Halo, it's time for the next chapter. Enjoy the reading.
- This was your plan all along, right? - Carth just looked reproachfully at the blind Gadon, who, although he couldn't see, knew exactly that the Bek and the Vulkar were fighting a final battle in the auditorium.
- You knew in advance, - Mission also just watched in shock at the firefight, the smoke, the explosions from the window of Gadon's VIP viewing area and listened to the death screams, pleas and curses as the members of the two gangs fought each other. - that this would happen and you were prepared for this.
Zaalbaar also growled contemptuously at the gang leader he once respected, who, like a vile manipulator, only wanted an excuse and an opportunity to fight his rival and make himself look like a hero and savior.
- Exactly. - Gadon got up from his chair and stood in front of the window, while clasping his hands behind his back. - People look up to heroes and saviors and serve them more willingly than they do to cruel tyrants. By refusing to surrender, Brejik had only tied a noose around his own neck, and by issuing that final, desperate order and trying to drown all resistance in a bloodbath, he had only kicked the support out from under him and dug his own grave. - He sighed in disappointment. - He was my son, whom I loved, but his own foolishness and greed were dangerous, to all of Lower Taris.
- Perhaps, - His bodyguard Zaerdra suggested. - if you had handed over the reins to him years ago…
- It would have led to a catastrophe. - Gadon said, as if he were absolutely certain of his decision. - He would have made war on the Vulcars without thinking and started a long, drawn-out war in which many more people would have died.
- That's why we were needed, - Carth had already fully understood. - to do the dirty work.
- I never expected that just four of you would crush the Vulcar base, - Gadon added. - and even less that you would win the competition for me. I saw an opportunity to end the Vulcars' reign of terror in a single day, knock out my rival and lead the people of Lower Taris towards a better future.
- You know, - Mission was more understanding. - it may not have been nice of him to take advantage of us, but thanks to him, Lower Taris is free from the Vulcars. They're kinda d*ck and it will only be better without them.
- And Rina?! - Carth demanded an answer. - And Bastila?! - Before Gadon could answer, he just sighed painfully.
- I don't know if they're still alive. - This shocked Carth and the others. – They were last seen at the finish line, but haven't been heard from since. – Carth didn't need any more, he just turned and stormed out of the room. – If it matters, – He said afterwards to Mission and Zaalbaar, who were following Carth. – your friend Rina gave the people of Lower Taris something they haven't had in ages. Hope.
The yellow and red lightsabers clashed as Bastila finished off the last Dark Jedi who was protecting his mistress, Revan. Revan, the Sith Mistress, was left alone, against Bastila and 4 other Jedi Knights, but the tiny Sith Mistress wasn't at all intimidated by the overwhelming force. She activated her purple lightsaber, spun it in her hand and took the Soresu stance, her right hand gripping the hilt of her sword tightly, raising it towards her head, the blade pointed forward, her left hand held out in front, ready to attack.
Behind her mask, she glared at Bastila, the young Jedi girl who could barely be more than 20 years old, but was able to ambush and overpower her bodyguards. She felt quite a bit of annoyance at the arrogant brat for this and almost wanted to teach her a lesson for her disrespect.
- You can't win, Revan! - Bastila also spun her yellow, double-bladed lightsaber and used her basic, Shii-Cho form.
- You underestimate the power of the Dark Side, you arrogant brat. - Revan just stood there waiting for the Jedi to make the first move as they surrounded her, but under her mask she just smiled.
Before the fight could begin, a huge explosion shook the spaceship they were on, white sparks rained everywhere and metal debris fell from the ceiling, crushing several Jedi to death, the windows also broke and the vacuum began to suck the air out of the remaining knights, even Revan was hit in the head by a huge piece of metal and if it hadn't been for her helmet and mask, she would have died, but she still suffered serious injuries.
Her lightsaber went out and fell from her hand, and she fell to the ground and the world spun around her. Revan had the most heavily armored and kinetically shielded ship in the Sith fleet and the other ships were protecting it and according to the latest battle reports, the Republic forces were retreating. Only one thing could have happened.
Betrayal.
- How… - Revan knew exactly who it was. - could you… - Her mask cracked in two and she looked up. - Alek?
Bastila's face, as she looked down at her in confusion, was the last thing she saw before everything went black.
When Rina opened her different colored eyes, she felt that she was in the hold of a freighter that was moving somewhere.
- Are you awake? - She heard a familiar voice from beside her, she looked to the side and saw Bastila sitting on the other side of the hold, but she was focused on her with every nerve fiber, her hand was on her lightsaber, ready to draw it out at any moment.
- Were we kidnapped? - Rina couldn't place Bastila's behavior and concern, the last thing she remembered was collapsing in exhaustion after Brejik and his men were taken care of.
- No, - Bastila replied, slowly coming closer to Rina and extending one of her hands. - a Bek driver offered to take us to your friends, including Carth.
- What do you want? - Rina pulled away from Bastila's hand, which almost touched her.
- I'm just checking to see if you're okay. - Bastila finally touched Rina's forehead, closed her eyes and began to concentrate. They sat like this next to each other for a few seconds, before Bastila sighed in relief. - Everything is fine.
- Are you worried for me so much? - Rina didn't understand why this arrogant Jedi kid, who was even younger than her, was so worried about her, even though they couldn't stand each other.
- Just… - Bastila looked to the side for a moment, furtively. - without you, it will be harder to leave the planet.
- Yeah. - Rina saw the fear on Bastila's face, she didn't feel worry, but fear and besides, she was afraid of her for something.
- We've arrived! - The driver who was driving the freighter called back and the vehicle began to slow down and descend.
- Come. - Bastila ordered Rina, who still didn't like her arrogant behavior.
She followed her and got out of the cargo ship's hold and as she signaled, the ship rose into the air again and continued on its journey.
- Bastila, are you alive?! - Carth could hardly believe his eyes when he finally saw his long-sought commander. - And Rina? - But the girl he had come this far with, standing unharmed before him, meant more to him than anything else. - Finally, now we can plan something to leave the planet!
- You mean, - Bastila, spoke to Carth as coldly and arrogantly as she had to Rina before. - you don't even have a plan? What have you done so far?
- Wow, - Mission just raised one eyebrow and placed one hand on her hip in disappointment. - is that the famous Bastila? I've only known her for a few seconds, but she's already a real ice queen. - Zaalbaar grunted in agreement and nodded.
- And who are you? - Bastila turned to the Mission-Zaalbaar duo this time, although she was also contemptuous and arrogant towards them.
- Mission Vao and Zaalbaar. - Mission replied, offended. - You owe us for your freedom.
- Aren't you a little young for such a mission? - Bastila looked condescendingly at the Twi'lek girl, who clearly didn't take the criticism well.
- Your behavior is quite repulsive, Bastila. - Rina spoke up before things could get worse.
- My behavior?! - Bastila, like an offended child, shot back. - You have a problem with your behavior! In case you forgot, I am the leader of this mission!
- Maybe I'll tell you something new, Bastila, - Carth stood next to Rina. - but a good leader doesn't talk down to his people just because things don't go according to plan. Don't let your ego get the better of you.
- Carth, you can hardly speak to your commander like that. - Bastila was still arguing arrogantly. - This is a breach of trust. - She looked around at the rest of the team, like a ruler looking at her subjects. - Remember, I am a member of the Jedi Order. This is my mission while you are under my command. My Battle Meditation ability has helped the Republic many times and I am sure it will continue to serve me well in the future. - The way and what she said annoyed the others terribly.
- This might win you a few battles, - It was Carth who spoke up. - but it doesn't make you a better leader. A good leader listens to his men, especially if they are older and have seen more battles.
- Carth's right, - Rina was most annoyed, every word Bastila, every breath, felt like a tiny needle prick inside her skull. She could hardly believe that this arrogant brat, who was at least 5 years younger than her, was talking to her as if she were her subordinate. - You don't show much leadership skills.
- I initially doubted our mission, - Carth just shook his head. - But the Jedi Council wouldn't have entrusted you with such an important task. The only problem is that you act like a snotty brat.
- I admit, - Bastila, with a heavy heart, but she took it back, but she crossed her arms in resentment. - I don't have much military experience and even my Jedi training can't make up for it. - She took a deep breath, as if it was difficult for her to admit that she wasn't on top of the situation. - Okay, Carth, what do you think we should do?
- First, - Carth began. - Let's stop this who's the boss debate and focus on how we can get off this planet! Second, the solution is probably out there somewhere, we just need to find it.
- You're right, Carth. - Bastila admitted. - The sooner we start, the sooner we'll find the solution. I've already been a prisoner of the Vulcars and I don't want to be a Sith.
- Maybe... - Rina's body was still exhausted from the Swoop race and she yawned. - We should go back to our apartment and rest.
- That's not a bad idea. - Bastila agreed. - We need to regain our strength and start our search fresh.
Fortunately, another Bek smuggling ship took them to the upper city of Taris, back to their apartment, where a special surprise awaited them.
- This... - Carth could hardly believe his eyes as they entered the apartment.
- Shouldn't it be here? - Bastila didn't understand, although she guessed what the problem was.
- It was worth it. - Mission looked proudly at the center of the apartment and Zaalbaar grunted in agreement.
- See, - Rina wearily sank down onto the newly arrived, cleaned and repaired leather couch, which not only looked like it was new, but also smelled pleasant and was comfortable, from which she would never want to wake up. - I told you it would be good for our apartment.
- I can't believe this is the same couch. - Carth ran his hand over the once brown, now cleaned, dark gray leather cover, which almost sank into it.
- And here is the bag, - Rina fished out a package full of red spices from her pocket that she had found in the sofa. - who wants a pinch?
- You don't mean that seriously? – Bastila looked at the powder with disdain and sternness.
- Come on, - Mission just waved a hand as she took a pinch and put it in her mouth. – not bad. – She sighed pleasantly, as if she had forgotten all the worries in the world. – Arach-nian purified red spice. – She stated with a wide grin as she sat down next to Rina on the couch. – Good quality stuff.
- I see you're aware of it. – Bastila stared sternly at the Twi'lek girl floating in her head, who just smiled at her like a fool.
- What can I say, - Mission giggled. – I'm a bad girl in a bad neighborhood. I've tried a few drugs in my life.
- I'm not gonna to stay out. – Rina also took a bite.
- Don't start you too! – Carth said, but it was too late.
- We deserve a little rest. – Rina became as liberated and relaxed as Mission.
- You said, Leerest! – Mission started laughing out loud and so did Rina.
- This is going to be a long night. – Bastila shook her head.
- But they deserved it. – Carth, if he didn't agree with the drug use, he did agree that Rina's need for rest.
The night was quiet, but Bastila couldn't sleep. She tried to meditate, but in vain, she felt disturbed in the Force and couldn't stay in bed. She was forced to get up, taking her lightsaber with her to look around the apartment, because the source of the disturbance was there.
Carth and Zaalbaar were fast asleep, Mission and Rina were still on the couch, although Mission had long been knocked out by the spice, but Rina was still awake and smiling broadly, although she was barely conscious anymore.
- Look at this. - Rina, she was completely out of her mind, she didn't even realize what or who was around her, since the spice had made her brain dizzy and she didn't understand anything.
- That's... - Bastila wanted to scream when she saw Rina using the Force to levitate a pile of empty bottles, chip bags and chocolate wrappers.
- Does this make me a Jedi too? – Rina, of course, didn't even realize what she was doing, she just looked at Bastila with a stupid grin.
- Maybe… - Bastila slowly approached the delirious girl, who still didn't react to this. – lie down.
- No… I… - Without even hearing her objection, Bastila touched Rina's temple with one of her fingers, which made her last strength leave her, and then she fell on the couch, right on Mission.
- This… - Bastila took the bag of spices. – I'll throw it away.
The morning came too early, at least for Mission and Rina, who woke up with a terrible headache and dehydration.
- How much spice did we chew? – The whole world revolved around Rina when she got up.
- Too much. – Mission was sick and had nausea, but she had no strength to stand up.
- We hope, - Carth, who had deliberately dropped a metal part that hit the ground with a loud clatter, but almost split the two girls' heads open. - this is a warning sign against drugs.
- I don't recommend using it again. - Bastila warned them, more to Rina than to Mission.
- We got it. - Rina gathered herself, stood up, went to the bathroom to drink at least a liter of water from the tap, greedily, since she was so dehydrated.
- I hope, - Bastila stared at Rina with crossed arms, who sighed in relief after drinking enough water. - in your delirious state you figured out something about how we can leave the planet.
- You and Carth didn't figure anything out, even though you were clean? - Rina snapped back.
- Not really. - Carth joined in. – Even if we find a ship, the Sith blockade is keeping the planet under a tight blockade. No one in or out.
- If we circle the planet, - Bastila suggested. - maybe we can find someone who can help.
- I won't need you for that, will I? - Mission was still sick from all the spices and just lay on the couch with a hangover.
- We'll handle it, - Rina said. - you and Zaalbaar stay.
This task was easier, since they didn't have to wear armor, so Rina just put on her black ankle boots, leggings, blouse, and black and red checkered miniskirt. Carth put on his brown shoes, tan leather jacket, and dark gray jeans. Bastila also got herself some more normal clothes, a pair of burgundy boots, pale orange tight pants, and a long-sleeved top, as well as dark orange hand guards and a belt that she hooked her lightsaber into.
- Is something wrong? - Bastila couldn't help but notice that Rina was looking at her as if she had a question for her.
- Something happened yesterday. - Rina answered, scratching the back of her head in a bit of confusion. - I don't know how to tell you.
- what... - Bastila worried that Rina might remember what she did with the Force that night. - are you...
- After we got off the racetrack and I fell asleep on the freighter, - Rina tried to recall the strange dream she had. - I had some kind of visionary dream.
- Vision? - Bastila calmed down, but her curiosity didn't let up. - About what?
- About you fighting a Dark Jedi, Revan I think.
- The ways of the Force are unfathomable, even to me. This matter is something only the wisest of the Jedi Council can perhaps help with. Once we get off Taris, we can go to the masters, they may be able to decipher its meaning... if there is one. For now, we need to focus on the task at hand. You were given a night off, so our primary task is to get off Taris.
- You're right. - Rina just rubbed her forehead and tied her long, black hair into a ponytail. She left the apartment with Carth and Bastila.
- What do you think, - Carth said, after the door closed behind them. - how long will it take us to find someone?
- The upper part of Taris is quite large, - Bastila wasn't confident. - I would say it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.
They had barely left the building when a green Twi'lek man who recognized Rina came up to them.
- Excuse me, - he said to Rina. - but are you Rina Spring, the one who won the grand swoop race?!
- Yes, but I won't give you an autograph.
- Don't worry, - The man waved. - I have a message from Canderous Ordo. He says he wants to meet you at the pub in the upper city.
- Uhm… - Rina tried to recall who it could be, since the person's name sounded familiar, but suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, she answered after a flash of recognition. – he's the Mandalorian mercenary who works for Davik.
- Oh yes, considering his connections, it would be wise for you to go see him. He didn't say why he wanted to meet you, but he did say that he didn't want to wait long.
- Thank you for the message, we'll visit him.
- You're very welcome. – The Twi'lek bowed and before leaving, he gave one last piece of advice. – I suggest you don't wait, Mandalorians are famous for many things, but not for being patient.
As soon as the man had gone far enough, Rina looked at Bastila with a smug grin.
- So, the Swoop competition was unnecessary?
Bastila just rolled her eyes and followed her two companions.
The pub wasn't far and they found it without any problems. Everything was the same as a few days ago, the same calm, fun music was playing, all kinds of strangers and people came to have fun or drown their sorrows in drink, dubious figures met each other and much more.
They didn't have to look far for Canderous, since the big man had short-cropped gray hair, a reddish-brown vest, a black sleeveless T-shirt, white pants and brown boots, several scars and tattoos were visible on his two muscular arms. He was at a table and was drinking a glass of Tarisian beer, which despite its strength, he barely felt it.
- I saw you at the Swoop race. - He addressed Rina without thanking her, not really paying attention to Carth and Bastila. - An impressive performance. - There wasn't much politeness in the man, but more respect for Rina. – You are someone who knows how to achieve your goals in a very short time. That's exactly the kind of person I'm looking for.
- I hear you wanted to meet me in person. – Rina wasn't intimidated by the Mandalorian, but sat down confidently in front of him. Canderous signaled the server to bring Rina a glass of Tarisian beer.
- As you already know, my name's Canderous Ordo and I work for Davik. – Canderous explained, while the server brought the beer to Rina, who had only to smell it to feel sick to her stomach as a result of yesterday's spice chewing and indicated that she didn't want it. – What? Is it, too strong?
- No… - Rina gagged. – I just celebrated my victory yesterday with a little too much spice.
- Heh, - Canderous just laughed. – that's a strong stuff.
- So, - Rina pushed her drink aside. - what's your offer?
- The thing is, Davik offered me a fortune if I worked for him as a mercenary. - The man continued. - Even though I had almost nothing serious to do in his service, he paid well. - He leaned back in his chair and smug. - The demand for Mandalorian mercenaries is so high. Unfortunately, - He leaned forward again. - the last few months he hasn't paid much and I don't like being cheated. I thought I'd quit and not even the Sith fleet would be able to stop me. - Rina listened with interest to the man's explanation of the no small undertaking.
- And how do you plan to do that? - Rina raised her eyebrows. - I don't know if you noticed, but the Sith fleet is quite large, strict and fires on anything that tries to leave the planet.
- I have a plan for how to get off Taris, but I can't do it alone. – Canderous was completely confident in this plan. – I need someone like you to help me. That's when you come into the picture.
– Just be careful, – Carth whispered to Rina, clearly not trusting the Mandalorian. – mercenaries have no honor. He might be lying and trying to trick us.
– I'm not talking to you! – Canderous said irritatedly to Carth, clearly not happy that he was interfering in his and Rina's business. – I'm talking to your friend! I think, despite her size, she's old enough to make her own decisions.
– Don't worry, Carth, – Rina took the man's hand reassuringly. – I know what I'm doing.
– That's right, – Canderous ignored Carth, just continued to detail his plan. – I saw you in the swoop competition and if someone is crazy enough to compete like you, maybe they are brave or crazy enough to get into the Sith military base.
- What the hell do you need from the Sith base?! – Rina shook her head in shock.
- I need the launch code for the Sith's own ship, because without it, the Sith fleet's automatic defenses will shoot anything down.
- This is crazy! – Rina didn't like this plan.
- We can only find the launch codes at the Sith base, - Canderous spread her arms. - and without them, we're stuck here until the Sith leave. – Rina saw that the Mandalorian was right.
- And what would my role be?
- Here's my offer, - Canderous concluded. – if you get me the codes, I can get you to Davik's residence and together we can steal the only ship we could use to outwit the Sith fleet. Davik's flagship, the Ebon Hawk.
- I see… - Rina's mind was already working out the picture, but there's one small problem. – and how do I get into the military base? It's quite heavily guarded and if we enter without authorization, the entire base will be on our necks.
- It won't be easy, I know, - Canderous had an answer for that too. - no one can get in unnoticed, but a high-tech astromech droid has a good chance of doing so. - Rina's interest was growing and she was increasingly thinking that they might have a chance of success. - Luckily, I know where you can get one of these droid. Janice Nall, a Twi'lek woman on the other side of the upper city, had one made for Davik. Just say I sent you and you'll get the droid, Davik has already paid for it and commissioned me to bring it. Once you have the droid, you can use it to get into the Sith base.
- It's not complicated, why don't you do it yourself?
- Normally i would, but everyone knows that I work for Davik, if I took the droid and got the launch codes with it, I wouldn't have a chance of getting it to the Ebon Hawk with it. That's why I need you, a freelancer.
- Okay, Canderous. - Rina extended her tiny hand to shake the man's. - Deal.
The man returned the handshake with his huge hand and was surprised by how much strength was in the girl's small hand.
- I'll be in the pub in the lower city. If I have the codes, you'll find me there.
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