Star Wars FateFall

by LigerZer0

The second Master of Moon cell is given an opportunity to be resurrected with a real body when he is visited by a certain meddling immortal Vampire invited to join a certain save a certain world mission. Of course, none of that interested him but the opportunity to get resurrected in the world of KOTOR with the SWTOR class skill and his two servants (Waifu) was too good to pass up.

2. Chapter 2 Taris Uppercity

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars it is owned by Lucasfilm and Disney. I don't own any Fate Stay Night/Fate Grand Order, it's owned by Type-Moon. Or any other reference to other animes or games. I don't own anything. This is just for fun.

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3rd POV

Taris Apartment Complex

From within one of the abandoned rooms of the apartments on Taris the survivors of the Endar Spire have taken refuge. Inside of the room 3 of 5 survivors, were knocked unconscious after their escaped pod crashed on top of upper Taris. One of the survivors Trowa a redheaded young man who was resting on the couch starts to stir awake. Opening his eyes, he is greeted to the sight of bright lights from the ceiling. Raising his hands to cover his eyes he sits up from the couch trying to orient himself.

'Ow…the heck happened? I feel like I got ran over by a Berserker.' Thought Trowa as he was rubbing his aching head.

{Master your finally awake. Thank goodness, I was so worried about you. I so sorry master. If it weren't for mana restrictions, I've been at your side letting you rest your weary body on my lap. There is no better way to help revitalize one's husband than to have him rest on his dutiful wife lap.} said Tamamo with a cheery voice.

{I happy to see you're alright master but we should check on Kishinami. We haven't been able to contact her after what Ikiryo did back on the Endar Spire.} said Kiyohime worry clear in her voice over her friend.

'Kishinami! I almost forgot about her. Where is she?' Trowa in his haste tries to stand up but a wave of dizziness hits him as he falls back down.

Judson the republic trooper who was at the bedside checking over the other two on the group takes notice of Trowa immediately going to his side. "Whoa there Trowa. Don't try to stand up so suddenly. You had a concussion when we fell to Taris; both you and Shay. Here have a drink your throat must be parched."

Judson hands Trowa a glass of water which Trowa happily takes noting his dry mouth and gulps the contents down. "I'm glad to see your up Trowa. I was getting worried since we had to drag you three back here none of you woke up for the last few hours, though Shay has been thrashing in his sleep. It's still hard to believe a couple of hours ago we were still on the Endar Spire and life was going as usual than bam everything went to bantha poodo."

Trowa looks toward the bed finding both Kishinami who is now in her new body lying on the center of the bed and Shay lying near the edge of it moving his head back and forth erratically. "Yeah sorry you had to sleep on the couch, but we had those two take up most of the space."

"So where is Carth then?" asked Trowa.

"Right here kid." Carth then exits out of the refresher approaching the other two. "It's good to see you up kid how are you feeling?"

Trowa slowly stands up flexing his arm. "A little better. I'll live."

"Good to hear…Hmm, it looks like another one of our friends are waking up." Carth points to Shay who had suddenly sat up panting and sweating before quickly standing up.

"Whoa, their soldier settles down. It's good to see you up instead of thrashing around in your sleep. It must have been one hell of a nightmare. I was wondering if you'll ever wake up. I'm Carth one of the republic soldiers from the Endar Spire. I was with you along with everyone on this room in the escape pod do you remember?"

Shay wipes the last bits of sweat off his face as he calms down. "Yeah, Carth the one on the communicator. Where are we now?"

"We're in an abandoned apartment on Taris. You along with Trowa were banged up when our escaped pod crash. Luckily Judson and I weren't seriously hurt so in the confusion we were able to drag you two and the Jedi to this apartment. By the time the Sith arrived at the scene we were long gone." Said Carth.

Shay turns to the slumbering Jedi. "The Jedi? Ah…yeah, I remember we had taken her along with us. Is she alright?"

"I think so. Most of the injuries that she received from that explosion has already healed up. Whatever that Mandalorian did it worked wonders. She just sleeping now." Replied Carth.

Trowa walks over to the bed where the white-haired jedi rested that now Kishinami inhibits and touches her hand. 'Kishinami, can you hear me? Please say something?'

The white-haired girl's eyes twitch as she starts to stir awake. Opening her eyes, she is greeted to the sight of Trowa standing over her. "…Trowa?" As she lifts her hand, she notes that her hand is of flesh and blood. Sitting up she starts inspecting her body. 'I'm in an actual body. And not just a digital one but a real flesh and blood body. I'm finally in the real world as myself; albeit in a slightly different body.'

Kishinami gets up off the bed trying to stand but her legs feel very wobbly as she loses her balance. Trowa immediately catches her before she could fall holding her up straight.

"Whoa hold their missy. You just woke up after getting blown up. I'm not sure whatever the Mandalorian did to heal your injuries or whatever jedi mystical powers helped but you still need to time to rest." Said a worried Carth as he stood close to the other two.

The white-haired girl still wobbles a bit as she starts to get adjusted to standing on her legs. She then looks around seeing an open door leading to the refresher and walks to it not seeming to hear a single thing Carth said before entering the refresher. The rest of the guys look between themselves wondering what just happened. "Perhaps she had to use the lady's room?" quipped Judson.

The rest simply shrug as Carth and Shay continue their discussion about Taris. Within the refresher, Kishinami takes a good look at herself. 'Wow, I really look alive now.' Kishinami touches her face getting a feel for it. 'I actually felt that. There is a stark difference from the way I felt myself from moon cell to now. I actually feel warm when I touch myself.' Kishinami then takes a closer look at her hair and eyes. 'Wow even though my hair is pretty much the same albeit white now it looks so vibrant. The same can be said of my new blue eyes as they have a sparkle to it that is definitely an upgrade to my old dull brown ones. All in all, I look amazing, I could even give Tohsaka a run for her money now. Especially with these.' Kishinami grabs her C-cup breast giving them a squeeze. "…Wow, that's really sensitive. It's no wonder that Caster and Berserker kept squeezing each other's and mine breast whenever we took a bath together. It actually feels good; I wonder how well it would feel if someone else touched them.'

Kishinami's face goes red as she blushes in thoughts funnel through her head as a certain tan archer squeezing her breast. Shaking her head out of her dirty thoughts trying to clear her mind she slaps both her cheeks to help calm herself before heading out of the refresher back to the main room.

"The whole planet is quarantine. No ships can arrive or take off. So, if Bastila is to escape Taris she is going to need our help and we'll probably need hers." Said Carth as he addresses the rest of the group.

Arriving back into the main room Kishinami was able to listen to the last bit of Carth discussion with Shay concerning Bastila before their attention turns back to her. "I see you're back good Jedi. I think it's time we properly introduced ourselves. I'm Carth Onasi a republic officer and these men here are Shay, Judson, and Trowa. Mind telling us who you are since we will be working together to get off this planet. I never caught it the few times I passed by you on the Endar Spire."

Kishinami was about to open her mouth to say her name but stops herself remembering that her body used to belong to someone else who was a Jedi. 'Oh, right this body once belonged to a Jedi and I have no idea how to use the force. How will I explain it to them that I don't know how to use the force when they ask? Hmm…that's it, I can just use the amnesia card. I can just say my memories are jumbled so I can't use the force. Now all that's left is whether I should tell them my name or not.'

Before Kishinami could contemplate any further her head starts to ache as she holds her forehead as an influx of memories of Xion Sunrider flash through her mind. The memories were not organized so she couldn't understand them completely, but she was able to decern that Xion was a Jedi padawan that was trained at the Jedi Temple on Dantooine. That she was one of the last few Jedi born into the order by a Jedi parent and that her mother was a Jedi Master on the Jedi council.

Judson seeing Kishinami holding her head ask her what's wrong. "Hey Jedi, you okay? Do you need to sit down and rest?"

Kishinami shakes out of her sudden headache noting Judson's concern. "I'm okay just a little headache." Turning back to the rest of the group. "I'm Xion Sunrider. I am a Jedi padawan but I'm afraid that accident I had has really done a numbered on me. I seemed to have forgotten a lot of my memories. Most of my memories are jumbled so I don't exactly remember how to use the force at the moment sorry." Kishinami now named Xion bows her head. 'I guess I'll use this body's name, fewer questions later that way. Besides like Trowa using his body's name I can honor that person that way.'

Judson gives Xion a sidelong look. "Hey, they're nothing to feel sorry for. That explosion you got caught in was pretty bad. If it wasn't for whatever the Mandalorian did you would be dead…oh almost forgot." Judson reaches into his bag taking out a badly broken lightsaber. "Here this belonged to you. It was badly damaged in the explosion. I tried to fix it but was left clueless how. Perhaps holding it may jog your memory."

Xion takes the damaged lightsaber examining it she noted that the lightsaber crystal was destroyed. "Thanks…Judson."

Carth merely sighs. "Now we have two amnesiacs." Carth picks up a glowing cube from the table holding out to Xion. "Here, this holocron fell out of your robes when we brought you into the room. Though are you sure holocron for Jedi are supposed to glow this ominously."

This catches both Trowa's and Xion's attention as the Holocron in Carth hand looks the same as the one Ikiryo gave Trowa only glowing purple. "…Umm yeah don't worry about the glowing and thank you." As soon as Xion grabbed the holocron an influx of information flowed through her mind giving her the knowledge of how to fight like the SWTOR Imperial Agent Operative.

"Hey, you okay? Your eyes just started glowing for a moment?" asked Carth not quite sure what just happened with her eyes.

Xion shakes her head to help clear her mind from the influx of new information. "I'm fine. Just need to sit down for a moment." Xion then heads over to the bed where Trowa was messing with a silver box in his hand.

Xion puts the holocron in her inventory before asking Trowa what he was doing. "Hey Trowa, what's that thing your messing with?"

Trowa has a look of surprise on his face when Xion suddenly appeared beside him. "Umm…Kishi-I mean Xion. I'm just trying to open this box. I think it's a supply crate. It was on the bed where you were sleeping. I think it fell out of your pocket. I think this crate was put in there by my sister. I saw a few of these on her starship in the storage room."

"It was? Let me try and open it then." Trowa then hands the box to Xion. The moment Xion touched the box it lights up as it starts making mechanical noises as it grows. Xion quickly throwing it on the ground the box turned into a big supply crate. This, of course, grabs everyone in the room's attention.

The supply crate then opens up showing its contents being RV-03 Speedsuit, a Vibroknife and X-55 Riot Infiltrator. Judson is the first to approach the crate picking up the Speedsuit. "Clothes? There are clothes in here."

Carth then approaches the crate picking up the last item the Riot Infiltrator. "Not just clothes but a blaster rifle as well. Trowa where did you get this crate from?"

Trowa scratches his head embarrassingly. "Umm…yeah, I think it belonged to my sister. She must have put the crate on Xion person just before she left to fight those Sith. My sister has a lot of neat trinkets."

"Trinkets? Kid your sister seems to be packing quite of a few interesting hardware that I haven't seen before. That supply crate fitted in the palm in your hand before it grew into a normal size crate. Where is she getting these things?" asked Carth curious about the strange crate that is now disintegrating.

Trowa shrugs. "How should I know. I'm still suffering amnesia, so I don't know where she gets it not that I'm complaining."

"Hey, guys the clothes are a bit small. I think it's for women considering the size." Judson glances over to Xion who was still wearing her charred Jedi robes with patches of holes in them showing some skin underneath. "I think its best Xion change into these. Her current outfit is too damaged, so a replacement is in order. Not to mention I think its best she isn't walking about in Jedi robes. A good way to get every Sith to come down on us."

Xion takes a look at her outfit now noticing that her clothes were completely ruined and that a change of clothes was a good idea. "Yeah, good idea. I'll go change really quick then." Xion then takes the Speedsuit and heads to the refresher to change. After a couple of minutes, Xion exits the refresher wearing a dark grey and white RV-03 Speedsuit that tightly hugged her body easily showing her body curves. "Okay, guys how do I look?"

"Wow you look good I mean it looks good on you. I doubt anyone would mistake you for a Jedi." Said Judson.

Trowa is surprised by Kishinami/Xion's new look. 'Wow, Kishinami actually has a decent looking body for once.'

{Hmm…I agree she does have a nice body. Nowhere near as good as mine of course but she looks cuter than she was before. Can't wait for the next time we get to bath together; right Kiyohime.} said Tamamo.

{Right. I believe a nice warm bath would be in order to celebrate Kishinami's I mean Xion's new body.} said Kiyohime giggling in excitement.

"Okay, guys I think we spent enough time here. We need to start our search for Bastila." Said Carth getting everyone's attention.

"Any ideas where we should go look for Bastila?" asked Shay.

"While you guys were out, I did some scouting. There have been reports of Republic escape pods landing in the Undercity. It seems like a good place as any to start looking." Said Carth.

At the mention of escape pods, Trowa perks up at this. "Escape pods? Hey, maybe my sister was in one of those escape pods."

"If so then all the more reason we should get going then." Said Xion as she picks up the Vibroknife and grabs the Riot infiltrator from Carth. Review the knowledge of the Imperial agent she inspects the rifle.

Carth gives Xion a long look. "I know it's not a lightsaber but are you sure you know how to handle that thing?"

Xion shrugs. "Guess we won't know until I have to use it. I'll try not to get the way."

"Okay then. Shay, Judson I got you a change of clothes when I was out there scouting. Put these on, we can't have you looking like republic soldiers out there." Said Carth as he hands both men their change in clothes.

Both men quickly change in the room with Judson wearing grey pants, a white sweater, and vest. (the default scout outfit) Shay was wearing a red jacket, white shirt, and black pants. (Default Smuggler outfit)

"Good, then we're ready to go. We can also use this abandoned apartment as a base. We can also gather equipment and supplies while we're in the upper city. Just remember to keep a low profile. I heard some grim stories about Sith Dark Jedi interrogation techniques. They say the force can do terrible things to the mind. Wipe away a person's memories of their whole identity." Said Carth.

Everyone raises an eyebrow at the last bit with Judson gulping. Carth then waves them off. "But don't worry about it as long as we don't do anything stupid, we should be okay. After all, they are looking for Bastila not a bunch of grunts like us…Oh and Xion I know you said you can't use the force right now but warn us when you can use it again. We don't want you using it in front of any Sith. You may not be Bastila but seeing a female force user is just begging the Sith to send a Sith Death Squad right at our doors."

Xion merely nods. "Of course, Carth. I'm not stupid enough to do something to gain attention to myself. I rather not attract the attention of Malak having him send a Sith death squad after me." 'Not that I could use the force anyway. I just checked my datapad Status with my force powers locked. I'm guessing Ikiryo or better, yet our benefactor has something to do with this.'

With everyone now on the same page, they left the apartment room to start their search for Bastila.

Taris Uppercity

Trowa POV

After finally leaving the room to explore Taris but of course not two seconds after leaving we immediately run into trouble in the form of a Sith soldier and his two battle droids.

"Okay, you alien scum, everybody against the wall! This is a Raid!" yelled the Sith soldier.

"There was a Sith patrol here yesterday, and they found nothing! Why do you keep bothering us!" complained a Bith alien in his native tongue that I somehow understood. I wonder if I have some kind of alien language translator in my head.

The Sith took exception to this and blasted the Bith killing him. "That's how Sith deal with smart mouthed aliens! Now the rest of you up against the wall before I lose my temper again!"

The Sith then turns to us with a look of shock on his face. "What's this? Humans hiding out with aliens. They're Republic fugitives attack them!"

Without missing a beat, we immediately open fire on them. The Sith soldier is the first to die with a blaster bolt to the face courtesy of sniper shot from Xion. Carth, Judson, Shay and I concentrated fire on the two droids destroying them finishing the fight in less than half a minute.

The other surviving Duros alien turns to us. "Poor Ixgil. He should have not talked back to the Sith. Thankfully you were here to step in and helps us human. This isn't the first time the Sith came down here to stir trouble, but hopefully, this will be the last."

"Won't someone come looking for this patrol?" asked Shay.

"Don't worry. I'll move them to make it look like they were killed elsewhere. That way it should throw Sith off track. With any luck, they won't bother us for a while." Said the Duros.

With that done we quickly searched the Sith body grabbing up his blaster rifle, frag grenade, poison grenade, and two adrenal strength/Stamina glands. Putting away our new goodies we started heading to the exit to leave the apartments. Normally I like to go around and explore the entire place trying to find anything but as we are in a poor alien apartment, we all agreed it was best to not go around snooping as we doubted we find anything of worth; not to mention I rather not disturb anyone.

Just as we were about to go through the exit, we were called out by a Twi'lek selling energy shields. Apparently, these energy shields can absorb damage from blasters; of course, they can only last so long before they are blown out and they have limited uses to up to 5 times before the shield becomes useless. From what we gathered they aren't half bad, but the shields could be so much better. If they were like the shields from Halo or Mass Effect that recharge after getting blown out and continues to work, then definite must have. I wonder if I can do anything to make shields like those; perhaps I should ask Ikiryo about it next time we meet.

After Shay finished talking with the Twi'lek buying one of the energies shields we finally exited the apartments heading into the streets of the Upper City. Upon finally getting our first look at the Uppercity I have to say wow. We are surrounded by skyscrapers with flying cars flying over us. The place really reminds me a great deal of Coruscant as Taris was a very diverse ecumenopolis, that was covered much of the planet the same way. The platform we are on reaches a few of the other skyscrapers allowing us access to other buildings. It is strange seeing that we are able to enter the building that have entrances hundreds of feet in the air but what I gathered only the wealthy and most influenced people live in the Uppercity while the poor and unfortunate live down below in the undercity.

As we were walking through the crowd of people on the platform near the end of the platform, I spotted a republic escape pod. "Hey Carth, is that the escape pod we rode on? It's not that far from the apartment." I whispered to Carth as to not be heard by passerby.

"Yes, it is. We had to quickly find a place to lie low and doing so with 3 unconscious people was a challenge so we couldn't get very far. Luckily for us the Sith already knew Bastila's escape pod had jettisoned from the Endar Spire landing somewhere in the Undercity. That's why only a few patrols are out looking for us as their main search teams are in the Undercity." Whispered Carth.

Ah, so that's why we didn't get caught when we weren't that far from where we crashed. They know where to look for their prize already so sending a token troop to deal with the other republic survivors makes sense.

As we continued walking on the platform trying to blend in as to not catch the attention of the nearby Sith patrols we happen upon an argument of three individuals. A dark-skinned man and strange looking alien were acting aggressive to an old man.

"Davik says you missed your payment." Says the dark-skinned man in a threatening tone.

"Davik doesn't like you missing payments." Chorused the alien in his native tongue.

The old man has a panic look in his eyes. "Here, I've got 50 credits! Can I take a down payment? That should buy me some time, right?"

"Sorry, all out of time. Davik can't have people not paying their debts." Said the man unapologetically.

"But I don't have that much? How can I pay credits I don't have?" said the old man with fear in his voice.

"That's too bad. Davik will make an example out of you. You're coming with us." Said the alien.

"No help! Somebody help! They're going to kill me!" said the panicking old man.

"I know we have to be careful about drawing attention to ourselves but are we really going to let them drag him away?" whispered Carth.

The rest of our group also didn't feel it was right to let happen either. I wasn't sure what we should especially with Sith patrols not that far from us. But before we could decide on a course of action the two thugs notice we are watching.

"Hold on, looks like we got ourselves some witness." Said the man.

"Davik doesn't like witness." Ominously said the alien.

Shay obviously didn't like their attitude, especially how they referred to us as witness in a dangerous tone. "I don't like you attitude. I better teach you a lesson."

"Guess we'll have to teach you to mind your own business." said the alien as he and the man take out their blasters.

Shay reacts fast taking out his Vibroblade closing the distance between him and the man stabbing him in the chest killing him instantly. The alien reacted badly to his buddy getting killed and turned his blaster on Shay ready to kill him with his back turned but blaster fire from both Carth and I take him out before he could get out a shot.

The old man breathes a sigh of relief now that both thugs are dead. "Thank you, I owe you my life. Those bounty hunters were going to kill me! My wife warned me not to take a loan from Davik. Now I can't pay him back. It's not good to owe a crime lord money. He'll just keep sending bounty hunters after me until I'm dead."

"Maybe we can help you?" offered Shay.

"You already helped me saving me from those bounty hunters. So, unless you have a spare 100 credits to pay off Davik there is nothing you can do." Said the old man.

Xion who was searching the bodies walks over to the old man holding her hand out. "Here, 100 credits courtesy from those bounty hunters. That should take care of your problems."

"You're giving me 100 credits? Just like that? I don't know how to thank you! Thank you!"

"You're giving them a hundred credits, generous." Said Carth.

"I guess I should've expected that from a Jed-I mean an upstanding woman like you." Said Judson hurriedly trying to cover his slip.

"Now I can pay off Davik. Thank you, you saved my life. I better take these credits to him right away."

With that the old man than quickly leaves running off to pay his debt. Looking around I saw that a passing Sith patrol strolled on passed us ignoring the scuffle we had. I guess the Sith don't want to bother policing the inhabitants from killing one another and are concentrating on their jobs.

Not wanting to stick around too long we continued walking the streets arriving to the medical facility. Entering the establishment, we are greeted by the sight of the medical receptionist. When Shay tried to talk with the man, he completely dismissed him saying he was too busy and that we should talk to Zelka the head doctor of the clinic. The receptionist I believe his name is Gurney from his nametag seemed very shady and very mean from the tone in his voice.

Not wasting time on the shady man Shay who so far has been our impromptu leader when it comes to our conversations approaches the doctor Zelka. Zelka, unlike the other guy, was far nicer as he greeted us with open arms. He was more than happy to answer Shay's questions about Taris. Zelka also informed us about the Rakghoul plague that was afflicting the Taris in the Undercity which was some good information to know so we can watch out for it. Zelka than mentioned that there is no cure for the disease but the Republic scientist on Taris were close to perfecting a cure until the Sith arrived so if anyone had a cure for the plague, they would have it.

Shay of coursed offered to get a sample of the serum the Sith patrols have in the Undercity. Zelka was grateful for Shay for offering to do this but was uneasy about us planning to confront the Sith patrols in the Undercity to get the serum as he whether not have our deaths on his conscience.

After buying two medpac from Zelka we start to head out when the shady guy Gurney approaches us. He talks to us about the Rakghoul serum that Zelka told us about offering us to instead of bringing the Serum to Zelka but to take it to the lower city bounty office and give it to Jax who will bring it to Davik who could pay handsomely. The amount of credits hinted we could earn did sound nice but morally it sounded way too wrong to give it to a rich power-hungry bastard who would sell the serum to the citizens of Taris at an exorbitant amount to make a profit. Pretty much everyone in the group agreed to screw Davik over and just hand the serum over to Zelka as that was the morally right thing to do.

Making our way out of the Medical facility we head to the direction of the cantina so we can gather information as that's probably the best place to both gather information and so quick credits. Before heading to the cantina, we stopped by the equipment emporium that was located not far from the establishment checking the wares. After Shay chatting with the owner of the shop Kebla Yurt we learned the shop had the best stock of supplies on upper Taris. The only problem was the sixth confiscated all her heavy weapons and swoop bikes so we can't have access to her usual stock. After browsing her stock which we could barely afford we made our way to the Cantina.

Entering the Cantina, we are immediately greeted to the sight of people playing Pazaak at the entrance. Both Shay, Carth and Judson took in interest in the game. After chatting with a few of the players Shay was able to buy a deck of cards for himself from an old man leaving the gambling business behind for 50 credits. Shay took up Pazaak very easily as he bested a few of the players there easily enough. Judson and Carth also joined him playing a few games of Pazaak with Carth having more moderate success with Judson's a bit more mix. After watching the guys play Pazaak for over an hour earning us over 2000 credits altogether we continued inside to gather information.

Heading to the main room of the cantina where most of the patrons were drinking, we started to mingle with the other patrons trying to gather some information. As I ordered a drink I watched as Shay approach a ginger head woman who looked like an off duty Sith from the tone of her voice that sounded imperial.

"Hi there, I haven't seen you around before. Of course, they don't give us Sith officers from the military base much time off." Said the Sith woman.

"You don't look like one of the Sith." Replied Shay.

"I'm off duty right now so I'm not in uniform. I'm Sarna a junior officer first class with the Sith occupation force." Said Sarna.

Shay gives Sarna a roguish smile. "Nice to meet you, Sarna, I'm Shay Xainin."

Sarna smiles at this. "I'm actually surprised your talking to me at all…most people on Taris can't stand Sith at all. It can make this job very lonely."

"I don't hold that against you. You're just doing your job right." Said Shay.

"Yes, that's true, but people don't appreciate what we have done for them. We could have slapped a whole curfew on the whole planet, but we didn't. You know it's like everyone on this backwater planet is in a permanent bad mood don't they know how to make the best of things." said a venting Sarna.

That was a pretty upbeat attitude for a Sith. From Shay's expression, he seems to agree with me. "That's a pretty positive attitude." Said Shay.

"Exactly it's all about attitude. I didn't want to be assigned to this backwater planet, but I have to make the best of it. It's just like back during the Mandalorian war, Commander Chulainn always says there is no use moping about every battle loss or every bad thing that happens. It's about making the most of the time you have with your comrades at arms because you never know when your time is up so live life to the fullest and never let anything get you down."

This surprised both Shay and I thought for different reasons as the mention of Chulainn caught my attention and the girls.

{That Sith woman mentioned Lancer's name. Did she know him?} said Kiyohime.

{Ikiryo did mention that Lancer was already resurrected here and was working with Archer. Lancer must have had his own adventure here if this woman speaks so fondly of him.} said Tamamo.

"So, you fought during the Mandalorian war, impressive. This commander of your sounds like an all right guy. Is he stationed here too?" asked Shay now curious.

"Yes, I did fight in the war, but I joined up barely over a year before the war ended when we were winning. So, most of the battles I participated in were with commanders like Chulainn and those from the Knights of the Rounds leading us who were veterans who fought from the beginning. As for my former Commander, he isn't with us any longer; he along with the rest of the Knights of the Round left with the Lion King back to Cathar after the Lion King made the decision to give asylum to the Mandalorians. I really do miss those guys they always were able to lighten up the mood." Said Sarna smiling in melancholy.

Another man lying drunkenly at the bar sits up turning to Sarna. "Hey Sarna, quiet down. You know we're not supposed to talk about the Lion King or the Knights of the Round. Malik hates the Lion King and kills anyone who speaks of the Lion King or Revan in a good light."

"Oh, relax Yun. As long as we are here, we should be able to speak our minds about them. Besides, I recall you being a big fan of the Hera sisters of the Knights of the Rounds." Said Sarna.

Yun then smiles dreamily at the mention of the Hera sisters. "Oh, those Hera sisters. Man, how I missed days spending some R&R with the boys in Heaven's Paradise. The Sister's along with all those other girls under Lust sempai employ were great in… relieving the constant stress we soldier had to endure during the war."

Sarna scoffed. "Stress my ass. That place was a house of debauchery. All the men went down there to both get hammered and screw all day."

"Hey, we weren't the only ones going down there. I saw plenty of women going down there using special rooms mainly for the women. I saw a few of those things that goes down there and I have to say you girls got some weird-ass fetishes." Defended Yun.

"Wow sounds like you guys during the war had quite the time during your off times. After all everyone needs to blow off steam for a while." Said Shay with a look of astonishment on his face from the story he just heard.

Sarna blushes at this then quickly punches Yun in the shoulder shutting him up. "…Umm yeah thanks. It's good to meet someone who understands what I'm going through. It's good to talk about this stuff once and a while. It gets lonely on the base. Umm, I must get going soon; I got a shift back at the military base. But some of us junior officers are having a party tonight to blow off some steam. I really like to see you again; why don't you drop by. I'll show where it is on your map."

"I'll be there beautiful." Replied Shay as he kisses the back of her hand like some prince charming.

Sarna giggles at the action. "Oh, you are quite the charmer aren't you. Now don't be late. The party starts after our shift ends. Most of us won't be heading back to base to lock up our uniforms. I'll be looking forward to seeing you there." Sarna then leaves heading back to the base.

Walking over to Shay I pat him on the back. "Not bad Romeo. You're quite the smooth operator. That woman was like putty in your hands."

Shay chuckles at this. Before he could reply Carth walks over to us. "Shay, I was watching your conversation. Mind telling me what you were thinking associating with the enemy."

"Relax Carth I was gathering information. I learned that we need either authorization papers to access the lift to the Taris lower levels or went disguised as Sith ourselves. I thought we could use this party to get those uniforms." Defended Shay.

Carth had a nonplussed look. "Well, you seemed quite chummy with that Sith with the way you were hitting on her."

"And what's wrong with that? She might be a Sith, but she is a very hot attractive woman. Not to mention I learn she wasn't a bad person. She fought in the Mandalorian war the same as you Carth." Replied Shay.

"All the more reason you shouldn't trust her. Soldiers like her used to be loyal to the republic but then they turned their backs on us and stabbed us in the back. Nothing good will come with associating with a traitor. They're no better than Sa-…no just do whatever." Said Carth as he was shaking his head leaving obviously upset about something else related to this.

"I think Carth has trust issues. The way he talked about betrayal he probably was betrayed by someone close who joined the Sith." I said to Shay.

Shay nods. "Yeah, I think so too. I'll have to talk to him later about that. I can't have something like that fester for too long. Come on Trowa lets head to the arena; I heard they have fought there; might be interesting."

With that we start making our way toward the arena but just before we enter the room, we hear an irritating patronizing voice that catches our attention. Looking toward the noise we see an annoying spoiled daddy's girl talking down to Xion.

"Where did you get those clothes, a trash compactor in the lower city? And where are my drinks that I ordered?" said the spoiled rich girl.

"Who are you and why are you bossing me around?" said Xion who was clearly getting irritated at the rich girl.

"Why are the help so incompetent? One word from daddy and I'll have you fired." Threatened the rich girl.

Xion looked to be grinding her teeth the more time she spent in the woman's presence. After about a minute Xion grabs a drink from a passing waiter then pours it on the spoil rich girl's head. "There, enjoy your drink you spoiled BITCH!"

"Arrgh…you ruined my new dress! You'll pay for this you little whore! Just wait until my daddy hears of this!" screamed the spoiled brat as she runs off past us.

"Wow, that was a nice Xion. We watched the whole thing and that rich girl deserved that." Said Shay who gives Xion a small clap of applause.

Xion blushes a bit at the comment. "Umm thanks. That woman was annoying."

"Hey Xion, we're headed to the arena want to come with?" I asked.

"Ah sure." Replied Xion.

With that we made our way to the arena. Entering the room, we find both Judson and Carth already here. "Come on Carth the match is about to begin." Said an excited Judson.

"Calm down Judson the match isn't going anywhere. I can't believe you convinced me to watch this. I don't get what's so interesting about two idiots fighting each other for sport." Complained Carth giving off a deep sigh.

"Oh, live a little Carth. All work a no play makes jack a dull boy." Judson's attention then falls on us as he waves us over. "Hey, guys it's good to see you're here. Come on join us, let's watch the show!"

Seeing many of the other patrons were crowding to the viewing screens we joined Judson and Carth by the viewing screen. On the viewing screen, we listen as the announcer introduces the fighters Deadeye Duncan and Gerlon Two-fingers. The fight if you can call it that didn't last long when Duncan took out his blaster but dropped it as it fumbled from his hands. Gerlon took notice to this and blasted Duncan taking him out.

"Wow, that was the fastest fight I ever saw. That was very anti-climactic." Said disappointed Judson.

"Hey, it looks like the fighters just got back here. Looks like there are 5 of them; want to talk with one of them? Maybe learn a bit about the arena." I said to rest of the group.

Shay nods as he walks over to the arena fighters heading directly for Gerlon. "Haven't seen you before. Looking to step into the dual ring, or are you here to watch?"

"I like to enter the ring/I like to enter the ring." Both Shay and I said at the same time.

Gerlon smiles at this. "Good to see some new blood in the fight game. Things have gotten stale lately. If you two are serious about this go talk with Ajuur the Hutt the duel organizer. He'll probably start a rookie like you off with Duncan."

Just as we were about to head to the Hutt Carth stops us. "Wait you guys aren't really planning on competing? Did you guys forget we are on a mission and a bit short on time. Let's not forget the sith probably have the Endar Spire's crew manifest so catching everyone's attention will not do us any favors."

"Oh, come on relax Carth. We could always just fight under an alias. Beside we could use the credits from the winnings. It could also be good practice for a real fight." Said Shay trying to convince Carth.

Carth has a look of concentration thinking of the matter before sighing. "Oh, all right. You drive a good point but try not to stand out too much you two. Just earn us some quick credits so we can get back on the search."

"Thanks, Carth." I said.

With that we head over to the Hutt. "I'm sorry humans. The betting windows are closed. No more fights right now. People are sick of seeing the same dualist fight all the time. It's bad for business. Unless…my name is Ajuur I organize the duels here. We need a new face in the dueling ring. How about one of you step into the ring? It would be a highly profitable venture."

"We're both interested but what's in it for us?" said Shay in a smooth smuggler like manner.

"I can arrange for you both to entry into the duel ring. If you win you get the standard contract 10% of all wages. And don't worry nobody dies in the ring anymore. Deathmatches are illegal now. Most of the fighters use vibroblades or stun sticks because the ring is pretty small. Some of the other competitors use blasters or whatever they prefer."

"Vibroblades and blasters? And nobody ever dies. How come I get the feeling you are taking us for a ride?" said a skeptical Carth.

"The duel rings energy suppressor fields make sure nobody dies. Weapons are limited so they only hurt not kill. So, are you interested?" said the eager Hutt.

"I'll do it, but I'll do it for more than 10%." Said Shay full of confidence.

Ajuur burst out laughing. "Ha-Ha-Ha, you're joking right? If I pay you more than everyone wants more. Now you get the same 10% just like all the others now that is my final offer."

"Oh fine, I'll do it." Said a disappointed Shay.

"Hey, don't forget about me I'm joining too. And just so you know we are not interested in fighting each other. Just have us fight the other competitors." I said.

"Good, new blood into the ring! But you two need a nickname like Ice, Deadeye or Twitch. A good name makes people bet more. Hmm…what's a good name for you? You're both off-worlders so no one would recognize you. So how about we call you the Mysterious Stranger. Yes, that's a good name." said Ajuur to Shay.

"Mysterious Stranger? Uh, I guess that's the best I can get." Said an unenthused Shay.

"It's a good name its perfect for you. You have no past no history. It makes you look like you have big my dark secret. Which will make more people bet more. Now, how about your friend here." Said Ajuur.

"Wait, wait! I like to be called…" I then take out my smuggler Hat from the Shrewd Rascal armor set sliding my fingers on the ridges of my hat in a smooth manner. "The Lone Wanderer."

Ajuur then burst out laughing. "Oh, I like you human. That's not a half bad-bad name, equally as mysterious. And the presentation not half bad…but your look looks like your missing something. Ah ha that's it!" Ajuur then grabs something next to him throwing it to me. "Here that's some old cloak I've been using as a…napkin. Put it on and don't worry its clean…mostly."

Looking to the cloak it was a dingy brown cloak with some smudges here and there even some splotches of what looks like blood that looked more like a poncho. Putting it on I couldn't help but think I looked like a desperado from the wild west. Now just need to do something about the smell but I'll deal with it later.

"Wow, looking good there pal." Said Judson giving a sharp whistle in appreciation.

"Not bad but that dingy thing smells." Said Xion holding her nose.

"Hey that's not fair! You not only got a cooler name but an awesome new look." Complained Shay as I merely smirked back at him taking out a toothpick putting it in my mouth completing the badass outlaw look which further drives Shay's jealousy up the wall.

"Okay you two ready to step into the ring for the duel now? Which one of you wishes to compete first. Your first opponent will be Deadeye Duncan." Said Ajuur.

"Yes, and I'll go first." Hastily said Shay who was still sour over the stage name.

"Yes, you fight, and people bet, and I make money. It's all good. Only one rule nobody dies. When they go down don't finish them off. Deathmatches are illegal now." Said Ajuur.

After Ajuur finished he had one of his men lead Shay to the arena. With us going over to the viewing screen to watch the match we listened as the announcer introduces Shay or should I say the Mysterious Stranger which got the crowd going as they were excited to see a new fighter in the ring. After the introductions, the fight against Duncan went as well as I expected. Shay simply dodged the one blaster shot Duncan gave off before blasting Duncan himself until he was knocked out.

After the match with Duncan Shay moved on to fight Gerlon two-fingers. The fight in this one was a little harder as Gerlon was a good shot, so the two traded blasters shot for a while before Shay decided to forgo the blaster taking out his Vibroblade charging Gerlon. Gerlon attempted to blast Shay but he proved too fast as he nimbly dodged the blaster fire closing the distances in mere seconds. Gerlon tried to take out a Vibroblade in defense but was too late when Shay hit him hard in the chest knocking him out.

With the fight with Gerlon won Shay came out of the arena to rest a bit and have a drink before heading back in to fight his next opponent ICE. The blond woman ICE certainly had an ice-cold personality when Judson tried talking to her so as both ICE and Shay faced off with one another they started the fight with light blaster fire before tossing their blasters aside taking out their Vibroblades as they fought in a long brutal melee. Their clash of steel almost looked like a dance as they both moved so fast striking and blocking each other's attacks. This continued for several minutes before Shay managed to elbow thrust ICE in the throat stunning her before finishing her off with an overhead strike to her head knocking her out.

Once the match was over Shay took a half-hour break before heading back to the ring to face off against the 20-year long veteran Marl. As the match began Shay didn't waste time with his blaster taking out his viroblade charging Marl. Marl stands his ground readying his double-bladed Vibroblade as he takes on all of Shay's strikes. Marl was in total control of the fight as he effortlessly blocks Shay's attacks all the while he counterattacked Shay whittling down his defenses. The fight lasted a few more minutes until Marl slashed Shay across the chest sapping the last of Shay's endurance as he drops his blade and falls over unconscious.

{The old man is very skilled Master. Shay was definitely faster, but the old man was far more skilled fighter. It will be a challenged to beat him.} said Kiyohime.

{There no way master would lose to that old man. He'll beat him no problem! I believe in you Master!} said Tamamo.

'Thanks for the advice Kiyohime and the vote of confidence Tamamo.'

Once Shay's defeat was announced Ajuur men carried Shay back up here with the rest of us completely exhausted. Standing over the exhausted Shay I pat him on the back giving him a cheeky smile. "That was quite the show, Shay. You were doing so well winning three times in a row but then the old man gave you an ass-whooping. But hey on the bright side you made 600 credits."

Shay stares back at me angrily. "Fuck you Trowa! How about you have a try stepping into the ring. Let's see how long you last. I love to see that smug look on your faced wiped clean off!"

I raise my hand in mock surrender. "All right already I'm going; my audience awaits."

I walk over to Ajuur asking him to set me for a match while everyone else attends to Shay. The Hutt, of course, is more than happy to send me out as one of his men walked me to the arena.

3rd POV

Taris Cantina

As Trowa was led away to the arena the rest of the group crowded around the viewing screen getting ready to watch Trowa's match. "Hey Shay, you sure you don't want to lay down a bit longer. That fall you took was hard." Asked a concern Judson.

Shay waves him off. "I'm fine Judson I just need a moment."

Xion notice Shay was swaying a bit so she walks over to him holding him on his side letting his body lean on her. "You're not fine Shay. You can barely stand. Just lean on me for now. I doubt you want to miss the match so just lean on me for now. After Trowa finishes his matches lets head to the Zelka's Clinic."

"Listen to the girl Shay. You're still injured from your fights. Just relax for a while we still need you to rescue you know who." Said Carth quietly making sure nobody was listening in.

Shay merely sighs but smiles at Xion's concern. "All right you guys win."

"Hey guys the match is starting!" said Judson.

Everyone's attention is then on the screen as it shows both competitors enter the ring with the announcer giving their introduction.

Ladies and Gentlemen draw your eyes to the ring! We have a special presentation in store for you. We have yet another new challenger entering the ring. I'm sure everyone enjoyed The Mysterious Stranger entering the ring. Well, now folk allow me to introduce you to our newest competitor.

In this corner is a man who has wandered the great expanse of the outer rim searching for greater challenges for reasons no one knows but for today he had made his way here. The Lone Wonderer!

The Audience's attention then falls to the smuggler wearing a brown dingy poncho. Trowa then slides his fingers across the brim of his hat in a smooth badass manner tipping his hat. This action gets the crowd going at the appearance of the Lone Wanderer.

Shay who was watching from the viewing screen sours a bit. "The crowd is even louder than when I was first introduced."

"Jealous? Don't worry about its Shay. I'm sure the crowd is still excited from when you were in the ring. Perhaps you simply warmed them up for him." Said Xion in a playful voice.

"Hmm…. perhaps." mumbled Shay.

And in this corner, we all know him lose night after night after night Deadeye Duncan!

Duncan raises his hand in the air for the crowd with a look of determination on his face.

Now let the Match Begin!

Trowa readies himself holding his blaster by his side like a cowboy in the old west in a standoff. Duncan takes out his blaster firing at Trowa fully intending on ending the match. Trowa merely stands there as the blaster fire flies past him haphazardly due to Duncan's terrible aim. After a few seconds later Duncan managed to aim one blaster bolt to fly straight toward Trowa's head.

Trowa who had been steadily watching the blaster bolts notices the one actually coming for him and decides now was the time to act. Leaning his body to the side he easily dodged the blaster bolt effortlessly and quickdraws his blaster shooting from the hip blasting Duncan in the chest knocking him unconscious. Trowa then flips his blaster in his hand in a cowboy like fashion then holsters it.

Duncan is down! The winner is the Lone Wanderer! Though honestly, folks what did we really expect folks. You have to do a lot more than that to impress us Wanderer…Hmm, what's this? Well folks, looks like Gerlon Two-Fingers is waiting on the other wing and wishes to challenge the Wanderer to a match!

What say, you Wanderer? Do you accept this challenge?

Trowa raises his fist in affirmative which gets the crowd going.

I believe that answers that question folks. Now I like to introduce you in this corner one of the greats, a man so tough even a disfiguring injury couldn't end his career. I give you Gerlon Two-Fingers!

Gerlon enters the ring raising his fist in the air getting the crowd going.

Let the match begin!

The two combatants meet one another at the center of the ring their hands hover over their blasters ready to draw at any moment. "I've been waiting for a chance to fight you kid. I'm still reeling from the fight I had from your friend the Stranger. It's been a long-time since I had a good fight. I hope you won't disappoint." Said Gerlon as he starts to circle around Trowa slowly.

Trowa gives a cheeky smile as he mimics the same action in a slow dramatic way. "Don't worry I won't."

{Go get him Master!} cheered Tamamo.

{We believe in you, go get him Master!} cheered Kiyohime.

The two combatants circle around each other keeping their opponent in their view continuing this for a few seconds before stopping. This gets the crowd watching this an anxiously excited as the two stopped as the tension in the room everyone was waiting for the first one to make a move.

Both combatants stare each other down as their hands hover over their blasters as they wait for the other to make a move. They continue standing there for several moments increasing the crowd's excitement before both finally quickdraw their blasters firing a shot off with both barely evading the shot to the head.

The two waste no time trying to gain distance away from each other as they return fire on one another. Trowa barrel rows away from the blaster fire overhead as parts of his poncho are singed from a few shots coming to close. Not wasting a moment, he takes out his second blaster opening fire a flurry of bolts in Gerlon's position forcing him to hastily run from the oncoming fire.

The two combatants continue their match blaster firing, dodging, running and anything they can think of in their blaster fight for several minutes. Trowa who was tiring from the prolonged blaster fight decided to end it by taking out a flash grenade and chucking it at Gerlon. Gerlon took notice to this and closed his eyes and ran. Trowa, on the other hand, was waiting for this and when the flash grenade went off Trowa uses saboteur charge on Gerlon's blaster making it explode then sharpshooters at Gerlon blasting him in the chest knocking him out.

Gerlon is down! Gerlon is down. The winner is the Lone Wanderer!

Gerlon losing to not one rookie but two? Have his injuries finally caught up to him? Or perhaps he really is that good. Time will tell.

As the arena attendees escorted Gerlon back up sending him to get medical treatment Trowa makes his way back to the cantina where he is greeted by his comrades.

"Trowa you were awesome down there!" congratulated Judson.

"Not bad I guess." Nonchalantly said Xion trying to hide a smile on her face.

"Not bad shooting their kid. You got a great trigger finger there." Said Carth.

"I guess you weren't half bad. I did better of course." Reluctantly said Shay.

{You were great master. You were like Ka-Pow! And the other guy was out. Your amazing Master!} esthetically said Tamamo.

{I 'm just glad you came back safe master.} Said Kiyohime.

Trowa gives his friends his thanks for their praise as he makes his way to the Hutt but stop as he spots Duncan. Deciding to talk with one of his opponents that he fought he approaches him. Duncan turn to Trowa but has a look of anger on his face. "Oh, what do you want? Oh, let me guess you beat me in the dueling ring and now you're here to rub it in my face. Yeah well I'm used to it so pardon me if I ignore your gloating."

Trowa blinks at his soured attitude. "Wow what craped in your pants?"

"Gee I wonder why? Could it be due to me being the worst dualist in all Taris could it? Not one but two rookies got the better of me. Look I admit it your better than me; everyone is better than me. A one-legged blindfolded Tach with a rusted knife could probably beat me okay! Is that what you wanted to hear? You satisfied yet? Are you happy you've taken the last shred of my dignity!" angrily yelled Duncan?

Trowa then hears laughter in his head from both his servants. {Ha-Ha-ha…Oh, I like this guy Duncan. He really is fun to make fun of. He would have made a perfect jester in my palace better than that no talent Lizard girl.} laughed Tamamo.

{Heheheh…I agree. I did enjoy him humiliating himself.} giggled Kiyohime.

Trowa lightly chuckles unable to hide how humorous Duncan's rant was. "Yes, I'm happy now."

"Slime rat." Said Duncan with disdain in his mouth as he walks away.

Xion who was watching the interaction walks over to Trowa swatting him on the head. "Now that was unnecessary Trowa. You already have beaten him you didn't have to rub it in."

"I wasn't. Duncan was the one ranting off with that self-decrepitating speech. I just thought what he said was funny." Defended Trowa.

Xion sighs holding her head. "I swear Trowa this is something I expected from Caster. I think she is becoming a bad influence on you."

{No that's not true Xion! I'm a great influence on Master! There is nothing wrong with watching a fool degrade himself for our entertainment.} defended Tamamo.

Not wanting the two to get into an argument Trowa skedaddles back over to the Hutt to continue the match. "Good fight, good fight. People like you Lone Wanderer. They bet a lot money when you fight which makes me happy…and rich." Ajuur then hands Trowa his cut of the profits from the two matches 300 credits.

Trowa then asks another match which Ajuur happily agrees as he sends another of his men to lead Trowa down to the ring.

Ladies and Gentlemen draw your eyes to the center ring! We have a special presentation in store for you. Over in this corner, a woman with steel on her bones and ice water in her veins. She is cold and quick as death itself. You know her. You love her…Ice!

Ice merely huffs as if not giving the crowd the time of day which get the crowd going mainly the men in her cold-hearted indifference.

And in this corner a rising star taking steps into the big leagues…The Lone Wonderer!

Like before Trowa then slides his fingers across the brim of his hat in a smooth badass manner tipping his hat. This action gets the crowd going.

Let the Match Begin!

Without missing a beat Trowa draws both of his blasters as he rains a hail of bolts straight at Ice. Ice in turned dodged and returned his blaster fire. The two continue their gunfight running and dodging around the arena for several minutes before Ice's blaster is blown out of her hand by a saboteur charge from Trowa.

Ice without missing a beat takes out her viroblade charges straight at Trowa who continues to rain fire on her but Ice uses her nimble speed to evade all blaster shots and close the distance between them in mere seconds swinging her blade straight at Trowa forcing him to block with his blasters knocking him back a few feet tumbling.

Trowa quickly reorienting himself forgoes his blasters takes out his Cathar Honor sword bringing it up blocking a strike from Ice that would have been his head. Trowa tumbles a bit as Ice capitalizes on Trowa's bad footing as she knocks him around.

As Trowa tumbles from another strike he stomps his foot firm on the ground regaining his footing lifting his sword to block an overhead strike then spin kicks Ice to the side stunning her for a moment giving Trowa the moment to properly position himself and start his offense. Trowa then strikes out with a flurry of strikes with his blade back at Ice as the two-clash matching each other blow by blow in a vicious melee.

As they clashed the hilt of Trowa's Cathar honor sword glows bright yellow as the crystal inside was empowering it making the blade power stronger as each hit was heavier and sharper. As Trowa sword glowed it's brightest Trowa pushed off as he leaped at Ice as he launches an overhead strike which Ice blocks but is forced to her knee due to the amount of force behind it cracking the Vibroblade. Trowa didn't waste a beat on this vulnerability as he kicks her by the side knocking her to the ground then thrust his blade to her chest hitting her hard knocking her out.

The fight is over! Ice is knocked out cold! Looks like we have another rising star in The Lone Wanderer folks. But how far will his star soar, you'll just have to wait and see folks?

With that Trowa makes his way back up to the cantina meeting back up with Ajuur collecting his cut 300 credits. As Trowa was counting his credits Judson puts his arm around his should pulling him into a bro hug. "It's good to see you back in one-piece buddy. I was getting worried with how it looked like she was tossing you around until you started going on the offensive. I see you made the same amount as Shay did. So ready for your next match?"

Trowa shakes his head wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "Not a chance. I rather not get my but handed to me like Shay. Fighting Ice showed me I need to train some more and get some more experience in battle. I can do that in the Taris lower levels."

Shay snorts at that. "You're just scared that the old man will kick your ass!"

Before the two could bicker Xion intervenes. "Enough you two we spent enough time here already let's go we have a mission remember."

"I second that. Let's first visit Zelka's clinic so we can patch both Shay and Trowa up." Said Carth.

Everyone agreed to this as they needed to get back on course, so the group make their way out of the Cantina. Just as the group turned the corner near Kebla's shop they are greeted to the sight of the spoiled rich girl Xion humiliated along with two armed Rodians.

"Now you'll learn how to treat your betters. Get them!" ordered the spoiled brat.

Just as the two Rodians made a step toward the groups a shimmering of the space next to them as Xion then appears next to them decloaking as she jams her Vibroknife into one of the Rodians neck then levels her blaster rifle to the other firing a charged blast hitting him in the head killing him instantly.

As both Rodians thugs fall onto the ground dead the spoiled brat takes off running screaming for her Daddy. "Wow what just happened? When did you get there? I thought you couldn't use any of your Jedi powers?" asked a confused Judson.

"That was just me using my stealth field generator. It came along with some of the tools I got from the supply crate." Replied Xion. 'It's a good thing while the boys were playing in the arena, I was reviewing all my agent abilities mainly the stuff dealing with concealment. I like to not get shot thank you very much.'

The boys then searched the thug's bodies finding anything useful before checking in on Kebla's shop with Shay selling a few of the things they had and buying a few medpacs, grenades and a permacrete detonator before making their way to the clinic. After Shay and Trowa were checked out they made their way to the Taris upper city North heading straight into the North Apartments. Checking through the apartments we didn't find much but we met two people of note. One was a man name Largo who was on the run from Davik as he had a bounty on his due to him owing Davik 200 credits. Shay being the generous person he is gives him 200 credits to pay off his debt which Largo was grateful for as he runs off to pay off his debt.

The second was a woman named Día who is also on the run with a bounty on her head because she pulled a vibroblade on a man called Holdan cutting him who was too handsy on her. This angered him so out of spite he put a bounty on her as he didn't want his reputation as one of Davik's men tarnished. Shay offered to talk with this Holdan to get him to back off from the bounty.

After checking most of the North apartments we make our way to the room the Sith were going to have their party as that was the best time to obtain a uniform. Entering the apartment room, the group is greeted to the sight of off duty Sith drinking and dancing to the music.

"Hey, you made it. I was wondering when you were going to show. The party is in full swing and it looks like you brought some friends good the more the merrier. You have to try this Tarisan Ale it's fantastic. We should have conquered this planet ages ago." Said Sarna.

"Careful Sarna. That wine got quite the quick a couple more bottles and we'll be passed out on the floors." Said Yun.

"Who cares we're not on duty tomorrow so let's live a little. Come on Shay come drink with me." Sarna then grabs Shay's hand pulling him off somewhere.

"And he is off. I guess we should mingle for a bit. Just don't drink too much I don't like associating with the enemy." said Carth.

"I'll head over to the drinks then. I can add something to the ale to speed up their drunkenness so they can pass out." Said Xion as she makes her way to the drinks.

"I guess I'll grab a few drinks before she can spike it then. I do enjoy a good drink." Said Judson as he follows after Xion.

With that Trowa mingles around the party dancing with the few party-goers blinding in while Shay and Sarna were drinking drinks mostly the latter and dancing to the music. As time passed more of the party-goers were passing out on the floor while Sarna and Shay were dancing though Sarna was mostly hanging onto Shay as the drinks were making her legs wobbly. During their interactions, Sarna was openly flirting with Shay which he reciprocated. As the party was dying down Sarna suggested they enter the other rooms' bedroom for some private fun which Shay just couldn't say no as he practically carried her to the other.

After about an hour all the Sith were passed out on the ground leaving only Trowa's group up and about. "Finally, they're all out of it. Come on let's grab those uniforms so we can access the lift to the lower city."

As they grab the Sith uniforms Trowa looks around noting one of their members were missing. "Hey, where is Shay?"

"He is in the other room. He went in with that hot Sith woman. I heard some really loud noises in there. Lucky bastard." Said Judson with a hint of jealousy in his voice.

Carth shakes his head in derision sighing. "Of course, he did. Let's hurry and get him so we get back on the mission. It won't be long until the Sith come check up on these guys realizing their gear is gone."

Making their way to the other room they find both Shay and Sarna lying naked in bed with a big grin plastered on Shay's face. Carth facepalms at the sight before shaking Shay awake. "Get up Shay! You had your fun now let's go!"

Shay sits up yawning. "Man, that was a wild night."

"Yeah, yeah good for you now let's get going before a Sith patrol arrives to find this mess. They won't be happy when they note that their armor is gone." Said Carth.

"All right already." Shay gets up from the bed his morning wood in full display making Xion blush bright red running out the room as he dresses himself. Shay then remembers his sleeping companion. "Hey wait what about Sarna? What will happen to her when they learn their armor is gone?"

Judson scratches the back of his neck in thought. "Hmm…I not sure. I know ever since Malak got in control that from the rumors the punishment for failure especially incompetents are very severe, and people tend to end up in death."

This surprised Shay. "Wait they'll kill her over losing some armor! We can't possibly leave her to die?"

"That's the plan, Shay. She is a Sith. The enemy. There is no point shedding a tear over the enemy now let's get out of here." Coldly said Carth.

"But Sarna isn't a bad person. She fought for the republic during the Mandalorian War. She only stayed with the Sith because she believed in Revan. I heard her complain enough about it in her drunkard stupor that she has no loyalties to Malak and she only continued to serve out of fear when Malak started purging anyone who showed even an ink of loyalty to Revan." Replied Shay.

"Don't let your misplaced feeling for this Sith you slept with get in the way. She is still the enemy. We don't have time to try and convert every Sith on our side just because of some bleeding sob story. We only have time to look after ourselves. Now we have an important mission to get back to so let's go." Said an undeterred Carth.

Shay looks back to the slumbering Sarna thoughts of the Sith killing her. Shaking his head, he stares back at Carth with determination. "No, I can't do that. Sarna put her trust in me when she invited us here. We were complete strangers and yet she was kind enough to trust us to join in this party to sit back and relax. I know I'm being selfish right now wanting to save Sarna and none of the others, but I just can't in good conscious leave her."

Trowa then puts his hand on Shay's shoulder. "Hey if you feel strong about this then you have my support."

Shay smiles back at his friend. "Thanks, Trowa." Shay stares back at Carth. "I'm taking Sarna with us Carth. I refuse to betray her trust. I be no different than the Sith when they backstabbed the republic if I betray her like that."

Carth stares back at Shay seeing that he won't back down on this. "Fine then have your way!" Carth then walks right up to Shay pointing a finger to his chest. "But she is your responsibility! The moment this comes back to blow up in your face don't come crying to me. She is a Sith don't forget it."

Carth angrily storms out of the room with Shay breathing a sigh of relief. "So, are we going to get her dressed? Or are we just going to carry her out naked?" asked Trowa.

"Oh right…umm I'll gather up her clothes." Shay gathers up Sarna's scattered clothes putting them on her unconscious body picking it up as they make their way out of the apartment heading back to their abandoned apartment.

As our band of heroes left the apartment an hour goes by until the party-goers start to stir awake. Unlucky for them they are greeted by the sight of armed Sith troopers hoisting them up against the wall. "What, what is going on here? We're Sith officers!" screamed a confused Yun.

One of the Sith Interrogators dressed in black steps forward facing the Sith party goers with a wicked grin. "I'm sure you men must be confused on what's happening. Allow me to clarify. You are all under investigation of conspiracy to undermine Lord Malak rule. We have suspicions that you all are Revan and the Lion King sympathizers. We have eye-witness testimony that you all shown obvious favoritism to the Lion King's command. As well you have been in contact with junior officer Sarna one of the more notable dissidents who has shown a clear dislike of our lord and you all share similar sentiments as you've all have been seen associating with her on daily bases."

The drunken Sith shake in fear at the accusations. "But Sarna mostly just complained about how strict things have been getting as to compare to our time during the Mandalorian War. And what's wrong with talking about the Lion King for? She fought on our side before! We're not at war with the Lion King's forces!" yelled one of the Sith officers.

The Sith interrogator shakes his head mockingly. "First off it doesn't matter if officer Sarna didn't mean ill will. Speaking ill of our lord especially comparing him to Revan or the Lion King will not be tolerated. Secondly, Lord Malak despises the Lion King and fully considers her the enemy. Some of our forces have been in supposed accidents that drew us in conflict with some of their patrols and they assisted the republic in killing our men. They obviously don't consider us allies not that lord Malak would accept such. Lord Malak has decreed the Lion King an enemy of the Sith and any and all association with them is considered treason."

"But come on we were only talking about how great the women under the Lion King like Nero, Eliza-chan and the Hera sisters. Come, guys, you remember them especially the Hera sisters during the war. Not only were they great singers they knew how to suck cock erm…" the sith officer was interrupted with an elbow to the side by another officer.

The Sith interrogator scoffs. "Of course you men were enticed by those seductress charms. No matter you fantasized about them for the last time. Any and all talk referring to the Lion King or her men working under her in good light is an act of sedition; now where is junior officer Sarna?"

Another of the Sith trooper steps toward the interrogator saluting. "Sir, officer Sarna isn't on the premises. We heard reports that a woman matching Sarna's descriptions was carried out unconscious by several individuals. We believed they are the same ones who stole the sympathizers Sith armors."

The interrogator scratches his chin in thought. "Hmm…these suspects might either be republic survivors from the Endar Spire, or they're more likely were Taris lower city gangsters. They have been causing us a lot of trouble lately harassing our patrols and stealing military equipment. Wouldn't put pass them they would kidnap our ginger officer."

"If Sarna has been kidnapped then we have to rescue her! We can't let gangsters have her. There no telling what horrors they'll do to her!" yelled Yun worried about his friend.

The interrogator merely shrugs. "Less paperwork for me. We can just assume junior officer Sarna was kidnapped by the lower city gangs. No need to go out of our way to get her. Our time on our planet will be short and I heard Lord Malak has something special in store for the planet." He finished with an evil chuckle.

"Umm…then what about us?" meekly asked one of the detained Sith officers.

"You'll be taken back to the fleet for interrogation. We'll force you to tell us any other sympathizers with similar sentiments. Okay, men take them away!" ordered the Sith Interrogator.

Just as the Sith troopers were grabbing up the partygoers to drag them out one of the still inebriated Sith. "Damn it! I can't believe we're getting suspected of treason just because we wanted to talk about the good old days! I swear Malak is just butt hurt about all the times the Lion King publicly insulted and humiliated him! Come on we all know the Lion King easily overshadowed Malak! Whenever the Big Three the heroes of the republic were talked about in the war most people think of Revan and the Lion King. Malak was just an afterthought! It's no wonder the bastard barely had any action when it came to women! Come on that loser was rejected by that Arkanian offshoot girl and rumors said he was even tried to get into the Lion King's sister's pants for Sith sa-" before the inebriated sith could say another word, he is blasted in the chest by the Sith interrogator instantly killing him as his lifeless body drops to the floor.

"Let that be a lesson to all who would disrespect our lord." The Sith troopers then drag the Sith party goers out of the apartments into the transports back at the military base.

Taris Abandon Apartment Safehouse

Trowa and the others finally arrive back to the safehouse after deciding to bring the Sith officer Sarna much to Shay's insistence. Choosing to go to the safehouse to try and sway Sarna to their side. Shay had laid Sarna on the bed waiting at her bedside contemplating what to say to her before she wakes up. Trowa and Xion sat down on the table tinkering with their datapad's. Carth who was still against this elected to stand by the door should a Sith Death squad be knocking on their door. And Judson elected to stay outside and keep watch.

A little over a half-hour of waiting Sarna started to wake up. Sarna drowsily sits up from the bed holding her head from the massive headache from the ale she drank. "Ow…my head feels like it's about to split open." Sarna looks up squinting seeing Shay sitting in a chair next to the bed beside her. Smiling seductively at Shay she scoots closer to him. "Hmm, I see your still here handsome. We had a great time didn't we. The night is still young so how about we go another round…"

Sarna after a moment of clarity notices that her clothes were still on clearly remembering removing them before. Finally taking stock of the room she notes that the room definitely wasn't either of the rooms the party occupied. "Umm…Shay by any chance while I was pissed out drunk did, we enter another apartment by mistake, or did I follow you back to your place?"

Sighing Shay was prepared himself for the explanation he had planned for her. "It's closer to the latter but not quite. I actually carried you back to my apartment which I'm staying at."

"…Okay, Shay I'm flattered and all but don't think your taking things a bit too fast bringing back to your place?" asked a blushing Sarna.

"Ah yeah but that's not the reason I brought you back here. Sarna I want to be honest with you here so first off, the party I didn't just go there for the food and drinks. We came they're for you and your colleagues Sith armor." Admitted Shay.

Sarna merely blinks at Shay staring at him for a moment before looking around the room noting there are people here she didn't recognize two being a redhead boy and white-haired girl sitting at the table with and a man she slightly remembers accompanying Shay in an orange jacket standing next to the door. Recognizing she is in unfamiliar territory and outnumbered she gulps turning back to her would-be kidnapper. "…So why did you bring me here? Are you a smuggler? You're not going to sell me, are you?"

Shay has a look of shocked surprise at the question. "Me a slaver? No way in Sith hell! No that's not the reason I brought you here." Sarna sighs a breath of relief at the answer. "I brought you back because I was worried if you stayed you would get in trouble with your armor stolen. I heard Malak give severe punishment for failure, so I took you back with us as it felt wrong to trick you to invite us only to stab you in the back."

Sarna was touched by Shay's concern but was still curious about one thing. "Okay but that still doesn't tell me who you really are and why did you really bring me here."

"Okay fine. Firstly, the truth is most of us are republic soldiers who escaped the destruction of the Endar Spire. We're here to find the Jedi Bastila and help her escape Taris. Secondly, I thought if perhaps if I could convince you to join us as you were a Sith officer so you might have some information on some of the escaped pods that landed on Taris. That and I listened to you rant when you were drunk about how good things were back during the war for your fellow soldiers that the atmosphere was still warm and welcoming even under the constant threat of death in the next battle until now under Malak how the atmosphere is so suffocating that if you say something wrong or offend the wrong person namely anyone who is a Sith Jedi and your dead. I thought I like to offer you a way out of the Sith." said Shay.

Sarna listens closely to his explanation. Though she was slightly surprised at him being a republic soldier she was wary of the offer to defect. Though she had often thought of quitting the Sith she had never heard anyone leaving the Sith alive hearing that those who tried to quit were killed. "I admit I don't like working as a Sith. Things were better when we were still soldiers of the republic and even when we first became Sith under Revan things weren't too bad as we still had a goal an ideal, we were chasing after. But under Malak, the goal seems more like a far-off dream now. As great as I would like to leave the Sith I don't see how I much less you guys leave Taris with the blockade right now."

Sighing Sarna stands up with an apologetic look on her face. "Shay, I'm grateful for the offer and if this was a different place I definitely would accept your offer but right now my best chance of getting off this planet alive is simply heading back to base telling them my armor is stolen and just accepting whatever punishment they dish out hoping its nothing too severe. So please Shay just let me go. I promise I won't tell anyone you're here."

Shay's expression drops at Sarna's rejection and looks toward Carth who hand is hovering over his blaster knowing he won't trust her not to sell them out. Before Shay could say anything else to try and convince Sarna the door opens with Judson the last of their group enter the room. "Hey guys I'm back. I had stuck around close to the North apartments to survey the aftermath of the party we stole the Sith amor and a squad of Sith troopers stormed into the room arresting everyone."

This, of course, catches everyone's attention especially Sarna's. "Arrested? But why? The armor wasn't even stolen that long ago so command couldn't of possibly of heard that fast."

Judson shakes his head. "Yeah, I know. I stuck to the crowd outside, but I was still able to listen to some people talk who were in the apartment gossiping outside. Apparently, everyone was arrested under suspicion of conspiracy as Revan or Lion King sympathizers." Judson continues to explain to the group of everything else he heard.

After the explanation Sarna was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Lord Malak must be purging anyone he suspects of disloyalty. I heard plenty of rumors that many of my former comrades that were stout Revan loyalist were purged from the fleet. My remaining comrades had warned me about talking about Revan in any form, but times were rough, and it was easier to talk about the good times, so I recalled our time with the officers under the Lion King. I thought that would be a safe subject as they weren't our enemy and talking about them was very calming helped put a smile on our faces. But now you're saying because I talked about those times that my friends and I are being purged by Malak as traitors."

Sarna falls to her knees still trying to come to grips with her situation. Trowa and Xion who were listening in felt sorry for Sarna with even Carth who was distrustful of the Sith woman to now feeling a little sorry for her as well. Shay kneeled next to Sarna placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sarna, I'm sorry about your friends but with this new situation, your option to return back to the Sith is no longer optional. So, I like to reextend my offer to defect and join us. Working together we might just find a way off Taris alive."

Sarna stares off into space for several moments before her attention is back on Shay with a forlorn look on her face. "Well looks like I don't have much choice now do I. Okay Shay you got yourself a Sith defector."

Shay smiles at this grateful Sarna will be joining them. "Thanks, Sarna you won't regret it. Okay now that is settled, we should put on the Sith armors. We'll need that to gain access to the Elevator down to the lower city. It should allow you to walk the city until we get to the lower city and get you some new clothes that could help you blend in."

"Thanks again Shay, for helping me. I'll do my best to help you guys. We're all in this together." Said Sarna.

Trowa then grabs the Sith armors placing them on the table. "Okay guys grab some armor. Let get this show on the road."

Everyone then grabs a suit of armor placing them on. Once everyone was dressed in their Sith armor they leave the room following Sarna's lead as they make their way to North Upper City heading to the elevator near the Sith Base.

Xion POV

Taris Upper City North

After leaving our safehouse garbed in the Sith armor our group is now making our way through the Taris streets following Sarna in a line like all the other Sith Patrols. The people don't so much as bat an eye in our direction minding their own business as the Taris citizens give us a wide berth. It was strange seeing them actively avoid us but understandable with how ominous this armor must appear. It's just too bad just wearing the damn thing is just so cumbersome. I can barely see in this thing and my freedom of movement is limited. Who was the asshole who designed this thing?

Sith fashion sense besides we finally arrived at the elevator. The guard let us through without trouble. The ride down the elevator wasn't long as we arrived in the lower city. As we walked through, we were greeted to the sight of two lower city gangs in an argument about to fight.

"The Beks are nothing but bantha fodder! The Vulkars are strongest!" yelled the strange Vulkar alien.

"We'll teach you who strongest!" retorted the Rodian Bek.

Just like that the two groups start fighting with the Vulkar alien stabbing the Rodian in the chest killing him first. The other two Vulkars then proceed to fight the last to Beks and quickly overwhelm them killing them. As soon as the Beks were dead the Vulkars attention falls on us. "Sith? We don't like Sith in our territory. Boys kill them!"

Without waiting for the preamble, the Vulkars immediately attack us. Shay meets the head honcho Vibroblade in hand while the rest take out their blasters aiming at the last two. Sticking behind one of the corners I start tearing off the cumbersome armor as there is no way I can possibly fight like this. When finally tore off the last piece of armor and jumped out from the corner to join the fight the fight was already over.

Shay holstered his Vibroblade then took off his helmet. "Man, that fight was harder than it had to be. What the heck is with this armor? It was such a pain to move in." Shay then proceeds to remove his armor.

I look toward Trowa and Carth doing the same. "I can't believe the Sith made something like that as standard military armor. The republic would never accept something like that. Who designed this armor had they worked for the republic they would be dishonorably discharged?" Said an irritated Carth.

Sarna takes off her helmet showing an apologetic look on her face. "Sorry, I forgot to warn you it's hard to adjust to wearing the new Sith armor. These are actually a new design that's supposed to replace Lord Revan's design to make it appear more ominous appearance. The old armor was far more movable and comfortable."

"Well, I think this Malak guy is just a sadist. How can his men fight in such a thing? It's practically a deathtrap. Sure, it's scary looking to look at I give him that but the lack of freedom of movement and the limited field of view is just murder!" exclaimed Trowa as he took off the last of the armor.

Seeing that everyone finishing taking off their Sith armor I walk over to Sarna. "Hey Sarna, I have a combat suit you can wear. It's probably best not to be walking around in Sith armor down here."

"Thanks, Xion." Sarna takes the combat suit quickly removing her armor putting on the combat suit.

When Sarna finished putting on the suit we were all ready to get back to business. Heading into one of the lower city apartments we start exploring the place. We searched every room we came across grabbing anything useful. We also encounter plenty of Vulkar gangsters who immediately attacked us. It didn't take long for us to take them out now as our teamwork was top-notch. Exploring the apartments, we came across a room that had a locked security supply crate that had puzzle lock that only unlocks when piece together the order of the band members of the group The Twisted Rancor Trio joined.

We spent several minutes reading over the Journal that was in the apartment learning the band's history before we solved it. Finally opening the supply crate, we found 50 credits and an Echani Fiber Armor with Shay equipping the armor. We spent a little more time in another apartment room with a workbench with Shay upgrading his fiber armor before we went back to exploring. As we mostly explored most of the place, we eventually made it to the last apartment room where we came across a green-skinned Twi'lek named Matrik. After Shay talked with him, we learned Matrik who used to work for the exchange was in hiding from the exchange after turning in evidence from his time in the group to the state. His testimony eventually got some of the biggest criminals on Taris put away for life. This, of course, angered Davik as many of those criminals were friends of his so he put a substantial bounty on him.

Shay offered to pay off the bounty but Matrik said the bounty was far too high for us to pay. Shay then offered to help fake his own death. The two talked it over eventually coming up with using a permacrete detonator to blow up the apartment room making it look like we killed him for his bounty. We waited several moments for them to set the detonator and dragging a Twi'lek Vulkar's body into the room as the decoy body then detonated the room. With the room now destroyed with the body inside completely unrecognizable Matrik makes his way now that he is a "Dead Man."

With this block of the lower city apartments explored we make our way out headed further down the long dark passage through the lower city. The place was truly an utter dump with so much junk cluttering the place never mind the dead bodies we find littering the place. Though we are increasing the body count here with all these Vulkars gangsters we come across who keep on attacking us for no reason. Well at least they give me plenty of time to practice my vanishing act getting right behind them stabbing them in the back.

I have to say I'm not half-bad in a fight. It actually feels pretty good to fight on the frontline instead of having Archer fight all my battles for me. I wonder what he would say if he saw me now. My fighting style isn't far off to an Assassin servant.

After taking out another group of Black Vulkars we arrived at the entrance of the lower city cantina. With a brief chat with the bouncer he let us in. Entering the establishment of course like the upper city cantina the first room was the Pazaak gambling den. Comparing the two the players here look far more serious than the upper city relaxed patrons. I can already tell the boys are eyeing the tables measuring the players up. Looks like we will be here for while the boys really like Pazaak. Trowa is the only one still trying to get the hang of the game so I doubt I'll see him here much.

Walking past the gambling den we walk into the main room and walk into what looks like trouble with three aliens aggressively confronting a sole short human.

"Go away." Dismissed the short man.

"Hey, you no talk to us like that. We want to say hi to big bad bounty hunter Calo Nord!" said the Rodian.

"Nah, this can't be Calo Nord. He supposes to be tough. This guy nothing but a runt!" jeered the Twi'lek man.

"One." Counted Calo

"One. What that mean? You be funny tough guy." Said the other Rodian.

"Do you know who we are, Calo? We're Black Vulkars! You don't want to get funny with us." Said the Twi'lek.

"Two." Counted Calo.

"Me no understand one, two. Why he counts? Is he trying to count how many against him?" Said the Rodian.

"It's three against one Calo. What do you think you can do against those odds Calo?" taunted the Twi'lek.

"Three." Calo then throws a flash grenade at the three aliens feet exploding blinding everyone. Closing my eyes from the flash I hear blaster fire. By the time the light died down the three aliens were already dead on the ground.

As Calo started making his way out of the cantina Shay approaches him.

"Go away." Dismissed Calo at the sight of Shay.

"Um hey I saw what you did back there with those Black Vulkars, nice work." Complimented Shay.

"One." Counted Calo.

Shay sweats a bit at this and just as he was about to say something else, I decided to step in putting my hand to his mouth dragging him away from the bounty Hunter. "Sorry for my friend. We'll leave you be." I quickly explained to the trigger-happy bounty hunter.

"Smart." Said Calo as he makes his way out of the cantina.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I take my hand off Shay's mouth than give him a harsh glare. "Shay, I know you like to talk and question everyone we meet but get it through your head some people just aren't approachable. That guy was dangerous, and I don't think our chances were good in such close quarters with him. So, think next time."

Shay raises his hand in surrender. "Sorry, Xion. I just wanted to compliment the guy. He had some nice moves back there." Shay tried to laugh it off, but I wasn't having any of that. Shay needs to be more careful; that guy could have killed us if he pissed him off. None of us are that good yet, maybe with some more training.

Moving on with that we walk into another room with Twi'lek dancers performing on stage. Seeing them on stage I guess I can see why guys like them, but the head tails are still weird. As I was looking around Shay walked over to this man watching the dance and starts talking with him. Listening in I learned that the man was the same Holdan who paid a bounty on Dia. After listening to them talking back and forth Shay convinced Holdan to take off the bounty as having a bounty placed on a little slight in the cantina was making other girls avoid him in fear. So, him taking it off forgiving Dia would put him in good light again. I have to say Shay does have a certain silver tongue convincing people to see his view on things.

Heading back into the main room of the cantina we are making out way to the bounty room when we stop to watch a confrontation with a blue Twi'lek girl and two Rodians. "I told you to leave me alone. So, give me some space bugeye! Your breath smells like Bantha poodoo!" said the Twi'lek girl.

"Little girl should not be in bar. This no place for little girl. If little girl smart she run away home now." Said the Rodian alien.

"Who you are calling little girl chuba-face!" retorted the blue Twi'lek.

"Little girl needs lesson in manners." Said the Rodian.

"Just a sec boy…Zaalbar a little help here? I need you to rip the legs off some insects here." The Twi'lek calls over to a Wookie sitting at the table.

"Mission I'm busy. They just brought the food." Said Zaalbar.

"Quit complaining…you can eat later. Besides, you can use the exercise so get over here." Said the now named Mission.

Zaalbar grudged makes way to Mission. "We no want trouble with Wookie. Our problem with you little girl." Sid the now worried Rodian as he slowly backs away.

"If you got a problem with me then you got a problem with Big Z here. So, unless you want to take on my furry friend here, I suggest your greenies friends run along now." Taunted Mission.

"Little girl lucky she has such big friend." The Rodians then angrily leave the cantina.

Wow, so that's a Wookie. It's really big easily dwarfing me and of course, Shay is already walking up to the Wookie. "Why are you bothering me?" questioned Zaalbar with his Wookie howls that I strangely understand. I guess Jedi know lots of language; convenient.

"Hey, relax Big Z. No need to be rude. Sorry about that, but Wookie's ain't much for conversation, you know? Say, I don't recognize you and I know pretty much everyone in the Lower City. You must be new down here. I guess that makes me and big Z your official welcoming committee!" said Mission.

"Hey, we speak the same language! So far every alien I met has spoken their own native tongue." Said Shay.

"It's not that strange. Most aliens speak Basic, they just prefer to use their own language. But I grew up here on Taris, so I just sort of got used to speaking the native tongue." Responded Mission.

"You showed a lot of guts dealing with those Vulkars, kid. You got a name?" asked Carth.

"My name's Mission Vao and this big Wookie is my best friend, Zaalbar. I'd offer to give you a tour, but the streets down here aren't safe. But if there's anything else you need..."

"How do a Wookie and a Twi'lek street urchin end up as best friends?" asked Shay.

"We just kind of fell in together. It ain't easy on your own here in the Lower City- everyone's always looking to push you around." Said Mission.

"So, we noticed. Still, you seem like an odd pair." Piped Carth.

"When I met up with Zaalbar it seemed like a good match. I knew we could look out for each other. With my street smarts and his muscle, we make a great team." Happily, said Mission.

"I want to ask you some questions." Asked Shay.

"Well, you came to the right person! If you want info on Lower Taris I'm the one to talk to! Davik, the Lower City gangs... I've even got the scoop on that bounty hunter Calo Nord!" happily said Mission.

"Tell us about Davik." Asked Trowa now joining in.

"Davik's part of the intergalactic crime syndicate, but I guess everyone knows that. But I hear he's got a new ship for his smuggling operations. The Ebon Hawk. I don't know much about space travel, but I hear that ship's fast enough to break the Sith blockade. Of course, this is all just second-hand rumor." Said Mission.

'The Ebon Hawk? Isn't that the same name as Ikiryo's ship?'

{I believe so Xion. Though it's called the MK II If I recall. I recall Ikiryo telling us not to tell anybody about the ship's name. I guess this ship is Ikiryo's ship predecessor.} said Kiyohime.

'Kiyohime? Shouldn't you be hanging around Trowa?' I thought internally talking to the phantom connection of my command spell.

{Normally yes but I thought you might get lonely so I'm going to hang around you as well to keep you company since Tamamo monopolizing master.} said Kiyohime.

Well that brought a smile to my face. I missed having a servant at my side. 'Thanks, Kiyohime. You're a great friend.'

"Where would he keep it? Do you know?" asked Carth bringing me back to the conversation.

"If Davik does have a ship, he's got it locked up in his estate. Nobody gets in there, except the people working for Davik and the Exchange." Said Mission.

"What can you tell us about the Lower City gangs." Asked Judson.

"There's only two gangs worth worrying about here in the Lower City. The Black Vulkars and the Hidden Beks. Sometimes Zaalbar and I hang out at the Bek base. The Beks are led by Gadon Thek. He's a good guy. Lost his sight in a swoop bike accident a few years ago, but even blind he's a great leader. Not like that traitor Brejik! Before he took over the Vulkars he was a Hidden Bek. Gadon considered that ungrateful space slug his adopted son."

"So, this Brejik was a Hidden Bek. He might be a traitor, but you still must give him probs for taking over a rival gang. That couldn't have been easy." Said Sarna.

"Why did Brejik leave the Hidden Beks?" asked Shay.

"When Gadon went blind everyone figured he'd step down and appoint Brejik in his place. But Gadon figured Brejik wasn't ready yet. He wanted him to wait a few years. But Brejik was too impatient. He left to join the Vulkars, and ever since he's been waging a war to wipe Gadon and his Beks from the face of Taris! The gang war in the Lower City is totally the Vulkar's fault. They're the ones killing everything that moves out on the street. It's like they've gone insane." Exclaimed Mission.

"This Brejik guy sounds more like a spoil brat brawling for not getting what he wants. Its just too bad everyone in the lower city is paying for his temper tantrum." Said Trowa.

"Tell me about Calo Nord." Asked Shay.

"Calo Nord's one of the most famous bounty hunters in the galaxy. He's killed more people than the Iridian Plague! I've seen him kill people just for trying to talk to him! He hangs around Zax's bounty office, but I don't think he's looking for work there. All the postings there are small-time – way beneath a bounty hunter of his caliber. I figure Calo's been hired by Davik to do a special job for the Exchange. I'd wager a thousand credits that as soon as the quarantine ends, he'll be getting off this rock." Said Mission

"That's everything. We'll be going now. Thanks for the info." Said Shay.

"You're going? Yeah, this dive is pretty boring. No action around here. Come on, Big Z, let's go." Said Mission.

"But I haven't finished eating!" exclaimed Zaalbar.

"Can't you think about something besides your stomach for five minutes? Come on – we'll go see if there's anything good to eat at the Bek base." Said Mission as she starts making her way out of the cantina with Zaalbar reluctantly following behind.

Now the two have left the rest of us mingle around the cantina trying to gather information on the escape pods with Judson and Carth heading back to the Pazaak den to play a few games. I followed Shay into the Bounty office where we met another Hutt who oversaw the Bounties. Talking with the Hutt we were able to learn the current bounties with most them taken care of and one being an assassin that's been reported down here in the lower city and Bendark Starkiller a Mandalorian arena champion and collecting Matrik bounty.

Once we were done with the Hutt, we spent some time with everyone else at the Pazaak den gambling earning some extra money. Sarna, Trowa and I mostly just watched as the games down here were far more advanced that newbies like us would be eaten alive.

Once we were done with Shay coming up on top beating most of the other Pazaak players we made our way to the Hidden Beks base to ask them if they have a way to the undercity as we learned from Sarna we need authorization papers to get past the checkpoint into the undercity.

Arriving to the entrance to the Bek base we convince the cautious guard to let us in. Walking in the Bek base we walked toward the main office desk that was guarded by the Beks with a black man sitting on it that looked important. Approaching the man, a purple Twi'lek woman intervenes before we could talk with the man. "Hold it right there – who are you and what is your business with Gadon?" said the Twi'lek woman.

"Calm down, Zaerdra. Nobody is going to try anything here in the middle of our own base. It would be a suicide mission." Said Gadon.

"You're too trusting, Gadon. Brejik and his Vulkars want you dead. Anyone we don't know is a potential threat, and it's my job to make sure you're safe!" said Zaerdra.

"Do you want us to start attacking strangers on sight, Zaerdra. Like the Vulkars do? I will never let it come to that! Now step aside and let them pass." Ordered Gadon.

"As you wish. You can speak to Gadon if you want, but I've got my eye on you! You try anything and you'll be vaporized before you can say "Vulkar spy"!" said Zaerdra.

With that out of the way we approach Gadon. "You'll have to forgive Zaerdra. Ever since Brejik and the Vulkars began this war against us, she's been a little over-zealous in her security duties. The problems with the Sith haven't helped things. Zaerdra seems to forget that I know how to look after myself! Now, how can I help you?" said Gadon.

Shay then ask Gadon questions concerning the current situation on the Sith on Taris, the gang war with the Vulkars and the most tactful question about Gadon's prosthetic eyes. That last one really pissed Zaerdra as she threatened to kill us where we stand. I kicked Shay in the shin for that. I swear Shay was dropped as a baby or something with that mouth of his! Luckily Gadon had a clear head called Zaerdra off explaining about how he lost his sight in a swoop crash. He eventually got prosthetics eyes so he could continue leading the Beks.

With that out of the way Shay finally got back on track asking about the Republic escape pods that crashed in the Undercity. "The escape pods. You know, I heard the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about them as well… but you don't look like you're with the Sith…well except maybe you." Said Gadon as he points to our ginger companion Sarna.

"They might be spies, Gadon! They might be working for the Sith!" accused Zaerdra her eyes landing on Sarna who starts to sweat a bit at this.

"Calm down, Zaerdra. If the Sith thought, we knew anything useful they'd have a battalion of troops kicking down our door. No, I think this off-worlder has his own agenda." Placated Gadon.

"Don't worry… we're not working for the Sith. Sure, Sarna may have been a Sith but not anymore. I promise she is trustworthy." Said Shay. Sarna smiles at Shay defense of her.

"I suppose I could tell you what I know. It's not like it could do any harm to me or my gang… but it might cause problems for the Vulkars, and that's okay in my book. The Vulkars stripped those pods clean within hours after they landed. It's too bad we didn't get there first, considering what my spies reported the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila survived the crash. We Beks don't believe in intergalactic slavery, but the Vulkars aren't so picky. They took her prisoner." Said Gadon.

"Bastila's a slave? What will happen to her now?" asked Trowa.

"Normally the Vulkars would take a captured slave and sell them for a nice profit to Davik or an off-world slaver. But a Republic officer is no ordinary catch." Said Gadon.

"They still think Bastila is just a Republic officer. That could work to our advantage. Maybe she'll even figure out a way to escape from the Vulkar base on her own." Said Carth.

"As long as they continue to think she is a regular officer we should be fine. If they find out what she really is I bet things will get a whole lot harder from here." Said Judson.

"She's too valuable to leave with the Vulkar scum at the base. Brejik's probably got your Republic friend hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You'll never find her." Said Gadon.

"Swoop race? What does that have to do with it?" I asked.

"I'm afraid your friend has become a pawn in Brejik's game to take over the Lower City. He's offered her up as the Vulkar's share of the prize in the annual swoop gang race. By putting up such a valuable prize Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of some of the smaller gangs. Their numbers will allow him to finally destroy me and my followers." Said Gadon.

"So how do you propose we go about rescuing Bastila, then? We can't fight all the gangs." Said Carth.

"The only hope you have of rescuing Bastila is to somehow win the big season opener of the swoop race." Said Gadon.

"But we don't even have a swoop bike to enter the race." Said Shay.

"I might be able to help you with this, if you'd be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here and much to lose." Said Gadon.

"What are you proposing?" I asked cautious on what he was asking.

"The swoop race is for the Lower City gangs only. I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks this year. If you win the race, you'll win your friend's freedom. But first you have to do something for me. My mechanics have developed an accelerator for a swoop engine. A bike with the accelerator installed can beat any other swoop out there! But the Vulkars stole the prototype from us. They plan to use it to guarantee a victory in this year's swoop race. I need you to break into their base and steal it back." Said Gadon.

"How do I know you'll live up to your end of the bargain?" asked Shay.

"My word is my bond. Everybody in the Lower City knows my reputation. Besides, you really don't have a choice. I'm your only ticket into the swoop race." Said Gadon.

"He does sound trustworthy and so far, none of the hidden Beks have tried to kill us." Said Trowa.

"How am I supposed to get inside the Vulkar base?" asked Shay.

"Getting into the Vulkar base won't be easy. The front doors are locked tight. But I know someone who might be able to get you in the back-way Mission Vao." Said Gadon.

"Mission? Gadon, you can't be serious! She's just a kid! How is she supposed to help them with this?" said Zaerdra.

"Mission's explored every step of every back alley in the Lower City. Plus, she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get inside the Vulkar base, it's her." Said Gadon.

"Mission? We just met her not long ago with her Wookie friend in the cantina before she left. Where can I find Mission? I heard her mention coming here." Said Shay.

"Mission had left a little while ago. She and her Wookiee friend Zaalbar are always looking to stir up a little excitement. They like to go exploring in the Undercity, despite the dangers. Don't underestimate Mission or her Wookiee friend Zaalbar. They're a formidable pair; tough enough to go exploring the Undercity by themselves! Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you'll need some way past the Sith guard post at the elevator." Said Gadon.

"I've got some Sith uniforms to disguise ourselves. It got us past the Upper City guard no problem. But Sarna told us we need authorization papers to enter the undercity." Said Shay.

"A simple disguise might have worked on the Upper City guard, but the security down here is much tougher. You'll need the proper papers to get past him. Luckily my gang ambushed one of the Sith patrols headed down to the Undercity. They never made it, and their security papers fell into my hands. Since we're working together now I suppose I could give them to you in exchange for your uniforms. With the security papers, you won't need a disguise anyway." Said Gadon.

"What do you want with the Sith uniforms?" I asked.

"I like to be prepared. Eventually, the Sith are going to try to drive us out of the Undercity. Sith disguises might give my people the edge we need in a crucial battle!" responded Gadon.

"Okay, I'll trade the uniforms for the papers." Said Shay as we take out our uniforms handing them over to Gadon's men.

"Good choice. Thanks for the uniforms. You won't need them with these security papers anyway. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?" asked Gadon.

"I'll be back when I get the prototype accelerator." Said Shay.

"I suggest you hurry. The swoop race is coming up, and we want you to have time to practice before the race." Said Gadon.

With our talk done we finally make our way out of the Bek base. Now back in the long dark hallway that was the lower city we make our way in the direction of the Undercity.

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A/N: I hope you enjoyed the story. It took me a long time to finally finish this with all the procrastination I've been doing. I'll be doing another chapter before heading back to my main story.