Taso Syla didn't look like a criminal or even an outlaw. His body features were similar to those of a muscular woman. His face wasn't even manly. How could this man be dangerous? Scarlet had all these thoughts running through her head as she stared down at the man who claimed to be Taso Syla. Shin leaned down and grabbed Taso once again by him arm and stated, "Don't say another word. You're coming with us, whether you like it or not." Shin was practically pushing him out the door of the bar as Scarlet and Shin were taking him to their speeder. As they approached the speeder the new captain of the royal guard approached them. The man was dressed in the royal guard's blue uniform. His montrals were white and red. He also had a large gash across his face. Like Taso, the Captain had gray eyes that gave Scarlet chills.
"The Queen has ordered that the outlaw be executed immediately." The Captain spoke with a deep icy tone.
"I don't remember the Queen telling us that." Scarlet told Shin.
"Neither do I." Shin said with her eyes narrowed focusing on the Captain.
"By the Queen's order…" The Captain started.
"I know… I will be sure to tell the Queen that Captain… um what is your name, exactly?" Shin said.
"I am the new Captain Soti Miner." The Captain said.
"Thank you, Captain Soti Miner." Shin said then motioned for Taso to sit in the speeder. The Captain left and Scarlet and Shin then boarded the speeder as well. When the doors were closed to where no one could hear the conversation about to be had.
"Why would a Captain of the Royal Guard lie to us about what the queen wanted us to do will you?" Shin asked Taso.
"Because Soti is trying to get rid of any witnesses to his betrayal of the Queen." Taso replied with venom.
"His betrayal?" Scarlet asked.
"He killed two other guards men and has given away the whereabouts of the Queen's daughter." Taso said.
"To whom?" Shin asked with questioning eyes.
"To the Hutts, who wish to control the planet for resources." Taso said. "He also took advantage of my sister going against my family's wishes by making it seem as I am doing this in rebellion against my family."
"So his plan is to turn the world against each other." Shin stated thoughtfully. "I think it's time we speak with the Queen once again."
With that being stated Shin drove the speeder to the palace once again to inform the Queen of the truth.
"If what you're saying is true then something must be done immediately." Queen Azara said.
"What would you like us to do?" Shin asked.
"Bring me Soti Miner!" Azara demanded one of the guards.
The guard bows to the Queen and runs out of the room.
"I need you to take care of something." Azara said. She then explained to Shin and Scarlet to hide Taso Syla until the plan has worked. Scarlet, Shin, and Taso are to hide behind the secret door in the throne room that is behind the throne itself. Queen Azara is going to accuse Soti Miner of treason and Shin must be able to detect his reaction to see if he is truly the culprit. When Soti Miner comes before the Queen he request what she needs him for and she hesitates at first but does begin to speak to him. Scarlet sneaks out to hear the conversation.
"I have been told that Taso Syla was executed by your order." Azara said.
"I ordered it due…" Soti started but was stopped by Azara raising her hand and speaking, "I did not give any order to you to do such a thing. We are peaceful people and we don't execute anyone whatsoever." Azara paused for a moment then continued. "I also have word that my daughter's life is in danger and as Captain I expected you to personally tell me such things!" Azara seemed irritated at the idea of such a thing. "I also expected you to tell me about the impending invasion by the Hutts." Before Azara could say anything else Soti had knocked down the guards around him and started to run down the hall. Before he could get too far away, Scarlet shot him in the leg and Soti fell to the ground. The guards grabbed him and held him before their Queen.
"I will take it you set up Taso Syla to make it seem like he was a traitor." Azara said as Shin and Taso came out from behind the throne with Scarlet, and move to face the Queen.
"He is a traitor! Just like his sister!" Soti yelled.
"Enough! You have not only your own planet endangered but also my daughter, your Princess!" Azara said once again in her regal voice. "He is to be executed… a painless execution." Azara said. As the guards took Soti to his execution, Queen Azara turned to look at Scarlet and Shin. "I thank you for your help Bounty Hunters." Azara said in a solemn tone. "I will have your reward at your ship before the end of the day. But I would like to request your help once more."
"We are at your service your Highness." Shin said in response.
"My daughter, she will need protection until the Republic can help our system." Azara said.
"Your daughter Princess Elza?" Scarlet asked.
"Yes, how did you know her name?" Azara asked.
"She is a friend of mine and I would be more than willing to protect her your Highness." Scarlet replied.
Azara surprised at the humbleness of this little girl said, "That would be very much appreciated." Azara even smiled at Scarlet. Scarlet and Shin stayed a moment longer in the throne room to hear what would happen to Taso Syla. Taso was given to chance to return to his position on the Royal Guard, but declined stating that he didn't wish to stay on the planet any longer. Azara honored his request. An hour later Azara approached Shin's starship along with Taso Syla and Dados, to give Shin and Scarlet their credits.
"I appreciate all you two have done and plan to do." Queen Azara stated in her regal voice.
"I would like if you two would be able to take me to Coruscant along with you. Once there I would be out of your way in protecting the Princess." Taso Syla said.
"We would willingly take you with us." Shin replied.
Taso Syla boards the ship and Azara gives Shin the credits that her and Scarlet earned.
"May the force be with you." Azara said as Shin and Scarlet boarded their ship. Scarlet stopped halfway up the ramp and turned to face Azara.
"Your Highness, I will protect Elza the best I can." Scarlet said.
"I will contact her about the news. But until we see each other again, May the force be with you." Azara said.
"May the force be with as well." Scarlet said and then boarded.
End of Story 1