"Shada, how nice to see you again, and the boys." Cleona Stollic smiled as she and Mavo entered the turbolift that Shada was in.
Shada hadn't seen much them outside a few encounters in the corridors. "Talon decided to leave." She informed them.
"Any chance you're headed towards Coruscant? Our children are starting to worry that we're going senile."
Shada, still holding a boy with each hand, smiled at that. "Eventually. I believe that's our final stop before heading back this way." Shada didn't expound on what Talon told her when they met for supper at the ship's most opulent restaurant.
"You don't suppose Mavo and I could book passage, do you?" Cleona all but pleaded.
Shada thought for a moment. "I don't think we're hauling anyone else, but I warn you, we have a few stops to make before Coruscant."
Cleona put a hand on Shada's arm, not realizing the peril of touching a Mistryl. "When are you leaving?"
"Right now. I'm just gathering a few items for the boys. Talon is already prepping the ship. Tell you what I'll do." Shada let go of the boys and pulled her comlink. "Shada Karrde to Customer Service, could you please send a hoverpallet to Mavo and Cleona Stollic's room. They are checking out and departing on the Wild Karrde." She got confirmation as she walked down the wide passageway in front of luxury shops on the Diamond Level, with Cleona and Mavo following and the boys keeping up.
Wedge stepped out of another tuborlift, spotted Shada and caught up. He nodded politely to the elderly couple he'd seen around the ship. "Shada, Karrde put out word he was leaving for reinforcements. I hope you and the boys are staying."
"Nope, you know Talon isn't allowing me out of his sight after the shooting. Besides, I can use the time to tutor Bot for the University."
"I told Iella I'd try. I don't know what got into Booster, giving me all this responsibility. All I want to do is fly and shoot things to pieces. Ackbar used to get on me for my report writing or lack of it. Now Terrik is riding me on what he expects, and he sounds an awful lot like Ackbar. Where's Corran when I need him to get Booster off my back."
"You know Booster will never allow him near this ship's controls while he's alive. Think of the honor he bestowed on you," she teased.
"Excuse me, young man, did I hear you say you know Admiral Ackbar?" Mavo waited for an opening to ask his burning question.
Wedge stopped, as did everyone. "I know him well enough to tell him what I thought of him for making me a General."
Shada interrupted, "Mavo, Cleaona, meet the famous General, the one and only, Wedge Antilles."
"Just Wedge." He held his hand out to Mavo who introduced himself and his wife. "I'm retired and moonlighting as an officer on this ship."
"You look too young to be a General or retired," Cleona spoke what was on her mind.
Wedge focused wizened eyes on her. "Not the age, but the miles, Ma'am."
"We heard about the first officer going missing," Mavo cut in. "Were you a good friend of his also?"
The age suddenly was apparent to Cleona. "We're very close. He used to serve as my executive officer when I was commander of the Rogues."
Mavo looked surprised. "When I researched this ship for an adventure, the information stated the captain was a smuggler who did time as a prisoner at Kessel. Nothing was said of reputable people like the Rogues also working onboard."
Shada and Wedge exchanged glances and started laughing. Wedge sobered enough to explain. "I'm Corellian, like Captain Terrik. I've known him all my life." He looked at Shada. "If Karrde refuses Booster, he'll hit me up and with a wife and kids I'll have to refuse."
Ven has a wife and kids. He manages just fine," Shada reminded him. "Don't worry, with your wife in Intelligence, you're safe."
"I hope so."
"I know it's too soon to write Ven off, but who would be the best replacement?" Shada asked.
Wedge turned deadly serious. "Mara Skywalker or even you. You both know how to be subordinates, and I'm saying that as a complement. Karrde's operation is larger than this ship and you run it just fine, as did Mara. Karrde and I would vape Booster and take over just to get our own way within a week."
"You be sure and tell Booster so. Talon would never take orders from anyone either."
Wedge showed his dimples. "Except you."
"Of course." She smiled back. "I better get a move on. Talon isn't above sending reminders in the form of intimidating crewmembers that resemble Togorians."
Wedge told the Stollic's goodbye and gave Shada a kiss on the cheek.
Talon didn't tell Shada of his plans to send her alone in the Uwana Buyer, but volunteered to fly the Wild Karrde up the run, mainly to put a few days of space between him and Booster so he could think, and he still wasn't ready to let Shada out of his sight. He was doing a walk-around, inspecting his vessel when Shada arrived with the boys and Nana. To his surprise, the Stollic's were trailing with several bags carted on a hoverpallet maneuvered by a droid. He met them at the bottom of the open ramp.
Shada explained, "Mavo and Cleona heard we were going to Coruscant and asked for passage. I told them it would be our pleasure to have them join us."
Talon smiled at the older couple. "Had your fill of adventure already? It's just getting interesting. As you know, life is unpredictable out this far."
"We've had the adventure of a lifetime, but all good things must end," Mavo replied.
Talon shook his hand, "Welcome aboard."
Shada showed the Stollic's to their quarters, a large room reserved for VIP passengers. She told them the ships routine and when meals would be served. "You can get settled later. Come with me to the bridge and watch the ship take off."
She saw her son's sitting on Daddy's lap as he gave orders. Shada instructed the Stollic's to the two extra chairs where they could see the entire bridge and showed them how to work the crash webbing. She took her place at the navicomp station and plotted a course to the Corellian Run while Dankin lifted the Wild Karrde off its repsorlifts and glided the large ship through the small opening. The boys were heard to be impressed that the ship didn't hit the sides of the opening as they went through the magcon.
"Karrde to Venture control."
Booster's voice filled the bridge. "Scare you off, boy?"
Talon chuckled, "You offer me a job, then give the first officer slot to Antilles, hurt my feelings is more like it."
"He's libel to do something stupid if I don't tether him to me."
"Good move. If things go bad for us, make him your second over me."
"I'll take that under advisement, hurry back."
"I'll make it a fast run, Karrde out." Talon disconnected and looked at Shada who nodded that she was ready. "Dankin, take us to the Run."
The boys laughed at the sight of them making the jump. He pulled up a holobook and started reading them their bedtime story as each settled a head on his chest. The Stollic's had a hard time reconciling him as the same person who killed Bothans a few days before and shot a cocky look at them as they passed on the floating tour barge.
Shada took the Stollic's on a tour. "Breakfast is between O'six hundred and O'nine hundred…" she filled them in on what was expected of them and where they could go and what was off limits. Bidding them goodnight, she went back to the bridge where the crew was still working. Nana had taken the boys to bed.
Shada settled onto Talon's lap, arms around his neck and he pulled her in for a kiss. With their audience, he kept his hands on her waist. "Why don't you go check on the boy's. I'll get us to the Run and join you." With a final peck, he booted her up.
Talon let Shada handle the Stollic's and spent most of his time in areas off limits to them, like the bridge. He joined them every evening for dinner and played the charming host, regaling them with benign anecdotes where nobody got killed or none he mentioned. She spent time with Bot prepping him for his University entrance exams.
"Mathematics isn't my strong suit. I'll ask Talon if he can help you."
"Would he do that?" Bot stayed well away from the boss.
"Sure, if he has time. Right now, he's busy running his business. I'll ask him."
"Is he going to make you do…you know...favors for him?"
Shada laughed, "Of course. Wouldn't be fun if he didn't."
"I have a lot to learn about relationships," Bot admitted.
"Don't let these guys pressure you into doing something you don't want to. Someday, you'll find your perfect mate and learn. My advice is don't rush it."
He felt better knowing he had Shada's support.
Mavo and Cleona were taking a walk around the ship and saw Shada in the cargo bay with attack droids and stopped in amazement as she threw her needles with precision while evading the droids, who were trying to hurt her.
"I told her to wait until she was completely healed before taking them on," Talon spoke from behind them.
"We researched the Mistryl," Cleona admitted. "There was footage of several in action. They are a superhuman."
"Definitely don't want one hunting you," Talon agreed, while Shada noticed her audience and told the droids she was done.
She joined them and looked at her husband. "I'm almost a hundred percent, Talon, so no lecture." She smiled at the older couple, who she actually liked and listened to their habitual lives and looked at holo's of their children and grandchildren. They in turn listened to her life as a Mistryl, what little she could talk about. She did admit to working for twelve years for another smuggler, but didn't divulge Mazzic's name. She found them refreshing and normal, unlike her capricious life and dubious associates.
Before Talon could reply, Chin came over the speakers, "Captain Karrde."
"Go ahead, Chin," Talon spoke into his comm.
"We just dropped out of hyperspace and are making a course correction. Next stop, Taanab."
"Contact Janson before you jump and give him our arrival time. Tell him to be ready."
"Yes, Chief," Chin cut the link.
He was waiting at the top of the ramp when Wes jogged up, bag over his shoulder and threw him a salute, which Talon sloppily returned with his middle finger, making Wes laugh.
"Wedge would reply in that vulgar manner when we were alone."
Talon hit the gangway's close control and spoke into his comm. "Take us out of here, Dankin." He smiled and extended his hand. "Wes, good to see you again. Sorry I missed you at the funeral, but Shada said you looked handsome in your dress uniform."
"Shada has excellent tastes. I hope she's here and I'm not forced to endure your company alone the entire trip." Wes let Talon lead the way to his bunk.
"Nope, she's not here for you to kiss and paw." Talon smiled at Wes' exaggerated crestfallen expression. "Supper's ready. See you at the mess." He left Wes to settle in. He was bunking with Bot.
Wes entered the dining area and recognized most of the crew. An older couple he didn't know was sitting at a table with Karrde.
"Janson, join us," Talon offered.
"Wes," Shada spoke from behind him. Spinning, he saw her holding a hand of each son.
Wes looked back to Talon, who was laughing openly at him. He took two steps and engulfed her in a rib crushing hug and she let go of the boys to reciprocate and they exchanged kisses to cheeks.
"Careful with her," Talon called out.
"Sorry, I forgot you were shot. Your lyin husband told me you weren't on board." He released her and scooped a boy in each arm. "Hey guys, remember me?"
"Mommy said you are a pilot," D'ukal replied, while Terrik looked closely at him, then shook his head.
He put them down. "You were much smaller last time I saw you." He pulled out a chair for Shada as the boys clambered into their booster seats between Shada and Talon. Wes sat beside Shada across from their other guests.
Talon introduced the Stollic's, "….and this is the one and only Wes Janson, retired Rogue Squadron pilot."
"We met General Antilles a few days ago." Mavo reached across the table and shook his hand.
"He's boring next to me." Wes smiled, while Talon shook his head. As they ate, Wes filled them in on what he was doing on Tanaab. "I train pilots for our planetary defense forces and am a Colonel in the force. I only managed Major with the Rogues, although I did get an award, along with Hobbie and Tycho for being the three longest serving pilots under Antilles. Most pilots didn't live too long under his leadership."
"I think a war had much to do with it," Talon retorted.
"Oh thaaaat, I suppose it could have contributed some." Wes winked at Cleona making her giggle.
Talon laughed. Janson's charm with women wasn't limited to the young and dumb.
Wes sobered and looked at Talon. "We meeting tonight?"
Talon nodded, "Our guests know the Errant Venture's first officer is missing. Cleona met Jari when Booster and I went to tell her."
"It doesn't look good. What prompted Ven to think he could enter a closed planet where his family is part of the ruling class and leave unhindered?" Wes restrained himself from hitting the table in frustration. "Who all have committed to searching?"
"Our next stop is Wayland for more Noghri. I'm sending Moranda Savich planetside with them to protect her, or her them, I forget how it goes with her."
Wes chuckled and nodded. "Antilles told me all about her."
Talon continued, "Then another quick stop to collect one of my crew on Aphran before Coruscant. Dawn Beat is almost to Coruscant and you'll probably want to leave with them as your kind is hitching a ride with Lachton."
"My kind? And leave Shada's charming company, I think not. Besides young Bot needs my help with his mathematics. It's been a long time since I've taught advanced math that doesn't revolve around pilot formulas."
"I'm sure I can educate him," Talon objected.
Wes twisted in his seat and called, "Bot, come here."
When Bot was standing beside the table, Wes asked, "Who do you want tutoring you in math?"
Bot's cheeks flushed and he looked at the floor. "You, Colonel Janson."
"And you want to tell Colonel Janson why you chose him?" Talon was grinning and Shada knew what was coming.
"Not here, Talon," she swiftly interjected.
"Of course not here, dearest, that's what bedrooms are for."
Wes caught on fast and laughed. "Shada, you didn't offer to recompense me for tutoring your employee. What do you have to do to Karrde? And I want holos."
Shada shook her head at him. "Use your imagination."
Talon looked at Bot. "Janson can help you. Shada has to work your tuition off."
Mavo and Cleona just figured out the undercurrents of the conversation and Cleona giggled.
Mavo leaned over to his wife. "I'm sure they are joking."
Shada changed the subject. "If you're done, Wes, I want to introduce you to my uncles." They rose and went to another table.
"I heard you were at a party I would usually attend at the Solo's." Wes shook hands.
"We're still getting over that gathering." Zed remembered. "I never met so many high profile beings in my life." Wes stayed and talked with the two men and asked many questions while the dining area cleared and Bot started cleaning up.
Talon oversaw the landing in the small clearing on Wayland. He had the Stollic's come to the bridge to watch. He also had a son on each knee and explained they were at a planet to pick up more beings like Plakhmirakh. He went on to tell them how the Noghri came to live on Wayland and pointed on a holomap where the planet was in the galaxy.
Talon invited the Stollics and Wes to leave the ship with him. He pointed to the mountain. "That's where the Emperor's warehouse and cloning facility was located."
"Karrde was part of the group that destroyed it," Wes volunteered to the older couple.
"Oh my," Cleona exclaimed, "I heard Master Skywalker was almost killed. I didn't know you were here also."
Talon gave a faint smile. "I'll have to tell you my small part."
"He took Leia Organa Solo to Wayland," Wes threw out.
"You certainly know powerful people." Mavo was impressed.
Talon threw a look to Wes that suggested if he didn't want to be left, not to say anything else.
Soon a group of short beings in hooded robes entered from the forest. The lead being stopped before Talon and pushed his cowl back.
Talon's eidetic memory kicked in and he held his hand out. "Ekhrikhor, are you the one to assist us?"
Ekhrikhor sniffed Talon's hand and replied, "I and my clan brothers will come."
Talon counted six beings in total. Without making a sound, they entered the ship. Talon turned back to the Stollic's and Wes. "This planet is still unlisted as to location. The Noghri prefer to remain hidden, so don't try and find it on your maps, you won't. My holomaps have many worlds not in public records, as do most smugglers."