Slayers of the Old Republic

Book VI: Maanan

By Michael Weyer

From above, Maanan looked like a blue marble, almost no clouds or land masses at all. As the Ebon Hawk entered its atmosphere, Mission and Zaalbar took it in at the flight deck. "Wow," Mission said. "After that desert place, this is downright perfect!"

"Maanan has that way," Carth remarked from the pilot's seat. "It's almost completely water, only a couple of cities and they're more for visitors than the Selkath."

"What of the Sith?" Zaalbar rumbled. "Will we not have to worry about them?"

Carth shook his head. "Maanan is neutral in the war. They're the only source of kolto. That's the major ingredient in bacta, the best healing agent around. Both sides want it and the Selkath maintain control and sell to both of them."

"So both Republic and Sith are in this city?" Mission was surprised.

Carth nodded as they flew toward the large center. "Yep, complete with embassies. We'll see more once we land. Tell the others to get ready."

Ahto City was a sprawling mass of metal in the otherwise pristine blue water surface of the planet. It was shaped like a large starfish with various branches spreading from a center base. Carth piloted the ship to a docking bay at the west end and set it down. He powered it down and exited to the main center of the ship where the others had gathered. He saw Buffy, Vance and Bastila all a bit thrown. "Another vision?"

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. Some sort of underwater platform."

Faith snorted. "Great. The whole damn planet is underwater! They couldn't put up signs in these things?"

Carth checked his guns. "We're going to have to watch it here. The Selkath are really strict about containing violence and acting violently at the slightest provocation is going to get us all in trouble.

There was a pause.

"Query: Why are all of you meatbags looking at me?"

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The group exited the ship and headed to the large doorway leading to the main city. As they approached, they saw two soldiers arguing, one Republic, one Sith.

"You Republic people are so pathetic, sitting around and groveling at the table scraps the galactic senators deign to give you. It makes me sick."

"The senators work for the good of the whole galaxy," the other soldier argued. "Not for individual gain."

"Ha! Don't make me laugh, you gutless simp! It's the destiny of weak-minded fools like you to be ruled over by the strong, like we Sith."

Raising his fist, the Republic soldier pulled it back and made ready to remove a few teeth from his adversary. "I'm warning you, don't push me, or you'll get just what you're asking for!"

The Sith laughed again. "Try it. Just try it. I'd love to see you throw the first punch. With all the cameras around, the Selkath would be all over you in seconds. You break their laws, you pay the price, Republic scum."

The Republic soldier slowly lowered his fist, huffing with obvious frustration. Chuckling, his offender continued. "Besides, I can see you aren't man enough to back up your words anyway. If you ever feel like relieving yourself of your worthless existence, come by the Sith enclave here. We've many ways to fulfill your wish." Smirking, he turned away and vanished into the crowded port, headed for the east side.

Swearing in anger, the soldier turned and did not watch where he was going. Unfortunately, Vance wasn't able to dodge him in time, and the two fell to the floor.

"Hey watch -" He silenced himself when he saw Vance's lightsaber. He didn't move until Carth offered him a hand. "Get up, soldier," he said.

Carth helped pull him to his feet. The soldier brushed off his uniform and got a look at the full party. "I'm...I'm sorry, sir," he said to Carth. He then nodded to Vance. "And an apology to you, Jedi. I should have watched where I was going."

"Why do the Sith upset you so much?" Buffy asked. "Why was he trying to start a fight?"

The soldier scowled. "These damn Sith are everywhere on Manaan, pushing us Republic soldiers around and trying to goad us into breaking the law somewhere."

"So, the Sith and the Republic co-exist here peacefully?"

"Peacefully?" The soldier chortled. "Not hardly. Just look in their eyes. You can see they'd like nothing more than to kill each and every one of us, personal-like. The smug Hutt-spawn try to push us every chance they get and enjoy it!" He threw up his hands in frustration, letting out a sigh. "There's nothing we can do, though. The Selkath want to maintain their neutrality, and they enforce it very strictly. So, we've got to sit here and let them insult us and we can't raise a hand against them. If we do, the Republic faces severe kolto export restrictions, and that could lose us the war altogether."

"Why would the Sith be here, though?" Vance asked. "Why would they not just conquer? What you describe doesn't seem to be their style."

"The Selkath think that by staying neutral they can play both sides, selling kolto to everyone that needs is and making themselves too valuable to be worth conquering." He dropped his voice. "Well, that, and they threatened to destroy the only natural source of kolto on the planet if anyone attacks them. But I think they're underestimating the lengths the Sith will go to get what they want...they're probably planning something already."

"I wouldn't doubt it," Jolee interjected. "Now, you get going to where you need to go, sonny, and try not to lose your temper on the way."

"Of course," he said. "If you've any other questions, you should probably go see Roland Wann. He's the Republic diplomat here. The embassy is on the map they give at the Docking Authority. Have a pleasant stay."

They had been requested to show up with the full party at the docking authority office. They duly disembarked and went there. The fish-like Selkath were bipedal, but their feet were broad and thin, adapted for use as flippers in the oceans. Their skins were dappled gray and green, glistening like they were wet. Their eyes were on the sides of their (seemingly) oversized heads.

Fitting the droids with a translator chip and the organic beings with earpieces, the sibilant and slurring language of the Selkath could now be fully understood. It still came out as unnerving as a nail on slate.

"Welcome to Manaan," said the port authority representative, reciting a speech he had no doubt memorized long ago. "While you are here, I trust you will follow all the rules governing to activities of off-worlders."

"Which are?" Bastila.

"The single most important law on Manaan is very simple. Kolto smuggling is punishable by death. If you are carrying unprocessed kolto, you had better have a permit. The other rule is also very simple - keep the peace. We Selkath do not believe violence is a solution at all. It is the province of ill-mannered children and barbarian off-worlders. Here on Manaan, we maintain careful neutrality, and we react rather harshly to people who jeopardize that status. Any confrontations between the Sith and Republic are dealt with swiftly and decisively. Is this understood?"

Mission nodded. "Kolto smuggling, bad thing. Check. Starting fights, bad thing. Check."

"Is that the only law you have, fish-head?" Canderous demonstrated his utter lack of diplomacy once more.

The alien glared at him but continued in a calm tone. "I would remind you that you are guests of the Selkath - not the other way around. We also have laws against murder, theft, and other crimes. But those laws are hardly different than those of most other planets. Manaan's neutrality is closely linked to our kolto production. This is why I made special mention of the above two laws."

"We understand," said Bastila. "Thank you."

"The Manaan board of trade and tourism thanks you, off-worlder," he said brusquely. "Here is a visitor guide and map to the city. Refer to it should you have any questions."

Faith took it and thumbed through it. "Great. Travel to a completely different galaxy and we're still getting tourist traps."

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Ahto City was striking in its design. There was no unnecessary ormantation, no waste or refuse, the walls and floors were strikingly clean and white. Various beings walked around, along with many Selkath. As the team came up to a small kiosk, a Selkath raised its head.

"Greetings, off-worlders. Might I inquire if you possess any unique alien species? Preferably small ones?"

"Why do you ask?" Vance replied.

"I am Nubassa, a representative of the chamber of commerce. We are seeking to establish a zoo here at Ahto City to increase tourism. Not just with off-worlders but also with the native population, to allow them the chance to see creatures they otherwise would not be able to experience."

Zaalbar's eyes narrowed and he growled. "You wish to imprison innocent beings?"

The Selkath quickly shook his head, the tendrils at his mouth shaking. "Oh, I can assure you, we treat them with the utmost care and respect! Because of space restrictions, we are not seeking large or vicious animals or the more sentient. Some smaller creatures, however, are perfect for our needs."

A light bulb went on over Buffy's head. "Actually," she said. "We have a whole ship full of gizka. Maybe that can work for you?"

"Gizka…" Nubassa scratched his head. "Hmmm…they are a somewhat common species…"

Buffy waved her hand. "It can work for your needs."

"But it can work for our needs," the Selkath stated. "Yes, those are relatively easy to care for. Very well, off-worlder, I shall take them off your hands. What price are you charging for it?"

Faith laughed. "Are you kidding? Pal, we should be paying you for getting them off the ship!"

Bastila turned to Mission. "Mission, why don't you and Zaalbar take Nubassa to the ship and help him with transporting the gizka?"

"With pleasure!" the Twi'lek said as she, the Wookie and the Selkath marched off.

Bastila turned toward Buffy, her eyes narrowed. "Normally, I'd be quite annoyed with you using the Force like that," she began in a stern tone. Then her lips turned upward. "But after the 'present' a couple of those creatures left in my shoe, I more than understand."

"Ah, I knew I'd corrupt you someday," Buffy beamed as the group headed off.

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Due to the size of the city, the group believed splitting up was a good bet. The Jedi headed toward the Republic embassy while Canderous decided to check out the local cantina with the aid of the droids. That left Carth, Jolee and Faith to wander around the market district.

Faith breathed in the salty air. "Hmmm. Wonder if I've got time to rent a boat and try out my bikini."

Carth smiled. "I think the Selkath have some laws against that sort of thing. They have a hard enough time regulating air traffic, let alone boats."

"Too bad," Faith said, throwing a leer at Carth. "Might have to settle for a skinny-dip at the local hotel."

Jolee chuckled at the red on Carth's face. "Ah, young ones," he said in his gravely tone. "Always so eager…you really need to slow down a bit more."

Faith sniffed. "You only live once, Jolee." She paused. "Actually, where I came from, that's a point open to debate…"

"Jolee? Jolee, is that you?" The three paused at the entrance to a café and turned to see a woman striding toward them. She was a few years younger than Jolee, light-skinned with dark hair, still quite attractive despite a few lines on her face.

Jolee was surprised but also pleased to see her. "Elora…Of all the…! How did you know I was here?"

"I didn't!" she laughed as she moved in to embrace him. "Oh, this is so wonderful! It's been far too long."

"It has indeed," Jolee said, beaming wide. "How is Sunry?"

"He's well," the woman answered. "In fact, I was just about to meet him for lunch. Please come with, he'll be so happy to see you again!"

Jolee chuckled. "My dear, I wouldn't miss it." He followed her along with Carth and Faith trailing behind. They entered a small café where an elderly white-haired man sat at a table. He wore a dark Republic uniform, the type used by veterans with some medals on the front of his shirt. Faith noted the way one leg stretched out and the cane sitting beside him.

"Sunry!" Elora called out. "Look who I ran into!"

The man looked at Jolee and his eyes widened. "Well, I'll be…Jolee Bindo!" He reached for his cane, using it to straighten up to his full height. "You old Jedi dog, I haven't seen you in…oh, must be over twenty years! Where have you been?"

Jolee smiled back as he and Sunry exchanged a long and strong handshake. "Ah, the ship I was flying decided to make a crash landing on Kashyyk. Took a while to hitch the right ride off it."

"Kashyyk, eh?" Sunry rubbed his chin and raised an eyebrow. "You know, I just read some intelligence reports about Czerka facing a Wookie uprising there. I don't suppose you'd know anything about that?"

Jolee made a picture of innocence that caused both Sunry and Elora to laugh. "I should have known," Sunry continued. "Same old Jolee, always fighting for the underdogs."

"I had help that last time," the Jedi pointed out. He turned to motion to Faith and Carth. "This is Faith and that's Carth Onasi."

"Onasi?" Sunry looked impressed. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Same here," Carth said. "You were mentioned at the Academy in the Exar Kun wars."

Sunry waved his hand. "That was a very, very long time ago, young man. That really paled next to the Mandalorians." He winced. "Mind if we sit? The old leg isn't as good as it used to be. Seems an old war wound decided to bite me big time a few years back."

They sat and Faith regarded the two carefully. "I'm kind of surprised. Jolee hasn't really mentioned having any real friends."

The black man sniffed. "I wasn't always the ancient crumgedeon you see before you, girl."

"That's true," Sunry said with a wide smile. "When we knew each other, he actually had hair. But he was a crumgedeon then too."

Jolee laughed. "So you're still with the army?"

"Not front lines, of course," Sunry said with regret in his voice. "I've got a position at the Embassy here, handling office and paperwork and handle things with the Selkath."

"An office job, eh?" Jolee's tone was solemn. "Never pictured you there."

Sunry tried to shrug it off. "We can't all be ready to fight in our age, Jolee." He looked to Carth. "Something for you to keep in mind, Onasi. Sometimes, dying in your prime doesn't sound like a bad way to go."

"I'd argue that," Faith said in a cool tone.

Elora interjected herself. "Now, Sunry, don't start talking like that." She looked to the others. "He has some rough days."

Sunry smiled. "You're right. This should be a happier occasion. Let's have a nice lunch together."

"Sure thing," Faith said, leaning back. "I've been looking to get some dirt on Jolee ever since we met him."

"In that case, you've come to the right people," Sunry laughed back as Jolee rolled his eyes.

Across the street from the café, a figure in a Sith uniform watched the five talk and reached into his communicator. Dialing a specially coded number, he spoke quickly. "This is Agent 1136. I have spotted three of the members of the party we were instructed to look out for. Yes, it is confirmed, they are here. Inform Lord Bandon that the Jedi are ready to be taken." He signed off and walked away, melting into the crowds.