Xaldiba woke to the beep of his holoemitter. "Kixi," he said. "Looking good. How's Brentaal Four treating you?"

"I have moved on," Kixi replied. "But I did leave something behind, and someone just triggered it. A slicer did a search for your ship across multiple spaceports. I found two trackers Skavak left behind, but I only know computers and electronics. I don't know much about the ship's other systems."

"You've told me enough, Kixi," Xal said. "I know exactly where it is. Thank you."

"Happy to help, Xal," Kixi said. "If you need anything else..."

Xal smiled. "You could send me some nude scans."

"You're terrible," she said. "But I'll think about it. Kixi out."

He climbed out of bed, dressed, and looked for his pistols. He usually didn't wear them in hyperspace, but they'd be arriving on Nar Shaddaa in less than an hour. They weren't in his cabin, which means someone took them. He had a good idea who. He left his quarters and spotted Corso.

"Do you know where Risha is?" Xal said.

"Galley, I think," Corso replied.

Sure enough, Risha was sitting at the galley table with Xal's pistols in front of her, half broken down.

"What are you doing to my guns?" Xal asked.

"What did you use to scuff them up?" Risha asked.

"Grinding wheel," Xal replied. He sat down and examined the nearest gun. "What did you do to my guns?"

"What about guns?" Corso asked, poking his head in.

"Risha decided to break down my guns," Xal said. He began reassembling the first gun with a practiced care.

"Damn, Captain," Corso said. "You keep your pistols in good shape, except for the scratches."

"People kept trying to steal them," Xal said, fitting the barrel into place.

"I believe it," Risha said. "Where did you get them?"

"My sister Nin'nussil made them for me," Xal said. "She's a weapon designer for the Republic. If you've done anything to them, she'll be very upset. Trust me, you do not want Nina upset with you." He finished the first gun and started on the second.

"How many layers are you hiding, Captain?" Risha asked.

"More than you'll ever know," Xal replied. "Kixi contacted me."

"Does she need something?" Risha asked.

"She does not," Xal said. "She said a slicer was looking for us on Brentaal Four. The way she described it, we have a tracker on the motivator."

Risha said, "I am impressed, Captain. Your womanizing has actual advantages."

Half an hour later, Xal was in the cockpit ready for the drop to normal space. Risha joined him, taking the copilot's seat.

"So," Xal said. "Is this about that scrawny yarra hound?"

"A shanjaru," Risha corrected. "I made a deal with Drooga the Hutt for a prototype starship engine."

Xal looked at her. "How can that slobbering creature be worth a ship engine?"

Risha said, "It's the last male shanjaru in the galaxy. The species is-"

"Captain?" Corso called from the hatch. "Do you know a really big Twi'lek?"

"I know a couple," Xal replied.

"You got one on holo," Corso told him.

At the holoemitter, Xal said, "Hey! Baby brother! Great Hunt. Put some money on you. You're going to make me rich."

"Thanks, Xal," Ter'viro said. "Heard a rumor. Zank Helrott's after you on Nar Shaddaa."

Risha sighed. "Rogun the Butcher's personal bounty hunter. Watch out for him."

"Is this about the Hunt?" Xal asked.

Ter'viro shook his head. "You hear stuff."

"Just so you know," Xal said. "You're earning a good reputation. You try to bring your targets in alive. Smugglers appreciate that."

Ter'viro shrugged.

"I hear you," Xal said. "I saw the Grand Melee. Dromund Kaas. I don't suppose... you ran into him."

Ter'viro nodded. "Gave me some training, but had to keep his distance."

"I get it," Xal said. "How is he doing?"

Ter'viro shrugged again.

"That figures," Xal said. "Thanks for the heads up. And don't die. Mom'll be pissed."

Ter'viro nodded and logged off. "Who told you about Rogan?" he asked Risha.

"I ran a background check on you," Risha said. "Considering your family. You never mentioned you had a second Jedi cousin."

"You mean Yvie," Xal said. "In fact, I have three Jedi cousins, but you wouldn't like Kriranda."

"Any particular reason?" Risha said.

Xal shrugged. "She's got scary down to a science. More than that, you don't want to know. As for this engine, I will need to examine it before it's installed. Keep that in mind."

"I know how to install an engine," Risha replied.

"On a normal XS, I'm sure you do," Xal said. "But, the Visitor is far from normal."

Risha watched him for a while and said, "Skavak told me this ship made a jump to the far Outer Rim. Is that true?"

"Two jumps," Xal corrected. "The second nearly trapped me out there."

"Is that why you have two backup motivators?" she asked.

"It is," Xal said. "This fancy new engine- what does it do?"

Risha said, "It's a sublight engine optimized for extreme gravitational environments."

Xal whistled. "Nok Drayen knew how to hide a treasure, didn't he?"

"Captain?" Corso asked.

"He put it near a black hole," Xal said. "Do I get to keep this engine?"

"You do," Risha said.

"We will need to upgrade the power conduits and the support struts," Xal told her. "If you like, you can help me pick out the parts."

"I would love to, Captain," Risha said. "Do you trust me to remove the tracker, or do you want to do that too?"

"Tracker?" Corso asked.

"Kixi called," Xal said. "Skavak left a tracker on the motivator. It's powered by the pulse from the motivator, so it only sends a signal when we enter or leave hyperspace. Miss Risha, I have every faith in your ability to outthink and outtech Skavak. The tracker is all yours."

"Thank you, Captain," Risha said. "I feel my knees going weak. Now, about Drooga-"

"I've done a few jobs for him," Xal said. "Not my first time on Nar Shaddaa. But, Corso, get ready to be impressed."

"Welcome to Nar Shaddaa, Corso," Xal said as they entered the Spaceport. "The place to find anything and do everything."

Corso shrugged. "If you say so, Captain."

They reached the registration desk, and Xal told the clerk, "XS stock light freighter, bay 51 cresh, indeterminate stay."

"Designation?" the clerk asked.

"The Secret Visitor," a Zabrak woman said in a sour voice and walked over. "You owe me," she said to Xal.

The human clerk looked at the Zabrak, obviously his superior, and waited.

"Regrita," Xal said. "I thought you were at the Chughesch Port."

"Transferred," she said. "You owe me."

"I delivered on everything I promised."

"Bare minimum," Regrita said.

Xal shrugged. "We negotiated what, not how much. Now, do you mind if I check in?"

"Check him in," she said to the clerk. "We're going to talk," she told Xal. "Before you leave Nar Shaddaa."

"I look forward to it," Xal said. Once they were away from the desk, Xal said to Corso, "Sorry about that."

"That?" Corso said with a shrug. "I'm getting used to it, Captain."

At Drooga's pleasure barge, Xal told Corso, "You can look at the slaves, but don't touch. They are to be earned, not taken."

Slaves, both male and female, served Drooga's guests. The males wore very little, the females even less, but only the most important guests risked touching them.

As Xal and Corso moved through the crowd, they heard one off-duty enforcer say to another, "I still don't believe it. There's no way a Jedi would strip down and let you suck her tits."

Xal groaned.

"Captain?" Corso asked.

"Nothing, Corso. Just... nothing."

They reached the main deck of the barge and found six Kaleesh facing off against a Wookiee.

"Halt, you Hutt-slaying scum!" the lead Kaleesh said. "The Cartel demands that you pay for your crimes!"

Xal watched with a bitter scowl but kept to the edge of the crowd. His hands remained near his pistols, and he clenched and unclenched his fists.

"Friend of yours?" Corso whispered.

Xal shook his head.

The Wookiee growled at his opponents, and the lead Kaleesh said, "Listen to the Wookiee boast of his murders! This monster has slaughtered entire Hutt clans, but his reign of terror ends! Before he dies, he will know true fear! We Kaleesh warriors swear it by our blood!"

"Fucking idiots," Xal hissed.

"Keep back!" the Kaleesh said to Xal. "That beast will tear your head off, just like he did to Nor'dro the Fearless! His claws are stained with the entrails of many! His bloodlust-"

"Is a fucking lie!" Xal said. "You're being played. This is sport, not justice."

Corso said, "Maybe we should stay outta this, Captain."

"We are Kaleesh!" their leader said.

"I picked up on that," Xal said. "You're also an idiot."

"We are proud warriors in service of the Hutts! Do you think we'd be sacrificed for sport?"

"Hell, yes," Xal said. "You'll put on a better show."

"We do not run from our duty!" the Kaleesh said. "Warriors, show this Wookiee what it means to face Kaleesh!"

Xal said, "Fuck."

The fight was short and ugly with the Kaleesh on the losing side.

"Sorry I couldn't help," Xal said to the Wookiee.

"Rhooohwarararc ohahwhc raanan oaacraananwowhrrwoc," the Wookiee replied.

"I believe you, Bowdaar," Xal said. "I'm still sorry."

"Hah!" Drooga said from his throne. "Not even deadly Kaleesh warriors can stand against the mighty Bowdaar! The Wookiee is truly a force of nature!" The Hutt smiled at Xal. "But have no fear, Captain Onoka. This Wookiee belongs to your humble host Drooga! Isn't my new pet entertaining?"

"Impressive," Xal said.

"I live for the spectacle of blood!" Drooga said. "Now then, Captain, I have not seen you for several months. Tell me, have you changed your mind?"

"I don't carry slaves," Xal replied.

Drooga shook his head. "A smuggler with morals is a pathetic thing. But, no matter. I'm sorry about your brother, by the way."

"What happened to my brother?" Xal asked.

"He will never survive the Hunt," Drooga said. "He's too young, too new to the job. I'm sorry for your imminent loss."

Xal smiled. "Care to put some money on that?"

Drooga shrugged. "I have wagered enough on my own champion. Now, to business. I'm afraid you've wasted your time. I don't need your beast anymore!"

"You made a deal, Drooga," Xal said.

"No!" Drooga said. "I made an offer. And now I take back that offer. I only wanted your male shanjaru to complete a set. But thieves stole my female shanjaru! If I can't have a complete set, I don't want that male you brought."

Xal said, "I'm sure we can work something out."

Drooga shook his head. "If you have more words, say them to my servant Ga'ram. Maybe he'll take pity and throw you some scraps. Ga'ram, give them Uyilmerol and Vunaa to use, as an apology. Now, where is my eighteenth course?!"

A blue Twi'lek approached Xal and Corso. "The Great Feastmaster can be most fickle. You have our deepest sympathies, we are sure." He led them away from the Hutt.

Xal said, "So, you're still talking like that, Ga'ram."

"We value formality," Ga'ram said. "If you seek to conclude your business with Drooga, use his fickle nature to your advantage. Returning Drooga's female beast would rekindle his interest in yours."

"I figured," Xal said.

"This holorecording was left by the thieves who stole Drooga's female shanjaru." Ga'ram's emitter showed a passionate woman in the middle of a speech. "We shall provide you with a copy. Fair warning, her speech lasts three hours."

"She doesn't look like a thief," Xal said.

"She is Momi Andrell, a wealthy Republic Senator's daughter," Ga'ram told him. "She violently opposes all who 'abuse' wild creatures. She spends her father's wealth hiring mercenaries to fight her war."

Xal said, "I do love a passionate woman. Where do I find her?"

"We shall discuss it after your gift." Ga'ram said and summoned two Twi'lek slaves. One was pure white with an hourglass shape and an outfit held on by luck and wishful thinking. The other was pale purple with long legs and an athletic body. She wore an outfit made to survive dancing. "Uyilmerol, Vuna'a, Captain Onoka's negotiation ended poorly," he told the slaves. "But, the Great Drooga does not want the Captain to be completely disappointed."

"Of course, master," the white Twi'lek said. "Captain Xaldiba, may I serve you?" She pressed herself against him.

Corso said, "Captain, we ain't really... are we?"

"Hutts expect a certain level of corruption from their smugglers," Xal told him. "Or they lose interest." He turned to the white Twi'lek. "Uly, this is my first mate, Corso Riggs. He is a man you can trust, but he is new to the job. Please give him a gentle introduction."

Uyilmerol looked Corso over and nodded. "This is Vuna'a," she told Xal. "She was collateral for her mother's debts. She also needs a gentle introduction." Vuna'a shuddered. "Don't worry," Uly told the other slave. "Captain Xal is one of the good ones. And, Mister Riggs," She slid an arm around Corso's waist. "Welcome to a smuggler's life."

After they left the pleasure barge, Corso asked Xal, "Does that kind of thing happen a lot, Captain?"

"No, it doesn't," Xal said. "Drooga wanted us to know he's still interested in the male, if we can get back the female. If he asked directly, we might charge him for it, and he is a Hutt."

"Oh," Corso said. "Uy- Uyli-"

"Uyilmerol."

"Right," Corso said. "She seemed to know you."

"Drooga hopes I will transport slaves if I am comfortable with them," Xal said. "He has rewarded me with Uly a couple of times. But he's wrong. That's a line I won't cross."

"Good to know, Captain."

They reached the hideout of the eco-terrorists, but didn't approach it. Corso waited while Xal watched the people at the entrance.

"Captain?" Corso said after a while.

"The ways of Nar Shaddaa are many and varied," Xal said. He took a directional microphone from his pocket and aimed it at the hideout. He listened, nodded, smiled, and nodded again. He put away the mike. "No guns today, Corso. Just follow my lead." He took out his holocomm, scanned through it for an old message, and put it back in his pocket. He winked at Corso, and the two headed toward the hideout.

The disguised mercenaries on guard watched them when the two came into view and raised their weapons when Xal and Corso got too close.

"Howdy," Xal said.

The weapons didn't move.

Xal took out his holocomm slowly, made a show of reading the old message, and said, "I'm here for a Mister Shan Jerru. Would that be either one of you?"

One of the mercenaries said something into a comm. After a while, a woman showed up.

"Howdy, ma'am," Xal said. He looked at the message again. "I have been hired to transport a Mister Shan Jerru. Am I at the correct location?"

The woman sighed. "No. A shanjaru is an animal. Momi must have hired you."

Xal looked at the message and nodded.

"You came to the wrong place," the woman said. "You're supposed to go to Lazhae's."

"Oh, that's what she meant," Xal said.

"Didn't Momi explain this?" the woman asked.

Xal shrugged. "She said something, then she went off on a rant, and I kind of stopped listening."

One of the mercenaries held in a laugh.

"She does that." The woman held up a datapad and transmitted something to Xal's comm. "That explains everything. And I am very sorry about this."

Xal smiled. "If you want to make it up to me, you could let me buy you a drink."

"You need to get the shanjaru off world as soon as possible," she told him. "And you compromised this location, so we can't stay."

"Most unfortunate, ma'am," Xal said, still smiling.

"Does that ever work?" one of the mercenaries asked.

"About one in ten," Xal said. "You just need to survive the first nine."

"Smugglers," the mercenary groaned.

When they got back to their speeder, Corso said, "One of these days, you have to teach me how you do that."

"I will do my best, Corso," Xal said. "But bullshit at that level takes a lot of practice."

When they returned to the pleasure barge, they found Bowdaar fighting against a Colicoid. The Wookiee seemed more tired than before, but he fought on.

"This ain't right, Captain," Corso said.

"I know it," Xal replied. If he helped, he would irritate Drooga and insult Bowdaar. He and Corso had to watch the fight play out.

"It's terrible what they do to that poor Wookiee," a female guest said. She was at Xal's side from nowhere.

"Hutts like their stakes high," Xal told her.

The woman was young and pretty and obviously the daughter of some rich off-worlder. She didn't have the emotional calluses of a Nar Shaddaa citizen.

"I saw you try to help him before," she said to Xal. "Against those Kaleesh."

"I was trying to help the Kaleesh too," Xal told her.

"I know," she said. "It's just-"

The chain on the Colicoid suddenly came loose, and the insectoid tried to flee through the crowd. Xal dove on top of the woman, knocking her out of its way, and turned to fire. He hit two legs and one of its eyes, slowing it down enough for Bowdaar to catch up to it and kill it.

"You saved me," the woman said to Xal.

"Always happy to help a pretty lady," Xal said, helping her up. "My fee is one kiss, to be paid at your convenience."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, pushing her tongue into his mouth and pressing her body against him. She held the kiss for several seconds. "Anything for my hero," she said when she finally let him go.

"Happy to help, ma'am," Xal said.

"Azalie," she told him.

"Miss Azalie," Xal said. "Captain Xaldiba Onoka. I am very glad you're safe, but I have business with Drooga. You must excuse me." He went to Bowdaar and made a show of helping him up. "Sorry to have intruded," he told the Wookiee. "It gave me little choice."

"Ah huwhwaworccaorawhwa," Bowdaar said.

Xal whispered, "How often do those collars fail?"

"Whwohoworc," Bowdaar hissed back as softly as a Wookiee could manage.

"That's what I thought," Xal said.

Bowdaar returned to his cage, and Xal and Corso found Ga'ram.

"We are so pleased to see you alive," Ga'ram said. "That was a Colicoid battler. Few survive long enough to fire a weapon, let alone hit it. Fortunately, the accident pleased the Great Drooga."

"How did that collar fail?" Xal asked.

"We suspect intervention," Ga'ram said. "From one of Drooga's many enemies. But now, how goes the search?"

Xal said, "The woman who stole Drooga's beast took it to someone named Lazhae."

Garam shook his head. "The Senator's daughter has made a critical error trusting Lazhae. He is no friend to her. Before the Empire imprisoned Lazhae in Shadow Town, we purchased some of his beast experiments for Drooga's pleasure. Ghastly abominations."

"Shadow Town?" Xal said. "Oh, shit."

"Captain?" Corso asked.

"Imperial prison," Xal told him.

"Lazhae is a genetic engineer," Ga'ram said. "If Lazhae has Drooga's beast, it may already be too late."

"Ga'ram!" Drooga called out. "I tire of this sector! Move my pleasure barge!"

"Of course, Great Feastmaster," Ga'ram said and turned back to Xal. "If you find Drooga's shanjaru, come to these coordinates. Good luck." He began issuing orders to the crew of the barge.

Xal and Corso turned to leave and heard Bowdaar call out. Xal scanned the crowd and saw a sizable man in full battle armor.

"Captain Onoka," the man said. "The name's Zank Helrott. I'm Rogun the Butcher's personal bounty hunter."

Corso said, "Is that a man or a hover tank?"

"You like my armor?" the bounty hunter said. "I polished it for this occasion. I've been looking forward to this chat for a while."

"You've been looking for the wrong guy," Xal said. "You want a thieving womp-rat named Skavak."

"Rogun wants both of you," Zank said. "He can't just take you at your word, Captain. You understand."

"Anworahowo scro wwrcahwowhwa raanoowhwo, scwoaoraan scrawh," Bowdaar said, charging over to them.

Zank laughed. "You've got a half-dead Wookiee for a sidekick. Guess beggars can't be choosers."

Xal said, "You haven't seen him fight."

"Whatever," Zank said. "Let's finish this."

Zank had skills. Xal had to give him that. But three on one, especially when one was a Wookiee, the bounty hunter didn't have a chance. He still managed a few good hits before he fell.

Xal clutched his side and told Bowdaar, "Thanks for the assist."

"Rhooohwarararc akraroc acahc waworhaoc," the Wookiee replied.

"That you do," Xal said.

"Captain!" Azalie called out and ran to him. "Did that horrible man hurt you?" She looked at Xal's injury.

"Nothing some kolto and a few kisses couldn't fix," Xal told her.

"I'll try," she said.

"That's quite all right," Xal told her. "I know where I can get kolto. The kisses can come later. Right now, Corso and I must leave. Bowdaar, thank you again."

By the time they reached the speeder, Xal was pale and sweating.

Corso asked, "Are you going to make it, Captain?"

"I've had worse," Xal replied. He lowered himself into the passenger seat and selected a destination in the navigation screen. "That's a hospital, and it's on our way. Just get us there." Corso took off and turned toward the traffic lanes while Xal activated his holocomm.

"Captain," Risha said from the comm. "You look like shit."

"Thank Zank Helrott for that," Xal said.

Risha said, "You're alive, so..."

"Met a friendly Wookiee," Xal said. "Helrott didn't make it."

"Good to hear," Risha said. "But I doubt that's the reason for your call."

Xal asked, "Did Skavak ever mention a woman named Azalie?"

"I never asked about his women," Risha replied.

Corso said, "Miss Azalie seems nice."

"Too nice," Xal said. "I've known enthusiastic women before, but this one has gone from zero to stalker a little fast. Risha, did you tell Skavak your itinerary?" She gave him a sour look. "Just checking."

"I'll scan for trackers, Captain," Risha said. "The Visitor will be clean by the time you get back. Risha out."

The trip through Shadow Town was slow but uneventful. When they reached the abandoned area Lazhae used for his lab, Xal said, "Where did you learn your stealth skills?"

"Hunting with my father," Corso told him. "A lot of the animals liked to hunt us back."

They fought their way through some of Lazhae's more stable experiments to a room filled with cages and screaming. The missing shanjaru occupied one of the cages. Momi Andrell was curled up on the floor of another cage, naked and shivering, while scanners monitored her vitals. Lazhae stood next to the scanners, glaring at Xal with rage.

"My beautiful children!" Lazhae cried. "You killed them all! Why?"

"They were trying to kill me," Xal said. "What did you do to her, and why is she naked?" He nodded at Momi.

"Lazhae used me for experiments," Momi groaned. "Did terrible things. I'm dying."

"Did he rape you?" Xal asked.

"Of course not," Lazhae said. "What do you take me for? She fouled her clothes repeatedly. This was simpler than washing them. Besides, humans are just another type of animal."

Xal aimed his gun at Lazhae's face. "You're going to cure her, and you're going to give me the shanjaru, or I'm going to be mighty unhappy."

"The shanjaru is invaluable to my research," Lazhae told him. "I need it. The species displays evidence of evolving sapience. I must unlock its secrets to engineer my perfect life form!"

"Slaves," Momi said. "He wants to make slaves."

"Silence, test subject," Lazhae said. "I'm creating 'smart beasts' that comprehend complex commands and perform multi-stage tasks. What the buyers do with them is their business."

"In other words," Xal said. "All you care about is the money." He pushed his gun against Lazhae's head. "Do you care about the money now?"

Lazhae began to sweat. "I have no desire for hostilities with you or your employer. I extracted genetic samples from the shanjaru. They'll have to suffice."

"No!" Momi cried. "Drooga only wants the shanjaru so he can eat the last of a species!"

"This beast cage is a programmable repulsorlift vehicle," Lazhae said. "I'll send it to Drooga immediately. There's no reason for more violence." He input commands into his console, and the shajaru cage lifted off and rose up an empty elevator shaft. "The Hutt will have his meal shortly."

"Now cure her," Xal said.

"I... I can't," Lazhae said. "I don't have the treatments here. Not for the diseases that could be treated anyway. I simply wanted to see how they would interact in her body."

"Why her?" Xal asked.

Lazhae shrugged. "I certainly wasn't about to use my children."

Xal fired.

"Thank you," Momi said. "Take the genetic samples to the Senate Tower on Coruscant. A researcher named Daru'da can clone the shanjaru- repopulate the species. It will be my dying legacy. Now, please, kill me. I don't want to live like this. The pain is horrible."

Xal took Lazhae's lab coat, opened the cage, and helped her out. "Your father can afford treatments to help you," he told her while he covered her with the coat. "Lazhae had more of those flying cages. We'll contact your friends. They'll get as close as they can, and I'll send you up. That way, you're not exposed for too long." He gave her the samples and opened one of the flying cages.

"Maybe you're right," she said. She climbed into the cage. "I'll... I'll try. Thank you."

"Captain Onoka," Ga'ram said. "We are so very impressed you survived Shadow Town. Congratulations."

Xal said, "I've always wondered, Ga'ram, do you hear voices?"

Ga'ram smiled. "We wish we had a credit for every time we heard that."

Xal shrugged. "Did the female shanjaru arrive?"

"The repulsorlift cage made a dramatic entrance during the twenty-seventh course," Ga'ram told him. "The Great Feastmaster was excessively delighted by his female specimen's return. As we assured you, his interest in your shanjaru is renewed. Drooga has already contacted your associate to arrange the details." He nodded toward Drooga's holoemitter.

"Our shanjaru will be there shortly, Drooga dear," Risha said.

"At last," Drooga said. "I have a matching set of shanjaru! The only surviving male and female of an entire species are all mine! I've sent your starship engine to the spaceport, beautiful Risha. Come; celebrate our deal!"

"Love to," Risha said. "But I need to install that prototype engine."

"Like hell!" Xal said. Risha turned around. "You will do nothing until I have examined that engine."

"Captain," Risha said. "I assure you-"

"I assure you," Xal said. "I will know better than you how to install it."

Risha sighed. "She's your ship, Captain."

Drooga said, "The next time you come to Nar Shaddaa, beautiful Risha, I'll expect you to dance with me."

"It's a date, Drooga," Risha said. "Captain, the engine will be here when you're ready. Risha out."

"She is far too good for you, Captain Onoka," Drooga said. "Ga'ram, bring the Wookiee!"

"Now what?" Xal asked.

"The Wookiee's final performance begins," Ga'ram told him.

"Final how?" Corso asked. "The Wookiee goes free?"

Ga'ram said, "If by 'free' you mean dead, then, yes."

Corso said, "That doesn't sound right."

"You have affection for the beast?" Ga'ram said. "Unfortunate. The gambler that owns him refuses to repay his debt to Drooga, so the Wookiee is now property of the Great Feastmaster."

"Gentlebeings!" Drooga called out. "Watch as the Wookiee becomes a meal for my pet gundark! I have been starving it just for this occasion!"

"Shit," Xal said. "How much to get Bowdaar off the hook?"

"Credits do not interest me, only drama!" Drooga said. "Prepare for death, mighty Bowdaar!"

"You liked the fight with the bounty hunter," Xal said. "Let me fight with him."

"What do I get?" Drooga asked.

Xal already knew the answer. "If Bowdaar dies, two loads of slaves."

"Five," Drooga said. "And no help from your companion. If you die, the beautiful Risha carries the slaves."

Xal sighed and nodded.

"Ga'ram!" Drooga said. "Release the gundark!"

By the end, Bowdaar had a broken arm and leg, and was bleeding from multiple cuts, but he was still alive. Xal had overcharged his blasters so many times, the barrels glowed, but it worked.

"A most excellent fight!" Drooga said. "The Wookiee is yours, Captain. Ga'ram! Where is the next course?"

Xal and Corso helped Bowdaar stand, and the Wookiee snarled a few curses when his broken leg touched the floor.

"Rhooohwarararc acoowhoorcc rooohu rac ra rrrcworaao wwrcahwowhwa," he said.

"Let's get you to a hospital," Xal said.

"Rhooohwarararc ahc wwrcwowo ooww aoacwo achuaoao," the Wookiee said. "Rooohu worarcwh Rhooohwarararc'c wwrcahwowhwacacahak rawhwa cworchoahoawo."

"Are you sure?" Xal said. "My life is full of trouble."

"Rhooohwarararc wawowwwowhwac rawhwa acoowhoorcc rooohu, wwrcahwowhwa," he said. "Raanohraroc."

Xal shrugged. "Welcome to the crew."

Azalie appeared as they neared the entrance to the pleasure barge. "Captain! That was the most wonderful thing I've ever seen!"

Right, Xal thought. "Corso, can you get Bowdaar to a hospital by yourself?"

"Of course, Captain," Corso replied. "Bowdaar, let's get you fixed up."

"Waoowoc aoacraao acraakakwowh ra anooao?" Bowdaar asked when they were out of earshot.

"Yes, it does," Corso replied.

"Miss Azalie," Xal said. "I've got some bruises that could use kissing."

She smiled. "We'll have to see what we can do about that."

Xal took her to a seemingly comfortable hotel and rented one of the best rooms. Azalie looked excited by the naughtiness of it.

"Father finished introducing me to Drooga," she said once they were in the lift. "I'm glad that formality is over. Drooga stared at me the whole time. Never said a word, only licked his lips. It made me so uncomfortable."

"He was picturing you as a slave," Xal told her.

Azalie shuddered. "He wouldn't... would he?"

"Not if he values your father's business."

Azalie nodded. "I suppose I shouldn't judge. He's a Hutt. It's what they do."

"Not just Hutts," Xal told her. "I'm sure plenty of people would love to see you in a collar."

"Captain!" Azalie said. "Not... not you. Right?"

"I'm a Twi'lek," Xal said. "I've seen enough slaves to last me."

"Yes," she said. "Of course."

When they reached the room, she slid into his arms and said, "Captain." Kiss. "Which bruises-" Kiss. "Should I start with?" Kiss. She smiled at him, waiting.

"Strip," Xal told her. She gasped and stepped back and nodded. He watched and waited while she undressed for him. Very pretty, Xal thought. It's too bad. When she was naked, he said, "Close your eyes. You'll know when to open them." She closed her eyes, and he moved to a control panel. He tapped a switch, and a hook lowered from the ceiling. He tapped another switch, and a panel opened, revealing a collection of toys. He took a coil of rope and tied a loop at one end. "Hold out your hands," he said to her. She paused, then, eyes still closed, held out her hands. Xal pulled the loop tight around her wrists and threw the rope over the hook. Azalie cried out and tried to pull away, but Xal lifted her by the rope and tied off the other end. "Now," he said. "I have a few questions."

"What are you doing?" she screamed.

Xal took a collar from the panel of toys and attached it to Azalie's neck. He held the control in front of her, his thumb on the shock button. "Who sent you?"

"Skavak!" Azalie said. "Fuck! He said you weren't like that."

"What else did he say?" Xal asked.

"Not much," she said. "I'll tell you everything. I mean it. Skavak's a decent fuck, but not enough for torture."

"I'm waiting," Xal said, his thumb still on the button.

"There's better stuff you can do with a naked girl."

"Answers."

"Right. Skavak said this would be fun," she told him. "Here's the deal, my father has me locked down pretty tight."

"Does he work with Drooga?"

"No," Azalie said. "Pramix, that slicer that unlocked the collar, he found out where you were going. Skavak said you'd chase any pretty girl. It'd be easy. And you were cute. You seemed like a decent guy. You actually protected me that one time. Anyway, I haven't done anything fun on Nar Shaddaa. You know, 'what happens on here, stays on here', but only if something actually happens." She nodded at the toys. "Give me some really dirty memories, Captain, and I'll tell you all of it."

Xal took a short, stiff whip from its hook. "Let's get started."

Two hours later, Azalie was tied to the bed, screaming another orgasm. Xal was about to grab another toy, when Azalie called out her safe word. Xal untied her, and she curled up on the bed, alternately gasping and wincing. "Fuck," she said. "Where did you learn that?"

"A Rattataki mercenary," Xal told her and wrapped himself around her. "She had some interesting hobbies."

"Thank her for me." She shuddered against him.

"So. Skavak."

She turned toward him. "We hooked up on Coruscant. I told him I had to go to Nar Shaddaa with my father. Maybe he could show me around. He said he had some big score. I guess you did something that pissed him off, and he contacted me. He told me it would be easy, I wouldn't have to hurt you, and I'd have fun." She laughed. "He got that part right." She grabbed her dress and took something from a hidden pocket. "Pramix told me to make sure this was on your ship."

Sounds like Risha did her job, Xal thought. "I'll find a good home for it." He put the tracker in his pocket. "What is it with Skavak?" Xal asked. "How does he get women to help him?"

"You never knew a bad boy?" Azalie asked.

"I grew up with one," Xal said. "But some are worse than others."

Azalie kissed him. "I like the good guys, sometimes. If you're ever on Coruscant, contact me. You can do that stuff to me again." She kissed him again. "Bring your Rattataki friend. She sounds like fun."

"She is," Xal said.

She turned away. "Are you going to kill Skavak?"

"One of us is dying," Xal told her.

"I hope it's him," she said. "You're not the type to come after me."

He kissed her neck. "You might want to leave Nar Shaddaa."

"I know." She grabbed her dress again, took her comm, and waited for it to connect. "Hi. No, not right now. Because I'm naked, that's why. A guy just did some really kinky shit to me. Look, some stuff has happened. I need to get back to Coruscant. No, I don't owe anyone money. I'm not that stupid. I've got a slicer after me. It's not that serious. Get Haxiu. He's way better than this guy. Yeah, I know. Tell him after I'm on the transport. Pick me up at this location. Right, twenty minutes. I'll be ready." She deactivated the comm and kissed Xal one more time. "Captain Xal, it's been nice fucking you, but I need to make myself presentable." She climbed out of bed with a moan and more wincing. "Don't worry, I'll cover the bill." She went to the bathroom to shower.

She didn't want to kill him, Xal thought. That's always a good sign. He got dressed and left.

"Miss Azalie?" Corso asked Xal.

"We worked it out," Xal replied. "She's on her way back to Coruscant. How is Bowdaar?"

"Resting," Risha said. "After much complaining. The doctor said he would be fine in a few days. Would you like to see your new engine?"

"I cannot wait," Xal said.

They went to the security hold of the berth, and Risha unlocked the doors.

"Well?" she said.

Xal whistled and circled the engine twice. "Risha, you have just earned my respect. I figured they would upscale an interceptor engine, but that is not what they did. They upscaled a gunship engine."

Corso said, "Are those the sniper fighters?"

"They are indeed," Xal said. "Gunship engines are designed to maintain target lock under the severe recoil of railgun. This engine will maintain course lock in the gravitational shear near a black hole." He smiled at Risha. "And I know just what we need to install it."

"Welcome to Sheg's," Xal said as they entered the massive warehouse. "One of the best shops for ship parts on Nar Shaddaa. They have a little of everything, and most of it is legally acquired."

"That is impressive," Risha replied. "What do we need first?"

"Support struts," Xal said. "This way." They reached the structural section, and Xal pointed them to a line of metal beams. "What we have here are support struts for a capital ship docking collar. They are made of the exact same material as the engine struts on a gunship."

Risha said, "So they have some spring to them."

"Exactly," Xal said.

"I hate to admit it, Captain," Risha said. "I really, really do, but your obsessive-compulsive attitude toward your ship is occasionally valuable."

"Miss Risha," Xal said. "That was almost a compliment." They ordered the parts they needed from a service droid and moved to the next section. "We will need eight 831-D control modules, and fourteen JK-6461 fuel injectors."

"I'll take the control modules," Risha said.

"If they are out or low on stock," Xal said. "You are allowed to upgrade, just make sure-"

"All eight are the same type," Risha finished. "I know."

After an hour of shopping, they had nearly everything they needed and met up at the front desk.

"Xal!" a pudgy Nautolan said and looked over their order. "Did someone tear out your engine?"

"I am installing a special upgrade," Xal told him.

The Nautolan looked at Risha. "Is she part of the upgrade?"

"She is paying for the upgrade," Risha said. "That's all you need to know."

"I like her," the Nautolan said with a smile. "Junjay!" A human worker walked over. "Get Captain Xal what he needs."

Junjay nodded. "Sure... sure thing. Cap... Captain, um, r-ready?" He spoke in a tired voice, his eyes half shut. Corso and Risha shared a look.

"Not yet," Xal said. "You moved the circuit adapters. Where might I find them?"

"Uh, section... section three besh, next to the power... um-"

"Power converters," Xal finished.

Junjay nodded. "Power converters."

They ordered their final parts and returned to pay. The bill was sizable, but less severe than Risha expected. The Captain could have demanded the best of everything, insead he ordered exactly what he needed and no more. He had some good moments, but she'd never admit it to him.

Once they were back in the speeder, Corso said, "Is that fellow okay?"

"He's on an ixetal derivative," Xal said.

Risha said, "You mean he's using death sticks."

"No, I don't," Xal said. "He is on a prescription."

"What's he got that would need that?" Corso asked.

Xal sighed. "Ixtetal is a barbiturate that targets the area of the brain that controls Force Sensitivity."

"He's Force Sensitive?" Risha said.

"Yes," Xal replied. "Some people don't like the obligation that comes with it, or the voices in your head, or the visions, or the consequences."

Risha let him seeth for a moment. "You hate them, don't you?"

"I do not hate them," Xal snapped. "I respect the Jedi and everything they do, and I would trust Agenord and Kriranda with my life, my money, and my ship. But my family has had a long history with the Jedi, not all of it good. Junjay is making a choice, and I respect that choice. That's all."

After a while, Corso said, "Why don't people make weapons out of that stuff?"

"They do," Xal said. "It's a barbiturate. Force Sensitives carry a stimulant that will counteract it."

"Do they use that all the time?" Risha asked.

"It can make you hyperfocus," Xal said. "Not always good in battle. But it's used by precognitives a lot."

"You sure know a lot about Jedi, Captain," Corso said.

"Cyr'rnin never gave us much choice," Xal said. "I can hardly remember a meal where she wasn't spouting something."

"Who was that girl, by the way?" Risha asked.

"Azalie," Xal said. "A rich girl Skavak met on Coruscant. She told him she had to come to Nar Shaddaa with her father. When you pulled the last of Skavak's trackers, he got desperate and asked her for a favor. He hoped I'd be too interested in a pretty girl to notice anything else. He was wrong. Azalie and I had a conversation. She has given up on Skavak and gone home."

"Glad to hear it, Captain," Risha said.

"Where to next?" Xals asked.

"Tatooine," Risha said. "That's where you'll really earn your pay."

When they reached the Visitor, they found spaceport security swarming over the new equipment. The Zabrak in charge walked over to Xal once the speeder landed.

"Captain Xaldiba," Regrita said. She slapped Xal hard then kissed him. "I couldn't walk for two days, but I consider myself paid in full."

"And this?" Xal asked, nodding at the security team.

"I still have a job to do," Regrita said. "But, we haven't found anything dangerously illegal so far. Some of it's not even stolen. We won't hold you up for too long." She returned to her team.

Risha said, "Friend of yours, Captain?"

Xal shrugged. "Some bribes are better than others."

Corso asked, "When did you have the time, Captain?"

"I know we've been busy," Xal said. "But we've actually been on Nar Shaddaa for a while."

"Oh, yeah," Corso said. "This place really does that to you."

"That can't be said of Tatooine," Xal told him. "You will remember every minute of it. Now, let's get the old engine disconnected. I want to see what this new engine can do."