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Chapter 4

The Steel Shrike neared the Nar Shaddaa system as it dropped out of lightspeed. In the cramped, dimly lit cockpit of their ship, Reed flopped back into his seat with a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair in irritation.

Shala glanced over, a smirk creeping onto her face. "Let me guess," she snorted, "Narga tried to get the drop on you again?"

Reed gave her a dry look, tilting his head back against the headrest. "Yup. That's three times in as many days," he muttered, sounding worn out. "I swear, the guy's got a harder head than any other Trandoshan I've met."

"Did he manage to shoot you with your blaster again?" she teased, eyes twinkling with mischief. He remembered watching her shock at him just walking off getting shot in the chest twice before knocking the trandoshan out.

Reed scowled and rubbed the spot on his chest where a blaster bolt had hit him the previous day. "Thankfully, no. I Took my eyes off him for two seconds and he tries to stab me with a shiv he somehow managed to make with is fucking feet. I'm about ready to throw him out the airlock." he grumbles. "

Shala's laugh filled the cockpit. "Maybe you should! Nar Shaddaa's atmosphere isn't exactly forgiving, though something tells me he might actually survive the fall."

Reed chuckled in spite of himself, shaking his head. "Wouldn't put it past him. I'd just have to go down there and catch him all over again. Least we're almost at Nar Shaddaa, right?"

"Right," she nodded, glancing at the nav console as they entered Nar Shaddaa's orbit. "Hope he doesn't have any more brilliant ideas in the next half hour."

Reed groaned. "With our luck? He's got at least two more in him." Shala laughed at his annoyance as they finally neared the planet.

The ship descended through the hazy clouds of Nar Shaddaa, neon lights reflecting off its hull as it angled toward the massive palace in the distance. Reed glanced out the viewport, taking in the sprawling, chaotic cityscape below. The industrial, almost metallic stench of the place crept even through the ship's sealed environment, giving him an unsettling feeling in his gut. He wasn't afraid—he'd faced down worse than Hutts before—but dealing with a Hutt like Grakkus, known for his obsession with Jedi artifacts and powerful beings, kept him on edge.

He looked over at Shala as she skillfully maneuvered the ship toward the landing pad. "You ever dealt with Grakkus before?" he asked, his tone casual but alert.

"Once or twice," she replied, her voice tight with focus as she brought them in to land. "Never directly, though. But he's known to be fair if you deliver what he wants. Just... don't let him see you as something he'd like to add to his collection."

With a smirk, Reed leaned back, eyeing Narga—unconscious, bound, and secured in the corner of the ship. "Let's hope he's more interested in his new prize here than in us."

The landing gears touched down with a slight shudder. The hiss of depressurization filled the cabin as the ramp lowered. Reed and Shala straightened, and together, they moved to drag the unconscious Trandoshan out.

At the bottom of the ramp, Grakkus awaited them, a formidable presence even among his retinue of well-armed guards. His massive, muscled, tattooed form was adorned with intricate markings that spoke of his status and power. And on his neck with a thick cord was at least a baker's dozen lightsabers of all shapes and sizes, and his gaze was fixed on Narga with a cruel glint. His robotic insect-like legs tapping in anticipation of their arrival. Flanking him, his Gamorrean and Weequay guards stood ready, their weapons gleaming in the artificial light.

"Ahhh... Shala!" Grakkus's voice was a rumbling growl, reverberating through the open space. His eyes shifted briefly to Reed, lingering in clear interest before returning to their captive. "You've done well. I'm impressed." His gaze was almost predatory as he looked at Narga, promising a harsh fate for the criminal.

"Grakkus," Shala acknowledged, her tone steady, though her stance was cautious. "As promised, we have your bounty—alive and mostly intact."

Grakkus's mouth curled into a grin. "And just how did you manage to catch him so quickly?" he inquired, amusement flickering in his eyes. "My last hunters... well, they were either killed or he slipped past them entirely." His gaze flicked back to Reed, interest piqued. "You must have some tricks of your own to pull this off."

Reed met the Hutt's gaze, unfazed but careful. "When you've been hunting as long as we have, you learn to read people. Narga was slippery, but he had tells. Patience did the rest."

Grakkus chuckled deeply, the sound rolling over them like a wave. "Patience. Something few in this business possess." He looked back at Narga, eyes glinting dangerously. "Well, consider this a job well done. You have my gratitude, and my credits."

He turned back to Reed and Shala, his tone shifting to one of dark curiosity. "And tell me... do either of you possess any particular... talents? I find that many successful hunters do." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with a hint of desire to add more than just Narga to his collection.

Reed stayed calm, his eyes never leaving the Hutt. "Just experience," he replied coolly, "and a good eye for opportunity."

Grakkus laughed heartily before he nodded to the gamorreans on his left and barked. "Take him." Immediately, the two green pig-like enforcers marched forward and began hauling away the Trandoshan who was jolted awake when they roughly grabbed him.

As they dragged the dazed yet struggling Trandoshan away, Grakkus waved over a droid servant with two large sacks in its hands with his large muscled arm. "Your payment for a job well done!" he said jovially. Shala took a sack and bowed to the Hutt, "Pleasure to do business with you, Lord Grakkus."

Reed then stepped forward, grasping the other sack and nodded his head to the Hutt lord. "Thanks."

After collecting their payment, Reed and Shala made their way to the ship and within moments, we're leaving the atmosphere of Nar Shaddaa. Reed's mind wandered as he sat next to Shala as she piloted her ship, heading back to Coruscant.

Grakkus watched the ship leave before snapping his fingers, making one of his servants come forward. "Keep an eye on that human," he rumbled. "I have a feeling that he is going to be a big player…" the servant nodded before scurrying away to do his master's bidding. "Now let's see what that little traitor knows," he grinned darkly before turning around on his robotic legs and making his way back into the palace. After all, no one got away with double crossing Grakkus The Hutt.

The hum of the ship's engines filled the silence between them. Shala piloted in her usual focused, no-nonsense way, her eyes occasionally darting to check the surrounding traffic. Reed, sitting back with his hands behind his head, considered the hunt they'd just completed. It had been swift and efficient, far smoother than he'd anticipated—and profitable, too. Reed couldn't ignore the obvious perks of the work. Bounties gave him an outlet for his powers, and while he didn't feel the urge to consume too often, the option was there if he ever needed it.

He stared at the ceiling, letting the idea settle. "You know, this might be the line of work for me," he said aloud, mostly to himself.

Shala arched an eyebrow but kept her gaze on the stars outside. "Considering giving up bouncing at Brask's?"

He shrugged, a smirk playing at his lips. "Maybe. I mean, it'd be a step up, wouldn't it? And I'd get to keep some of these... useful skills in play." He left the rest unsaid, knowing Shala didn't need or want the details.

Three days later, when they finally docked on Coruscant and returned to Level 1313, Reed felt the familiar thrum of life in the crowded, dim-lit streets. As he approached Brask's Cantina, he paused, taking in the gritty and dangerous, yet oddly comforting environment he'd become used to. He stepped through the entrance to find the Besalisk bartender cleaning glasses behind the counter, his four arms moving with practiced ease.

"Back so soon?" Brask rumbled, his gruff voice carrying a hint of knowing amusement. "Heard from Shala you got a nice little payout."

Reed smirked, leaning against the counter. "Turns out, bounty hunting suits me. Might even consider doing it full-time."

Brask's grin widened, showing a hint of fang. "Coulda told you that weeks ago, kid. You've got the look of a hunter." He gave Reed a heavy, knowing clap on the shoulder. "Just remember—there's more to this life than credits. So, you're ready to make it official?"

Reed chuckled, nodding. "Looks like it." The decision felt right, like the pieces had finally fallen into place. The Besalisk chuckled, "Thought so. Well, when you're not doing that, think you could still help out here? Room's still yours."

Reed smiled, "not a problem, old man. And thanks,"

With that, he sat at the bar and told Brask about the hunt as they waited for the first rush of the evening patrons to come in. He was actually glad he was starting to find his niche in this wide galaxy away from the main plot. And if he has his way, he would stay away. But sooner or later, both the galaxy and The Force would have other plans for him.

Hey sorry for the late posting of the chapter and that it's not much. Been dealing with life and also a bit of writers block. I'll hopefully have a more consistent schedule for uploading chapters soon. Happy holidays to everyone!