Wrong Place, Right time
Ch. 35
Win Against the Odds
Pov: Aaron
They were out of sight in a blink of an eye, so the monitors were the only way to watch. The track for the speeders disappeared and turned into the air space of Coruscant, with the sunlight shimmering across their outer shells.
One car out of the others held the lead right off the bat and was still gaining speed over the others. It was red with a spoiler esc in the back that held components that I had no idea what it was for. The driver was what looked like a twi'lek. He had red skin, and a leather cap and goggles equipped. Around his neck was a scarf that fluttered with his speed over the others.
Up ahead were the tunnels set up through a series of buildings. The "Red Baron" (That's what I Dubbed him) didn't stop his advance and passed through the swerving tunnel in a few seconds while others slowed down. He repeated this for five laps.
This in of itself was an occurrence throughout the races. That a few would stand above the rest. But the Red Baron stood out even among them.
When they came to an industrial park, the path led right under it showing an endless series of tunnels that seemed to have no end. And he really really went loose. Almost hitting the edges of the walls as he made turns left and right. There was even a loop set up in the tunnel ways. But he seemed to know where to go and shot out like a rocket and rushed it to the finish line.
"And there you have it! The Red Scar of the Trecon Airo Speeder Innovations has won the first race with a more than a 45 second lead!"
Nobody came close, he was
a class above the rest. Whoever he was really.
"Hmm, him again. He may take the gold once more."
Anakin agreed with the chancellor, "Third year in a row for him."
"But who is he?"
The teen turned to me, "Nobody knows, all we know is that he is the driver hired by T.A.S.I."
A Mr Anonymous kind of guy…
The old man chuckled as he added,
"Some say he's a former criminal who paid his time, but that's just talk from the holonet."
Hear-say at best.
"Probably threw that out there just to stir something up till he comes clean. If they can't get a story, they'll make one."
Palpatine nodded at my observation.
"I'm impressed Aaron, you know more about the holo than I would expect."
The young Jedi was confused, "Wait, what?"
"Later Anakin, I think the next race is starting soon."
Like the man said, the track was already clearing up for the other participants. Again, the rides looked just as unique from each other. Anakin was quick to point out one from the others.
"Hey, there's the Belkar speeder! Wonder if they'll make up for last year's accident."
"Ah, I remember that. Tragic what happened to the poor fellow."
Hmmm.
"Dare I ask?
"A seat belt went loose at the end of the race last year… And he went flying into the abyss below.
"... Be… low?"
The chancellor pointed down. As realization shot through me… To fall from such a height!
"He didn't have a parashoot?!"
"I'm afraid I don't know what that is. Even so, he didn't have one. Nobody even imagined such a thing was possible in this day and age."
Anakin continued the chancellor's story.
"Afterwards, their company's reputation was ruined. Sales went down nearly 70 percent, and a number of lawsuits were filed due to similar instances throughout all of last year on the new models. All of them were settled outside of court, the price of that was downsizing their services."
Sheesh…
"So this is their one shot?"
The chancellor agreed, "This could very well be their final days."
We stopped talking after that to watch the next race start. Like the last one, the crowd cheered as they blasted off into the city. It race was just as intense as the last one, only my focus was on one car. The Under Dog. Said Under Dog was trying his best to make it into the top five
Each turn was taken with almost the same precision as the Barron.
But Under dogs most of the time stay Underdogs.
The other racers tried their hardest to make sure that the Belkar racer wouldn't pass them up. At one point they pinned him between a few cars, only breaking off at the sight of the tunnel. He held sixth the most of the race thanks to their efforts. But on the final lap, he managed to catch a lucky break. A speeder didn't narrow a gap on a turn and the Belkar speeder shot up ahead in the straight section to go on ahead to the tunnels, he made every turn with precision and shot into the final stretch. He came up neck and neck with the guy in fifth. When number five saw him about to pass him before the finish line, he slammed his speeder right into the side of his car. And in a last sputter of life, the Belkar speeder passed the line in sixth place while fifth sped past the finish line.
An eruption of applause broke out from the crowd. Was it for the loss of the win? Or the crash itself? Maybe both.
As the racers exited their vehicles, they all came by to give the fifth, a good shake of his hand.
And unlike the other races, the holo display of Cal Bodan came up. He was not happy.
"That type of action may be acceptable in the outer rim, but not here! Step forward!"
The fifth racer being pointed out of the group, did as he was told.
"I am revoking your place in the race and giving it to the racer of the car you just wrecked!"
A large amount of boo's came from the crowd, only to be silenced by Cal.
"The races are not about petty revenge or showboating one company over another before the race is done! What a company was before could be different the next time. And they have had a year to make changes to their company."
If the racers currently on the track felt guilty, they were good at hiding it.
"And one important key note here. This is a race! Would you have wanted to be known to have killed someone over a race?! On the Holonet?! Any similar actions such as that, and companies will be barred from the races permanently!"
It was now the guilt started setting in for them. Nobody had a rebuttal to the host's reasoning.
"Accidents happen, racers get caught up in the moment. And sometimes the world revolves around them as they speed along the track… But why is everyone here? To have fun watching a race! So let's put this behind and get back to it!"
The crowd cheered again as I felt the glass shake in front of us once again. Meanwhile, the former fifth place holder looked down and walked off the track. Never really saw him after that.
"Let's line up for the next race everyone!"
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Nothing unusual happened after the next three races, each one took about 30 minutes and there were cheers and tears from each one, racers and fans alike. Now it was up to the last race, the big circuit.
"I hope everyone is ready folks! In about 3 hours, we'll begin the race into the night sky of all of our previous winners! One sky! One Circuit! And one winner! Who will it be?! I don't know! Stick around to find out! In the meantime, feel free to stretch your legs and meet our lucky racers!"
Cal's holographic display turned off and the crowd got up to do whatever.
"Well, that was eventful."
The chancellor laughed, "I'll say Shepherd, it seems we have some rivalry this year. This is the first time I believe it's become personal since Cal put together the races."
"Well, there were some the first couple of years, chancellor. But Cal sure to clean that up."
"True, Anakin. True."
Before I could respond, the sound of the door opening came from behind. We all turned to see the weequay that was previously displayed near the track with Maddien next to him.
"Well, how about that tour?"
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There we were, walking across the starting line. Clear of any speeder, but filled with lines of people doing various activities and racers taking interviews, or meeting with fans. I picked up a conversation or two.
"Despite how things are now, I think we have more people here than last year!"
"I've placed my entire winnings so far on T.A.S.I! I don't see how they can lose!"
"Hey! Is that Cal Bodan?"
"Nah, couldn't be."
Little did they know it was, and he led us through the distracted crowd. Up ahead to the garages, he waved a hand to some security standing by. On his signal, they opened a sliding door discreetly for us to head inside.
As we entered, the fumes of grease, oil, heat and any smell would expect a maintenance garage to have entered our noses. As I looked, I saw hundreds, if not, thousands of people of different species rushing to work on speeders of all kinds. Some were barking orders while others were fast at work. Rushing from one station to the next.
Even thrown into the mix we're droid's of small stature. They had small frames with a singular eye and what I could only describe as a metal hat looking head. One of the said droid's dropped something important. A man walked up and flicked it on the eye, and the droid folded up into a portable state.
"I tell ya, these droids are more of a hazard when their power is low. Any free stations to charge this one!"
We were out of ear shot before I received the answer to the maintenance guy's question.
"This is where the magic happens! Within these garages, we have made some of the fastest rides known in the galaxy. It is also here where the greatest minds build them. Year round, we leave our tracks available for testing and improving current speeder capabilities."
"Are there any other events invested with the track?"
"No, but I'm up for any suggestions Skywalker."
"Well, would pod racing be out of the question?"
Cal sighed at the teen's hope, "Alas, yes. They need their own full track for that. And legally, it would be a monopoly over the two biggest racing events in the galaxy."
I sighed at the similarities between this galaxy and home. Dreams that people had of the future are crushed by reality. Nothing new under the sun. The thoughts I had about Earth's fantastical future now flew out of my mind with no restraint, seeing dreams fly away.
"You ever do races in space?"
"I beg your pardon? I didn't quite catch that."
I didn't quite catch what I said either, even though I spoke them.
"You know, with star ships? Doing circuits with them would be pointless though."
Nothing came from the weequay, until a series of chuckles came from him.
"My boy, that doesn't sound half bad!"
"Really? But what about the track?"
"Bah! With the right investors, one could make that a reality. And it doesn't just have to be a track per say. I would love more uses out of them, but a race in space would be incredible!"
Anakin jumped in excitedly, "Yeah, I wouldn't mind that! But the rules would be different."
"Agreed! Any more ideas, Shepherd?"
"Ummm, Monster Truck- I mean, Transport rally?"
As the words left my mouth, the stares I received from the trio made me embarrassed. The Chancellor, being amused enough, wanted to know more, "Is that an event from your world?"
My mind races to translate what a monster truck rally is without using too many earthisms. It was hard to say it on the fly, and my hand rolled along as I tried to find the right words.
"Uhhh? Yes. It uhhh, involves… Large …Souped up Transports, and they have them do tricks around a track. Breaking them in the process most of the time. Heh. Alongside that they have battle competitions between them. How many old and broken…Uh… Speeders they can jump over and who has the better acceleration."
None of them seemed to mind my slow speech as it was enough for them to process in their minds.
"So… This rally? How many did it draw in?"
"Oh, about the same numbers as the people out there watching the race right now."
A huge grin popped across Cal's face, "Then that is what I should look into in the future! I'll have Maddien make a memo about it. Ah, there he is."
Cal drew our attention to an alien race, whose name was on the tip of my tongue. He had a set of small horns that adorned around his head like a crown, and thin line ridges across his skin. He had on a set of greasy clothes while sweat poured down his face.
Zebake? Zemach?
"Hello Cal, a new batch of guests? And- Chancellor!"
The horned man quickly bowed, "It's an honor to have you here in our garage."
"Come now, We met before. Five years ago, was it?"
"I'm surprised you remember! I was only an apprentice then. Yes, my name is Aath. And I'm the manager of the garage in place of my mentor Reen, rest his soul."
Cal stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Harkens, "He was as good a zebrak as you will be."
Zebrak! That's it! Same as Eeth on the council.
"I only hope so Cal… Now is this all we have for the tour?"
It was Anakin, the chancellor, Artoo, and me. Not really a big crowd, but there for what was promised.
"Yes it is Aath. It's small this year if that's alright with you?"
"I don't mind, now I don't have to raise my voice that much. So let's get to it!"
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Honestly, it was everything I expected it to be. A giant showcase of the rides up close and seeing so many different species in action for one purpose. To put on their A game. They had so much energy that I sorta felt jealous, wishing I had that same motivation back home.
"And last up we have the Trecon Ario Garage. Sami Vial, the owner, has offered to show a full presentation of their speeder this year being flown by the Red flying ace!"
The thought was Interesting, truly. But fate had other plans.
A man came running in yelling,
"Aath! Come quick!"
"What is it?"
"A brawl broke out in front of the garage! Some got injured pretty badly!"
Yikes.
"Follow procedure! Get everyone you can to break it up!"
The man nodded and rushed off while Aath faced Cal, "Want to pull the plug?"
"No, not yet! Let's find out why it happened first. Uhh, for your safety, I would ask that the rest of you stay right here while we investigate."
Out of all of us, Anakin was the one to protest. "Let me go too! I'm a Jedi, and can assist with it!"
Cal smiled in thankfulness of the teen's enthusiasm, "Nonsense, it's your day off. And unfortunately, the presence of a Jedi may only escalate the situation. Rest easy for now. I'm sure it's nothing."
With that, we were left to our own devices in the garage.
"I have a bad feeling about this…"
…?
"Anakin, it'll be fine. They're pretty prepared by the sound of it."
"Yeah, well I hate being on the sidelines."
The chancellor laughed, "Yes, I've heard that time and time again. Your time will come Anakin, I'm sure."
While that conversation was going on behind me, I became curious of my surroundings and noticed something in the corner of my eye. It was a dimly lit room across from T.A.S.I's Garage. A bright screen was on a machine across the room. Against my better judgment, I investigated the anomaly.
As I walked closer, I noticed the lettering. Numbers. And beside it was a familiar sight, a bender used for conduit pipe. Only it was a copper brass tube lined in the machine. Next to it was a data pad with some measurements for a "cooling channel" for an engine. Being trained in such things back home, my mind acted on its own as I looked over the work.
Hmmm, looks like the Take Up is 15.25 centimeters… I think that's around six inches? So the pipe is about ¾ size… I think I can manage that.
I calculated the degree of bends and number of bends needed. Looked like a 90 degree, followed by an offset, and another 90, the rise being eight inches.
I did the math and did my best to apply it. It was hard considering it was copper tubing. Meaning it was a softer metal than what I was used to. Too fast without adjusting it could split the tube. Having little experience with aluminum helped in try to compensate, pulling it along the shoe of the bender as the machine did the work. In less than three minutes, the process was done.
"There! Now, what else does it say?... Three more on this side, for the opposite. Side four."
Before I could start the next set of calculations, a cold hand felt over my shoulder.
Scared by the sudden feeling, I jumped a mile before turning around to see an unfamiliar creature.
It had four appendages like a normal humanoid, but instead its legs and feet were short proportion to his body, much like T. Rex arms. Speaking of arms, his were massive. Long enough to support his body. His face was a mixture between reptilian and amphibian. I didn't see any scales.
He then spoke to me in a deep somber tone, "Ya's noah hope, mee'm afraid."
"I'm sorry?"
"All of myo hopa sa gone, they have abandoned je. Afraid che their lives."
I could only garner bits and pieces of his speech. A mixture between basic and something else.
"Who abandoned you?"
Before he answered, the lights in the room turned on and the voice of Anakin entered my ears, "All your workers, right Subulba?"
The creature turned with wide eyes and anger entered his voice, "Coo told u da name! Mee am Lubab, do u understand!?"
Anakin laughed while the chancellor and Artoo crept past him to see what was happening, "I'm sorry, 'Lubab', but I'm pretty sure your name was Subulba, last we met."
"What?!"
"Oh yeah, you probably wouldn't recognize me. Your only last sight of me was my pod racer leaving you in the dust across the finish line."
The alien thought for a moment before his anger faded away. A chuckle left his mouth, which quickly turned into laughter. He sat down in a chair and sighed, "Skywalka? This sa some joka? Have u come tah deliver doe killing strike noleeya myo career after all these years? Do peetch alay..."
Anakin's smugness disappeared, while I needed a translation.
"All I got was killing strike and career, what was that last one?"
"He said that if I was here to kill his career, I'm too late."
The creature shook his head while putting his hands in his face. I got closer to the alien man and pulled up a chair to sit in. Subulba looked up bewuthered.
"Guess you got a story to tell, I'm willing to listen if Anakin is willing to translate."
Anakin looked between the two of us dumbfounded, "Shepherd, of all the… fine."
He surrendered and pulled up a chair as well, only he positioned the chair backwards and used the back as an armrest as the story began. The Chancellor took a seat along a wall with Artoo waiting at his side to listen.
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After ten minutes, I got the gist. After Subulba's defeat at the skills of Anakin, he spent an entire year on Tatooine being barraged by mockers for losing to the first human, and kid, of the pod race. He had hoped to prove himself once more at the next race, except that someone had broken into his lodgings a few weeks prior. Apparently some were still mad about losing their bets because of his failure. It was enough to see that it was time for him to go and do something other than waiting for it to be him next.
So the next year, he wandered the galaxy. Even if he had saved up money from previous wins, he didn't want to just waste it away. Instead, he opted for odd jobs here and there. One time he cleared out a womprat infestation on a star line cruiser.
And that job provided a one way trip to Coruscant, and here to this day.
About another year or so, he happened to do some work for a company that was slowly rising up in the galaxy, a speeder shop owned by a man named Belkar. Through the course of the next couple of years, Subulba (who was now going by Lubab) proved himself with his mechanical knowledge and business smarts he picked up from his previous racing associates. He made it to where their small company started to open shops off world and started making their own designs. And two years after that, they won the race!
Some months after the race, Belkar passed away due to old age. Leaving the company in the hands of Subulba as he had no one else to inherit the company. That point forward, one of the biggest production facilities was rented
Two years after that, was the event that led everything over a cliff. The accident at the race.
The speeder was of Subulba's designs and hit him on a personal level beyond what Skywalker ever did. He was so sure that the seat belts were top of the line, yet he saw the video when he was questioned in court like everyone else.
A security camera captured the moment in infamy, and he saw his racer that put him on the map falling down to the abyss…
And that wasn't the only time that he went to court that year, more claims came up across the galaxy of faulty systems in Belkar speeders. And he wasn't winning many. It was enough to put his company out of business, and jail time being the worst of the outcome.
This race was now his last shot of turning things around. His last hope… Then the wreck happened…
The racer they had was alive, but he was in no condition to race. Even if he was, he quit. As did the rest of his team he hired for the race. None of them wanted to be next.
And that was all he had to say, he looked down in his spot. Defeated.
"So that's it? There is nobody on hand who can help you?"
"Noah. They were doe last of myo engineers. All mee have are droi's coo can do menial tasks. Mee need engineers tah fix this ride, um do newpa racer. Mee won't chawa again."
Anakin translated, "They were the last of his engineers, and he needs engineers to finish it. The droid's can do small things, but an engineer is needed to guide them. And he needs a new racer. He won't do it."
I looked at the wrecked speeder, and I looked at the sad alien. I shot up out of my seat startling him.
"Well lucky for you, you got a couple of engineers right here!"
Everyone in the room gawked at my declaration.
"And for a one time offer, we'll help fix up this car and race it for you!"
Anakin got up and pulled me to the side, "What are you, nuts?! You can't pull me into this like that!"
"Oh come on, Anakin! It'll be fun! I haven't worked on anything in this galaxy yet and my mind's been itching to try it here! I'm a welder, and I have some basic electricity down thanks to my dad being an electrician. Tell me what materials, and what sizes for parts to machine and I can do it."
Anakin slowly listened in thought while I said it. Meanwhile, the chancellor was chuckling at what I suggested and Artoo whistled in agreement and shook in place.
"See, even Artoo wants to help."
"Well…"
The young teen looked down at his old time rival confused. Then, a change came across his face. A small smile.
"Alright."
Subulba looked in awe at the man, for a moment he looked like he wanted to thank him. Instead, he opted for something else.
"Then let's get busy!" [Translation:Then let's get busy.(No, seriously.)]
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Busy we did, we worked with the eye droids and Subulba directly with the designs he had.
"Now are you sure we can't just ignore the compressor for this?"
"No Aaron, it's vital for the engine! It'll just blow up! And you said you're an engineer. Look, leave the putting together to me! I know Subulba said we didn't need it for just one race, but I'd like to be prepared. Especially since I'm driving this!"
"Alright then, I'll get back to work."
While this was going on, Artoo was acting foreman to the other droid's. Relaying orders for the assembly and zapping any who were messing around. Palpatine watched us at work while waiting by the door, waiting for Cal to return. And that he did, with guests. As I work on fabricating the next part, I listened.
"Ah, so this is where you crept off- What in blazes is going on here?!"
"Cal, hope you don't mind a couple of VIP's working in the garage."
"Mind, no Chancellor, just… Surprised."
Another voice entered the fray. And just by his speech, I could hear the distaste.
"What have we here, some workers who didn't get the hint?"
"Now Rac, be nice. They're guests of honor. I'm even more surprised than you. You mind telling me what happened Chancellor? Oh and this Is Rac Holland. He is the owner of T.A.S.I."
"A pleasure to meet you."
"Same could be said for meeting an upstanding company owner such as yourself. As for this…"
The Republic leader then regaled the tale to the new faces of our new mission. Cal beamed at one tidbit.
"Skywalker! Racing! YES!"
He ran past some droids and pulled the boy into a hug. Thank you! Both of you! I dreamed I would see that again! And you are making it possible. This may not be pod racing, but I'll take this!"
Rac was even less ecstatic about the news, instead of speaking allowed, I heard his thoughts.
"This won't change anything, they'd be lucky if they get that ride operable."
The answer to his question came in the form of the speeder's engine coming to life by a droid testing the compressor. His mind raced with so many thoughts, but one more stood out.
"I'll have to up the antiy more than paying that racer."
?!
…The wreck… It happened because of him! And already he was planning more… And I didn't want to flaunt my powers. So my conscience told me to play ignorant and to keep an ear out. Anything I could pick up, anything.
I turned from my monitor to get a look at the man. He was human, in his mid 40's by the look of him. Rac had a dark brown goatee and a wicked scar straight across his nose. His apparel seemed that of a businessman, apparel similar to that of Cal.
I did my best to keep a straight face, knowing what I know and talked to the kinder of the two.
"So, can we complete it? I mean we're not officially professionals or anything."
"Ah, that's just a title. Skill speaks for itself. And Skywalker has the talent."
Rac walked around the workshop, taking no real interest in our conversation while I pressed the questioning.
"You seem to be all so sure of him, and you saw him race one time?"
The man shuffled a little, "Well… That was a day I wouldn't forget… The day my son said he would be a racer… He was a racer."
It was probably too forward for me to ask anymore, but this was the second mention of his son. And this time he wasn't as upset about bringing it up.
"And how did it turn out?"
He smiled with a distant look. Sad, but a smile nonetheless.
"He was great!"
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8 1/2 years ago:
Today's the day!
I told myself as I watched the track with the crowd in anticipation for the grand event. The spot I chose gave me enough sight to recognize my son on the track when he would show.
"Ladies and gentlemen of all races! Welcome to the annual Speeder race held by the owners of the downtown track! Out on the track we have young and old, new and experienced racers competing for a whopping 100,000 credits! The Second place gets 50,000 and third gets 25,000! All racers get a consolation prize of 2,000 for competing. All they need to do is to speed around the track in our district seven times and get ahead of the competition! With all that out of the way, let's introduce our speeder racers!
They walked out as it was announced, in the middle of the crowd was my son! He was smiling and waving with everyone else.
My son had worked so hard to get there, having worked two jobs. One for me, and another as a delivery driver. And gained practice the last year and a half on tracks and the open ranges on Coruscant. He also had access to a garage to work on his ride. So much time in practice and preparing, he was bound to win.
But it was time to prove that.
"Racers ready?! On your marks! Get set! GO!"
Into the sky they went, and only the monitor was there to give me sight of my son as he drove. Safe to say, it was spectacular. He passed up 11 speeders in two minutes and laid claim to third place. And the rest was a struggle, he held third for most of the race. It wasn't until the final lap that he caught a break between second place and passed him up! The speeder in first place didn't anticipate this and my boy shot right past him!
Less than a minute later, my son won rookie of the year and claimed the 100,000 credits!
I remember running up on the track and embracing my son in a hug at his hard earned victory!
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Present:
"Wow, sounds like he had great potential."
"He did…"
The man now seemed more depressed, but still held a smile.
"How it happen?"
He turned from his distant daze and looked to me once more. His mouth opened to speak and was cut off by Anakin.
"Aaron! Have you got that cross bar fabricated yet?"
Cal laughed, "Another time perhaps. You need to get busy."
I was disappointed that I was left with more questions than answers once more, but I kept my emotions in check. Cal started to leave with Rac when I called out to him.
"Right, I'll make sure this speeder is ready for a race you won't forget!"
"I count on it!"
Rac ignored our enthusiasm and left with his thoughts heard by me.
"It won't matter, I'll take care of this like the last racer. Just like the one before that."
….What.
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"Aaron, do you have the paint? Subulba got us the new frame from his warehouse, he'll be here in five."
I heard what he asked, but my mind was elsewhere, thinking of how to go about this. How to bring the truth out. The ability I had was great, it was also quite abusable. I was almost afraid to act on this in anyway.
"Aaron?"
"Oh, yeah?"
"You alright? We have about twenty minutes left of this."
I looked at the time on a monitor I was looking at to see he was right.
"Yeah… Say what did you think of, Rac?"
"Who? Oh, you mean the T.A.S.I owner. Eh, he looked ok I guess. Didn't talk with him."
I sighed, "Anakin, you remember my ability? The one I don't have a handle on?"
He thought for a moment before coming to the realization, "Oh yeah! Your mind reading thing. Sorry, it's been a while since then. Why? Does it have to do with Rac?"
"Well, basically yes. My power worked itself on him…"
"...And?"
"I learned something that I for sure know would be hard to prove, but… Is it abuse?"
"Huh?"
"This power, I've just accepted this and… and it seems like an easy mode for life. It has helped us tremendously, sure. But what if I become too comfortable with it outside of when needed? What if I use it to learn personal secrets of friends? What if I use it on you?"
Instead of consoling me, the teen laughed! Laughed to where he kneeled over and grabbed his stomach.
"Hey! I'm serious!"
He stopped himself.
"So am I, sorry. I think at this point, I don't have anymore secrets to keep from you, Aaron."
"Yeah?"
"Yes. Infact, you didn't even use your powers to learn mine, you just figured it out. Remember?"
I thought back to the times I've used it, and the other secrets I learned… I was so close to figuring out something, but what was it?
"Yeah… Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Ninety nine percent of the time, you'll find that I'm right!"
I rolled my eyes. If that wasn't a dad joke if I ever saw one.
"Whatever your power is, it only works when ever you need it, or when there is no other way."
No other way…
It stuck with me, Perhaps a lead.
"Didn't you say earlier that what's done in the dark would be brought to the light? Maybe this is the way because there is no other way? What did Rac say in his head?"
…
"Alright, you're right. I'll tell you. I think Rac killed the racer a year ago. Now I don't have any solid proof, and I have no idea where to begin looking?"
Anakin did a double take at the news, "Woah… That? I don't see how! Everyone saw him fall to his death on the screen!"
"Hey I'm just saying. I heard his thoughts, he said, 'I'll take care of this like the last racer. Just like the one before that.'''
Before Anakin could respond, a communicator beeped.
"Great, he's here with the frame! Look, just keep quiet about this around Subulba. Dug's are known to have a short temper."
"Alright? But what do we do?"
"We're gonna win this no matter what they do!"
Win against the odds, huh? Right! Challenge accepted!
End Chapter
Bonus Chapter: Brawl
Pov: Cal Bodan
"Right this way let's get out there!"
As the door opened, I was given a sight of a crowd beating and kicking each other all over the place. The anger that I felt before didn't compare to what I felt now.
"STOOOP!"
As the crowd recognized the man, amajority of them ceased their actions. Save for a few who threw a punch here and there. Even that stopped moments after.
"What's happening?! Is this race not enough for you all that you all start tearing each other to pieces?!"
Everyone present had a look of shame at the man's scolding. Looking down, and some started to help others up.
"Please, this is a place to relax from day to day life. Let's not bring that here… Now, will someone tell me what happened?"
One man came forward, a guard to the garage entrance.
"I saw it. A bothan walking by got bumped by a man. One thing led to another and a full on brawl erupted. Don't see him anywhere now.
Aath spoke up,
"I can have security look for them."
"No, I don't want to risk any more scenes! We'll have to let this go for now. And-."
The ability of speech left me. In the distance, past the crowd, I saw a sight that made my blood turn to ice. For a split second I thought I had seen-.
"Bodan, Sir? Are you alright?!"
"Y-yes, I'm fine… Let's get back to calming the crowd."
Just as I said this a boy came up with a paper. He was a Rodian with eyes beaming up at me.
"Mr. Cal? Can I have your autograph?!"
"Of course son, who's it out to?"
The next hour was spent talking with the crowd that gathered around… But I couldn't put out of my mind what I saw far off in the crowd…
The backside of a ghost…
End Bonus Chapter