Chapter Six
One of the three moons of Tatooine glittered in the ivory sky like a magnificent jewel as two young children rode through the desert on the back of a varactyl. The temperature had plummeted to below zero but the bite of it wasn't as prominent while they were tied up and waiting to leave. It took only seconds for Aristaro to chew through their bonds and free them but the cold turned them numb quicker than that.
As they trudged along the sand, Aristaro continued munching on the ropes while Murata and Kessu kept a look out. What exactly they were keeping an eye out for neither of them really knew but they did know that catching up with Kozney was beyond important. The Rattataki had already gotten away with too much and he had to be stopped.
After walking up a gentle slop, Murata leaned forward as something in the moonlight caught her attention. There were tracks in the sand and they were definitely distinct. They belonged to a sandcrawler and Murata just knew who it belonged to. With a soft tap, Murata pointed them out to Kessu as well who nodded.
"Do you think we could possibly catch them?" asked Murata.
"Absolutely," assured Kessu. "If we're chasing a sandcrawler then we have a great advantage."
"What do you mean?" asked Murata.
There was no response as Kessu leaned forward and he whispered something to Aristaro. The varactyl gave an instant, excited call before setting off at a rapid speed. A yelp of surprise escaped Murata's mouth as she steadied herself before almost falling off.
Elsewhere, the slow moving sandcrawler was no longer moving. The large vehicle was stuck in the mud in the path of the dry Nylon River. Ruggar panted, mostly in between his words which were full of anger, as he once again held a shovel in his hands. He was digging to try and clear the wet sand around the sandcrawler.
"I told him," complained Ruggar. "I told him to stay up the top where the sand is firmer but oh no, Lord Kozney knows better. Lord Kozney said the river bed! Drive down into the river bed, the river will cover our tracks!"
Inside the sandcrawler Kozney watched Ruggar, his eyes severely narrowed. Without looking down at the console, Kozney hit a round green button, opening the garage door of the sandcrawler. It dropped down to the ground and a splash of water and mud splattered against Ruggar's back. There were deep furrows in the Mirialan's brow as annoyance hit him but he went back to digging.
Not far away, on firm sand were Murata and Kessu. They were lying on their stomachs so they wouldn't be spotted while looking down into the river trench. The antics between the two criminals were slightly amusing but it wasn't enough to distract them.
"I told you we'd catch them," said Kessu happily.
Murata smiled and turned her head to congratulate Aristaro on a job well done but the spot where they left him was empty. "Look," said Kessu, subtly pointing ahead of them.
Murata turned back and looked down at where Kessu was pointing. The varactyl was walking towards the sandcrawler, heading into the garage. It shook his large head, shaking its brown feathers before leaning down to eat something off the floor. From where they were it looked like he was snacking on some jogan fruit on the floor which looked to have come from a spilled container.
"What is that annoying varactyl doing here!" said Kozney over a speaker as he looked into the camera that showed him other parts of the sandcrawler.
From outside, Ruggar heard it and pulled a blaster free from his hip. "I'll take care of him."
Both Murata and Kessu heard the Mirialan's eager words and they stood up and called to Aristaro, waving their hands in the air to quickly get his attention. But in doing so they gave away their position and as Aristaro ran back towards them, they were spotted by both Kozney and Ruggar.
"How did they get out?" asked Ruggar, clearly shocked. "That tomb was sealed!"
The movement inside the sandcrawler was loud and just as Aristaro reached the children, a speeder roared out of the garage with Kozney driving. They watched as he momentarily stopped beside Ruggar, giving him enough time to quickly hop in. Murata and Kessu moved swiftly and mounted Aristaro and sped off just before Kozney, the speeder not far behind.
In the speeder, Ruggar glanced behind them at the sandcrawler, a forlorn expression coming over his features. "We can't leave the treasure."
"Stop your whining!" snapped Kozney. "Those meddling children are the only witnesses and we can't allow them to get away."
The chase turned into a long one through the desert. Murata looked behind them a few times quickly to see how close they were and she knew why they didn't just shoot. They weren't close enough to get an accurate shot and shooting blindly in the dark is never ideal.
As Murata turned back to see ahead of them, Aristaro turned sharply at the top of a slight hill and Murata lost her grip. She slipped off the varactyl, hitting the ground hard. The speeder rumbled loudly behind as it sped up. Murata ducked, hoping to shield herself a little when the speeder, which she knew was heading towards her, hit.
Showing his agility, Aristaro turned sharply and headed back towards Murata and just before the critical moment, they swooped past, Kessu grabbing Murata's arm on the way through. She swung through the air before landing on Aristaro's back again. Kessu steered Aristaro in a different direction and sped off again but the speeder didn't turn or slow down. Shouts were heard as it flew off the low hill.
"Well done, Aristaro," praised Kessu, giving him a small pat.
"Yes," agreed Murata, smiling in relief. "Nice save."
A loud boom echoed somewhere behind them and both Murata and Kessu looked over their shoulders. They saw a cloud of fire and smoke which undoubtedly came from their pursuers' speeder. They both smiled, happy to finally be rid of Kozney as they kept riding aimlessly forward, shaking off the chase.
They travelled further into the desert, unable to feel the cold as adrenaline pumped through them. Several times, Murata checked behind them to see if their chasers had returned but they hadn't. The area they wandered into wasn't one she recognised and she had visited Tatooine many times in her short life.
"Look, Murata," said Kessu, sounding excited, pointing ahead of them. "I know where we are."
Murata looked ahead and saw something she'd never seen on a desert planet. In the distance she could see hills and rock formations. The hills were high and sloped and the spire rock formations were tall and seemed almost out of place. Seeing it suddenly made Murata wonder if Tatooine hadn't always been covered in sand.
"I'm glad," said Murata. "Because I don't have the slightest idea where we are."
As they reached the top of one hill, Murata's mouth fell open. The hill overlooked a gigantic valley which more or less resembled a crater. Circling the valley was a loose line of tall cliffs, more rock formations and hills, including the one they were currently standing atop.
"This valley is called the Krayt Dragon's Nest," explained Kessu.
"That answers part of the riddle," said Murata as the realisation dawned on her. "Nest of the Dragon. It must have been talking about this valley."
Kessu nodded at her words. "Legend had it that Krayt Dragon was the name of Ramarus' personal flagship and he lost it after arriving on Tatooine. It was guessed that this was where his ship landed, or rather crashed which caused the crater and it filled up with sand over the centuries."
"Interesting," said Murata, gazing over the valley again. She could easily imagine a ship crashing here and becoming lost. "It said to look for the Foot of the Sac'reel but I don't see any reels around, not that I'd like to see one."
"Over there," said Kessu, pointing again. "The shadows."
Murata looked to where Kessu was pointing and she saw what he did. The moon in the eastern sky was shining down on the valley, causing multiple shadows, all of them different shapes and sizes. But there was one in particular that caught Murata's eye. It had a very distinct shape that sent chills down her spine and it came out of the naturally shaped rock formations with the tallest one looking a little too defined.
"That looks like a snake, well, a reel," said Murata. The rock formation was in a pose of a snake that looked to be standing upright in a near S-shaped position, the rest of its long body trailing behind it. "Now, I'm guessing that Foot of the Sac'reel is the base of the cliff wall where that strange rock is."
"Come on, Aristaro," said Kessu. "It's just a little bit further."
The varactyl shook its head irritably and groaned low in its throat, making a deep, rumbling noise. It was clear to both of them that Aristaro was tired from their long day. Kessu gently patted Aristaro, giving slight encouragement and after a short stretch they rode down into the valley and made their way across to the eastern side. At the base of the cliff they dismounted off Aristaro and at looking up their faces were in awe at how the rock formations towered over them.
The detail of the Sac'reel was amazingly comprehensive and it was easier to see when closer with the moon shining down on it. Murata could clearly make out an open mouth and forked tongue and large almond eyes that gleamed. From where she stood Murata was almost certain that it was smiling and from their position and the placement of the rocks around them, it also seemed like it was looking directly at them.
After exchanging uncertain glances at one another, they each moved cautiously towards the reel shaped rock. Almost straight away they stopped in their tracks as a brief but unmistakable hiss was heard. The sound made their skin crawl but it wasn't what made them stop. It felt as though the noise wasn't around them but heard within their minds.
A chilling thought made Murata look up at the rock again. Maybe the Sac'reel was not actually or at least, hadn't always been one. Murata remembered what Kessu had said about Ramarus owning one as a pet during his reign but he never said if the legend mentioned on what ultimately happened to it.
"Here," said Kessu. "I've found something."
Murata was pulled from her thoughts by Kessu's words and she watched as he pointed out what he'd found. Right at the base of the cliff wall appeared to be a cave. Murata could see the entrance and it wouldn't have been possible to see unless one were standing right near the base as they were.
A knowing look passed between them and they entered the cave. The jagged walls surrounding them looked rugged and weary. They were strong yet seemed so beaten from the harsh elements. Nothing but cold air filled the narrow entrance and continued further in. The darkness outside was nothing compared to inside the cave. It swallowed everything but there was a glow ahead of them which is what they walked towards.
Both of them knew the same thing but it was Murata who voiced it. "This cave must hold the key to Lord Kozney's plan."
They soon came to the end of the tunnel and it was where they found the last thing either of them expected to see. An ornate statue of Ramarus stood proudly against the end wall. Murata wasn't sure what to think of the Sith Lord's portrayal. He had wide-set eyes, a large, hooked nose and a broad jawline. But as Murata studied it further, she noticed one of the arms was uneven, out of line with the other and she pointed it out to Kessu.
They approached it together and at the same time they pushed against it. To their surprise, it moved. It finally lined up with the other and a secret passage opened. Down the passage was a tunnel and remaining in silence, they started walking down an ancient stairway. Seeing the statue told them they were on the right track and it alone was enough to keep them going.
"Do you think Kozney and Ruggar walked down here?" asked Kessu. But Murata didn't answer as his words echoed into a large chamber they just entered. "This is the source of the Nylon River. It has to be."
Murata nodded and pointed to a platform beside a head statue of Ramarus. They headed up to the platform and saw the lever nearby and in an instant, a lot of things became clearer to her.
"Kozney must have found this," said Murata. "He turned off the water that flowed into the Nylon River."
Kessu opened his mouth to reply but never got a chance to say what he was thinking as a deep, hoarse voice cut across him. "Well done on your marvelous deduction," said Kozney.
Both children's heads snapped to where the voice had come from. Kozney and Ruggar were standing in the trench where the river once flowed, their blasters drawn and directed at them. Evidently, they had survived their crash and entered the chamber through the tunnel that lead from the Nylon River on the surface due to a lack of running water.
"Unfortunately for the two of you, Ruggar and I have to make sure that you don't run to the authorities and let them in on the little secret," said Kozney.
At his words, they began to advance towards the platform. Thinking quickly, Murata took note of Kozney and Ruggar being in the trench. She moved faster and took hold of the lever. Kessu, realising the plan, noticed and took hold of it too. They pulled the lever together and almost instantly it budged. The mouth of the statue opened and the fury of the Nylon River was unleashed.
In the few seconds they had, Kozney and Ruggar panicked, attempting the get to the side. But the gushing water reached them first and they were both swept up and away, out of the tunnel by the now fully flowing river. On top of the platform, Kessu's face broke into a smile as he breathed a sigh of relief.
"That was good thinking," said Kessu. "It was about time those two were all washed up."
Murata turned to look at Kessu for his choice of words but already she was holding back her laughter. At seeing he was as well, she let go and laughed as did Kessu. Both of their laughter echoed off the chamber walls and their amusement only grew as the tense moments were also washed away.
The long night soon ended and as the twin suns rose in the clear blue sky. The sight of Arnthout was a pleasant one. The children had returned, riding on Aristaro's back. It was clear that the varactyl was tired but he kept going and took them to one of the docks that was beside the now restored Nylon River.
The Imperials arrived not long after they did. Hatchi led them and both Murata and Kessu told him everything that happened while Aristaro rested, curled up beside the river. Hatchi listened intently and after they were done, he instructed his troops to scan the river and waited for the two to pass by.
Not even an hour passed by when Kozney and Ruggar floated by, their limbs flailing around comically. Hatchi and a small group of Imperials fished them out and swiftly arrested them. Murata felt pleased as she watched them being dragged away. Hatchi then approached them, a small smile on his usually stern face.
"It would seem that the fishing is quite good today," said Hatchi. "Thank you, both of you. We wouldn't have caught them without you. We're also sending two teams to recover the treasure from Kozney's sandcrawler that's still sitting in the middle of the river out there in the desert. And seeing as Kozney loves digging for treasure he'll fit right in at his new home on Oovo IV."
Murata had heard of the place before. It was home to a maximum security federal prison. She had never been there personally but she had heard stories, none of them good. "I'm so glad I could help," said Murata.
Their attention was drawn elsewhere as a rattling noise reached them. Murata couldn't help but smile as she saw Kozney and Ruggar in a cage. Kozney was noticeably angry as they were being taken away. Ruggar on the other hand appeared defeated and fed up. The only thing on his mind was if he ever escapes from OovoIV his first act would be to find a new employer.
Almost straight after, an imperial troop approached them with a few people trailing behind him. Two of them were guards and as Kessu looked on, he knows the other to be Cix Nord's overseer, Imayin Lasoo. It obvious that they were here for him. The overseer was a tall Saurin with a burly frame, wearing a long, deep purple robe. There was a serious expression on his face and both hands were clasped together in front of him.
"Cix wants to see both of you immediately," he said in a firm tone.
Both Murata and Kessu nodded, neither of them having any intentions of refusing. The two guards moved forward and attached chained shackles to his wrists and collar and they lead him away by the arms. Murata and Aristaro followed, after being awoken from his nap. Murata suddenly felt nervous as they were led away. Nord must be furious from Kessu's extended absence and Murata hoped he wasn't going to be severely punished because of her. That would make her feel guilty beyond belief.
Later in the day, Murata was back at Vesat's home. The long dining room table had been nicely decorated and laden with food and drink. The feast was to celebrate both Murata and Kessu who were considered heroes by the city, the authorities and much of the planet for their role in restoring the Nylon River and exposing Kozney Bozney for the man he really was and sending him to prison.
The table was full as everyone had crowded around it. Murata listened to some of the many conversations that went on but she didn't participate. After her adventure she was more than content just to listen. Murata poked at the Worrt casserole on her plate, eating a bit here and there. The food was wonderful but her mind was back on the mornings events.
After being approached by Cix Nord's overseer, Imayin, Murata had gone to see him along with Kessu although the boy didn't have a choice. Murata was expecting Nord to be angry but he wasn't. He was overjoyed that the two of restored the river and saved his buiness but also because they put Kozney away. Kozney had once stolen an heirloom from his family back on his homeworld and he was happy to have the score settled.
And it didn't end there. Nord was so happy that he gave Kessu the afternoon off, which was the reason he was at Vesat's home now and he also paid Murata ten thousand credits as a reward. Initially Murata was thrilled but she quickly had something in mind for the money but she decided not to say anything just yet.
When Murata came back from within her thoughts everyone was just about done eating. Murata excused herself and went to her temporary quarters for a quick shower. The adventure with Kessu had ended with her needing one and once she was finished, she changed into a pair of clean white underwear and the rose pink shirt she usually slept in. Murata then headed for the balcony as she did after her first shower here.
There was no one else on the balcony and Murata sat in the deck chair furthest from the sliding doors. Millions of tiny stars dotted the still darkening sky and two of the moons looked very far away, hanging just above the horizon. Murata let her blue eyes drift across the sky. The temperature had cooled significantly but it wasn't cold yet. It was, at the moment, quite comfortable.
Not even ten minutes passed before she was joined. Kessu walked out onto the balcony, closing the doors behind him and he approached Murata, settling into the deck chair beside her. Murata gave a faint smile and as Kessu shifted into a more comfortable position, she subtly pulled down her shirt a little. When she first met Kessu, she noticed him but she didn't get much of a chance to look during their adventure together.
On the second, longer glance, Murata couldn't help but notice how low the twisted fabric was on his hips. The taut muscles on his stomach rippled with each little movement he made. His arms were toned and Murata guessed it was from the manual labour he endured most days and his shoulders appeared broader on second inspection. On realising she was shamlessly staring at another guy she looked away, muttering under her breath.
"How are you doing?" asked Murata, hoping to push aside the uncomfortable feeling rising in her chest.
"Good," said Kessu with a smile. "I haven't had a great meal like that in, well, forever."
Murata already knew why it was the best meal he's had but she said nothing about it. "And how about Aristaro? How is he?"
"He's fine," answered Kessu. "A bit exhausted from our adventure in the desert but he's been resting all day." There was a short pause. "How much longer are you staying?"
"I'm heading off tomorrow night," said Murata. "I have other deliveries that won't deliver themselves."
"Oh," said Kessu, sounding saddened by the news. "Master is going on a trip to Baroonda for a major podrace and he's taking some slaves with him. I won't get the chance to say goodbye."
"Well, I have some news that might cheer you up," said Murata in a hopeful tone. "I asked Nord if he would allow you to have your own bank account. He agreed and an account was opened with the ten thousand he had given me. With the interest and whatever earnings you make will go into it and within a few years you'll have enough to buy your freedom."
There was a short silence as Kessu looked away from Murata and leaned forward in the deck chair. For a moment Murata wasn't sure if it was shock or anger but she quickly realised it was the former. When Kessu finally leaned back, he had a wide smile plastered across his face.
"Wow," he breathed. "I can't believe it."
The two of them spent their time talking about the adventure they'd been on, reliving many of the events. It ended when Vesat walked out onto the balcony and towards them. He looked between them and seemed almost guilty about breaking up their time together.
"Nord's overseer and guards are here," said Vesat.
It was clear to everyone that they were here because Kessu's time was up. Both children stood up and it was Kessu who moved first. He approached Murata and hugged her which she instantly returned as she had been hoping for one. When they parted, their contact ended but Kessu didn't step back.
"We will meet again, I promise," said Murata, smiling broadly.
"Thank you," said Kessu. "It will never be enough but thank you, for all you've done."
When Kessu left, leaving Murata on the balcony with Vesat. They approached the railing and from there they could see outside the front of the house and they watched as the same two guards from this morning chained Kessu up again and started leading him away. The happiness Murata just felt ebbed away slightly as she wished she could have done more for him.
"I wish I could free him now," said Murata voicing her thoughts. "I just don't have nearly enough money."
Vesat placed two arms around Murata's shoulders in comfort. "You gave him a good start," said Vesat. "Besides, I believe you've done more for him than anyone ever has. And you both did a good thing for Tatooine. You should be proud of yourself because I'm proud of you."
As Vesat gave her a brief hug and left, Murata found that his comment made her feel somewhat better. Once the doors to the balcony closed, she moved from the railing and sat back down in the deck chair. As she put her feet up and laid her hands against her stomach, she looked up at the sky.
The last few days had been so chaotic that this was the first chance Murata really had to unwind and relax. It also gave her the opportunity to think back on those hectic events. There had been other times in her life when she got caught up in something while on a job but this was one had been pretty exciting now that it was over.
Despite everything Murata was still glad that she met Kessu, more than content with the fact that Kozney was going to prison and she hoped that wherever he was now that the Sith Lord Ramarus was at peace.