"Did your brother enjoy his present?" Risha asked.

"He did indeed," Xal said. He raised the boarding ramp. "Making Nina proud was twice as good." He headed to the cockpit.

"Where to now, Captain?" Corso asked.

Xal said, "We've got to find a way to settle with Rogun the Butcher." He dropped into the pilot's seat and powered up the Visitor. "I know some people on Tatooine that might put us in contact with Mister Butcher. I'd like to settle it peacefully."

"Do you believe that?" Risha said.

"It's worth a shot," Xal said. "I also contacted a friend of a friend who might know someone who can help with Mako's implant."

"I'm with you on that, Captain," Corso said.

"Captain," Risha said, taking the copilot's seat. "I am constantly amazed at how many-" She stopped and watched the scanner.

"Problem?" Xal said.

Risha held up a hand to shush him. After a while, she said, "Have you ever heard of the Voidwolf, Captain?"

"A bit," Xal said. "Not the friendliest guy, from what I've heard."

"The man's a monster," Risha said. "Grand Admiral Harridax Kirill, former slaver, scourge of the Outer Rim and all-around charmer. My father always kept a close eye on him. The Voidwolf's got delusions of taking over the underworld, handing it to the Empire wrapped and ribboned."

"Whwo acworarc acahc whrascwo wohowowh oowh Orracacrororoor," Bowdaar said.

"He's nasty. I get it. What does this have to do with us?" Xal said.

Risha said, "I caught his signature in the scanner. For just a second."

Xal said, "Again, how does this affect us? Unless he's working with Rogun the Butcher, I haven't done anything to antagonize a psychotic Grand Admiral. Unless you think this is about you."

"I don't know what it's about," Risha said. "But if the Voidwolf is nearby, be prepared to fight or run."

"I always am," Xal said. He contacted the spaceport and requested clearance.

Risha said, "Looks like we've got a call coming in, Captain."

A well dressed man appeared on the holo. "Captain! I heard about your fantastic success with Nok Drayen. I always thought his fortune was a myth."

"Darmas Pollaran, right?" Xal said. "What's this about?"

"I'm touched you remember," Pollaran said. "You've come so far since then... with very little to work with. I have a business proposition for you. But I'd rather discuss it face-to-face. Come to Port Nowhere, Captain, floating cantina-"

"I know it," Xal said.

"Of course," Pollaran said. "I'll see you there." He switched off.

Risha said, "That guy's more slippery than a Kreetch eel."

"I know it," Xal said. "But he helped me find Skavak on Coruscant. That earned him at least a drink."

"Don't you think the timing's a little convenient?" Risha said.

"I do," Xal replied. "But I also want to know more."

"Welcome to Port Nowhere," Xal said. "The perfect place for anyone who wants to stop for a while and keep running at the same time."

"A mobile Nar Shaddaa," Risha said. "Nice. My father's descriptions of it were... incomplete."

Corso said, "After the year we've had, Captain, this place just seems okay."

Xal said, "The farm boy grows up." He scanned the room for Pollaran but couldn't find him.

"Captain Xaldiba Onoka!" a man said. "I never thought we'd see you here! Thought you were too good for us small-time crooks in Port Nowhere. Once you got your hands on Nok Drayen's ship... whoo. Can I buy you a drink? Get some pointers? I've been waiting for this a long time..."

Xal's hand moved toward his pistol. "I can't. I'm meeting someone."

"I know someone who wants to meet you," the man said and held up a holocomm. A Chagrian appeared.

"I've been hearing your name for a while now," the Chagrian said. "Almost as long as you've been hearing mine. You lost a blaster shipment of mine some time back. And I don't remember ever getting an apology. How about it, Captain, you know how to say 'I'm sorry'?"

Xal said, "I'm sorry. But Skavak was the man to blame for that, and he's dead."

"Plenty of blame to go around," Rogun said. "I'm generous that way. No one steals from me and lives, boy."

"Skavak stole my ship and your blasters," Xal said. "I didn't steal a damn thing. What were the blasters worth? I'll make it up to you."

"Too little. Too late. Too bad," Rogun said.

"Figures from a guy called the butcher," Xal said.

"All right," Rogun said. "Open season. A hundred thousand credits to the man who brings me his head."

"Done deal, boss," the human said. "Start moving the funds."

Xal killed him first.

Risha said, "Are you crazy? There's like a hundred guys in here!"

"Ninety-nine," Xal told her and dove behind the bar.

Risha spouted a string of un-queenly curses while jumping over the bar herself. Corso landed next to them, and Bowdaar growled an attack. Xal threw up a repulsor shield to knock away any grenades and started firing. Risha and Corso joined him.

Risha said, "I've never met anyone as good as you at borrowing trouble... and forgetting to return it."

Xal sprayed a line of hunters. "If you wanted safe, you picked the wrong man."

Risha found a target, fired. A second target, fired. A third target, and fired. "If I wanted safe... nice... presentable at social functions not held in smoke-filled cantinas..." A fourth target, and fired.

"More fun than a social function," Xal said.

Corso said, "How'd they know we were here?"

"Only two ways," Xal said and tossed a grenade.

Bowdaar yelled, and an attacker flew across the room hitting five others. Xal threw another grenade into the pack.

"Do you always carry grenades?" Risha asked.

"Not my first time here," Xal said. He fired more selectively, hitting the strays. Once the room was clear, he said, "Time to find our host." He turned to the bartender, who was curled up inside a personal shield generator. "I was supposed to meet someone."

"Cargo room," he said. "That way."

"Much obliged," Xal said.

They went through three more groups of Rogun's men until they found two cages, Pollaran in one, a woman in the other.

"Captain!" Pollaran said. "Good thing you're prompt, or I'd be a dead man. The second we got off the link, Rogun's men turned up."

"You stopped them single-handedly," the woman said. "I wouldn't want your life, Captain, but it's rather a thrill to watch. You were impressive, almost worth getting kidnapped for."

"This is Senator Bevera Dodonna," Pollaran said. "I work with her now. Rah-rah, hail the Republic, etcetera, etcetera."

Dodonna said, "I've been investigating how the Republic can make better use of... independent-minded soldiers of freedom. Let us out, and I would be... very happy to discuss several aspects of it with you."

Xal aimed at Pollaran's head. "How did Rogun know we'd be here?"

"He's an Imperial lackey," Pollaran said. "His whole criminal empire answers directly to Imperial Command."

"That does not tell me how he knew we'd be here," Xal said.

"The Imperials must have a spy in my office," Dodonna said. "There's an Imperial fleet waiting out there. Rogun's men were going to deliver us to the them!"

"Risha," Xal said. "Check the Senate directory for... what was it?"

"Bevera Dodonna," the Senator said.

Risha scanned the holonet. "From Commenor. That's her." She showed Xal footage of the Senator.

"Would you let us out of here?" the Senator said. Xal went to her cage. "Thank you, Captain. They have us in here like-"

Xal grabbed her tunic and pulled her against the bars. "Like what, Senator?"

"Like... like common criminals," she said.

"They don't see you as criminals," Xal said. He pulled her closer, until her face was pushing between the bars.

"As assets, then," she said.

"Ship builders, right?" Xal said.

"Yes," Dodonna said. "We're not Corellia, but we do well."

"You might be an asset," Xal told her. "As a hostage. If the deal fell through, some Moff or Sith Lord would make you his pet, just to own a Senator."

"Are you enjoying this, Captain?" she asked.

He let her go. "What's this deal?"

"The cage?" she asked, smoothing her tunic.

"Deal?" he said.

Dodonna said, "The Republic is looking for men and women of action, patriots without the restrictions of a trooper's uniform."

"My sister wears a trooper's uniform," Xal said.

Dodonna glared at him. "How would you like a commission from the Galactic Senate, authorizing you as a privateer naval captain, tasked to target Imperial forces at will?"

"Like cannon fodder," Xal said.

"It's a straightforward deal," Dodonna said. "We give you targets, cargo, the job we need done and all the support we can covertly provide. In return, we look the other way about any laws you break, or private gains you make along the way."

"Let's talk price," Xal said.

Dodonna said, "Don't worry, the Republic will see you well-compensated."

"Covert," Xal said. "Off the books. Right?"

"Yes," Dodonna said. "Our top target right now is Balmorra. One of the most likely hotspots for open war to be declared. Balmorra used to supply half the Republic's military resources. Now it's-"

"I don't care," Xal said. "I want to know a senator owes me a favor."

Dodonna smiled. "I thought that might interest you. I can't get your brother a pardon, but-"

"My cousin Agenord will contact you," Xal said. "He has a higher clearance than I do. And more influence. He will know exactly what kind of help Ter'viro needs."

"I would be honored to work with the Hero of Tython," Dodonna said.

"Senator, you have hired yourself a privateer," Xal said. He opened the cages.

"Next time you rough me up, Captain," Dodonna said. "I would prefer we didn't have bars between us. Now then-"

"Empire!" someone yelled.

"Imperial fleet just dropped out of hyperspace, port side," someone else said.

"What the hell?" Xal said. "Where did you come from?"

"Port Nowhere security," the second someone said. "We were here the whole time."

"Whatever," Xal said. "We need to get to the landing bay."

"It's the Voidwolf! Aaaaah!" a third someone yelled and ran.

Corso said, "That sounded a little convenient."

"Flight officer," the second someone said. "Not security."

"Fine," Xal said.

Pollaran said, "Get out of here. I'll try to jump this whole tub before they board us. Now go."

The Senator leaned against the boarding ramp to her ship, flushed and gasping for air. Xal and Corso stood between her and three bounty hunter droids. Bowdaar and Risha attacked a group between the five of them and the Visitor.

After the hunters were down, Dodonna said, "Captain, you are everything Darmas said. I can't wait to see how much of your reputation is deserved. Darmas will contact you as soon as you're on Balmorra." She climbed the ramp to her ship.

Once they were aboard the Visitor, Risha said, "I don't trust either one."

Xal said, "You're accusing an information broker and a senator of double dealing?"

"If you knew that-" she began.

"Ter'viro," Xal said. "If they are honest, the senator helps him. If they're running a scam-"

"We expose them and the Senate owes you a favor," Risha finished. "Could it help Mako?"

Xal sighed. "Mako's problem is above the senator's pay grade."

"I'm in," Corso said. "Ter'viro's a good guy, not just because he's the Captain's brother."

Bowdaar said, "Acwo wwahrracaoc ohahaoac acoowhoorc."

"Miss Risha?" Xal said.

She smiled at him. "The gangster in me wants to run. But I'm not a gangster anymore. I can't run from powerful enemies. Or powerful allies. And I knew your brother didn't do it the moment I saw him. Let's go to Balmorra."

"Captain!" Pollaran said from the holo. "Who'd have thought, when we met on Coruscant, that I'd be calling you today with a formal Republic briefing? Senator Dodonna is eager to see how you handle your first mission."

Risha said, "That's not the only thing she wants him to handle."

"She made no mention," Pollaran said. "Balmorra was once the Republic's main supplier of everything military. Until the Empire-"

"I don't care," Xal said. "What's the job?"

"The Empire holding everything the Republic had commissioned for 'Project Nebula,'" Pollaran said. "Top-of-the-line prototype capital ships, ion cannons, cluster missiles and a few experimental goodies. And now the Empire is sending the complete Nebula munitions shipment to their front lines."

"Destroy the shipment," Xal said.

"Divert it if you can," Pollaran said. "Senator Dodonna wants you to work with the Balmorran resistance. They can help you track down the Nebula shipment, then find a way to divert it to Palliser Station, a Republic base near Corellia. Meet with the rebel leaders when you land in Bugtown."

"Bugtown?" Xal asked.

"You'll understand. Pollaran out."

Xal watched the Colicoids crawl over the distant nests. "I am not happy to understand."

"I'm with you on that, Captain," Corso said.

"Ohwo caoworasc aoacwosc oowh Orracacrororoor," Bowdaar said. "Aoacwoahrc wwanwocac ahc aowowhwaworc."

All three looked at him.

Xal said, "Remind me not to visit Kashyyyk."

Once inside the base, they passed the vendors and the cantina, turned a corner and froze.

"Captain Xaldiba Onoka!" Forex declared from across the room. "I am again pleased to meet the heroic sibling of our illustrious Captain Cyr'rnin. I was overjoyed but not surprised at the part you played in the rescue of Tython."

"Cyr'rnin," Xal said when he reached her. He tried not to look at Elara.

"Xal," Cyr'rnin replied.

Xal said, "I gave Ter'viro the pistol and told him what Nina said. He smiled."

Cyr'rnin nodded.

Risha said, "The Captain explained some of what happened with Sergeant Dorne, but he didn't go into details."

Elara said, "I believe a Sith Lord did it to me." She kept her eyes away from Xal.

Bowdaar said, "Ah ohoohuanwa aoworarc acahc acworawa wwrcoosc acahc rhoowaro."

"I believe you would," Elara said with a flicker of a smile.

Corso said, "A man like that deserves it."

"We've asked Master Agenord for help," Cyr'rnin said.

"I wish we didn't go to him so much," Xal said. "He's got Ter'viro and Mako and who knows how many planets to save."

Cyr'rnin said, "I wish Master Kriranda was here."

Xal said, "She's probably figuring out how to tear the Empire apart from the inside."

"If anyone could," Cyr'rnin said. "Havoc Squad-"

"You make it worse," Elara said. "When I'm near you, I get worse. I must have bonded with you in Mos Entha." Risha's eyes snapped open, and she stared at Elara.

Xal said, "I will keep my distance until you say otherwise."

Elara said, "Thank you, master. Captain. Thank you. Captain."

After Havoc Squad left, Risha said, "Mos Entha?"

"Her idea," Xal said. "You heard her. Sith Lord."

Risha said, "Strap him to the Visitor's exhaust and take off?"

Xal said, "Yes, ma'am."

Corso said, "Who are we looking for again?"

"Balmorran resistance," Xal said. "That protocol droid will know."

"How do you know that?" Risha asked.

Xal said, "It's assembled from five different models."

When they approached, the droid said, "Greetings, Captain. I am C-6RR, a class-six protocol droid in the service of Numen Brock. I am to ask you to accompany me."

They were taken to a side room where a group of rebels strategized over a map. A cybernetic woman led the discussion. She had eight primary implants designed to replace parts lost to damage. Probably torture, based on the scars.

The droid said, "Master Numen." A Twi'lek male looked up. "The, uh, visitor you were expecting has arrived."

"You were sent by a senator?" the woman asked.

"She wanted someone off the books," Xal told her.

"I'll give her that," the woman said. "You are as 'off the books' as I've ever seen. Chemish Or. I lead this merry band."

"Xaldiba Onoka, ma'am. By the way, the neural interface over your eye has a faulty circuit."

The man next to Chemish said, "I told you."

"Stop it," she told him. "We'll talk later."

Well, they're a couple.

"What brings you to Balmorra, Captain?" Numen asked.

Xal said, "Some horrific weapons of death and destruction."

"Then you came to the right planet," Chemish said.

"They're here for Nebula," Numen said. He told Xal, "I deal with the SIS's double agent. Code name: 'Golden.' He's how we heard about the Nebula shipment."

The droid said, "Master Numen specializes in cryptographic analysis. He oversees all encoded Republic communications. It's very exciting!"

"Thank you, Sixer," Numen said.

"How's the situation look on the ground?" Xal said.

Chemish said, "The Republic left us the minute the Voidwolf's fleet started firing. The Empire's pretty entrenched by now."

"I should warn you, Captain," Sixer said. "Many find the Republic's abandonment a bit of a... sore spot."

"I picked up on that," Xal said.

Numen said, "To divert the Nebula shipment, first we need to learn when and where it goes out. Golden's got that information. We need you to get to his dead drop behind Imperial lines, pick up the data file he left, and drop off our payment."

Xal watched him for a moment. "I get the feeling this is a lot more complicated than you make it sound."

Risha said, "You think?"

Chemish said, "The last agent we sent never came back. The Imperials held a public execution."

Xal said, "You need proof of the Republic's commitment to your cause."

"Do you blame us?" Chemish said.

Xal said, "No, ma'am, I can't say that I do. Why didn't that blow Golden's cover?"

"The resistance attacks often," Numen said. "Just another terrorist to them."

Xal said, "Where do we go, and what kind of opposition should we expect?"

"Ohacro rarcwo ohwo cwhworaorahwhrr ahwh?" Bowdaar asked.

"To avoid execution," Xal told him.

"Ah waoowh'ao wwworarc waworaaoac," he said.

"The rest of us do," Xal told him. He shot an isolated maintenance droid and motioned them forward. "No insights, Miss Risha?"

"Not yet," she said, scanning the area. They'd only seen droids so far, but that might not last.

"This is it," Xal said. "Data file, check. Drop off the payment."

"This is Imperial property! Freeze!"

"Well, fuck," Xal said. He turned toward the Imperial officer. "If I listen, does that mean you won't shoot me? Because that seems out of character."

"Good point," one of the Imperial soldiers said. "Don't we usually shoot them anyway...?"

"Shut up!" the officer told him. "Spar! Time to get some use out of you. Try to take them alive."

A Mandalorian stepped forward and told the officer, "You didn't say 'please.'" The Mandalorian spun, hitting the officer in the chest and knocking him over a bannister.

"That was unexpected," Corso said.

"Less talk," Spar said and attacked the Imperials.

"I'd listen to her," Xal said.

"Her?" Corso and Risha said together.

Xal shrugged and started firing. The others joined him.

After the fight, Xal told the Mandalorian, "You're injured." He nodded at her arm.

"I will recover," she said.

Corso said, "Are you one of those types that don't remove their helmets?"

"I am not," she said and took off the helmet to prove it. The Zabrak face beneath was scarred and strong and determined. And something more. "Akaavi. Clan Spar. You fight well, all of you."

"A pleasure, ma'am," Corso said. Bowdaar echoed the sentiment.

Risha said, "Any particular reason you turned on the Empire." She opened her medkit and began to bandage Akaavi's injury.

"Yes," Akaavi said, watching her work. "I must find someone in the resistance." She looked at Xal. "Why do you stare at me so?"

Xal said, "I've never seen a sad Mandalorian."

They all looked at him.

"Everyone feels pain. Even us," Akaavi said.

"I thank you for the help, ma'am," Xal said. "What can we do in return?"

"I seek a member of your resistance," Akaavi said. She nodded a thank-you to Risha. "I tracked him to this world."

"What's he done?" Xal said.

"His reputation intrigues me," she said. "If what I have heard is true, we may be able to help each other. And, I must admit, I want to meet his brother."

"What did his brother do?" Xal asked.

Akaavi smiled. "He won the Great Hunt."

"I believe I can help you," Xal said. "But we need to get out of here first."

"You are he?" Akaavi said. She'd shown them a clear path out of the factory. They stopped when they reached the speeder.

"You sound surprised," Xal said.

"I have heard the Champion is, well-"

"A damn sight bigger?" Xal said.

"Yes," Akaavi said.

"I take after our mother," Xal said. "Ter'viro takes after our father. By a lot. Just so you know, he's got a girlfriend."

She looked confused. "I asked no such question."

"No, you didn't," Xal said. "Forget I mentioned it. What do you need from me?"

"I want access to Moff Tyrak, and I'll pay any price you name to get it," she said. Xal's confusion was obvious. "That's who your delivery is for: Imperial Moff Tyrak, commander of the Sixty-third Armored Infantry Division."

"We weren't given a name," Xal said. "I'm a little curious how you found out."

"By watching him and those that approached him," Akaavi said.

"How did you know about me?" Xal asked.

"The Empire has someone inside the resistance," Akaavi said. "I don't know the agent's identity, but you were mentioned. It is also how the Imperials knew you would be here."

"Tyrak's already dead," Xal said.

"No," Akaavi replied. "The Empire does not know. They knew of the drop, but only I knew the target."

"And you want Ter'viro's help?" Xal said.

Akaavi shook her head. "The champion hunts the Blacklist. He would have no time. As I said, you intrigue me. And I hoped the brother of a bounty hunter and a Jedi killer would be sympathetic to a Mandalorian."

Corso, Risha, and Bowdaar stepped away from Akaavi.

"Ma'am," Xal said. "You are not familiar with me or my family, so I will let that pass. But, I don't believe Ter'viro killed Kellian Jarro. He won't tell me what happened. He said it's to protect me, but my family is not sympathetic to Jedi killers."

"Very well," Akaavi said. "What is your opinion of Mandalorians?"

"I am a smuggler, ma'am. I have known good Mandalorians and bad. You seem one of the better types, and you mentioned a price."

"I did," she said. "I will give the Republic all I know of the Empire's plans here, as payment for Moff Tyrak."

Risha said, "If he's the contact-"

"I know," Xal said.

"You would lose very little," Akaavi said. "Moff Tyrak would betray you when it suited him."

Xal said, "Maybe, but my mission, and his help, could save a lot of lives."

Akaavi thought for a while then nodded. "I have watched this resistance. Many of them are worthy of your loyalty. I will stay my hand until your mission is complete."

"I will discuss it with the resistance leaders," Xal said. "What exactly did he do? If I may ask."

Her voice took on a new hardness. "He slaughtered my clan," she said. "I hope you value family."

"That I do," Xal said.

Akaavi said, "This is my comm signal. Contact me when you are ready." She lifted her helmet then stopped. "Tell me, Captain, have you known any good Jedi?"

Corso, Risha, and Bowdaar stepped farther away from Akaavi.

Xal smiled at her. "My uncle N'drosal. He was at the temple on Coruscant. He was part of a group ordered to get the Padawans to safety. He saved twenty-four of them. And killed eight Sith Lords before Darth Malgus got him."

"Then he was an honorable warrior." She pulled on her helmet and jet-packed away.

"Are we really going to help her, Captain?" Corso asked.

"I don't know yet," Xal said.

"I like her," Risha said.

Xal said, "She does kind of grow on you."

"Captain, I cannot say how relieved I am to see you!" Sixer said. "After you left, Master Numen went to meet with some resistance fighters, and he never made it back!"

"Is Chemish here?" Xal asked.

"Yes, sir," Sixer said. "But these Imperial soldiers-"

"I will discuss it with her," Xal said. He went to the briefing room.

"Captain?" Chemish said. "You actually made it back."

Xal said, "We need to speak privately."

"Pyther," Chemish said. The man next to her led everyone out. "Well?"

"Moff Tyrak," Xal said.

"You spoke?" she asked.

"No," Xal said. "We met a Mandalorian. The Imperials knew we would be there. She said you have a mole but didn't know who."

"It could explain some things," Chemish said.

"She will give you everything she knows about the Empire's plans if you let her have Tyrak."

"Any reason why?" she asked.

"He slaughtered her clan," Xal said.

Chemish groaned. "Golden has given us good intel. I can't just... Shit. Do you believe her?"

Xal said, "If she hadn't been there, we wouldn't have survived the Imperials."

"That's not an answer," Chemish said.

"She hasn't revealed him to the Imperials," he told her.

"And Nebula?" she asked.

"She said she would stay her hand until we were done," Xal said. "Do you think he did it?"

"I don't know," Chemish said. "He's in this for the money, but his information is good. But, he is an Imperial Moff."

"Her information might be better," Xal said. "If he's in it for the credits, he wouldn't give you anything that would get him noticed. But the Empire destroyed her clan. She wants them to burn."

"That's a very good point, Captain." She sighed. "I need to destroy one ally to get another." She thought for a while. "Contact her. I have an idea."

A moment later, Akaavi appeared on holo. "Captain, what did they say?"

"We haven't yet," Chemish said.

"You are...?"

"The person you need to talk to," Chemish told her. "We just lost a patrol to the Imperials. We think they're in Camp Vigil."

"I know it," Akaavi said. "One of my clan brothers, the last of my clan, is imprisoned there. I would have broken him out, but I could not assault the prison alone."

Chemish said, "We have a common interest."

"We do, for now," Akaavi said. "What happens if I pass your test?"

"I try to figure out the best answer to a difficult question," Chemish said.

"I understand," Akaavi said. "For now, we are partners. I will not break that trust. But I will not end my pursuit of him. I will be at these coordinates at first light. Do not be late." She disconnected.

"I don't think she's lying," Chemish said.

"What do you want me to do?" Xal asked.

"Numen was captured," she said. "Without him, we can't move forward on Nebula."

"All right. I will tell my team."

They reached the coordinates before first light, on one of the hills surrounding the city. The climb had been tough, even for a speeder, and the area was empty.

"Keep your head down," Akaavi said, emerging from camouflage. "Security's tight inside the camp."

"Do Mandalorians not learn how to say 'hello'?" Xal asked.

"'Su'cuy gar,'" she said. "It also means 'I'm surprised you're still alive.'"

"In a good way, I hope," Xal said.

Akaavi said, "I've scouted the cells here; security uses a two-man guard team as a precaution against corruption. Every patrol has an access code for one of two terminals needed to enter the prison. I have already identified the optimal targets."

"All right," Xal said. "I never argue with a woman with a plan."

"Since when?" Risha asked.

"Which teams?" Xal asked. Akaavi identified them. "Risha, Corso, Akaavi, get that team. Bowdaar and I will take the other team. Bowdaar, we need to do this quietly." Bowdaar snarled but agreed. "Something wrong?" Xal asked Akaavi.

"Your assessment of our opponents and division of the team members was correct," she replied. "Perhaps I was right about you."

"He has his moments," Risha said. "Just don't plan on them."

"Once we're in, we must get to cell 665," Akaavi said. "My clan brother is there. Help me free him, and we will assist you with whatever you need."

"Fair enough," Xal said. "Let's do this."

"We have the codes," Xal said.

"Now we need to enter them simultaneously into both terminals," Akaavi replied.

"How many alarms and guards can we expect?" Risha said.

"Many," Akaavi replied. "So we must keep them busy. Once I find my clan brother, you will have two Mandalorians fighting with you."

"Our connection to Tyrak is here," Xal said. "If we don't get him-"

"As I told the woman, I will not break the trust," Akaavi said.

The doors opened and they moved in cautiously. Akaavi signalled a direction, and they moved in. Three rooms later, Corso was on the ground with Risha tending to him.

"I'll be fine, Captain," Corso said.

"You fought bravely," Akaavi said. "But do not let it kill you."

"What she said," Xal echoed.

Akaavi said, "My clan brother is here. Your people are there."

Corso struggled to his feet, gasping for breath. "Give me a moment, and Bowdaar, and we'll head toward our people."

Xal, Risha, and Akaavi pushed forward, eventually reaching cell 665. And found a Twi'lek resistance fighter.

"Who are you, old man?" Akaavi demanded. "What happened to the Mandalorian who was supposed to be in this cell?"

"He was executed this morning," the man said, as gently as he could.

Akaavi exhaled sharply. "Executed..."

Xal shot out the shield controls on the door. "Prison break," he told the Twi'lek. "Grab a blaster from one of the dead guards and get people out." The man ran off.

"I have no clan now," Akaavi said. "He was the last."

"I'm sorry," Risha said. "You've helped us twice."

Akaavi told them, "Anyone you want out of here better be gone in five minutes, because I'm going to destroy this place." She turned and left.

"She didn't say how," Risha said.

"No," Xal said. "But I believe her. Let's start opening cells."

Twenty minutes later, the prisoners climbed the hills behind Sobrik to reach the landing site for the resistance transports. Xal and Risha found Corso sitting on a boulder, pale and sweating. Bowdaar and Numen stood nearby, and a Mirialan female knelt next to Corso with a med pack.

"You were very stupid," the medic told him.

"Yes, ma'am," Corso said.

"Is he going to make it?" Xal asked.

"He needs time in a kolto tank," the medic said. "But he'll be fine. After what he did, people will be lined up to help him."

"Captain!" Numen said. "I don't know who you got to rig Camp Vigil, but that place is gonna burn for weeks!"

"A Mandalorian did that," Xal said.

Numen said, "How did you turn a Mandalorian?"

"The Empire did it for us," Xal replied.

"We've been checking Imperial communications, they're going crazy!" Numen said. "It's the first time they've been seriously scared we could win."

"Chemish said you're the only one who can decode where I go next," Xal said.

Numen said, "I've gotten through Golden's files, and there's great news. He's acquired the access codes for the research base where the Nebula shipment is being stored. Normally, the Empire's research bases are crawling with soldiers like dekk flies on dung, but today they're grabbing every warm body to retake Sobrik and Camp Vigil. They're leaving mostly droid defenses at the base, which are coordinated from a few different command posts. If you can plant-"

"Slicer-spikes," Xal said. "I know."

"Onward and upward, then," Numen said.

"You just happen to have slicer-spikes," Risha said.

Xal said, "Have you forgotten the cybernetics bed?"

"Good point," she said.

Xal inserted the spike into the last command relay and tuned it to the other relays. "That's it. The droids will now see us as maintenance droids."

"I didn't know droids were so easy to coordinate," Risha said.

"They're not," Xal told her. "As you scale up, it gets tougher. All right, keep your heads down and look busy."

They reached the most secure part of the base but found nothing. Then someone hissed at them. A man hunched down behind some crates waved them over. The droids nearby ignored him.

"Are you the Republic agent? I must be extracted at once!" he said. "I am Moff Tyrak. My cover is blown. I require an armed escort to Republic territory and an immediate flight off-planet."

"Where's the shipment?" Xal asked.

Tyrak said, "Well, I couldn't risk the Republic abandoning me, could I? How was I supposed to know Imperial Intelligence would start asking where I got my custom landspeeders? That's my private property! 'Questionable spending practices,' they said! 'Unsustainable on my current salary,' they said! What would be the point of taking money I don't spend?"

Xal, Risha, and Bowdaar looked at each other.

Risha said, "This is the problem with relying on people's greed and stupidity. It works."

Tyrak said, "The Republic promised if I ever got caught, they'd extract me and I would retire on the Gold Beaches of Corellia. With full immunity!"

Xal said, "Tell me, Moff Tyrak, have you ever heard of clan Spar?"

"Sounds Mandalorian," Tyrak said. "Are they working for you?"

"I need to contact the resistance," Xal said. In a moment, Numen appeared on holo.

"Captain?" Numen began.

"You there," Tyrak said. "Make this peon stop asking questions and get on with my extraction!"

"Captain?" Numen repeated.

"He lied about the shipment," Xal said.

Tyrak said, "Did you think I'd let them kill me over a few lousy mansions on Herdessa?"

"The deal was for you to get us the Nebula shipment, Tyrak," Numen said. "You go with the captain and get those prototypes to Palliser Station, or all bets are off."

"I was fleeing for my life!" Tyrak said. "Did you really expect me to- fine. I'll check my datapad. My assistant handled that sort of thing. Um... munitions delivery A-16... fleet escort. That's the one. It leaves from the Balmorran Arms Factory ship depot. Today."

Numen said, "According to the communiques we've tapped, the Nebula shipment is going on droid-piloted tugs. So if you can launch them before that 'fleet escort' shows up, you should be able to reprogram the droid pilots to fly anywhere."

"Got it," Xal said. "Let's go, Moffy."

"This is so humiliating," Tyrak said.

"I'll send a second team," Numen said. "Zebulun. You've seen him. You'll need help getting into the Arms Factory. And we'd better stick Tyrak in disguise, probably as a servant."

"A servant!" Tyrak said.

Risha said, "Suck it up, princess."

They met Zebulun's team outside of the research base and headed toward the Arms Factory. Zebulun took the Moff in his speeder with Xal following.

When the Moff was out of earshot, Bowdaar said, "Whoo wwhuoaorahwhrr ohraro."

"I know," Xal said. "I'm sure his name is on the orders, but-"

"Whoo wwhuoaorahwhrr ohraro."

"I know it," Xal said.

"He's a scapegoat," Risha said. "It's the only answer that makes sense, but why would the Empire care?"

"They don't," Xal said. "The Mandalorians would care. That's got to be it. If the Mandalorians knew the real reason..."

"What?" Risha asked.

"I don't know," Xal said.

"We've got to tell her," Risha said.

"I know. She did all this for nothing," Xal said.

"Whooao whooaoacahwhrr," Bowdaar said. "Cacwo oarawh rcworrraahwh acworc oaanrawh'c acoowhoorc."

"You're right," Xal said. "She could expose the Empire's lies."

Risha said, "Do you think this has anything to do with Ter'viro?"

"I hope not," Xal said. "Our lives are messy enough."

"I'm telling you, we can go that way," Tyrak said, climbing out of the speeder.

"Which way?" Zebulun asked him.

"Right through there," Tyrak said and started forward.

"Wait," Xal said. Tyrak continued walking. "Wait, or I'll shoot you in the leg." Tyrak stopped.

"It's shorter that way," Tyrak said.

Xal said, "Risha."

Risha scanned the area with her rifle scope. "Imperial barracks."

"Exactly," Tyrak said and started walking.

"Do you want to get shot?" Xal asked.

Tyrak stopped again. "I don't see the problem."

"They will shoot at us," Xal said.

"Nonsense," Tyrak said and turned back.

Xal said, "Get your ass over here, or Bowdaar will break both your legs."

Tyrak walked back. "I'll have you know, I'm an Imperial Moff."

Xal put a blaster to Tyrak's head. "Today, you're an asset or a liability."

"The Republic will hear of this," Tyrak said.

Xal told him, "If you bring the Imperial guards down on us, I'm feeding you to them."

Risha searched the barracks again. "I know why he wants to go that way."

"Which is?" Xal asked.

"Master Yvie," Risha said.

"You know her name?" Tyrak said. "Could you introduce me? Would she be interested?"

"Yes, and probably not," Xal told him.

"Promise me an introduction," Tyrak said. "And I'll go whichever way you want."

"Who are you?" Yvie asked.

"Imperial Moff Seleven Tyrak, you most glorious creature!"

"What did you want?" she asked.

"A moment of your time, you beautiful woman!"

Yvie said, "We're both assaulting a heavily fortified arms factory."

"Yes, yes," Moff Tyrak said. "In time. Tell me what I must do to win your heart."

"Why are you here?" she asked Xal.

"Divert a weapons shipment," he said.

"Moff whatever," Yvie said.

"Tyrak," he told her.

"Right. My eyes are up here."

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing. You want to help Xal-" She looked at Xal.

"Shipment control station," he said.

"Moff," Yvie said.

"Yes, my dear."

"You want to help Xal get to the shipment control station."

"Of course I do," he said. "It-" He checked his datapad. "It should be down that way. That's what my assistant's notes say."

"You want to help Xal divert the weapons shipment," she said.

"Of course... beautiful... creature. Right... right this way."

Xal hunched down next to the shipment control. Dead droids were stacked like a wall behind him, blocking the blaster fire. Risha, Bowdaar, and Zebulun's team had taken cover behind different consoles and fired on the incoming Imperials. The Imperials had to get through a choke point, but they had numbers and droids.

"Any time!" Zebulun said.

"They fired at me!" Tyrak said. "Me! An Imperial Moff!"

"Shut up!" Xal said. There! Nebula shipment. He input the coordinates to Palliser Station.

"Surrender!" the Imperial commander said. "You are in violation of the laws of the Sith Empire." Risha shot him, but his armor took most of the damage. "Men, kill them-!"

A cluster of grenades landed in the middle of the Imperials. They jumped for cover, but didn't have the time. Akaavi dropped to the ground near Xal.

"Thank me later," she said.

Together, they pushed the Imperials back long enough to seal the doors.

"Do you know a way out?" Xal asked.

"I do," Akaavi said. "But first, I have saved your life. In return, I demand you turn over Moff Tyrak. I have hunted this man for five years. Ever since his command saw my entire clan executed as traitors. It was a lie! They served the Empire with honor! What did you seek to gain with their deaths?"

"Akaavi...," Xal began.

"It's not really ringing any bells," Tyrak said. "But my assistant handles most of that sort of paperwork."

"But... but, why did you do it?" Akaavi asked. "Why conspire against them?"

Tyrak said, "If I get an execution order, I always sign it. Better the wrong men dead than a traitor left alive, right?"

"This cannot be him!" Akaavi said. "Where is the real Moff Tyrak? The sadistic Imperial puppet master?"

"This man couldn't conspire to get his boots on the right feet," Xal told her.

Akaavi said, "No. This can't be. My clan deserves vengeance. They must have their names cleared, the blood of their enemies used to purify their dishonorable deaths."

"Can we leave now?" Tyrak asked. "I have tickets to the Pa'lowick opera on Nar Shaddaa tonight."

Xal said, "Shut up, or I'll kill you myself. Akaavi, someone used him as a scapegoat. They probably wanted you to kill him, to cover their trail."

"Who?" Akaavi said. "Who do I hunt now?"

Xal turned to Tyrak. "What's the name of this assistant?"

"Her?" Tyrak said. "You... you want her name? Are you certain? I mean, I could give you her name, if I had to, but I'd rather not. If you understand me."

"Give me the name," Akaavi told him.

"I couldn't possibly," Tyrak said. "Well, I could, but-" Bowdaar grabbed Tyrak by the tunic and shouted into his face. "What did he say?"

Xal told him, "He said to give us the name, or he'd rip your limbs off and throw your torso back to the Imperials."

"Jasmien Plas," Tyrak said. Bowdaar let him go. "That's her name. But, don't mention me to her."

"Akaavi-" Xal began.

"He must go to the Republic," she said. "He'll know more. He must live, or I'll never find who did this." She turned to Tyrak. "Do not fail me."

"Of course," he said.

She shot his hand then put the blaster to his head. "Or I will teach you real fear. Captain, this way."

"You still owe the Republic," Xal said.

"I know," she said. "I will honor our bargain. For now, we must go."

"What's it mean, Captain?" Corso asked. He sat in the lounge, still pale but looking better.

"I don't know," Xal said. "I'm just glad I'm not Mandalorian."

"The Empire learned from its mistakes," Risha said. "It's part of their plans for the next war. Tyrak was a perfect sacrifice."

"That's not an answer," Corso said.

"No," Risha said. "It's a theme."

"Sir," Seetoo said. "A Mandalorian is at the boarding ramp."

"Let's see what she wants," Xal said.

Akaavi stood at the bottom of the ramp, as imposing as ever. "Captain, I am not often at a loss for words, but I had not thought where to go once I found Moff Tyrak. My search has become more complicated. I may have put you in danger, and... I have nowhere to go. I cannot give you my loyalty, but while I am with you, I will serve you well. I am not asking to be friends. Nor would I require you to pay my fee. But for food, a bunk and transport off Balmorra, I'll shoot anyone you need dead."

Mandalorian secrets, Imperial secrets, war was coming, who knew what else? He was fairly certain he'd be hunted if he took her in. If he didn't, she'd be killed. He didn't owe her anything, but he knew he could trust her. And he needed as many people like that as he could get.

"I sometimes run with a tough crowd," Xal said. "Tougher than you think."

"I fought on Coruscant," she said. "But nowhere near the temple."

"All right," Xal said. "Let's find you a bunk."