Crysta found Mako and Gault in Ter'viro's room. Ter'viro was half-dressed and pulling on his shirt slowly. He seemed fine otherwise.

"You saw the grenade and jumped on top of her?" Gault said to Ter'viro.

"Yeah."

"Just like that?"

"Yeah."

"It takes a lot to do something like that," Gault said.

"A lot of stupid is what it takes!" Mako said. "I never asked you to do that! What were you thinking? Don't answer that! I don't care! What is wrong with you? Don't answer that either! I still can't believe you did that! I'm always telling you not to do that, but do you listen? No! You never listen! I am so sick of this! I'm your partner! Show me some respect! That's what Mau'te said, but you won't listen to him either, will you? I can't even look at you right now! Crysta! Maybe you can talk some sense into him. I know I can't."

"Still no idea who did this?" Crysta said.

"No," Ter'viro said.

"It wasn't Tarro Blood," Crysta told him. "He'd have gloated about it from the beginning. Were they really your sisters, Mako?"

"They were family," Mako replied.

"Unfortunately," Crysta said. "The Hunt does not make allowances for that. I will understand if you want to drop out."

"No," Ter'viro said. "We owe Braden. And Tarro Blood."

"I'm supposed to say that," Mako said. "You're right, but I'm supposed to say it. And, thank you. For saying that. But not the grenade. Don't do that again. Crysta, where do we go?"

"Alderaan," Crysta said. "Your target is a nobleman nicknamed 'The Durasteel Duke,' on account of his knack for stayin' alive. Over a thousand assassins have come and gone tryin' to put the duke to bed. He was last seen with House Girard, they're guests of House Thul, so that's a good place to start looking. And, Ter'viro, in spite of Mako's considerable ire, I am pleased with what you did. I have seen far too many hunters who would backstab anyone and everyone. I am very pleased to be working with a hunter I can respect."

"Thank you," Ter'viro said.

Mako scowled at Crysta. "You're supposed to stop him from doing that!"

Crysta sighed. "Mako, honey, you need to have a long talk with that Vette. I'm sure she'll help."

"How?" Mako asked.

Crysta smiled. "Don't you worry. She'll help. Now get going."

As they landed on Alderaan, Mako surveyed the snowy terrain and sighed. "I've always heard how beautiful Alderaan's supposed to be. Figures we're going to see it in the middle of a war."

Gault shrugged. "In light of Mako's wounded expectations, I'd be happy to accompany you in her stead. There's a lot of 'old money' on Alderaan that could be a lot of 'our money' if we play our cards right."

"Have you been here before?" Ter'viro asked.

"I've dropped a couple dozen aliases here and there," Gault replied.

"I'll take both of you," Ter'viro said. "No reason to thin the group."

Mako said, "At least it'll still be pretty in the holos."

Ter'viro said, "After the hunt, I'll take you on vacation."

"Really?" Mako said. "You mean that?"

"Of course," Ter'viro replied and put a hand on her shoulder. "You've earned it."

"Oh," Mako said, her stomach twisting every which way it could. "Thanks. That means a lot."

"Let's go," he said.

Gault said, "Do you want us to do the talking?"

"Why?" Ter'viro said.

"We actually talk."

"No. It's gotta be me."

Gault shrugged.

"Sir!" the Twovee droid said. "In anticipation of your meeting with the Alderaan nobility, I polished your best armor."

"I only have one set."

"Well, it's polished, master. So is Miss Mako's. Mister Gault preferred to polish his own."

"You didn't need to say it like that," Gault replied.

"Of course, sir!" Twovee said.

"It is extra shiny," Mako said as they left the spaceport.

Ter'viro shrugged.

"I know," Mako replied. "But the nobles will care."

"Care about what?" someone said. They turned and found Vette. Mako called out and hugged her friend. "So?" Vette asked.

"Shiny armor," Mako told her. "Why are you here?"

"Sith stuff," Vette said.

"I mean here here," Mako replied.

"You're not the only one who can search," Vette told her. "Weird that we're always on the same planet, but I'm okay with it." She looked at Ter'viro. "Mau'te said 'Don't die.'"

"Did you hear that?" Mako said. "You should listen to that." Ter'viro shrugged. "Will you stop saying that? Anyway." She turned to Vette. "We've got the Hunt, so we have to go."

"Two more targets," Vette said.

"I know," Mako said. "Don't jinx us. Talk later?"

"Definitely," Vette said. She sighed at Ter'viro and left.

Two guards stopped them at the entrance to House Girard, demanding to know their business.

"Here to see the Baron," Ter'viro said.

"The new bounty hunter," one guard said to the other. "The first one didn't last very long," he told Ter'viro.

"That could have been our competition," Mako said. "Might've caught a lucky break."

"Okay," the second guard said. "You're clear to go."

They entered the main hall, clearly out of place at the party, and scanned the room.

Mako said, "I don't see him."

Gault said, "The guards gave him the message."

A nobleman nearby snorted in Ter'viro's direction and said, "Abominable." Ter'viro scowled at him.

A noblewoman told Ter'viro, "Please ignore him."

"I don't need you to apologize for me, Aitalla," the nobleman said. "Especially not to this roughneck."

"You could do better," Ter'viro said to Aitalla.

"Could I now?" she replied with a hint of interest.

"Aitalla, please," the man said. "You don't need to drag our family's name through the mud." He turned to Ter'viro. "You must leave. Now. And use the servant's exit. People would talk if they saw someone of your ilk here."

"Hey!," Mako said. "Listen here, you crusty old coot, his name is Ter'viro Onoka, and his family has a better reputation than yours. Vicebaron Heitor Girard, right? They had five decorated heroes in the last war, two of them Jedi. You've had nothing. You stayed on Alderaan, safe and secure."

"Are you going to take that, Heitor?" another nobleman said.

"It's armed and armored," Heitor said. "Let's be-"

Ter'viro pulled Heitor up by the collar and said, "'It's' right here."

"Aitalla!" Heitor said. "Summon the guards!"

"Don't," a new nobleman said. "Forgive my relations, they have a low threshold for impropriety."

"The impropriety was his," Ter'viro said and let go of Heitor.

"I've no doubt. Baron Zacar Girard, your new employer."

Heitor said, "You aren't seriously considering dealing with this thug?"

"Uncle, I have the situation well in hand. Return to the festivities. This is not a request." He turned back to Ter'viro. "Please wait in my office. I'll be right with you."

Once in the office, Ter'viro said to Gault, "Was that some kind of test?"

Gault replied, "No, I think Heitor was genuinely an ass."

"Mako," Ter'viro said. "You don't need to talk about my family."

"But... they're... you know," she said.

Ter'viro shrugged.

Mako said, "Fine. If you say so."

The Baron arrived, smiled, and said, "I'm afraid the duke and his sister left House Girard some time ago under... unpleasant circumstances. House Girard now has a vested interest in finding the duke and having him meet an unpleasant end."

"Sheesh," Mako said. "Politics."

"Yes," the Baron replied. "Diplomacy isn't always diplomatic. But I do apologize for my uncle. He's one of the least diplomatic I know. As I was saying, a minor noble claims to have a lead on the duke. However, he insists on meeting in person-which I'm not willing to do. Instead, I will employ you."

"You're expecting a double-cross?" Ter'viro asked.

"It's possible," the Baron said. "Either way, I'm certainly not going out in that war zone, and none of my relatives can be trusted. I can't expect you to navigate the intricacies of our society, but I can give you the authority to negotiate on my behalf. From this point on, you will act as House Girard's advocate." He stood a little straighter. "I, Baron Zacar Girard, do hereby bequeath my voice and my seal to this proxy."

Ter'viro replied, "I accept the honor and swear to carry your authority in a manner befitting House Girard."

Mako and Gault stared, and the Baron said, "How did you know the response?"

"Mandatory military service on Ryloth," Ter'viro replied. "It included diplomatic training."

"A man of many talents," the Baron said. "Did you really have two Jedi in your family?"

"We've had a lot of Jedi. It runs in my family."

"Oh," the Baron said. "One of those families."

"None recently, right?" Gault said.

"Got three Jedi cousins," Ter'viro said.

Gault's eyes opened wide. "I've got to do a better job vetting my employers."

The Baron continued, "It is customary for information to be double-encrypted in these transactions, so Lord Malfus must enter his half of the key before you take the data. I'll let Malfus know you'll arrive at his encampment soon. Be on your best behavior."

Once they were back at the speeder, Ter'viro said, "Why do people want this guy?"

"In a nutshell," Mako said. "When the queen of Alderaan died a few years ago, the head of the military declared himself king. That didn't go over so well, now the three largest houses are fighting over the crown. General Bouris Ulgo is the guy who declared himself king, and his house controls most of Alderaan's former military. House Organa and House Thul are Ulgo's only real opposition, but they're at each other's throats too. Organa wants Alderaan back in the Republic, and Thul came back from exile with the help of the Empire."

"Doesn't explain the duke," Ter'viro siad.

"I'll field that one," Gault replied. "House Corwin is very old and very respected. Plenty of smaller houses respect the name. From what I understand, the current duke takes the responsibility seriously. The house he aligns with will gain a lot of support."

"Balance of power," Ter'viro said. "Got it."

Vette emerged from the shadows near the entrance to House Girard after the speeder was gone. She ran to House Thul and located Mau'te and Quinn. "Tracker's in place," she told them.

"Captain?" Mau'te asked.

Quinn looked over the scanner and said, "Nothing significant in the area."

"I'm sure they'll find something better eventually," Mau'te replied.

"When do we tell her?" Vette asked.

"That depends on Captain Quinn's assessment."

"Any ideas at all?" Vette asked Quinn.

"A bounty hunter on the Great Hunt was attacked on Dromund Kaas," Quinn said. "It should be nothing, but my sources tell me the details are missing. Not top secret. Gone."

"Great," Vette said, more worried than before.

"Don't worry, Vette," Mau'te said. "Ter'viro will stop at nothing to keep her safe."

She chuckled. "That I believe."

"Stop right where you are," Lord Malfus said. "You have no rank here. Etiquette dictates that no one below my rank is permitted within ten paces of my person without my express consent."

"Is he serious?" Mako asked.

Gault said, "Used to be five paces. I suppose the war is making people jumpy."

"You?" Malfus said, looking over Ter'viro. "You are the advocate of House Girard? Outrageous! I would not trust the likes of you to scrub my sewage, let alone deliver vital correspondence." A couple of Malfus' guards raised their eyebrows, desperate to comment but not allowed to.

Ter'viro said, "You're wasting my time."

Malfus raised himself up as best he could and said, "Honor dictates this message must stay in my care until I give it to someone of rank, not a trained thranta. Look, I have here tokens of respect for my peers. A mission for a page. Deliver them and earn a ten-year-old's honor. Then I can speak to you."

Ter'viro examined the tokens and said, "You have spoken disrespectfully to the appointed advocate of an allied house, an act that demands expiation. I carry the voice and seal of Baron Zacar Girard and demand trial by combat without proxy. Name your weapon."

Malfus' eyes widened. He looked at his men, but they shrugged in response. Malfus considered his options and said, "I shall enter my half of the security key. You may take this message to Baron Zacar with my... fond regards. May we never meet again."

Ter'viro took the message with a nod of respect.

Back at the speeder, Mako said, "I feel cheated somehow. Like there should have been more."

"Got what we came for," Ter'viro said.

"It is clear that you have plans in motion, nephew," Heitor said to Zacar. "Ah, your newest lackey. Tell me," he said to Ter'viro. "Did my nephew mention that he already hired a bounty hunter... and got him promptly killed?"

"A guard mentioned it," Ter'viro said. "No one said the job was easy."

The Baron said, "If you would please excuse yourself, uncle, I have business with my advocate."

"Advocate?" Heitor said. "He threatened Malfus!"

"Challenged him to trial by combat," Ter'viro corrected.

"As my advocate, he has that right," Zacar said. "And I'm sure Malfus deserved it." He motioned toward the door. Heitor snorted and left. Zacar read over Malfus' message, nodding a few times. "Very good," he said at last. "According to this, Duke Corwin is in negotiations with our enemy, House Organa. They're placing messages in phony relics at House Alde's Royal Museum for later retrieval. Duke Corwin's placed an imposter relic in the museum recently; you'll have to forcibly enter House Alde and find it."

"Why forcibly?" Ter'viro asked.

"House Alde is a vassal house of Organa," Zacar replied. "They are at war with us as much as anyone else. And use extreme caution. The museum holds priceless cultural treasures. Nobody wants to be responsible for destroying that heritage."

"Got it," Ter'viro said.

"I'll look forward to hearing of your success," the baron told him.

As they neared House Alde, they saw Vette on the side of the road, waving them over.

"Mau'te sensed you," she told them. "We wanted to ask you something. Mako, could you slice Alde security and find us the best route to where we need to go?"

"Maybe," Mako said. "If I had a place to slice in, but why are you here?"

"Alde is very popular these days," Mau'te said.

Ter'viro thought for a moment and said, "Mako, could you slice into the museum security recordings and find the phony relic?"

"Probably," Mako said and searched a map of the estate. "That security tower, but it has droid sentries."

Mau'te searched the tower with macrobinoculars. "Three of them. We need to take them out simultaneously. Quinn, Vette, Ter'viro, can the three of you manage it?"

"I believe so, sir," Quinn replied.

Vette asked, "What about the Hunt?"

Mau'te said, "We are hiring Ter'viro as an independent contractor. He is assisting us, not the other way around."

"Good enough for me," Vette said.

"Captain, you will call the shot," Mau'te said.

"Just a minute," Ter'viro said. He took out a sample bag, clipped some leaves from a bush, and stowed the bag in the landspeeder. "Good for pain reduction stims."

"That whole botany thing is real?" Gault asked. Ter'viro shrugged. "Will wonders never cease?"

They reached cover near the tower, took their positions, aimed, and waited. Quinn signaled, and they fired. The droids dropped, and Mako rushed in and deactivated the alarm. She wired her implant to the security network and said, "What are we looking for?"

"Security recordings of the museum," Ter'viro said.

"And look for anything inconsistent," Mako said. "I'm on it."

Mau'te said, "Find us a clear path in, if you can."

Gault said, "I still don't know how she can do that much that easily."

Ter'viro shrugged.

"I've identified the fake relic," Mako said. "Some of the security recordings for the museum have been deleted. No, footage across the estate has been deleted for the same time periods. I'll look for any- oh! It only happens when the curator is not in that part of the museum."

"Contact him," Ter'viro said. "Maybe he'll help."

"Just a minute," Mako said. "There. Hi! Nice to meet you. My name is Mako. We need something from one of your relics. Huh? I found your personal records. No, not all of them. No, but I can look if you want- Oh. Then, no, I won't. Anyway, my friends and I need something from- What? I'm calling from nearby. You don't want to know more than that. Because, we're bounty hunters. No, not you. Well, because our employer told us not to damage anything. No, I can't tell you that. Sheesh. We don't want to go in if we don't have to. Because, it could get messy. Stuff happens. Like I was saying, we need a message from the memorial vase. It got replaced with a fake. Not the message, the vase. Sorry, but it is. Fine, go ahead. Told you. I don't know. Whoever put the message there. Just hold it up to the camera. No, the message. Them? Don't worry, I have their feed on a loop. No, it's possible, you just need to know how. Really? Talk to your security guys, because it wasn't tough at all. What? Put the message back, I guess. I'll delete the recording. No one will know you did anything. Because, it's that or we go in. Right. That's all we need. Got it, and thank you." She disconnected and said, "We're good to go." She displayed a map of the estate. "I was able to redirect some of the guards, so this is your way in, but you don't have a lot of time."

Mau'te said, "We'll put it to good use."

After Ter'viro, Mako, and Gault left, Quinn said, "Imperial Intelligence has some of the best slicers in the galaxy, but only a handful of them could have done what she did as easily."

"Watch your sources carefully," Mau'te said. "I believe we all have targets on our backs now."

"Of course, sir."

When they returned to House Girard, they found Lady Aitalla in an argument with a nobleman.

"Accept your hand?" she said. "I'd sooner thrust my fist into a thresher."

"I thought this had already been arranged," the nobleman replied.

"Advocate," Aitalla said to Ter'viro. "Be so kind as to remove this thing from my presence."

The nobleman looked at Ter'viro. "You would have this thug manhandle me?"

"He's manhandled me more than once," Aitalla said, and Mako glared at her. "I suspect he'll be less gentle with you."

"You, and he?" the nobleman said. "You subjected yourself to him?"

"I'm a woman of nobility," Lady Aitalla said. "Of course I enjoy the occasional ravishing." She said to Ter'viro, "Advocate, now that you've returned, we can continue where we left off."

Mako looked back and forth between Aitalla and Ter'viro.

"Very well," the nobleman said. "But, the Baron will hear of this." He turned and left.

"Are you about done, princess?" Ter'viro asked.

"I am not a princess," she replied. "The nerve of Zacar, and my father! Treating me like some insipid... simpering... urgh! How many more of these absurd marriage proposals must I endure?"

"No ravishing, then?" he asked.

"With you?" Aitalla said. "Look at you, those muscles, those scars, that rough demeanor. Of course, I want a ravishing. Right this way."

"Oh," Mako said. "Okay, I'll just be in a cantina... watching the Great Hunt slip through our fingers." She left before Gault could respond.

Vette read the text again. Can you believe that? I can't. Do you know what he did? Don't even ask. That's how bad it is. The nerve of him. Ravishing! What is that about? Don't ask. Honestly, I don't know what I'm supposed to do with him. Do you? No, he wouldn't listen to you either. Does he listen to anyone? No. Lady whatshername maybe. Probably not. We're on the Hunt! Does he care? No. We have a guy to get. Can we get him? No, we can't. I'm going to the cantina. If you want to, join me. Please. This is Mako, by the way.

Vette scanned the cantina nearest House Thul and spotted Kaliyo. "Did Mako come in here?" Vette asked.

"She's here," Kaliyo said. "She's in the bathroom talking Rattataki."

"What did she say?" Vette asked.

"'How do I get to the spaceport?'"

Vette groaned and headed toward the bathroom. Kaliyo followed. They found Mako in a corner repeating more phrases. "Mako," Vette said. "How many times did Taunt and I tell you? You can't just sit in bathrooms learning languages."

"Rattataki has some interesting dialects," Mako said. She asked Kaliyo, "How was my pronunciation?"

"A little high-toned," Kaliyo replied. Mako shrugged.

"What happened?" Vette asked.

"Some noblewoman," Mako said. "Wanted a ravishing." Mako sighed. "Why does he do stuff like that?"

"You won't fuck him," Kaliyo said.

"That's not helping," Vette told her.

"You know that's it," Kaliyo replied.

"Yes," Vette said. "But it's not helping."

"Stupid noblewoman," Mako said. "Stupid Lady of Pain."

"On Tatooine?" Kaliyo asked.

Mako said, "Do you know her?"

Kaliyo shook her head. "People tell me I look like her."

"Yeah, you do," Mako said. "But that's not the point. Why does he do that?"

Vette glared at Kaliyo. Kaliyo rolled her eyes but stayed silent.

"You told him you two couldn't date during the Hunt," Vette said.

"I know," Mako replied. "I'm not doing stuff like that."

"Do you want us to get you laid?" Kaliyo asked. "What? It's a legitimate question." Vette scowled at her. "Fine. I'm going to find some guys. You can join us or stay here." She left without waiting for an answer.

Vette sighed. "After the Hunt, tell him how you feel."

Mako said, "What if he doesn't like me?"

Vette blinked. "He jumped in front of a grenade!"

"Oh, yeah. That was pretty good."

"Mako, I love you, but, seriously, use him or lose him." Mako nodded. "Promise me you tell him everything." Mako nodded again, and Vette hugged her.

"Why did Mau'te want me to slice something? He didn't need help getting into the estate."

"He's worried about the attack," Vette said. "He never believed the stories I told about you. Now he does."

"It's bad, isn't it?"

Vette thought about what to say then hugged Mako harder.

Mako sat in the back of the speeder and glared at nothing. "Where are we going?" she said after a while.

"House Rist," Gault said from the front seat.

"Right," Mako said. "Who are they?"

"Assassins," Gault replied.

"Right," Mako said. "Assassins."

Ter'viro stopped the speeder and turned around. "Will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine," she said. "Don't worry about me. And don't jump in front of me! I'm sick of that. Where are these assassins? I'm ready to fight. Are you ready to fight? I am."

Gault said, "According to the Baron, these assassins are the real deal. You need your head on straight."

"My head's fine!" she said then calmed down a little. "Don't worry, I'll get it together. Let's go." Ter'viro nodded and turned back to the road.

When they reached the long stairway at the entrance to House Rist, Mako said, "House Rist is certainly making a statement with this walkway. I don't know what it is, but they're making it."

They didn't meet any resistance at the bottom of the stairs but remained cautious. A third of the way up, they found the first body. Several more were scattered nearby.

"I've never seen blaster damage like that," Gault said.

"Lightsaber," Ter'viro replied.

"Mau'te?" Mako asked.

Ter'viro shook his head. "Blade's too thin. Someone smaller. Probably don't want us."

"Probably?" Gault said.

"If we don't get in their way," Ter'viro said. "Let's go."

At the top of the stairs, they found soldiers investigating another group of corpses. The soldiers attacked and called for backup. Ter'viro, Mako, and Gault dove for cover and fired back. House Rist deserved its reputation. They were the best Ter'viro had faced so far. Two of the Rist soldiers died quickly but the other two put up a serious fight, and more were on the way.

Gault said, "We need to pull back and regroup. We weren't ready for this."

He was right, but the Hunt wasn't supposed to be easy. Ter'viro killed a third soldier just as a shuttle took off from one of the upper platforms, headed west. Gault killed the last soldier, and Ter'viro said, "Mako, where is that shuttle headed?"

"Now?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Accessing satellites, tracking, possible destinations along that route... Castle Organa or Castle Ulgo."

"Organa," Ter'viro said. "That was Corwin."

Gault said, "You couldn't possibly know that."

Ter'viro said, "Rist and Organa aren't allies."

"He's right," Mako told Gault.

"Still," Gault said. "Let's check with the Baron."

"Not here," Ter'viro said. "Reinforcements."

"Right," Gault said. "And we'll have to fight our way back. That's just wonderful."

Once they were back at the speeder, Ter'viro contacted Baron Girard.

"Advocate! Did you find him?"

"Not yet," Ter'viro said. "Saw a shuttle headed toward Castle Organa."

"Or Ulgo," Mako added.

"Not Ulgo," The Baron said. "Not from Rist. The message was Organa house tongue. You think he fled?"

"Makes sense," Ter'viro said.

Girard said, "Strange of Corwin to run from a bounty hunter."

"Not me," Ter'viro said. "Someone was ahead of us. Someone with a lightsaber."

"Oh," Girard replied. "Sith most likely, if Corwin's fled to Organa. The Jedi have an Enclave there."

"We saw the shuttle," Ter'viro said. "Not who was in it."

Girard nodded. "You wanted to verify your suspicions. Three months ago, I'd have said you were wrong. He'd never run. Even from a Sith. But, as the conflict has escalated, he's become more cautious. I trust your instincts, advocate. Duke Corwin fled to Castle Organa." Ter'viro thanked him and disconnected.

"So," Mako said. "Castle Organa?"

"Jedi," Ter'viro answered. "We'll have to set our weapons to stun."

"You're joking, right?" Gault said. He looked at Mako. "Tell me he's joking."

Ter'viro shook his head. "My sister would get upset."

"Why are we worried about your sister?" Gault asked.

"Republic Special Forces," Ter'viro said. "Head of Havoc Squad."

Gault blinked. "Do you have any normal relatives?"

"My brother's a smuggler."

"And that's it? Leave me off of your holiday guest list."

Ter'viro shrugged.

An hour later, they were in the mountains flanking Castle Organa, searching for the best route in. Mako opened a satellite map and scanned for movement.

"Shuttle landed here," she said. "Nearest building is here. Looks like a guest house. I think the Enclave is here, but I'm not sure. This route is rough, but it has the fewest troops."

Ter'viro nodded. "Direct attack, they swarm us. We get the Duke, they swarm us. Fake shuttle would be shot down."

Mako said, "Grab the Duke and steal the shuttle? Take him back alive?"

"Might work," Ter'viro said. "Wait for nightfall?" Gault and Mako agreed, and they settled in and waited.

After a while, Mako said to Ter'viro, "What's with the weird look?"

"Haven't done much," he replied. "On Alderaan."

"What do you mean?" she said.

"Shouldn't be this easy."

"Oh," she said. "Yeah. You think someone is helping us?"

He watched her for a while and said, "Not us."

"Oh," she replied.

They had to stun a few guards once they were inside the perimeter, but they managed to avoid any Jedi. The shuttle was parked on top of one of the main buildings. When they reached a side door, Gault said, "Medbay?"

Mako shrugged. "Maybe that Sith Lord injured him."

"Maybe," Ter'viro said.

They fought their way through more security than one would expect in the average hospital, including armed nurses and doctors. They reached the highest security area, and Mako opened the highest security door. Duke Corwin stood at the other end of the room and raised his hands at the sight of them.

"Wait!" he cried. "Don't shoot! I'm not who you think I am! Look! See?" The Duke deactivated a holodisguise, revealing a frightened woman in the colors of House Corwin.

Ter'viro looked at the obviously dead body in the kolto tank behind her. "Is that him?"

"It is indeed," a woman said. She entered the room with a large contingent of Organa guards. "It's okay, Muriel, there is no point maintaining this farce any longer."

Mako said, "Whoa, that's a lot of guys."

"Don't be alarmed," the woman said. "I am Duchess Vala Organa."

"Ma'am," the guard captain said, raising his weapon.

"Hold your fire," she told him and turned to Ter'viro. "Why did you stun everyone?"

"Didn't want to upset my sister."

"Your sister?" she asked.

"Lieutenant Cyr'rnin Onoka."

"Oh!" She looked him up and down. "I guess that runs in the family."

"How did he die?" Ter'viro asked.

"An infiltrator," Muriel said. "Someone he thought was loyal."

The Duchess said, "Duke Corwin promised he'd rally nobles loyal to him to Organa's side, but his death complicated matters. Lady Corwin agreed to help us and her... strong family resemblance, allowed her to make a convincing double for her brother. But, we can't maintain the deception indefinitely." She considered him carefully. "Why do you want him?"

"Great Hunt," Ter'viro said.

The Duchess looked at her guard captain. "A bounty hunter contest, ma'am," he told her. "To find the best in the galaxy."

"Very well," she said. "Give us three days," she told Ter'viro. "To conclude the negotiations. After that, the Duke is yours."

"I can do that," Ter'viro said.

Gault said, "If a small fee is included."

"Your advocate?" Vala asked.

Ter'viro shook his head. "Just greedy."

"I prefer 'opportunistic'," Gault corrected.

"Fine," the Duchess said. "A nominal fee. Anything else?"

Muriel said, "You... you make sure he gets a proper burial."

Ter'viro told her, "The family can request the body after the bounty is confirmed."

She nodded a thank-you.

"Infiltrator, huh?" Gault said once they were back at the speeder.

"Don't like it," Ter'viro said. "Too easy."

"I know," Gault said. "The timing is too convenient."

At house Girard, they found the Baron dead. Heitor, Aitalla, and Raffid around the body. Girard security surrounded them.

"This is a new low, Raffid," Heitor said.

"You're accusing me?" Raffid replied. "If anyone-"

"Gentlemen," Atalla said. "Compose yourselves. Our esteemed guest has returned."

Heitor said, "We are busy, bounty hunter, and as you can see, Baron Zacar is otherwise indisposed."

"Sir," a servant said to Ter'viro. "The Baron's payment." He gave Ter'viro a transfer card.

"How?" Ter'viro asked, nodding at the Baron's body.

"My nephew was done in by a poisoned glass of wine," Heitor replied. "Obviously his overambitious progeny's doing."

Raffid laughed. "I'm ambitious now? Why, uncle, stooping to compliments to slander me."

"The baron has no further need of your services, bounty hunter," Heitor said. "I have to assume the burden of managing my nephew's estate."

Raffid said, "As the baron's only son, I have first claim to succession, Heitor."

The Vicebaron shook his head. "Your claim was forfeit the moment you killed your father. As regent, the title passes to me."

Aitall said, "Actually, Father, the baron passed his authority to our advocate. Legally, the bounty hunter could name the new head of House Girard."

"Where's the glass?" Ter'viro asked. A security technician brought the glass to him. Ter'viro closed his eyes and sniffed the glass. After a moment, he said, "House Rist. The poison is too complex for an amateur."

With reluctance, Heitor said, "That is a reasonable theory. Very well, advocate, who do you choose?"

"Aitalla."

"What?" Raffid said. "You can't!"

"My daughter?" Heitor said. "Because she took you to her bed?"

Ter'viro said, "Because she's not an asshole." Several guards held back laughter.

"Father," Aitalla said. "I shan't have need of your counsel as vicebaron. Raffid, rein yourself in, or you will be banished. Captain, Baron Zacar must be avenged. Find who did it. And, champion, I'd like to reward you for the great service you've done me today."

"Your hip okay?" Ter'viro asked.

"More than enough to survive you again. Shall we retire?" They left.

Gault said to Mako, "We do have three days to kill."

She scowled at him. "I'm going to the cantina."

Vette found Mako in a corner of the bathroom learning Devaronian.

"Stupid noble lady," Mako said.

"If you told him-"

"He'd quit the Hunt!" Mako said. "I'd have to tell him everything, and he'd quit the Hunt. And I want to finish the Hunt, for Braden and for me. And for Ter'viro. Because... because he's that good. And... and I want to see him win. I want to be there when he wins."

Vette watched Mako for a moment. "Tell him, or I will."

"What? You can't! I mean, you can, but you can't. That's not fair! Okay, maybe it is fair, but it's not right. Why would you do that? All right, I know why you would do that. But still!"

"Taunt and Braden."

"What?! Why would you bring that up? All right, yes, I know why, but that was... a very accurate analogy but... fine. I'll tell him. After the Hunt."

"The Durasteel Duke... confirmed," the Huntmaster Assistant said from the ship's holo. "Guess he wasn't blasterproof after all. You're clear to move on."

"Any word on our rival?" Mako asked.

"It's been confirmed that Iri-Do Sahn was disqualified in his sleep weeks ago. Guess he got sloppy. Welcome to the final round, Hunter Onoka. Contact your handler when you're ready to proceed. Good hunting." Ter'viro nodded, and the Huntmaster Assistant disconnected.

Mako let out a squeal. "I can't tell if I'm excited or terrified!" Ter'viro gave her a quick smile. "What? What was that?"

"I like it when you're happy," he told her.

"Oh. Well. We have a lot to be happy about." She looked at the holoemitter. "Someone's trying to get through. What do you bet it's Crysta waiting to talk our ears off?"

Instead, an unknown Mandalorian appeared. "Greetings. My name is Hedarr Soongh." Mako and Gault gasped. "Long ago, I was a Great Hunt Champion. I know who you are, Hunter Onoka. I know you have made an enemy of Tarro Blood. Even now, Tarro's comrades head to Nar Shaddaa to discuss ways to eliminate you from the Great Hunt. I am contacting you now to warn you of them."

"Why are you telling me this?" Ter'viro asked.

Hedarr said, "These Mandalorians chose not to participate in this Great Hunt so that Tarro would have a clear shot at victory. This was a dishonorable act, unworthy of our traditions. I wish to see the integrity of the Great Hunt and our traditions preserved. Besides, Tarro robbed you of your allies in this competition, it seems only fitting that you return the favor."

"No," Ter'viro said. "There's more."

Hedarr smiled. "This is not the first Hunt to bother me. Targets have become more political. Or military. Clans that should have entered held back. Now, honorable Mandalorians back the likes of Tarro Blood. Clans I once trusted have become secretive. The men that helped Tarro Blood have answers, and I have questions. And you. You killed the Eidolon to save him from the Hutts, and you named Aitalla Girard Baroness. You have the honor of a Mandalorian without clan affiliation. And I knew Braden."

"What?" Mako said.

He smiled again. "He fought at my side a couple of times. But they were not the kinds of stories he would tell a daughter. But he would never support a man he didn't trust." He turned back to Ter'viro. "Stand with me to face these men and restore their honor, and you will have an ally among the Mandalorians." Ter'viro nodded. "I will meet you on Nar Shaddaa."

"Well?" Ter'viro said after Hedarr disconnected.

"He's a living legend!" Mako said. "There's no way he'd be in cahoots with a dirtbag like Tarro Blood."

"Not what I meant," Ter'viro said.

"He's right," Gault said. "The Mandalorians have been weird ever since the war."

"How?" Ter'viro asked.

"Some want their glory back," Gault said. "Some want their honor back. The two sides don't agree."

"Something's not right," Ter'viro said.

Mako said, "The whole business with the Duke was weird."

"What she said," Gault echoed.

"We need to talk to Crysta," Ter'viro said.

After a full explanation, Crysta said, "Well. That is quite a bit to take in. I agree about the Duke. Nothing there was normal. As for Hedarr Soongh, he's one of the most honorable men I've ever met. Briefly. But he made an impact. That whole business with Braden was strange. Some Mandalorians are less honorable than others, but for so many to support Tarro Blood now, well, you're not the first to notice."

"What do we do?" Ter'viro asked.

"Hedarr Soongh is the oldest of Old School," Crysta told him. "And I agree he is not working alone. He was chosen for his reputation. He and his faction want to send a message, 'Mandalorians fight for honor'. But, he wouldn't do this if he didn't trust you. That is a considerable honor in my book."

"We go?" Ter'viro asked.

"With my blessing," Crysta said.

Hedarr looked Ter'viro up and down. "I thought the holo was distorted. They're in the Ganelon Shipyards. When we get there, challenge Sedyn Kyne to a Taung blood duel. A duel to the death. A true Mandalorian must accept. He will die with honor before his men, and they will make the story known."

Ter'viro nodded.

They found the Mandalorians overseeing maintenance on their ship. The hunters drew their weapons when they saw Ter'viro, and the dock workers fled.

"Commander?" Sedyn said. "What's going on? Why the hell did you bring him here? Doesn't matter. You saved us the trouble of hunting him down."

"You owe this hunter a debt of blood, Sedyn," Hedarr said. "And I would like to see at least one of my pupils redeemed before I die." He nodded to Ter'viro.

"Sedyn Kyne," Ter'viro said. "I challenge you to a Taung blood duel."

Sedyn exhaled through gritted teeth and the other Mandalorians flinched at the words. "I... must... refuse," Sedyn said.

Hedarr said, "You would throw away your honor for the likes of Tarro Blood?"

"It is not for him!" Sedyn growled.

Another Mandalorian said, "When clan and honor are in conflict-"

"A sacrifice must be made," Hedarr finished. "Don't do this."

"I'm sorry, Commander," Sedyn said. "We fight for clan."

The battle was both intense and indelicate. The Mandalorians fought with honor, and died well. Without Hedarr, Ter'viro's crew would not have won. Without his many sacrifices, they would have been far more injured. Ter'viro and Gault would need hours in a kolto tank. Hedarr was past its help.

"It's fitting that I die here, surrounded by my failures," Hedarr said.

"No," Mako said. "No, no, no, no. You can't."

"I see why you protect her so much," Hedarr told Ter'viro. "Tarro mustn't win the Great Hunt. Stop them, whoever they are. Keep honor alive among my people... show them that the old traditions, the code of the warrior, is worthy of defending. As Champion, your voice-" He choked and gasped for breath.

"I'm not Mandalorian," Ter'viro said.

"You can learn," Hedarr said. "In the end, all you have-" He choked again, gasped for air he couldn't get, and died.

"Tarro isn't worthy of such a great teacher," Mako said. "Not by a long shot."

"In spite of Mako's considerable ire," Crysta said from the holo. "You actually spend less time in kolto than most of my hunters."

Ter'viro shrugged.

"Try not to move, sir," the medical droid told him.

"Clan versus honor," Crysta said. "That explains a bit. Your fight is being talked about. The death of Hedarr Soongh does not go unnoticed."

"Final target?" Ter'viro asked.

Crysta said, "It will be unsealed by Mandalore in three days in the presence of the two handlers. Rest, heal up, be ready."

"I'm injured too," Gault said.

"I'm sure you are," Crysta said. "Ter'viro, the other handlers laughed when I picked you, but I knew. You're the best I've worked with."

"What about Tarro Blood?" Mako asked.

Crysta said, "He will be your rival."

"It figures," Mako said. "That slimy son of bitch."

"He's our rival," Ter'viro said. "We can kill him."

"You can indeed," Crysta said. "Best of luck. The final is always a doozy. Crysta out."