A long time ago in a galaxy far far away

SAINTS AND SINNERS

Season 1, Episode 8

40 years passed since

Emperor Palpatine was defeated.

For years and years chaos remained as

the remnants of the Empire tried to maintain control

of the galaxy and the leaders of the Rebel Alliance tried to unite

the people in an organized democracy. Such attempts failed on both sides,

and the galaxy fell back to the political structure it had known before the creation of

the Old Republic. Small systems, bigger systems, coalition of planets, yet some planets are still

divided and self-regulated countries. Democracies, monarchies, empires, warlords, anarchies, even

the Hutts control a few systems, and still some parts of the universe have not been explored or heard of.

Intelligence reports have indicated that Ambulia is targeting Hutts sponsored events in retaliation of Uggla's contribution to the liberation of Mosester. Livan, Amirah and Neeah have followed these rumours all the way to the planet Iceak VI, on the outer rim.

##

The announcer used his deep low voice to introduce the next contestant, a dugg from Malastare, who took his place in the middle of the field, as the opponent started tossing a lightning-fast yellow ball towards him.

Livan whispered to Neeah,

– they say these duggs have better reflexes than any species in the galaxy.

There were sitting together in the upper balcony of the stadium. Tens of thousands of fans were in the stands, and every single one of them must've stood and roared when he hit the yellow ball further than any of the opposing team members could reach. That blast greatly reduced his opponents' chances to win the game.

– Does that happen often?

Neeah was curious, she'd never seen a game of Dig'rah before.

– No usually only once or twice per game. Gives his team a huge lead. Unless the opponent strikes a Dig'rah as well, they will most probably win.

– You should have gambled on this game…

To Neeah's surprise, Livan frowned and seemed a little upset.

– No. I hate gambling. I like games based on skill, not luck. I wish I could be on the field, I played a good share of Dig'rah in my days.

– I see.

Neeah was getting to know Livan, but this surprised her. She thought all scruffy looking smuggler/hotshot pilot were the same. The following player was unable to hit the yellow ball and the crowd went silent.

– That's bad, isn't it?

– Yes, it is.

Livan shook her head smiling.

– Am I bothering you with my questions?

– No but it's funny. I've been trying for years to bring some of my female friends to a game, but I always ended up with men, who would turn this into a date while I was just interested in the game. And, I have to say, most men are intimidated when you know more about the sport then they do. I find it ironic that the first time I'm here with the girl is you. Perhaps we can be friends if you like this game…

They laughed and then the comm link beeped.

– I hope you're enjoying yourselves. Notice anything suspicious?

That was Amirah's voice

– no, but I'm keeping my senses aware. What about you?

– Nothing on my side either. Livan? Is it normal to have that many ships flying over the field during the game?

– Nowadays yes. Flying over to watch is cheaper than buying a ticket…

She closed the comm and stood up to cheer as everybody else did when apparently the home team did something good.

##

Amirah was roaming around the stadium, amidst thousands of fans cheering, chanting and of course, waiting at the concessions and at the gambling stations. While his senses were on alert, there was nothing to be suspicious about. He decided to head to the security desk. A young Rodian was standing guard.

– Hello my friend

–Hi, sir, how can I help you?

– Are you well aware of the security measures on-site?

– euh…yes.

That was an unusual request, but Amirah waved his hand

– you don't want to know why I ask these questions.

– Of course, I don't want to know why you ask these questions. We have security agents on site and checking points to prevent people from bringing in weapons, although we know that most people who walk in here have one concealed. Security guards only carry stun rods. There are 36 emergency exits, spread over the stadium, we can evacuate the place in less than 40 minutes. No vehicle is allowed within 100 yards of the stadium. Everything is powered by a generator under level 6.

– Thank you. Your service to these people is appreciated.

Amirah left towards a sign that said «levels 5 to 12 »

##

– Hocus, do you read me?

A middle-aged Relian took his left hand to his left ear. The stadium was noisy.

– Yes, Jocus, I do. What is it?

– I think I might have a small lead. How far along is the game into?

– About one third, why?

– We've been tracking seats and the biosigns. About only a dozen people have yet to reach their seat. But there's one in particular who has been roaming the stadium ever since he came in, while the others are waiting in line at concession stands. The only person he has talked to is a security officer. It's odd behaviour.

– Yes, check it out. Where is he?

– Level 12 but heading lower.

– Alright.

They had expected trouble, kind of. That was the first lead they got, no matter how small.

##

– Neeah, without looking weird, casually take a look at the two people approximately 20 rows above us, one section to your right, in blue robes. They look Ambulian to me, but you would know better.

She stood up pretending to look for something in her bag. Some fans behind her yelled something about sitting down. She did.

– Yes, I got a good look. You're right, there from Ambulia. But that does not make them terrorists.

– No, it makes them suspects.

– Not anymore than the gorgeous Twi'lek woman sitting besides them.

– You're looking for a date for Amirah?

– Perhaps. You think he'd like her?

– They're one of the most attractive species in the galaxy. All men love Twi'lek women. Take it from one lady to another, one would think a smart, muscular and chiseled built Twi'lek like him would have a chance… But he's a monk, right? Like you… So, there's no point.

Their conversation was cut short when the Ambulians moved out of the seating area.

– Let's go.

Livan was up, Neeah followed her lead but whispered

– I don't sense anything

– maybe Brett would.

She said that innocently but felt like she might have offended the young Padawan, unwillingly referring to the fact that she was still learning, and probably conveying that she didn't trust her senses yet. Livan tried to change the subject

– why did we leave him behind this time anyway?

– Master Luke thinks Master Brett looks too much like a Jedi. He has a hard time blending in in a place like this. Amirah, however, is right in his element.

The two Ambulian men headed to a souvenir shop.

– I told you, there's nothing here.

– The one on the left has a concealed blaster in his right pocket.

– So do you. Does that make you a suspect?

The Ambulian took out his comlink and placed a short call, without trying to conceal it. Livan jumped

– better call Amirah.

The looked at each other funny. In her previous missions with the Jedi, Livan had accepted their lead, but given Neeah's age and experience, this was different, and they hadn't quite settled who was in charge. This time, Neeah was the one with the comm and since Livan had kind of ordered her to call Amirah, that question was tested. Neeah played along and called him. She did give the commlink to Livan however.

– Lozof here, what is it?

– We've found a couple of Ambulia men. Nothing is suspicious yet according to Neeah, but at least one of them is armed. They're openly communicating with a third party as well.

– Interesting although not surprising. Some Ambulians like to have some fun, they're not all serious like Neeah.

He laughed then continued

– I'm going to the power generator. I have a strong feeling that I'm being watched.

– Should we join you?

– Nope, not yet. Stay close to the Ambulians and trust your instincts, Neeah.

He closed the comm.

– So, intuitive one, what's your take?

– I think he just called his booking to place a bet.

The Ambulians went back to the seating area and as Livan saw them squat in their seats, she conceded.

– Okay you win, false alarm.

Neeah smiled and couldn't help but pointing out:

– Well, its gets worse. The Twi'lek woman is gone.

##

Hocus was listening to Jocus's voice in his ear as he saw him approaching, training a tall Twi'lek male.

Amirah felt that, as in previous occasions, he was being watched. He also felt this time the exact source of that feeling: a short man was following him, and had been for a while. He saw him press a button on what was obviously a concealed transceiver. His follower was well organized and had backup. He searched deeper and found odd feelings in his pursuant: he was tense but there was nothing evil about it. So, Amirah walked by the power generator as if there was nothing there. He could feel his pursuant use his transmitter again. He couldn't tell what he said was:

– I told you, he's not our problem. He walked right by the generator.

Amirah kept on going and when he felt he was no longer followed he stopped and called.

– Unless your search led to something, meet me on level 4, we've got work to do.

##

– Lotus, do you still have a read on our man?

– Yes. He stopped as soon as Jocus left him and was out of sight. He knew he was being followed. Now he's standing still on level 4…looks like he's waiting for backup.

– Alright then, we're dealing with professionals. At least now we'll get the whole gang… let's proceed, set up the ambush.

##

Amirah, Neeah and Livan approached the door disregarding the «high-voltage do not enter » sign. The door was supposed to be locked of course, but Amirah knew his pursuant and an accomplice were inside, ready to ambush them. Actually, expecting to ambush low level scum, not Jedi. He turned to Livan

– there is one in front to the right on the first level with a rifle. It is set on stun. The second one is on the balcony behind our back as we enter. If you just run to your left as long as you're under the balcony, he can't touch you so there's only one to worry about. I'll come in after you, but I would rather keep my lightsaber under wraps as long as I can. You'll need to knock off the one on our level.

– Easier said than done

– don't forget, they don't know that we know where they are. The element of surprise is squarely ours. Neeah will keep your focus on the one on the balcony and alert me if he moves.

He nodded and she entered, running in and shooting towards her right almost knocking off Hocus with her first shot. They all took cover. Livan and Hocus exchanged shots until Neeah alerted Amirah. Jocus jumped from the balcony with a wire in his back and he had a chance at a point-blank shot at them.

The bolts were met by Amirah's lightsaber and redirected to Jocus's leg as he crumbled in numbness. Hocus stopped shooting and yelled immediately:

– Jedi! We surrender.

After a few seconds of silence, Amirah's voice came out.

– Then reveal yourselves.

Hocus stepped out from his hideout as Jocus tried to stand up. Amirah could feel emotions of surprise and puzzlement from both men, Relians probably.

– You seem surprised by my identity?

– Well, euh, yes, I mean, I don't understand.

– Who are you?

There was a long pause, but he knew there was no use lying.

– Military officers of his Excellency grand Aurelius Tribus. We were sent here after intelligence reported that Ambulia could stage a coup here, against the Hutts, as retaliation for Mosester. We expected Ambulians or hired guns, terrorists, anything but Jedi.

– And what's Coruscant's business with the Hutts? Or with Ambulia?

Livan had asked before Amirah could speak. She didn't believe that story. He waved her to calm down.

– You would have to ask our superiors. Frankly I don't know. Maybe we just want to know who is on what side.

Amirah looked at Livan

– he's telling the truth

then he turned to Hocus

– were here for the exact same reasons.

They were puzzled, but the trained military instincts of Hocus took over.

– Then we should get outta here. The real terrorists might be closing in.

Amirah felt a sudden burst of danger as his attention digressed from the conversation with Hocus.

– Wait, don't!

It was too late. As Hocus touched the door, he was propelled on his back by an electric discharge. Amirah rushed to bring them back to his feet when a small canister of what appeared to be choking gas was released in the small room.

– Take a deep breath!

With one hand, Amirah controlled the gas from spreading, with the help of the force. He especially needed to keep it away from Hocus who was slowly regaining consciousness. With his other hand, he flicked his wrist and opened the door which led to a large open-air concourse. Neeah and Livan helped Hocus and Jocus walk out of the room. Amirah stepped out, everyone staring at him.

– Please evacuate this area.

When people automatically moved away, he brought the invisible gas bubble, firmly in his grasp of the force, out of the room and into open-air. The gas dissipated.

When he turned around, Neeah was already gone, walking rather decisively following a civilian. Amirah looked at Livan with question marks in his face. Her face lit up, as she saw who Neeah was following. A gorgeous Twi'lek woman.

The Twi'lek realized that Neeah was following her and quickened her pace. Neeah matched it with no problem, even though the crowd made it difficult to go any faster. Finally with her target only a dozen feet head and in a less dense area, Neeah summoned the force and tangled her feet. The Twi'lek woman fell and before she could regain her balance, Neeah grabbed her neck.

– What do you want, child?

– Don't try to be cute with me. Who do you work for?

It is true that the Twi'lek had a habit of using her charms to get out of bad situations. But here, there was no use.

– I don't work for anybody.

Neeah tightened her grip. She knew mind tricks wouldn't work on a sharp mind like hers.

– Nice try with the gas, maybe you'd like me to provide a similar choking experience?

She tightened her grip again, helped by the force only slightly.

– You are… You're wasting your time with me. I'm just the hired gun.

– Who does the hired gun work for?

There was a long pause, she blinked at least twice. For some reason, and it wasn't the pain in her neck, she felt like she had to tell the truth to this young girl, which made no sense.

– Tarswell. He hired me on Coruscant last week. He wanted the identity of the people who would try to prevent a fake attack here.

Neeah saw the security men approaching, they had not spotted her as the Twi'lek's assailant. She didn't want to attract attention any further.

– Go. But watch your step… I'll be very very close.

She let the Twi'lek go and easily eluded the guards, to join the others.

Hocus added regained consciousness.

– My people have a scanner locked on your blue friend. When she contacts anybody, we'll know.

Neeah turned to Amirah

– the rumours were fake. They were planted so that they could see who would come to prevent an attack on the Hutts' operation.

– I wonder if they got the answer they were looking for, either identifying us or you.

Amirah's words made Hocus wonder out loud.

– I hope not.

He couldn't finish his thought because his comm link beeped.

– Yes Lotus

– she called, a short message sent to a speeder nearby and to an unmarked ship orbiting the planet. I will play it for you: «two parties came to defend the generator. Seemingly led by a stunning Twi'lek male. I was unable to capture either. It is unclear if they were working together or not. »

– Hocus, she's running back towards you.

Neeah could feel her to, and she was scared to death.

As they turned around, they saw her, but she never made it to them. A sniper sitting on an idle racing speeder at their level outside the stadium shot her fatally. The speeder ran away, before anyboduy could attempt to uselessly fire at it.

Neeah kneeled to care for her.

– You could have protected me if I'd made it in time? Tarswell. Coruscant. Floggy's…

Then she passed away.

Amirah put his hand on Neeah's shoulder, as she shut the eyelids of the fallen woman.

– We need to find out who is willing to kill their own informants to keep their identity secret. And who is willing to stage a fake attack and spread fake rumours just to figure out who is on what side.

He reassured her. Neeah had not, growing up on Ambulian before Drika's time, been exposed to such treachery and such low regard for life.

##

The Candlebox was buzzing with activity as Livan finally pulled the lever that made them jump to lightspeed.

– I can't believe we had the most advanced army in the universe giving us access to its intelligence resources and you turned him down?

– Remember that they were here undercover. They will probably be our allies only until they are exposed as such. I feel we will need them on more important occasions than this later on.

– He offered, he obviously did not mind.

– Hocus did, yes. I'm sure his superiors would not have agreed. The Relian's have been extremely quiet on the topic of Ambulia since all of this began. Anyway, he did give us the description of the ship we're chasing, and codes for us to access Coruscant unnoticed and unbothered …that's a fair deal.

Livan gave up. She preferred a straight up fight to all these shenanigans, but she had to learn to live with it.

– Alright then, we'll be there in an hour.

##

The Candlebox was in orbit around Coruscant, amongst hundreds of other ships and satellites.

– Are you sure we're here before they are?

Amirah asked, Livan frowned

– never saw a ship that big that could outrun the Candlebox. They're not here yet.

– I will check on Neeah then. Let's see if she's had any luck.

– Luck with what?

– She's searching the computer for Tarswell and for Floggy's.

Livan laughed.

– You won't find it in your official computer I'll tell you that. This kind of establishment does not exactly asks to be on record.

Amirah was surprised yet he had come to appreciate the fact that there was more to Livan than met the eye.

– So it's a place, any idea where?

Livan looked embarrassed

– yes, I do. Near the old Senators quarters, but almost on ground-level…

– And what kind of establishment is that?

– Let's just say that the good looking Twi'lek woman probably worked there… To earn a not so honest living.

The alert beeped as the ship they were tracking entered orbit. It beamed its access code to the Relian security system and moved for their landing.

– Where are they headed?

– 2.4 km from Foggy's.

##

The Candlebox landed on the nearest pad available. They were, however, a few levels above ground.

– Better go there directly and try not to look so stiff you need to blend in a bit.

Amirah fit in at the stadium, but in here, the poorest, darkest areas of Coruscant, he stood out like a sore thumb. As Neeah stepped out the ship, Livan waved her back.

– You better stay here; this is no place for young lady.

Amirah approved, despite Neeah's obvious discomfort. They hailed a speeder and boarded for Floggy's.

When they got there, they hung around the entrance for a while. Then Amirah approached Livan.

– They're not inside yet I'm certain.

There were all sorts of beings in the alley, all the weirder than the other. As much as Coruscant had changed in the last 60 years, from the Republic's Centre to the heart of Palpatine's powerful empire to the Civil War to the Relian's establishing reign about 10 years ago, the lower levels, the ones that whoever was in charge did not care about, had not changed at all. Once in a while a group of males would enter the place Livan described as Floggy's but Amirah never did feel the nervousness or suspicion he was looking for in the men they had followed all the way from the stadium.

– Let me try something…

He approached the guard at the entrance, a tall Transdoshan, who did not seem particularly strong-minded.

– You like working here?

– What do you want? Entrance is 20 credits.

Amirah waved his hand

– Tarswell, your boss, is nice to you?

The guard looked puzzled. He hissed

–Tarswell is the boss? Are you sure?

– I thought so, I may be wrong. Who is the boss then?

– I wouldn't know. I assume that someone called Floggy owns the place. is a very good client.

– Is he here then?

– No, he never comes before dusk. He will be here soon.

– Okay, I will see him then. Thank you my friend.

And Amirah gave him 40 credits and waved Livan inside.

– Can't you spare us the charge?

– That would not be fair. You've got a half-hour to enjoy yourself. Keep a low profile if you can…

Livan looked puzzled, but left Amirah go in the club first and followed him. She stayed close to the door while Amirah headed straight to the bar and sat. The female guest to his right looked at him:

– can I buy you a drink, handsome?

He waved his hand

– you don't want to buy me a drink. You want to go home and rethink your life…

The creature stood up and repeated «yeah, I don't want to buy you a drink. I want to go home and rethink my life… »

Amirah shook his head. A trick from Master Luke, it never got old.

The bartender looked at him

– so if you're not going to drink, you're obviously going to ask some questions for your secret mission, Jedi. Don't bother waving your fingers at me.

– And what is my secret mission exactly?

– People coming here asking questions rarely get out with anything else than a blaster burn, so your mission may be whatever you want it to be, I don't care, and whatever you want you're not going to get it.

– Then I'll have a double « jacket », on the rocks.

He smiled. The bartender was confused. Amirah could tell right away that he was heavily involved in running this place. And when the bartender bent forward to steer the drink, Amirah grabbed him by the collar and whispered in his ear

– I can tell you that a lightsaber burn is far more painful and effective than a blaster burn. So, if I were you, I would be a little bit more cooperative.

The bartender exhaled… Amirah had made his point.

– Tarswell. Customers, colleagues, business relations, politicians, everything. Here's the data pad, you got 10 minutes. Don't disappoint me. I would hate to tell your parents in the Relian Council that you work here. The lightsaber burn would be the least of your pain.

He stood up and walked away. Of course, he wouldn't harm him, but few people knew that, for Jedi had been extinct for a generation. He finished his drink and saw a well-dressed man he immediately knew to be Tarswell walk in, followed by guards and the two men who were in the ship they had followed. He glanced at Livan, then picked up the data pad from the bartender, paid his drink and left a hefty tip. The bartender's mind was nervous, but it was mostly because he was scared of having disclosed so much information about his boss. The information would be reliable. He glanced through it, then approached Tarswell.

– You have an impressive list of clients, Mr. Tarswell. I'm surprised even grand Aurelius Tribus himself is not in there. He would have familiar company.

Tarswell was shocked. The men surrounding him whispered in his ear «the man who was on Iceak ». The guards moved towards him, but Amirah raised his hand which had a double effect of slowing them down and revealing his waist and his lightsaber.

– « Don't be so rude » he said to the guards. « I know you must already feel bad about shooting the Twi'lek woman. »

Tarswell was still wondering what to do with him and Amirah looked directly at him.

– Was Webell surprised to see me there?

There was a long pause, and a grin from Tarswell.

– I see that even you, wise Jedi, can get fooled by rumours. This is where you fail. Webell and nothing to do with this little incident.

He was telling the truth.

– Come with me.

He led them to a small room at the back of the club, followed by his guards. He signalled Amirah to get in and told his guards to stay outside. The room was a small office but decorated with some of the most expensive material in the galaxy. Tarswell sat down and extended another chair to Amirah.

– Listen Jedi, your presence on Iceak six was unfortunate. We didn't expect you to follow such a rumour. That means I have arranged that whole scenario, disturbed a stadium, damaged the generator, and even killed one of my employees - all that for nothing because of you. I still don't know who that was out there tried to ambush you and protect against Ambulia, which is what I wanted to know. You cost me a fortune here.

– What did you want to find out… who was looking out for Webell, and who was trying to protect the Hutts?

He paused, then stood up, as Amirah did the same.

– I just wanted to know. Personal business.

– There's no point in lying to me like that .

– Fine. But I can't tell you who my clients were…that would put me in the same situation as my former beloved Twi'lek employee.

– Bothans? Cumberan's? Relian's? OsKos? Hutts? Sat…

Amirah paused in astonishment. He had startled at the word « Hutts ».

– Hutts?

– As you said, there's no point in lying to you.

Amirah thought to himself «these double faces slimy worms, just trying to figure out who's on their side, willing to sacrifice their own event. But they themselves, can never take one when they need to. »

– You got what you came here for, before you leave, please hand me the data pad. You no longer need that information, which could be very harmful to me or to some of my clients.

Amirah hesitated.

– Don't worry, I will not harm the bartender. Apparently even I can't retain information from you.

Amirah handed the data pad and turned towards the door. Before he could open it, Tarswell asked

– one last thing. For all it cost me, I'd bite myself for not asking. Who were the men who were trying to identify you and ended up cooperating with you?

Amirah turned his head and smiled

– you wouldn't believe me if I told you.

And he headed out.

As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder how big of a role the Relian's would be taking as this conflict escalated. And mostly, if they could trust them.

##