Chapter VIII
Wild Nomad

Riko couldn't help but feel a vague sense of familiarity as the Wild Nomad approached Ambria. An ochre sphere with violet rings, the wounded world slowly encompassed the entire cockpit.

Out of the million-plus inhabited planets in the galaxy, Riko could count the number of worlds he had visited on both hands: Orîlla, Atarashi'ie, Taris, Dromund Kaas, Eqalz, Ord Mantell, and Raxus Prime. He hadn't seen as much of the galaxy as everyone else aboard this ship. Well, everyone except Niner.

Riko could just barely make out the angular outline of an Okana-class heavy gunboat against Ambria's visage. It was growing larger as it approached the smaller transport.

"Alright, time for the old routine," Val declared, "Just tell them we're a supply ship heading for the main city."

Artoo plugged into the ship's systems, standing by to transmit authorization codes.

The crew grew tense as they waited for the ship to hail them.

"Tree dee dee be be beep!" Artoo reported.

"That was quick," Val responded.

The gunboat veered off. The Wild Nomad continued on, descending towards Ambria's surface.

The armored transport flew through a clear sky.

"Look," Jade whispered to Riko. Riko moved closer to the viewport and beheld the landscape.

They were passing by a vast array of plants––mostly cacti and similar organisms––scattered across a sea of sand, dirt, and rock. Ahead of them lay a small, yet busy, city dotted with ships lifting off and landing. A cluster of towers, surrounded by houses and other smaller buildings. All of the buildings were painted in bright colors, with a variety of styles and ideas.

The settlement felt familiar. Though the towers weren't as tall, the ocean replaced by a rocky desert, the city still evoked nostalgic feelings.

"Ooohh," Niner was just as intrigued, "It kinda look like…"
"Home," Riko added.

As the Nomad slowed down its approach, Riko couldn't help but look back at her pilot.

With skill and grace, Jade set the battered transport down on Ambria's regenerating surface.

Galley

All of the crew members, save for Artoo, were gathered in the galley, discussing what their approach would be.

"I'll scout ahead, see what I can pick up in the city," Val declared, "Kid, if you want to come along, I'd appreciate the help."

"Sorry guys," Riko responded, "I think I'll stay here this time around."

Jade was just as shocked as Val.

"How come?" Val asked.

Riko was silent for a moment. His motivations were becoming apparent.

"Okay, I'll come along."

"Right, kid." Val responded.

As Val and Riko left the room, Riko glanced at Jade, his face saying a thousand words.

New Dolus

The crowded streets of the New Dolus Colony were filled with traders, spacers, farmers, and families, a vivid island of activity in a vast, desolate wasteland bathed in dry heat.

Val had shed his Mandalorian armor, dressing as a common traveler, his blaster pistol concealed within his jacket, his face hidden behind a scarf. He blended in with the crowd perfectly. So did the human boy in a hooded jacket with a backpack and goggles. As did his odd-looking hodgepodge droid.

"Elimjuice, handmade and freshly squeezed!" A trader called out from a stand on their left.

"Val, can I grab some?" Riko asked.

"Are you sure, kid? We're supposed to be on task…"

"Please?" Riko might as well have batted his eyes. Despite his age and his Jedi training, there were times when he really felt like a kid.

It was kind of heartwarming.

"Fine," Val grinned.

The trio walked over to the stand.

"Care for my elimjuice, sir?"

The trader was a Zabrak woman with long black hair and a weather-beaten round face.

"No thanks," Val responded, "It's for the kid."

"So it's for your son?"

The trader had no idea how much that comment stung Val.

"I'd like to try a sample, yes," Riko replied, "But it's not for me."

"Someone back home?" The trader asked wistfully.

"Yep," Riko answered.

"Indeed!" Niner chimed in.

The trader handed Riko a small cup, which he quickly sipped. Val couldn't help but grin as the boy closed his eyes, savoring the flavor.

"It's perfect," Riko declared, beaming, "I'll take a bottle, please."

He glanced up at Val.

Val paused.

"I'll try a sample," Val declared.

Val watched intently as she poured him a cup.

"Here," she handed Val the glass.

Val took the cup and gave it a sip. It was sweet, yet strong. Not bad.

"Great," Val said, "How much for two bottles?"
"Twenty credits," the trader responded, smiling.

"Thanks Val!" Riko added.

Val forked out the credits, and took the bottles. He turned to Riko.

"You carry them," he handed the bottles to Riko, who worked to carefully place them within his backpack.

"Hey, madam," Val asked, placing an additional credcoin upon the stand, "I'm looking for info on a ship theft that happened around here recently. Do you know anyone who can tell me more about it?"
"You a bounty hunter?" the trader asked.
"Not anymore. I just have a friend who has a close relative who was involved, and I want to stop him from causing any more trouble."

The trader sighed, "Well, if you want more info, try Old Tim. He runs things around here. You can find him in the city center, he's a charitable type. Tell him Aulep sent you."

"Thanks."

The trio left the stand and moved into a nearby alleyway.

"We're supposed to meet an official named Old Tim," Val reported, "He works in the city center."

"Got it," Riko rummaged through his backpack, grabbing his water bottle. Val waited while he rehydrated himself.

"So, what's the deal with you and Jade?" Val asked Riko after he had drunk.

"What?" Riko asked, thankfully having swallowed his water. Val watched––and grinned slightly––as Riko processed his words.

"Was it that obvious?" Riko asked.

"Absolutely," Val quickly responded.

"Oh, scrap," Riko sighed.

Suddenly Niner jumped in, asking, "You and Jade is what?"

Before Riko could explain, Val replied.

"You see, Niner," Val explained, grinning, "When two––or more––people love each other very much, they share a special…"
"Please don't finish that," Riko requested, palming his lowered forehead.

Val put his hand on Riko's shoulder.

"Hey," Val explained, "You two were always cute together. Go for it, kid."

Riko smiled, "Okay."

For a second, no one said anything. Riko just sealed his bag, Niner kept looking around, Val watched Riko.

"Just don't tell Bao, okay?" Riko suddenly requested, "I don't want him to know."

Val patted Riko on the shoulder, "Sure kid," he nodded, knowing that Bao had already figured it out, "Sure."

The City Center was surprisingly uncrowded, there were only a few pedestrians and a couple of homeless individuals. Riko supposed that the marketplace attracted most of the residents and visitors.

Their quarry, dressed in an old, dilapidated jacket, was kneeling next to a family of Rodians, all of whom were ragged and emaciated. A small, burnished green cargo speeder was parked next to them.

Riko reactivated the comm device built into his headset, linking him to Bao and Jade.
"Old Tim?" Val asked.

The man turned around. He was human, with whitening hair, dusky skin, and a frame almost as thin as the Rodians. Despite this, he still stood tall, his eyes sharp.

"Aulep sent me," Val explained.

"What'd yew want?" Old Tim asked, "I'm a little b'sy here."

"We're looking for information," Val responded.

"Inf'rmation, eh?" Old Tim stepped forward, "On what?"
"A rogue Jedi was spotted here, two weeks ago," Val explained, "He stole a Consortium warship."

Old Tim stepped forward, causing Niner to roll several inches back, intimidated. Riko and Val stood their ground.
"Yew with the Order?" Old Tim asked.

A second of silence passed before Val responded.

"We are," Val attempted to project authority into his voice.

"Go with it, Riko," Bao encouraged him over comms.

"Pardon Padawan Ikro here, this is his first mission."
"So yer a Jed'eye?" Old Tim looked straight at Riko.

"Yep," Riko wasn't lying.

"Can yew show me that ligh'saber?"
"What?"
"How do we knows you don't steal it?" Niner asked, pointing his finger at the old man.

"I really don't think that would be a good idea," Val replied.

Riko crossed his arms, uncertain if this was the right move.

"I'll tell yew everything if you prove your a Jed'eye," Old Tim repeated.

"We're trying to stay incognito, Old Tim," Val explained.

Riko looked around, made sure there weren't a lot of spectators.

"I need proof yer a Jed'eye…"

There had to be another way. Riko looked at Old Tim, and noticed that he was brushing his hand against a small pouch on his belt.

"Look, Tim, there's got to be another…"

"Niner, catch!" Riko reached out, opening the pouch and pulling out whatever lay inside. A small, mechanical device flew through the air.

Niner quickly reached out and grabbed it.

"Here," Niner held the object out to Riko and Val, revealing a small, radiant, multifaceted crystal that reflected the sun's light with a variety of hues. Riko couldn't help but feel a slight hint of awe and appreciation.

"Corusca gem," Val commented, "Very profitable."

"Yew know how rare those are?" Old Tim asked.
"We'll return it, if you answer our questions," Val declared.

"Fine," Old Tim seethed, "Let's move away."

They left the Rodian family behind, Val gave them a credit to guard Old Tim's speeder. The four of them moved into the nearest alleyway, and Tim began to detail his story.

"I knowed the captain of that ship. He was in'charge of our spice operation."
"You have spicerunners?" Riko asked.
"It's Consortium Space, why are you surprised?" Val asked.

Riko looked straight at Old Tim.

"Why did you join the Consortium?" Riko asked, his voice raised.
"Kid, we're getting off track," Val jumped in.

"The array doesn't reach out this far," Old Tim explained, "This'is the on'ly way out here."

"Spice hurts people!" Niner exclaimed.

"It also can help people," Old Tim raised his voice, "Yew really need to focus, yew and that droid over there."

Riko tried taking a deep breath. There were more important things at stake right now.

"Let's recap," Val attempted to diffuse the situation, "So your friend commanded the ship in question."

"Yes," Old Tim continued, "He was set to offload the shipment at Red Spire, near Lake Natth. He spots some people: mercs, a weird lady in a cloak, all armed. He goes to them, asking what's happenin'. Their leader, this old guy, with a staff, a big bag, and a limp. I knowed this guy once, he's actually been here a few times lately, his name's…"
"Kali'sto?" Riko asked eagerly.

"Yes!" Old Tim responded, "He your target?"

"We think that's his name," Val quickly interjected, "Pardon the kid's enthusiasm."
Riko didn't say anything.

"Anyways," Old Tim continued, "he says, 'Are you Consortium?' My buddy says he said no, but Kalee'sto could tell he was lying. Kalee'sto then says, 'I'm takin' your ship.' My buddy says no, Kalee'sto says, 'I'need it.' He still says no, but Kalee'sto waves his hand, says he's taking the ship, an'…he takes the ship and scrambles their records. He leaves some credits, to be nice."

"What happened next?" Val asked.

"My buddy didn't spill anything, but somehow, the area's been locked down."
"Locked down?" Riko asked.

"Yes, the place is guarded…" Old Tim grew silent, narrowing his eyes and looking upward. He then smirked and shook his head.

"Yer not with the Order, are ya?"
"Well..." Riko started.

"Look," Val placed his hand on his blaster pistol. Riko's eyes widened, and Old Tim's eyes darted to Val's hands. Niner recoiled in fear and shock. Riko froze, unsure of how to respond, mentally questioning whether he should intervene or stay out of it...

"What're we up against?" Val asked, "Let us know, and you go free."

"Val! You can't do this!" Niner declared, "He is innocent. You can't hurt him."

Riko's fist tightened, his breathing growing ragged as he came to a decision.

"How do I know yew'll honor your word?" Old Tim asked.

"I won't let him break it," Riko reached out towards Niner.

The little droid opened his chest panel, and Riko's original lightsaber flew into his hand.

"I left the Order, but I am a Jedi," Riko declared, "I swear that I won't let Val kill you."

"You're overreacting a bit, kid," Val commented. Riko took a deep breath, lowering the hilt, though he kept it brandished.

"Please don't try anything too extreme," Riko requested.

"Yew could take a lesson in subtlety, boy," Tim remarked, "What'd yew have fer me?"

"What do you want?" Val asked.

"The new Trium'vrite blockades have been stalling our curaci shrub shipments. Our terraforming project is'n danger."

"I can hook you up with a good info broker," Val explained, "He has strong ties to the Smugglers Guild. They can help keep your project running."

"Really?" Tim stroked his chin.

"I'll give you the frequency, you can reach him whenever. I'll show you after you tell us what we need to know…"

"Show me now," Tim requested.

Sighing, Val pulled out his holoprojector and flashed a certain...familiar symbol.

"Moro J'onni? Heard he's been takin' a hard time."
"He's a little overconfident," Val explained, "But he can hook you up with a good crew before authorities get him. Just tell him you know his Mando buddy."
Old Tim stroked his chin, presumably lost in thought.

Val deactivated the holo…

"Freeze!" A security guard moved into the alleyway, her stun rifle armed.

As Val dropped his pistol, Riko quickly seized the initiative.

"Don't worry, officer," Riko attempted to sound as authoritative as possible, "This mercenary has threatened to kill your administrator. He's trying to get into the restricted sector. I have apprehended him."

"Keep going," Bao commented.

Riko ignited his lightsaber, waving the cyan blade to prove his point.

"Great, another one," the guard grumbled, "Is this true, Old Tim?"

"Yes," Old Tim nodded, "He held me a' gunpoint. This Jed-eye here…" Tim smiled.

"Well," the guard replied, "I'll have to take him in…"
"I'm sorry," Riko interrupted her, "He's been wanted by the Jedi Order for some time now. I'm ordered to bring him to Red Spire."

"I'll have to clear it with them," the guard responded, "Give me a second."

"I must hurry…" Riko insisted.

"First Asharr's goons, now you," the guard replied, "This is my jurisdiction, Jedi."

Internally panicking, Riko wondered how he could convince the guard that he already had clearance…That was it.

As the guard reached for her comlink, Riko drew on his memories of his mission to Dromund Kaas, reaching out into the Force and touching the guard's mind.

"I've already cleared it, you will let us pass," Riko declared.

"Sorry, Jedi, but I still have to follow procedure…"
"This is a dangerous prisoner," Riko tried again, "I need to bring him in swiftly, I will take him from here."

The guard was silent, for a moment. Riko did his best to conceal his anticipation.

"This is a dangerous prisoner," the guard finally said, filling Riko with relief, "You need to bring him in swiftly, you can take him from here."

"Thank you, constable," Riko responded, concealing his reassurance.

"Stay safe, oldtimer!" the officer wished Old Tim. As the officer walked away, Riko couldn't help but feel awe at his accomplishment. Riko heard the sound of a repulsorlift as the officer mounted her speeder bike and rode off.

Sighing in relief, Val and Riko turned back to Old Tim.

"So, do we have a deal?"

Galley, Wild Nomad, ½ Hour later…

"So Kali'sto's been here more than once," Val summarized, "If that's true, the outpost might still have some useful nav data."

"So you're saying that if we can infiltrate the outpost and hack its sensor logs…" Bao began.

"We might be able to track his trajectory, start narrowing down where he's hiding."

"Kali'sto might have already predicted this move," Bao responded.
"It's the best chance we have," Riko jumped in. He seemed somewhat...tense.

"I'll be on standby to help you out," Bao responded, "Comm me if you have to tell me anything important."
"We'll probably be out of communication for a while," Val explained, "There's a small patrol force guarding the area. From what the old man described, they're not from around here."

"Jedi? Imperial Knights? Stormtroopers?"

"He didn't know. Whoever they are, they'll be scanning for transmissions. Let's also keep the Nomad here, they'll have their eye out for suspicious ships, too."

"So, it'll just be you, Riko, and Artoo?" Bao asked.

"Probably," Val responded, "Unless you're up for joining us."

"I'll need a lightsaber for that," Bao commented.

"You can borrow my spare one..." Riko started.

"Riko," Bao took a deep breath, "I'm still healing. I'm not ready."

"Oh. Okay," Riko sighed.

"Can you use the speeder bike?" Bao asked.

"Probably. We'll have to rent a cargo sled," Val explained, "There's no other way to bring Artoo."

"Deet vreet deet!" Artoo suggested.

"Really?" Riko asked, "What did you have in mind?"

Natth Outskirts, Near Red Spire…

"WEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!"

"Be careful when you turn, Val!"

Val was simply laughing beneath his helmet.

A Jedi and a Mandalorian rode through the rocky plains on a speeder bike, pulling an astromech droid––attached to said speeder by grappling cables––whose feet were magnetically sealed to a slanted hull plate that was skidding the ground. R2-D2 was sledding across the regenerating wasteland.

It was as absurd...and amazing...as it sounded.