"I feel like an idiot."
"This is ridiculous."
"Biggs?"
"Yes, Wedge."
"Remind me never to become an actor after we win."
Luke, Wedge and Biggs were dressed in black jumpsuits studded with receivers. They were standing in one of the Gallant's gyms. The gym was covered in green felt and the three pilots were surrounded by cameras, recorders and motion sensors. They were being run through a series of exercises and poses by Jarsea.
"Okay, take these." Jarsea said handing the pilots a small bean bag. "Now, try crushing it in your hand. Good. Now throw it in the air."
Jarsea took them through the remainder of the exercise. At the end Biggs was unsure as to kiss her, strangle her or collapse in an exhausted heap. He tried for the kiss since that seemed to involve the least effort.
"Back off, get a shower first." Jarsea said, pushing him away. "That goes for all of you."
The pilots headed for the showers.
"I liked it better when we could shoot people." said Wedge.
It had been a month since the Rebellion had ceased all 'non-essential' operations. There was still a galaxy wide insurrection. However, with no one actively coordinating it the various movements, rebellions, causes and governments could only focus on their local interests. Cooperation, cross training and sharing of information were just as vital as the Rebel fighters being available to help where needed. The good news was that the Empire was spread thin. Split over a million different ways. With force allocations owing more to power politics than any strategy. Along with the continued 'failure' of Death Squadron being unable to bring the Rebel Leaders to heel it was becoming clear that the Empire was not all powerful.
"It's a pity we don't have Dooku around." said Biggs. Showered, clean and back in uniform Biggs put down the pad on engineering and rubbed his eyes.
"Wasn't he a bad guy? You know, leader of the Separatists." said Wedge.
"My sense of good and bad isn't what it was. You have to admit, Dooku knew how to get things going. Banking Guild, Trade Federation, Techno Union. Idealists and money. They never suffered for lack of funds."
"He was big on the whole cult of personality thing. After he got killed his entire movement collapsed. They went from raiding Corruscant and kidnapping Palpatine to nothing in a few days." said Wedge.
"Wonder how many of those worlds are in revolt now?" said Biggs.
"Let's go find out." said Wedge.
Three standard days later they had nothing. Biggs and Wedge had started enthusiastically enough but the enormity of the task was not something they had anticipated. The Confederacy of Independent Systems had encompassed almost a third of the Republic at nearly 300,000 systems. Finding a world that wasn't already in revolt, not too oppressed that a revolt stood no chance and would be able to meaningfully contribute to the Rebellion afterwards was proving difficult.
"My head hurts." said Biggs.
"Yeah, hey Biggs, are the letters moving?"
"No."
"Okay, it's just me then. Some words are trying to eat others. At least I hope it's eating." said Wedge. He rubbed his eyes. "Maybe we should give up."
"We can't give up. What if the next world you look at is the right one?"
"Okay, one more. Lets see. Belle Terra. Polyglot, major industries..."
But it wasn't. And neither was the one after that. Or after that.
The next day Biggs was woken up by V9's excited bleeping.
"Hey slow down, what's so exciting?" he said. The droid began again but was interrupted by the ship's comm.
"Pilots Darklighter and Antilles report to ready room 4. Repeat Pilots Darklighter and Antilles report to ready room 4." the comm announced.
V9 trilled.
"Guess that answers my question." Biggs said,
A few minutes later Biggs and Wedge were feeling outnumbered. Instead of just Luke, most of High Command was present. Biggs recognised General Dodonna, Mon Mothma and Leia. The rest were a mystery. Currently the General was speaking.
"We've had several tentative offers from some of the movers and shakers of the Hutt Free Economic Zone. While they don't like us all that much
they really dislike The Empire, If we can get them on board we could well be back in business. Pilots, your part in this is twofold. First, you are to provide a space escort to our diplomatic party. Second you will be part of that diplomatic team as well." said the General
"Excuse me general, but I don't know anything about diplomacy." said Wedge
"We're just hoping you can look good in uniform and not do anything too foolish. Just try to look heroic." said the General.
"Okay, I can probably manage that." said Wedge some laughter. "Biggs can probably do that too,"
"Uh, sure. sir, what is it the Hutts want. Speaking as someone from there I don't like the idea of dealing with them." said Biggs.
"The Hutts want legitimacy. They're willing to support us financially and logistically in return for recognition and other concessions both now and later should we win." said Mon Mothma. It sounded very good and reasonable. Something that had been worked out by people who knew these things.
"But they're crooks sir. You can't legitimise who and what they are." Biggs said.
"We are well aware of the issues pilot. The matter has been discussed and a decision reached. As heroes of Yavin, you are required to look neat, act nice so we can get back into the fight again, Am I clear Pilot Darklighter."
"Clear sir." said Biggs.
"Are you sure those two rogues can do this?" said one of the other Senior Rebels.
"Now, now. They'll be just fine." said General Dodonna. "We appreciate your concerns son and I realise it looks like we're snuggling up with some pretty nasty types. But we are at war. Sometimes you don't get to choose your partners."
"I also think they'll do fine. The Hutts put a strong emphasis on the individual. Having them there will be invaluable." said Leia.
The matter apparently settled the Rebel Leadership filed out leaving Luke to detail the more mundane aspects of the mission.
"I still don't like it." said Biggs. "Luke you know the Hutts as well as I do. Your uncle was always paying protection to Jabba and his goons. You could of said something."
"I tried Biggs. I hate the Hutts too. But they're right. The whole Rebellion is in a jam and they can help. It sucks but we're out of options."
"Still thinks it's a dumb idea. Hey, why aren't you going? You're the one who blew the Death Star to hell." said Biggs.
"Fogies think I'm too high profile a target and I would get nabbed for the bounty. It's too much of a risk. Sorry guys, but you're far more expendable." said Luke.
"You saying if we could learn some TK and other Jedi stuff we would become less expendable" said Wedge. They all laughed. Despite the meditation sessions and other informal Jedi training, neither Biggs or Wedge had shown any true ability with the Force.
"I've also got my own mission." said Luke. "Han and Chewie know of a lot of odd stuff out there. Some of it's got to be Force related. We're going to go check out some of the more likely suspects."
"How you going to sort all that out?" said Wedge "Oh, right mystic powers again."
"Exactly. Some places just seem to leap out when I look at a holomap. Hoth, Mycobara, Calliope, Anoat, Korriban. We're going to go poke around." said Luke.
"Sounds fun." said Wedge.
"It's probably nothing, but still worth checking out while we're not busy." said Luke.
"Say, who are we supposed to be protecting." said Wedge. He looked at the pad with it's TOE for the mission. "Oh, it's Princess and her mob. That's cool. I guess." Wedge began to put the pad down but then took a second look. "And a Captain Jarsea. Lucky break for you there Biggs."
The Diamond was a massive crystalline formation orbiting a brown dwarf. Despite it's name it was filled with impurities. It was a riot of reds, blues, greens and other exotic colours. Added to this were the lights and holos of the casinos, bars, hotels, and other enticements that were crammed onto the planetoid. It shone with a brilliant, glittering intensity. A host of ships attended the jewel. Freighters bringing food and other supplies, small patrol ships, liners full of
tourists, often leaving poorer than they arrived and many personal vessels. There were also space docks and habitats since space on the Diamond was some of the more valuable in the galaxy. Biggs also noticed some of the docks were advertising the ships within for sale.
"Not a nice place to visit." Biggs said quietly.
"Didn't get that buddy, repeat." said Wedge
"I said this isn't a nice place." said Biggs.
"Oh, it looks pretty enough. I bet you could have some fun down there." said Wedge.
"Just remember who owns this place. The Hutts are vile." said Biggs.
"Yeah okay, it's owned by the slugs. Darn Biggs, Anher's right you are a prude. What Jarsea sees in you, I don't know."
"Not all Hutts are Hutts," Biggs repeated the well known phrase from Tattooine. His gaze drifted to the Brilliant class picket, Perihelion they were escorting and thought about the young woman he had met not even a standard year ago.
Jarsea had truly grown into the role of propaganda artist for the Rebellion. Her artwork appeared across the galaxy, often as rapidly painted graffiti or holos from one shot projectors. It was all about exposure and convincing people there was a fight worth fighting. Biggs wondered if his most significant contribution to the Rebellion was recruiting her.
"Attention Rebel Attack Ship. Please identify yourself." the challenge brought Biggs back to the here and now. Dutifully he registered his X-Wing and then proceeded to dock at one of the orbitals.
Minutes later Biggs was climbing out of his cockpit aided by a young man.
"Are you him? The Starkiller?" he said hopefully.
"No, I'm just one of the other guys who survived." said Biggs. He looked at the tech. "Starkiller?" he wondered if Luke had heard of this new title.
"Catchy isn't it." said the tech.
"That it is. Say, what's it like working here?" said Biggs.
"The hours are lousy, the clients are usually criminals and the pays so bad I'll never buy out my hereditary service contract." the tech said.
A hereditary service contract was a polite way of saying 'slave'. The Diamond tried it's best to maintain a respectable face to the Galaxy and this tech would risking a lot even mentioning it. Then again, who was Biggs? Just another blaster carrier for the Alliance. Who cared what he knew?
The Perihelion had now landed and the main diplomatic party was emerging. They were gaudily dressed in a fashion some 500 years out of date which recalled the most recent glory days of The Republic. They were being greeted by a mixed party of aliens, many of whom, now that Biggs knew what to look for, were also slaves.
"That your party?" said the tech.
"Yeah." said Biggs
"Word is, you Rebels are going to cut the Hutts into a share of whatever government you form."
"I'm not that thrilled about that."
"But you've got to look thrilled?"
"Yeah."
"Well, life's tough all over. Better go join em."
"Say, what's your name?"
"Wes. Wes Janson."
The Rebels with Biggs and Wedge in tow were taken by hover through glittering streets to the Helminth, one of the larger casinos on the Diamond. They were led to palatial rooms and told to 'enjoy themselves'.
Once alone the Rebels performed a quick scan for surveillance devices and removed the ones they found.
"So sirs. Dress uniforms and smiles?" said Wedge.
"Yes Wedge. Try not to drink the bar dry." said Leia. "Not you Biggs. Try and look disreputable and report in that side street on the hotel's spinward side. Don't go out the front door."
"Yes sir. Um can..."
"No. Be there in five."
"Yes sir."
Biggs left to get changed.
Five minutes later Biggs was in the alley trying to avoid the attentions of the local denizens. Leia appeared soon after dressed ina dark coloured combat suit that had seen better days.
"Good, you're here." she said. "Follow me, look mean and don't ask questions."
Biggs managed the first and third request and at least attempted the second. However the direction Leia was leading them was getting moreand more dangerous. This was definitely the side of the Hutt Free Economic Zone that did not want to be seen. Down here were dealers in almost anything, gambling pits where wagering body parts was encouraged and nothing was too vile or perverted to be on offer.
Leia eventually stopped and went inside a small pawnshop. Biggs followed. The inside was dimly lit. Inside were various strange objects and a hooded figure, the species of which Biggs could only guess at. Leia and the stranger haggled for a while before they exchanged packages. Apparently satisfied Leia left. Biggs followed. She stopped in another short alley. Biggs could see things following them in.
"Is this really a good time." said Biggs. The goons looming in the shadows looked very big and numerous.
"Yes." said Leia. She removed whatever was in the package and slipped it into a small metal cylinder. The was a click and than a flash of light. A red glow permeated the alley and there was a deep persistent hum. "It is the perfect time and place."
Holding the lightsabre as if she had been using one all her life Leia advanced on their would be assailants. There were screams, yells, a
few blaster reports and then no sound except for the ruby weapon's
bass hum.
Biggs was no longer scared or worried. He was terrified.
The next few days were spent in conferences with the 'leaders' of the Hutt Free Economic Zone. Four were actual Hutts while the other two were human crime lords of such status and power they were accorded the title Hutt as well. All were vile scum in Bigg's opinion. He would of preferred they sent a live proton on a timer to do the negotiating and seal the exits. He instead obeyed orders, smiled, answered questions only when asked and tried not to look too disgusted or bored.
"Ever get the feeling you're just here to make up numbers?" said Jarsea. They were relaxing in a stateroom after what seemed to Biggs to be a particularly boring session.
"All the time." said Biggs. Jarsea hit him with a pillow.
"You know what I mean. Princess is doing all the talking and it sounds like they're setting up all these deals directly between her and the Hutts. It's like we're not really here."
"They're Hutts, it's always personal with them." said Biggs.
"But she's not even talking with the rest of us. The others think it's odd too. She's changed." Jarsea regarded Biggs. His expression must of betrayed him as his mind recalled the events from several nights ago. "You know something."
"Leia, I mean the Princess, has um, built..." Biggs paused. Should he be telling anyone this?
There was a knock on the door. After a pause Leia walked in.
"Biggs, thought you'd be here. Meet me outside in ten. Bring a blaster." Leia said and then left.
Biggs got ready to leave.
"Biggs what's going on?" asked Jarsea.
Biggs shrugged.
"I'm not sure. It may be clearer afterwards." he said.
He hoped it would be at least.
Ten minutes later Biggs was again dressed down and following Leia through the seedier streets. Every now and then she would stop, as if listening to a voice only she could hear before continuing.
"Sir?" Biggs said after some time.
Leia turned around. "Call me Leia." she said.
"Can I ask, what we are doing?" Biggs said.
"We are hunting bad people Biggs. Too long they have hidden in the shadows and the dark. I will make them begin to fear the darkness." Leia said.
"Okay." said Biggs. He looked around. "We do seem to be in a target rich environment."
Leia nodded. "I knew you would see things my way. I've been watching you Biggs. I can feel your anger against these gangsters. We can use the Hutts, both for their resources and as a testing ground before we work to eliminate the greater evil."
Biggs hesitated.
"What's wrong Biggs. These are the Hutts. They're the scum of the galaxy." said Leia.
Biggs felt a sharp pain to his forehead. Leia continued.
"Yes, remember your childhood. How if you were not in a gang you were nobody. How they could get away with anything, push anyone around. How they kept everyone else's face in the sand."
Biggs remembered. He remembered the swaggering bullies you couldn't do a thing about because of the Hutts. He remembered the humiliations, the bullying, he remembered feeling helpless and angry. Angry at the way the galaxy was.
"I know it is unfair, unjust. But it can be made right. Take your anger Biggs. Use it as a weapon and we can scour the galaxy free of bullies, thugs and oppressors. They deserve it."
Biggs agreed. "They deserve it." he said.
"The galaxy will be a better place without them." Leia said
"The galaxy will be a better place without them." Biggs said.
"I will sweep them before me." Leia said.
"I will sweep them before me." Biggs said.
"None will stand against my fury." Leia said.
"None will stand against my fury." Biggs said.
"Excellent. Come. Let us hunt."
And so it went. By day Leia hammered out the treaty between the Alliance and the increasingly terrified Hutts. By night he covered Leia's back as she hunted down criminals, slicing chunks off the organisation that held most of the Rim in fear. Now it was them running scared, the tables were turned, they were cowering on the ground. They were being hunted by a foe that neither cared for or desired their pity. Biggs exulted in it all. He could taste their fear
and he delighted in their confusion and terror.
Dell Margan cowered in the wreckage of his palace. Five minutes ago he was one of the most powerful Hutts anywhere. A lifetime of treachery and ambition had paid well and he sat at the centre of a criminal syndicate. Practically anything was his to command. Gang chieftains, pirate warlords even some Imperial Governors were his. There was talk of some new assassin prowling the streets, but when wasn't that the case? He was secure in his fortress protected better than maybe even the Emperor himself. That was five minutes ago.
Now the alarm shrilled uselessly as the best muscle credits could buy lay in pieces or body parts throughout the complex. Automated defences had been bypassed, destroyed or simply ignored. Nothing had stood before that red whirlwind of death and survived.
"What is it you want" Dell cried as the two figures advanced on him, pieces of the Destroyer droid still sparking after what seemed like an invisible hand had crushed it. "Credits, you want credits? Or women? Men? Ships? Spice?"
The attackers ignored him as they advanced. Dell went for his personal blaster. There was a flash of red and then pain. In place of his handwas a cauterised stump. He hadn't even seen the weapon.
"We want the master control codes for the slave implants. Now." said the attacker.
"Never!"
"So be it. We have your hand." Dell felt a small hand touch his head and then there was nothing but intense searing pain.
"We have your precious codes."
There was a flash of red and the pain stopped. Dell's vision swung about randomly. It eventually settled and Dell's last thought was wondering why he could see his body and where was the head. The last thing he heard was.
"And we have your retinal scan."
Leia and Biggs left the smoking ruin. There were no witnesses. Everyone was either dead or had decided it was not their problem.
"How does it feel?" said Leia.
"It feels good." said Biggs.
"This is just the beginning. Now we will bring our revenge upon the Empire."