Author's note:

Well everyone here is another chapter for your enjoyment.

Thanks for those that reviewed my story. It really means a lot and I do take your words to heart.

To my beta readers, I appreciate the help. Special thanks goes to Darlinganatta for beta reading this chapter for me and to daywalkr82 for volunteering to beta read my previous chapters. This guy is as cool as it can get.

I also understand that not many of you are that familiar with Star Wars and I keep writing down stuff that you may not know. Here is a quick Glossary.

Pazaak- an age old game that originated long before the Republic. Think of it as Black Jack, the rules are almost similar.

Clans of the Ancients- An alliance by the Hutt families much like how modern day mafia families have alliances with one another.

The Exchange- They are an inter-galactic crime syndicate that has no affiliations with the Hutts and is vying for control over Hutt territory.

Juma Juice- Kind of like orange juice only a lot spicier.

Credits- The money used by the Republic.

Aqualish- Gray strange looking aliens. The alien that had its arm sliced off by Obi-wan in episode IV is an aqualish.

Enjoy.

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Chapter Six: Trouble from the start

"Jedi do not fear and we do not attack. As long as you stand in peace, so do I. You have

Just learned two Jedi rules. For what little good they will do you."

Mace Windu, Jedi Master (Shatterpoint)

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Approximately 12 months before the Battle of Geonosis

Kim continued to follow behind Josh and Master Katz. The long luminous halls of the central building that had first greeted them when they came in seemed to stretch forever. When it finally ended it led them to an open space, dark and ominous.

If Kim felt uneasy she could not tell how Master Katz or Josh were taking it. Their faces blended in with the blackness but she could tell they were not taking this lightly. A few moments passed by before the lights came on. Across from the negotiating party loomed three Hutts, huge slime alien life forms that came to be known as the undisputed gangsters of the universe. The Clans of the Ancients, the alliance of powerful Hutt families had chosen these three to be their representatives. The other two seemed to be of some importance but it was the one in the middle that told Kim to watch out for. He dwarfed the other two by a huge margin indicating he was of a higher standing if what Kim knew of Hutt politics was correct. Looking at Josh's face told her he was well aware of the situation as well. She stood her ground, arms crossed behind her. The Junior Senator and the Jedi duo made their way slowly towards their hosts.

"The Republic sends its greetings my Lord Hutts. I am Lt. Joshua Mankey, Ambassador chosen to represent the Republic's interest." Josh's voice was loud and clear, his posture erect and tall, and his hands folded behind him. Here Kim could see the image of a lieutenant of the Republic, a confident diplomat, and a dignified senator all rolled into one. The young blue eyed Josh commanded respect and authority she could see that clearly.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He is so cool.

Quickly Kim rid her mind of her girlish squeal, embarrassed by how easily it broke her Jedi discipline.

The Hutts stared suspiciously before the one in the middle spoke up. "Chu taba wa . Kora Senator Mankey de kono be."

Huttese. Not my best language. Oh. I wished I paid attention more at linguistics class. Kim cursed to herself silently. While she knew the Hutts never spoke Galactic Basic she had at least hoped for a translator to be present. It looked like the Hutts had expected the Republic's negotiator to be fluent in their language. She prayed she never would have to speak up her voice in this negotiation.

Josh did not seem to have any trouble understanding the Hutts.

"No I am not my father Senator Maximilian Mankey, but I am a MANKEY. I believe that is an authority you all are familiar with?" If Josh was supposed to be intimidated by the Hutt's question he was not fazed. "These are my Jedi escorts-"

"No need for formalities on my part Lt. Mankey. He fully knows who I am." Katz stated calmly. The bearded Jedi Master crossed his arms together. "Isn't that right Bargo?"

"Ho-ho-ho-ho. Kitara chuba Jedi Katz ma. Mare de guza se shag. Chu weba de ko." Bargo the Hutt laughed contently, his puny arms holding his wide belly.

"Yes. I know. Our last meeting could have gone better Bargo but you know the deal. You collect unwilling slave girls and take them from their homes. I come in and put a stop to it. Hasn't that been the nature of our relationship from the start?" Katz smirked.

Kim glanced at her Jedi Master. It was certainly the first time she has heard of Katz's previous deeds. He might not be much when compared to the Masters who sat on the Jedi Council but there were still things about Master Katz that awed her. Kim glanced at Katz, slightly proud she was his padawan.

" Anyway. We did not come here to bring back old grudges Bargo. I am only here as an observer." Katz said matter-of-factly.

The large Hutt then said something and pointed his small arms at Kim. What did he say?

Kim was at a loss for words. It would seem that he wanted an answer from her. But how does one answer when one does not understand the question?

"I, uh…. that is…" Kim stuttered at first but then fierce determination set into her eyes. She might not understand what he was saying but Kim knew very well how to read body language. A talent derived from her natural prowess with the Lightsaber and her active lifestyle. He was asking who she was.

" My name is Kim Possible. Jedi padawan to Master Katz and observer in this negotiations." She bowed her head slightly, a sign of respect. Then she straightened up, dignified and determined. Katz smiled inside.

The big Hutt bellowed a laugh again; his yellow under belly shook with violently. He then said something in return.

"What is a pretty little thing like her wasting her time being a Jedi when she could be a coveted dancing girl? Oh I don't know old friend. A Jedi seems to be a fine career if you are capable of it." An unfamiliar voice translated what the Hutt was saying. Josh, Kim, and Katz traced the voice to an old but wizened human man. Beside him stood a tall, muscular bronze skinned youth. The two resembled each other in some ways.

Kim did not even noticed them being there. She was still a bit struck by the Hutt's words. Although she has never met one in person before she did not like what she had heard of the Hutts. Now all of it seemed to be true. Disgusting pig.

"Where are my manners? I did not introduce myself." The older gentleman slightly smiled. "I am Senor Senior Sr. A fellow delegate here in Nar Shaddaa." He tipped his head as he made a slight bow. "This is my son, Senor Senior Jr." The old man gestured to the youth beside him. True while the resemblance was there the two could not have been any more different. Senor Senior Sr. looked very much like a distinguished gentleman, clad in fine Corelian clothing's, his red sash over it was made of the finest silk. He held a cane made of what seemed to be pure silver, but he never leaned on it. It was clear that the old man held himself in tip-top shape. His son was another matter. Junior was taller then his father, his muscular physique underneath that yellow shirt and black leather pants gave the impression that he was some intergalactic model. But while his father had eyes that of a Dxun war hawk, Junior's was complacent and seemingly distracted.

Not much of a thinker I'd bet. Kim thought to herself.

"Like you Master Jedi and padawan learner we are here just to observe, on behalf of my friendship with the Hutts. Please do go on." Senor Senior Sr. rested both of his hands on his cane.

"Yes. Of course." Josh continued. It was unusual for the Hutts to associate themselves with the likes of male humans. Nevertheless the young Lieutenant paid it no heed. " We have made our identities known. Can you tell us who the Clans of the Ancients sent to negotiate with us then?"

The two smaller Hutts puffed up their chest as they spoke one by one. One was called Chotto the Hutt. The one to the right of Bargo was named Vasto the Hutt. While the two seemed to view themselves as equally important it was clear to all Bargo held the true Hutt authority on this negotiation.

The negotiation between the gangsters of the galaxy and the Republic would finally begin.

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True to his nature Ron could not keep himself still. After a few agonizing minutes Ron could not take it anymore. "Man…I so wished I was there with them. I mean I am a Jedi too, you know. Stupid Hutts." Ron kicked the wall of the building fiercely. The wall won, giving Ron's feet a painful experience as the blond Jedi padawan hopped around on the other foot, crying out in pain. "Ow! Ow! Ow! Stupid building!"

A few more minutes passed and Ron just sighed. He was not doing anyone any favors by standing idly by. As a Jedi (and because of his boredom) he felt he had to do something. Maybe scout around. His teachers at the temple often told him to make the most of any situation. Well right now he felt he could do a lot more exploring Nar Shaddaa rather then wait here for Kim and Master Katz. Placing his cowl hood up to hide his face and eyes Ron then turned on his Comlink like Kim told him to. He looked at the building one more time before he walked away.

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Master Katz was not lying when he had said that Nar Shaddaa was a dangerous place. Already Ron has seen much of its violent tendencies. A bounty hunter arguing with another erupted into a fistfight. Somewhere in the distant Ron thought he heard blasters firing. The blond padawan dared not reach into the Force. This place already made him feel uncomfortable; he did not want to imagine how it would feel when he reaches out to all the life forms around here.

Even with his hood on to cover his identity he still felt he stood out. Out here in the open streets of Nar Shaddaa Ron felt naked and exposed. Maybe this whole exploring thing is not such a good idea after all. Ron regretted.

Looking up Ron spotted a nearby bar. Hey there are all sorts of people who hang out at bars. Maybe I could learn something useful there. His mind assured him of that but his heart was just relieved he did not have to be to be outdoors anymore.

Upon closer inspection Ron spotted the neon signs, which held the bar's name. "The Pink Sloth? What kind of name is that?" He muttered under his breath. "Whatever." Ron pulled down his cowl even lower as he made his way inside.

The place seemed decent enough. A number of aliens and people were present; doing the usual things Ron had expected people to do in a bar. Talk, drink, unwind, and forget their problems for one night. An alien band was playing some popular cover tune he knew was enjoyed in Coruscant as well. The Oh Boyz sensation still continued to spread across the galaxy it would seem. Slowly making his way towards the counter of the bar he instinctively sat down. The bartender, a human male came up to him from behind the counter. "What'll be stranger?"

Oh snap. Ron knew he was underage and should not be really drinking any alcoholic beverages and ordering plain water would just seem weird and draw suspicions. "Ahem. I'll have some juma juice if you don't mind. Need something to ease the throat a bit." Ron said in a deep and husky voice. The Bartender nodded and went off to fix Ron's drink.

Whew. Disaster averted. Ron breathed a sigh of relief under his hood. He casually looked around as he waited for his drink. It seemed to be quieter and more peaceful here then it was outside.

A disgruntled yell told Ron he spoke too soon.

Tracing the source of the disturbance Ron had noticed a gathering had formed around a pazaak table. Three gray alien life forms and a young human female were involve in a very heated round. The young woman seemed to be winning by a long shot from the disapproving looks and grunting the other three aliens were showing. The girl was wearing a simple outfit of a pink loose shirt with the sleeves cut off complimented with black tight pants that showed off her firm shapely legs. Her short black hair was well cut and her eyes were fierce and determined. She looked about Ron's age.

Ron's mouth was left agape, as his eyes were fixed on her. Uh…………………………………….

Ron's mind could not comprehend rational thoughts at the moment as he was just so stunned by her. Eventually Ron's preoccupied mind got the better of his heart and told him to close his mouth shut. Sheepishly he grinned to himself, thankful for the hood that covered his face.

"Here ya go Mack. Five republic credits." Ron gladly paid for it and took a slight sip of his drink. "Say uh..I mean say," Ron coughed trying to switch back into his deep gruff voice. "Do you know what's going on over there?" Ron nodded his head over towards the crowded pazaak table.

"Oh that." The Bartender replied as he began to clean up some used glasses. "Some big time pazaak game. Happens every week once in awhile. That girl's the regular. A real pazaak card shark that one. See she comes over here with a huge amount of credits and challenges anyone willing to give up arm and limb for it. Kid hasn't loss since. Name's Rita or Zita or something like that." The Bartender paused and looked up. "Looks like got some fresh challengers tonight. Aqualish I think."

"I see." Ron took another sip as he continued to observe the game. Man she is a cutie. I should I…wait. What did Master Katz use to say? Be mindful of my feelings? I don't even really know what that fully means. Man…this is so not badical. Remembering the duties that bound him made Ron's eyes shot up. He was not here to stare and gawk at some pretty girl. He was here on Jedi business. I'm here to pick up information. Not chicks. Tips. Not lips. Tips. Not lips. Right.

" Bartender I have some ques-"

Ron never had a chance to finish that question. A scream and a loud crash brought back all the bar's patrons back to the pazaak game. The three aliens had stood up and tossed the pazaak table over and looked mighty angry. The young woman looked only annoyed.

"Excuse me?" Her sweet voice indicated she had an accent Ron was unfamiliar with. Corelian? Mandalorian?

"You heard me girlie. You are cheating." One of the aqualish spoke out in galactic basic as he threw an accusing finger at her.

"I am NOT cheating. Its not my fault you guys suck at pazaak." The girl folded her arms across her chest.

"What did you say?!" One of the aliens was obviously offended as his nostrils flared.

"Hey all I'm saying is if you can't play with the big boys then go back to the minor leagues. Now I'll take my pay and lets call this a night." She retorted smugly.

"What?!" Now all three of them were enraged by that comment. One of them went up and grabbed her hand.

"Hey! Let go!" The raven-haired girl shouted back.

"Hey! None of that in here! Take yer hands of that girl ya hear me!" The Bartender was done tolerating this.

"Bug off human. We need to have a little chat with this girl." Two of them pulled out their concealed small vibroblades. The other held out a small blaster. "We don't take kindly to being cheated."

"You know weapons aren't allowed in here! Do you want to get in trouble with the Hutts?" The Bartender slowly backed off. Three armed thugs against him were definitely not in his favor. Softly he cursed under his breath, where were his bouncers when he needed them?

" Screw the Hutts. We're with the Exchange. We don't follow what the Hutts say." The one armed with the blaster smirked.

"Hey…Uh fellas. How about you let the girl go and do what the man says?" Before he knew it Ron was in the middle of the whole conflict as he made his way towards the trio.

Ron kicked himself on the inside. Stupid Jedi instincts.

" Who the hell are you?" One of them with the vibroknife pointed menacingly at him. He seemed to be the leader.

"Uh…"Ron held his hands high up to his face, indicating he was no threat. "Me? I, Uh, Nobody. Just nobody." Ron prayed this worked as he waved his hand a bit.

"You are just nobody." The aqualish repeated Ron's words.

"You will let go of the girl." Ron repeated the gesture.

"I will let go of the girl." The gray alien had put away his vibroknife.

"You will go home and rethink about your life."

"I will go home and rethink about my life."

The alien then began to walk away; his other two companions confused let go of the girl and began to run after their leader.

Booyah! Force Persuasion rocks!!!

Ron smiled underneath his cowl. He then turned his attention to the girl who was rubbing the part of her arm that they roughed up.

"You okay?" Ron said softly.

"Yeah I'm fine. But…how did you do that?" She asked.

"Oh just a little something-something I picked up along the way." Ron chuckled slightly. Here he was acting all cool after actually saving a beautiful girl from some thugs, and not once did his pants fell off. "What can I say? I've got some major mondo persuasion skills. Yep, yep." And all of it was getting to his head.

"Really?" The raven-haired young woman placed her hands on her hip with suspicion. "Well…thanks I guess. I'm…"

"Hey! What am I doing here?!" Being distracted by their conversation Ron had failed to completely notice that the alien leader he had 'persuaded' was only halfway out of the bar and from the looks of it, had regained his senses.

"Uh-oh." Ron muttered.

"Uh-oh what?" The girl repeated.

"Boss! You okay?" His two lackeys asked before pointing at Ron. "Its him Boss he did something to you!"

The aqualish leader took out his vibroknife once more. "Well don't just stand there! Blast him!!!" The one with the blaster took aim at Ron.

"Definitely Uh-oh." Ron reached for the Force, his right hand out as he called for his lightsaber, while his left hand pushed the girl down to the floor.

Simultaneously the Aqualish shooter pulled the trigger and Ron's lightsaber flew into his hands and ignited to life, deflecting the incoming bolt which ricochet into the ceiling and down into the ground before using up its energy.

His sudden movement caused his cowl to come off revealing his face, his padawan braid swayed along.

Silence filled the bar as they all stared at the blue energy blade that captivated everyone's attention.

"You're a…Jedi." The girl Ron pushed stared at him, dumbfounded.

"Te wampa Jedi!!!" A voice cried out in Huttese. And suddenly it was no longer just the three aqualish aliens pointing weapons at Ron. All of the patrons seemed to have turned against him. If there were one thing that united smugglers, bounty hunters, cutthroats, and galactic scum it would be their hatred of those who wielded the lightsaber.

Oh man…Ron did not have to look around him to feel the hostility.

"Oh so not good. Master Katz is going to kill me." Ron said out loud as he lowered his stance, readying the Shii-cho form.

"Forget who's going to kill you later they'll kill you now!" The girl took hold of his arm.

"Lets get out of here!"

Ron heard her the first time. Deactivating his blue lightsaber he grabbed hold of her and picked her up. "Hey! What are you doing?!!!"

"Just hold on!" Ron said in a panic. He closed his eyes placing himself in a deep concentrated trance. Augmenting oneself with the power of the Force was never Ron's forte. He was not an Ataru practitioner like Kim so he found this ability to be quite hard to master. But he had to try.

It took all of his efforts but it paid off. As soon as Ron opened his eyes everything seemed to move so slowly, so lethargic. Every one moved like they were made of stone, Running out of that bar seemed normal to him but Ron knew he was calling upon Jedi super speed. Ron hightailed it out of there as he could.

He did not stop running at super speed until he made it into an alleyway, nine or so blocks away from the bar. Ron placed the girl down on the ground as soon as he could then took a peek out of the corner of the alley. "Good…huff…huff…they… didn't follow." Ron was breathing hard.

"W-what just happened? How'd we get here?" The girl looked around.

"Jedi…super…speed…I'm…not…trying…that again." Ron barely said as he knelt down trying to catch his breath.

"Awesome! It's exactly like what I've heard! You really are a Jedi." The girl happily exclaimed as she helped him up.

Ron did not know what felt better. Getting out of that bar alive without him hurting anyone or being praised by a beautiful girl.

Ron was leaning towards the latter.

"My name's Zita. Zita Flores. Friends call me Z." Zita extended her right hand out and shook Ron's hand.

Her hand is so soft and small.

"I'm Ron. Ron Stoppable. I'm not really a full-fledged Jedi yet. Just a padawan learner. See the braid?" Ron smiled as he pointed at his padawan braid.

"Could have fooled me Jedi boy." Rita smiled back.

Then awkward silence.

"Uh so…Thanks for helping me out with those aqualish guys back there. I knew they were trouble from the start but their credits were good and I could use a new challenge. I just didn't think they would be so stupid to think I cheated." Zita rubbed the back of her neck.

"Did you-"

"I did NOT CHEAT." Zita made sure she made eye contact with Ron.

"Shutting up now." Ron knew better then to question that any further.

"Its just…I'm really good at it you know?…I've always been good at games and stuff. Ever since I was little." Zita did not know why she felt she had to explain herself to this Jedi boy she hardly knew but something inside her made her feel safe and that she could trust this blond, freckled face young padawan.

"Oh. Cool." Ron could only reply a word or two. At first he had really wanted to talk to her now that he had a chance he did not know what to say.

"Well you know. I should be thanking you I mean. You did warn me about getting the heck out of there…but then I was the one who drew unwanted attention to myself…cause I wanted to help you before and then…" Ron was just blabbering nonsense now. "Okay, you know what? just thanks."

Zita smiled. "For what?"

"I don't know…I mean. Just thank you."

Zita could not help but laugh heartily at Ron's answer. "You're a funny one for a Jedi."