Chapter 5
Javyar's cantina was the decayed sister of the Upper City Cantina. Where the higher-class place had its fill of off-duty Sith, snobbish nobles, and tradesmen, this place was filled with scum and villainy. Safety wasn't a word that could ever be associated with this joint. Both cantinas were dimly lit, but this place had its own special brand of dimness. As if the low lighting would make the food and drinks seem more palatable.
Three members Black Vulkar gang squad blocked the bar proper. They were too content with accosting a human male of small stature who had been sitting alone off to the side, to notice anyone behind them. Skye thought him either very brave or very stupid for wearing the mushroom style hat in a place like this. It was like he purposely invited trouble to his table just for shits and grins. Or his mother still dressed him. The scout wasn't entirely sure.
"Go away," growled small man.
"Hey! You not be like that! We just want to talk to big, bad bounty hunter Calo Nord!" said a Rodian in his own language.
"Nah, this can't be Calo Nord, he's supposed to be tough," a Twi'lek scoffed responding in Huttese.
"One," said the now named Calo.
"Huh? What one mean? What's he trying to say?" came a second Rodian. It was difficult to tell if the Vulker member was being sardonic or he was simply that thick.
"You shouldn't talk down to us. We're members of the Black Vulkars! What do you think of that?" said the smug Twi'lek.
"Two," said Calo.
"Me not understand. One, two? What, he trying to count how many of us there are?" quipped the first Rodian. Obviously, it was the Black Vulker brain trust hard at work.
"It's three against one! What do you think of those odds?" It was the last thing the Twi'lek said.
"Three," Calo's voice was placid as was his face. He then lazily tossed what looked like a flash grenade on the floor. There wasn't a chance for anyone to do anything but cover their eyes. In the fog came several shouts, three blaster shots and then the blinding light faded away. The three Black Vulkers lay on the floor, very dead. Pools of dark blood leaked from their heads. Calo Nord calmly holstered his twin blaster pistols and then strode towards the door, which Skye and Carth had blocked.
"Interesting tactic," Skye commented.
Nord's beady eyes rested upon Skye for a moment. "One."
Skye rolled her eyes and stepped aside for this little man. It was clearly obvious this tiny male had a chip on his shoulder as large as the metropolis world itself. Men like Nord infuriated her. It seemed they were always trying to overcompensate for something, in Nord's case it was a personality.
"Smart," said Calo.
"Whatever," Skye brushed past the bounty hunter, purposely bumping into him. "Why don't you go take on a rancor?" She tossed over her shoulder "Or go mate with one – you've got a personality to match."
"Skye, are you trying to provoke him?" Carth hissed.
The scout shrugged. "He's already gone."
Carth looked to the door, half expecting the pint sized male to be counting down to three before he tossed a flash grenade, but as Ravensong had said the tiny man in a white mushroom cap had gone.
Like scavengers a few of the patrons of the bar had made a go at the corpses of the Vulkers, taking whatever credits, blasters and stunners they could find. Cath half expected to find the scout amongst their number, but she was already at the bar ordering a couple of drinks that came in their own bottles. She wasn't going to trust the establishment's cleanliness by quaffing ales from one of their tankards.
Nursing both wounds and drinks the two Republic officers sat in the drunken-cloying clamor of the bar, neither offering words nor thoughts. Skye's attention was caught when a high pitched female voice snapped out amidst the buzzing din of the bar. Settling her bottle of ale on the bar she moved without sound towards the commotion. Carth was on her heels, a heartbeat later.
"I told you to leave me alone! Now give me some space bug-eye! Your breath smells like bantha poodoo!" the voice, though young, had a bite to it. A streetwise voice, obviously.
Skye watched the scene unfold with interest. Two male Rodians and by the look of their colors they too were of the Black Vulkers. This time however they weren't trying to harass a small man but a very young Twi'lek.
Skye was watching the lithe blue-skinned teenager, gauging her stance, her posture and smiled. Carth on the other hand had his hand on the butt of his blaster his eyes only on the Black Vulker Rodians.
"Wait a minute." Skye hissed. "Watch how this plays out."
"Are you crazy?"
"Do it." The Nagai commanded. She knew the teenager would be able to handle one of the Vulkers. And the girl knew it too. But her stance was far more self-assured than it ought to be and that was what caught the scout's attention.
'Little girl should not be in bar. This no place for little girl. Little girl should run away home now.' Said one of the Rodians. Just as the one gunned down by Nord, this one spoke in his own native tongue.
"Just a sec boys. Zaalbar, a little help here? I need you to rip the legs off some insects."
A massive fury shadow shifted from one of the tables up against the wall, albeit grudgingly, yet obediently. It answered, not in Basic but in petulant barks, growls and purring rumbles. 'Mission, I'm busy! They just brought my food!'
'That's Shyriiwoook! How very curious…' Skye listened intently; her curiousity now even more peaked. Even Carth took a small step back. He didn't understand what the creature said, but he suddenly understood why Ravensong had told him not to interfere.
"Quit complaining, you can finish later. Besides you need the exercise so get over here!" said the girl.
A mammoth form lumbered into the light revealing to be what Skye already suspected: a Wookiee. His pelt was of a dark auburn though blonder by his eyes and muzzle. So, he was young then.
The Rodians filched back quickly, their fear almost palpable. It was strange though to see such an insular species such as the Wookiees on Taris. It wasn't unheard of but it was uncommon to see one of their kind off of Kashyyyk, save for the unfortunate souls that Czerka Corporation had enslaved and sold. Perhaps this Zaalbar was a freed or an escaped slave.
'We no want trouble with Wookiee. Our problem with you, little girl.' The second Rodian stated as if it would make a difference to the menacing figure shadowing the Twi'lek teenager.
'I bet you don't,' Skye thought to herself.
"You got a problem with me? Then you got a problem with Big Z. So unless you want to take on my furry friend, I suggest you greenies hop on outta here." The two Rodians began slowly backing away, their eyes fixed on the Wookiee called Big Z.
'Little girl lucky she has big friend,' one of them called the parting shot as they raced for the doors of the cantina.
Skye approached the street urchin and asked, "Are you all right?"
The girl looked the scout up and down before speaking "Hey, I don't recognize you and I know just about everyone around this part of the Lower City. I guess that makes Big Z and me you're official welcoming committee."
"You showed a lot of guts dealing with those Vulkars kid," said Carth, "You got a name?"
"My name's Mission Vao and this big Wookiee is my best friend, Zaalbar. I'd offer to give you a tour, but the streets aren't safe right now, what with the gang war between the Hidden Beks and the Black Vulkars."
"Tell us about that," asked Skye.
"It's all Brejik's fault," returned Mission hotly. "If he hadn't been such a sleemo, this would never have happened. Ya see, Brejik used to be part of the Hidden Beks, Gadon's right hand man. I think Gadon was grooming him to take over leadership or something. Anyway, when Gadon lost his sight, everyone assumed that he'd let Brejik take over. But Gadon said that with his artificial eyes he could see just fine, and that Brejik wasn't ready to take over. Brejik stormed out and then shows up in charge of the Vulkars. Next thing anyone knows, Brejik's gone and declared war against the Beks. Gadon is one of the nicest and most decent people I've ever met. I can't believe that Brejik wants to kill him now. It's all just so stupid!"
"Indeed." Skye nodded her head. "One should always heed the council of their mentors." For a moment, the Nagai frowned. The words seemed almost programmed into her. A part of her mind rebelled. 'The Council is wise, but before they act the whole Outer Rim will burn.' Those hidden rebellious words seemed so familiar and yet so very alien. "So you got any info on this part of Taris that could come in handy?"
"You're not from the Upper City are ya?"
"Grounded since the quarantine. We were on a routine job and bang we're stuck since that kriffing space battle. So, you know anything useful? I can make it worth your while …say pay your meal tab?" Skye offered.
"You sure you want to do that? Big Z's got a big appetite."
Skye looked to the Wookiee and shrugged. "Show me a Wookiee who hasn't a bottomless stomach. You guys can eat a whole side of a gundar and still be hungry for rancor rump roast."
That actually got Zaalbar to laugh.
Mission eased right up. "Yeah, I know pretty much all there is to know about the Lower City. I've even got the scoop on that bounty hunter Calo Nord."
"You mean the little man who likes to count to three before he kills? So spill, what's up with mushroom head," said Skye.
"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!" said Mission.
"So, we noticed," Carth grimaced.
"I figure he's been hired by Davik Kang to do a special job for the Exchange. I'd wager a thousand credits that once the quarantine is lifted, he'll be off this rock."
"Kang is that crime boss for the Exchange, isn't he?" Skye asked.
"Yeah, I don't poke around his business much, good way to get you killed. I just know he's into extortion, spice, slavery, you name it. He and the Sith don't seem to bother each other, but I don't think they like each other either."
"Thanks Mission. We need to head out." Skye said.
"You going?" asked Mission, her voice betraying her disappointment, "Yeah this place was getting boring anyway. Hey Zaalbar let's go."
The big Wookiee let out a mournful muffled howl of protest. This was his second plate of food, his second dinner interrupted.
"Can't you think about anything besides your stomach for five minutes," said Mission exasperatedly as if talking to a little brother rather than a two and a half meter tall Wookiee. "Come on, let's see if they have anything good at the Bek base." That being said the teenager and Wookiee departed.
"This just gets better and better" quipped Skye. "We've got rival street gangs on the war path, a pipsqueak bounty hunter with a massive chip on his shoulder, Exchange crime boss thugs and the Sith. This might become …problematic."
"I thought you were an optimist." Carth jibbed.
"An optimist is what a pragmatist calls a realist. We need to leave. I think things are about to heat up. I can feel it."
"You're right. Still since we're down here we might as well see if we can't find the Hidden Bek place. This Gadon seems like the man to know."
Skye swallowed the retort hanging off the edge of her tongue. She was exhausted, her nerves raw and vibrating with the echoes of all the maleficent life around her. It was disorientating and she didn't like it. Onasi seemed hell bent on trudging forward despite the scout's reluctance. She needed fresh eyes, a clear head and rest. Onasi who had all of the above had become blind to his companion's needs and trudged on despite her reserves.
If he wanted to drudge on, so be it, but they might as well wrap a few things up in Javyar's cantina first. "Actually, wait a minute since we're here we might as well check in on this Hutt who runs the bounty hunters. Five credits will get you ten, that sleemo Holden who harassed Dia is hanging around. Besides we have a few 'tags' we can claim. I bet that blonde woman was someone being hunted. And we can see if there are other claims that either need to be silenced or picked up. Gives more street-cred why the 'Mysterious Stranger' is slumming in the Lower City, if I can say I wanted to pick up some bounties."
Finding a guy like Holden wasn't that difficult. Skye didn't know either to laugh or cry, but it seemed the galaxy was the same all over. Place a bunch of drunken men together and what do they do: stare at half naked women shaking their asses on stage.
"Hey Onasi, stick your tongue back in your mouth." Skye jibbed, elbowing Carth in his side. As with nearly everyone in this particular wing of the cantina all eyes were drawn to the scantily clad Twi'lek erotic dancers.
"Eh?"
"That guy in the gray waist coat… that's gotta be Holden. He matches the description Dia gave me." The scout pointed to a dark haired human male, sipping from a glass of dark ale, his eyes glued to the stage.
"Oh. Right." Carth shook his head clearing his addled head from the lovely scene on the stage for the slobbering drunk not twelve paces from where they stood. "So how do you want to play this?"
"Just follow my lead." Skye whispered as she sauntered up to the human male, making sure to add just a hint more sway to her hips as she did so. It worked. Holden was now eyeing her as eye candy rather than the nearly naked dancers and their swaying lekkus.
"Oh sorry. I didn't see you there." He mumbled, watching her with a new interest.
Skye slipped one of her more seductive if not coy smiles. "You like the dancers?" she whispered.
"Don't worry babe, alien girls aren't my thing. I'm much more interested in attractive females of my own species."
"Really? Aren't you one of Davik's men?" Skye purred.
Holden puffed his chest out a little more. "Yeah that's right. I'm one of his top couriers. Name's Holden. Davik is always sending me off planet to deliver and bring back packages. He knows he can trust me to follow his orders to the letter. Plus, I used to be an intergalactic customs agent so I know the tricks to catch smugglers. That gives me an edge I need in my courier runs."
'How predictable. Give a smile and the pride just swells up. Male egos are so easy to control.' "Do you think Davik can get me off this rock?"
Holden was full of pride and esteem – exactly where Skye wanted him. "Davik's ship is the fastest in the quadrant. But even the Ebon Hawk can't get off of Taris until the quarantine is lifted. Any ship leaving orbit without proper access codes will be disintegrated by the Sith auto targeting lasers cannons. And those codes are locked securely way in the military base. Davik's pretty upset about that. His smuggling operation isn't making any money, but even with his underworld connections he can't get his hands on those codes."
Skye grin grew almost ravishingly. "You're pretty open about what you do."
Holden shrugged. "It's not like it's some big secret. It's kinda hard for Davik to keep a low profile when he belongs to a big intergalactic crime syndicate like the Exchange."
"I bet." Skye took a step up to Holden who must have thought his words had made this woman very wanton indeed.
Being close to a man like Davik had its benefits. The ladies always wanted him because of his 'mob' connections. Holden was the sort of man that lived by the rule 'Treat a lady like a whore and a whore like a lady and get pussy all the time.' Tonight, he was getting lucky. Blood rushed southward.
Skye smirked. 'Very predictable.' Still smiling the demur smile, Skye whispered in a very husky wanton tone, "You're the same Holden who put a bounty on Dia's head right?"
Her tone got his attention, her words stymied the man. All the blood that had been hanging south rushed northward making him feel a little dizzy, if not downright befuddled. This was not what he expected! "You're here about that?! I guess Zax must have mentioned me to you at the Bounty Office. Fair enough, I don't care who takes her out so long as the job is done. I can't let her get way with what she did. That wench tried to cut me with her vibroblade!"
Despite knowing the reason already, Skye wanted to hear the words from the shutta's own mouth. "Why would she do that?"
Holden had the audacity to look affronted. "Because she's crazy! She started screaming that I was making advances. The next thing I know she's cutting me with her knife!"
Carth rolled his eyes ant the indignant tone of the other male. "Yeah right. Sounds to me like she was defending herself."
"I admit I was drunk and maybe I got a little out of line. But it was no big deal. She didn't have to cut me!" Holden pouted still trying to protest any guilt on his part.
Skye leaned in, this time her eyes shown not of the coy demureness previously but cold hard malice. Her voice still low was now a growl of menace. "Sounds like you got what you deserved. I want you to take the bounty off her head."
"You weren't there! She totally overreacted!"
"Like you are now?" Skye still kept her voice low. "What kind of low-life insecure man puts a bounty on woman who doesn't want to be raped? Or where you following Davik's orders to the letter when you did that? Take off that bounty."
"I can't do that. Think how it would look? I work for Davik. I got a certain reputation to uphold. I can't let her get way with this. There has be payback. Anyway, I do feel a little guilty about all of this. Dia's a good lookin' woman. It'd be a shame to kill her. Tell you what give me two hundred credits and I will call it off."
Skye's hand went out viper fast and clutched the man's testicals. "How about…not? I can make this look much, much worse than you hiring some wack bounty hunter to kill a woman for giving you a little wee cut on your ugly mug. How about the Mysterious Stranger guts one of Davik's men for being a rapist? I know your boss likes to keep things more subtle than you claim. Getting that kind of attention, especially when the news hits the nobles, can't be good for his reputation. I think he would be grateful to have such a stain removed from his employment, if only to save face. What do you think?" Skye squeezed.
Holden squeaked. Carth winced in sympathy.
"I want that bounty removed, NOW!" the last word was barked so loudly it caught the attention of the other patrons in the closed off area.
"Yes. I'll … I'll … do it. I'll get it removed. Sith's blood woman. Let me go."
All her frustration of the day, of Carth's words and actions were transferred to Holden. She let her hold go, her stare however did not drop. "Well? Why are you still standing here?" Skye snarled.
Holden fell to his knees clutching his crotch. Tears had streamed down his face from the pain. "You're crazy bitch!" he hacked out between gasps of air.
"I'm a bitch with whom you do not frack with. Dia is under my protection. I bet you've seen one of two of my fights. I know you've at least heard of what I can do in the ring. I now I want you to put that knowledge to use little man, and think of what I can do outside the ring when I get pissed off. I won't even count to three before I strike. Understand?"
Holden nodded.
"Good boy."
Still grasping his groin, Davik's man managed to find his feet and rise. Carth watched him hobble out of the bar before looking at the small woman before him. "That was a bit over the top wasn't it? Not to mention it was a little scary to watch truth-be-told."
Skye let out a claiming breath, "I've had a long hard day and males like that piss me off. Sometimes being a little scary is necessary." She said nothing more but headed for the Bounty Office.
Zax the Hutt was nearly as large has his cousin Ajuur in the Upper City Cantina. His demeanour was as expected: dismissive of humanoids and unwilling to pay more than the barest minimum he could get away with and still have people to do his bidding. Skye wasted little time negotiating with the slug for the bounties she wanted to claim and investigate. Holden appeared to have kept to his word sand removed Dai's bounty, thus proving being a little scary was the right tactic to have used. The blonde woman turned out to be a Sith assassin with quite a substantial bounty on her head. The bounty on Largo's head was gone was the one on Muriel's brother.
She also collected a bounty on Matric, a green skinned Twi'lek she had helped by faking his death with the permacrete detonator. In exchange for his life the terrified man had given Ravensong a great deal of information on Davik's connection to the Exchange, and that there were bigger Bosses on Nar Shaddaa that Davik was in danger from if Quarantine wasn't lifted soon. Matric left in a big hurry, but said he owed Skye more than he could ever repay he'd leave details on Tatooine if she ever needed him. In the meantime, he was going to disappear.
As they finished with the Hutt, Carth reevaluated his initial decision to scout out the Hidden Bek base. Ever since they came into the Lower city danger haunted their every step. They were running low on kolto epis and he had no idea how many stims Ravensong had to use to keep the pace she been hold. She still was nursing wounds from her earlier bouts in the ring and no doubt her body was still on the mend from the crash.
"Maybe you're right, Ravensong. We'll head back to base and start fresh tomorrow."
"Very sensible." She said without her typical levity. Her voice was tempered steel and cold. The encounter with Holden was still fresh in her mind. All she wanted to do now was go to sleep. Anger led to stupid mistakes and stupid mistakes lead to death. Skye knew if she didn't find her calm center she'd lose it for sure. It didn't help that Onasi was a paranoid belligerent thick-headed male who was convinced she had something do with the Sith attack on the Endar Spire. His mistrust and anger issues were going to make the mission to save Bastila all the more difficult. Already Skye was growing to resent and despise the man. But there was the rub, he was her superior officer and they had to work together to find and probably rescue the Jedi.
'She really must be in bad shape if she isn't slinging a few wisecracks.' Carth guiltily thought. 'We really shouldn't have come down here, tonight.'
They said nothing more as they returned to the elevator that would take them to the Upper City and their apartment. Skye shed her armor, clothing and headed into the refresher to take a shower. She wanted to be rid of the smell of battle and stink of the cantinas and the slum of the Lower City.
Onasi was still up and helping himself to a late-night meal of what might be Corinthian stir-fry from the synthesizer. Skye didn't even bother with a meal, she was too tired, too sore to bother with food. She remained silent as she grabbed a fresh change of clothing and hit the bunk. She had specifically chosen the one that faced the door. She didn't like the idea of her back exposed to possible threats from the outside. With no foundation of trust between herself and Onasi, she didn't trust him enough to cover her six, if there was danger. Once they were off this rock, Ravensong wanted nothing more than to leave Onasi and his paranoia light-years behind her.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSW
The two Republics trekked their way along the detritus of the complex's ruination, just as Skye knew it would. Along with the now common assaults the two experienced a rather strange encounter between the Vulkers and a gaunt weasel of man.
"You guys are late with your payments. What, you think just 'cause you're in some gang that you won't give Davik his cut?" asked the weasel.
'I don't see Davik earning his share! We're the ones doing all the work!' said the first Vulker in Huttese
'Yeah! Let's see the big crime boss come down here and take his cut!' the second retorted.
"Oh, so you want to play this the hard way?" said Weasel with a manic smirk "Haha, okay." He whistled as if calling a war dog to his side. From out of the shadows the 'war dog' was none other than a giant of a Mandalorian. Just over two meters tall, with iron gray hair and steal gray eyes. Those eyes had not only seen countless deaths, but had caused it.
What was strange for this Mandalorian was that he wasn't in the stereotypical armor one might find in his kind, but garbed in trousers, a black tee-shirt and a red tac-vest. Of course, what he carried in his hands was very much typical of the 'Mandies: a very large caliber carbon blaster riffle. The thing like it could blast an airspeeder into slivers of scrap metal.
Cath immediately went for his sidearm; his back stiffened his whole poster screamed in silent rage. "That's a Mandie." He hissed.
"No kidding." Skye shot back. Her hand however didn't go anywhere near her blades. But her eyes never left the brute form of the Mandalorian. After the Mandalorian Wars, the scattered remnants of the warriors were now nothing more than honourless thugs for hire.
The Vulkers didn't seem all that pleased to see the Mandie either. All their bravado drained away quickly leaving no trace of it leaving the stink of fear in its wake.
'Oh, hey Canderous. We… we didn't know you was working for Davik now. Here, take the payment, we won't be causing any more trouble.' The one on the left stammered. His fear rising off of him like stink off a Gamorrean.
"I knew you boys would see it our way. Now don't be late next time," said Weasel.
"Too bad," the man now known as Canderous rumbled in a growling voice. "I was looking forward to cracking some skulls."
"I'm sure you were Canderous! Don't worry I'll call you if there's any more trouble," said Weasel as he walked away.
Carth was about to turn and leave as well when he saw Skye approach the Mandalorian.
"Those Vulkars are dumber than a Coruscant granite slug and only slightly more appealing. Gadon and the others keep their people in line, but Brejik's getting delusions of grandeur. If Davik is smart, he'll slap that young punk back down." Canderous said as the Nagai approached him.
"Who are you?" asked Skye.
"I'm someone you don't want to get on the bad side of," growled the big Mandalorian.
"So, say all Mandalorians. It becomes wearing after a while. Can't you people think of a new line by now?"
Canderous was clearly amused. "You've got some guts for a Nagai pup. Now if you'll excuse me, Davik's got me on special assignment." With that Canderous strode away, his gait was casual and unhurried.
After a beat, Skye followed the Mandalorian into the apartment complex he had vanished into. Rounding the corner the Republic companions once more had a run-in with Calo Nord. Apparently tonight was the night for shaking down the gangs, what with both Canderous and Nord on the prowl.
And speaking of little devils, Nord once more was there, wearing the same gear as he had last night.
'He really should get a new hat.' Skye mussed watching the scene before her play out. 'Seriously! Why would anyone deliberately want to look like a mushroom?'
'You seem to be taking an interest in our progress. Do you need something little man?' asked one of the Rodians.
'Quiet Luugro! That's Calo Nord, the famous bounty hunter!' said the second.
"There's a bounty on your little green heads. I'm here to collect," said Calo simply.
'The only way you'll collect is over our dead bodies!' shouted the Rodian.
"That's the plan," said Calo.
Skye stood back watching, with no intention of interfering. She knew precisely what would happen. Her eyes never left Nord's hands. She watched, studied and analyzed the small man's tactics.
Calo whipped out his blasters and shot his pray with speed and efficiency. He calmly holstered the pistols again and turned away. Board. Sky's apprising look was returned by the short man in a glacial stare. The blast goggles covered up most of his eyes but the Nagai scout read contempt and for moment it seemed Nord had recognized something in Skye's face. He said noting, didn't even count as he moved passed them into the shadows of the Lower City.
'Point nine seconds. Humm… pretty damn fast.' Skye analyzed the little man's quick-draw and reflexes. 'Might have an implant, it's clear he's not a stim abuser like Twich. But he's got a short fuse just like Onasi. Not a good combination. Hair trigger on his blasters as well. Interesting.'
"Why did you follow that Mandie into here?" barked Carth after catching up to the Nagai.
"This complex is built like the ones in the Upper City."
"Yes. So what?"
"One entrance." She pointed over her shoulder with her thumb indicating the solitary entrance and exit of the apartment complex. "If that Canderous fellow was on special assignment for Davik … where did he go? I was thinking special assignment like, oh I don't know, changing of the guard over a very special prisoner. Of if someone else has her, extraction of said prisoner."
Carth had to admit he had never even thought of that. All he could think of was he wanted to blow that Mandalorian's head clean off, maybe even pull a Carlo Nord and through a flash-bang before gunning down the Mandie dog.
One of the apartments in the derelict complex locked with fairly high-grade security system for what was the norm for the Lower City. Skye sliced it without much difficulty.
Unfortunately, they only encountered derelict apartments, though with some unique locking features on some hidden stash that was quickly repurposed, all in the name of the war effort to find and rescue one Bastlia Shan.
At long last they arrived at the entrance to the Hidden Beks' base. As they approached the door, a sentry stopped them.
"Hold it right there," said a dark skinned human woman.
"We need to see Gadon Bek. We were told he could help us," said Skye, matching the woman's icy glare for icy glare.
"A lot of people want to see Gadon. He's a hero of the common people. But the days of the Beks' open door policy are gone. Between the Sith occupation and the Vulkars gang war Gadon has more enemies than he used to. We're being very careful of who we let in now."
"Perhaps we could be an ally against those enemies," said Skye.
The sentry studied the two with a wary eye before she shrugged. "Hmm, perhaps. We could always use an extra hand and you don't look like you're with the Sith or the Vulkars…" She hit the command panel just behind her allowing access into the base. Like most doors on the Lower City, this one protested with a rusty metallic groan.
"You can go on in and speak to Gadon if you want. Besides it's not like you can do anything to harm him in his own base, not with Zaerdra watching his back,"
Like the rest of the Lower City, the Hidden Bek base was illuminated with dim lighting, smelled of old steel, grease, dust, mildew and what could only be described as the decay of old buildings. And yet this place seemed more comfortable, homey even, in comparison to the rest of the Lower City. Even with the grease spots caused by their swoop bikes the place looked cleaner as well.
Various aliens and humans wandered hither and thither, dressed in the colors of the Hidden Beks. At the far end of the room, a dark skinned human male sat behind a large durasteel desk. As his side was a pale-creamy skinned female Twi'lek with purpled lekkus in full battle armor. No doubt this 'guard dog' was the one called Zaerdra.
The man they presumed to be Gadon Theck. Before they could address him however, the Twi'lek woman pulled out a blaster rifle took point as she placed her body between hers and that of the human male.
"Hold it right there! Who are you and what's your business with Gadon?" the Twi'lek snarled like the good kath hound she was impersonating.
"Calm down, Zaerdra," spoke the man sitting behind the desk. "Nobody is going to try something in the heart of our own base. It would be a suicide mission." He stood up quietly but there was a slight limp to his gait that suggested he had seen his fair share of swoop bike accidents.
"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." scolded 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 let them pass," commanded Gadon.
There was a tiny hesitation in the one called Zaerdra. Her lekku twitched in agitation and aggravation.
"As you wish," she said then she turned to Skye and Carth. "You can speak to Gadon if you want, but just remember that I'm watching you. You try anything and you'll be vaporized before you can say Vulkar spy!"
"You'll have to forgive Zaerdra. Ever since Brejik and the Vulkars began this war, she's been a little over-zealous in her duties. The problems with the Sith haven't helped any. Zaerdra seems to forget that I can look after myself," there was a very pointed look given to the woman that spoke volumes to a very observant scout.
Skye who had yet to use her blaster pulled it out slowly using only two fingers, dropped it to the floor and kicked it to the feet of Zaerdra. A seconded latter did the same with her swords. "I am Nagai. I will not part with my honor blades, the rest are yours. I speak with an open hand and an open mouth."
Carth didn't move, he didn't understand the significance of the gesture but apparently Zaerdra did. Zaerdra didn't want to trust in the newcomers but then again, no Nagai offered up their bladed weapons if they weren't serious in their negotiations. The Knives could care less about their blasters, but take their blades and you might as well try and take a lightsaber from a Jedi.
By the gods, he loved that woman but sometimes her overprotective nature could be a little cloying. Gadon flashed an 'I told you so' smile over to Zaerdra before he addressed the Republics. "Now how can I help you?"
For a moment, Skye was taken aback by the paleness to the man's eyes before called something Mission had said about losing his sight and now having artificial eyes.
For his part, Gadon was nonplused by the reaction his implants saw. "My eyes … a causality of an accident. It's part of the reason there is this war between the Beks and the Vulkers. When I lost my sight in the swoop bike accident everyone assumed I would step down as leader of the Hidden Beks and let Brejik – my most trusted follower – take over. But with my ocular implants I can still see well enough to lead the gang. I knew Brejik wasn't ready to lead yet. Unfortunately, Brejik didn't agree with me. In a rage, he left to join our rivals, the Black Vulkers. A lot of the younger gang members fell out with them and flowed him, since they've taken control of the Vulker gang."
"Why start a gang war with Brejik?" Carth asked.
"Brejik is a proud man. My decision was a public humiliation for him. Maybe if I had stepped down this gang war could have been averted." There was a deep sadness in the ageing ganger's voice that sang of regret and remorse.
"Don't fool yourself, Gadon. Brejik wants to control the Lower city gangs. If you stepped down, he would have led the Beks against the Vulkers. He wants this war one way or the other," Zaerdra all but snapped.
Gadon sighed. "You're right, Zaerdra I know you're right. Brejik won't rest until I'm dead and the Beks are no more. But it's so hard to accept the truth of his betrayal."
Skye thought of a follower as a master trusts a protégée. Somewhere in the back of her head she thought it almost traditional the apprentice replaces the master. The master betrayed. She thought of a dark apprentice rising up and striking his master in a grand moment of betrayal. Of taking an army and razing the innocents into nothing but ghosts, destroying the infrastructure that was previously carefully maintained and kept whole for stability. Rampaging apprentices never understanding their master's focus, goals or agendas. Apprentices who believed in might makes right. Brejik and Darth Malak had a lot in common it seemed. Both betrayed their masters, both rained down terror and death without purpose thought or forward thinking. In the end, they would be the architects of their own doom.
Gadon pulled back from his inner reflection and gave his full attention back to his guests. "We got off point," he gave a sad smile. "What can I do for you?"
"We need some information on those escape pods that crashed down here," said Skye, her eyes not on Gadon but on his body guard.
"The escape pods? You know, I heard that the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about those pods as well… but you don't look like you're with the Sith," said Gadon.
"They might be spies Gadon. They might be working for the Sith," Zaerdra spat, despite having the blades of a Nagai Nightblade laid at her feet.
"Cool it, Zaerdra! If the Sith thought we knew anything useful, they'd have a battalion of troops kicking down our door! No, I think these offworlders have their own agenda."
"Don't worry, we're not working for the Sith," said Carth.
"You have a problem with the Sith?" said Skye her question was not as naive as she had made it out. Knowing the relationships between the parties between you and your objective could gain you a lot of ground or lose it. "I was led to believe the Sith left the gangs alone, preferring you to wipe yourselves out."
"A foreign army invades Taris, declares martial law and locks down all travel to and from the planet? You damn well bet I have a problem with that! If the Sith ever moved down here all the swoop gangs would unite against them. We'd use hit and run guerrilla tactics to pick them off. Their causalities would be enormous."
"Don't fool yourself." Carth warned. "The Sith would never commit to that kind of opportunity. They'd probably do something much more grand and deadly." He gave a mournful thought to his beloved home world and how the Sith bombarded it.
For his part, Gadon ignored Carth's warnings and continued to speak to the Nagai scout. "So far the Sith have stayed out of this stupid gang war. I tried to explain this to Brejik, but he and his Vulkers won't listen. I suppose I could tell you what I know … it's not like it would do any harm to 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. It's too bad that my Beks didn't get to them first, considering what the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila Shan survived the crash and the Vulkars found her when they went hunting for the pods. We Beks don't believe in intergalactic slavery, but Brejik holds a different opinion. They took her prisoner."
"Bastila's a slave?! What will happen to her?" Demanded Skye
"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.
"At least they still think that Bastila's just a Republic officer. That could work to our advantage. Maybe she'll escape from the Vulkar base on her own," whispered Carth.
"Ha!" laughed Gadon, "She's too valuable to leave with the scum at the base. No, Brejik's got her hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You'll never find her," said Gadon.
"There has to be some way we can save her!" Skye insisted.
"I'm afraid that your friend has become a pawn in Brejik's plan to take over the lower city gangs. He's offered her up as the Vulkar's share of the prize in the Taris Season Opener swoop race. By putting up such a valuable prize, Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of the smaller gangs, with their numbers, he can finally destroy me and my followers."
"So how do you propose we rescue Bastila then? We can't fight all the gangs," said Carth, desperation edging into his voice.
"The only hope you have is to somehow win the swoop race."
"Win a race?" It couldn't be that easy. There was an angle here, the scout knew it.
"I could help you, if you'd be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here. And much to lose."
"What are you proposing?" asked Skye.
"The race is for the gangs only. No outsiders are allowed, so I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks. If you can win the race, you'll win your friend's freedom. But first you have to do something for me. My mechanics built a new prototype accelerator for our swoop. A bike with the accelerator can beat anything out on that track. But the Vulkars stole the prototype. They plan to use it to guarantee them victory. You'll have to break into their base and steal it back," said Gadon.
"And just how, exactly, are we supposed to do this?" Skye skeptically asked. The man was playing a lot of angles here, angles she didn't like. But the scout didn't see an alternative either.
"Getting in won't be easy. The front doors are locked down tight. But I know someone who might be able to help you get in the back way: Mission Vao."
"Mission?!" exclaimed Zaerdra incredulously, "Gadon, she's just a kid! How's she supposed to help them?"
"Because Mission knows every step of every back alley in this sector of the city. Plus, she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get you inside the Vulkar base, she can."
"We met Mission in Javyar's Cantina earlier," said Skye, "where can we find her now?"
"She and her Wookie friend are always looking to stir up some excitement," said Gadon, "They like to go exploring in the Undercity despite the dangers. Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you'll need a way past the guards and their droid turrets," said Gadon.
"Not a problem we've got Sith uniforms." Skye said.
Gadon shook his bald head. "A simple disguise might have fooled the guards in the Upper City, but the security's much tougher down here. You'll need the proper security code. Luckily my gang ambushed a Sith patrol that was headed down to the Undercity and their code fell into my hands." A sly look forced the aging gang leader's face, a smirk that was returned by a Nagai.
"Since we're working together now, I suppose I could give you the code in exchange for those uniforms of yours."
"What do you need the uniforms for?" Skye almost demanded.
"Just say I like being prepared. Sooner or later the Sith will start sweeping the Lower City. When that happens, I want to be able to help as many of my people as I can. These uniforms will give us an edge."
"Alright you've got a deal. They're stashed in the maintenance bay off the south end apartment ring." Skye said.
"Good choice," said Gadon," Thanks for the uniforms. You won't need them with this code anyway."
"We'll be back when we have the accelerator," Skye tossed over her shoulder as she turned to leave the base.
"I suggest you hurry," he said, "The race is coming up soon and we want you to have time to practice before it happens. And you're welcome back anytime you need. We've aided strangers in the past even a lost Jedi kid."
"A Jedi? Who?" Skye pressed.
"It was before the Mandalorian Wars. A kid by the name of Zayne Carrik. He was accused of …"
"The padawan massacre," Carth finished. "He didn't do it. I knew him too, way before the rise and fall of Darth Revan. That was ages ago it seems."
Skye frowned. The name Zayne Carrik was on the edge of memory. She knew that name…something familiar about it.
"Small universe." The Bek leader said. "I also know Jedi and their friends tend to stir up mynok nests. But they also put up one hell of a resistance. They did so when the Mandies were here. I'm thinking maybe something similar will happen with the Sith."
Skye looked at the old man. "If you're looking for Jedi sorry to disappoint you, you won't find any here. My only priority is to rescue Bastila."
"Of course,. And good hunting." Gadon raised his hand in salute.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSW
Armed with the code, a good night's sleep and new supplies in medi-packs and anti-venom serum, the companions made for their new destination—the elevator that would take them to the much warned about Undercity.
The lift to the Undercity was well protected. There were at least half a dozen automatic laser turrets all pointed at the duo. Behind them a pair of Sith shock troopers. Without hesitation, both raised their blaster riffles
"Hold it civilian. This turbolift is only for the use of those on official Sith business. If you don't have the proper code, you might as well turn around and walk back," the one on the right demanded.
Skye with one hand up in surrender she dipped her hand into the breast pocket of her tack vest and handed the trooper Gadon's code.
"Better hope this works, or it will be a real short trip." Carth muttered under his breath.
It was the guard on the left who took the code from Skye's hand and ran it through a scanner he had on his utility belt. "They check out sir." He handed the papers back to Skye. He frowned starring at her.
"Right," said the first guard, "All right you can go down, but I don't envy you though. Watch out for the mutants, the Rakghouls. Some advice: If you see anything moving down there, shoot first and ask questions later."
"Don't I know you?" asked the second guard coming closer to Skye. She took a step back, though made no other moves that might be rendered as hostile.
"Could be. Watch the arena?" Skye said without a note of trepidation in her voice.
"Oh yes! The Mysterious Stranger. Arena Champion." He nodded.
Skye thought she could almost hear the smile under the silver helmet. "I won two months' wages worth of credits betting on you against Twitch. You've got some sweet moves M.S."
"That's what I've been told."
"So why you going down in the Undercity?" asked the first guard.
"After clearing up the bounty office and the arena, I wanted to see what the fuss was about with the Undercity. The officer I got my papers from said there might be some credits in it if I did a little hunting. I think a few patrols have had a small problem with the rakghouls. Since you troopers have better things to do then sweep the place exterminating those mutants, there was an open bounty on them." She was lying through her teeth and it was working.
"Yeah, we've lost one patrol already to those damn things while we were recovering those downed Republic pods," said the guard who had bet on her in the ring. "Good luck with it."
Skye saluted him as she flashed a very flirtatious grin. "Thanks."
As the doors closed on them Carth let out a long-held breath. "When he started asking those questions, I thought we were done for."
"You and I both." Skye nodded. "Being M.S. sure as hell smoothed a few things for us."
Where the Lower City was rife with decay, filth and depression the Undercity added this to disparity and hopelessness. It was almost too easy to believe they were on whole other planet. The reek of decrepit buildings, ancient earth sought out the nose and stayed there in a malign grip.
Stepping out of the lift, places the companions right on the edge of a very sad little village. The poverty of the place was evident. The inhabitants placed up lean-tos to establish this little plot of land is mine, my home and hearth. No shelter was truly necessary this far beneath the megatropolis, still it was the nature of sentients to create such a place.
The Republics didn't even get a chance to get their bearings before being immediately accosted by two male Outcasts.
"This is a public elevator; I will not pay a fine." Skye snapped back. They weren't wearing the colors of a swoop gang nor the silver armor of the Sith. Apparently to the Outcasts this said 'easy mark.'
"Unbelievable! Even the beggars are trying to shake us down!" Carth commented.
"You two get out of here!" A girl shouted after the beggars. "Sorry about them. We don't get a lot of Up-worlders here. My name is Shaleena."
"With your welcome I can't say I blame them." Carth snorted looking after the two young men who had scuttled off like so many rats.
Skye ignored the comment as she had the beggars and turned her full attention to the girl. Time to start harvesting information: "Shaleena, do you know anything about the escape pods that crashed in the Undercity?"
Shaking her head, no, the girl answered. "I don't know anything about that. Sorry. But Gendar could help you. He's our village leader."
'Okay we have a start. The village has its leaders, probably its own laws and codes that have nothing to do with the Topside.' "Tell me of the village."
"Well I was born here, for starters." The girl shrugged. "My parents were outcasts. Banished to the Undercity for some sort of crime or other. They never really liked to talk about it. Everyone here is an outcast or is a descendent of an outcast. It's tough down here but we survived. I guess it's easier for me since I've never known anything different.
"Some people have given up hope. They've become bitter and depressed. But most of us are good people -despite what our ancestors may have done. Gendar can probably tell you more or even Rukil. You could talk to him if you wanted. The children call him Rukil Wrinkle-skin because he's over a hundred years old."
Skye took all the teenager said in. Depressed and bitter people without any hope was a bad combination. Without hope, there was a thought there was nothing to lose if they wanted to attack, just like the young men had attempted to do. This made the villagers unpredictable and clearly, they were opportunists, even if they were first on the scene they would have sold Bastila to the swoop gang probably for food, meds and perhaps a few luxuries like ale.
"Have any other up-worlders come through recently?"
Shaleena nodded vigorously. "Quite a few people from the surface marched through the village but they never bothered to talk to me. Gendar might know more about them."
"The surface?" Carth frowned. "But this is the surface of the planet."
"Only technically." Skye remarked rebuking the man's tactlessness. "Can you at least tell me what these surfacers were wearing?"
"Um some in silver armor. They called themselves the Sith. And then a swoop-gang."
"How about a Twi'lek girl about your age and a Wookie?" Skye pressed.
"Mission!" Shaleena smiled. "She's sort of a friend of mine. She doesn't like the village but she stops to talk to me sometimes when she and her Big Z go beyond the gates. Sometimes she brings me food. She likes to explore down here, though since the rakghoul infestation she isn't around that much anymore – it's too dangerous."
"When did she pass by last?" Carth asked.
"I can't say, I wasn't here if she did but…"
"Let me guess Gendar will know more." Skye tossed out.
Shaleena blushed. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I guess I should go talk to Gendar."
"Oh." The teen's voice became deflated. "You're going now? Um okay well if you ever need anything or just want to talk come back and see me. I hardly ever get a chance to talk to someone from the up-world. Oh, but before you go… what is it like, the up-world?"
Skye opted not to tell her of the squalor of the Lower-city or the snobbish depravity of the Upper-city dwellers. So, she full out lied. "It's very beautiful."
Rounding the first bend in the row of lean-tos, an ancient wheezy voice called out to them, in a tone that still hinted of command and respect.
Cautiously Skye moved for the entrance of the tent to see an aged man hunched over a small lantern with shall along his skeletal body. Her instincts told her this man was no threat, but he wasn't harmless. By the look of his face this could only be Rukil Wrinkle-skin.
"Is this the time of destiny then? Are you a portent of the salvation of my people? Or are you just another false sign to lead us from the true path? Are you the herald of prophecy or another false sign? Tell me what fate you unleash upon us! Salvation or damnation? Speak up-worlder!"
Skye reevaluated her instincts. Religious fanatics were not quick to trust. Add a bit of lunacy to the recipe and you've got a handful of trouble. Still her gut said to trust this one. "Um, okay. Could I ask you a few questions?"
"A question. You are confused, bewildered, perplexed. Understandable, I suppose. Even after a hundred years of life, I myself become befuddled at times. My name is Rukil, the oldest Outcast in the village. Rukil Wrinkle-skin the children sometimes call me."
"Be careful this one just crazy enough to be dangerous." Carth whispered warning.
"I am Skye Ravensong. What do you want of me grandfather?" She adapted a Nagai term of respect when speaking with a village elder. It was meant to give deference to the aged without losing face.
The old man moved away from the shadows, so the dim light of the lamps fell on his ancient face. It was tight and wrinkled, against his aged bones like old leather. His eyes a pale blue clearly with the onset of cataracts. Had he access to the resources of up-world, even the lower city, this may not have been an issue. After all, Gadon had artificial eyes.
Skye shifted under the study gaze of the village elder feeling as if he were trying to read her soul as he had been the old data pad still in his hands. "I was once honored for my wisdom. But over time the villagers fell away from the true path until only a single apprentice still followed me. Now she is gone too."
"True path? What does that mean?" Skye wasn't following the conversation well at all and that was something she didn't like.
"No… no not yet. I must be wary. Careful. You may be a false savior. Do I dare to trust you with my secret knowledge? No, not yet. Not until you prove yourself first."
"Prove myself?" The Nagai was thoroughly confused now. "How can I do that?"
"My apprentice is lost. I sent her out into the Undercity to find… I can't tell you. Not yet. Sadly, my apprentice has not returned. Please up-worlder will you help an old man? Will you seek out my apprentice in the Undercity? Her name is Malya. I must know of her fate whatever it may be. I must know what became of her." This wasn't the one of a master but a pleading father.
Despite not knowing what religious true path this man spoke of, Skye couldn't find it in herself to deny him this one request. They were already looking for three lost souls what was a fourth?
"It will be difficult, she could be anywhere in the Undercity. But if you find her I will know you are to be our true savior. Only then can I revel my secrete knowledge to you."
"I'll be back if I find anything." Skye promised.
"I wish you luck up-worlder. Come speak to me once again, once you have discovered the fate of my apprentice."
Carth yanked her roughly aside once they were clear of ear-shot from Rukil. "We don't have time for this little odyssey, Ravensong."
The scout ripped her arm free. "Yeah? You're the one who said he was crazy enough to be dangerous. Maybe it's just me but I like the keep the crazy ones all nice and calm. If I had said anything different, he might have gone off in a rage. While we're looking for Mission and Zaalbar we might as well keep an eye out for this Malya, we've lost nothing doing this not even time. And maybe this secret knowledge of his is actually worth having. Look, I don't have some messianic delusions about being his lost savior. All we're doing is looking for some lost kid. If she isn't rakghoul meat, or in the custody of the Sith, maybe she bunkered down waiting it out until she has a clear run back here to the village. Hell, she might have even seen Mission."
"You do have a point." Carth admitted. "I've been wondering why you ask all those questions of people. Don't you get sick of doing it and just want to get on with the mission?"
"For the last time fly-boy I'm a fracking scout! It's my job … my mission to seek out information. Sometimes the easiest way to do that is to simply ask questions, even if they are redundant. Information from one sentient will vary from another. Look at all the Intel we got on Davik Kang. You can't just stormtroop into things and bully people with hair-trigger anger. You have to be subtle and milk the information. It's what I do and I'm good at it! So, you want get off my back or do you need a fracking ladder to do it?"
Carth held a sheepish expression. The military had always relied on scouts like Skye. How could he become angry with her tactics just because they seemed so very tedious at times? He never had the patience she displayed when dealing with people, not even before the war when everything changed for him. In his own scouting mission of three days while Ravensong was out cold he didn't gather nearly as much intel she had with only an hour sitting with a woman like Dia.
"Okay, beautiful, lead on."
"Back to 'beautiful,' not 'sister'?
Carth grinned.
Skye smirked and chuckled under her breath. 'Males. They are the same. They always think you are weaker than they and always think you will find them sexually attractive. Fools!' They made for the tent opposite of old Wrinkle-skin saying nothing more.
The male within the tent was a tall dark skinned human. Well-built given the condition of the village, he seemed to be in relatively good health. This was obviously the much referred to Gendar. He waved to them as soon as she saw them. "Greetings Up-worlders. We rarely see your kind here in the Undercity. It seems so strange that so many of you have come so recently."
'And we have gold,' Skye thought.
"No offence, but I can see why people normally avoid this place," Carth said without thought.
"Oh, that was very tactful," the scout whispered chidingly. "Way to establish a rapport."
Gendar must have heard her as he gave her an appreciative look. "Why have you come here into the dark and sunless place?"
'A poet.' Skye mused. 'Could be useful. Means he's open to suggestion.' Once more Skye felt the phantom nudging of an old blind woman advising her on how to handle this male or in fact anyone in this village. 'Use their dependence to better your objective, make them indebted to you and they bend to your will – your indoctrination. Use it to strengthen yourself, your cause, your mission.' The ghost whispered to her. And thus, Skye did. "You said something about other up-worlders. I ask, who has come by recently?"
"Our village has seen many visitors."