Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.


I don't think this will work! – Carth was nervous in his black and dark gray Sith armor.

- Come on, just act natural! – Rina, who was wearing another armor that could fit at least 2 times, reassured him.

It was already late in the morning, since Rina was able to get two uniforms after a Sith party, but she had to rest and even needed help to get the much bigger uniform. After breakfast, pretending to be real Sith soldiers on patrol, they each grabbed a rifle and acted they would be their official patrol and headed for the nearest elevator that took them down to the lower reaches of the planet.

- Another patrol in Lower Town? – Asked the guard standing in front of the elevator, not asking any documents or questions. - Sh*t, rather you than me. - He laughed under his helmet.

- Then, - replied Carth. – would you open the elevator so we can do our dirty work?

- Fine, - The soldier has already opened the door. - Then watch out for swoop gangs. We have already lost more than one of our people because of them.

- We'll take care of them. - Carth replied.

With that, they entered the elevator and set off towards the depths of the metropolis-sized city.


They got so deep that the light of the sun didn't shine anymore, everything was full of graffiti here and there, the dirty streets were full of garbage, wreckage and dead bodies. The only light source was a few damaged street lamps. There was neither order nor law, it often happened that those who ventured out into the street didn't live to see the next day. What was quite scary that there were indeed people living, their daily tasks, getting money and food and all other everyday tasks were a real ordeal.

If that wasn't enough, the streets often became war zones due to local swoop gang clashes.

- Do people live here? -Carth asked in amazement, still wearing the Sith armor.

- It's hard, but I think it's rather pathetic. - Rina replied, feeling nothing but contempt for the government of the planet Taris.

- Pathetic?! - Carth snapped. - People are practically suffering here!

- And who's fault it? A pathetic, incompetent government who are unable to discipline their own criminals.

Before they could talk any further, an explosion and dozens of gunshots shook the two pseudo-Sith.

- The Beks are nothing more than Bantha poodo! - A distant shout could be heard.

A gang war was going on around the next corner, explosions and energy beams were visible everywhere. Two street swoop gangs fought each other for territory. Curses, death snarls and shouts echoed in the dark, lightless street, those who had been shot left only after either the enemy or one of their comrades had looted their bodies.

This was an everyday sight in the streets of Lower Town, where terror reigns supreme. At the end of the battle, the victorious band erupted in joyous celebration, and then they began looting the corpses in a big way, it didn't matter if they were looting the enemy or one of their fallen comrades, they took their money, weapons, even their clothes.

- They are like vultures on a battlefield. - Carth noted.

- For them, it's about survival. - Rina answered, and then they carefully, covering themselves, left the street.

The street gangs and local residents looked on with rather piercing eyes, it was clear that the Sith weren't welcome guests down here.

They didn't stay in one place for long, from the rumors they heard it was a clear fact that the rest of the Republic rescue cabins had plunged into the depths of the lower city, straight to the surface. The deeper they got, the darker it got, most of the streets were uninhabited, full of vermin, weeks-old corpses that no one cared about, and completely stripped, half-buildings, from which even the supporting metal beams and wires built into the walls had been stolen.

Finally they came to a military garrison, which was protected by at least 10 soldiers and 6 turrets.

- Very well reinforced protection. - Carth noted.

- Yes, which only strengthens the suspicion that Bastila is on the surface.

As they approached the elevator, one of the Sith soldiers stood in their way.

- The next change comes only in 6 hours and there are too few of you. – The soldier explained, before Rina and Carth looked at each other, before Rina spoke.

- We didn't come to replace you, we were ordered to look after the downed rescue cabins that crashed on the surface. - Rina explained as if making an official report.

- Another team came just an hour ago. - The Sith spoke.

- Yes, but we were sent as reinforcements.

- We weren't told that reinforcements would come.

- Yes, I was sent here afterwards, if you want, just ask.

- No need, just show your documents. - Rina freezed.

- I don't…

- I can't let you through without papers. -The soldier pulled out, indicating that he would use force if they didn't leave.

- Then, we have one more round. – Rina turned around, Carth followed.

- What shall we do now? - Carth asked after they were far enough away to be out of earshot.

- We have to figure out how to get official documents to let us down.

- Any ideas? - Carth was interested.

- Only one.– Rina took off her helmet and started to get rid of her Sith armor, she went into an empty alley to get her civilian clothes.

- Will you tell me? – Carth inquired after he also took back his civilian clothes. They hid their armor in a trash can, just in case they needed it.

- It's there. – Rina poked her head towards a rather shabby pub.

- Is that there?! – Carth didn't quite understand the little lady's reasoning.

- It's there. - The pub is where information is distributed for free.


She didn't even wait for Carth to agree, she had already went to the questionable pub. This pub was different from the ones in the upper town, much more dangerous figures were grouped together, members of swoop gangs, smugglers, thieves, bounty hunters, most of whom were danced by half naked Twi'lek women.

There were a few fights here and there, but the troublemakers were promptly kicked out of the pub. Soon after, 3 burly strangers, clearly gang members, singled out a short, lone man in black pants, boots, blue jacket, white cap, and black pilot goggles.

- Get lost! - The short guy ordered.

- Hey, we just wanted to say hello to the infamous Calo Nord! – The first said indignantly.

- Yes, they say he's a tough guy! - The second joined.

- Forget it, it's just a shrimp! It's impossible for him to be the Great Calo Nord! – The third was more skeptical.

- One. – The short guy, not much taller than Rina, started counting.

- One? What does it want?

- He obviously thinks he's a cool guy.

- This dwarf is a madman!

- Two. - The short man, Calo Nord, grew impatient.

- One, two? Now what does that count for? Do you want to count us?

- There are three of us, Calo! Members of the Black Vulkar gang! You can't be so cheeky with us!

- I suggest that we teach him some humiliation!

- Three. - As soon as he said that, he threw a grenade on the ground, which startled the Vulkars, but it was actually just a flash grenade, which turned the entire pub into complete whiteness for a few seconds, 3 shots were heard and the light disappeared.

The three Vulkars were already writhing on the ground, exhaling their souls before they even died. Everyone just watched for a while, but after they realized what had happened, they just shrugged and went back to their work.

The man, Calo Nord, didn't blink, his glasses protected him from the light, he just walked away as if nothing had happened, between Rina and Carth, who simply didn't dare to get in his way or call him.

- That… - Carth could hardly believe his eyes.

- I didn't even see him draw a weapon or put it away. - Rina was also shocked by this.

- I don't think we should mess with this guy.

- Good idea.

They looked around the pub, looking for anyone who might know something about how to get down to the planet's surface. Their eyes shifted to two Rhodians holding a young blue Twi'lek girl. The girl was wearing black boots, light gray worn pants, a black top and a gray vest. On one side hung a blaster pistol and on the other a custom-made vibrosword.

- Aren't you too young for a pub like this, baby? - One of them got excited.

- Ugh, would you disappear, bug eye?! – The Twi'lek girl didn't let herself and spoke back harshly. - I can smell your breath here, which smells like bantha dung!

- Wow, your tongue was cut up, little girl!

- Who do you call little girl?! - She was outraged by this.

- You, a naughty little girl like yourself, must be thoroughly taught manners. – The two beetle-headed strangers were about to drag the girl away, but she wasn't scared in the slightest.

- Hm, do you think I'm alone? – She turned back and called for a wookiee eating at the counter. - Zalbar, could you help me a bit? – The wookiee sitting at the counter just grumbled unwillingly. - Oh, can't you think about anything but your stomach? Can you help me with these lices? – The wookiee left his food on the counter in irritation, while he angrily stood next to the Twi'lek girl and growled at the two Rhodias.

- Hey, - The two strangers started backing away in horror. – we don't want trouble with a Wookiee!

- Yes, we were about to leave!

The wookiee sat back down at the counter to continue eating while Rina, driven by her curiosity, addressed the Twi'lek girl.

- I see, you also don't like big guys to underestimate you. - She crossed her arms confidently and smiled at the younger but taller girl.

- The guys here aren't much more than Gammorrian pigs. - The girl sipped her drink, rolling her eyes. - By the way, my name is Mission.

- Rina. That wookie, - Rina looked at the wookie at one of the tables. - is your friend?

- Yes, Big Z and I are inseparable. We've been taking care of each other for years.

- Pretty unusual, a Twi'lek street kid and a Wookiee. How did you become friends?

- Look, we didn't come here to chat, - Mission finished her drink. – Big Z wanted to fill himself before we went out to the lower town. - This caught Rina's attention.

- Do you go to the lower town? - She tried to look nonchalant.

- Yeah, maybe we'll find something in those Republic pods.

- The lower city is kept closed by the Sith, neither in nor out.

- You mean those monkeys in tinfoil suits? It's not hard to outplay them.

- Could you help me get down there too? - She just shrugged.

- I'm sorry, only me and Big Z can get down. If you want help, look for Gadon Thek and the Hidden Beks. Gadon is a good man and hates the Sith. Their hideout is near the entrance to the pub. - She left the counter with that and they left the bar with the wookiee.

- Thanks for the information. – Rina also turned around and reached Carth, who was waiting at the exit. - We've got what we came for.

- Didn't last long.

Carth followed his companion, up to a dubious alley, inside it, towards a battered door, in front of which a dark-skinned woman stood guard, who didn't look very friendly and as soon as she saw the two newcomers approach the door, she immediately stood in their way.

- You better stop and turn back! - She gave the order, gripping the hilt of the beam pistol on her belt. Carth also reached for his pistol, but Rina stopped him with one hand, the other held up, indicating that they weren't a threat to her.

- We are looking for the Hidden Bek base, especially Gadon Thek. - Rina explained.

- How do I know that you aren't Vulkar spies or assassins who want to kill him?! - The woman didn't let them in.

- I need Gadon's help and for that I need to talk to him.

- A lot of people want to talk to Gadon, he used to be a hero in the eyes of the people, but with the Sith quarantine and the increasingly aggressive conquests of the Vulkars, he has become the target of many people and many want him dead.

- The Vulkars are another band, - Rina thought it better to lie. - I met and arranged some of them on the way here. What they did made me sick. I assure you I am not their man.

- Hm, - The woman also released her pistol. – you don't look dangerous and Gadon couldn't be harmed either, especially since Zaerdra is looking after him.

- Will you let us in then? – Rina already knew the answer in advance.

- Go ahead, but be careful how you behave. Know that you will be watched and killed if you pose a threat to Gadon.

The woman opened the door and nodded to the two strangers to enter.


If it was meant to be a headquarters, it was very poor. An old warehouse full of all kinds of crates, the walls stretched like a labyrinth and it was also very crowded. Gang members in torn or worn clothes or armor, shoddy or improvised equipment were talking and patrolling everywhere, but the moment Carth and Rina entered, a silent silence took over everything and everyone stared at them, suspiciously.

- You think, - Carth nervously reached for his weapons, but didn't take out his pistols. – was it a good idea to come here?

The gang members followed them in silence, expecting trouble. All kinds of aliens across the galaxy were just waiting for an excuse to finish off the two humans.

- You have no reason to worry! - Rina raised her hands. - I know your life is hard because of the Sith and the Vulkars, but I swear to you, I'm not a friend of any of them! – It was surprising that with such a thin and high voice she was able to show such determination. - I just want to talk to your leader, Gadon, and ask for his help! If he doesn't want to meet me, then we'll leave!

The strangers were a little moved by the girl's speech and seemed to stand out of her way, before a stern female voice spoke.

- Don't take another step! - It was a purple and yellow Twi'lek woman in medium gray armor and pointed a blaster pistol at the two strangers. - Who are you and what do you want from Gadon?

- Calm down, Zaerdra! - She was stopped by an old, dark-skinned, balding man with a piercing in his left eyebrow and worn yellow and red armor. - They just want to talk!

- You know very well how much Brejik wishes for your death! What a bounty he has set on your head! He won't rest as long as you live, Gadon! – The Twi'lek woman explained, clearly to Gadon.

- And this is the solution? Shooting everyone we see to death like the Vulkars? As long as I live, the Beks will not do this! - Despite his old age, he didn't look tired or weak at all. He was quite the opposite, strong, determined and open-minded. - It would be suicide for them to try to kill me here in the middle of our base. - He raised his voice now so that everyone could hear. - Let them here and get down to business! – The gang members left them after a short pause and did what Gadon said.

- Fine, talk to Gadon, - The Twi'lek woman, Zaerdra, remained by Gadon's side. - but I'm warning you both, if you try anything, I'll punch you both full of holes.

Rina and Carth moved closer to Gadon, but before either of them could speak, Gadon spoke.

- Forgive Zaerdra, since this little war broke out between the Beks and the Vulkars, she's been a little overzealous about my protection. And the Sith quarantine was just fuel to the fire, they make our lives quite miserable. Now, tell me how I can help. - Rina looked at him carefully and saw that his eyes were gray and empty, which indicated that he was blind. He would have liked to ask, but that would have been tactless.

- I would like to ask for your help so that I can get down to the lower town and look for the crashed Republic rescue cabins there. - This completely surprised Gadon, his empty eyes widened.

- Are you looking for Republic pods?! The Sith are looking for them too! Do you work for the Sith?

- They might be spies, Gadon, they're working for the Sith! - Zaerdra interrupted, but Gadon quickly took her down.

- Listen, Zaerdra! If the Sith even suspected we knew something, they would have sent an entire army down our necks! - He turned back to Rina. - You don't work for the Sith, do you?

- No, I assure you of that. - Rina spoke completely honestly.

- Then I can tell you what I know. I doubt it would be a problem for my gang. All the more for the Vulkars, and that's fine by me. The Vulkars got there less than an hour after they crashed and took everything they found. It's a pity that we didn't get there first, because there was a really interesting woman, a Republic officer, among them. We Beks don't believe in the slave trade, but the Vulkars do. Brejik, the leader of the Vulkars, is holding her as a prisoner.

- So Bastila is a prisoner of the Vulkars? – Rina summed it up.

- At least we know she's alive. - Carth said.

- And where are we going and who are we looking for. - Rina aimed at him.

- Brejik may be a cowardly, lying little worm, but he isn't stupid! If they find a slave, they sell it to Davik or another slave trader. Not to mention that she's a Republic officer that he can get a really good price for. He's not stupid enough to guard it with the scum in his base. I have no idea where exactly she's, Taris is full of abandoned warehouses that you can use as a base to store and probably won't show until the big swoop race.

- What does this have to do with swoop racing?

- You don't know much about Taris, do you? Swoop racing is the most popular sport on the planet and has a major influence on gang warfare. Brejik donates Bastila to the first place. With such a generous donation, he could win over most of the smaller gangs and have enough power to deliver a final blow to me and the Beks.

- Then what do you suggest, - Interjected Carth. – we have nothing to do with this gang war and you can't expect us to defeat all the enemy gangs.

- Carth is right, - Rina agreed. – a war can last for weeks or even months. Even the Sith would take notice of such a serious armed conflict. If Brejik can't leave the planet, thanks to the Sith, he can easily hide Bastila again or even kill her.

- I don't think he would kill her, - Gadon said as if he knew for sure. - Brejik's greed often prevents a sane decision and he wouldn't destroy anything that could bring him money.

- Even then... - Carth tried to warn Rina that the Sith would find them in that time. - we wouldn't have time to fight a war.

- I don't even intend to, until it's unavoidable. – Rina was confident, even though she didn't have a plan yet. - We can definitely do something.

- You have options, - Gadon offered. – if you win the swoop race.

- I see, can you help me with this?

- Of course, we both want to protect something and we can lose a lot.

- What do you suggest?

- If you entered the competition as a competitor of Hidden Beks and won, you could save your friend.

- That would be nice and good, but what would be the need for me to compete on behalf of your band? - Rina had no intention of participating in a gang war. - I could compete myself.

- That sounds good, but there are two problems with this, the first, only gang members from Taris can participate in the competition, the second, you must have your own swoop vehicle and I doubt that you would hide one in your pocket. – The blind old man was right, Rina admitted, a swoop train would cost hundreds of thousands of credits and the competition will be next week, she can't get that much money in that time.

- Okay, I'll race for you. - Rina agreed. - Exactly, when is the race?

- In 7 days, but there is a small problem with the vehicle you could use.

- Is it broken or stolen? – Rina felt that something like this would happen.

- None of them. My mechanics made a prototype accelerator that would guarantee our victory. Unfortunately, the Vulkars stole it and took it to their base. You should break in and bring it back.

- Or create another one. - Rina suggested.

- There are two problems with this again, one, if Brejik's man were to use the same accelerator, the final result would be very doubtful. Second, it's custom-designed prototype and the plans were destroyed so that no more could be made. That accelerator will decide the whole game. – Rina realized she had no choice but to get the accelerator and win the swoop competition.

- How do I get into the Vulkar base?

- It won't be easy, the main entrance is heavily guarded, but a Twi'lek girl named Mission Vao can help you get in.

- Mission?! Gadon, you can't be serious! She's but a child! - Zaerdra protested.

- Mission is constantly visiting the lower town, she knows the sewer system better than anyone else. – Rina remembered Mission in the pub, she seemed quite young, hot-tempered and irresponsible, always hiding behind her wookie friend.

- Is there no one else?

- Don't underestimate Mission! - Gadon suddenly snapped. - She may be young, but she and her wookiee friend Zaalbar are always in the lower town, and they're tough and resourceful enough to survive down there! They make an amazing pair.

- Yes, she also said that they went to the lower town now as well. We met them recently.

- Then you can find them, but you still have to get through the Sith guard.

- It's impossible, even with uniforms. They won't let you through without papers.

- Fortunately, the members of my gang recently obtained official papers, which I would be willing to trade in exchange for said uniforms.

- Will it really work?

- You can bet on it, good people died for these two cards.

- In this case, the uniforms are hidden in the bins behind the pub, just clean them and they will be like new.

- The deal is done. - Gadon slid the papers to the girl.

- Thank you, we will return with the accelerator.

- I know you will. There is something special about you that makes me very confident in you.

Not knowing what to think, Rina just took the papers and she and Carth were already on their way to the Sith checkpoint.


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