I get it now.
Carth and I ducked into an abandoned apartment, specifically the one in which we fought the Sith, to change into our shiny new Sith armor.
So now I understand why the Sith can't fight. This armor is inflexible. No, inflexible isn't a strong enough word. I can't move. And I can't breathe. And my chest is even flatter than it used to be. This armor must have been designed by a sadist. Not to mention that the Sith who voluntarily wear this must be masochists.
And how do they see what they're shooting at with these helmets on? Well, I guess they don't shoot very well. I hear Carth grumbling under his breath; I'm happy to know that he's miserable as well. And to make it all worse, I'm getting hungry.
As we walk down the street, everyone gives us a wide berth. It's rather neat, albeit disturbing.
The incredibly bored Sith guard let us onto the elevator. I'm so glad he didn't ask us, well, anything, because I don't think I could have answered anything.
The second the elevator doors close, I start peeling off the damn Sith armor, as does Carth. By the time we reach the Lower City, we're back to our normal clothing, and the Sith armor, which was surprisingly compact, had been stashed in our packs.
Our welcome to the Lower City consisted of walking in on a gang fight and then being attacked by the three winners. Gritting my teeth, I pulled out a pair of blasters and started shooting. Carth took a significantly more direct route and leapt at them with vibroblades.
Ok, some levity was required here. "Hey, Carth, is this a good time to ask you some more questions?"
Shooting me a quick look that suggested I should ask Zelka for a mental health evaluation, he responded between slashes. "I'm all ears, beautiful."
I ducked a blaster bolt and responded with one of my own. "I like the sound of that."
Bringing blades up to block, he smashed his right elbow into his attacker's face. "Which? The fact that I'm all ears or the beautiful part?"
Giving up on his blaster, one attacker decided to rush me with a vibroblade. Sighing, I pulled out my vibroblades. "The beautiful part. Keep calling me that."
Carth smirked as he defeated his opponent. "I might consider it. What are you going to call me in exchange?"
I kicked my attacker in the knee, temporarily disabling him. Giving Carth a sunny grin, I responded, "how about handsome thug?"
Carth chuckled as he took on the third and last gang member. "I like the first part of that. I'm a bit more partial to 'the most handsome pilot in the galaxy'. What do you think?"
I took out my opponent quickly. "I think I'm going to be ill."
Surveying the carnage, Carth lost his sense of humor. "Are these questions really necessary?"
I rolled my eyes at him as I looted the bodies. "Don't be such a child. It's just a few questions."
He just stood and glared at me. "Oh, how can I resist a challenge to my manly pride? Fine, you've made your point. Interrogate at will."
I couldn't help it. "Are you getting testy again?"
"I don't get testy. I get angry. And if I was angry, you wouldn't have to ask me if I was, let me assure you." I ducked as he waved his bloody vibroblades around with his anger. Once he noticed this, he re-sheathed them and continued speaking in a somewhat calmer voice. "Let me ask you something first, though. I've been going through the battle aboard the Endar Spire over and over in my head since we crashed. Some things just don't add up for me. Maybe you could tell me what happened, from your perspective."
I was done looting. There was nothing particularly interesting anywhere. "I wasn't in a position to know what was going on, really."
He sighed. "Neither was I, to tell the truth. I was onboard as an advisor for the most part." He looked both ways down the corridor and decided to go left, motioning for me to follow him. "The battle began so fast, it's anyone's guess as to what actually happened. I'm surprised that any of us are alive to talk about it. Come to think of it, it's more than a little surprising that you happen to be here, isn't it? Just what is your position with the Republic fleet, anyway?"
How would I know? "Why? Are you accusing me of something?"
He shrugged. "Not at all. I just think it's a bit odd that someone who got added to the crew roster at the last minute just happens to be one of the survivors."
I can understand if he had a death wish for himself, but for me, too? "You'd rather I wasn't?"
"Don't be ridiculous. You've more than proved yourself since the crash. We wouldn't have made it this far without you. But still..."
My head was starting to hurt. "Are you implying I had something to do with the crash?"
"No. Well, maybe. Don't get me wrong, it just seems odd that someone Bastila's party specifically requested to transfer aboard happened to survive."
How does one get so paranoid? "It doesn't make any difference. Go ahead and be paranoid."
He raised his voice, making me absolutely certain that he would manage to attract more attackers somehow. They'd just materialize out of the walls or something somehow. "I'm not trying to be paranoid. It's just that I learned a long time ago that something which looks like a coincidence probably isn't, especially when the Jedi are involved. The Jedi requested numerous things when they came on board. They practically took over the ship. Considering your connection to Bastila and the Jedi, whether you know it or not, your presence here seems a little convenient." I was getting the distinct impression that he didn't particularly like Jedi. "I'm probably wrong and this is probably nothing, I know. I learned a long time ago not to take things at face value, however. And I hate surprises."
He hates surprises? How boring. "Shouldn't we be trying to work together?"
"I am working with you. I'd be a fool not to. I'd also be a fool not to expect the unexpected."
This is what he considers working together? Fascinating. "Are you always this suspicious?"
He was starting to look very frustrated. It was rather amusing. "Look, it has nothing to do with you, personally. I don't trust anyone, and I have my reasons. And, no, I'm not going to discuss them. So can we just keep our mind on more important things?"
I couldn't help myself. I had to pester him some more. "You haven't heard the last from me on this."
"Alright, alright. You must be the most damned persistent woman I've ever met."
Swallowing a laugh, I looked up and read the sign above the door next to us. "Javyar's Cantina." Well, at least that was a much more creative name than Upper City Cantina. However, it appeared to have the same layout, making me wonder if Javyar had hired the same architect as Upper City had.
As we passed the pazaak table and started to enter the main room, Carth suddenly pulled me to a stop. I gave him a surprised glance, so he motioned to a conversation that was occurring near us.
A short funny looking man was being pestered by a group of gang members.
"Go away." Apparently his speech abilities were directly proportional to his height.
The gang members were not amused. The Rodian spoke first. "Hey, you not talk like that. We just want say hi to big, bad bounty hunter Calo Nord!"
A Twi'lek chimed in. "Nah, this can't be Calo Nord. He's supposed to be tough. This guy's nothing but a runt!"
"One."
"One? What that mean? You be funny, tough guy?" The Rodian didn't seem too bright; it was clear to me that he was warning them off.
"You know who we are, Calo? We're members of the Black Vulkar gang! You don't want to be getting funny with us, tough guy." Ah, yes, arrogance helps here.
"Two."
"Me no understand. One? Two? Why he count? He trying to count how many of us is against him?" He really wasn't the smartest.
"It's four against one, Calo. What do you think about those odds? Well? You have something more to say?" That was funny, because I counted three against one.
"Three." With that, Calo tossed a grenade and then shot all the gang members. At least he was wonderfully helpful in removing some stupidity from the universe. Apparently satisfied with his violence, he turned and left the cantina.
I turned to Carth. "I need food." If I didn't eat soon, I was going to die from starvation.
He frowned at me. "We just ate recently."
"Yeah, like that was enough." I headed towards the bar, where the bartender handed me a menu. Then I heard a much younger voice than I would have expected in the cantina.
"I told you to leave me alone, so give me some space, Bug-eye. Your breath smells like bantha poodoo."
A young Twi'lek girl was being harassed by a couple of Rodians. "Little girl should not be in bar. This no place for little girl. If little girl smart, she run away home now."
"Who you calling a little girl, Chuba-face?" She was rather cute. And the fact that she thought of that as an insult was hilarious to me.
"Little girl needs lesson in manners." Well, apparently they thought of it as an insult.
"Just a sec, boys. Zaalbar, a little help here? I need you to rip the legs off some insects."
The nearby Wookiee roared. "Mission - I'm busy. They just brought my food!"
"Quit complaining... you can finish eating later. Besides, you need the exercise so get over here." I couldn't help it anymore. I had to laugh. This was priceless.
The Rodians were sufficiently frightened. "We no want trouble with Wookiee. Our problem with you, little girl!"
"You got a problem with me, then you got a problem with Big Z. So unless you want to take on my furry friend, I suggest you greenies hop on out of here." I had to get myself a Wookiee bodyguard.
They had to get in a last word as they ran off. "Little girl lucky she has big friend."
I turned to the barkeeper and ordered food. Deciding to talk to Mission, I walked to the table she was sharing with the Wookiee.
Zaalbar was not amused. He immediately growled at me. "Why are you bothering us?"
Mission was friendlier. She placed a hand on his arm to calm him. "Hey, relax Big Z. No need to be rude. Sorry about that, but Wookiees ain't much for conversation, you know? Say, I don't recognize you and I know pretty much everyone in the Lower City. You must be new down here. I guess that makes me and Big Z your official welcoming committee!"
I smiled. I liked her spirit. It wasn't tarnished yet, unlike everyone else we'd met so far on the planet. Even Zaalbar, her apparently constant companion, seemed muted, but she was untouched. It was refreshing.
Carth also liked her. Sitting down next to me, he complimented her, which was more than he'd done for me so far. "You showed a lot of guts dealing with those Vulkars, kid. You got a name?"
She brightened at the compliment. "My name's Mission Vao and this big Wookiee is my best friend, Zaalbar. I'd offer to give you a tour, but the streets down here aren't safe. But if there's anything else you need."
I took a sip of my drink and sat back in my chair. "So how do a Wookiee and a Twi'lek street urchin end up as best friends?"
"We just kind of fell in together. It ain't easy on your own here in the Lower City - everyone's always looking to push you around."
Carth seemed bitter. "So we noticed. Still, you seem like an odd pair."
"When I met up with Zaalbar it seemed like a good match. I knew we could look out for each other. With my street smarts and his muscle, we make a great team." She was obviously holding something back, but I didn't want to push. Changing the subject, she brightened again. "If you want info on Lower Taris I'm the one to talk to! Davik, the Lower City gangs, I've even got the scoop on that bounty hunter Calo Nord!"
I liked the service in this cantina. They brought my food out quickly. As I ate, Mission filled us in on various aspects regarding Davik, the Lower City gangs, and Calo Nord.
Carth leaned over and whispered in my ear. "You could out-eat the Wookiee."
I glared at him. "You compliment the kid and make fun of me. How charming."
He smirked at me and leaned back in his chair. He opened his mouth to ask Mission a question, but never got the chance. Her attention span had worn off, and she was dragging Zaalbar off to explore elsewhere. I smothered a laugh. She had said her farewells while he was teasing me. He should have been paying more attention.
I guess I'm boring to be near, because less than a minute after Mission left, Carth stood up and announced that he was going to go play some pazaak and made some horrible joke about needing more money to support my eating habits. Jerk. On the bright side, I got to eat in peace.
Once I was done eating, I decided to get up, find Carth, and head towards the Hidden Bek base. Mission had hinted that Gadon, the leader of the Beks, as well as the rest of the Beks, were relatively friendly, and we could use as much help as possible. As I headed towards the pazaak area of the cantina, I noticed the bounty office.
I stood in the doorway, debating whether or not to enter and talk to Zax, who I assumed was the big fat blob at the end of the room, when I noticed that everyone in the room had their eyes on a Twi'lek girl in a corner. I walked towards her out of curiosity, only to notice that she was currently engaged in conversation with a Twi'lek man. They were discussing her apparently failing audition. Since she didn't have a partner, he was uninterested, and she was becoming desperate.
Without even thinking about it, I somehow found it necessary to help. "Maybe I could be your partner."
Both looked at me in surprise. Both looked me up and down skeptically. So I wasn't shaped like the dancers he was obviously searching for. That didn't mean I couldn't dance. Although, in all fairness, I didn't actually know if I could dance. But since I seemed to have fighting skill and the ability to make my body do what I want it to, I figured dancing couldn't be that hard.
The girl introduced herself as Lyn, then vocalized both her desperation and her skepticism. Assuring her that I was good enough to get her through the audition, she began teaching me various moves to be used. The steps consisted of combinations of arm and hip movements. At first, I wasn't entirely sure my hips could move like hers, but as I moved experimentally, I discovered that my hips were more limber than I had expected. After a few trial runs, I nodded at Lyn, signaling that I was ready.
Fortunately for me, I actually WAS good enough to get her through the audition. I didn't trip or fall or anything negative. I started out dancing a small distance away from her, but as the audition progressed, I danced closer to her. We were gathering quite an audience. All activity had stopped in the bounty office, and all eyes were on us. Part of me wondered if I was going to get credits from the audience for this.
Once Lyn was informed that her audition had gone well and she was now a member of the Starlight Entertainers, her entire demeanor changed. She went from desperate to conceited, and thanked me, in her own special way. "I'd give you a big hug, but you're a little beneath me now."
Yeah, thanks. Forcing a smile, I replied, "You're welcome." It's the thought that counts.
"Oh, if you're every traveling and see the Starlight Entertainers performing, stop by and ask for me, and I'll try to get you some free tickets."
Won't that be a kick. "Good luck, Lyn."
She bounded out of the room, following the Twi'lek man. Shaking my head, I picked up my pack and turned to leave, finding that our audience had cleared and everyone was back to business as usual. And then I noticed Carth.
He was leaning against the doorframe, grinning at me. "I just keep learning new things about you."
Great, more teasing. I can do it too. Taking a deep breath to help me keep a straight face, I walked up to him slowly. I pushed myself up onto my toes and pressed as much of my body into his as I could. I turned my head and put my lips right up to his ear and whispered, "You'd be surprised what I can do," making sure I breathed hot air onto his ear. I watched an involuntary shudder work its way up and down the back of his neck, then stepped away and left the room without looking back.
After a few steps, it dawned on me that he wasn't following yet. I glanced back to find him still standing there staring at me. Making sure I didn't smile, I snapped my fingers at him. "Come on, Carth, let's go. We have work to do. Like visiting the Hidden Bek base."
He started walking towards me. "Hidden Bek base?"
I turned away from him and kept walking towards the door. "Yes. I want to discuss something with you."
He caught up with me. "You do? Fair enough. What do you want to discuss?"
"I want to talk about these issues you seem to have with me."
He looked slightly annoyed. "I knew you wouldn't understand where I was coming from. Let me try to explain." He paused, clearly trying to string words together. "You're probably one of the most skilled women I've ever met. You've saved my butt more than once and I'm lucky you're here to help me, no question. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop watching you or being wary. I'm just not built that way."
"And what, exactly, are you watching me for?" I punctuated the question by looping an arm through his, leaning my chin on his shoulder, and knocking a hip into him.
He chuckled as he regained his balance. "I don't know that, yet. Like I said before, it's probably nothing. But I've been betrayed before by people and I... well, it won't happen again, that's all."
I couldn't help myself. "Of course it won't happen again if you never trust anyone."
He was slightly apologetic. "Look... I'm not trying to insult you. This is just the way I am, no need to take it personally."
Resisting my urge to call him a hairless Wookiee, I continued as though he hadn't spoken. "I'm beginning to wonder if you're even capable of trusting anyone."
Ok, now he was annoyed. "Well, you can stop wondering. I'm not."
I couldn't help it. I really couldn't. "You sure you don't want to talk about it?"
He glared at me. "No, I don't want to talk about it."
I smiled. "Just checking." We left the cantina and headed down the hall towards the Hidden Bek base. I disengaged myself from Carth and headed over to the lookout to talk her into letting us in.
And why was there only one lookout anyway? Given how many Black Vulkars we'd already run into, they should either have no lookouts or a whole armada.
"Hey, you can't just walk in here! This is the Hidden Bek base. How do I know you're not a Vulkar spy sent to kill Gadon Thek?"
Yes, let's give your enemies ideas. "I need Gadon's help. I was told to speak to him."
"A lot of people want to go inside and speak to Gadon. He's a hero of the common folk. But the days of the Hidden Bek's open door policy are gone. Between the Sith conquest and the Vulkar gang war Gadon has more enemies than he used to. We're being careful about who we let in now." Because you're somehow capable of keeping people out?
"Maybe I could be an ally against all those enemies."
She really didn't require much persuasion. Some lookout. "Well, we do need all the help we can get. And you don't look like you're with the Vulkars or the Sith." What exactly do Vulkars or Sith look like? "Besides, it's not like you can do anything to harm Gadon in the heart of his own base. Not with Zaerdra watching his back."
Again with the giving enemies ideas stuff. Maybe they should better train their lookouts. I should suggest that to Gadon when I talk to him. I made sure to smile and be polite to the lookout as I walked by her. I didn't want to actually tell her what I thought of her lookout capabilities, as that would probably change her mind.
As we entered the base, I wondered where Gadon was. I didn't have to wonder long, as he was pretty much the only person in the base who wasn't moving around much, not to mention his female Twi'lek shadow. He turned slightly towards us, which allowed me to see his eyes. They were strangely disconcerting, reminding me that he had been blinded, but that he apparently had been fortunate enough to receive ocular implants.
The shadow spoke. "Hold it right there. Who are you and what is your business with Gadon?"
He was a very calm man. "Calm down, Zaerdra. Nobody is going to try anything here in the middle of our own base. It would be a suicide mission." Well, he was also a very overconfident man.
"You're too trusting, Gadon." I had to agree. "Brejik and his Vulkars want you dead. Anyone we don't know is a potential threat, and it's my job to make sure you're safe!" I felt sorry for her; after all, she had to protect an overconfident leader.
"Do you want us to start attacking strangers on sight, Zaerdra, like the Vulkars do? I will never let it come to that. Now step aside and let them pass." How does an idealist become the leader of a gang?
She bowed her head slightly. "As you wish." Turning to us, her voice hardened. "You can speak to Gadon if you want, but I've got my eye on you. You try anything and you'll be vaporized before you can say 'Vulkar spy'." Charming woman, I'm sure.
Gadon smiled at us apologetically. "You'll have to forgive Zaerdra. Ever since Brejik and the Vulkars began this war against us, she's been a little over-zealous in her security duties. The problems with the Sith haven't helped things. Zaerdra seems to forget that I know how to look after myself." Again with the overconfidence. "Now, how can I help you?"
Problems with the Sith? Was he organizing a rebellion of some sort? "You have problems with the Sith?"
That got him excited. "A foreign army invades Taris, declares martial law and locks down all travel to and from the planet? You damn well bet I have a problem with that. If the Sith ever moved in down here all the swoop gangs would unite against them. We'd use hit and run guerrilla tactics to pick them off. Their casualties would be enormous. But so far the Sith have stayed out of the Lower City and our strength is wasted on this stupid gang war. I tried to explain this to Brejik, but he and his Vulkars won't listen." Given what had just been said about the Vulkars, I had a really hard time believing they would unite against anything, even the Sith.
Carth had unnecessary commentary. "Don't fool yourself. The Sith would never commit to that kind of operation. They'd probably do something much more grand and deadly." Yes, Carth, let's tell people who already live in the poor part of the city that they're not worth effort. That should make them want to help us.
I had to change the subject. "I need information on those Republic escape pods that crashed in the Undercity."
Suspicion flickered in his eyes. "The escape pods? You know, I heard the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about them as well... but you don't look like you're with the Sith." What, are we not ugly enough?
Zaerdra had the right idea as she hissed at him. "They might be spies, Gadon. They might be working for the Sith."
He waved a hand at her. "Calm down, Zaerdra. If the Sith thought we knew anything useful they'd have a battalion of troops kicking down our door. No, I think this offworlder has her own agenda." Well, he did have a point.
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I felt the need to pointlessly reassure them. "Don't worry, I'm not working for the Sith." Because I'm not ugly enough or something.
Gadon looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then shrugged. "I suppose I could tell you what I know. It's not like it could do any harm to me or my gang, but it might cause problems for the Vulkars, and that's okay in my book. The Vulkars stripped those pods clean within hours after they landed. It's too bad we didn't get there first, considering what my spies reported the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila survived the crash. We Beks don't believe in intergalactic slavery, but the Vulkars aren't so picky. They took her prisoner."
Carth looked extremely distressed, so I had to talk. "Bastila's a slave? What will happen to her now?"
"Normally the Vulkars would take a captured slave and sell them for a nice profit to Davik or an off-world slaver. But a Republic officer is no ordinary catch." It disturbs me that the word "normally" can be used.
Carth suddenly looked hopeful. "They still think Bastila is just a Republic Officer. That could work to our advantage. Maybe she'll even figure out a way to escape from the Vulkar base on her own."
Gadon was a messenger of doom. "She's too valuable to leave with the Vulkar scum at the base. Brejik's probably got your Republic friend hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You'll never find her."
Ok, too many topics at once. "Swoop race? What does that have to do with it?"
At least Gadon had the grace to look apologetic. "I'm afraid your friend has become a pawn in Brejik's game to take over the Lower City. He's offered her up as the Vulkar's share of the prize in the annual swoop gang race. By putting up such a valuable prize Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of some of the smaller gangs. Their numbers will allow him to finally destroy me and my followers."
I sighed. I knew what was coming next. Carth, however, was not so quick. "So how do you propose we go about rescuing Bastila, then? We can't fight all the gangs."
Gadon confirmed my suspicions. "The only hope you have of rescuing Bastila is to somehow win the big season opener of the swoop race."
This just got better and better. I wondered what was next. "So how do I enter this swoop race?"
"I might be able to help you with this, if you'd be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here and much to lose."
Oh, and here comes the next fun part. "What are you proposing?"
"The swoop race is for the Lower City gangs only. I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks this year. If you win the race, you'll win your friend's freedom. But first you have to do something for me. My mechanics have developed an accelerator for a swoop engine. A bike with the accelerator installed can beat any other swoop out there. But the Vulkars stole the prototype from us. They plan to use it to guarantee a victory in this year's swoop race. I need you to break into their base and steal it back."
So that they can later accuse us of cheating them instead of using it to cheat us. Sounds like a wonderful plan, really. "And how exactly am I supposed to get inside their base?"
"Getting into the Vulkar base won't be easy. The front doors are locked tight. But I know someone who might be able to get you in the back way – Mission Vao."
And the wonder keeps coming. I'm supposed to use a kid to break into a gang base.
Zaerdra must have had the exact same thought. "Mission? Gadon, you can't be serious! She's just a kid. How is she supposed to help them with this?"
Now I see how he became the leader of a gang. "Mission's explored every step of every back alley in the Lower City. Plus she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get inside the Vulkar base, it's her." He turned to me. "She and her Wookiee friend Zaalbar are always looking to stir up a little excitement. They like to go exploring in the Undercity, despite the dangers. Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you'll need some way past the Sith guard post at the elevator."
Knowing this was going to be a horrible thing to tell him, I told him, "I have Sith uniforms."
He smirked. "A simple disguise might have worked on the Upper City guard, but the security down here is much tougher. You'll need the proper papers to get past him. Luckily my gang ambushed one of the Sith patrols headed down to the Undercity. They never made it, and their security papers fell into my hands. Since we're working together now I suppose I could give them to you in exchange for your uniforms. With the security papers you won't need a disguise anyway."
I don't even know what he wanted to do with the uniforms, so I just agreed. The uniforms were horribly uncomfortable after all, and I really didn't want to ever wear it again. As I left, Gadon so nicely suggested that I hurry.
The lookout pointed us toward the entrance to the Undercity, so we headed that direction. As we walked down the hallway, I saw an apartment complex. I had to know, so I dragged Carth into it.
And I was right. It had the exact same layout as every other apartment complex we'd seen so far on this planet. I wondered if it was due to the lack of creativity on the part of the architects of the planet, or if circular layouts were simply indicative of Tarisian architecture.
Looking into a room, I noticed a lockbox on the floor next to a desk. I walked towards it, wondering what was in it. After I deciphered and unlocked the box, Carth looked into the box over my shoulder and made a happy noise. Inside the box was Republic mod armor, which looked rather stiff, as well as Echani fiber armor, which looked rather comfortable. I took the Echani armor before he could even try to claim it.
We left the complex and saw the entrance to the Undercity guarded by yet another bored Sith guard. I wondered if guard duty like this was a punishment. As we approached the guard, I noticed Carth put his hands close to the hilts of his vibroblades, probably in case Gadon's security papers failed.
Fortunately, the guard gave the papers a cursory glance, then waved us through. He wished us luck with the rakghouls, and I could hear the relief in his voice that he didn't have to go with us. That was a great sign for the future. I couldn't help but wonder what fun was awaiting us in the Undercity.
Carth and I ducked into an abandoned apartment, specifically the one in which we fought the Sith, to change into our shiny new Sith armor.
So now I understand why the Sith can't fight. This armor is inflexible. No, inflexible isn't a strong enough word. I can't move. And I can't breathe. And my chest is even flatter than it used to be. This armor must have been designed by a sadist. Not to mention that the Sith who voluntarily wear this must be masochists.
And how do they see what they're shooting at with these helmets on? Well, I guess they don't shoot very well. I hear Carth grumbling under his breath; I'm happy to know that he's miserable as well. And to make it all worse, I'm getting hungry.
As we walk down the street, everyone gives us a wide berth. It's rather neat, albeit disturbing.
The incredibly bored Sith guard let us onto the elevator. I'm so glad he didn't ask us, well, anything, because I don't think I could have answered anything.
The second the elevator doors close, I start peeling off the damn Sith armor, as does Carth. By the time we reach the Lower City, we're back to our normal clothing, and the Sith armor, which was surprisingly compact, had been stashed in our packs.
Our welcome to the Lower City consisted of walking in on a gang fight and then being attacked by the three winners. Gritting my teeth, I pulled out a pair of blasters and started shooting. Carth took a significantly more direct route and leapt at them with vibroblades.
Ok, some levity was required here. "Hey, Carth, is this a good time to ask you some more questions?"
Shooting me a quick look that suggested I should ask Zelka for a mental health evaluation, he responded between slashes. "I'm all ears, beautiful."
I ducked a blaster bolt and responded with one of my own. "I like the sound of that."
Bringing blades up to block, he smashed his right elbow into his attacker's face. "Which? The fact that I'm all ears or the beautiful part?"
Giving up on his blaster, one attacker decided to rush me with a vibroblade. Sighing, I pulled out my vibroblades. "The beautiful part. Keep calling me that."
Carth smirked as he defeated his opponent. "I might consider it. What are you going to call me in exchange?"
I kicked my attacker in the knee, temporarily disabling him. Giving Carth a sunny grin, I responded, "how about handsome thug?"
Carth chuckled as he took on the third and last gang member. "I like the first part of that. I'm a bit more partial to 'the most handsome pilot in the galaxy'. What do you think?"
I took out my opponent quickly. "I think I'm going to be ill."
Surveying the carnage, Carth lost his sense of humor. "Are these questions really necessary?"
I rolled my eyes at him as I looted the bodies. "Don't be such a child. It's just a few questions."
He just stood and glared at me. "Oh, how can I resist a challenge to my manly pride? Fine, you've made your point. Interrogate at will."
I couldn't help it. "Are you getting testy again?"
"I don't get testy. I get angry. And if I was angry, you wouldn't have to ask me if I was, let me assure you." I ducked as he waved his bloody vibroblades around with his anger. Once he noticed this, he re-sheathed them and continued speaking in a somewhat calmer voice. "Let me ask you something first, though. I've been going through the battle aboard the Endar Spire over and over in my head since we crashed. Some things just don't add up for me. Maybe you could tell me what happened, from your perspective."
I was done looting. There was nothing particularly interesting anywhere. "I wasn't in a position to know what was going on, really."
He sighed. "Neither was I, to tell the truth. I was onboard as an advisor for the most part." He looked both ways down the corridor and decided to go left, motioning for me to follow him. "The battle began so fast, it's anyone's guess as to what actually happened. I'm surprised that any of us are alive to talk about it. Come to think of it, it's more than a little surprising that you happen to be here, isn't it? Just what is your position with the Republic fleet, anyway?"
How would I know? "Why? Are you accusing me of something?"
He shrugged. "Not at all. I just think it's a bit odd that someone who got added to the crew roster at the last minute just happens to be one of the survivors."
I can understand if he had a death wish for himself, but for me, too? "You'd rather I wasn't?"
"Don't be ridiculous. You've more than proved yourself since the crash. We wouldn't have made it this far without you. But still..."
My head was starting to hurt. "Are you implying I had something to do with the crash?"
"No. Well, maybe. Don't get me wrong, it just seems odd that someone Bastila's party specifically requested to transfer aboard happened to survive."
How does one get so paranoid? "It doesn't make any difference. Go ahead and be paranoid."
He raised his voice, making me absolutely certain that he would manage to attract more attackers somehow. They'd just materialize out of the walls or something somehow. "I'm not trying to be paranoid. It's just that I learned a long time ago that something which looks like a coincidence probably isn't, especially when the Jedi are involved. The Jedi requested numerous things when they came on board. They practically took over the ship. Considering your connection to Bastila and the Jedi, whether you know it or not, your presence here seems a little convenient." I was getting the distinct impression that he didn't particularly like Jedi. "I'm probably wrong and this is probably nothing, I know. I learned a long time ago not to take things at face value, however. And I hate surprises."
He hates surprises? How boring. "Shouldn't we be trying to work together?"
"I am working with you. I'd be a fool not to. I'd also be a fool not to expect the unexpected."
This is what he considers working together? Fascinating. "Are you always this suspicious?"
He was starting to look very frustrated. It was rather amusing. "Look, it has nothing to do with you, personally. I don't trust anyone, and I have my reasons. And, no, I'm not going to discuss them. So can we just keep our mind on more important things?"
I couldn't help myself. I had to pester him some more. "You haven't heard the last from me on this."
"Alright, alright. You must be the most damned persistent woman I've ever met."
Swallowing a laugh, I looked up and read the sign above the door next to us. "Javyar's Cantina." Well, at least that was a much more creative name than Upper City Cantina. However, it appeared to have the same layout, making me wonder if Javyar had hired the same architect as Upper City had.
As we passed the pazaak table and started to enter the main room, Carth suddenly pulled me to a stop. I gave him a surprised glance, so he motioned to a conversation that was occurring near us.
A short funny looking man was being pestered by a group of gang members.
"Go away." Apparently his speech abilities were directly proportional to his height.
The gang members were not amused. The Rodian spoke first. "Hey, you not talk like that. We just want say hi to big, bad bounty hunter Calo Nord!"
A Twi'lek chimed in. "Nah, this can't be Calo Nord. He's supposed to be tough. This guy's nothing but a runt!"
"One."
"One? What that mean? You be funny, tough guy?" The Rodian didn't seem too bright; it was clear to me that he was warning them off.
"You know who we are, Calo? We're members of the Black Vulkar gang! You don't want to be getting funny with us, tough guy." Ah, yes, arrogance helps here.
"Two."
"Me no understand. One? Two? Why he count? He trying to count how many of us is against him?" He really wasn't the smartest.
"It's four against one, Calo. What do you think about those odds? Well? You have something more to say?" That was funny, because I counted three against one.
"Three." With that, Calo tossed a grenade and then shot all the gang members. At least he was wonderfully helpful in removing some stupidity from the universe. Apparently satisfied with his violence, he turned and left the cantina.
I turned to Carth. "I need food." If I didn't eat soon, I was going to die from starvation.
He frowned at me. "We just ate recently."
"Yeah, like that was enough." I headed towards the bar, where the bartender handed me a menu. Then I heard a much younger voice than I would have expected in the cantina.
"I told you to leave me alone, so give me some space, Bug-eye. Your breath smells like bantha poodoo."
A young Twi'lek girl was being harassed by a couple of Rodians. "Little girl should not be in bar. This no place for little girl. If little girl smart, she run away home now."
"Who you calling a little girl, Chuba-face?" She was rather cute. And the fact that she thought of that as an insult was hilarious to me.
"Little girl needs lesson in manners." Well, apparently they thought of it as an insult.
"Just a sec, boys. Zaalbar, a little help here? I need you to rip the legs off some insects."
The nearby Wookiee roared. "Mission - I'm busy. They just brought my food!"
"Quit complaining... you can finish eating later. Besides, you need the exercise so get over here." I couldn't help it anymore. I had to laugh. This was priceless.
The Rodians were sufficiently frightened. "We no want trouble with Wookiee. Our problem with you, little girl!"
"You got a problem with me, then you got a problem with Big Z. So unless you want to take on my furry friend, I suggest you greenies hop on out of here." I had to get myself a Wookiee bodyguard.
They had to get in a last word as they ran off. "Little girl lucky she has big friend."
I turned to the barkeeper and ordered food. Deciding to talk to Mission, I walked to the table she was sharing with the Wookiee.
Zaalbar was not amused. He immediately growled at me. "Why are you bothering us?"
Mission was friendlier. She placed a hand on his arm to calm him. "Hey, relax Big Z. No need to be rude. Sorry about that, but Wookiees ain't much for conversation, you know? Say, I don't recognize you and I know pretty much everyone in the Lower City. You must be new down here. I guess that makes me and Big Z your official welcoming committee!"
I smiled. I liked her spirit. It wasn't tarnished yet, unlike everyone else we'd met so far on the planet. Even Zaalbar, her apparently constant companion, seemed muted, but she was untouched. It was refreshing.
Carth also liked her. Sitting down next to me, he complimented her, which was more than he'd done for me so far. "You showed a lot of guts dealing with those Vulkars, kid. You got a name?"
She brightened at the compliment. "My name's Mission Vao and this big Wookiee is my best friend, Zaalbar. I'd offer to give you a tour, but the streets down here aren't safe. But if there's anything else you need."
I took a sip of my drink and sat back in my chair. "So how do a Wookiee and a Twi'lek street urchin end up as best friends?"
"We just kind of fell in together. It ain't easy on your own here in the Lower City - everyone's always looking to push you around."
Carth seemed bitter. "So we noticed. Still, you seem like an odd pair."
"When I met up with Zaalbar it seemed like a good match. I knew we could look out for each other. With my street smarts and his muscle, we make a great team." She was obviously holding something back, but I didn't want to push. Changing the subject, she brightened again. "If you want info on Lower Taris I'm the one to talk to! Davik, the Lower City gangs, I've even got the scoop on that bounty hunter Calo Nord!"
I liked the service in this cantina. They brought my food out quickly. As I ate, Mission filled us in on various aspects regarding Davik, the Lower City gangs, and Calo Nord.
Carth leaned over and whispered in my ear. "You could out-eat the Wookiee."
I glared at him. "You compliment the kid and make fun of me. How charming."
He smirked at me and leaned back in his chair. He opened his mouth to ask Mission a question, but never got the chance. Her attention span had worn off, and she was dragging Zaalbar off to explore elsewhere. I smothered a laugh. She had said her farewells while he was teasing me. He should have been paying more attention.
I guess I'm boring to be near, because less than a minute after Mission left, Carth stood up and announced that he was going to go play some pazaak and made some horrible joke about needing more money to support my eating habits. Jerk. On the bright side, I got to eat in peace.
Once I was done eating, I decided to get up, find Carth, and head towards the Hidden Bek base. Mission had hinted that Gadon, the leader of the Beks, as well as the rest of the Beks, were relatively friendly, and we could use as much help as possible. As I headed towards the pazaak area of the cantina, I noticed the bounty office.
I stood in the doorway, debating whether or not to enter and talk to Zax, who I assumed was the big fat blob at the end of the room, when I noticed that everyone in the room had their eyes on a Twi'lek girl in a corner. I walked towards her out of curiosity, only to notice that she was currently engaged in conversation with a Twi'lek man. They were discussing her apparently failing audition. Since she didn't have a partner, he was uninterested, and she was becoming desperate.
Without even thinking about it, I somehow found it necessary to help. "Maybe I could be your partner."
Both looked at me in surprise. Both looked me up and down skeptically. So I wasn't shaped like the dancers he was obviously searching for. That didn't mean I couldn't dance. Although, in all fairness, I didn't actually know if I could dance. But since I seemed to have fighting skill and the ability to make my body do what I want it to, I figured dancing couldn't be that hard.
The girl introduced herself as Lyn, then vocalized both her desperation and her skepticism. Assuring her that I was good enough to get her through the audition, she began teaching me various moves to be used. The steps consisted of combinations of arm and hip movements. At first, I wasn't entirely sure my hips could move like hers, but as I moved experimentally, I discovered that my hips were more limber than I had expected. After a few trial runs, I nodded at Lyn, signaling that I was ready.
Fortunately for me, I actually WAS good enough to get her through the audition. I didn't trip or fall or anything negative. I started out dancing a small distance away from her, but as the audition progressed, I danced closer to her. We were gathering quite an audience. All activity had stopped in the bounty office, and all eyes were on us. Part of me wondered if I was going to get credits from the audience for this.
Once Lyn was informed that her audition had gone well and she was now a member of the Starlight Entertainers, her entire demeanor changed. She went from desperate to conceited, and thanked me, in her own special way. "I'd give you a big hug, but you're a little beneath me now."
Yeah, thanks. Forcing a smile, I replied, "You're welcome." It's the thought that counts.
"Oh, if you're every traveling and see the Starlight Entertainers performing, stop by and ask for me, and I'll try to get you some free tickets."
Won't that be a kick. "Good luck, Lyn."
She bounded out of the room, following the Twi'lek man. Shaking my head, I picked up my pack and turned to leave, finding that our audience had cleared and everyone was back to business as usual. And then I noticed Carth.
He was leaning against the doorframe, grinning at me. "I just keep learning new things about you."
Great, more teasing. I can do it too. Taking a deep breath to help me keep a straight face, I walked up to him slowly. I pushed myself up onto my toes and pressed as much of my body into his as I could. I turned my head and put my lips right up to his ear and whispered, "You'd be surprised what I can do," making sure I breathed hot air onto his ear. I watched an involuntary shudder work its way up and down the back of his neck, then stepped away and left the room without looking back.
After a few steps, it dawned on me that he wasn't following yet. I glanced back to find him still standing there staring at me. Making sure I didn't smile, I snapped my fingers at him. "Come on, Carth, let's go. We have work to do. Like visiting the Hidden Bek base."
He started walking towards me. "Hidden Bek base?"
I turned away from him and kept walking towards the door. "Yes. I want to discuss something with you."
He caught up with me. "You do? Fair enough. What do you want to discuss?"
"I want to talk about these issues you seem to have with me."
He looked slightly annoyed. "I knew you wouldn't understand where I was coming from. Let me try to explain." He paused, clearly trying to string words together. "You're probably one of the most skilled women I've ever met. You've saved my butt more than once and I'm lucky you're here to help me, no question. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop watching you or being wary. I'm just not built that way."
"And what, exactly, are you watching me for?" I punctuated the question by looping an arm through his, leaning my chin on his shoulder, and knocking a hip into him.
He chuckled as he regained his balance. "I don't know that, yet. Like I said before, it's probably nothing. But I've been betrayed before by people and I... well, it won't happen again, that's all."
I couldn't help myself. "Of course it won't happen again if you never trust anyone."
He was slightly apologetic. "Look... I'm not trying to insult you. This is just the way I am, no need to take it personally."
Resisting my urge to call him a hairless Wookiee, I continued as though he hadn't spoken. "I'm beginning to wonder if you're even capable of trusting anyone."
Ok, now he was annoyed. "Well, you can stop wondering. I'm not."
I couldn't help it. I really couldn't. "You sure you don't want to talk about it?"
He glared at me. "No, I don't want to talk about it."
I smiled. "Just checking." We left the cantina and headed down the hall towards the Hidden Bek base. I disengaged myself from Carth and headed over to the lookout to talk her into letting us in.
And why was there only one lookout anyway? Given how many Black Vulkars we'd already run into, they should either have no lookouts or a whole armada.
"Hey, you can't just walk in here! This is the Hidden Bek base. How do I know you're not a Vulkar spy sent to kill Gadon Thek?"
Yes, let's give your enemies ideas. "I need Gadon's help. I was told to speak to him."
"A lot of people want to go inside and speak to Gadon. He's a hero of the common folk. But the days of the Hidden Bek's open door policy are gone. Between the Sith conquest and the Vulkar gang war Gadon has more enemies than he used to. We're being careful about who we let in now." Because you're somehow capable of keeping people out?
"Maybe I could be an ally against all those enemies."
She really didn't require much persuasion. Some lookout. "Well, we do need all the help we can get. And you don't look like you're with the Vulkars or the Sith." What exactly do Vulkars or Sith look like? "Besides, it's not like you can do anything to harm Gadon in the heart of his own base. Not with Zaerdra watching his back."
Again with the giving enemies ideas stuff. Maybe they should better train their lookouts. I should suggest that to Gadon when I talk to him. I made sure to smile and be polite to the lookout as I walked by her. I didn't want to actually tell her what I thought of her lookout capabilities, as that would probably change her mind.
As we entered the base, I wondered where Gadon was. I didn't have to wonder long, as he was pretty much the only person in the base who wasn't moving around much, not to mention his female Twi'lek shadow. He turned slightly towards us, which allowed me to see his eyes. They were strangely disconcerting, reminding me that he had been blinded, but that he apparently had been fortunate enough to receive ocular implants.
The shadow spoke. "Hold it right there. Who are you and what is your business with Gadon?"
He was a very calm man. "Calm down, Zaerdra. Nobody is going to try anything here in the middle of our own base. It would be a suicide mission." Well, he was also a very overconfident man.
"You're too trusting, Gadon." I had to agree. "Brejik and his Vulkars want you dead. Anyone we don't know is a potential threat, and it's my job to make sure you're safe!" I felt sorry for her; after all, she had to protect an overconfident leader.
"Do you want us to start attacking strangers on sight, Zaerdra, like the Vulkars do? I will never let it come to that. Now step aside and let them pass." How does an idealist become the leader of a gang?
She bowed her head slightly. "As you wish." Turning to us, her voice hardened. "You can speak to Gadon if you want, but I've got my eye on you. You try anything and you'll be vaporized before you can say 'Vulkar spy'." Charming woman, I'm sure.
Gadon smiled at us apologetically. "You'll have to forgive Zaerdra. Ever since Brejik and the Vulkars began this war against us, she's been a little over-zealous in her security duties. The problems with the Sith haven't helped things. Zaerdra seems to forget that I know how to look after myself." Again with the overconfidence. "Now, how can I help you?"
Problems with the Sith? Was he organizing a rebellion of some sort? "You have problems with the Sith?"
That got him excited. "A foreign army invades Taris, declares martial law and locks down all travel to and from the planet? You damn well bet I have a problem with that. If the Sith ever moved in down here all the swoop gangs would unite against them. We'd use hit and run guerrilla tactics to pick them off. Their casualties would be enormous. But so far the Sith have stayed out of the Lower City and our strength is wasted on this stupid gang war. I tried to explain this to Brejik, but he and his Vulkars won't listen." Given what had just been said about the Vulkars, I had a really hard time believing they would unite against anything, even the Sith.
Carth had unnecessary commentary. "Don't fool yourself. The Sith would never commit to that kind of operation. They'd probably do something much more grand and deadly." Yes, Carth, let's tell people who already live in the poor part of the city that they're not worth effort. That should make them want to help us.
I had to change the subject. "I need information on those Republic escape pods that crashed in the Undercity."
Suspicion flickered in his eyes. "The escape pods? You know, I heard the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about them as well... but you don't look like you're with the Sith." What, are we not ugly enough?
Zaerdra had the right idea as she hissed at him. "They might be spies, Gadon. They might be working for the Sith."
He waved a hand at her. "Calm down, Zaerdra. If the Sith thought we knew anything useful they'd have a battalion of troops kicking down our door. No, I think this offworlder has her own agenda." Well, he did have a point.
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I felt the need to pointlessly reassure them. "Don't worry, I'm not working for the Sith." Because I'm not ugly enough or something.
Gadon looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then shrugged. "I suppose I could tell you what I know. It's not like it could do any harm to me or my gang, but it might cause problems for the Vulkars, and that's okay in my book. The Vulkars stripped those pods clean within hours after they landed. It's too bad we didn't get there first, considering what my spies reported the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila survived the crash. We Beks don't believe in intergalactic slavery, but the Vulkars aren't so picky. They took her prisoner."
Carth looked extremely distressed, so I had to talk. "Bastila's a slave? What will happen to her now?"
"Normally the Vulkars would take a captured slave and sell them for a nice profit to Davik or an off-world slaver. But a Republic officer is no ordinary catch." It disturbs me that the word "normally" can be used.
Carth suddenly looked hopeful. "They still think Bastila is just a Republic Officer. That could work to our advantage. Maybe she'll even figure out a way to escape from the Vulkar base on her own."
Gadon was a messenger of doom. "She's too valuable to leave with the Vulkar scum at the base. Brejik's probably got your Republic friend hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You'll never find her."
Ok, too many topics at once. "Swoop race? What does that have to do with it?"
At least Gadon had the grace to look apologetic. "I'm afraid your friend has become a pawn in Brejik's game to take over the Lower City. He's offered her up as the Vulkar's share of the prize in the annual swoop gang race. By putting up such a valuable prize Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of some of the smaller gangs. Their numbers will allow him to finally destroy me and my followers."
I sighed. I knew what was coming next. Carth, however, was not so quick. "So how do you propose we go about rescuing Bastila, then? We can't fight all the gangs."
Gadon confirmed my suspicions. "The only hope you have of rescuing Bastila is to somehow win the big season opener of the swoop race."
This just got better and better. I wondered what was next. "So how do I enter this swoop race?"
"I might be able to help you with this, if you'd be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here and much to lose."
Oh, and here comes the next fun part. "What are you proposing?"
"The swoop race is for the Lower City gangs only. I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks this year. If you win the race, you'll win your friend's freedom. But first you have to do something for me. My mechanics have developed an accelerator for a swoop engine. A bike with the accelerator installed can beat any other swoop out there. But the Vulkars stole the prototype from us. They plan to use it to guarantee a victory in this year's swoop race. I need you to break into their base and steal it back."
So that they can later accuse us of cheating them instead of using it to cheat us. Sounds like a wonderful plan, really. "And how exactly am I supposed to get inside their base?"
"Getting into the Vulkar base won't be easy. The front doors are locked tight. But I know someone who might be able to get you in the back way – Mission Vao."
And the wonder keeps coming. I'm supposed to use a kid to break into a gang base.
Zaerdra must have had the exact same thought. "Mission? Gadon, you can't be serious! She's just a kid. How is she supposed to help them with this?"
Now I see how he became the leader of a gang. "Mission's explored every step of every back alley in the Lower City. Plus she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get inside the Vulkar base, it's her." He turned to me. "She and her Wookiee friend Zaalbar are always looking to stir up a little excitement. They like to go exploring in the Undercity, despite the dangers. Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you'll need some way past the Sith guard post at the elevator."
Knowing this was going to be a horrible thing to tell him, I told him, "I have Sith uniforms."
He smirked. "A simple disguise might have worked on the Upper City guard, but the security down here is much tougher. You'll need the proper papers to get past him. Luckily my gang ambushed one of the Sith patrols headed down to the Undercity. They never made it, and their security papers fell into my hands. Since we're working together now I suppose I could give them to you in exchange for your uniforms. With the security papers you won't need a disguise anyway."
I don't even know what he wanted to do with the uniforms, so I just agreed. The uniforms were horribly uncomfortable after all, and I really didn't want to ever wear it again. As I left, Gadon so nicely suggested that I hurry.
The lookout pointed us toward the entrance to the Undercity, so we headed that direction. As we walked down the hallway, I saw an apartment complex. I had to know, so I dragged Carth into it.
And I was right. It had the exact same layout as every other apartment complex we'd seen so far on this planet. I wondered if it was due to the lack of creativity on the part of the architects of the planet, or if circular layouts were simply indicative of Tarisian architecture.
Looking into a room, I noticed a lockbox on the floor next to a desk. I walked towards it, wondering what was in it. After I deciphered and unlocked the box, Carth looked into the box over my shoulder and made a happy noise. Inside the box was Republic mod armor, which looked rather stiff, as well as Echani fiber armor, which looked rather comfortable. I took the Echani armor before he could even try to claim it.
We left the complex and saw the entrance to the Undercity guarded by yet another bored Sith guard. I wondered if guard duty like this was a punishment. As we approached the guard, I noticed Carth put his hands close to the hilts of his vibroblades, probably in case Gadon's security papers failed.
Fortunately, the guard gave the papers a cursory glance, then waved us through. He wished us luck with the rakghouls, and I could hear the relief in his voice that he didn't have to go with us. That was a great sign for the future. I couldn't help but wonder what fun was awaiting us in the Undercity.