to take them without paying. Besides he had the two helmets to carry. At the hotel he found Rasha and Talmi in the dining room waiting for him. Krillgan told Talmi to go outside and pay the two Kaleesh 20 credits each for the use of their force pikes for the day. He asked Rasha if he could have the card to let him access his room, so he could clean up and change. Talmi's eyes had brightened when he saw the helmets, and he jumped up to do as he was asked. The Kaleesh recognised Talmi as being the blue warrior's companion. So they were willing to receive payment from him, and relinquish the force pikes to him. Talmi took off the light jacket he was wearing, to try and disguise what he was bringing into the hotel. He did not know if they were allowed to bring weapons inside. After lunch, they changed into their outfits, for the ride to the mine. They kept the force pikes wrapped in a blanket, but they could not disguise the fact that they were wearing some sort of military dress uniform. They made Rasha wait in the hotel lobby, until the broker showed up on the skiff he had hired for the day. It was like a miniature version of an elegant Hutt barge, intended for humanoid people of means. There was a nice canopy covering a portion of the skiff were Rasha would be, to help shade her, keeping her cool. Krillgan and Talmi did not have that luxury. But they found that the highly polished helmets, kept their heads cool, by reflecting the sunlight away. It was only their emerald green jackets, and black pants that was absorbing the heat.

Just before reaching the mine they all took their positions, and activated their force pikes, so they would give the distinctive hum of an activated vibro-blade. The droid driver was told to drive slower the rest of the way. It was obvious that they were expected. There was a contingent of guards surrounding a group of slaves, with their slave broker in front, ready to haggle. The broker from the market had taken up his position just ahead of Rasha, so that she would only have to talk with him. When Rasha glanced over the slaves, she did not see Grimm, or Kran, or Elibet, among them. The Broker told the slave broker that her majesty feels like she has been misled, she does not see a satisfactory specimen among the slaves that could be trained as her personal guard. Before the broker could order the droid to drive away. The slave broker told them that they have another group of slaves that are unruly, and generally uncooperative. He did not think that they could be easily trained into personal guards. Rasha spoke to the broker, who then conveyed what she said to the slave broker. "She means no disrespect, but she has pointed out that you do not have a drop of noble blood in you. So why should anyone obey you? Her blood on the other hand is pure, so those less fortunate than her, automatically obey her words."

Grimm, Kran, and Elibet, heard this exchange as they were brought out in chains, along with the other unruly slaves. They wanted to laugh and cry, when they recognised that it was Rasha. They wondered who everyone else is. They all looked impressive. The broker than mentioned to the slave broker, that this group looks more promising. Rasha took a long time before telling the broker which slaves she was interested in. This is what the broker had told her to do. The broker already knew which ones she wanted. After she spoke, the broker asked for the Zabrack male. The slave broker said that they would have to take the Zabrack female as well, they will not allow themselves to be separated. The broker asked, if he was offering a two for one deal?

The slave broker scoffed, "Hardly. They are both hard workers, which is why they are both still alive. We also knows from experience, that they are both good fighters. So it is full price for each."

The broker appeared to confer with her majesty. Then told the slave broker that her majesty agrees to take the two Zabrack. He mentioned that she was also interested in the Iktotchi, because she heard that they have strong stomachs, which is why she was here looking to replace her guards that have taken ill. The slave broker said that her helmets would not fit on an Iktotchi's head. Rasha said something to the broker, who then told the slave broker that the Iktotchi does not need them. With his horns and serious face, in uniform he would portray the image she wants to convey. Krillgan noticed Grimm mouthing the word Givin, and pointing with his head to the Givin in their group.

Givin are a humanoid species from the planet Yag'Dhul. Situated where the Rimma Trade Route intersects the Corellian Trade Spine in the Inner Rim. They have the appearance of being animated skeletons, with their frames located on the outside of their bodies. Because of this, their movement is not the same as other humanoids, they are more reminiscent of protocol droids. They have rounded triangular eye sockets, and frowning mouth openings in their skull, which gives the impression to others that they are in constant pain. Because of this bizarre exoskeleton, the Givin can survive in a vacuum. Which they have to, from time to time on their world.

The Givin have evolved a complex system of mathematics to predict the drastic environmental changes that occur on their home world. To the point where mathematics is incorporated in every aspect of their lives. Including language, culture, and religion.

Krillgan quietly told Rasha that Grimm wants them to also buy the Givin. Rasha looked around and spotted the Givin. She spoke to the broker, who questioned what he heard. This was not part of what they had talked about. He did not believe they had enough credits for four slaves. They had already handed him the credits for the slaves, plus his fee, when they first boarded the skiff. The broker asked the slave broker, if the Givin was house trained. Her majesty has heard that they make excellent pets, if you keep children away from them. The slave broker was surprised that the negotiations had changed. When they first communicated the broker from the market said that his client was looking to purchase two or three slaves, now she was already up to four. He was wondering if he should stall the negotiations, in case she wanted more pets.

Krillgan had detected that there was a large predator out there. It had circled around the mining operation. Apparently it recognised that the slaver/guards, carried blaster rifles, and there was no slaves outside of their perimeter. It was circling around and would be coming up behind the skiff on Krillgan's side. If the predator climbed up onto the rocks on that side. It should be able to jump onto the skiff from there. Suddenly Krillgan leaped into action. He intercepted the predator in midair. Coming underneath it. He stuck the vibro-blade of the force pike into its chest, then run it down its belly. He used the force to pull slightly on the body of the predator, to keep it from landing on the skiff. It wasn't until he landed on his own feet and looked back at the creature he just killed, that he saw it was a Nexu.

Nexu are a fierce, agile feline carnivore, native to the planet Cholganna, near the Perlemian Trade Route, in the Outer Rim. They are quadrupeds, with two sets of eyes in their spade shaped head. Their large mouths span the length of their head, and are full of razor sharp teeth. They are covered in tan-brown fur, and have sharp quills running down the spine of their back, to protect them from an overhead attack. They have been taken from their world, and trained as either guard animals, or gladiator beasts. Often found defending strongholds of major underworld figures. They are also hunted by big game hunters, with their pelts, teeth, and bone ivory, sold at exorbitant prices.

Krillgan suspected that this one had gotten away from its trainers, and had been hunting the slaves as a means to survive. He himself ran up some rocks situated near the skiff, being able to jump back on. He told Rasha that it was a Nexu, who passed that along to the broker. The smart broker used the value of the dead Nexu, in negotiating a final price for all four slaves. He was able to settle on a price that was the sum of the money they gave him, plus his broker's fee. Which was all the money they brought with them. The Broker walked over to where he had secured the credits. Everyone heard the sound of coin hitting coin, as he added his fee to the bag of credits. He walked down the side ramp of the skiff and handed the bag of credits to the slavers' broker, who verified that all the credits were there. He handed over all the paperwork, and unchained the slaves.

None of the slavers were interested in trying their second option, after witnessing Krillgan in action. They had been thinking of capturing everyone on the skiff. Taking its occupants as slaves, and stealing the money.

On the way back, Rasha bowed to the Givin, and apologised for saying, that she wanted him as a pet. (She hoped it was a him. She did not know how to determine a Givin's sex by sight.) She was just trying to think of the best way to bring his price down. They had not brought enough credits to purchase a fourth slave. The broker had to surrender the credits he had been paid as his fee, in order to make the deal happen. Introductions were made all around. That is when the Givin, who goes by the name Hyperbolic, Hyper for short. Found out that most of the people, already knew each other.

Knowing that Rasha and Talmi would have plenty of time filling everyone in, on what has happened. Krillgan told Kran and Elibet, that they need to go with Talmi to the market, to buy some nice clothes. Then will have them altered at the hotel. They will become a high powered gambling couple.

Since no casino will allow an Iktochi through their doors, Rasha needs to introduce Grimm to the children at the market. It was time to find the bounty hunter, who killed Rasha's father. He had no idea where Hyperbolic would fit in. He told everyone that he had to leave as soon as they get back to the hotel.

When they arrived back, Talmi rushed into the hotel to get the credits to pay the broker his new fee, and to have spending money at the market. When Elibet saw Krillgan run off, back to the palace. She approached Rasha, and asked if Krillgan was wearing her pants. Rasha blushed and said he was, she will tell her all about it later. Not having anything better to do, Hyperbolic followed Grimm who had befriended him at the mine, and demonstrated that he had a sound mathematical mind. Hyperbolic felt obligated to help these people who rescued him, even though they assured him that he was free to leave anytime he chose to. There was also the small matter of funds. He had none, where they did.

At the market, when Talmi returned the force pike, he apologised to the Kaleesh for not cleaning the one that the blue warrior used, to kill a Nexu. The Kaleesh wanted to know the details. Talmi did not know, because he was looking at the slaves. He just knew, that one minute Krillgan was beside him, and the next minute he was gone. He heard the scream of the creature when Krillgan killed it. Than a short time later he was back, telling Rasha it was a Nexu. Elibet ended up telling them what happened, since she had the best view, and was a bit of a storyteller at heart. The Kaleesh were very impressed, and felt that they should return some of the credits they had been paid, for such a nice story. Talmi told them that the blue warrior said that they deserved the credits. If something does come up, and they haven't found a new contract, then they will come back to seek them out. The Kaleesh were satisfied with that answer. Rasha introduced Grimm to the children, and told them that his name means happy. Because he was a happy Iktotchi. The children wanted to know what he looked like when he was sad, because he did not look happy to them. Grimm told them that he probably looked the same on the outside, it was only inside, where no one can see, that he would be different. The children understood that. They did not like others to see when they were hurting inside, wishing they had a home, and some parents. Wishing that Rasha really was their mother, and not just calling her that, because it felt good. When Grimm told them that he wanted to find a bad person. The person who killed Rasha's father, and forced her to live on the street, the children were all willing to help. He told them that they need to be very careful, because this bad person, and the bad people he was with, like to steal people, and sell them as slaves. Grimm did not want that to happen to any of them. The children knew that reality all too well. It has only been since Rasha showed up, that they have felt safe. The children told Grimm that they knew of a few places were bad people seem to be together. They can take him to the different places to let him see for himself.

The team was happy that Blue would have more time to spend with them now. He was glad that Jezzy shared what she knew, with Slim and Big Red. They were now at a point that he could talk to them together, and only work with them individually when they had trouble understanding. Wallup asked Blue if he had any advice for him, he wasn't sure he could learn a new weapon, when he had relied for so long on his. Krillgan told him that he has to learn not to let go. People will still react to him, even if he does not actually let go, at least for the first few fake throws. After that, they will start to believe that he will never let go, and start exposing themselves, to try to get to a position where they can attack him. That's when he will have the best chance of knocking them off their Rancor. So Wallop went from practising how to throw, to practising how not to throw, but making it look like he was about to. Krillgan did not have time to get back to the hotel before the next race. He barely had enough time to make a fresh batch of healing ointment. Being careful not to use the same pieces of equipment that he was using for making the potion. Only this race he was not going in weaponless. Krillgan found that the cane that grew in Nal Hutta's swamps, was thinner, and more flexible, than what grew on Dathomir, but just about as tough. He had cut down a piece, almost as long as a long pole, and attached the padded weight of the throwing rope to each end, by taking two throwing ropes. Boring a hole down through the cane than another hole in the side of the cane near the middle. He passed the rope down through each end until it reached the side hole near the middle. Pulled the rope through, until the weighted end jammed into the end, then wrapped the rope around the outside of the cane, giving him rope grips. It was a new weapon that would take some getting used to.

Before the next race, the association in charge of Rancor racing announced a new rule change, because of Krillgan's fights. They said that a rider was allowed to leave their Rancor to engage another rider on their Rancor, provided that rider never touched the ground. If the rider is able to unseat his opponent, forcing him off his Rancor, and to the ground. The rider must then return to their Rancor without touching the ground, before the fight can be recorded as a victory. If they do not make it back, than it is recorded as a non-fight. For betting, it means that they both lost, so no money is returned.

Talmi told the group about how he met Krillgan, and teamed up to challenge the darts circuit on his home world of Tal Nami. How they had to leave the world half way through the circuit, because Krillgan had placed some healing ointment on some rags, to help some refugees, and how the refugees had rioted because they wanted more. Which is why he has the blue look, the refugees were looking for a purple guy. On Sleheyron while they were waiting for the darts tournament to happen. Krillgan was mistaken as being a Rattataki subspecies, and regularly challenged to the death, by different warriors. Instead, he agreed to fight them in underground fight venues, were a fighter was forced to submit. Talmi made a whole bunch of money betting Krillgan's money on Krillgan winning. How they had to leave Sleheyron, because that is where the gladiator arenas are, and too many people wanted to enslave him, and force him to compete in the gladiator arenas. He told them about boarding the Starpleasures to travel to Nar Shaddaa. He omitted telling them about the five dancer friends they made. Telling them that Krillgan wanted to come to Nal Hutta to talk to the Rancor, to see if he could get some inside information, that would help them bet on the races. Instead he meets Rasha and decides to enter the races himself, in order to help her free her friends, and get their ship back.

Rasha told them how she saw her father being killed, than escaped to her survival pod. She only left when the ship's computer told her they had landed, and she was sure that no one was on board.

Grimm was surprised that the ship's computer spoke to her. Just before her father died, he ordered the ship's computer into lockdown mode. The captain of the pirate ship berated the bounty hunter, for killing a captain of a military ship, on the ship. Even if he hadn't said anything. The ship's computer would have automatically gone into lockdown mode. So now they can't get the information that they had seized the ship for, just because he wanted to kill someone. All of the pirates were upset with him, because they were expecting some big payout, from the information that was in the computer. Grimm had to make up a crude rig so that they could manoeuvre and jump into hyperspace without using the ship's computer. Grimm was wondering if Chrashan had given Rasha the equivalent of first officer status, without making her the first officer. That would mean that the computer would be able to come out of lockdown, if she asked it to. The crew was excited about this. They wanted her to be the new captain. Rasha said that Krillgan deserves that status. She told them how the ship still recognises Krillgan as an active member of the crew, and holds a higher piloting level than all of them. The only one higher is Captain Richard Solo. This surprised everyone. They asked her, if her father knew this? Rasha admitted that her father did know, and was very upset that the computer refused to remove him from the list. Even after ordering it to, as captain of the ship. The computer told him that he doesn't have the authority to do so. They asked her, if she knew how Krillgan became recognised by the computer? She told them that his whole family flew on the Fenelar Phoenix while he was quite young. His father had downloaded a flight simulator program onto his computer, and Krillgan quickly learnt how to fly all the ships. All of the members of the crew would take him on, head to head, and only Captain Richard was good enough to beat him. So the Captain would sit in the pilot's seat, with Krillgan on his lap. Krillgan would land and take-off, by handling all the controls, except the foot petals. The Captain would only move those, as Krillgan commanded him. The computer recognised Krillgan as being the pilot, and ranked him. After talking about it, the crew admitted that it was Krillgan's credits that purchased their freedom, and it will be Krillgan's credits that will buy back the Phoenix, it is only right that he be made captain. Rasha became really excited. She told everyone that this would mean that Krillgan could return to Kindell's world and marry her friend Ludia. This was also news to the crew. Rasha had to tell them that Krillgan had to leave his planet to protect his family, but that he was already engaged to marry her friend Ludia, the daughter of the head of the clan. Elibet asked Rasha if that was the woman that her father was secretly infatuated with, but at the same time, he was terrified of her. Rasha turned red and said she did not know. Kran reprimanded his wife for embarrassing their friend. Elibet said if he want to know embarrassing, he should ask her how, Krillgan got into her pants, without her being there? Kran started tickling his wife to keep her from talking anymore.

On race day, Elibet wore one of Rasha's altered dresses. The lady at the hotel was able to make some minor adjustments, and told Rasha that she would have no trouble adjusting it back. At first Kran objected to his wife being seen like that. Elibet told Rasha that her husband was a prude. He would find any excuse to keep him from having to take her out anywhere. Talmi told Kran, that Rasha and Elibet were conservatively dressed compared to what most of the women wear in the casino. She might prefer that he not go, in case his eyes wandered too far. Elibet told Rasha that Talmi was a sensible man, since Krillgan was taken, she might want to consider him. Again Rasha turned red, she told Elibet that Talmi was a good friend, and she likes his company. So could she stop embarrassing her? Elibet gave her a hug, and whispered in her ear, "I'm just trying to look out for you child. I know that you still have a crush on Krillgan. You have ever since you knew him as a little girl. So do your two girlfriends. He loved you all very much."

Before heading to the casino Talmi divided the credits up equally between them. Kran and Elibet had never seen so many credits at one time before. They were very nervous about handling them. Talmi assured them, that once they grow a second set of eyes in the back of their heads, they will have no problem handling the money. Hyperbolic decided to tag along, he had never been inside a casino before. He was still trying to see how he would fit in with this group to help them. When they arrived at the casino, Hyperbolic was barred from entering. Apparently Givins could understand gambling logic better than computers. Rasha told him that he would have to wait for them at the hotel, or maybe find Grimm at the market. When they made their way to the Rancor racing section. Elibet did whatever she saw Rasha do. Kran did whatever he saw Elibet do. After they preplaced their bets, Elibet and Kran were impressed with the free food and drinks they were entitled to, just because they were in possession of large amounts of credits. Just like their meals at the hotel were being covered, just because Talmi had deposited a thousand credits toward their hotel room in all their names.

When the race started, the announcer asked the commentator, if he knew what type of weapon the Blue Ghost was carrying?

The commentator did not know what it was called, but expected it to be deadly in the hands of the Blue Ghost. He mentioned that he had shown the footage from the Blue Ghost's last fights, to some sources. They suggested that the Blue Ghost knows some martial arts in the Togruta style, because he knows how to fight with bare feet.

The announcer said that if bare feet were the only factor, than 2/3 of the Rancor riders also knew fighting in the Togruta style, because they all have bare feet.

The commentator showed a close up of the Blue Ghost kicking his opponent in the head, impacting with the ball of his foot rather than with his toes.

The announcer said that when you walk around barefoot long enough, you learn to protect your toes, it really hurts to stub them.

The odds were not that high that race. Churabba's team won, only the Blue Ghost and Slim had fights, and they were both considered favourites because of how well they did last race. The amount of winnings seemed large to Elibet and Kran. But when they looked at how much money they had to bet, to win that amount, than they understood it to be small. Back at the hotel they gathered in Rasha and Krillgan's room to discuss how the day went and to talk strategy. Hyper told them that he can analyse the odds given on the different elements of the race to maximize the credits won. Talmi asked if he could also factor in how frequently they need to lose, and how much, to keep the casinos from becoming suspicious. Hyper said he would work on it. The only good news, was that Grimm had found the base of operations that the pirates use that attacked them. The bounty hunter is still there. He wanted some credits to purchase a camera, and to buy three pairs of electrobinoculars. They asked him, why he needed three pairs? He told them that he wanted two pairs for the children, so that they can make observations when he was not around, he did not want them getting too close to their enemy. Talmi just pulled the credits out of his pocket, and handed them to him.

The day after the race, the market broker went to the lot where the Fenlar Phoenix was sitting. He ignored the guard at the gate and entered. He started walking around the ship to get a feel for what he was trying to save and why. The guard walked up to him and asked him what he was doing. The broker asked him to contact the person in charge of selling the ship. He has a client who has expressed interest in purchasing this ship. The guard went back to his post. A short time later a Besalisk walks up to the broker, and asks what he wants? The broker looks at him, and tells him that he would like to speak to the person in charge of selling the ships. The Besalisk claimed he was the one in charge. The broker told him that he highly doubted that. He might be in charge of dismantling the craft, but he wouldn't be in charge of selling them. The Besalisk walked away, and a short time later a Neimoidian showed up with dark red eyes. He asked the broker, how he could help him? The broker asked him if he was in charge of selling the ships. He said he was. The broker replied that the Besalisk said the same thing. The Neimoidian said that his friend sometimes oversteps his responsibilities. The broker asked what the asking price for this craft was. The Neimoidian said one million credits. The broker looked at the Neimoidian and snorted. "Obviously you're not interested in selling this craft. I will let my client know that she is better off buying a brand new ship with better armament, along with a group of starfighters and starfighter/bombers so that she can destroy any pirates that would try to intercept her." The broker started walking away, mumbling that he would have been better off talking to the Besalisk. When he reached the gate the Neimoidian called out and asked him to wait. The Neimoidian walked over to him, and asked why his client wants to buy this ship. The broker told him that his client recently purchased some slaves, to supplement her personal guards. They told her about this ship, and she contacted him to see if it would go for a reasonable price. "I will simply inform her that the price is beyond reason." The Neimoidian asked the broker if he could come back tomorrow. The broker asked why, so that he could waste his time again? The Neimoidian said that he would have to come back to find out. The broker hated negotiating with pirates. They always think that something is worth more than it really is. No doubt when he comes back tomorrow, he will find that all the gun turrets have been replaced by the cheapest and weakest turrets they have in the yard.

The next evening, when Krillgan arrived at the hotel. Talmi told him about the conversation that he had with their broker after he returned from negotiating. Apparently when he stopped by the yard, the other day, they asked for one million credits. So he walked away, as he was leaving they asked him to come back the following day. When he returned, he noticed that they had replaced all the gun turrets, and were fiddling with the drive systems. This time they opened with an asking price of five hundred thousand credits, and the Broker believes he can talk them down to three hundred thousand. Krillgan asked him about their financial situation? Talmi told him that they are sitting at just over two hundred thousand credits. They only managed to pull in eight thousand credits in winnings between the four of them last race. At this rate it will take them another four months to get together enough credits just to purchase the craft, and there would be nothing left over for maintenance and upgrades. They will need upgrades because the broker is sure that they are pulling everything they can out of the ship, and replacing it with junk. The broker believes that he can drag on negotiations for one and a half to two months. If they don't have all the credits by then, then the deal will collapse, and he might not be able to renegotiate a new deal. After Talmi's report, Grimm showed them on the computer, the images that he had captured that day, of the bounty hunter, and the compound he was in. Krillgan noticed a Davaab-type Starfighter sitting on the tarmac. That was one of the starfighters in his father's flight simulator. He knew it was a Mandalorian design that was mass produced during the Mandalorian wars. It had an asymmetrical wing design, with both wings being able to be rotated. The larger wing was a bent fin design, the shorter stub wing had a laser cannon at its tip. The most powerful weapon on a starfighter when it was first built. Krillgan noticed that the bubble canopy seemed longer, as did the ship itself. Grimm speculated that it might be the fighter/bomber two seater variant, which would be more suitable to a bounty hunter. Especially, if he has to transport a live victim. There was also a much larger ship sitting on the tarmac. It appeared to have been a private yacht, at one time. Modified with gun turrets, and an umbilical attachment. Krillgan asked Grimm if this was the ship that attacked, and boarded the Phoenix. Grimm did not know, he wasn't on the bridge when the ship was attacked. It has obviously been modified for boarding ships. Krillgan asked him if anything he sees on the ship, could be used on the Phoenix. Grimm asked him, what was he thinking? Krillgan said that he was pretty sure that the pirates are setting up the Phoenix, so it will not be getting very far. "This is probably the ship they will send to rescue us. They are probably hoping, we can get the computer to cooperate with us, so they can access the information they are looking for." Krillgan was planning on boarding this ship. They would have to exchange all damaged components, with this ship, which is where Hyperbolic becomes indispensable. Because he could transfer the components in outer space, faster than any of them.

When Hyperbolic heard his name mentioned, he came over to hear what they were talking about. He felt a tingling feeling inside, when Krillgan talked about boarding a pirate ship. He knew that he could do what they wanted him to do. Now he knew why Grimm felt that they needed him. He felt much better, that he had a way to thank them for his rescue.

They ended the conversation with Grimm promising to capture better images of the ship, so that they can determine what is salvageable for the Phoenix. Rasha stood up and told Krillgan that they have something very important to say to him. She told him that the crew has been talking, and everyone believes that he should be the new captain of the Fenelar Phoenix. At first Krillgan was stunned, then when the realisation of what it meant struck him, he had tears in his eyes. Rasha came up to him and hugged him. "Congratulations, it means that you can get married." Krillgan started hugging Rasha back, then stopped. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have two months to come up with enough credits to buy the ship, not four months. We have to think of ways we can make it happen. Also we have to think of a way to get me out of Rancor racing, along with Smasher, because he is bonded to him. Preferably without the Hutts chasing him all over the galaxy, because he skipped out on a contract.

Then Krillgan spotted Kran and Elibet sitting quietly. He asked to see their outfits for going to the casinos. Kran got up and said that he could not see the point of his wife dressing up in the outfits that he was making Rasha wear. Krillgan asked Elibet if she understands why she has to dress similar to Rasha. She said she did. So Krillgan said he would let her explain it to her husband, even if she needs to use a mallet to do it. He sent them to their room to change and come back. As soon as they left, Krillgan had the room computer contact the front desk to ask if the lady that does alterations was available. The desk informed him that she was already on her way up. She said that you pre-warned her that her services would be required. Krillgan confirmed with the desk that he did. At that instant the computer told him that the lady he requested was here. One of the crew opened the door. When she walked in, she told Krillgan that he hopes he doesn't mind, but she had already ordered room service for them, because she knew that they were the only two that eat, and she was kind of hungry. She did order snacks for everyone else. Krillgan smiled and asked what other mind reading tricks she does. She blushed, and told him that those were the only ones she knows. Room service arrived at the same time as Kran and Elibet returned. Krillgan asked Talmi to show Kran and Elibet the vid they found of passengers boarding the Starpleasures, so that they can see how they are supposed to look when they go to the casinos.

While Krillgan and the lady had their dinner. Grimm asked Krillgan where they would be going first, once they get the Phoenix back. It would be his call as captain. Krillgan told him that they first need to return Talmi to Tal Nami, before he turns into a melon, or a prune, or something like that, because he ran out of Egoa fruit jam, and powdered Capabara root. After that, because they will be so close, he wants to stop at Chalacta. This peaked the ladies interest in the conversation. Krillgan told Grimm that his parents know a couple that work for the Planetary Defence force. They asked him to stop by and introduce himself to The Captain and his wife. He is called The Captain by everyone, even though he actually has a higher rank than that. Then he wants to go and invite Captain Richard Solo and his wife, to his wedding.

When they finished eating, the lady approached Krillgan, and asked if she could talk with him for a moment. They went to the far corner of the room to talk.

Kran asked his wife, why she thinks that this lady wants to talk with him? Elibet said, "Isn't it obvious. She is smitten by his good looks."

Rasha spoke, "Isn't she a little old for him?"

"What? Can't older women appreciate how handsome he is? My heart was smitten by him while he was still young. Why do you think I screamed when I was in the shower, and he started undressing, in the bathroom? Yes there was the element of surprise. But there was also great joy."

"Woman, you are starting to make me jealous."

"Good. I like how you treat me, when you're jealous."

Then she gave Kran a nice kiss on his lips. Rasha had never seen this side of Kran and Elibet before. She wondered if this had to do with them being slaves. He seems more conservative, and very protective of her. She seems to have come out of a shell, and has become more flirtatious. Rasha hopes this does not ruin their marriage.

The lady asked Krillgan, if he knew The Captain and his wife? Krillgan reminded her that he didn't. His parents did. He was just planning on stopping by and saying hello. She asked Krillgan to relay a message to the Captain's wife. Tell her, that her Shadow Hunter has found her prey. She told him it was important that he get this message to them as quickly as possible, a lot of innocent women's lives are at stake. Krillgan asked her why she just did not come with them. She told him that it wouldn't work. She can monitor the situation from the hotel. But if she leaves, all contacts will be lost, and they may never be able to find them again, if they are moved. Then she pleaded with Krillgan. "Please come back and rescue me. I almost lost hope in being able to complete my mission, until just now. You're my only means of getting through to The Captain and his wife." Krillgan assured her that he would, to his best ability. She almost started crying when she heard that. At that moment Talmi yelled out that he found it. Everyone crowded around the computer screen, to see what he found. When he started the vid, Krillgan asked him to magnify the image of the passengers that were registering for the gold level. He pointed out to Kran and Elibet how ostentatious they appeared. They wanted the whole world to know that they were wealthy. Kran pointed out all the women that were around each man. Krillgan told him that they were all their mistresses, but because he is married, he only gets one. Elibet said, "That he better be happy with the one he has." He kissed her and told her, "He's happy!" Rasha asked if they will need to wear all that jewellery. Krillgan admitted that they will need to buy some jewellery for them, and a nice necklace for her. Because people might start believing that he was mistreating his mistress.

"It can't be the fake stuff, because these people will spot it right away. We just have to make sure we buy the stuff that can be easily resold afterwards."

Talmi told Rasha, that she and Elibet would be responsible for buying the jewellery. Maybe one of the vendors at the market has a connection with someone that can help them. Hyperbolic mentioned that this frivolous expense is going to cut into the pool of credits they have to work with. Krillgan said that it may seem frivolous, but it is a necessary expense for working in Hutt space. When the lady finished with the alterations for Kran. Elibet pointed out that everyone would see the one hair he has on his chest. Rasha assured Kran that with all the gold chains he would be wearing around his neck. Not only would people not see his one hair. But the chains would probably rub it off. This made all the ladies laugh, and the men bit their tongues, because Kran was not pleased with being the center of attention. When all the alterations were done to Elibet's dress, Kran told all the men to stop looking so hard at his wife. Talmi told Kran that it was hard not to look, because she is beautiful. (He originally wanted to say she looked hot and sexy, but thought better of it.) This comment earned Talmi a kiss on the cheek from Elibet. Krillgan talked with Talmi and with the lady, about how many more outfits they would need for Kran and Elibet. He reminded Talmi that they will need luggage as well. Kran wanted to know why they needed luggage. Krillgan told them that once they were comfortable, portraying who they should be, then they will need to go to Nar Shaddaa, to gamble in the casinos there. If they stay too close together, on Nal Hutta, then it won't take long for the casinos to know that they are gambling as a group. Before leaving, the lady said that she would come back every night, to work on the outfits for Kran and Elibet. She was sure that Krillgan would not have to come back and check the outfits. She was pretty sure she knew the look that they were going for. After she left, Krillgan told them he was heading back to the palace. There was no reason for him to spend the night. He would try to be back in a couple of days.

The next time Krillgan returned, Grimm told him that he had detected a pattern to the bounty hunter's movements. They discussed the best way to trap and deal with the bounty hunter. They decided not to wait. They would deal with the bounty hunter the following evening. They told Talmi and Hyperbolic, that they could not come. This was only for the crew. Hyperbolic was rather disappointed on hearing that. He thought that he was also part of the crew. When he mentioned that to Grimm. Grimm apologised and told him that they had phrased it wrong. The old crew had witnessed this man kill their captain in cold blood. They were now going to witness his punishment. Hyperbolic was part of the new crew. Hyperbolic asked him about Krillgan's involvement. He knew Krillgan was not on the ship when their captain was killed. Grimm told him that what he said was true. But Krillgan was connected to the old crew, and as the new captain, he has chosen to administer the punishment. Hyperbolic accepted what Grimm told him. He did know that Krillgan knew them all from before, which is why he was so quick to help them now.

The bounty hunter suspected that someone had been keeping an eye of him. So when he spotted the guy in the cloak pointing a video recorder in his direction, he decided to go talk with him. When the guy hid the recorder in his cloak, and started to walk away. The bounty hunter decided to follow him instead. Maybe he was doing this for someone else. The sun was just starting to go down over the horizon. He hoped he did not have to follow him for too long, it would be getting dark soon. The cloaked man ducked into a maze of alleys. The bounty hunter had to get closer to the man than he would have liked. There was a small square up ahead where a couple of alleys came together. After crossing the square, the cloaked man stopped and turned around. They bounty hunter entered the square and asked the man why he captured his image? The cloaked man removed the hood of the cloak from off his head. He's an Iktochi. "Remember me?" The bounty hunter said he didn't. A Zabrack female stepped out of the shadows of the alley to the right of him, and asked him if he remembered her. His hand went instinctively to his blaster pistol, but he did not draw it, because he did not see any weapon. He told her that he did not remember. A Zabrack male suddenly appeared in the alley to the left of him. "Remember me?" Again the bounty hunter said he did not remember. A young lady suddenly appeared in front of him. Not too far away from the Iktotchi.

"We remember you. You killed my father, our Captain, in cold blood. Just because you wanted to see a man die, up close."

"What do you want from me?"

"We want nothing from you. Just as we saw the death of an innocent man. We are here to witness your punishment. Death stalks you, and is even now standing behind you."

Because the young lady said death is behind him. The bounty hunter thought he heard a sound behind him. Before he could turn around. He felt a dagger, just below his right ear. The assailant slipped it under his helmet. He felt the dagger force its way into his head through the ear canal in his skull. It was the last thing he felt, because Krillgan sent a blast of force energy through the Dathomirite blade, turning his brain to mush. The force energy in the Dathomirite blade cauterised the wound, so no fluids came out of the wound, when Krillgan removed the dagger.

Elibet helped Krillgan undress, while Kran, Rasha, and Grimm, removed the Bounty Hunter's armour. This was the first time that Grimm, Kran, and Elibet, realised that Krillgan knew how to use the force, as he settled down, slowly, silently, from the roof top. They had always assumed that Rasha's stories about her adventures on Kindell's world, was just the fanciful imagination of an active young girl. Kran and Grimm helped Krillgan dress in the armour. While Elibet and Rasha dressed the dead bounty hunter in Krillgan's clothes. When they were all done. Krillgan told them that he would meet them back at the hotel.

Krillgan knew that he was on his own. He had two goals in mind. He did not want the pirates to know that their bounty hunter was dead. That could sound too many alarms, including scuttling the current negotiations for purchasing the ship. He also wanted the Davaab-type Starfighter. He believed that it was his by right, because he killed the bounty hunter. No one interfered with him on his way to the pirate compound. They all first thought that he was helping an inebriated friend get home. It was dark when he reached the compound. He knew that no guard was posted at the entrance. Since there were enough pirates sitting around near the entrance, so they felt they did not need to post a guard. Krillgan was able to enter unchallenged. The only comment he had from those sitting around, was who his new boy toy was, and could they have a go at him, when he was done.

Someone came out of the hanger, and asked the bounty hunter where he has been? The boss wanted to talk to him. Krillgan ignored him, and kept walking to the starfighter.

"Bounty Hunter, are you deaf? I told you that the boss wants to talk to you!"

When Krillgan reached the starfighter, he leaned the body of the bounty hunter against it, and gave a salute he had often seen in the palace, when a superior ordered a subordinate to do something other than what they were currently doing. He thought it meant I am busy, go find someone else. He never saw if the superior ever reacted to the salute, because they were always out of sight. He placed his left hand on his right bicep palm down, just above the elbow, and punched his right fist into the air. The pirates' reaction was totally unexpected to Krillgan. The pirates started shooting at him.

Because Krillgan was using his right arm to support the body, and to try and figure out how to open the canopy. Krillgan reached around with his left hand to pull the blaster pistol out of its holster, and fired back. Without looking, he hit two pirates square in their chest, knocking them off their feet. Unfortunately they were both wearing body armour. All the pirates scrambled for cover, swearing, and saying how the bounty hunter can shoot better with his wrong hand, when he wasn't looking. Than he could with his right hand. Looking right at the target.

Krillgan was a little frustrated. He knew how to fly this starfighter from the simulator program. But the program never showed you how to get in. It always started with you sitting in the cockpit. When the pirates started firing again. Krillgan fired off a few more shots. He hit two more pirates, he did not know if he wounded them, or killed them. Then he felt directed by the force, to shot at a barrel in the vicinity of where the pirates were taking cover. The barrel exploding spewing burning liquid around it. One of the pirates was covered in the liquid and started running back and forth screaming for help. The other pirates ignored him, so Krillgan shot him just to put him out of his misery. The pirates moved again, because of the hot fire right behind them. Making it easy for the bounty hunter to shot their silhouette. In frustration Krillgan reached out with the force, willing the canopy to open. Repeating "Open, open, open," a number of times. He heard some mechanical mechanisms move, when the pirates opened fire again. Then he was rewarded with the hiss of an air seal being broken. Finally the canopy popped open. Krillgan fired a few more shots to force the pirates to keep their heads down. He did not want to give them too much practise, shooting at him. They might eventually hit him. He climbed two thirds of the way up the ladder to climb into the cockpit. Then reached down and grabbed the body by the scruff of his leather jacket, picking the body up with one hand. The pirates did not realise that the bounty hunter was that strong. Krillgan was tempted to just dump the body head first into the back seat. But that would be a dead giveaway that the person was dead. So he had to climb a little higher on the ladder, before he could place the body properly in the backseat. Then it was a quick scramble to get into the front seat. Then start hitting the switches, to start powering the starfighter up. He used the force to turn the starfighter so that the nose was pointing directly at the pirates. Making it impossible for them to actually hit him. This starfighter was tough enough that the blaster bolts they were shooting at him would not damage it. When he had enough power, he used the force to move the fighter back and forth, while he strafed the pirates with the laser cannon. One pirate found out the hard way that an empty wooden crate, does not work as cover. Krillgan also managed to shot two more of the barrels filled with a volatile liquid. The pirates had enough, and scurried into the hanger. Where they hoped they would have more cover from the laser cannon.

When Krillgan finally had the power levels he wanted. He closed the canopy, and took off. He kept low to the ground, so that he could not be seen against the night sky. The pirates contacted the shuttle terminal, to see if they could pick him up on their radar. They told them that there were too many buildings in the way, and if he gets far enough away, he could fly out to space without being seen by them. The thing that bothered the pirates the most, was not all the damage the bounty hunter caused. Was that they were pretty sure that he must have found someone with a large bounty on his head. Now he has flown off, and they were sure that he would not be coming back to share it.

When Krillgan came to an open patch of water in the swamp. He used the force to hold the starfigher steady. He could not remember whether this particular model could hover. He opened the canopy, stripped the bounty hunter's body, so it was completely naked. Then tossed it into the swamp. Just after it hit the water, something wrapped itself around its waist, and pulled it under. The first small island that Krillgan came to, he threw a ball of force fire at the center of it to see if he could clear out some of the vegetation, and land the craft. He generated a big cloud of steam. After the steam dissipated he noticed that he did not clear out much of the vegetation. But there were scorch marks that could easily be spotted from the air. Not a good place to hide the starfighter. The next island he came to was larger, more stable. Because he was close enough to the surface of the swamp. He formed water javelins from the swamp water, and cleared out a trench in the islands vegetation. It was large enough that he could lift the two wings to their vertical position, and landed the craft in the trench. After landing, he changed back onto his own clothes, got out, and sealed the canopy. He knew that in a few hours, vines would be growing over the starfighter. By morning, it would not be spotted from the air. Krillgan used water shields, to walk to dry land.

When the creatures in the swamp started to approach Krillgan, the sudden drop in water temperature near him, was enough to persuade the swamp creatures not to come any closer.

When Krillgan returned to the hotel, they were happy to see he was alright. Not just because he was their way off this planet.

No one was celebrating the death of the bounty hunter, even though he deserved it. Witnessing someone dying is always a sobering thing. Krillgan told them that the pirates opened fire on him, just after he gave them the salute that he was busy, they should deal with someone else. No one heard of that salute, so they asked him to show them. When he did, everyone burst out laughing. Even Hyperbolic. It was a strange thing, to hear a person with a permanent frown laughing. Talmi had trouble containing himself, but finally managed to tell Krillgan that it was not a salute that meant you were busy. It was a sign of disrespect. He called all the pirates jerks. "That's why they fired at you."

In the palace Krillgan found a craftsman that was willing to help modify his weapon. He cut the bamboo shaft almost in the middle, and attached a wooded handle. This handle could unscrew. Giving Krillgan the option of fighting with his bamboo long pole, or taking it apart and having two flexible clubs, for when he was close and personal.

The beastmasters told him that the other teams had started to train their teams in martial arts, after hearing what the commentator said during the last race. If he wanted to train his team, he had their permission.

The other teams were using mercenaries that were already in their employment, who indicated that they had knowledge in hand to hand combat. Basically they were being taught how to sneak up on someone, and take them out with a knife. Those teams complained to their beastmasters, that they were not being taught anything of value, which would help them in the races. Krillgan on the other hand, was very much aware of how to adapt the martial arts, to help his team fight better, while on their Rancor. It was only Wallup that chose not to actively participate in the training. All he would do was watch.

When Grimm asked the children to return the electrobinoculars, they were not happy. They enjoyed watching the bad guys, especially this morning. Because they were all very angry. They would go around kicking things, and yelling at each other, waving their arms around as they did. They knew something happened last night because of all the fire damage they saw, and some scorch marks. They asked Grimm if they had a fight with some good guys. Grimm just smiled but would not say. After returning the electrobinoculars, they asked Grimm if he had something else for them to do, because they were bored. Grimm suggested that they go ask the vendors at the market, if they had something they could do? When the children approached the surprised vendors. The vendors wanted to know why they had come to them. They told them that they had been helping one of mother's friends, and he did not need their help anymore. He had suggested that they ask them if they had something for them to do. The vendors quickly found odd jobs for them to do. Including, sweeping the market, and going through the fruits and vegetables, to see if any of them found marks that showed them that they were starting to go bad. If they found a fruit like that, they brought it to the vendor, who would cut the bad part off, and tell them they could have it. They would usually ask if the vendor could cut it in half, then they would go find a friend to share it with. The vendors expected this. What they did not expect was the children would come back, with juice on their face and hands, asking if they could help some more. By the end of the day the market was swept clean, and the fruit and vegetable vendors had all their product sorted. These vendors enlisted the help of other vendors. They proceeded to make jams and jellies, pickled vegetables, and vegetable spreads. The children had been watching, and got to taste some of the finished product. They all liked the jams and jellies, but only some of them liked what they did with the vegetables. The vendors let them keep the partial containers that they had left over. While the vendors divided up everything else amongst themselves. When the children showed up the next morning asking if they could help. One of the fruit and vegetable vendors contacted their source and arranged to buy the stock that they were about to throw out because it was overripe and starting to spoil. When the shipment arrived the children started going through it like some of them did the previous day. By lunch they had enough stuff sorted, that some vendors turned over their booths to their neighbours, and started to process what the children had sorted. At dinner time, the vendors invited the children to have dinner with them, while they finished processing what was left of what the children sorted. This was the first time that the children ever ate with adults, except with mother and her friends. They were a little nervous at first, but found it to be quite enjoyable, listening to the adults talk back and forth. The children had more product to hide in their food stashes. The adults told them that they would be selling everything they made the following day in the market. The next morning, when the children showed up at the market. The vendors bought them all cups of tea to have with their breakfast. The small children shared a cup, while the older ones would have one all to themselves. The vendors did not have as much for them to do, that day. But no one chased them away either. The children were delighted that the vendors would talk with them. Some of them would spend the whole day with a vendor, keeping them company. Some vendors even found little items that they could play with, while they were there in there booth, and would share their lunch with them. All the product they made the previous day, was sold that day at the market, and they started the whole process all over again the following day. The children liked this new relationship they had established with the vendors. The vendors liked the children keeping them company, and they especially liked all the extra wupiupi they were making, because the children were willing to work. Unfortunately the children were about to learn a sad truth. When things are starting to go well for you, someone is bound to come along, to try and destroy it.

Kran and Elibet looked like they had been gambling all their life, when they put on all their gold chains and the rings on their fingers. They would be going to a different casino, than the one Rasha and Talmi were used to going to. When they first entered, they felt right away, that they were being treated differently by the casino staff, than when they went with Rasha and Tami, to their casino. They did not wait until they had placed any bets before sending over a server to get their complimentary order of food and drinks. Kran found that they had an interesting variation on Nice Surprise, called Brain Burst. The New Ale or Ale was replaced with a combination of hard liqueurs. It packed quite a punch. Elibet would only let him have one, in case he started losing control of himself. She had already pinched him a couple of times on his leg, when she thought he was staring too long at a scantily clad female. Elibet entered the betting sequence that she had seen Rasha enter, and Kran followed his wife. Hyperbolic had found a Holonet site that allowed him and Grimm to watch the race from their hotel room. The odds were also displayed for the various types of bets.

They saw that Krillgan made the effort to get into two fights, to try and increase the winnings of those who were betting on him. Big Red also got into a fight because he was tired of racing to the finish line, and waiting for everyone else to finish their fights. One of the riders on the other team foolishly picked a fight with Jezzy.

The commentator mentioned that the last time these two tangled, Jezzy could not get off her Rancor fast enough. This time was a different story. It was the other rider that could not get off their Rancor fast enough. The commentator mentioned that the fighting ability of everyone on Team Churabba, has greatly improved, since, the Blue Ghost has joined that team. He needs to check with his sources whether the Blue Ghost is involved in their training, or whether it is just his being there, that has boosted the confidence of the other riders on the team.

Hyperbolic had already computed everyone's winnings from betting on the race, before they had left their casinos, and adjusted the projection for when they could hope to have enough credits to purchase their ship. He had a presentation ready for them when they returned. He pointed out the biggest anomaly in today's betting, was due to someone challenging Jezzy. So she was considered the underdog for that fight, and the earnings from betting on her, was about on par with what they earned on the Blue Ghost's two fights. With all the credits being carried over from the first fight to the second. If the Blue Ghost continues with two fights per race. He projects that they will have enough credits to purchase their ship, in just over three months. That was better than the four month estimate, but not close enough to the two months that they need.

When Krillgan came by the following day, Hyperbolic made the same presentation to him, but with one difference. He told Krillgan that if the Blue Ghost continues fighting two fights per race. He will soon be on the death betting list. For some reason Hyperbolic had trouble reconciling that Krillgan and the Blue Ghost were the same person, even though he knew it was true. No one else had heard of this death betting list, and asked him to explain. Hyperbolic told them that there were a number of ways to get on the list. Every new rider was on the list for their first two races. Because the highest chance of any rider being killed, was in their first race. (Especially if the Rancor does not like the new rider.) Because of that, there was not a large payout, if you bet on someone dying in their first race. They were removed after their second race, because they were labeled as survivors. There were two ways that they would be placed back on the list. The most common was at their one year anniversary, because only one person in the history of Rancor racing, over the last ten years, has outlived their two year contract. He informed Krillgan that all of his teammates were on the list, with Wallup being the oldest. The second way to get on the list, was through the number of fights the Rancor rider has been in, the Blue Ghost was on the verge of accumulating enough fights, that he would make the list. Making him the one with the fewest races to ever make the list. The others did not like the idea of betting on someone dying. Hyperbolic told them that a lot of gamblers use it as a hedge bet, because there is such a high payout, once a rider's name appears on the list for a second time. Most of the bets on any individual are only between 50 to 100 credits. But most gamblers will wager between 1000 to 2000 credits on the list each time they bet. Hyperbolic, checked out the list for the past two years. If one placed a small wager on each person, whose name was on the list, over time you would win back 80% of what you wagered on the list. Which means that casinos are making a smaller profit on this list than on their other betting lists. With most other betting, and flat wagering, you would only get back 60%. Hyperbolic used the example of wagering an equal amount on every team to win. Even though everyone knew that only half of the teams would win. He pointed out that the casinos expect, that if they have enough clients betting, it will produce the effect of everyone flat wagering. Which is how they make their money, at the same time as having big winners. They all told Hyperbolic that what he showed them was interesting, but they could not see how it was supposed to help them. Hyperbolic told them that he has not worked it out yet, but he has come up with a system for betting on all of the Rancor races, which gives him a winner 75% of the time. He could have improved on it. But Talmi mentioned that you have to lose from time to time to keep the casinos from getting suspicious. No one was interested in looking at his system, except Kran and Elibet. They believed, that if they are to maintain their betting image on Nar Shaddaa. That they should be wagering on all of the races. Not just when Churabba's team is racing. When they asked Hyperbolic how much quicker this system would help them generate enough credits. He admitted that it might only help them accumulate enough credits, a half month sooner. For Kran and Elibet, that was a lot closer to the two month window they were looking at. It might be close enough that their broker might be able to keep the deal open. So they made arrangements with Hyperbolic to maintain contact with them, while they are on Nar Shaddaa. Hyperbolic suggested what hotel they should stay at while they are there. It was associated with this hotel, and he knew enough about their communications system, that it would look to the hotel like they were communicating with someone within their hotel, so it would not show up on their room's communication log.

The next day saw the beginning of an influx of bounty hunters. All hoping to solve the puzzle on where the Blue Ghost and his family are, and what happened to the first bounty hunter that went after them? Besides the amount of credits they could get. The reputation they would get, could enable them to charge higher prices for simple jobs.

Since most of them had next to nothing in the way of any type of money. They would be relying on an old bounty hunter tradition. Preying on the local populace. First they would go after what could generate the highest income quickly, with the least amount of personal risk. They would kidnap the kids living on the street. In most communities, the people did not care about their street children. Often looking on them as pests. Happy to let the bounty hunters have them. It was not hard for the bounty hunters to find a slaver that would pay them cold hard credits, for the orphans. On Nal Hutta, there was an even better source of money for children, than slavers. There are a number of pleasure palaces around the casinos, and there are those that will pay a lot, for the opportunity to de-flower a little boy, or a little girl. Once they saturated the local pleasure palace market, it was a simple hop to Nar Shaddaa and the pleasure palaces there. The first indication that an invasion was underway, was when the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter, and the Rattataki Sith, showed up at Churabba the Hutt's palace. Both requesting an audience with her, as representatives of their respective governments. She had been expecting them, and expected that the Mandalorian would be subservient to the Sith, whether he wanted to be or not. So she saw them both at the same time. The Mandalorian noticed right away the high number of red skinned Nikto warriors in the throne room. On top of having their ever ready force pikes, they also had lightsabers hooked onto their belts.

The Sith embarrassed the Mandalorian, by trying to use mind control, to force Churabba the Hutt, to surrender the Blue Ghost to him. It seems that everyone but this Sith knew, that you cannot use mind control on a Hutt. A squad of four Nikto warriors surrounded the pair with their lightsabers drawn. Churabba did not appreciate being attacked by the Sith right away. The Sith had his lightsaber taken away, the Mandalorian was taken to an antechamber next to the throne room, by six regular Nikto warriors with force pikes. Where he was forced to remove his amour completely, and handed a robe to cover his naked body, before being allowed back into the throne room. Churabba had one of her advisors lecture the Sith and the Mandalorian, about attacking their host, when they are supposed to be representing their governments. That can be interpreted as an open declaration of war by the Sith Empire and their allies, against the Hutt people. They can be sure that an official protest will be lodged against their governments. They were also told that they do not have diplomatic immunity, so if one of them tries something similar again. They will both be executed.

After the lecture was over, the advisor asked them, why they wanted to see Churabba the Hutt? The Mandalorian decided that he should do the talking, before the Sith gets them both killed. He told the advisor that they were interested in buying out the contract of Chitrah Grimshaw. The one called the Blue Ghost in the Rancor racing arena. The advisor asked them, how much were they willing to pay? The Mandalorian said that they were open to negotiation, they would also need to contact their governments, in order to verify the sum of credits that they could offer. Churabba took that to mean that they had no authorisation to negotiate a contract buyout. Just to tease them, she had the head beastmaster called to her throne room. She had the advisor tell him about the offer made by the Mandalorian and Sith Governments to buy out Chitrah Grimshaw's contract. She wanted him to find out what he thinks. A while later the beastmaster returned, and told the advisor, that Chitrah claimed to be having too much fun riding Smasher. He did not want his contract to be bought out.

After the beastmaster left, Churabba had the advisor tell the Mandalorian and the Sith, that Chitrah has brought much prestige to this palace. He has propelled their Rancor racing team, to being the best team in the circuit. Something they need to consider when they talk to their governments. When determining an amount they were willing to offer.

They were dismissed as was everyone in the throne room. The Mandalorian and Sith were led by the advisor that had been talking to them on Churabba's behalf, to a chamber they would be sharing. They were told that there was a communicator in their room by which they could contact their governments. They were also accompanied by the four red Nikto guards. The advisor told them that they were not allowed to leave their chamber, without permission of Churabba herself. If they need anything, anything at all, including male and/or female companionship, they just need to mention it to one of the guards standing at their door, and they would relay the message along. They were also told, that they would be called to the throne room, along with the advisors, and would be given a place next to the advisors, where they can observe the proceedings of the throne room.

When everyone had left, Churrabba ordered the eavesdropping monitors be brought to her. The communicator in her guests' chamber was not secure, she would be able to see and hear both the outgoing and incoming signals from the communicator.

It was the Mandalorian that contacted his government first. He made no attempt to hide how he felt about this Sith that he was forced to cooperate with. He told them about the Sith's attempt to try mind control on Churabba, and her reaction. He stood up and opened the robe he was given, to let the government official know he was truly naked, because of the idiot Sith. He also told the official, that if he finds any of his custom equipment out on the open market, he expects the government to fully compensate him for it. To Churabba this was the same thing as being given permission for her armourers to thoroughly examine the Mandalorian's armour, and all the equipment attached to it.

Concerning how many credits they could offer, to buy out Chitrah Grimshaw's contract, they will have to discuss that with the Sith Government. They promised to call back.

The Sith contacted his government next. He was not very well received. They made him explain what the attack he made on Churabba the Hutt was about, as soon as he entered the throne room. They have already received an official complaint from the Hutt Government. The Sith told them that he attempted mind control on her. He was immediately surrounded by four red skinned Nikto, who were all brandishing lightsabers. While he was surrounded, it felt like he had suddenly lost touch with the force. The person he was talking to, knew that he had just encountered the Morgukai, which was to be expected, since he was in Churabba the Hutt's palace. The Hutt that had the closest connection to the Nikto people.

The government official asked him, if he read any of the supplementary information sent to his ship's computer, along with his copy of his orders from the Dark Council? The Sith admitted, that he had no knowledge of any supplementary information. Upon hearing that, the governmental official terminated the contact. They did not think it was worthwhile communicating any further with this Sith. They wrote up their report along with their recommendation, that the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter be put in charge of any negotiations with Churabba the Hutt. They also recommended that this Rattataki Sith be reassigned to combat missions only, and not be allowed anymore diplomatic missions. What they really wanted to say, was that the Rattataki be turned over to the Hutts for their gladiatorial arenas.

The next morning a bounty hunter decided to do a little hunting. When he spotted an older street kid he started chasing after him. Immediately some younger children started pelting him with stones, which was nothing for his armour, but because he was being hit in his visor, he had trouble maintaining visual contact with his prey. He also did not see the obstacle one of the vendors put in his way, causing him to trip over it. This caused a lot of the shoppers at the market to start laughing at him. When he got up, the vendor that had tripped him, told him that he was not welcome there. They deal with their own problems, their way. The bounty hunter left the market area, wondering if the market vendors cull the homeless children population, as a supplementary income source. If that is the case, he will need the help of another bounty hunter, to perform crowd control, while he nabs a couple of the children.

Krillgan was not happy to hear that both the Sith and Mandalorian Governments, had sent people to attempt to buy out his contract. This was a turn of events he was not expecting. He spent most of the night thinking about what should be done. For some reason he also thought about Hyperbolic, and what he said about the death betting list. By morning he had a germ of an idea, as the morning wore on, and he was doing mock battles with his team. The idea developed further. By noon he was ready to go to the hotel, to share his idea, and see what input any of them might offer. As he went to cut through the market he came across an unusual scene. A bounty hunter had two blaster pistols trained on the people of the market, while Rasha and Talmi where engaged in hand to hand combat with another bounty hunter. They were clearly at a disadvantage because of the bounty hunter's armour. It was only their drop kicks that was keeping the bounty hunter off balance.

Krillgan quickly walked up to the bounty hunter with the pistols and snapped his neck. He used the force, but he was pretty sure that no one could tell. He did not want to pull out his knives, because there were children present. Children usually do not handle seeing blood very well. He caught the other bounty hunter from behind. Putting his arms underneath the bounty hunters arms, than locking his fingers behind the bounty hunters head. He told Talmi to approach from the side, so the bounty hunter does not try and kick him, and remove his helmet. He told the bounty hunter to tell them what was going on here. The bounty hunter could not understand why all the people were upset. They just needed some money for their living expenses. So they were just going to take a couple of the street kids, and sell them to one of the pleasure palaces. Krillgan snapped his neck. He did not need the force to do it this time.

The Kaleesh had still not found a new contract. With the credits they received from the blue warrior's friend, for the use of their force pikes, they were not yet desperate to find one. They came over and helped the blue warrior and his friends, remove the bodies from the market area. They complimented Talmi and Rasha for fighting the bounty hunter, when they had no hope of winning. They told Talmi that now they understood why the blue warrior had chosen him as a companion. Krillgan suggested to Rasha that now would be a good time for her to return to the hotel. Rasha was still just settling down from her adrenaline high. So she did what Krillgan suggested, and ran back. They stripped the bounty hunters out of their armour. He told Talmi to give the amour to the children. Maybe they can sell it at the market to buy food or something. He also told him to give their id to a vendor to give to the next patrol that comes by. They will have ships at the shuttle terminal, which will need to be disposed of. He doubted the patrols would give anyone a hard time, because they will collect from anything of value found on the ships.

The Kaleesh asked if this meant that they could freely challenge any bounty hunter that came to the market. Krillgan told him that they had his permission, and he doubted anyone at the market would object, after being held at gunpoint today. The Kaleesh helped Krillgan carry the bodies to the swamp and throw them in. The Kaleesh saw something reach up out of the water, and grab the first body, before it hit the water. Krillgan told them that this is why it is not wise to be around the swamp. The Kaleesh understood. They were not interested in fighting with whatever it was that grabbed the first body.

When Krillgan arrived at the hotel, Talmi was already there waiting. Rasha was recovered enough, that she was telling everyone about the fight to protect the children. She did not know that she and Talmi were fighting a hopeless battle, until the Kaleesh pointed it out. If Krillgan had not come by when he did. She and Talmi would either be dead, or sold as slaves to a pleasure palace. Elibet had put a blanket around her, and was holding her, because she was shaking. Shock had settled in after all the adrenaline was gone. Kran had gone to their bedroom to grab a blanket for Talmi, he had started to go into shock from listening to Rasha's description of the fight. Krillgan had always come to their rescue. It wasn't until he heard Rasha speak, that he knew that they had no reason to expect Krillgan to show up when he did. Grimm had called room service to bring up a few platters of sandwiches, along with some New Ale and tea. Enough for eight people. Krillgan told him about the reason he came today. About the Mandalorian and Sith that were trying to buy his contract from Churabba. He told them that the best way to stop them from buying his contract was to have someone else there, who was willing to pay more. They asked him, who would do that? He pointed at Talmi, "That gentleman right there." While they were all trying to take that in, he had the room's computer contact the front desk. He did not have to say anything. They told him, that she was just on her way. They knew that this was the only reason this room contacted them. Krillgan started to outline his idea, and credited Hyperbolic for providing the information he needed to come up with the idea. For him to leave Nal Hutta, and to be able to take Smasher with him, the Blue Ghost must die in the arena. But first the Blue Ghost must make the death betting list. He told the group that once Talmi entered the palace it would be almost impossible for any of them to communicate with him. All communicators in the palace are monitored, and they would not let any of the street children into the palace to relay a message. Yet the palace will be expecting Talmi to stay in touch with his boss. Talmi suddenly remembered the communicators he purchased on Sleheyron just before they left for Nar Shaddaa. He got up and opened the door to go to his room, and the lady who does alterations was standing there. They invited her in, and told her to help herself to the sandwiches, and anything she wanted to drink. After she sat down and started eating, Krillgan told her that they needed Talmi to dress up like he was a representative of a wealthy merchant. An ambassador to Churabba the Hutt. He should have flowing robes. He wouldn't have any jewellery, because she would know he is from Tal Nami, which would also mean that these are not frivolous negotiations. He asked if she could come up with a design, and what would they need to purchase, to make it happen. She asked him, how much time does she have? He told her that Talmi needs to enter his gladiator arena tomorrow afternoon, at the latest. At that point Talmi returned with the communicators. He told everyone that this is how he can communicate, without anyone eavesdropping on their communications. Grimm stood up and asked him where he got them. Talmi told them about the strange merchant that confronted him when they were getting ready to leave Sleheyron. He said something strange, saying that they would need them to communicate between Nal Hutta, and Nar Shaddaa. Grimm told them, that these communicators were so old, that they belonged in a museum. They used line of sight communications. So you could not communicate directly between the palace and this hotel. But he would be able to communicate with Kran and Elibet on Nar Shaddaa, who could then rely the information back to this hotel.

Kran looked at Elibet, "I guess this means we are leaving tomorrow."

Krillgan told the lady, that she would need to sew a special compartment into the robes. He needs to have this device on his person at all times. He cannot afford to leave it anywhere. She came up with a rough idea about how much material she would need, even though she had not yet settled on a specific design. She overestimated on the quantity because it was better to have too much, as opposed to too little. When she heard Krillgan warning Talmi, about the Umbaran advisor, that the Nurse and Churabba both suspect of killing a servant that had somehow been forced to poison the Huttlet. She knew she would have to include a stiff collar to protect against poison darts.

After going over everything that he could think of with Talmi. Krillgan decided to return to the palace via the swamp, so that he could make a potion when he returned. Kran and Elibet were sent to the market to buy the material.

When Krillgan returned to the palace. There were two Nikto guards waiting for him. They took him to the Nurse who gave him one of her cloaks. It was for him to wear whenever he leaves the palace. It has her family crest over the heart. All the guards know the crest, so they won't bother him. She was concerned about the report of bounty hunters being seen near the servants' entrance, asking about the Blue Ghost. She was concerned that they might try to kidnap him, and the Huttlet still needs his potion. He took that as his clue, and told her that he should have some ready within the hour.

When the children took the bounty hunters' armour to the market, that Talmi gave them. They asked the vendors what they should do with it. The vendors sent them to the local armourer, and told them he was okay, he was one of them. The armourer, was kept busy enough with mercenary groups passing through, and guards needing repairs to their equipment. He knew that he would not have any trouble, repurposing the bounty hunters' armour, for the local market.

When the Kaleesh started bringing him armour taken from bounty hunters, he knew that he had too much work on hand, that he could handle by himself. He approached the two oldest of the street kids, and asked them if they would like to be his apprentices. The market vendors encouraged them to say yes, so they did. The armourer also told the market vendors that he was holding some money in trust for the children, because he knew that they did not yet know the value of money. When the children found out that they could buy something at the market, because of the armour that they gave to the nice man. They all agreed on what they wanted to buy. All the little ones, both boys and girls wanted dolls. They did not care if they looked like a Nikto, or a Human, or a Klatooinian. They were something that they could share in their playing, and something they could hold onto at night, when they started to feel sad.

When the guards came to the market, looking to find a qualified pilot, the children told the vendors that they should ask mother. She knows lots of nice people. She probably knows someone who could help the guards.

It was strange that the bounty hunters did not notice that their numbers were not really growing, when there were fresh faces arriving all the time. The Kaleesh thought that this was better than any contract they ever had. They got to fight regularly with bounty hunters, and made enough money selling their armour that they could live comfortably enough. The next time Rasha showed up at the market to buy food supplies for the children, the vendors told her about the guards looking for a pilot to fly the dead bounty hunters' ships away from the shuttle terminal. She told them that she was a pilot, and asked what the guards were offering. They told her when they were expecting the next patrol, and suggested she wait. The children brought her some of the vegetable spreads that the vendors make when the children help them. She bought some extra bread, and showed the children that when you put some cheese or some of their dried meat on top, you have a nice treat, that goes with a nice cup of tea. Because mother suggested it, all the children wanted to try it. They found that it did taste better, than just having it on the bread, all by itself. They asked mother if they could have more bread the next time she buys them food.

When the patrol came by. Rasha approached them, saying that she heard they were looking for a pilot. They asked her if she has papers. She said that she doesn't. She has never been asked before. They were reluctant to hire her, but they had no one else. So they agreed to let her try. Because the pilot's position on the Fenelar Phoenix was laid out similar to a starfighter's cockpit, and most of the bounty hunters' ships were modified starfighters, Rasha had no problem moving all the ships to the guard's compound. The pay wasn't very much. It should cover at least three shopping trips for the children. What was important for Rasha, was that she got some piloting practise in. The guards did not notice, but she felt she was really rusty.

The next day, when Krillgan came to the market to buy herbs for his healing ointment, he noticed a vendor he had not noticed before. He had a few large round balls. When Krillgan asked him about them, he told him that he had bought them on speculation. He thought that the beastmasters would buy them for their Rancor. They are supposed to have some sort of squeaky whistle inside, but no one can tell, because no one is strong enough to squeeze it. Krillgan asked him what he was willing to sell one for. The vendor remembered that he was the one who took out the two bounty hunters, so he offered him a good deal. Krillgan still wanted to hear it squeak. So when a patrol came by, he asked for two volunteers to try and make a ball squeak. The guards have been trying for quite a while, it was one of the favourite things they tried to do at the market. So two of them volunteered. Krillgan suggested that the one hold the other, and the one try to bounce onto the ball. They tried what he suggested and were ecstatic that they had produced the tiniest squeak. They did not know that Krillgan had pressed down on the ball with the force when they bounced down on it. They were happy that their comrades were there to catch them when they both bounced off. They weren't bothered by their comrades ribbing, that they only made it squeak, because they had both put on a little weight.

Krillgan smuggled the ball into the palace, in under the cloak. When he came to Smashers stall, he told him that he had something for him. He squeezed the ball and made it squeak. Smasher wanted it, and was happy that it didn't explode when he made it squeak. He even smashed it like he did a melon. It squeaked but it didn't break. It did bounce around when he smashed it, which made him laugh. Smasher told him that he was very pleased with what he had given him.

That morning Kran and Elibet took the shuttle to Nar Shaddaa. They checked into the hotel Hyperbolic recommended. They found it more elegant than the one on Nal Hutta. They followed Talmi's instructions for checking in. Just giving their given names and their right thumbprint. They had to do this, because they had no idea cards. The computer accepted their thumbprint as their signature, and the credits they deposited covered everything else. The hotel had another handy feature. It had a credit transfer setup, with all the major casinos, so they actually did not have to carry any of the credits they deposited with them. Before they finished unpacking, Hyperbolic had already contacted them through the computer systems. He apologised that he only knew how to make the contact one way, so they would not be able to reach him as an internal hotel communication. He told them when he would contact them next with the detailed betting information.

Talmi arrived at the main entrance to Churabba the Hutt's palace, and requested an audience. When asked what this was about, he freely informed them that he was there to purchase the team of Blue Ghost and Smasher. Churabba saw how elegantly he was dressed, in her monitor. She told the guards to ask him who he represents, and what planet he was from. He told them that he represents a humanoid businessman, whose name he is not allowed to divulge at this time, and he himself is from the planet Tal Nami. Churabba's interest was peaked enough, that she let him come in. Being from Tal Nami, learning how to speak Huttese, and knowing how to present oneself in a Hutt palace, are two things that are mandatory as part of their education. Talmi was permitted to speak directly with Churabba, without having to go through an advisor. She questioned him about the businessman he represented. The Umbaran advisor tried to move closer to the Mandalorian and Sith to translate what was being said. But Churabba motioned her back. Talmi told Churabba that his master was thinking of starting a Rancor racing arena on one of the Outer Rim Worlds. He thought that the best way to attract attention to his new business venture, was to purchase the most talked about team on the Hutt's Rancor racing circuit. Once he had them secured, it would be easy for everything else to fall in place. Churabba asked him what the businessman was offering in compensation. Talmi had stayed up late last night, trying to come up with a fair valuation of what the Blue Ghost and Smasher were worth to Churabba. When he quoted a figure, Churabba complimented him on quoting a fair price, as was expected from a Tal Nami. She told the advisor that was standing as her spokesman, to tell the Mandalorian, and Sith the offer that has just been made. Churabba knew from listening in on the communicator in the Mandalorian and Sith's apartment, that what the Tal Nami just offered was more than six times the value the Mandalorian had been allowed to offer from the two governments, combined. Churabba was tempted to accept this offer, but knew it would put the Hutts in an awkward position with the two governments. Instead she asked for Chitrah Grimshaw to be brought to the throne room. When he entered the throne room. The Mandalorian attempted to step forward to talk to him. This was the first time that he had actually seen this man. Two Nikto guards blocked his way with force pikes, and Churabba's spokesman simply said to him. "Know your place." Churabba then had the spokesman tell Chitrah the offer made for him and Smasher. Krillgan did not know he was worth that much. He asked Talmi, if he would be allowed to keep riding Smasher? Talmi told him, that of course he would. That was why the offer was for both of them. Krillgan told Churabba's spokesman, that if Churabba was inclined to sell him, he would prefer going where Smasher would accompany him. The spokesman told Chitrah that he could go back to his training. The spokesman than turned to Talmi, and told him that Churabba was considering his offer. This was being said for the Mandalorian and Sith's benefit. He then asked Talmi to step to one side. "Churabba has asked for entertainment."

Talmi was directed to a place on the opposite side of the throne room from the Mandalorian and Sith. Churabba did not want them getting near Talmi.

That evening Talmi asked the guards outside his door, if he would be permitted to go outside and communicate with his master. The guards suggested that he use the communicator in his room. He told the guards that his master is somewhat paranoid, and has given him a special communication device to contact him. The guards had to relay this request to Churabba in the throne room. This was an unexpected twist. She could not be a good hostess, and deny his request. She contacted her communications people, to see if they could monitor any communications taking place outside the palace. They told her that they were not equipped to do it tonight. If they know where the area is, that the communication will be coming from, they would have the equipment set up for tomorrow. Churabba asked the Nikto commander, in charge of the palace guards. Which of his guards has the best hearing. The Nikto commander suspected that his youngest guards would. Churabba asked him to assemble a squad of his four youngest guards. The she looked at an aerial view of the palace and surrounding area. She looked for an open area, where it would look like the guards would be taking Talmi for some privacy. But would be easy to set up monitoring equipment around it, without being seen. When the commander returned with his squad. She showed the commander where they should take the Tal Nami, and they needed to listen very carefully to everything being said. She will be expecting a report from each of them. When she received their report, all the guards complained that the Tal Nami spoke directly into his communications device, and had an earpiece connected to it, so only he could hear the response. They all heard little bits of what the Tal Nami said. When she put all the reports side by side. She saw that what he said, was basically what had happened in the throne room. With his repeating that he spoke with the Blue Ghost. It was pretty much what she expected him to say. But she wished she could have heard the reply.

After Talmi's conversation with Kran, and Kran having to repeat everything so that Grimm could hear. Talmi was surprised that the Umbaran adviser was waiting for him, outside his chamber, to speak with him. After Krillgan's warning about her. Talmi was not willing to let her into his chamber, and spoke to her in front of the two guards, that were posted at his door. She did not like it at all that he did not invite her in. She insisted that she needed to speak with him in private, if she was to be of any help to him. He told her, that he did not believe that she could help him, and was not willing to speak with her, where there were no witnesses. She left him in frustration, telling him that he was making a big mistake. When Churabba heard about the incident. She thought it interesting that the Mandalorian and Sith were willing to invite her into their chamber, and boasted to their governments that they had the support of one off her advisors. Yet the Tal Nami, refused to have any dealings with her. She wondered if the Tal Nami people had any trade deals with the Umbaran in the past. This would account for his behaviour, if they did.

The following evening, Churabba told the four young guards that they could put more distance between the Tal Nami, and themselves. A decision she later regretted. Her technicians recorded the conversation. They knew the frequency of the carrier wave used in communicating. But they told her that his communications device was using a very sophisticated encryption algorithm that they have not yet been able to crack. So Churabba knew nothing about what was said, and what the reply was. The only thing she could deduce from this, was that the Tal Nami was not working for a Hutt. She had the encryption codes for all Hutt communication devices.

When the next Rancor races were getting ready for broadcast, Churabba asked if anyone was willing to wager on the next race. The Mandalorian and Sith said that they were not interested. Talmi on the other hand was quite willing to wager on the race. He bet four thousand credits that Churabba's team would win. He placed two thousand credits on each of the riders on Churabba's team that they would win a fight if they were engaged. He bet eight thousand credits that if the Blue Ghost was in a fight he would win. He handed over twenty thousand credits to Churabba's spokesman to hold as his wagers. Churabba told the spokesman to place the wagers. Churabba was starting to warm to this Tal Nami. She told communications to beam the race to the throne room once it started. The Blue Ghost got into a fight almost immediately, which he easily one. Slim on Crusher, and Big Red on Quick Feet also got into fights, which they easily won. When the Blue Ghost got into a second fight. Communications contacted Churabba, to see if there was going to be an additional wager. Churabba asked Talmi. Talmi said to place everything on the Blue Ghost to win. Which Churabba relayed to communications. After the race Churabba had her spokesman announce to everyone in the throne room how much the Tal Nami won, wagering on her team. The Mandalorian took notice that the Tal Nami had just picked up the equivalent wages of a small contract, and he did not have to do anything for it. The Sith wondered how he could have so much money on him, when he was just a servant? When Churabba offered to leave his credits invested in her casino, Talmi wondered if he would ever see them again. She was being too nice of a host.

Rasha was very nervous about going to the casino by herself. Even though she really wanted to show off the new necklace with its fiery red stones. Secretly she was hopping that she would be allowed to keep it, once they get the Phoenix back. Grimm escorted her most of the way, and promised to wait for her, to escort her back. Rasha needn't have worried that much, as the two friends of the guy who wanted to abduct her, started telling everyone how tough she is, and that she has unusual allies. They did not want to admit that it was a bunch of children that thwarted their plans. Rasha told Killgran of her concern the next time he came to the hotel, to get any updates on Talmi. He suggested that Grimm buy himself a nice shirt, jacket, and pants. Let the hotel lady do some alterations so that they look like a uniform for a private security firm. Then hire a limousine to drive Rasha to and from the casino even though it is walking distance. Grimm should get out first to open the door for her. That way everyone will know that she is under constant surveillance wherever she is.

Kran and Elibet went to their first casino on Nar Shaddaa, and followed Hyperbolic's guide for betting. Because they were betting on all the races, they became keen observers of the sport. They started doing their own research into the different members of each team. Eventually deviating from Hyperbolic's recommendations, the longer they were there. Which fit in very well with their cover. Hyperbolic had them basically, just wagering on who was going to win each race, and some names on the death list. He had given them a possible list of bet's they could make, if fights occurred between different individuals. Kran and Elibet had developed a feel for who the strongest racers were on each team, and could usually predict who would win certain fights, and started wagering on them. So their win ratio went up from Hyperbolic's prediction of 75% up to 80%. The thing that Kran and Elibet found the hardest on Nar Shaddaa, was keeping track of the time. Nar Shaddaa's day night cycle seemed totally out of sync with the rest of the galaxy. They almost missed talking with Talmi a couple of times. So Elibet got used to carrying the communicator with her all the time in her handbag. That meant that they were always looking for a new place to talk with Talmi. Dependant on what they were doing shortly before.

It was a good thing they did move around. Because Churabba's communications technicians were able to determine that the communicator the Tal Nami was using, had to be line of sight communication, because of the frequency of its carrier wave. The only thing that was line of sight from where he was talking was Nar Shaddaa. So Churabba sent a mixed team of technicians and mercenaries to Nar Shaddaa, to bring back the Tal Nami's Master. The only thing they had to go by was the signal frequency, and the time of day, Nal Hutta time, that they always talked. By the time they were able to determine where on Nar Shaddaa, the Master was communicating from. The communications had stopped, and the Master was gone. Churabba was not upset by this, rather she had greater admiration for the Tal Nami's Master. To her it showed that he was smart and resourceful. Two important traits for a successful businessman. She was also sure that she wasn't dealing with the Exchange. If the Tal Nami had somehow become compromised by them. He would have fallen into the Umbaran's trap, and would probably be dead by now.

The next race that came up, Talmi bet the same way he did the first race, except he bet the accumulated balance on the Blue Ghost. This time Churabba's spokesman had the presents of mind to ask if Talmi wanted to wager any accumulated credits on the Blue Ghost if he got into a second fight, so Churabba would not have to be disturbed during the race. Again Churabba had her spokesman announce how many credits the Tal Nami had won, wagering on her team. She could see that this was starting to bother the bounty hunter. He had been here more than half a month, and had not made even one credit. She was looking forward to hearing the next conversation between the Mandalorian and his Government. She was sure that monetary compensation will be on the agenda.

Churabba considered it a worthwhile investment to bring in fresh Egoa Tree fruit, and Capabara Root powder, every few days, for the Tal Nami. Because she found eavesdropping on the Mandalorian as entertaining, as the music and dancers, that preformed regularly for her.

The reduction in the offer by the Tal Nami's Master was unexpected. Churabba had her people confirm that the Blue Ghost was now officially on the death betting list. The Tal Nami said that this greatly reduced his Master's ability in exploiting the Blue Ghost, to promote his new business investment. To Churabba, this meant that there was now a time factor on the offer. There may come a day when the Tal Nami might withdrawal the offer altogether. Another interesting twist for Churabba to contemplate.

It took more than a month for the bored bounty hunters to clue in, that their numbers were not as high as they should be. It took a bounty hunter coming back from a death challenge by the Kaleesh, to confirm their suspicion. He had gone to the market area to scout out how many children were left to be taken and sold. Instead the Kaleesh surrounded him, and one of them issued a death challenge, and handed him a force pike. He was lucky that the Kaleesh he was fighting slipped on some small pieces of rubble, and he had inflicted a mortal wound. The Kaleesh let him go, saying that he had shown himself a worthy warrior. The bounty hunter said he was leaving, and headed to the shuttle terminal.

The bounty hunters had all been warned, that if they discharge any of their weapons, without having a valid contract, and someone was injured or killed, they would be sold to the gladiator arenas on Sleheyron. They did not know if the Kaleesh were simply taking advantage of an opportunity, for their own entertainment. Or if someone hired them to protect something near the market. Most of them decided that it would be prudent to consider the market off limits. The rest thought that this just made the whole thing more challenging. They were not about to let some Kaleesh stop them from getting some easy credits.

One of them had recently purchased some infrared goggles, and felt that this was the perfect scenario to try them out. He figured that when the market was empty. The Kaleesh would bunker down. He should easily spot where they are. By going around them, any small heat signatures he finds, should be children sleeping.

When the Kaleesh was wounded, one of the warriors ran to the market, and asked if any vendors sold medipacs? The children knew that the Kaleesh were protecting them. So when they heard that one of the Kaleesh warriors was badly wounded, one of them ran to get the healing cloth. Another ran to the hotel where mother lived, because they knew it was one of her friends that had the ointment that was on the healing cloth. She ran right into the hotel easily dodging the security personnel that tried to grab her. She kept looking around, trying to find out where mother might be. When she saw a room where people where eating, she ran inside and called, "mother". Rasha was just finishing her lunch, with Grimm and Hyperbolic, when she recognised the voice, she stood up, and called the child to her. The child came running, with security right on her heals. Rasha told security that it was all right, she would take responsibility for the child. Security knew that she had a very favoured client status. They apologised for disturbing her, and walked away. The child told her about the wounded Kaleesh, and how they might need more healing cloths to help heal the warrior. Rasha knew that Talmi had the ointment in his room somewhere. Hyperbolic was sleeping in his room, because there was no reason to have two people in one room when they have an empty room that could be used. Rasha sat the little girl down in her chair, and she and Hyperbolic, went to Talmi's room to find the ointment. After they left, Grimm placed what was left of their lunches in front of the little girl, and told her she could finish it off. She liked whatever it was, that mother had been eating, and the drink with the different juices, also tasted nice. She was self-conscious of the fact that everyone was dressed very nice, and where clean. Where her clothes were dirty, and she herself had not washed in a while. But that did not stop her from eating, and looking around at the same time. There were a lot of nice things to see. Grimm was thinking of ordering some desert to share with her, when Rasha and Hyperbolic returned. Rasha had found the ointment. The child led the way back to the market, where a vendor pointed in the direction the Kaleesh would be. They found them standing around the wounded warrior. There had been enough ointment on the healing cloth that the wound had stopped bleeding out, so the warrior would not die, but he was still badly injured. Rasha put a couple of drops of ointment directly on the wound, then waited to see what would happen. When the healing looked like it was slowing, she added a couple more drops. It only took a few drops more for the wound to seal up completely. The Kaleesh were aware that what Rasha was giving the warrior was very expensive. They were indebted to the children for letting them use their healing cloth. They wanted to ask them where they got it. But what the blue warrior's friend was administering was even more expensive. They were torn, because they knew that they could not afford it, but at the same time, they wanted to help their comrade. After Rasha finished administering the ointment, they asked her, how they could be allowed to repay her? She told them there was no need for repayment. She said that she knew that the wound was inflicted, because they were protecting the children. She was sure that the blue warrior would consider that, enough reason to heal them. Rasha remembered that they called Krillgan the blue warrior.

The Kaleesh remembered that the blue warrior had mentioned on Sleheyron that his mother was a Shaman, and he himself was gifted in the healing arts. So they knew that this ointment was his work. Rasha took the healing cloth. It had no ointment left in it, but now held some of the warrior's blood. She wanted to wash it thoroughly before putting more ointment on it, and returning it to the children. A lot more people now knew that the children had it. They would all be looking to the children, if there was a sudden emergency.

Krillgan could not sleep, he had a sense that something was wrong. He put on the Nurse's cloak and decided to go for a walk. The guards did not even challenge him when he walked out of the palace. They knew who he was, and they knew whose cloak he was wearing. Krillgan felt drawn towards the market. Because of his Chagrian vision, he had no trouble seeing where he was going, even though it was the middle of the night. He spotted an armoured man, wearing goggles, sneaking around, looking for something. Krillgan quietly shortened the distance between them, because he was curious to see what he was looking for.

The bounty hunter found a couple of children that had made themselves a nice little nest out of packing material, and discarded pieces of clothing. They were sleeping back to back, to help keep each other warm. They woke up frightened, when someone placed their hands over both their mouths. Then the hands seemed to lose their strength, and slipped off of their faces. They heard a familiar voice, but could not tell who it was.

"Everything is okay now. You can go back to sleep. Remember someone is watching over you."

The children knew it was one of mother's friends. So they quickly fell back asleep, believing they were safe. They thought it may have been a bad dream, until they were awaken by the sun, and found a suit of armour at their feet, and an id card sitting on top.

After Krillgan disposed of the body, he approached where the Kaleesh were sleeping, and startled the warrior standing watch, by saying that a friend not a foe was approaching. The warrior relaxed considerably, when Krillgan came close enough, for the warrior to identify him as the blue warrior. Krillgan showed him the goggles, and told him that he found a bounty hunter sneaking around, wearing them looking to kidnap some children. The warrior realised this was bad news, and went and woke up his chief. The chief was quite startled, when he woke up, and saw a hooded stranger standing in the middle of the camp. His heart stopped racing, when the one standing watch, told him it was the blue warrior. The blue warrior told the chief about the bounty hunters attempted kidnapping of the two children, and showed the chief the goggles he took from the bounty hunter. The Kaleesh can see a short way into the infrared spectrum themselves, being reptilian in origin. Krillgan asked the chief if he should place him officially under contract, for the protection of the market and the children, to avoid complications with the local authorities. The chief realised that the patrols have been turning a blind eye to what they have been doing. But it would only take one bounty hunter, with a few extra credits, to lodge a complaint, and the patrols would have to run them off. The patrols also know that they cannot interfere in a local contract, no matter how much the bounty hunters complain. So the chief said that he could hire them, with a vial of his healing ointment, because they know firsthand how powerful it is. Krillgan assumed that the chief was thinking about a bottle the size of Talmi's bottle, which was larger than the vials he has been producing in the palace, and agreed. They worked out the details of the contract, including a living allowance, which he would need to let Rasha know about.

When he returned to the palace, Krillgan decided he would crash in Smasher's stall or he might oversleep in the morning. In the morning, Smasher poked him, and told him he was hungry. The beastmaster that walked by, only saw Smasher poking the Blue Ghost until he got up. After breakfast a couple of Nikto guards escorted the Blue Ghost to see the Nurse. She told him that the Huttlet no longer craves the potion, so he can stop making it. Krillgan asked her if she wanted her cloak back. She told him, that she knew that he still went out on a regular basis, to get the supplies he needed, to make his healing ointment. So he could hold onto it for now.

The market broker only took a month and a half to reach a firm price with the pirates on the sale of the Fenelar Phoenix. What he spent the next 14 days doing, was arguing about how much of a deposit would be required before any crew would be allowed on board, to start preparing the ship for departure. They also negotiated how much time would be allowed to lapse between the payment of the deposit, and the final payment for the ship. The broker went to the hotel to talk with Talmi. He wanted to give him the details of the agreement, he was also hoping to get another jar of Egoa fruit jam, and some Capabara Root powder. So he was a little disappointed when it was Rasha that the hotel contacted. She met him in the lobby, with Grimm and Hyperbolic, right behind her. The hotel had some small meeting rooms, were guests could meet with business associates, to discuss business. So Rasha took the broker into one of these rooms, so that they could have some privacy. When he went over all the details. Grimm asked him if he had been aboard the ship to see what the pirates had done. He said he hadn't, but he knew that they swapped out the gun turrets as soon as negotiations started. So he would assume that they have taken out anything that they thought was of value, even if they did not know what it was. Rasha told him that Talmi said she was supposed to ask him about how his supply of jam and powder was holding up. The broker's face brightened. He told Rasha that he could use another jar, and some powder. Rasha told Hyperbolic where he could find what Talmi had prepared for the broker in his room. After Hyperbolic left, Rasha asked the broker if he had ever been inside one of the local casinos. The broker admitted that he wasn't a gambler. Rasha told the broker about Talmi being able to find fresh Egoa fruit on the cruise ship he had taken. She would not be surprised if they also had some in the casino she goes to. Because they boast about having everything. She invited him to come with her the next time that she goes to bet on a race. The broker was curious about seeing the inside of the casino. If they had fresh Egoa fruit, and Capabara Root powder, this could help him through the times, like now, when it seems his source is cut off. When he agreed to come, she told him what day, and what time to meet her at the hotel. She also told him to dress like he was negotiating a million credit contract with a Hutt.

Rasha had an ulterior motive for inviting the broker along. The next race should be the last one, and she was expecting a big payoff, because of the way she would be wagering. Casinos do not like to give out large sums of money. If they question her, they are less likely to take her away, if she is accompanied by a witness. After Hyperbolic returned, Rasha took the broker to the front counter of the hotel, and withdrew from the room account the credits needed for the deposit. The broker promised them that they would be able to send over someone the following day to check the ship out.

Grimm wore his security personnel outfit, and Hyperbolic accompanied him, with a leash around his neck. Since he was supposed to be her majesty's pet. When Grimm boarded the ship, he activated the controls to raise the ramp. The person in the guardhouse at the main gate rushed over, and recommended he stop lifting the ramp, because the computer might not let him out again. Grimm just smiled and waved at the man, like he could not understand a thing that the person said. After the ramp closed, Hyperbolic removed his collar. Grimm spoke to the ship's computer, identifying himself as the ship's engineer, and the gentleman with him, is the new engineer's assistant. Then he told the computer that they were both rescued from slavery by Rasha. As were Kran and Elibet, who will be resuming their duties on the ship in a number of days. Hyperbolic asked Grimm why he was talking like that to the ship's computer. Grimm explained that this is an old military ship, and the ship's computer went into lockdown mode, when the captain was killed. He wasn't sure how much cooperation the ship would give the crew while in lockdown mode, but it would give some. If a pirate had boarded the ship, and raised the ramp. He was sure the ship would have sealed itself, then started pumping the air out of the ship, until the pirate collapsed and died. Now Hyperbolic understood why Grimm introduced him as a member of the crew. Because there were no lights on in the ship, Grimm asked the computer if they could have lights. The computer turned the lights on, and Grimm almost wished the ship hadn't. It looked like whatever the pirates thought had no value, they tried to destroy. The only good news, was that they could not see very well, what they were doing. Grimm went first to the bridge. The components the pirates were allowed to touch, they removed, and stuck some junk in its place. Grimm knew he would have to test everything, before they could take off. He had a lot of work ahead of him. It was a good thing that Hyperbolic would be helping him. From the bridge he went to his own room and workshop. For the first time since becoming an adult. Grimm wanted to cry. All of his tools were gone, including the specialty jigs that were no good to anyone else. He could not do anything, let alone test anything. The bedroom part was also a mess. Someone had ripped open his mattress, supposedly to see if there was anything being hidden inside. Grimm believed that they did it just because they could. All his personal linen for his bed was gone. Grimm checked all of the rooms and found the same thing. It was very depressing, being on the ship. When he checked the staff lounge, there was not one frozen meal left to be warmed up. At least they left the utensils. Probably thought that they would not get anything for them, because they were cheap items. Grimm asked Hyperbolic if he wanted to stay, and start picking things up. He had to go see if he could track down his tools.

Hyperbolic was not as disturbed by what he saw, because this had never been his home. So he agreed to start with the cleanup. Grimm had the computer dim the lights around the ramp, before lowering it. He did not want the pirates to know that they had lights. After getting off the ramp. He manually had the ship raise the ramp. Then he went to the broker's shop, and asked the broker if he knew where the pirates might have unloaded all of his tools. The broker did not know, but he suspected that someone in the market would. So he took him to the market, and talked to one of the vendors, who pointed another vendor out, as the one to talk to. When they talked to this vendor. The broker told the vendor about the ship being captured by pirates, and now they were trying to piece their life back together again. The vendor had seen Grimm with the children a few times before, and knew that he was a good friend of the one the children call mother. They have been good to the children, and they have been good to the market. He asked Grimm what specifically he was looking for. Grimm described his tools and the special jigs. The vendor told him that he has a good idea who has them. The vendor asked his neighbour if he could watch over his stuff until he gets back. He led the broker and Grimm down a number of alleys, until they came to a rundown shop not far from the compound where the Phoenix was. The vendor entered the store first, then told Grimm to look around, and see if he can spot any of his stuff. Grimm found a case that contained all his tools and jigs. But no testing equipment. The market vendor took all the items that Grimm pointed out, and placed them all on a scale. He told the store owner the scrap value of everything on the scale, saying that was all he should have expected to get for it. But he was generous, and would offer him a couple of wupiupi more. He then told Grimm to find something to carry everything in. Grimm found an old beat up tool box that would hold everything in it, and handed it to the market vendor. The market vendor told the store owner, what he was going to get for everything, and started putting everything in the tool box, like it was a done deal. When he was finished. He told Grimm to take the tool box, and leave. The market vendor placed the promised wupiupi on the counter, and followed Grimm. The broker decided it was best to follow them out, and left.

Grimm asked the vendor what just happened in there. The vendor told Grimm, that the store owner is too embarrassed to admit how much he paid the pirates for his stuff. The store owner knows that the stuff is only valuable to the original owner. Other than that, it is only scrap. So now he has to try and figure out how to get his money back from the pirates. Which shouldn't be too hard. He then asked Grimm to describe his testing equipment. The vendor said he had a good idea who might have his equipment. If he does, it will be much harder to purchase, because this store owner knows his prices. A few alleys over, they enter a different store, it's obvious that this one is better maintained. The vendor asked Grimm, which equipment he would like to have. Grimm pointed out the top of the line equipment he saw. The vendor than asked him what equipment he would settle for. Grimm pointed out all of his equipment. The vendor used this to start the negotiations with the store owner. As Grimm was looking around, he saw what he believed was the core of a computer system similar to Father Chitrah's. If it was working, and he found the right components to connect to it. It would greatly help in analysing the junk equipment, the pirates installed on the ship. So he asked the vendor, if he could include the computer core? He told the vendor that he knows someone who might be able to make it work. The store owner had long ago forgot why he bought that piece, and how much he paid for it. To him it was just gathering dust. Since this man was the only one over the years to even consider it, he was willing to almost give it away.

The vendor and the store owner, argued prices back and forth. To the broker it was like watching two giants do battle. He has in awe on the negotiating skills of these two men. When they finally settled on a price. The broker started clapping. The vendor told him that he was hoping that he would do more with his hands than clap. The broker then realised that the vendor was expecting the broker to pay for it. They both knew Grimm had no money. The broker quickly pulled out the credit pieces, and paid the store owner for the merchandise. The store owner then boxed up the items. Grimm grabbed the box and carried it along with his tools. When they exited the store, he promised them that he would let Rasha know how much they owe them for the purchases. He also described to the vendor what additional components he would need before he could test the computer core to make sure it worked. The vendor promised to keep his eyes open.

At the ship, Grimm tapped on the hull of the ship, before hitting the manual open switch for the ramp. He wanted the guard at the guardhouse to think that he entered a complicated security code into the ship before it would open for him. Inside the ship. Grimm was pleasantly surprised on how good of a job Hyperbolic had done in straightening things out. Hyperbolic had not thrown anything out, he had just piled everything that was similar into piles. Grimm said that they needed to box it all up, so that Kran and Elibet could go through it all, when they came back aboard.

That evening, while Rasha, Grimm, and Hyperbolic, were eating dinner. Grimm made his case to Rasha, for buying the components for the computer core, he talked the vendor and broker into buy for him. Rasha reminded him that every credit she gives to him to buy something, is one credit less she has to wager. Grimm said he understood, but he felt that buying the components was important. Rasha told him that he would have to convince Krillgan, the next time he shows up.