Trouble: A Knights of the Old Republic Fan-fiction
by: Sam Lincoln
"Nar Shadaa," Obi-Wan announced as he piloted the ship into the moon's atmosphere. "You will be hard pressed to find a more vile den of pirates and smugglers. We must be very careful.:
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself," Revan assured Obi-Wan.
"That wasn't what I was worried about. We don't want word getting back to the Sith that a pair of Jedi were nosing around their pet Hutt."
"You're suggesting we go incognito?" Revan asked.
"It would seem to be the best course of action. You don't have a problem with that do you?"
"Of course not, I like to think of myself as a master of disguise," Revan smiled at his joke. "I'm more worried about finding Pardu. I know Hutts are hard to hide, but it's a big city."
"Pardu is a crime lord, they always have a favorite spot where they hold court," Obi-Wan said. "And according to my sources Pardu remains hidden inside his palace. It seems that one of his ancestors met a particularly gruesome end on Sleheyron and Pardu wishes to avoid a similar fate."
Revan wondered if Pardu's ancestor was Bochaba, the Hutt HK-47 briefly worked for. "So we're dealing with a paranoid Hutt. How are we going to get an audience?"
"We need to find a way to set up a meeting, perhaps offer our services as smugglers or bounty hunters?"
Revan shook his head. "If Pardu is as paranoid as you say he is there's no way he'd meet a couple of new recruits. That sort of thing will be handled by an intermediary. No what we need is something valuable..." Revan paused. "Tell me, how much do lightsaber crystals go for these days?"
"They can fetch a hefty sum , especially on the black market. Why do you...oh I see, but you have any spare crystals?"
"I think I can manage," Revan said confidently.
Obi-Wan piloted the ship down to one of the landing pads that dotted Nar Shadaa. From the cockpit they could see an ill-tempered looking Duros flanked by pair of glowering Trandoshians. "Let me handle this," Revan told Obi-Wan. He stood up and strapped on a gun belt that held two lethal-looking blasters. He also slid his lightsaber into a holster in the small of his back underneath his armor.
"Are you sure you won't need any help?" Obi-Wan asked.
Revan looked out the window. "Nah, there's only three of them."
Despite Revan's assurances Obi-Wan followed him out of the ship, pausing only to pick up a modified blaster carbine Revan had brought along. When Revan revealed his small armory to Obi-Wan while they were enroute to Nar Shadaa Obi-Wan had questioned why a Jedi Master would need such crude weapons as blasters and explosives. Now he was glad Revan was over prepared.
Outside the ship Revan walked up to the collection of aliens. "Greetings humans," the Duros said in his native tongue. "I am Ixdril. I represent the Port Authority for Nar Shadaa. State your business."
"We're just a couple of independent businessmen looking for some work," Revan replied coolly in the same language.
If Ixdril was impressed at Revan's linguistic ability he did not show it. "There's not much work to be hand on Nar Shadaa. Why don't you try Alderaan or Dantooine."
"They don't offer the kind of work we specialize in. We'll take our chances here."
The Duros shrugged, the well-being of a couple of humans weren't his concern. "In that case it costs a hundred credits to dock. More if you require any services."
Revan reached into a pocket and pulled out a few credit chips. "Here's a hundred for the docking fee and a bit more to keep our names off of the official register."
"You expect me to take a bribe?" Ixdril asked in indignation. The Trandoshain muscle stirred and Obi-Wan tightened his grip on his carbine in case the situation turned violent.
Revan did not flinch. "I would never bribe an obviously upright public servant like yourself. Think of it as a gratuity for your hard work." Obi-Wan could see Revan send out tendrils of Force to soothe the mind of the Duros. Obi-Wan had enver witnessed such a subtle use of the Force on another being's mind.
Apparently Revan's smooth talk was enough to appease Ixdril's honor. "Thank-you I will make sure the necessary paper work is filed. Enjoy your stay on Nar Shadaa." The Duros bowed and walked away from the platform.
"I didn't know you spoke Duros," Obi-Wan commented.
Revan shrugged. "That and just about every other language human vocal chords can handle. It comes in handy if you're not restricted to Basic."
"I can see that," Obi-Wan now understood why the Council had sent Revan to the Outer Rim. Such linguistic virtuosity would come in handy on the fringes of the galaxy. "I should probably leave this behind, shouldn't I?" Obi-Wan indicated the carbine he was holding.
"That probably would be a good idea," Revan agreed. "We wouldn't want to scare anybody now would we? Come on, there are some Mandalorian blasters in the ship that you should be able to handle."
"On second thought that's alright I'll just go without. I've never been good with blasters anyway," Obi-Wan said when they were back in the ship.
"Look, just wear the things. If for no other reason that for show," Revan told Obi-Wan as he thrust a gun belt at him.
Obi-Wan sighed and took the gun belt. "You're right, I wouldn't much look like a fierce space pirate if I wasn't armed to the teeth."
"I hate to break it to you, but you a pair of blasters won't make you look like a space pirate...maybe if you wore a patch over one eye," Revan offered.
"Let's just find Pardu," Obi-Wan said curtly. He knew Revan was joking but he wanted to make the other master sweat a little while.
"He y come on," Revan said as he followed Obi-Wan out of the ship, "It was just a joke."
"You wouldn't happen to know any nearby bars?" Obi-Wan asked as they stood at the entrance of the space port.
Revan shook his head, "This is my first time here, but I bet I know how to find one." He flagged down a speeder taxi. "When in doubt ask a cabbie."
"Where to humans?" The driver, a Rodian, asked.
"We're looking for a good palce to rustle up some work," Revan told the Rodian. "Do you have any suggestions?"
"What sort of work would a couple of humans like yourselves be interested in?"
"We hear that Pardu the Hutt is in the market for a fast ship," Obi-Wan said.
"Pardu is always in the market for a fast ship," the Rodian replied, "But he's hell on his pilots. Are you sure you want to work for Pardu? My cousin runs a nice, legal shipping business. It doesn't pay as much, but you don't have to worry about being blown out of the sky by Jabba the Hutt or whichever of Pardu's rivals he's at war with this week."
"We're in a bit of a money crunch," Revan explained.
"Who doesn't have money problems these days?" The Rodian commiserated. "Oh well, our funeral. I'll take you to a bar where one of Pardu's lieutenants hangs out. He's a Twi'lek named Baz." The Rodia engaged the taxi's engine and shot into the flow of traffic.
As the speed darted through the crowded Nar Shadaa traffic at breakneck speed Revan stared at the city below them. Nar Shadaa was the sort of place that laws did not apply and it didn't care who knew it. Revan sighed as he caught a glimpse of a club that advertised its Twi'lek dancing girls. Revan was sure they did more than just dance for the customers. Revan half listened to the Rodian talk about the state of Nar Shadaa. According to the Rodian cabbie the Republic was going to hell in a hand basket and from what Revan could see he had to agree.
The taxi set down next to a seedy looking bar. "This is the place," the cabbie said. "You guys sure about this?"
Revan handed the Rodian a handful of credits, "We're positive, thanks for the ride." The cabbie took the credits without comment and sped away from the bar.
"I've never liked Nar Shadaa," Obi-Wan commented as a chemical smelling rain began to fall. "I came here once when I was a Padawan. My master and I were tracking down a slaver. It's the smell that's the worst."
Revan had to agree about that, the odor that permeated the air reminded him of the Lower City on Taris, only a great deal worse. "It's got all the urban decay of Coruscant with none of the charm, what's not to love?" Revan quipped as he surveyed the urban canyon they stood in. It was the perfect spot for an ambush Revan felt as he took note of all the possible sniper locations. "Come on, let's get out of this rain. I think it's starting to eat through my armor."
"I do believe you're right," Obi-Wan commented.
As soon as they entered the bar Revan's senses were assaulted by the sights and sounds inside. It brought back memories of similar meetings on a hundred different worlds. Revan fought hard to suppress those memories since they belonged to Dannel Keld, the fictional smuggler the Jedi Council had imprinted on him.
The bar itself was low-lit and filled with smoke from a variety of sources. A band blared from one end of the room. The only talent the band possessed was the extremely high volume they played at; which conveniently blocked most listening devices. The rest of the available wall space was taken up by dimply lit booths where a wide range of species were holding quiet conversations.
Revan walked up to the bar and motioned for the bartender to serve him. "What can I get you?" The bartender, an Ithorian, asked.
"Corellian Brandy, on the rocks, make it a double," Revan told the Ithorian. "I could also use some information."
"Information costs, just like the drinks," the Ithorian informed Revan.
Revan withdrew a credit chip and slid it across the bar. "Will this cover both?"
The bartender pocketed the credit, "For now. What do you want to know?"
"My associate and I are looking for a Twi'lek named Baz. We heard he can be found here."
"Why are you looking for him?"
"We have a business proposition for him."
The Ithorian glanced over at a corner of the bar. Obi-Wan followed the Ithorian's gaze and saw an Aqualish standing in front of a door. The Ithroian nodded and the Aqualish disappeared behind the door. "I haven't seen Baz around," the Ithroian said, "But maybe you'll get lucky." The Ithroian walked off to serve another customer.
"He's lying," Obi-Wan noted.
"Of course he's lying," Revan replied. "It's all part of the routine. Right now they're checking us out to make sure we aren't bounty hunters or assassions. Just order yourself a drink and relax." Revan sipped on his drink.
Revan on his second brandy when a Twi'lek flanked by two Gamorreans walked up the Jedi. "You wanted to see me?" Twi'lek asked.
Revan set down his drink. "You Baz?" The Twi'lek nodded. "I've got a business offer for your boss and I was told you have the ear of the throne."
"You flatter me human, but what is your name?"
"Dannel Keld, and this is my associate...Goran Kenobi. As for our business that's between us and your boss."
Bax laughed. "Surely you must know that Pardu's business is also my business."
Obi-Wan watched the verbal back and forth and marveled at Revan's ability to play a role. If he hand't known better he never would have guessed the man sitting next to him was a jedi. All traces of Aarn Delwynn were gone and in their place was this rough spacer. It was a very unconventional use of the Force, but a highly effective one.
Revan looked around the bar, "Can we discuss this somewhere a little more private? There are too many prying eyes here."
"Certainly, we can talk in my office." Baz motioned for Obi-Wan and Revan to follow him.
They followed Baz into a psarse back office. Obi-Wan noticed that the Gamorrians stood guard over the office door, preventing them from leaving. "Now then, what is this business?"
Revan reached into his belt pouch and removed one of his lightsaber crystals. "You know what this is right? Would your boss be interested in it?"
Baz could barely contain his excitement. "Yes! Er, I mean he might be interested. Let me check." The Twi'lek walked out of the office, pausing only to mutter instructiosn to the Gamorreans.
"I do believe he is going to try and double cross us," Obi-Wan muttered to Revan.
"I think you're right, too bad for those Gamorreans."
When the door closed behind Baz the two Gamorreans advanced on the Jedi. "The boss says you're going to give us the sparkly." One of the Gamorreans grunted.
"It's quite sad really," Obi-Wan said conversationally. "You think you're entering into an honest business agreement and then the other side tries to backstab you."
"The whole galaxy is going to pot," Revan agreed.
"Give us the sparkly," the other Gamorrean declared. "Or else!"
"At the risk of sounding like a cliche, or else what?" Obi-Wan asked.
The Gamorreans had not expected the two humans to refuse them and now were unsure what to do next. They quickly settled on doing what they were good at, beating people up. The fight ended quickly. Even though the Gamorreans had the superior strength they lacked the training and Force abilities of the Jedi.
Baz reentered the room and found his two Gamorreans lying on the floor unconscious. "Did you think you could just take our property from us?" Revan asked Baz. "Take us to Pardu now, or else we go to one of his competitors and send a message to Pardu telling him what he missed out on, and why."
To his credit the Twi'lek did not bat an eyelash. "There's a speeder out back."
Pardu's estate turned out to be just another unremarkable skyscraper in the Nar Shadaa skyline. There was nothing about the building to suggest what sort of business was conducted inside. The only thing that hinted at being out of the ordinary were the blaster canons discretely hidden throughout the building's exterior.
The speeder landed on the roof and they were met by another group of Pardu's toughs. Baz got out of the speeder first and spoke quietly to the leader of the goons. "Right this way," he told Obi-Wan and Revan.
The interior of the estate was as opulent as the exterior was plain. Pardu clearly spared no expense in furnishing his residence. Obi-Wan noticed that Paru's extravagance also extended to his security systems. Blaster turrets were nestled beside priceless tapestry and each room sported heavy blast doors that looked like they could repel an army.
Baz led the two Jedi into an enormous throne room that was dominated by a window that filled an entire wall of the room. Pardu rested on an ornate throne that groaned under the weight of his immense bulk.
"Who have you brought me Baz?" The Hutt boomed.
"Humans your eminence, with a business proposal," Baz said.
"Let's hear it human," Pardu ordered Revan.
"Not while you have all these people around," Revan said.
"Do I look stupid human?" Pardu asked.
"You look smart enough to know what I have, and to know that I set the conditions of the negotiations. Besides, what do you have to worry about? You've got more remote blasters in this room than a battle station."
Pardu laughed. "I like you human, you have guts. Very well." Pardu waved his henchmen out of the room. "Now then, what is it you want from me?" The Hutt asked after the last of his men filed out of the throne room.
"You transported cargo to Korriban. We want to know who your client was."
"My clients value their privacy," Pardu replied.
"We're prepared to offer you this," Revan said as he held out a crystal. "It's pure Nextor crystal, and I have more where this came from. Do we have a deal?"
Pardu laughed. "You're not one for bargaining are you human? There isn't much to say about the Korriban runs. A Correlean named Alton Behl offered me a substantial sum of money to fly supplies to Korriban. My pilots just drop off the cargo and leave. They never see anyone. So long as the money keeps coming I don't care."
Before Revan could say anything the bay window behind them exploded. Obi-Wan and Revan dove for cover as three armor clad figures stormed through the empty window firing heavy blasters.
Obi-Wan crawled behind a pillar to give himself a chance to regroup. He looked around and saw that Revan was pinned down in the middle of the room with no cover. Obi-Wan drew one of his blasters and took careful aim at one of the attackers. His shot hit the middle assassin squarely in the head. The gunman emitted a short scream before falling to the ground. The other tow attackers turned and opened fire on Obi-Wan, their shots splashing harmlessly against the stone pillar.
That was all Revan needed for an opening. He drew his blaster pistols and quickly cut down the other two assassins.
"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked Revan.
"I'm fine, but I can't say the same for Pardu," Revan replied. The Hutt had taken the brunt of the attack and his body was a ruined mass of blaster hits.
Obi-Wan searched the bodies of the assassins looking for clues to their identities. "They're Mandalorians judging from their armor, and this is why the security system hasn't engaged." Obi-Wan held up a small electronic device. "A jammer."
"We need to get out of here before Pardu's henchmen show up," Revan said. "They probably won't be happy about their boss's untimely demise."
They found an open-air speeder hovering next to the blown out window. Revan hopped onto the speeder and raced the engine. Obi-Wan jumped on board and they flew away from the estate just and Pardu's henchmen burst into the throne room.
Later that day when they were safely en route to Correllia Obi-Wan called the Council to report on their progress. "...regretfully we were only able to get the name of Pardu's contact before he was assassinated."
"Were you able to determine who was behind Pardu's assassination?" Windu asked.
"Unfortunately no, there was no time to investigate."
"A rival gang it probably was," Yoda decided. "Done well you have Master Kenobi. Success I am sure you will have."
"Thank-you for keeping us appraised of your movements," Windu said. "Is there anything else?"
"Actually yes there is," Obi-Wan said after a moment's hesitation. "It's about Master Delwynn."
"What about him?" Windu asked.
"I'm not sure entirely, there's just something about Aarn that seems off to me. There's more scoundrel than Jedi about him."
"Master Delwynn has spent most of his life in the Outer Rim," Windu explained. "You have to have a wide range of skills in order to survive there."
"Vital knowledge Aarn Delwynn has," Yoda added. "Listen and learn from him you should."
"Obi-Wan, Master Yoda and I hand picked Aarn Delwynn to accompany you on this mission. We would not have done so if we did not trust him completely."
Obi-Wan sighed, "You are right Master Windu, it's just that I've never seen a Jedi look more at east in the ciminal underbelly."
"It's an ability to blend in with his surroundings," Windu explained. "And it's something more Jedi should be adept at."
Obi-Wan nodded, "A fair point. I will report in again when I have more information."
"May the Force be with you," Yoda intoned before ending the communication.
On Coruscant Yoda and Windu watched the miniature image of Obi-Wan flicker out. "He suspects," Windu noted.
"Of course he suspects," Yoda huffed. "Trained him well we did."
"And if he finds out the truth?"
"About Revan? Worried not I am about that," Yoda declared. "The other truth troubles me. Clouded the Force is."
"But surely the arrival of Bastila and Revan alters things," Windu argued.
"Changed have your meditations?" Yoda asked sharply. "Sudden clarity have you gained?"
Windu shook his head, "No I wish I could say otherwise."
"Then continue on we must. If Bastila or Revan learn the truth, deal with it we will. Gathering the storm is my friend. Do what we can for the Republic we must."
"I only hope it is enough," Windu mused.
-------------------------
Author's Notes: And so it continues. Chapter Eight is getting off the ground. Also, if it wasn't apparent contextually this story redates AotC. Again, Two weeks till the next installment.
by: Sam Lincoln
Rating: PG
Summary: Will Trouble ever let a pair of Jedi Knights be?
Spoilers: If you haven't finished the game you'll be damn lost.
Trouble: Chapter Seven"Nar Shadaa," Obi-Wan announced as he piloted the ship into the moon's atmosphere. "You will be hard pressed to find a more vile den of pirates and smugglers. We must be very careful.:
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself," Revan assured Obi-Wan.
"That wasn't what I was worried about. We don't want word getting back to the Sith that a pair of Jedi were nosing around their pet Hutt."
"You're suggesting we go incognito?" Revan asked.
"It would seem to be the best course of action. You don't have a problem with that do you?"
"Of course not, I like to think of myself as a master of disguise," Revan smiled at his joke. "I'm more worried about finding Pardu. I know Hutts are hard to hide, but it's a big city."
"Pardu is a crime lord, they always have a favorite spot where they hold court," Obi-Wan said. "And according to my sources Pardu remains hidden inside his palace. It seems that one of his ancestors met a particularly gruesome end on Sleheyron and Pardu wishes to avoid a similar fate."
Revan wondered if Pardu's ancestor was Bochaba, the Hutt HK-47 briefly worked for. "So we're dealing with a paranoid Hutt. How are we going to get an audience?"
"We need to find a way to set up a meeting, perhaps offer our services as smugglers or bounty hunters?"
Revan shook his head. "If Pardu is as paranoid as you say he is there's no way he'd meet a couple of new recruits. That sort of thing will be handled by an intermediary. No what we need is something valuable..." Revan paused. "Tell me, how much do lightsaber crystals go for these days?"
"They can fetch a hefty sum , especially on the black market. Why do you...oh I see, but you have any spare crystals?"
"I think I can manage," Revan said confidently.
Obi-Wan piloted the ship down to one of the landing pads that dotted Nar Shadaa. From the cockpit they could see an ill-tempered looking Duros flanked by pair of glowering Trandoshians. "Let me handle this," Revan told Obi-Wan. He stood up and strapped on a gun belt that held two lethal-looking blasters. He also slid his lightsaber into a holster in the small of his back underneath his armor.
"Are you sure you won't need any help?" Obi-Wan asked.
Revan looked out the window. "Nah, there's only three of them."
Despite Revan's assurances Obi-Wan followed him out of the ship, pausing only to pick up a modified blaster carbine Revan had brought along. When Revan revealed his small armory to Obi-Wan while they were enroute to Nar Shadaa Obi-Wan had questioned why a Jedi Master would need such crude weapons as blasters and explosives. Now he was glad Revan was over prepared.
Outside the ship Revan walked up to the collection of aliens. "Greetings humans," the Duros said in his native tongue. "I am Ixdril. I represent the Port Authority for Nar Shadaa. State your business."
"We're just a couple of independent businessmen looking for some work," Revan replied coolly in the same language.
If Ixdril was impressed at Revan's linguistic ability he did not show it. "There's not much work to be hand on Nar Shadaa. Why don't you try Alderaan or Dantooine."
"They don't offer the kind of work we specialize in. We'll take our chances here."
The Duros shrugged, the well-being of a couple of humans weren't his concern. "In that case it costs a hundred credits to dock. More if you require any services."
Revan reached into a pocket and pulled out a few credit chips. "Here's a hundred for the docking fee and a bit more to keep our names off of the official register."
"You expect me to take a bribe?" Ixdril asked in indignation. The Trandoshain muscle stirred and Obi-Wan tightened his grip on his carbine in case the situation turned violent.
Revan did not flinch. "I would never bribe an obviously upright public servant like yourself. Think of it as a gratuity for your hard work." Obi-Wan could see Revan send out tendrils of Force to soothe the mind of the Duros. Obi-Wan had enver witnessed such a subtle use of the Force on another being's mind.
Apparently Revan's smooth talk was enough to appease Ixdril's honor. "Thank-you I will make sure the necessary paper work is filed. Enjoy your stay on Nar Shadaa." The Duros bowed and walked away from the platform.
"I didn't know you spoke Duros," Obi-Wan commented.
Revan shrugged. "That and just about every other language human vocal chords can handle. It comes in handy if you're not restricted to Basic."
"I can see that," Obi-Wan now understood why the Council had sent Revan to the Outer Rim. Such linguistic virtuosity would come in handy on the fringes of the galaxy. "I should probably leave this behind, shouldn't I?" Obi-Wan indicated the carbine he was holding.
"That probably would be a good idea," Revan agreed. "We wouldn't want to scare anybody now would we? Come on, there are some Mandalorian blasters in the ship that you should be able to handle."
"On second thought that's alright I'll just go without. I've never been good with blasters anyway," Obi-Wan said when they were back in the ship.
"Look, just wear the things. If for no other reason that for show," Revan told Obi-Wan as he thrust a gun belt at him.
Obi-Wan sighed and took the gun belt. "You're right, I wouldn't much look like a fierce space pirate if I wasn't armed to the teeth."
"I hate to break it to you, but you a pair of blasters won't make you look like a space pirate...maybe if you wore a patch over one eye," Revan offered.
"Let's just find Pardu," Obi-Wan said curtly. He knew Revan was joking but he wanted to make the other master sweat a little while.
"He y come on," Revan said as he followed Obi-Wan out of the ship, "It was just a joke."
"You wouldn't happen to know any nearby bars?" Obi-Wan asked as they stood at the entrance of the space port.
Revan shook his head, "This is my first time here, but I bet I know how to find one." He flagged down a speeder taxi. "When in doubt ask a cabbie."
"Where to humans?" The driver, a Rodian, asked.
"We're looking for a good palce to rustle up some work," Revan told the Rodian. "Do you have any suggestions?"
"What sort of work would a couple of humans like yourselves be interested in?"
"We hear that Pardu the Hutt is in the market for a fast ship," Obi-Wan said.
"Pardu is always in the market for a fast ship," the Rodian replied, "But he's hell on his pilots. Are you sure you want to work for Pardu? My cousin runs a nice, legal shipping business. It doesn't pay as much, but you don't have to worry about being blown out of the sky by Jabba the Hutt or whichever of Pardu's rivals he's at war with this week."
"We're in a bit of a money crunch," Revan explained.
"Who doesn't have money problems these days?" The Rodian commiserated. "Oh well, our funeral. I'll take you to a bar where one of Pardu's lieutenants hangs out. He's a Twi'lek named Baz." The Rodia engaged the taxi's engine and shot into the flow of traffic.
As the speed darted through the crowded Nar Shadaa traffic at breakneck speed Revan stared at the city below them. Nar Shadaa was the sort of place that laws did not apply and it didn't care who knew it. Revan sighed as he caught a glimpse of a club that advertised its Twi'lek dancing girls. Revan was sure they did more than just dance for the customers. Revan half listened to the Rodian talk about the state of Nar Shadaa. According to the Rodian cabbie the Republic was going to hell in a hand basket and from what Revan could see he had to agree.
The taxi set down next to a seedy looking bar. "This is the place," the cabbie said. "You guys sure about this?"
Revan handed the Rodian a handful of credits, "We're positive, thanks for the ride." The cabbie took the credits without comment and sped away from the bar.
"I've never liked Nar Shadaa," Obi-Wan commented as a chemical smelling rain began to fall. "I came here once when I was a Padawan. My master and I were tracking down a slaver. It's the smell that's the worst."
Revan had to agree about that, the odor that permeated the air reminded him of the Lower City on Taris, only a great deal worse. "It's got all the urban decay of Coruscant with none of the charm, what's not to love?" Revan quipped as he surveyed the urban canyon they stood in. It was the perfect spot for an ambush Revan felt as he took note of all the possible sniper locations. "Come on, let's get out of this rain. I think it's starting to eat through my armor."
"I do believe you're right," Obi-Wan commented.
As soon as they entered the bar Revan's senses were assaulted by the sights and sounds inside. It brought back memories of similar meetings on a hundred different worlds. Revan fought hard to suppress those memories since they belonged to Dannel Keld, the fictional smuggler the Jedi Council had imprinted on him.
The bar itself was low-lit and filled with smoke from a variety of sources. A band blared from one end of the room. The only talent the band possessed was the extremely high volume they played at; which conveniently blocked most listening devices. The rest of the available wall space was taken up by dimply lit booths where a wide range of species were holding quiet conversations.
Revan walked up to the bar and motioned for the bartender to serve him. "What can I get you?" The bartender, an Ithorian, asked.
"Corellian Brandy, on the rocks, make it a double," Revan told the Ithorian. "I could also use some information."
"Information costs, just like the drinks," the Ithorian informed Revan.
Revan withdrew a credit chip and slid it across the bar. "Will this cover both?"
The bartender pocketed the credit, "For now. What do you want to know?"
"My associate and I are looking for a Twi'lek named Baz. We heard he can be found here."
"Why are you looking for him?"
"We have a business proposition for him."
The Ithorian glanced over at a corner of the bar. Obi-Wan followed the Ithorian's gaze and saw an Aqualish standing in front of a door. The Ithroian nodded and the Aqualish disappeared behind the door. "I haven't seen Baz around," the Ithroian said, "But maybe you'll get lucky." The Ithroian walked off to serve another customer.
"He's lying," Obi-Wan noted.
"Of course he's lying," Revan replied. "It's all part of the routine. Right now they're checking us out to make sure we aren't bounty hunters or assassions. Just order yourself a drink and relax." Revan sipped on his drink.
Revan on his second brandy when a Twi'lek flanked by two Gamorreans walked up the Jedi. "You wanted to see me?" Twi'lek asked.
Revan set down his drink. "You Baz?" The Twi'lek nodded. "I've got a business offer for your boss and I was told you have the ear of the throne."
"You flatter me human, but what is your name?"
"Dannel Keld, and this is my associate...Goran Kenobi. As for our business that's between us and your boss."
Bax laughed. "Surely you must know that Pardu's business is also my business."
Obi-Wan watched the verbal back and forth and marveled at Revan's ability to play a role. If he hand't known better he never would have guessed the man sitting next to him was a jedi. All traces of Aarn Delwynn were gone and in their place was this rough spacer. It was a very unconventional use of the Force, but a highly effective one.
Revan looked around the bar, "Can we discuss this somewhere a little more private? There are too many prying eyes here."
"Certainly, we can talk in my office." Baz motioned for Obi-Wan and Revan to follow him.
They followed Baz into a psarse back office. Obi-Wan noticed that the Gamorrians stood guard over the office door, preventing them from leaving. "Now then, what is this business?"
Revan reached into his belt pouch and removed one of his lightsaber crystals. "You know what this is right? Would your boss be interested in it?"
Baz could barely contain his excitement. "Yes! Er, I mean he might be interested. Let me check." The Twi'lek walked out of the office, pausing only to mutter instructiosn to the Gamorreans.
"I do believe he is going to try and double cross us," Obi-Wan muttered to Revan.
"I think you're right, too bad for those Gamorreans."
When the door closed behind Baz the two Gamorreans advanced on the Jedi. "The boss says you're going to give us the sparkly." One of the Gamorreans grunted.
"It's quite sad really," Obi-Wan said conversationally. "You think you're entering into an honest business agreement and then the other side tries to backstab you."
"The whole galaxy is going to pot," Revan agreed.
"Give us the sparkly," the other Gamorrean declared. "Or else!"
"At the risk of sounding like a cliche, or else what?" Obi-Wan asked.
The Gamorreans had not expected the two humans to refuse them and now were unsure what to do next. They quickly settled on doing what they were good at, beating people up. The fight ended quickly. Even though the Gamorreans had the superior strength they lacked the training and Force abilities of the Jedi.
Baz reentered the room and found his two Gamorreans lying on the floor unconscious. "Did you think you could just take our property from us?" Revan asked Baz. "Take us to Pardu now, or else we go to one of his competitors and send a message to Pardu telling him what he missed out on, and why."
To his credit the Twi'lek did not bat an eyelash. "There's a speeder out back."
Pardu's estate turned out to be just another unremarkable skyscraper in the Nar Shadaa skyline. There was nothing about the building to suggest what sort of business was conducted inside. The only thing that hinted at being out of the ordinary were the blaster canons discretely hidden throughout the building's exterior.
The speeder landed on the roof and they were met by another group of Pardu's toughs. Baz got out of the speeder first and spoke quietly to the leader of the goons. "Right this way," he told Obi-Wan and Revan.
The interior of the estate was as opulent as the exterior was plain. Pardu clearly spared no expense in furnishing his residence. Obi-Wan noticed that Paru's extravagance also extended to his security systems. Blaster turrets were nestled beside priceless tapestry and each room sported heavy blast doors that looked like they could repel an army.
Baz led the two Jedi into an enormous throne room that was dominated by a window that filled an entire wall of the room. Pardu rested on an ornate throne that groaned under the weight of his immense bulk.
"Who have you brought me Baz?" The Hutt boomed.
"Humans your eminence, with a business proposal," Baz said.
"Let's hear it human," Pardu ordered Revan.
"Not while you have all these people around," Revan said.
"Do I look stupid human?" Pardu asked.
"You look smart enough to know what I have, and to know that I set the conditions of the negotiations. Besides, what do you have to worry about? You've got more remote blasters in this room than a battle station."
Pardu laughed. "I like you human, you have guts. Very well." Pardu waved his henchmen out of the room. "Now then, what is it you want from me?" The Hutt asked after the last of his men filed out of the throne room.
"You transported cargo to Korriban. We want to know who your client was."
"My clients value their privacy," Pardu replied.
"We're prepared to offer you this," Revan said as he held out a crystal. "It's pure Nextor crystal, and I have more where this came from. Do we have a deal?"
Pardu laughed. "You're not one for bargaining are you human? There isn't much to say about the Korriban runs. A Correlean named Alton Behl offered me a substantial sum of money to fly supplies to Korriban. My pilots just drop off the cargo and leave. They never see anyone. So long as the money keeps coming I don't care."
Before Revan could say anything the bay window behind them exploded. Obi-Wan and Revan dove for cover as three armor clad figures stormed through the empty window firing heavy blasters.
Obi-Wan crawled behind a pillar to give himself a chance to regroup. He looked around and saw that Revan was pinned down in the middle of the room with no cover. Obi-Wan drew one of his blasters and took careful aim at one of the attackers. His shot hit the middle assassin squarely in the head. The gunman emitted a short scream before falling to the ground. The other tow attackers turned and opened fire on Obi-Wan, their shots splashing harmlessly against the stone pillar.
That was all Revan needed for an opening. He drew his blaster pistols and quickly cut down the other two assassins.
"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked Revan.
"I'm fine, but I can't say the same for Pardu," Revan replied. The Hutt had taken the brunt of the attack and his body was a ruined mass of blaster hits.
Obi-Wan searched the bodies of the assassins looking for clues to their identities. "They're Mandalorians judging from their armor, and this is why the security system hasn't engaged." Obi-Wan held up a small electronic device. "A jammer."
"We need to get out of here before Pardu's henchmen show up," Revan said. "They probably won't be happy about their boss's untimely demise."
They found an open-air speeder hovering next to the blown out window. Revan hopped onto the speeder and raced the engine. Obi-Wan jumped on board and they flew away from the estate just and Pardu's henchmen burst into the throne room.
Later that day when they were safely en route to Correllia Obi-Wan called the Council to report on their progress. "...regretfully we were only able to get the name of Pardu's contact before he was assassinated."
"Were you able to determine who was behind Pardu's assassination?" Windu asked.
"Unfortunately no, there was no time to investigate."
"A rival gang it probably was," Yoda decided. "Done well you have Master Kenobi. Success I am sure you will have."
"Thank-you for keeping us appraised of your movements," Windu said. "Is there anything else?"
"Actually yes there is," Obi-Wan said after a moment's hesitation. "It's about Master Delwynn."
"What about him?" Windu asked.
"I'm not sure entirely, there's just something about Aarn that seems off to me. There's more scoundrel than Jedi about him."
"Master Delwynn has spent most of his life in the Outer Rim," Windu explained. "You have to have a wide range of skills in order to survive there."
"Vital knowledge Aarn Delwynn has," Yoda added. "Listen and learn from him you should."
"Obi-Wan, Master Yoda and I hand picked Aarn Delwynn to accompany you on this mission. We would not have done so if we did not trust him completely."
Obi-Wan sighed, "You are right Master Windu, it's just that I've never seen a Jedi look more at east in the ciminal underbelly."
"It's an ability to blend in with his surroundings," Windu explained. "And it's something more Jedi should be adept at."
Obi-Wan nodded, "A fair point. I will report in again when I have more information."
"May the Force be with you," Yoda intoned before ending the communication.
On Coruscant Yoda and Windu watched the miniature image of Obi-Wan flicker out. "He suspects," Windu noted.
"Of course he suspects," Yoda huffed. "Trained him well we did."
"And if he finds out the truth?"
"About Revan? Worried not I am about that," Yoda declared. "The other truth troubles me. Clouded the Force is."
"But surely the arrival of Bastila and Revan alters things," Windu argued.
"Changed have your meditations?" Yoda asked sharply. "Sudden clarity have you gained?"
Windu shook his head, "No I wish I could say otherwise."
"Then continue on we must. If Bastila or Revan learn the truth, deal with it we will. Gathering the storm is my friend. Do what we can for the Republic we must."
"I only hope it is enough," Windu mused.
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Author's Notes: And so it continues. Chapter Eight is getting off the ground. Also, if it wasn't apparent contextually this story redates AotC. Again, Two weeks till the next installment.