Having used a smuggler's hyperspace lane from Dorin, Sho and Eras now sat aboard the Stalker in frustration, attempting to figure out their next move. The newly self-appointed Emperor Palpatine had executed his plan masterfully. Not only had he brought the downfall of the Jedi Order, he had managed to strategically take over the territories of both the former Galactic Republic and the Separatist Confederacy in one ruthless blow, leaving very few safe havens.
"Might I make a suggestion?", Scraps chimed in.
"We're all ears.", responded Eras.
"Captain Reidell was collecting data on bounties and rewards put out personally by the Emperor regarding any and all information pertaining to a rebel group known as 'The Alliance'. According to the Imperial reports, several bounty contracts mentioning 'The Alliance' have been submitted. What is odd is that the overwhelming majority of these reports appear to be exclusively originating from the planet Nar Shaddaa located in the extreme Outer Rim."
"The home of the Hutt crime lords?", Sho asked, intrigued.
"What do you know about the Hutts?", asked Eras.
"Only that they are powerful and are willing to sell out their own to make a quick profit."
"That is a gross understatement…", Scraps informed them. "...Known as 'The Smuggler's Moon, Nar Shaddaa is composed entirely of one large city and contains some of the most dangerous criminal underground networks according to former Republic records. It remains untouched by the Empire due to its volatility."
"If it's too hot for the Empire to handle, it might be a great place to start looking for Jedi survivors.", suggested Eras.
Sho nodded in agreement. "We do not have much choice. Nar Shaddaa is a haven for information. If anyone knows anything about anything, it will be there."
"We'll have to find suitable means to blend in and I've got just the thing.", spoke Eras mischievously. "Scraps, set a course to Nar Shaddaa."...
…Hutta Town…
The mighty Grakkus Jahibakti Tingi looked down upon his domain from atop his palace spire, marveling at his vast wealth. The strongest of the Hutt overlords on Nar Shadaa, his cunning ruthlessness had served him well. An alliance with the Bounty Hunter's Guild had provided him with his own private army. None dared oppose him.
These thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Augmented by twelve arachnid-like cybernetic legs, the muscular Hutt's massive frame turned agilely towards the captain of his personal guards. "Haku Sa it Ateema? (What is it?)", he growled in annoyance. "My apologies for disturbing oh exalted one, but a ship is requesting permission to dock in the Guild section. The ship's chain code matches up with those inquired by our interested contact on Coruscant."
"Ta Wanga Coo Boska Che Jedai? (The one who seeks Jedi survivors?)", he asked with surprised excitement. His captain bowed in acknowledgment, a large grin spreading across his face knowing how much this news would delight his master. The crime lord's obsession with the mysterious Order was outweighed in value only by his lust for power.
The Hutt remained motionless in thought. "Gather Ta Murishani Tah Yavoo our Pateesa . Koose Ta Hoohai Tah Je. (Gather the mercenaries to greet our guests. Bring them to me.)", he ordered. Grakkus's rumbling laughter echoed as his captain left his chambers…
…BHG Landing Platform…
Disguised as bounty hunters, Eras and Sho stood motionless on the Stalker's ramp, staring cooly at the heavily armed mercenaries surrounding them. The murderous gang's stern looking leader stepped forward. "You will come with us to his excellency, the mighty Grakkus Jahibakti Tingi at once. Hand over your weapons.", he ordered, his voice brooking no argument. The massive palace loomed in the distance, dominating the skyline of the territory.
Eras exchanged a narrowed glance at Sho before nodding back to their host's messenger. "Let's not keep him waiting.", he said evenly as they reluctantly handed their blasters to the nearest mercenary.
Satisfied after a further search of the captives yielded no other weapons, the captain glared at them in warning but gestured for them to follow. "This way.", he said curtly.
As they walked, the mercenaries kept a close watch on Eras and Sho with fingers' resting on triggers. When they finally reached the entrance, the captain stopped and turned to face them. "One false move and you will not leave here alive.", he warned. Eras nodded again. With that, the captain led them inside the palace, the heavy doors closing behind them with a resounding thud.
As they approached the grand audience chamber, the doors swung open to reveal Grakkus Jahibakti Tingi, his massive form lounging on a cushioned platform. Grakkus's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he regarded the newcomers. He motioned for his droid translator and spoke.
"So, Uba Ta Wanga Coo Naga Shuugi…", he rumbled. "...Settah. Haku Koose Uba Wata?"
"The illustrious Grakkus demands to know the reason for your presence in his domain and why you seek an audience with the Guild.", interpreted the droid.
"We are bounty hunters simply looking for work. Check our codes if you like.", responded Eras.
The Hutt chuckled, seemingly unconvinced with this answer. "Noleeya life, La Sa Nobata simple.", he spoke smilingly as he shifted his gaze to his captain.
The droid resumed. "Nothing is simple in life."
While this exchange was taking place, Sho could not take his eyes off the objects strung around the crime lord's neck. He recognized some of those lightsabers, knowing a few of their former owners from the temple on Coruscant. His fist closed tightly as his jaw set. The thought of these sacred symbols of the Jedi Order in the possession of this sleemo sent rage coursing through Sho's veins.
These thoughts were interrupted as an odd sensation flooded over the young Jedi. It had been so long since he had felt such a clear presence of the Force, not from someone, but something. He looked to Eras, who now silently stood watching him.
Grakkus smiled deviously. "Kava Sa Uba?...", he asked tauntingly. "...Uba Nobata Chii-Se."
"His exaltedness asks if you are ill.", the droid chimed in.
The Hutt laughed. He waved towards a couple of servants, motioning them to draw the massive drapes behind them. Both Sho and Eras were not ready for what lay before them.
They gazed upon a considerable hoard of Jedi artifacts on display. Many of the items could only have come from the deepest and most restricted vaults of the Temple on Coruscant. Eras's eyes wandered in amazement. An impressive collection of holocrons were stored neatly at the center, their auras of wisdom and power almost tangible. Sho, in a trance-like state, slowly walked over and picked up a dusty tome, its cover adorned with the emblem of the Jedi Order.
Their attention was brought back to the present with Grakkus's booming voice. "Jedai Kung!"
These last words needed no interpretation. With a flick of his powerful tail, the Hutt signaled to his mercenaries who now surrounded Eras and Sho with their weapons drawn. "Wanga Tuta Coruscant Sa Boska Che Uba. An Wamma Creeda Noleeya druggats.", the crime boss laughed.
"The mighty Grakkus knows of one from Coruscant who will pay many druggats for your capture.", translated the droid.
The laughter from Grakkus's mercenaries was cut short as the lights of the room eerily dimmed until all were left in darkness. The enraged Hutt began thundering out orders but fell silent. One of the holocrons started to hum and glow. All throughout the hall stayed deathly still.
"What devilry is this?", whispered the mercenary captain aloud.
Eras and Sho exchanged uneasy glances as the humming from the holocron grew louder, its blue light intensifying until it was the only source of illumination in the darkened room.
"Koose it Wata (Bring it to me).", commanded Grakkus. The light in the hall was restored as the mercenary took hold of the holocron and brought it to his master. The crime lord studied the holocron.
"Where did you get that?", asked Sho with a threatening tone to his voice.
The captain spoke up while Grakkus was lost in fascination. "That little trinket was taken through one of his exaltedness's most ingenious schemes. An impetuous son of a wealthy nobleman from the planet Kaikielius had it stolen from the Jedi vaults of Coruscant. The rich brat of the 'great' House of Praji spent millions on it, not realizing that the very guards that kept watch over its transportation were on the personal payroll of the mighty Grakkus himself. House Praji still brags that they possess the holocron of Master Cin Drallig, Battlemaster of the Order."
Sho's jaw clenched as his hand shot out towards the crime boss. The holocron tore away from Grakkus's gargantuan mit and sailed directly into his grasp. "Now!", he shouted.
Eras pulled their weapons from the mercenary who had confiscated them. Simultaneously, Sho drew a hidden miniature detonator that he threw into the above lighting, causing all to descend into chaos. They dashed towards the nearest door leading to an outside balcony.
Sho quickly produced a grappling hook from his belt, set it, and grabbed Eras. Bounding over the ledge, they rapidly descended into the very bowels of Nar Shaddaa. Blaster bolts from above whizzed by, narrowly missing the two escapees.
"We're running out of line!", shouted Sho.
Eras frantically searched for anything to slow their descent. He spotted a repulsorlift garbage scow from below which was rapidly approaching. "You're not going to like this, but when I say let go, let go!…"
Sho looked over Eras's shoulder and instantly realized what he was planning. He was right. Sho hated the idea.
"...LET GO!", barked Eras.
Sho released the cable. For a moment, they were in freefall. Both reached out with the Force and drew themselves closer to the scow. The gurgling thud that accompanied them as they slammed into the hauler paled in comparison to the rancid smell of the dank refuse that flooded their nostrils.
Eras quickly accessed the control panel and set off the repulsorlift's emergency protocols. Miniature thrusters fired off from below, bringing the collector to a suspended hault.
"Come on.", ordered Eras.
They jumped onto a nearby walkway and quickly made their exit. It would not be long before their new found enemy would be hot on their heels.
"We need to get back to the ship.", whispered Sho to Eras while attempting to blend into the massive crowds that walked the streets of the Corellian Sector.
Eras spoke into his comlink. "Scraps, do you read me?...Scraps, do you copy?" There was no response.
Closing the channel, Eras veered off into a side street. "Scraps isn't answering. I'm barely getting a signal. It's a safe bet the Stalker is no longer at the Guild docks."
"What do we do now?", asked Sho. Before Eras could answer, a blaster bolt hit the wall right beside the Kel Dor's head.
"DOWN!", Eras yelled as he pulled Sho to the ground. They frantically clawed their way around to the backside of the remnants of an abandoned street cleaner.
"Get after them! Don't let them escape!", a group of voices rang out.
Sho spotted a side alley, but accessing it would mean leaving themselves exposed to enemy fire. Pointing it out to his comrade, Eras motioned back for them to both go at the same time.
They made a mad dash. Sho was the first to reach the safety of the alley walls, but quickly realized something was wrong. He turned to see Eras stumbling along as blood ran down from his shoulder and continued to drip off his fingertips.
"Keep moving!", Eras growled through gritted teeth after seeing Sho's concern. They continued slowly, hindered by his wound.
"They went this way! Hurry!", barked the familiar voice of Grakkus's captain. They were closing in.
The street grate beneath their prey's feet gave way. Eras and Sho found themselves sprawled on the floor of a hidden airlock. The light above was quickly muted as the grate was replaced.
Before he could utter a word, Sho was seized and an armored glove covered his mouth. "Keep quiet!", hissed one of the helmeted figures. The sound of their pursuers could be heard directly overhead.
"Find them, or it will be your heads!", yelled the captain.
The ruckus above eventually faded into the distance. The armored hands that grasped Sho slowly released their hold. The Jedi rushed to his unconscious compatriot's side.
"He needs help!", he implored the figures.
"Very well.", spoke their leader, who snapped his fingers. All was cast into darkness as a sack was forced over Sho's head…