AN: I'm glad that a few people like it so far. I'm sorry this last chapter took so long, I was trying to figure out how I wanted it to work; mostly the dialog. I'll try to get new chapters in faster from now on.
Reviews would be nice.
Chapter 3: Welcome to Paradise Part II
The elevator stopped and the door opened to let Carth, Ian and Mya out into sorry sight that was Taris' Lower City. It appeared similar to the Upper City, though lacking the cleanliness and the view of the sky. Down here it became more apparent that this was, indeed, a planet that was slowly decaying. The pathway from the elevator headed either right or left, but revealed the same scene; a labyrinth of halls lit by flickering lights, covered with litter and walls decorated with graffiti marking the territory if the many gangs that reside here.
Taking the left passage and staying on the main route, the trio stumbled upon a group of gang members facing off. In total there were about a dozen of them; one side was composed mostly of Trandoshans, violent beings whom enjoy killing others. The other group was an assortment of Humans and Rodians,
"This is Vulker territory; trespassers must pay toll, but Beks pay with blood." barked one of the Trandoshans
"Not today you Vulker scum." said a Human
"You don't get it do you, we own Lower City, you just don't know it."
With that, battle erupted. Vibroswords clashed and Blaster bolts flew by in all directions. Reinforcements for both the Beks and Vulkers came out of the maze of pathways. The number of combatants doubling; this battle was quickly going to turn into a blood bath.
Not wanting to get involved; Ian, Carth and Mya turned around to take the other path. As they started back the way they came a Vulker caught the glint coming off the Sith uniforms the trio still wore.
"SITH!" A Trandoshan shouted, getting the attention of all the gang members.
As much as the Beks and Vulkers hate each other, they hate the Sith even more. For the time being they worked together to kill the invaders of their planet, not knowing the three were not really Sith.
"Damn, RUN!" Carth barked, pulling Mya and Ian down one of the side paths
The trio ran straight for a while before taking a left and a quick right after that. They hoped to throw off the gangs chasing them by taking sudden turns. Looking behind him, Ian noticed that their actions were not working; only succeeding in getting them lost. At points the group would turn to fire a few shots at their pursuers. What they didn't count on is that the gang members know their way around Lower City and could find back ways to surround the three.
Taking another right turn, Carth, Mya and Ian were about to keep running, but were stopped by five gang members coming out of a passage to the left. Carth was quick with the reflexes, getting a couple shots off downing one of the hostiles. By then the other four were in attack mode, two with blasters and two with vibroswords.
Mya and Ian met the two brandishing swords with their own, while Carth handled the long range fighting. Fortunately the Sith armor could take a little beating, since Carth couldn't dodge every shot coming his way; a couple managed to graze his left arm and another hit his right leg. Carth was a much better shot and hit one of the thugs right between the eyes; the other one shifted his position so Mya and here opponent were in Carth's way. Risking a quick look back, Carth saw some of the thugs they were running from finally catch up.
"Hurry up over there, we got more company" Carth shouted, gritting his teeth and pumping shots into the arriving group.
"You got it" Ian called back, parrying a wild thrust by his opponent, to the left. This left the gang member's torso completely vulnerable, and Ian thrust his own blade into the middle of the thug's chest. After killing him, Ian charged the last guy with a blaster.
Mya was a little thrown off by the weight of the vibrosword; she was used to the weightlessness of a lightsaber. So the first few swings were to get used to the different weapon, giving her adversary a slight advantage. After getting accustomed to the blade, Mya pressed the issue. Their weapons clashed a few times before they came together and pushed against each other high, each trying to use their strength to push the other back. Not getting the advantage he wants, the thug pulls his sword back and swings it low at Mya from the opposite side of their little struggle. Countering, Mya brought her own blade down cutting off the thug's dominate hand creating a bloody mess.
As Ian reached the gang member with the blaster he got of one shot at Mya before he was decapitated. Sensing the blaster bolt through the Force, Mya dropped down on one knee letting the shot go over her head. While kneeling, she thrust her sword up into the gut of the maimed thug, thus finishing off the ambush.
'We're through here, lets go" called Mya
They took the path to the left where the small ambush came from. Stealing glances down a couple side paths the trio could see more gang members coming after them.
"Damn it, how many of them are there?" said Carth
"Too many," said Ian, "By the way, any idea where we are? It's a maze down here."
"Nope, sorry, I've been to busy running and fighting to be able to map the place out.' Said Carth dryly
"Well you're a big help …. Wait look" Ian said, pointing down a path to the right
Stopping, Mya and Carth saw what Ian was talking about, a door that led to an apartment building. Inside there were a few Black Vulkers patrolling the area; who were easily dealt with. The room they entered had a couple Vulkers in it, and they too were killed quickly. Once inside Carth shut the door and locked it. The three removed their Sith uniforms and stuffed them into their large packs. A few moments later they heard banging on the door.
"So, how do we get out of here?" Ian questioned
"No idea." Said Carth, "They really hate the Sith, don't they?"
"Well, how would you feel if the Sith invaded or attacked your home planet, Carth? Said Mya
Carth visibly stiffened at this statement and went to look for a means of escape a moment later.
Sith; how stupid can I be? He already told me the Sith attacked his home and I go say something like that.
Looking around Ian noticed a window in the far wall of the apartment. "Wow, great view," Ian said sarcastically, "Who would put a window in here?
"Don't know, don't care. But, this is how we get out." Carth stated, taking his blaster and shooting the window out. "Alright, let's go."
Climbing out of the window into a new pathway, the group attempted to get their bearings. A little ways down the hall was another door, which the three immediately went to. It was a cantina, and deciding they needed something to drink after their excitement from earlier, they went in.
Obviously the designers on Taris lacked creativity; the apartments had the same circular design and the cantinas have the same cross shape. The few differences between the cantina here in Lower City and the one in Upper City, this one was dirtier and had more alien patrons.
The first room is filled with the Pazzak players and their groupies; having no interest in this, the group continued into the main room. Once they reached the entrance to that room a scene unfolded in front of them. Three aliens approached a diminutive man, who was wearing a blue coat covering armor, a white cap that went down over his ears, and a pair of goggles; he looked ridiculous. The aliens taunted the man for about a minute before he lost his temper. He threw a flash grenade to the floor and shot the aliens after the grenade went off, blinding all but him. When the flash faded the three aliens lie dead on the floor and the man was making his way out of the cantina. Carth and Ian gave the man a quick glance, impressed with his skill; Mya just ignored him, disgusted at how he just killed the aliens for no reason.
Stepping over the bodies, Ian, Carth and Mya went over to the bar for a drink and some information. The bartender didn't know much of anything, and the sentients in the cantina looked like they would be of little help. So they sat there sipping their drinks and trying to figure out what to do next.
"So, a glass of water Mya?" Carth teased, "You sure you don't want anything stronger?"
"No, water is fine"
"I bet a nice glass of Corellian Brandy could help you relax after that little fight out there"
"What's your point Carth?" Mya asked, exasperated, "Shouldn't we be looking for more information instead of relaxing?" Time was very important, and Mya knew this. They needed to get off Taris as soon as possible; and just sitting around wasn't helping. Plus, Mya preferred to be doing something then relaxing.
"Hey, even the best of soldiers need a little rest, and I'm far from the best" Carth countered.
"Suit yourself flyboy" she answered, tired of this, "So, Ian, any ideas?"
"Yeah, I think I saw a Hutt in the room across the way. I'm gonna go ask him a few questions"
"I'll come with you"
"Nah, that's ok. I can handle it." Ian said, flashing Mya a grin
With that Ian left to speak with that Hutt, leaving Mya and Carth alone. Neither of them said anything until Mya decided to apologies for what she said earlier.
"Hey, Carth. I'm sorry for saying that about your home, it was wrong of me."
"It's ok; it was four years ago, it's mostly behind me."
"Don't lie to me Carth, I tell that it's still bothering you. Want to talk about it?" He is in a lot of pain; I hope I can help him. But he seems determined to keep it bottled up.
"No, not really. I'd rather get back to our mission" said Carth, trying to avoid the questions
"Well, we have some time while Ian talks to the Hutt, so a few questions can't hurt can they?" said Mya with a grin
"Do I get to return the favor?" asked Carth, wanting to know a bit more about the Jedi
"Sure. So, you ready?"
"I'm all ears beautiful"
"Is that really appropriate?" said Mya, raising a brow a little confused by Carth's behavior. Beautiful? What's that supposed to mean?
"Is there something wrong with that?" Carth asked, amused by Mya's reaction
"I'm a Jedi, I can't engage in relationships"
"Hey, I'm just teasing you" said Carth, chuckling, "If it makes you feel better you can call me something."
"Teasing me?" So he doesn't think I'm beautiful, its all a joke. Why does that even matter, I'm a Jedi. "This is ridiculous"
"Come on, give me your best shot" Carth goaded, "Are you afraid of hurting my feelings?"
Force this man is irritating. "You … pestering Mynock" Mya hissed
Carth just laughed. "That's it … you can do better than that" he said, smiling at her tauntingly.
Mya was practically seething by this point. "Will you just stop, you castrated wampa" she spat. What is it about him that irritates me so?
"Ooh, ouch. Well, beautiful doesn't sound so bad compared to that, does it?" Carth said, still chuckling, enjoying being able to annoy the Jedi. "But, I bet you still have those questions."
"Umm … yes I do." She said, a little thrown off by the sudden change in the conversation, "I was wondering what is bothering you; and you didn't finish from our last talk."
"Well, it was tough losing my home and that millions of innocents died; but it was worse than that," Carth began, getting a faraway look, "I had a … a wife and son on Telos. They didn't make it."
Mya wasn't really shocked by this information, but she still felt saddened by it. "I'm sorry Carth; I shouldn't have pried, I can see this still causes you much pain."
"Its alright, I guess I needed to talk about it." Why? I haven't told anyone this in four years, why her? Is she using some mind trick on me?
"Well, I'm glad you feel that you can confide in me." Maybe it won't be so hard to get him to open up.
"Yes … well, now it's your turn." Carth said with a smirk
"What would you like to know?"
"How about where you are from. For starters."
"Well, I lived on Coruscant for a while before moving to Dantooine. But, I was originally from Corellia, before joining the Order."
"Ah. So, when did the Jedi take you away?"
"I was taken when I was five."
"Have you been back since?"
"Nope. In eighteen years, I haven't once gone home." She said, not liking the direction of this conversation. Even though it was against the way of the Jedi, Mya did miss her home; the little of it she could remember, anyway. "So, are we ready to get back to work?"
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside the room with the Hutt were sentients from an assortment of species; Rodian, Twi'lek, Trandoshan and human, to name a few. They were all packing various weapons and were not the kind of sentient one would want to get acquainted to. Ian could tell they were bounty hunters, and that this must be where they hung out between jobs.
The Hutt that Ian was going to talk to, was none other than Zax; the contact who Gurney mentioned to him a couple days ago. He discovered that Zax worked for Davik Kang; a crime lord who controlled many things on this planet. From talking to the Hutt, Ian learned little about the escape pods that crashed in the Under City, but he did learn of how to make some extra credits; by taking on some bounties.
After getting the information for the bounties loaded onto his datapad, Ian returned to his companions at the table. Mya seemed to be pleased with his return, and stopped what she was talking about to address him. "So, find out anything useful?"
"Nah. The Hutt, Zax, didn't know anything about the escape pods." Said Ian, "He did offer me a way to make some credits."
"Oh really?" said Carth, perking up from the news, "How's that."
"Zax runs a bounty office and he put the details on my datapad; here look"
Mya and Carth took a few minutes to look over the datapad, taking in the information on the bounties. Mya was completely against killing people for money, she would have no part it in. On the other hand, Carth knew that they could use some more credits, even after their winnings from dueling. There were a few government contracts that didn't bother him, but the personal bounties put up by Davik Kang were a problem.
"Ian, were not going to kill these people are we?" he questioned
"Who?"
"Well, some of these people are criminals, but others are just innocents that got on someone's bad side. We're not going to kill them."
"No, of course not. We don't need credits that badly." Ian quickly dismissed the idea; we shouldn't need the credits that badly, "Hey, Mya, what do you think?"
"What do you think? I'm a Jedi, so I'm against it, no matter who you want to kill. If you guys are going through with it, count me out."
"Fair enough." Said Carth
The three sat at their table working out plans for a little while longer before another scene took place. A young looking, blue female Twi'lek was being harassed by three Rodians across the bar. They exchanged insults for about a minute, and then things look like they might become violent. Not wanting to see the Twi'lek hurt, Ian and Carth got out their blasters. There was no reason to worry though; the Twi'lek was heard to call "Big Z" and a Wookiee came to protect her from the Rodians. Moments later the Rodians ran away and the Wookiee went back to his meal.
After all the excitement was over, the Twi'lek made her way over to the bar and on the way back Carth complimented her on how she dealt with the thugs.
"Nice job back there, you really kept your cool." He said
"Thanks. Ya get used to dealin with those Vulkers livin down here." Said the Twi'lek, "Hey, I've never seen use before, you must be new"
"You got that right" said Carth with a smile
"I'm Mission Vao and over there is my pal Big Z" she said with a grin, "I guess we're your official welcome to Lower City."
"Yes you are. I'm Carth. This is Ian and Mya" he said, pointing to each of his companions.
"Well, if you need any help around here you can ask me" said Mission, with that almost permanent smile on her face.
"Yeah, I have a few questions" said Ian, "Who is this Davik Kang? And the guy we saw when coming in here?"
"Well, Davik owns a lot of Taris. He is head of the Exchange here. The other guy was Calo Nord, the famous bounty hunter. It's rumored he works for Davik."
"Alright thanks"
"You seem trust worthy. Do you know anything about the escape pods in the Under City?" Carth asked
"No, but the Beks might; their leader Gadon is a good guy. When you get to their hideout, just say Mission sent ya."
"Okay, we'll go talk to them"
Mission was about to leave, but Mya quickly stopped her. "Umm, one more thing before you go. Do you have a map for the Lower City; it's a maze down here."
"Yeah, sure" she said, and uploaded a map onto Ian's datapad. "See ya." Then she hopped off back to the Wookiee.
"Well, next stop the Bek's hideout"
The map proved to be very valuable; it would have taken them for ever to find the Bek's location. Though, they weren't very hidden as their full name implies; there were a couple guards standing in front of the entrance. When the group approached the guards blocked their way to the door.
"Hey, you can't come in here"
"Mission sent us" said Carth
"Did she now? Why didn't she come with you?"
"You'd have to ask her. Now can you let us in, we're in a hurry." Carth said, getting a little irritated.
"No, you can't. For all I know, you could be a Vulker spy."
We don't have time for this. "Just le …" Carth was interrupted by Mya putting a hand on his arm.
"I'll handle this." She said to Carth, and then turned to the guards. "You will let us in now, we are not a threat" with a little hand gesture and a bit of influence from the Force, the guards moved aside.
"You may enter, you are not a threat." The guard said in a slightly monotone voice.
"See" Mya said, giving her famous Corellian smirk
Inside the Hidden Bek hideout, it was bustling with activity; there were members doing various tasks. Against the back wall, near a door, was a desk with a dark skinned, middle aged man behind it. The three approached the desk, but were stopped by the man's personal body guard, a gruff, purple skinned Twi'lek.
"Hey, who are you? You can't just come in here and waltz right up to Gadon" she said, while aggressively pointing a blaster rifle at them.
"Zaerdra calm down, I doubt they are assassins. It would be foolish to try and kill me in the middle of my own hideout while surrounded by Beks." Said Gadon
Reluctantly, Zaerdra backed down, but still held her blaster rifle ready. "You can speak with Gadon, but I'll be watching you" she said, glaring at the trio.
"Thanks for the hospitality" said Ian, causing Zaerdra to narrow her eyes.
"So, who sent you and what do you wish to talk to me about?" Gadon asked
Being the leader, Carth explained the situation to Gadon. "Mission Vao sent us; she said that you may be able to help us. I'll be straight with you; we are with the Republic and we are searching for an ally that came down here in an escape pod"
Gadon furrowed his brow, trying to recall anything about escape pods. "Ah, yes. I heard about your escape pod. It crashed into the Under City, but the Vulkers already picked all the escape pods clean. If your friend was in it, they are now a prisoner"
"So, how do we go about rescuing her?"
"Her?" Gadon pondered, "I've heard that the Vulkers recently acquired a young female. I didn't know if that was the Republic soldier, but now I'm sure of it."
"Well, if they only think she is a soldier they may underestimate her" Carth whispered to Mya and Ian.
"I have some bad news for you," Gadon continued, "Your friend is being used by the Vulkers in a plot to take control of Lower City."
"What do you mean?" Carth asked
Even though Gadon's eyes were ocular implants, they still seemed to portray sadness as Gadon explained the situation. "A few years ago my second in command, Brejik, thought he should take command of the Beks after I crashed my swoop bike and damaged my sight. I didn't think he was ready, so he left and joined the Vulkers finding a way to overthrow their leader at the time. As the new leader of the Vulkers, Brejik wanted more power, control of Lower City and revenge against me. The past couple years have been a bloody war down here."
"And now are friend has someone been pulled into this war?" asked Mya
"Yes. An important thing to the gangs is the swoop races and the gang that wins gains a lot of respect." Gadon explained, "But the first race of the season is the biggest and most important. The prizes at this race play a big part; each gang participating puts something up and the winner takes all. Brejik is putting your friend off for a prize and if the Vulkers win, they can use her as a bargaining chip to earn the favor of the smaller gangs. With their support there will be nothing to stop Brejik from taking control of Lower City and destroying the Beks."
"So, where do we come in?" Carth asked
"Well, it has been a challenge these past few years beating the Vulkers. So we developed a new engine to give us an edge. The only problem is that the Vulkers somehow managed to steal it from us. I need you to break into the Vulker base and get the engine back."
"How are we supposed to do that?" Ian asked, annoyed with all the things they had to do to find Bastila
"There is a back entrance into the Vulker base that Mission Vao knows about. She can guide you to it."
"Mission?" Zaerdra asked incredulously, "She's only a kid, isn't this a little dangerous for her."
"She's survived down here for years Zaerdra, and its always dangerous." Gadon countered, "Plus, she knows the way around Lower and Under City better than anyone."
"Ok, we'll go back to the cantina and ask her to help us." Said Carth, "Thanks Gadon."
The three started to head out, but Gadon stopped them. "Wait a sec. If Mission isn't in the cantina, she will be in the Under City, she likes exploring down there. But there is a Sith guarding the elevator."
"We have some uniforms; we can use them to sneak by the guard."
"Not this one, he needs written consent for people to use the elevator; even other Sith soldiers. I just happen to have one of these forms that we got from raiding a Sith patrol."
"You're going to give it to us?" Carth asked, a bit skeptical, wondering what they would need to do to get the form
"No. I'll trade it to you for the uniforms."
"Fair enough." Said Carth, collecting the uniforms and giving them to Zaerdra, "What do you use them for?"
"We like to set up little ambushes for the Sith and these uniforms help."
"Nice plan. Well, thanks for all your help."
"Don't mention it. An enemy of the Sith is a friend of mine."
The three left the Vulker hideout and made their way back to the cantina. On the way there Carth took a look at his chrono.
"Hmm, I don't think it will be a good idea to do this stuff today." He said
"Why's that? Don't we need to move quickly?" asked Ian
"Yes, speed is an issue. But remember those rakghouls? I think we should buy some supplies and be well rested before we head to the Under City."
"That's a sound plan." Said Mya
They went back to the elevator for the Upper City, finding their way easier with the map. The Sith guard at the top only gave them a quick glance before returning his gaze to the rest of the people walking about.
On the way to the supply shop the trio saw an older man being harassed by human male and an Aqualish. As the they got closer they could here the old man call out for help and the two thugs demanding the credits he owed.
"I told you, I don't have enough credits. I can pay half now and I'll get the other half later." Said the old man
"Sorry, your payment is already late and Davik wants it all. I guess we will just have to take you to him, so he can make an example of you." Said the human
"No, please don't"
They weren't supposed to draw attention to themselves, but Mya couldn't stand there and do nothing. "Hey, leave the poor man alone."
"Is this such a good idea, we are trying to keep a low profile here" Carth whispered
"I can't them hurt this man" Mya said
"Oh and what are you going to do about it little girl?" The human sneered, and before she could respond he fired a shot at Mya catching her in the left arm as she tried to dodge it.
Carth quickly whipped out his blasters and took down the Aqualish. Ian charged the human and decapitated him while he was to busy trying to shoot Mya.
"Th … thank you." The old man stuttered, "But now what? Davik will just send more bounty hunters after me."
"Hey, you should have thought about that before you dealt with a crime lord." Said Ian
"Ian, surely we can spare a few credits to help him." Mya argued
"We may need them."
"Can't you spare a hundred credits?" the old man pleaded
"Of course we can" said Mya
"Wh … what? We can't just hand out credits like that." Said Ian
"Just give him the credits." Mya commanded
"Fine. But you are going to find a way to earn some more if we need them." Said Ian, a little annoyed at tossing credits around like nothing.
"Now I can pay off Davik. Thank you very much." Said the old man before he left
Finally reaching the supply store, they bought some things for their trip the next day; a few grenades, some extra medpacks and extra energy packs for their blasters. Also, Ian and Mya bought some light armor to wear since all they had was their clothing; Carth already had some Republic standard issue armor back at the apartment. After the shopping the three had an uneventful walk back to their hideout and slept.
Taris: Day 5
They woke up early, getting their caffa to help them completely wake up. Heading back down to the Lower City, their first stop was the cantina to see if Mission was there, but she wasn't. So, they made their way to the elevator to the Under City, where the Sith guard stopped them.
"You can't use this elevator citizen, it's off limits." He stated
"We have consent to use this elevator." Said Carth, handing the guard the form and hoping it worked.
The Sith took a minute to look it over thoroughly. "Okay, everything seems to be in order. Be careful down there, we have already lost three patrols."
"Will do, thanks." Said Carth, taking the form back from the guard.
The three entered the elevator and headed down to the surface of the planet.