Some people have asked what timeline this takes place in, it's post ROTJ many years after in fact.
In the EU, the war against the Empire lasted a lot longer than what the original movies show us. In the end I had to take what I could from the ever back and forth continuity (of course all the EU is a non factor now) and make a sort of slapdash alternate universe. Hence the Sarlaac and Empire being mentioned.
In regards to his kit bag, It's not going to be hammer space. I deliberately left what he packed to be vague to give me a little bit of wiggle room. We have to remember, this is a man prepared for any job and any situation. As such he always as something for those situations. To the guest who asked about his father's WESTARs you'll see why.
I gotta say popularity for this story has definitely sky rocketed in a short time, it tells me I'm portraying one of my favorite science fiction characters of all time the right way. So here's a strong THANK YOU to everyone following this, you guys are awesome.
Remember do not hesitate to tell me if I misrepresented anything or if there's something I need to improve on. This story is for you, the fans. As such I owe it to you to make it as best as I can.
*Update*-To the guest " Careful Timing", reviews like yours are what REALLY helps, especially with the Lelei scene...sigh. Thanks for the heads up on that.
As a sort of last minute loose end to tie up, I went back to chapter one and added an extra cameo in Boba's ship. This way we know Slave-1 is in good hands. The duffle bag is now known as a kit bag, so I went back and changed that up as well, shoutout to the other guest for that heads up and the amazing links he gave me. "You da real MVP."
I also went ahead and touched up Boba's arrival to his room and added a small scene with the lightsaber he got off the Padawan he killed. It's there, it's his, and it's going to play a very big role in shaping his reputation later on to both the JSDF and the Special Region's inhabitants.
Chapter 4: And You Are?...
"Everyone has a struggle in life. The key is turning that struggle into your weapon."
Boba Fett
For all the excitement the fight against the dragon had brought, the aftermath was nothing short of anticlimactic. Of course a breather in between fights was always a welcome addition, something Boba was cherishing as the afternoon sun began to set. As it disappeared over the horizon a purple glow began to settle over the land, cast from strange orbs beginning to float through the air.
There's something you don't see every day.
Sitting in the back of Itami's truck, Boba cleaned and went over each piece of his gear in detail, only pausing to watch as the villagers went between burying their dead and conversing with Itami's men.
Revenge is a powerful thing, soon their sorrows will be replaced with a demand for vengeance to be brought against that beast. Take it from one who knows best.
Boba wasn't the only one doing some watching. Throughout the evening, the "elf" that Itami's team had saved earlier had been staring at him the entire time. Cautiously looking away only when he'd stop and look up, in truth Boba was well aware what she was doing. He just didn't have anything to say to her at the present.
It wasn't until he had finally swapped a cartridge for his blaster that he had stopped and looked over his shoulder, "That beast got lucky, but I made certain it remembered my face. In time it'll meet its end, I've never met a mark that could run for long."
Except for you Solo, but then again even your luck ran out on Bespin.
The girl had almost jumped at his statement, for a few moments she remained silent until she finally responded. Her voice reminded Boba much of Lelei's, quiet and devoid of emotion.
"I...thank you, but do you think it will return?"
Boba promptly stood up and cradled his blaster, adjusting his new dragon scale cape behind him he took a few steps forward before turning around to face the young girl. His visor regarded her with the same cold gaze it gave everyone. Meanwhile, the girl's blue eyes looked at him with shock and awe.
Fear me if you must, but I'm not the enemy.
"More likely than not, but not against us. Its pride is wounded right now, it'll take its anger out on weaker foes like the coward it is. But if it does return or I get the contract to hunt it down? I'll finish what I started."
With that Boba merely nodded at her and made his way over towards the others leaving the girl to sit there bundled up and without a name to even address him by.
Boba made his way towards Itami and an elderly soldier, his boots kicking up sand and dirt all the while. Everywhere he went he was regarded with wide eyes and small nods of appreciation.
Just doing my job.
As he made his way towards the two, upon noticing Boba the elderly soldier stopped talking and regarded him with a stern face. Boba could tell this was a man who had been made wise over his countless years of service.
Reminds me of Skirata, old dog...
"That was quite the display bounty hunter. In all my years I don't think I've seen even special forces pull off a feat such as that."
Respectful too. Ok old man, you got my attention.
Boba merely cocked his head to the side, his blaster hanging loosely in his arms, "Comes with the territory, call me a philosopher, but I don't think your special forces have fought even a fraction of what I have."
The elderly soldier merely chuckled and extended his hand, "Well from one soldier to another, I thank you for the assistance. I am Sergeant Major Kuwahara, second in command for Recon Team Three. And you are?..."
Boba regarded his hand for a moment before extending his own and clasping it with a firm grip. "Boba Fett and no need to thank me. Just doing the job I'm being paid to do."
Kuwahara chuckled and promptly retracted his hand, "Aren't we all? Perhaps someone who fights for money still has a sense of honor?"
More than you know old man...more than you know.
Boba merely nodded in response and turned his attention towards Itami, "Well then Youji, what's next?" Itami regarded Boba with a grim expression before turning his gaze towards the villagers huddling around some makeshift tombstones.
"We wait and see what the villagers decide to do. To be frank, this is as far as we can accompany them."
Boba merely nodded and held his blaster in his arms, "Well I take it, for now, they've decided to pay their respects to the dead. So if you don't mind."
Then in a move that surprised anyone watching him, Boba began to make his way over towards the newly formed funeral circle. Meanwhile, the rest of RCT3 looked at each other and nodded in agreement. If this bounty hunter from another world could pay his respects, then so could they.
As Boba made his way towards the crowd, a small opening began to form allowing him to make his way through the heart of it. No one said anything as he made his way through, to them this man had singlehandedly took on a flame dragon and endured the worst it had to throw at him.
As he approached the front, he slung his blaster and bowed his head. Meanwhile, the rest of RCT3 huddled around the sides and mirrored him, all was quiet for a while as the honoring of the dead commenced.
At one point a small boy approached Boba's side and tugged at his trouser leg, a few members of RCT3 watched with raised eyebrows. What would his next move be? Once again the bounty hunter surprised them all and did something they hadn't expected.
Not moving his gaze from the tombstones ahead, he slowly lowered a hand and ran it through the boy's messy brown hair. For a moment he paused, if anyone knew the pain the boy was experiencing, it was him.
No child should ever have to grow up in a world without his father. Where will your sorrows take you I wonder? Will you wallow in them? Or will you use them as your purpose in life?
Boba promptly shook off the feeling of loss that had begun to creep up on him. Although his father died long ago, he highly doubted he would've strayed too far from the path he was on now.
Maybe I wouldn't be so cold, but then again this job isn't always pretty.
Dismissing any further negative thoughts, Boba nodded at the boy and made his way out of the crowd. He didn't make it far before Kurokawa called out to him.
"Well, It seems the cold calculating bounty hunter has a soft side after all." Boba promptly stopped in his tracks and turned around to face her, his blaster slung and close by his side.
"Sergeant Kurokawa was it? How I conduct myself matters to me, my client, and my quarry."
Before she could respond he took a few steps closer, his visor seemed to be piercing her very mind.
"Do not mistake my understanding of loss for weakness, that boy may be full of sorrow now, but in time, he may very well channel that into rage and purpose. Take it from someone who knows best. These people were under my charge, I was paid to ensure their safety. Not all of them made it back, I owe it to them to show a little respect for my own shortcomings."
Kurokawa stood there for a while, letting his words sink in before she responded. "Someone who knows best? Did you once lose someone close to you, Mr. Fett?"
Boba merely nodded his head quietly before he responded, "A long time ago, but I'm not being paid to give my autobiography."
I don't need your sympathy.
For a moment the pair just stood there each taking in the scene and what the other had said. Soon Itami approached the two with a solemn face, "Well it seems this is where we part ways with them, it looks like they're going to find local villages or settlements to stay at. The village leader has thanked us for our assistance."
Boba merely stood there, meanwhile, Kurokawa nodded and looked past Itami at the now departing caravans.
"Oh and Boba, he also wanted me to let the "Sky Man" know that his people thank you for your valor. They hope your travels lead you back to wherever you came from."
Boba merely nodded as his helmet slowly turning to watch the caravans leave. "When the job is done and I get my pay, I'll be sure to take his regards to heart."
As Itami smiled nervously Kurokawa approached him and pointed to the back of one of the trucks, "So what we do now?"
Boba and Itami looked over at what she had been pointing at, a small group of villagers sat at the rear of the truck. With wide eyes, they looked at their saviors for answers as to what awaited them in their future.
Itami merely sighed and put his hands on his hips as he walked up to them. With a smile, he put two fingers in the air "Right then, you leave it to us!"
At this response the villagers smiled, most notably being Rory as she giggled in the center of them. Suddenly both Itami's team and the villagers turned their gaze towards Boba. What would his next move be?
Seeing that he had taken the center stage, Boba merely sighed and took a few steps forward, his blaster hanging at his side.
"Looks like this job is far from over, which means I still have work to do. You lot keep your heads down and out of my line of fire and I'll see you back safely to wherever the Lieutenant is planning on taking us."
Though I can't say I approve of bringing that Rory girl with us. Your soft heart might be your downfall someday Itami.
With that, Boba merely nodded and took his leave to go scout the surrounding area. As he did so Kurokawa and Itami watched as he engaged his jetpack and flew off into the distance.
Turning to face Itami, she voiced her opinion on the bounty hunter. "For all the coldness he displays, something tells me there's a lot more to that man underneath the armor."
Itami sighed and ran a hand through his bushy hair, "I think you might be right, but I think It'll be a while before he opens up to us."
Kurokawa watched as Boba landed atop a small canyon wall and began to slowly patrol. "Can you blame him? He's farther away from home than any of us, a man lost in time. Wherever he came from molded him to his very core, but I think here he might have a chance to start new."
As Itami began to head back to his truck to catch some sleep, he silently thought to himself.
But how long will that be?
Itami violently awoke to a series of loud bangs against his door, rising out of his seat he was quickly greeted by Boba's helmet staring at him through his window.
"Have a good nap? It's time to move."
Itami rubbed the sleep from his eyes and raised an eyebrow at the bounty hunter, "D-did you sleep at all last night?"
Boba merely shook his head in response, "Not till this job's finished, besides you didn't post a watch last night."
It's almost like as if you're trying to get your men killed.
Embarrassed, Itami merely smiled nervously. It was true, he had completely forgotten to post one. Before he could apologize, Boba promptly cut him off.
"Don't bother apologizing, you are paying me to ensure their safety and the villagers. Double of which is still coming my way for the dragon."
Gods help you if you've forgotten.
Itami nodded and gave a small yawn before tapping Kurata on the shoulder, "Start the truck, we're leaving soon." Kurata merely yawned and gave Itami a thumbs up before depressing the ignition on the vehicle's console. With a roar the vehicle's engine roared to life and soon it's noise was joined by the others. Grabbing a handset from the vehicle's center console, Itami addressed the team.
"Alright, boys and girls, rise and shine. We're heading back to Alnus."
A series of rogers were sent up the net, meanwhile, Boba made his way to the back of the truck and stopped just outside the door. The three girls from before were scattered about the troop bay taking up more space then was necessary. Lowering his blaster, Boba slowly turned his head and regarded each of them.
"Move."
Slowly each of the girls took up a spot on the opposite bench as the bounty hunter sat across from them, closing the door behind him as he took up his spot. After a few moments, he slammed his fist on the back of Kurata's seat, jolting the Staff Sergeant wide awake.
"Let's go driver, daylight's burning and so is my patience for my payment."
Kurata gulped and shifted the vehicle into drive, he was already on less than stellar terms with the now sleep deprived bounty hunter. No need to anger him any further. With that, the vehicle shifted into gear and led the rest of the trucks out of the canyon. As the truck whined and bounced over the terrain, Boba looked at Itami.
"What's our destination Lieutenant?"
Without turning his head, Itami continued to look out the window as he addressed the bounty hunter. "Alnus Hill, or rather what used to be Alnus Hill. It's been our main and only base of operations ever since we entered this world."
Boba merely cocked his head to the side, his blaster cradled in his arms all the while.
"And my pay?"
Had the bounty hunter seen it, Itami had gulped. In truth, he really had no idea how or if his superiors would even allow this to continue, more importantly, was the consequences of what would happen if he didn't fulfill his end of the contract.
"Yes of course! Waiting for you in full upon our arrival, my superiors will be able to handle it." As Itami sighed and looked over his shoulder he was greeted by Boba's visor inches away from his face.
"For your sake, you'd better hope so...Lieutenant."
As Boba returned back to his seat he returned his gaze to the rear of the troop bay and out the window at the passing Special Region countryside.
The ride back to Alnus was uneventful to say the least, not that it bothered Boba much. At one point Lelei had gotten uncomfortable being crammed next to the elf and Rory. So with an expressionless face, she calmly made her way to the other side and sat next to the quiet bounty hunter, much to Rory's dismay he had even allowed her to lean against him when she had passed out.
Everyone had to bear with the exchange that followed shortly after.
"What?! That's not fair! Why does the sorcerer get to sit next to you?"
"Because."
"Because why?!"
She's the only one I somewhat trust so far. "Sorcerer" or not, she led me to the village. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and, more importantly, doesn't bother me. As for her "powers", I'll get to the bottom of that later.
"Because I said so, now stop asking."
"You're mean Boba!"
"You haven't seen mean yet, why don't you bother the Lieutenant instead?
"Good idea!"
"S-stop! There's no room for you up here!"
Meanwhile, the elf had merely sat there and watched with curious eyes as the scene unfolded before her.
It wouldn't be too long before things went back to the same quiet before, for a while the canyon stretched on until it was replaced by the familiar green fields of the countryside.
For a while, Boba watched as the fields and hills seemed to pass by endlessly, soon they were replaced by an endless sea of destroyed earth. Craters pockmarked the brown landscape as the trucks began to make their way through down a long stretch of road.
Signs of a battle here, big one too. The "JSDF" must've really dropped a lot of hurt against these primitives, never bring a knife to a gun fight.
As the convoy continued down the road, Boba's sensors began to ping multiple signals and fast. Readying his blaster he gazed out the rear window. Every so often small aircraft would fly by, their rotors whooping and cutting through the air as their stubby chin-mounted guns scanned for targets.
To Boba they were potential threats. to the girls they were strange flying palanquins and it showed in their curious eyes as they watched the new sights zip around.
Some sort of vertical and stationary take off copters? Primitive as far as gunships go, but still, wouldn't want to get caught with my pants down by one of those.
Noticing Boba's concentration on the helicopters, Itami tried to explain what they were. "Those are AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, they're with us. Though they probably pale in comparison to what you're used to seeing."
Boba nodded not removing his gaze from them, "My ship could destroy those long before they ever knew what hit them, hell just about any attack ship I know of could."
And then rain destruction down upon you without fear of consequences.
Itami and Kurata looked at each other with nervous looks before they resumed to watching the road ahead. As the convoy continued down the road Boba began to see a massive fortress appear over the horizon, in a way its design reminded him of a few Imperial bastions he had visited during his job offers. Large walls surrounded its interior on all sides, just at a glance, Boba could tell the fortress was in the shape of a star.
As the trucks got closer, they approached a massive steel gate. As it swung open two gate guards stood duty and waved the trucks in. As they entered the massive complex Boba was already formulating plans for his escape if he'd need to, better safe than sorry. Soon the trucks stopped in front of a large two-story rectangular building, one by open they opened up and the occupants began to emerge.
All was well until Boba stepped out. With his kit bag slung over his shoulder and his blaster cradled in his arms, he stood out as definitely not being one of the locals. A fact not lost on some JSDF personnel as they eyed him with suspicious looks, some had even readied their weapons. Meanwhile, Boba merely stood there nonchalantly, he what would happen if they tried something.
Can't say I blame them, but if they want to fight they better be ready to see it through to the end.
Seeing a growing tension, Itami stood in front of Boba and tried to wave them off. "It's okay! He's with us, it's a long story!"
At this remark some of them merely shook their heads and went about their days, staring at the strange heavily armored man all the while. Sighing, Itami turned his gaze to the bounty hunter.
"Could you uh, not try to be so intimidating? Fantasy characters are one thing, but to be honest...you kinda stick out ya know?"
Boba merely shrugged, "Good, let them know who to be wary of. Means they're not being lax, I'd be wary of me too." Itami merely sighed and called out to Kuwahara."Sergeant Major, can you go ahead and help take care of the refugees? I have some business with Fett."
The old soldier merely nodded and began to tend to the refugees with the rest of the team, meanwhile, Boba turned to face Itami.
"Well then Lieutenant, my pockets aren't getting any deeper. Let's go."
With that, the pair made their way up to the large reception building, before they both entered the double doors, Itami turned to face Boba.
"Could you uh, wait here? I need to explain this slowly to my superiors, having you just barge in won't help my case." The bounty hunter slowly nodded and leaned against a wall next to one of the doors.
"Do what you must, but make it quick."
Itami sighed and made his way indoors, leaving Boba outside to stand around. Something he hated doing. Minutes began to pass as Boba stood there, subconsciously he had begun to tap his fingers against his blaster's stock. Occasionally he'd hear some shouting inside, no doubt Itami was getting an earful from his superior officer.
Enough of this, time to make an entrance.
Having finally having had enough waiting, Boba straightened himself and made his way in through the double doors. Stepping a few feet inside Boba suddenly felt the head of every JSDF soldier present turn their gaze upon him. Meanwhile at the center of the room, Itami watched as his superior officer, Yanagida, froze behind his desk. His normally calm and collected face twisting into one of surprise as his glasses almost fell off.
Itami didn't need to turn around to know why.
"W-who are you!?"
Boba took a few steps forward and stood next to Itami, his blaster ever open for all to see. "Boba Fett, the man your Lieutenant here hired, the same man expecting his pay for a finished job."
Yanagida slowly turned to face Itami, his anger, and shock clear for all to see. "Exactly what was the job? And just how much did you two agree on?"
As Itami began to figuratively sweat bullets, Boba took the initiative answered the Yanagida's question.
"To ensure the safe travels of not only his team, but the villagers we were escorting as well. Should the dragon show up and it did, double the final amount. Seeing as how the money I usually use is of no value here, you'd better start showing me some items of value, or a currency I can use. As for aiding your campaign as a whole, I can see that Itami here clearly has no say in that. So if you don't mind I'd like to see the man in charge of all this."
Boba's fingers began to slowly tap against the stock of his blaster, "And fast might I add."
For a few moments, all was quiet in the office. Many of the soldiers had no idea who this man was, but they knew he was certainly confident enough to come onto their base and make demands. Something told them he was outnumbered, but definitely not outgunned. Finally, Yangida rubbed his forehead with a shaking hand.
"Fett was it? I-if you could just follow me I'll take you to our commander."
Boba nodded, but just before he went to follow the officer he slowly muttered to Itami.
"If this doesn't check out, just know that I won't be giving you a head start."
And with that the bounty hunter followed Yanagida through another set of doors, leaving a distraught Itami and a very large group of confused soldiers.
Boba followed the small man through a series of hallways and up some stairs, everywhere they went, surprised and shocked faces followed. As they finally made their way towards a red door at the end of a hallway Yanagida and turned to face Boba.
"This is Lieutenant General Hazama's office, currently he's the commander of all military operations here in the Special Region. If there's anyone who can sort this out, it's him."
For Itami's sake, he better.
Boba merely nodded and the officer promptly turned around, with a heavy sigh he opened the door and beckoned the bounty hunter inside. At the center of the office and behind a large wooden desk sat an elderly soldier. His thick brown mustache, regulation haircut, and stressed features reminded Boba a lot of the Kuwahara, a man who had served his country for quite some time.
As the pair stepped inside, the general slowly looked up. Upon seeing Boba rather than jump out of his seat like everyone else he merely closed the folder he had been looking through and sighed.
Well well, now here's a man with some bearing.
Yanagida cleared his throat and stood at attention, "Sir, this is Boba Fett. The bounty hunter that Lieutenant Youji...hired."
Hazama slowly stood up behind his desk and outstretched his hand, "Ah yes, the "man from the future". I am Lieutenant General Hazama, commander of the JSDF forces operating here in the Special Region. It's good to finally meet you, Fett."
Polite too, finally someone I can work with.
Boba took a few steps forward and promptly held Hazama's in a firm handshake. "Well, it's good to finally meet the man in charge of all this. Maybe now I can get my pay and a bloody sense of direction."
As the two finished their handshake Hazama turned to face the younger officer, "That'll be all Yanagida, go ahead and let Itami take his leave. No doubt he'll have his hands full with the refugees, that can be punishment enough for now."
The officer stood straight, bowed and took his leave. As the door closed behind him, Hazama returned to his seat. "Please Fett, have a seat and we can begin."
Noticing a small wooden office chair in front of the desk; Boba nodded, slung his blaster, dropped his bag, and took a seat. As he did so Hazama interlocked his hands and began to speak.
"I apologize for Itami's actions. He means well, but often his mind isn't in the right place about how to go about doing things. When I first heard that he had hired you, I confess I was a little confused at first. I had no idea what a bounty hunter from these lands could possibly have to offer us. Then I heard you weren't from here or even our own world, that left me even more confused. Now that I've gotten a good look at you, I don't think where is an applicable term for you, but rather when. Am I correct in this assumption?"
Boba merely nodded and adjusted in his seat, "Well General, I'm no specialist on portals. My profession is a straight forward one, I get paid and I neutralize or subdue a target or targets that a client wants out of the equation. Of course, that also means I've done a lot of traveling during my hunts, I've seen a lot of things, but never anything like this. All I know for certain is that your people and this world are definitely not at the same level of technology that I'm used to. So yes, I'd say when is more than applicable here. "
Not moving from his position Hazama stared at Boba's visor as he responded.
"Well, I can certainly understand where you're coming from. There's still a lot we don't know about the gate that opened in our world as well and even less about this world that it has led us to. What we do know is that someone or something is responsible for creating it and sending a sizable army into our world. They killed a lot of innocent people, Fett, this is something that can't go unanswered. So far our forces are the only ones operating here, but many other powers are supporting us and there's even talk that some might be granted the opportunity to assist us here."
Boba cocked his head to the side as he adjusted in his seat. His visor regarding the general's eyes all the while.
"Well, I can certainly understand your situation General. As a fellow warrior I too know the value of defending one's people and lands, but with all due respect the how or why of your presence here concerns me little. When Itami and I shook hands we made a deal, luckily this applies you as well. I agreed to help your campaign here so long as any job or mission I'm given doesn't interfere with my code. In return, I expect to be compensated for my services as well as being assisted in returning to my own plane of existence. Though I belong to an order of warriors, it differs greatly from yours in that I'm given a great deal of personal freedom to live my life however I see fit so long as it doesn't interfere with the order's values. Thus far my life consists of fighting for a paycheck, being here doesn't change that."
Or anywhere for that matter. The Resol'nare is absolute as are the teachings of my father.
Hazama sat up straight and continued to regard the bounty hunter for a while. For a while, he seemed to be going through his options until he finally sighed.
"Where we come from bounty hunting is an outlandish occupational field. Though we do have mercenaries in some parts of the world, my country doesn't support such activities. However, my country does value honoring contracts as well as personal honor. These are strange times we live in, I expect great change to overcome this world and my own in the coming years. That been said...perhaps we can reach a sort of impasse?"
Throughout the conversation, Boba had noticed the general's eyes looking at the various weapon systems adorning his armor. Boba already knew what he was hinting at, he also had an answer waiting for that.
"General you wish to see my technology and possibly learn about how it works. I'm no fool, I know that I'm possibly the second greatest scientific discovery to you besides the gate. My answer is no, your people will have to advance just as the people in my universe had to. Nothing I have can be used for the benefit of mankind, all my gear is designed for one thing, to kill. That been said, my original offer stands nonnegotiable in what I demand and what you shall receive. Should you not wish for my services any further that's fine by me, I'll find my own way out of here. But I do expect to be paid in full for my last job, if you honor contracts like you say you do, you'll honor this one."
I already know how this will end, you won't let me out of your grasp that easily. In fact, I wager you'll try to use me as some sort of bargaining chip in your world, a sign that you have access to advanced technology. You don't have access to anything here General, but something tells me you'll go through with the contract in some vain hope that you do.
Hazama couldn't hide the look of disappointment in his eyes, but he could also see an inescapable situation when he saw one. The general sighed as he regarded the bounty hunter with a look of defeat.
"Very well Fett, in trying to avoid any future tensions I won't press the matter further. We already have enough on our plate as it is. Though I can't say my superiors will sit well with the idea of a bounty hunter working for us, you have offered to help us in the coming campaign. Your skill and lack of actual attachment to our organization might give us an extra edge. That been said since I'm in charge of operations here, any jobs that you take on will come down from me personally. As for your payment for the last job, rumors from some refugees have circulated about the worth of dragon scales. Though we aren't sure how the economy works here, we have been told the scales are worth quite a lot and it just so happens there's a large concentration of dead dragons outside our base. Take as much as you'd like, as for future payments I'll have to arrange something for you to be compensated in other ways."
Just as I predicted.
Boba leaned back in his chair and interlocked his hands, "You've made a wise decision general, in time you'll find that I'm money well spent. The dragon that threatened your men and the villagers found that out the hard way. Now for other matters; gear and living accommodations. As you can see, I'm always prepared for any eventuality, but my resources are only so finite. My blaster should last me for the foreseeable future, any other pieces of equipment not so much. Should I need to resupply, I'll need to have access to your armory. As for the living accommodations, let's just say I don't share quarters with anyone."
For their safety more so than mine.
Hazama sighed and rubbed his forehead as he let the requests sink in, "Well I can certainly understand that Fett, hopefully, your requests aren't too vast. As for the accommodations, we do have officer housing on the base. I'll let Yanagida know to set something up for you...anything else?"
Boba slowly stood up, as he did so he grabbed his kit bag.
"No General, I think that'll be all for now."
Hazama rose from his chair and extended his hand out to Boba, "Well then Fett, It's a pleasure to be doing business with you. In time I hope we can develop a certain amount of trust in each other."
Boba extended a hand and shook Hazama's firmly, his visor regarding him all the while. "Likewise general, likewise."
With that, the bounty hunter nodded and took his leave. As he closed the door behind him Hazama slumped into his chair, this bounty hunter would be almost as much paperwork as the entire operation so far.
As Boba made his way out of the building and into the base he looked around, this was going to be his new home for the foreseeable future. In truth he was picky, it wouldn't be the first time he had to take residence on a military installation. First things first, though, he'd need to find the officer's housing area.
Drop my gear off, collect my pay.
Boba fished into his pocket and pulled out a small key, he eyed it for a few moments before unslinging his blaster and beginning to walk.
That Major told me to come out the doors and make a left, followed by another. Straight shot from there, my building is the last one in the first row. Number 106, he better not have messed the instructions up.
As he traveled through the base's winding roads he took note of key locations of interest; aircraft hangars, vehicle bays, fuel depots, anything that he could destroy and cripple the JSDF's capabilities if they turned on him. It wouldn't be the first time he had to go up against a numerically superior force that had decided not to pay him.
Everywhere he went he was met with looks of confusion and intimidation, whole platoons of troops steered clear from him as he made his way through the base. At one point one of the Cobras had been flying over the base, upon seeing the strange armored man it had banked around and hovered in place, its chin-mounted gun aimed directly at him.
Boba merely stood there and slowly shook his head, staring down the helicopter's operators all the while. In truth he could have easily shot it down with his wrist mounted missile; locking it, firing, and jetpacking out of the way would be a short affair. After a few moments, the helicopter merely turned in place and flew off elsewhere, no doubt having been told to not engage the armored man.
N'kurkad.
Finally after some more close encounters with the base's garrison, Boba finally found the officer housing area. Rows of single-story concrete buildings went back as far as the eye could see. Making his way through a small gate, he eyed the buildings. They weren't glamorous by any means, but Boba was never one for picky living conditions. As long as it had a roof, walls, and made for a somewhat defensible position, he'd make due.
Eyeing the last building at the end of the first row, he made his way towards it. As he climbed a small series of steps he unlocked his building's door and stepped inside.
It was a simple room, two beds took up positions parallel from each other at opposite ends of the room. Behind each of the beds sat a small office desk with a simple metal chair. In the center of the room sat a simple red sofa and a small table, a nice place to kick his feet at the end of a long day. The room was definitely meant for two people, but in Boba's case, there'd only be one person living in this one.
Before he proceeded any further, he scanned the room several times over with his helmet. In every spectrum from UV to thermal he double checked the room the make sure there wasn't any bugs or tracking devices. After a few moments he set his vision back to normal and sighed in relief, everything checked out fine.
They should know better than to try anything clever with me.
Closing the door behind him and locking it, Boba made his way to the center of the room and sat down on the sofa. Letting his bag slide off his shoulder, he placed his blaster on top of it and stretched his legs out over the table. Doing a quick double take around the room, he disengaged his helmet's seal and for the first time in what had felt like forever, he gave himself a breath of fresh air.
Setting the helmet down on the table, he ran a gloved hand over his closely shaved black hair and down his scarred face. For all his tenacity he couldn't deny the fact that he was tired.
Payment, chow, possibly a shower, sleep, and onto the next job.
Feeling his newly acquired lightsaber poking against his side, Boba unclipped it from his belt and took a good look at it. He slowly spun it in his hand as his tired eyes ran over it in detail. In truth a Knight's saber would have a been a much better prize, but a Padawan's was indistinguishable from any other to the eyes of the unaware.
And to the eyes of someone who's never even seen one before, this weapon alone will both amaze and terrify them. You're going to help me do just that when it's time to make my name known across this land. But all in due time, right now it's time to get what I'm due.
Clipping the saber back to his belt, Boba gave a small groan of exhaustion and slowly stood up. After he redonned his helmet, he grabbed his blaster and bag before making his way towards the door and out into the Special Region afternoon. Promptly locking the door behind him, he made his way down the stairs and out into the main road, before he could even take another step a voice called out to him. One he could've done just fine without at that moment.
"Boba! It appears fate has brought us together once again!"
Right now fate is really testing my patience.
Slowly turning around, he was relieved to see that Rory wasn't alone, accompanying her was Lelei and the elf who was now wearing a simple civilian's outfit. Clad in tight fitting jeans, sneakers, and a short white shirt, she looked more lost in time than he did.
"And to what do I owe this inconvenience, Rory?"
As the girls approached him the young apostle giggled and looked up at him with her vibrant red eyes, "Cold as ever, how long do you intend to keep a girl chasing?"
Meanwhile, Lelei looked at Boba with the same expressionless look she always had on her face, holding her staff stood at attention by her side.
"It's good to see you, have the Jay Es Dee Ef been accommodating to you as well? They're actually making houses for us with their strange iron wagons and there's talk they'll be preparing a feast for us later."
Sure enough, Boba looked down the road and could see large tracked construction vehicles moving the earth, what was bothersome about it was the fact that they weren't too far away from where he'd be staying. That meant Rory wouldn't be too far either, shaking his head he turned to face the girls.
"Normally I'm the one doing the chasing Rory, but I also do a fine job of staying out of harm's way as well. So you'll find yourself chasing for a long time, as for you Lelei, it's good to see you as well. As for the accommodations, let's just say they didn't have much of a choice."
Meanwhile, the elf stood silently in the back and stared every which way, like she was looking for something or someone. Boba merely shook his head and looked back at Lelei, "So what brings you three here? Shouldn't you have an escort?
Rory giggled and took a step closer to Boba, "We're on our way to collect dragon scales outside this fortress, you could be our escort or just my escort. I can certainly think of something to pay you with."
Her last words flowed out of her mouth like water as her tongue slowly ran across her lips. For just a moment Boba was almost curious to see just what she meant.
Dismissing the notion of temptation from his mind he quickly composed himself, "That's a job I'll have to decline Rory, you won't find any weakness in my bearing. As for the scales, how much are they worth?"
As Rory began to pout Lelei answered the bounty hunter's question, "A very high price Boba...per scale."
Say no more adiik, you had me at "very". Good call Hazama.
"Good, that just so happens to be my pay. As such I'll be taking as much as I deem fit for my services, stay behind me and we can make this quick."
Each of the girls nodded their heads and with that the odd group made their way through the base and out the gate.
In a killing field outside the base, Boba led the three girls around the corpses of the dragons killed earlier on. Unlike the flame dragon, they were a lot smaller and of a matte black color. Once he checked to make sure every dragon was indeed dead, he gave a thumbs up to the girls and the gathering began.
Thankfully the process of collecting the scales had been a quiet one. Boba would stop to take his share first, depositing the goods into his bag. When it was the girls' turn he would slowly stand off to the side and keep a quiet watch as they took their share.
At one point the elf had stopped at one dragon and had stared at it for a while, something about it reminded her of something, a fact not lost on the bounty hunter as he made his way over to her.
"Daylight's burning girl if you don't want anymore that's fine by me, I have plenty of room left." As he addressed her, she merely stood there and continued to stare at the small dragon's corpse, her eyes slowly going over it.
Shaking his head Boba promptly made his way ahead of her and gave the dragon's head a good stomp, caving its skull in. As he removed his boot with a sickening squelching sound he scraped it against the dirt and turned to look at her. "There, now can you stop your staring, you're starting to unnerve me."
The girl's eyes finally blinked with renewed vigor as she nodded in thanks and took her share. Shaking his head Boba made his way over towards Lelei, his voice barely a whisper.
"What's wrong with that girl? Those eyes have seen death and pain, I know that look anywhere."
Not removing her gaze from the elf she responded in her usual monotone voice, "Her name is Tuka Luna Marceau. Itami's team found her in a well, her village was destroyed by the flame dragon. To my knowledge her father more than likely perished in the attack as well, but she doesn't seem to understand that."
As I thought, another fatherless child. This one seems to have taken the path of ignorance and sorrow, however. In time, it will consume her to the point of no return. Concussion and PTSD, you sure know how to pick them Itami...or'dinni.
Boba merely shook his head and watched as Tuka slowly gathered the scales, as the sun began to set he made a circling motion with his hand.
"Alright girls, I've gotten my share which means I'll be taking my leave. Unless you want to be out here alone in the dark I suggest you do the same."
As Boba began to walk towards the gate Rory quickly ran up to walk beside him, meanwhile, Lelei gave Tuka a pat on the shoulder. "He's right, we should go."
Slowly standing up, Tuka quietly nodded and with that the pair quickened their pace to join the others.
As the sun began to set over the pace, Boba led the group through the winding paths until they were back in familiar territory. As he began to split off from the group Lelei called out to him.
"Will you be joining us for dinner Boba?"
Meanwhile, Rory's face twisted into one of mock sadness, "Oh please, won't you join us?"
Tuka had nothing to add to their requests as she stood there staring off into space.
Can't argue with free food, it's been a while since I've eaten something that isn't designed just to keep me functioning. Good chance I'll be working with that clown Itami and his team in the future as well. Might as well build some sort of working relationship.
Without turning his head Boba made his way to the officer housing's gate, "I'll be there in an hour."
Had he turned around he would have noticed that Lelei had actually smiled, she was genuinely happy her new friend would be joining them. Rory on the other hand merely licked her lips, she just wanted to get closer to the mysterious warrior and in more ways than one. With that, the two groups parted and went their separate ways.
As Boba entered his building he promptly closed and locked the door behind him, tossing his bag onto the couch he removed his helmet and set it down onto the table with his blaster taking its place beside it shortly after. Depositing his lightsaber into the bag he then stuffed the bag under the couch.
Out of everything I own, if this lightsaber falls into anyone's hands? It's going to completely flip the script on their notion of technology, but not before I make sure heads will roll as a consequence.
Satisfied his stash was safely hidden, he then sighed as he began the arduous process of removing his gear. As much as he didn't want to, it was hardly warrior like to eat at a table in full gear. Although he wasn't one to openly share his background with anyone, he was still a Mandalorian at heart just like his father. That meant there was still a code of honor to live by.
As more of the armor finally came off, all that was left was his gray jumpsuit. As he took that off, he stared at himself in a small wall mounted mirror. He saw the reflection of his father; his face, the same simple loose fitting shirt and trousers he wore under his jumpsuit, everything. He was used to it by now, having long coming to terms with the fact that he was a clone of his father.
Unaltered and free to grow as a normal human boy, well as normal as a clone can be.
Unlike his father, however, he had a great deal more scars. Some were from old battles, but many were earned from his time inside the Sarlaac. Those scars were a double edged sword, they detailed a great shame, but also a great victory as well. As far as Fett knew, he was the only being to ever escape one, his iron will and armor seeing him to victory once again.
Making his way to the bathroom, he turned the sink on and ran his calloused hands under the sink, occasionally stopping to splash some on his face. Finally turning the sink off he looked at himself in the mirror with a smirk.
"Time to make an entrance."
Heading back over towards his bag he reached around inside and pulled out a small WESTAR-34 blaster pistol and a holster to go with it. It was symbolic as it was one of the original guns his father carried on his jobs. Spinning it on one finger he fastened the holster on his hip with his free hand and spun the pistol into its proper place.
Not as good as you, but I make it work.
Satisfied everything was in good order he zipped his kit bag up and made his way out of his building.
At a makeshift dining area, Itami and his team sat the refugees around a long table. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but to the locals, it was fine dining. Never had they seen food prepared so quickly and in such quantities. Then again anyone who was exposed to field rations for the first time often thought the same thing.
As trays began to be set out and the food was served, Itami began to address the refugees holding his red language book in front of him all the while.
"Okay please go ahead and?..."
For a while Itami stood there and looked out into the distance, his eyes transfixed on something. Everyone who was present at the table looked at him with raised eyebrows for a while. It was like as if something so shocking had prevented him from speaking. When they looked in the direction he had been looking in, they soon saw why.
A strange man in strange loose fitting attire had made his way to the table, various scars adorned his emotionless face as his gaze made its way across the group. Once he began to speak, everyone knew exactly who it was. Helmet or not his accent was too unique to miss.
Boba Fett.
"What's the matter Itami? You look like you've seen a ghost...please don't let me interrupt."
Itami stammered as he tried to take in what he was seeing, "F-Fett? I didn't expect you'd be here, I was actually going to see you later." Boba merely raised an eyebrow as he made his way around the table, all eyes were upon him as he made his way over to Itami.
"Well isn't this just convenient then? Looks like my luck never seems to rub off, but say...you wouldn't happen to have any seconds now would you?"
Before Itami could respond, Kurokawa had spoken up a small smile on her face. "Why yes it just so happens that we do, please join us!" Boba turned his gaze over towards Kurokawa, a small smirk forming on his face. "Thank you, Sergeant, I appreciate that."
As he made his way towards one of the tents, a cook gave him one of the premade trays and a set of chopsticks, as he nodded his head in thanks, Boba made his way towards the table and looked for a place to sit.
"Boba, here." Lelei patted an empty seat between her and Tuka as she stared at the bounty hunter with wide eyes filled with curiosity. She didn't think she'd ever see her new friend without his armor on.
As Boba took his seat next to Lelei he looked across the table at a smiling Rory. She blushed as she held her face, Boba merely shook his head as he prepared his chopsticks. "Rory, you look like a Nerf in heat, could you for once stop thinking with your loins and let a man enjoy his meal? As for everyone else, is there something on my face? Please eat up, I'm a guest here and your making me nervous. I don't like being nervous."
Clearing his throat Itami opened his book and continued where he left off, "On behalf of the Japanese Self Defense Force, please enjoy this meal."
Each of the villagers bowed their heads in respect meanwhile, Lelei's master had already begun digging into his food. Praising it for all it's unique qualities as he hungrily engorged himself.
Merely raising an eyebrow, Boba silently muttered before he began to eat. "Kaysh guur' skraan."
Food's not half bad, reminds me of the old meals I had to make due with while working with the Empire.
For a while everything was quiet as everyone ate their share, occasionally someone would glance over at Boba, only to quickly look away when he turned to look at them. Suddenly one of the children present looked at him with wide eyes.
"Sky man, tell us a story!" Suddenly other children began to join in "Yeah! you're a brave warrior what kind of adventures have you been on!?"
Rory smiled as she interlocked her hands on the table, "Oh yes do tell us a story, sky man..." Boba promptly put his chopsticks down and wiped his mouth with a nearby napkin.
"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt, well one there was one job I took on. A job that I rather pride myself greatly on."
That was a fun hunt.
Everyone present had looked at him with curious eyes, even Itami had begun to listen in inventively as Boba continued. "Anyways, I was once was given a contract to hunt down a Devaronian who went by the moniker The Butcher of Montellian Serat. Nasty looking fellow, like the rest of his kind he looked like one of the devils you might see or read about in a book. Anyways he had a huge bounty on his head, but the orders were to take him in alive. The only problem was was that he had cleverly given every hunter the slip, he knew he was being hunted."
Everyone present sat quietly as they listened in on the story, for the first time they were beginning to learn just a little bit about where he came from.
"He was a terrible fellow, responsible for the death of seven hundred innocents on a planet he was once invading with his army. Anyways he had finally made his way to a backwater planet, Peppel if I recall. Anyways he knew I was after him so he set up a stiff defensive ring of sensors and all kinds of tracking devices so I couldn't get in close with my normal gear. So I had to improvise, once I finally tracked him down I took all my gear off and with a simple bow and arrow I waited for him to emerge from his hut. When the slippery little scum sucker finally emerged I shot him in the shoulder."
The children clapped and cheered as Boba reenacted the scene, drawing and shooting an imaginary bow. Suddenly an amused Kurokawa chimed in as she leaned in closer towards the group.
"So what happened after that?"
Boba slowly turned his gaze towards Kurokawa, his face emotionless as he finished his tale. "Well you see he was wanted by his people for his crimes, they had a terrible plan for him and he knew it too. Begged a whole helluva lot and even tried to have me kill him, of course once I get my job, I see it through to the end. As for what the plan was? Well, it doesn't make for pleasant dinner talk, but let's just say it was very slow from beginning to end."
All was quiet for a while as he finished his tale until Rory giggled "Simply wonderful, and with a simple bow no less. Truly you are a man of many talents."
Meanwhile, Kuwahara who had been mostly quiet throughout the ordeal looked at him with a stern smile, "Indeed most impressive Fett, you have my respect." Even Kuribiyashi had chimed in, with a raised fist she boasted loudly, "Now that was badass!"
From the moment he had been sitting there to the time he had finished his story, Tuka was staring at him with wide eyes. Once he mentioned he had made a kill with a bow and arrow that had doubly attracted her attention. Being an elf, she knew archery better than most, if anything his familiarity with the weapon had just established a common ground.
Boba merely shrugged as he took a sip from his cup of water.
"Comes with the territory."
As Boba sat there Itami slowly began to clap, soon everyone present began to do the same. For a moment, Boba had almost smiled, but instead merely smirked and basked in the glory.
"Ah come off it, it's certainly not my most memorable job. Anyways I'd love to continue, but I have some things I need to attend to back at my quarters."
Like a shower and some sleep.
Against a few protests from Rory and the children, he began to rise and prepare himself to take his leave. Meanwhile, Itami approached him and muttered.
"I forgot to mention, the general has a job for you. Tomorrow we'll be going to a place called Italica with the girls, supposedly it's a major trading hub for the entire region. We'll be able to cash in the scales there."
Boba motioned with his head and the pair made their way behind one of the tents when they were finally in a remote place Boba raised an eyebrow as the two began to discuss the job.
"So then another security job is it? What's the payout?"
"Unfortunately, he hasn't told me exactly, but I do know it's going to be a lot."
"I don't like dealing in unknowns Itami."
"I wish I knew myself, but you have to trust that the commander has something big in mind. This is a big step for us, if we can sway this area to our cause it'll bring us one step closer to whoever is in charge of all this."
"I don't care about the big picture Itami, I've told you this before. You're lucky he strikes me as an honest man, otherwise I'd tell you to sod off."
Itami stood there for a while and breathed a sigh of relief, "Thanks, we'll be leaving in the morning so.."
"You don't need to say anymore, I've got the job and I understand what you're asking me to do. Besides I've been wondering what kind of payout these scales will bring, now if you excuse me." With that, Boba began to slowly make his way down the road and away from the dining area.
As Itami stood there, Kurokawa approached him and stood by his side, "I didn't expect him to be so...civil, did you see his face, though? I could feel a lot of pain and vengeance emanating from it."
Itami gave a small smile and watched as the mysterious warrior disappeared behind a turn.
"You're telling me, I almost thought he wasn't human. He's going to be a very interesting character to work with."
I'm just glad he's on our side.
Mandalorian Words and Their Translations:
Adiik-Child
N'kurkad-"Don't mess with me"
Or'dinni-Fool
Kaysh guur' skraan-"He loves his food", used in a non derrogatory way.