EXT. PROMENADE, NAR SHADDAA - AFTERNOON
The speeder taxi touches down on the landing pad and Thatcher jumps out before it hits the ground, cursing under his breath. He strides briskly towards the Crystal Spear, which is still docked nearby. When he reaches the boarding ramp, however, his path is blocked by two guards with automatic blaster rifles.
SKIFF GUARD 1
Stop. Identify yourself.
THATCHER
I need to speak witb Ommgar.
SKIFF GUARD 1
Ommgar is not on board. Leave.
A loud roar is heard from the barge. Thatcher looks over the guard's shoulder and spots a large gundark confined within a durasteel cage.
THATCHER
Can't do that. I need to get on this barge.
SKIFF GUARD 1
You're not getting anywhere near this boat. Not without identification.
Frustrated, Thatcher slowly reaches for his blaster, but one of the guards presses the barrel of his rifle against his chest.
SKIFF GUARD 1
Don't even think about it, hotshot. Leave.
Thatcher slowly backs away and continues walking, desperately scanning the barge for another way to get aboard. Unable to find one, he runs his hand through his hair in frustration.
THATCHER
Damn you, Nomi.
Thatcher sighs in defeat and returns to the barge's boarding ramp. The guards block his path once again.
SKIFF GUARD 1
You again? I told ya-
THATCHER
I'll give you a thousand credits each if you let me on this boat. Right now.
The guards hesitate for a moment, clearly taken aback; then, after a moment, they nod.
SKIFF GUARD 1
Deal.
Thatcher reaches into the pocket of his coat and pulls out a credit chit. He hands it to one of the guards and then scoots by them, walking onto the barge. Behind him, the guards bicker over who holds the credit chit.
EXT. CRYSTAL SPEAR, MAIN DECK - AFTERNOON
Thatcher pulls up the collar of his trench coat to mask his face and proceeds towards the rear of the barge. On the deck around him, a party is raging. Most of the guests drink, gamble, and mingle with entertainers. The braver guests stand near the caged gundark, observing the ferocious creature with great curiosity. A handful of Cartel security guards stand watching over the party. A blue twi'lek wearing only a bikini and a slave collar around her neck stops in Thatcher's path, holding out a tray of delicacies.
SLAVE GIRL
Boiled Kordoran eggs?
Thatcher ignores her and continues towards the back of the boat. The slave girl calls after him.
SLAVE GIRL
Hey! Wait! That area's off-limits for guests!
Thatcher quickens his pace and reaches the door to the lower deck. He pulls a small slicer module from his coat and inserts it into the door's control panel, and after a moment, the door clicks and slides open. Thatcher ducks inside and heads down the stairs, emerging into the dimly-lit lower deck.
INT. CRYSTAL SPEAR, LOWER DECK
It is a large, spacious room, littered with cargo crates and deactivated servant droids. At the far side of the room is a row of three glowing energy cells, and inside one lies Nomi. A lone gamorrean stands guard next to her cell. When he sees Thatcher enter the room, he levels his blaster at him, letting out a few questioning grunts. In response, Thatcher yanks out his own blaster and aims it at the gamorrean. The gamorrean fires, but Thatcher sidesteps the shot and shoots one in return. The blast hits the gamorrean square in the chest and he lets out a squeal as he falls to the ground. Nomi whips her head up, looking at Thatcher.
NOMI
Thatcher! Finally.
THATCHER
Shut up. I told you not to try and deal with the hutts.
NOMI
I know, I'm sorry. I've been a naughty, naughty girl. But please get me out of here. I'm getting claustrophobic.
Thatcher shoots the control panel with his blaster and the force field drops. He extends a hand to Nomi, who takes it, and he pulls her up.
NOMI
I love it when you come to my rescue.
THATCHER
I said shut up. We're not out of this yet.
KOHDO TANE
No, you're not. Not by a long shot.
Thatcher and Nomi whirl around, Thatcher leveling his blaster at the voice. Standing across the room is Kohdo Tane, aiming a large scattergun at them with one hand.
KOHDO TANE
Gotta admit, Nomi, I'm impressed. I figured someone like you would find a way out eventually, but this was much sooner than I expected.
THATCHER
(To Nomi)
You know this clown?
NOMI
He was a... client of mine, once.
Tane flashes them a smile.
KOHDO TANE
The best client you've ever had, no doubt.
NOMI
Ha! If there's one thing I know for sure about this guy, Thatcher, it's that he doesn't last very long. We can take him.
Tane narrows his brow, his smile disappearing.
KOHDO TANE
You have a pretty mouth, schutta. It's a shame it's so big.
Tane fires the scattergun, and Thatcher only barely pushes Nomi out of the way in time. Both of them take cover behind a large cargo crate as Tane fires more shots at them from his scattergun, blasting burning holes in the wall behind them. Thatcher blindly returns fire with his blaster, and Tane backs against the stairs. A shot scorches his armor and he curses, stumbling backwards. A moment later, the shooting stops. Thatcher and Nomi remain crouched behind the crate for a moment, then Thatcher pops up, blaster leveled; however, Tane is nowhere to be seen. Cautiously, Thatcher and Nomi move out from behind the crate, Nomi clutching the dead gamorrean's blaster.
NOMI
Where'd he go?
THATCHER
Dunno. Maybe I got him better than I thought.
NOMI
He doesn't strike me as the type to turn tail and run.
THATCHER
Oh, you mean you didn't already know his type? Sounded to me like you guys spent some quality time together.
NOMI
Not now, Thatcher.
THATCHER
Just saying-
NOMI
It's a job. Now let's get out of here.
Thatcher and Nomi run towards the stairs, Thatcher keeping his blaster leveled, scanning for Tane, but he is clearly no longer on the lower deck. The two of them pause at the door to the main deck.
THATCHER
You know they're going to be waiting for us up here, right?
NOMI
I'm counting on it.
Thatcher sighs and pushes open the door.
EXT. CRYSTAL SPEAR, MAIN DECK - AFTERNOON
Thatcher and Nomi hoist their blasters high, ready for combat, but to their surprise, the main deck is completely deserted. Only the gundark, sitting inside its cage and growling quietly, remains. Thatcher and Nomi lower their blasters and look at each other.
THATCHER
Well, then.
NOMI
Well? Let's go!
The two of them hurry towards the boarding ramp; however, the moment they reach it, it automatically retracts into the barge, preventing them from leaving. Thatcher groans.
THATCHER
I knew that was too easy.
They slowly turn around. Above them, on the upper deck at the rear of the barge, Kohdo Tane stands watching them, grinning darkly. He is clutching his shoulder, which is leaking blood from under his charred armor.
KOHDO TANE
Nice shot down there, hero.
THATCHER
(Sarcastically)
Thanks. Personally, I find myself wishing I'd aimed a little higher.
KOHDO TANE
Well, nobody's perfect, right?
Tane looks at Nomi.
KOHDO TANE
I'm sorry I have to do this, sweetheart. I really was looking forward to an encore. But I'm loyal to my boss, and my boss says you gotta be gundark food. So, you're gundark food.
Tane levels his scattergun and fires; however, instead of hitting Thatcher or Nomi, he blasts the control panel on the gundark cage, and the durasteel bars automatically retract, freeing the beast. It takes two monstrous steps out onto the deck and unleashes an ear-splitting roar. It then turns its head towards Thatcher and Nomi, growling.
NOMI
(To Thatcher)
Huh. I guess you were right about the gundark food.
THATCHER
Please be quiet.
The gundark eagerly paws the ground with his left foot, glaring at Thatcher and Nomi. Kohdo Tane chuckles from above.
KOHDO TANE
Get 'em, Rizo.
The gundark charges. Just then, a cloaked figure swings onto the deck from a black cable, then slides to a halt in front of Thatcher and Nomi, facing the charging monster. The figure pulls out a long lightsaber hilt and ignites it, revealing twin pale blue blades.
THATCHER
Oh, great.
The gundark slows when it sees the glowing lightsaber, coming to a stop just in front of Sanya, who stands steadfast in its path.
KOHDO TANE
Who the blazes is this? Nomi, I didn't know you had so many friends.
NOMI
Thatcher, who is this?
THATCHER
(Echoing her words)
A client of mine.
After a moment of hesitation, the gundark resumes its charge. Sanya sidesteps the beast and twirls her lightsaber, tracing a light blue arc through the air. The gundark cries out as it staggers, a glowing cut running along the side of its body. It turns, preparing to charge again. Sanya holds the lightsaber out in front of her with both hands. The gundark rushes forward, and Sanya repeats her action, cutting another long wound into the gundark. This time, though, the beast stumbles forward a few more feet, then collapses onto the deck. Sanya switches off her lightsaber. Above them, Kohdo Tane slowly claps his hands.
KOHDO TANE
Not bad. Not bad at all. I think the use of a lightsaber qualifies as cheating, but I'll let it slide. This time.
THATCHER
(To Sanya)
How did you find us?
SANYA
I haven't stopped following you since this morning.
Thatcher sighs and looks up at Kohdo Tane.
THATCHER
So what now, tough guy? You really gonna dance with a Jedi?
KOHDO TANE
Oh, no. Every respectable warrior knows his limits. But if there's one thing Ommgar hates, it's when pesky glowstick-wielders interfere with his affairs. And he pays well for punishing them. Which means you gotta go, Jedi.
SANYA
You just admitted you would not fight me, Mandalorian.
KOHDO TANE
And so I won't. But Ommgar has plenty of sail barges.
Tane reaches into his belt and pulls out a handful of thermal detonators.
KOHDO TANE
Enjoy your trip on the Crystal Spear.
Tane activates the thermal detonators and drops them at his feet, then blasts off into the sky with his jetpack. Thatcher, Nomi and Sanya dive for cover as the detonators explode, blowing a huge hole in the rear of the barge and pulverizing most of the engines. Sanya's deactivated lightsaber flies out of her hand and off the deck. The barge, out of control, slowly begins careening away from the promenade and down towards the buildings below. Flames spread rapidly across the hull. Nomi and Sanya grab onto the side railing and cling to it, but Thatcher slips and begins sliding down the tilted deck.
NOMI
Thatcher!
At the very last moment, Nomi extends her hand to Thatcher and he manages to catch it in the nick of time, preventing him from falling off the side of the boat.
THATCHER
Son of a murglak!
NOMI
We have to get off this thing! It's gonna blow!
THATCHER
Hey, uh, Jedi, can't you use the Force here or something?!
SANYA
No! Not on a ship this large!
The barge soars through the sky, heading towards a tall skyscraper. The deck tilts further, and the gundark's corpse slides past the trio and topples off the side of the barge. Sanya points to a large landing pad extending from the upcoming skyscraper.
SANYA
There! The platform! That's our chance!
NOMI
What?! Are you crazy?! We can't make a jump like that!
SANYA
We're not jumping! Grab on to me!
Thatcher and Nomi clutch tight to Sanya. Sanya pulls a small harpoon gun from her belt.
NOMI
I'm sorry, who are you again?!
They brace themselves as the barge approaches the skyscraper.
SANYA
Get ready!
Just as the barge passes near the landing pad, Sanya aims her harpoon gun at the platform and fires. The harpoon soars through the air, a long black cable trailing from it. It embeds itself within the platform's edge. The three of them are pulled off the ship by the cable and hang suspended in midair, holding onto one another for dear life. The barge continues sailing through the sky for a few more seconds before finally exploding, raining debris over the city. The harpoon line creaks from the weight of the three people hanging on to it.
SANYA
Go! Climb!
Nomi climbs first, then Thatcher, pulling themselves up the black cable and over the platform's railing. Finally, Sanya retracts the cable into the gun, pulling her up, and climbs up after them. All three then stand on the platform, panting from the effort.
EXT. PLATFORM, NAR SHADDAA - AFTERNOON
NOMI
That's one hell... of a gadget, lady...
SANYA
Thanks... Jedi benefits. Though it appears I've lost my lightsaber.
THATCHER
Nomi... When I tell you not to do business with the hutts... please... Don't do business with the hutts.
NOMI
I know, I know. It's my fault.
THATCHER
What the hell did you even say to Ommgar that pissed him off so bad?
NOMI
I just told him I wasn't goin to settle for only ten percent of my own profits.
THATCHER
And then?
NOMI
And then he told me to get lost. Rudely.
THATCHER
And then?
NOMI
And then I called him a dirty, no-good, overweight blob of slime who can rot in the gutter for all I care.
Thatcher sighs in exasperation.
NOMI
Thatcher, we need to get off Nar Shaddaa. Soon. Ommgar's not gonna be happy about that skiff once he learns we weren't on it when it blew. We've cost him a lot of money. It's only a matter of time before the bounty hunters come for us.
THATCHER
Agreed.
Nomi glances at Sanya.
NOMI
Are you going to tell me who this is?
THATCHER
I did tell you. It's my client. Sanya.
NOMI
The one with the death wish? Didn't know she was a Jedi. I thought you turned her down.
SANYA
He did, originally. He changed his mind.
NOMI
Well, I think he needs to change it again. Staying here is the most dangerous thing any of us can do right now.
SANYA
I never planned on staying here. I need his help in getting somewhere. And it's not on Nar Shaddaa.
NOMI
Where is it, then?
THATCHER
Sanya, wait-
SANYA
The Adebra system.
Nomi turns to look at Thatcher. Her facial expression is that of someone who has just come to fully understand something.
NOMI
So that's what this is about.
THATCHER
Yeah.
NOMI
You do have a death wish, lady.
SANYA
So I've heard.
THATCHER
Can we get moving? I don't like standing out in the open like this.
SANYA
Agreed. Shall we head to my ship?
NOMI
Your ship?
SANYA
Yes, my ship. Unless Mr. Cordell happens to have a better one we can use?
NOMI
'We'? There is no 'we', lady.
SANYA
Yes, there is. It simply doesn't include you.
NOMI
What are you talking about?
THATCHER
I'm taking the job, Nomi.
Nomi whirls on Thatcher.
NOMI
What do you mean, you're taking the job?
THATCHER
I am. I have to.
NOMI
Have to?
THATCHER
It's the only way I'll be able to show my face in the Republic again. I'm sick of hopping from one backwater planet to the next. And I need the money.
NOMI
But Thatcher, it's Adebra-
THATCHER
(Coldly)
I know exactly where it is.
Nomi sighs.
NOMI
And what am I supposed to do? I don't have the credits for a shuttle.
THATCHER
Then come with us.
SANYA
Mr. Cordell-
THATCHER
She can't stay here. Ommgar's men will be all over her within the hour.
NOMI
I don't like it any more than you do, lady.
SANYA
Fine. But the first chance we get, we drop her off. I can't have a wild gun sabotaging our mission.
NOMI
A wild gun? Excuse me?
SANYA
That's right. It's you who got us into this mess, is it not?
NOMI
I'll have you know-
THATCHER
Enough. We really need to get a move on. Sanya, where's your ship?
SANYA
Docking bay four-eleven, Mezenti spaceport.
THATCHER
Good. That's not far from my apartment. Let's get going.
SANYA
Your apartment?
THATCHER
Well, I have to get my stuff, don't I?
SANYA
You said it yourself, the bounty hunters-
THATCHER
I'll be quick about it. You two head to the spaceport. I'll meet you there.
SANYA
I hardly think that's a good idea-
THATCHER
You needed a professional for this job, right? Well, I'm a professional. I'll be fine. Now go.
Thatcher strides over to the nearby taxi pad and climbs in, flicking a credit chit to the service droid.
THATCHER
Upper Kintos district. And step on it.
Thatcher's speeder zooms off into the sky.
NOMI
Don't worry, lady. He'll be okay. And I'll make sure nothing happens to you in the meantime.
SANYA
(Dryly)
Thanks.