The Rescue

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

One eye opened blearily. A hand fumbled out, as though a noodle had suddenly grown bones.

Angrily, a button was smashed. Most buttons were meant to be pressed gently, almost caressed. This, however, was a button that's only purpose was to be violently smashed with a fist every morning.

A holo display popped open, revealing both the galactic time, as well as the notification of approach to their destination.

He sat up, stretching, before pulling himself up out of his bunk, grabbing his shirt to pull it on.

He stepped up to a small alcove by the desk in his small quarters and pressed another button. A minute later, delicious coffee filtered down into the cup sitting within.

He grabbed the cup, taking an immediate sip, before turning to head out the door. A small notice popped up on the holo-display, bringing a frown to his face. He really hoped he could top off his coffee supply at this stop.

A tall, burly, orange skinned Twi'lek man stopped as he passed by. "I'd be cautious of my sister, Captain. The coffee reserves are getting too low." He crinkled his nose. "Not that I understand your obsession with such a bitter beverage."

Captain Gar Melarin shrugged. "It's only bitter till you get used to it. And the caffeine is a good stimulant." He took another sip of the beverage. "But worry not, Bril! I'll be sure to get more Jawa Juice when we resupply."

Bril's face did not change. "Jawa Juice would go down better without the smell of your accursed coffee." He sighed. "But Tenga would be most displeased if we didn't restock." He blinked. "We will be able to restock out here, right?"

Gar grinned. "Already on it. Jorc is headed out this way. I convinced him to get us some supplies freighted this way. Including a special surprise: Alvoran premium coffee beans." He turned and headed for the bridge.

Bril scoffed and muttered, "The two of you are just perfect for each other." He snorted before sighing. "He's going to end up my brother-in-law for sure. Tenga isn't going to let him slip away. Not with this decent a ship."

Tenga Lora frowned as Gar slipped into the pilot's seat, not bothering to look away from the nav screen. "I told you at Lothal we were running low on supplies."

Gar handed over his coffee without looking at her. "Yes, you did. But I got a message from Jorc, saying he was headed out this way, around this time as well. In fact, I got a comm from him yesterday, saying he's already docked."

Tenga's nose scrunched, her green eyes narrowing. A good contrast with her beautiful blue skin. "And what does that have to do with me not having enough coffee?"

"Oh, that's a matter of where he just came from." Gar shot her a grin. "Alvor V."

The woman's eyes went wide, a massive grin taking over her face. "You. Didn't!"

"Of course I did! Was even able to get a bulk discount on whole beans. Which means we can roast our own for once." Gar nodded with satisfaction. "Plus, food is the one thing you can rely on Jorc for when it comes to quality."

Tenga's face scrunched again briefly, before she shrugged and nodded in defeat. "That…that I'm forced to concede on. He should really focus on only shipping food orders."

Gar chuckled as he began prepping the ship to leave hyperspace. "Funny you say that. He's been freighting food for the last cycle or so now." He tapped out a few commands and the familiar jolt ran through them as the ship dropped back into normal space.

Below lay a planet, floating along its orbit in space. There were a few patches of green, but most of it was dark, metallic. Industrial.

Moxtin. A corporate world, owned and operated by a manufacturing firm. Or conglomerate. Gar didn't really care much on that bit, just that it was lucrative for freight business, despite being on the edge of wild space. Especially when he could charge express freights.

The Star Grazer was an old XS light freighter. It's distinctive wedge shape, with the bridge centralized near the front, an extended cargo hold on port side (mounted with the main ship guns), and the docking port and main entrance ramp on the starboard side. And as of last week, fully his. He'd started his career as part of the crew aboard a larger freighter, working until he'd saved enough to buy his own ship. However, due to his good work, his captain had offered a bargain: he'd pay half the ship cost in exchange for a cut of his profits the first five years.

Last week marked the end of the five year period. True, Captain Odrin hadn't taken that large a cut of the profit, but it was still an expense. Now that expense was gone, and Gar would finally be able to afford some much desired upgrades. An engine overhaul, some maintenance parts for the hyperdrive, and finishing off refurbishing the crew and passenger quarters.

The base XS freighter by design had only one crew quarters; Gar had converted it into a passenger cabin, set with alcove like bunks, that could comfortably fit up to eight passengers. He had had another room installed closer to the engines for the actual crew quarters, comfortably berthing up to four crewmen. There was the standard galley/meeting room right next to his cabin (the captain's quarters, also contained his own private refresher), with a refresher directly across for crew and passengers.

Hauling freight was good. Having room for people to bunk was even better.

Tenga gave him a sidelong glance. "And what are you thinking now?"

"I'm thinking it's pay day." Gar gave her a cheeky grin. "And that we should finally be able to get those parts we've been wanting."

"Yes! About time!" Bril exclaimed, entering the bridge to watch their approach. "You're buying based on my recommendations, right?"

Gar scoffed and glanced back. "As if I'd ignore recommendations from either of you. When you tell me to order a part, you bet I'll be ordering it as soon as we can afford it." He patted the console. "The Star Grazer's a good ship. She deserves to be pampered."

"Hmm," Tenga hummed. "I can't even be jealous over that. The old girl flies well. You did an excellent job fixing her up."

" Yes, well, I'm still glad I convinced the two of you to tag along. You're both far better mechanics than I am."

"You sell yourself too short." Bril chastised. "You pick up new things quick enough. And you know your way around engines well enough. Just leave the more specialized parts to Tenga and I for now."

"Alright, docking coordinates and permissions are in. Let's get paid people!"

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He walked along, checking over his datapad. The numbers were looking excellent! The job had ended up paying more than the initial guaranteed price, the ship parts were ordered, and Jorc had sent their supply order as soon as he learned their docking bay number.

What's more, he had even been "invited" to join in on a gambling ring. Which meant potentially boosting his already substantial earnings further, so long he played his pazaak cards right.

He slipped the pad back beneath his poncho, pulling the hood a bit further over his head to keep the rain off. Now it should be…ah, there was his turn. He walked up to the door and knocked a specific pattern.

The door opened and the bouncer, a Rodian, nodded for him to enter. As he thought, it wasn't that large an establishment, having only a couple tables in the center, and a bar at the far end of the room.

Already many players were gathered, waiting for the night's winnings to be announced. He smiled and headed for the bar to get a drink. Just the one. To be savored throughout the game.

Roughly twenty minutes later, several people, two human men, a Twi'lek woman, and another Rodian (a woman), entered from the back. The woman stood towards the back, her green figure adorned with a catching blue dress, a small chest in her arms. The two humans were clearly pulling guard duty, blasters on their hips, rifles in their hands. Odd. Why the heavy guard?

The Rodian woman spread her arms and addressed the crowd. "Greetings, players! I see some regulars, and I see a lot of new faces! Tonight, we have quite the treat. We have our usual credit prize, of course, a tad more substantial than usual. But, tonight, we have a particular grand prize. Behold!"

The Twi'lek woman stepped forward and opened the chest. Gar's smile became a forced one. There was definitely no holding back this night. Not when a friggin lightsaber was on the line.

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Well. That had actually gone better than he'd hoped. He came away with a lot more credits than he'd expected, and he'd succeeded at rescuing a blasted lightsaber. Speaking of…

Yes. There she was. Hanging back, trying to blend in. She'd been following him since he left the gambling ring. Human. Young. Couldn't be much more than fifteen or sixteen. A padawan. But where was her master?

He gave a quick glance to ensure no one was pay attention, then slipped into a side alley. He walked a ways down, before stopping. He leaned against a wall (a less grimy part than the rest), and kept his posture as casual and nonthreatening as he could.

He slowly counted down in his head, and right as he neared zero, a face just barely peeked around the corner. Slowly, she moved around the corner, eyeing him warily.

He raised both hands, shifting to show her his blaster, as he stepped off the wall. "I can guess why you're following me, kid, but if I may, how is it a padawan is roaming without both her lightsaber and her master?"

She fidgeted but ultimately held her ground. "Just…please, I can pay for it." She licked her lips. "Maybe not right this second, but I can get you the credits from the Order."

He kept eyes on her and slowly reached into his poncho. She tensed, eyes narrowing. Making no sudden movement, he withdrew the prize from his win.

He held the lightsaber out to her. "This yours?" She eyed the hilt and nodded. "Want me to hand it to you or toss it?"

She worried her lip before straightening her posture and stepping forward. She stopped a couple steps away from him and held out her hand.

He gently reached forward and placed the weapon in her waiting hand, watching as her fingers closed assuredly around the hilt.

She quickly buckled it to her waist, then looked back at him. She eased up a little, but didn't full relax. Smart.

"I…I could use your help." She trailed off as he held up a hand and put a finger to his lips.

He walked past her to the alley entrance. He looked back and forth before nodding. He turned back to her. "My name is Gar Melarin. I have a ship, the Star Gazer. We can talk when we get to it,"

She quickly adjusted her tattered jacket, hiding her freshly reacquired lightsaber.

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Bril and Tenga had already loaded the supplies and were in the middle of inspecting the ship upgrades when Gar walked up, the girl trailing behind him.

Tenga had immediately rushed over, exchanged a few words with the two of them, before dragging the padawan into the depths of the ship.

Probably to clean the poor girl up and get her properly dressed. Not to mention the few bruises on her face checked.

Bril sighed and rolled his shoulders. "I'll get started on loading up these parts." He raised an eyebrow. "I am assuming we may be leaving in a hurry?"

Gar mouthed 'Jedi'. "It's looking like a possibility. We can at least get some of these started internally. The external upgrades…" He sighed. "We'll see. If troubles brewing, I wish we could get them online first. I'll go lower the cargo ramp."

"I'll get the larger parts moved over and ready for storage." Bril said already moving back to the hoversleds.

They had almost finished moving the parts aboard when Tenga appeared. "You really are quite a trouble magnet, Gar Melarin." She paused, tapping a finger thoughtfully on her chin. "You just happened to win that girl's lightsaber back in a fair tournament, huh?"

Bril raised an eyebrow at that. Gar blinked at her. "I never said it was won fairly, only that I did win it in a pazaak game. Along with several thousand credits."

Bril nodded approvingly, but still gave him a scathing look. "You know, I was hoping to hit some of the tables myself. Not that we're staying long anymore. Am I right, sis?"

"Jinra Turssk. Padawan of the Jedi Order, training to be a Consular. She and her master, Master Shiela Shiar, a Twi'lek woman, were sent out to a nearby system to investigate the disappearance of a Senator's daughter. Unfortunately, they discovered said daughter had joined a rather familiar pirate group."

Gar Melarin's face went hard, and a grim light entered his eyes. "By the Force, don't say it's…them."

"I'm afraid so." Tenga replied, equally grim.

Bril scowled. "Carrion."

"Did the girl have any leads? How'd she even get away?" Gar asked.

"My Master helped me get out of the cell. I stowed aboard one of their cargo ships after retrieving my lightsaber." Jinra replied, entering the cargo hold. She shifted uncomfortably. "I….dropped it when attempting to hide when we landed here. They grabbed it before I could. Fortunately, they didn't find me."

Gar gave her a nod. "The Force was certainly with you. For you to have escaped, but also run into us? Hard to call that coincidence."

Jinra gave him a curious look. "Indeed. You all seem rather…acquainted with these pirates."

Gar gestured to the Twi'leks. "The Carrion group is how I met these two. Tried forcing Tenga into…servitude. And attempted to…convince Bril to be one of their chief mechanics."

Tanga stepped over and wrapped herself around one of his arms. "And this guy unwittingly made a supply run for them, via a dummy account they'd set up. So he comes in, as they've got my brother and I pinned, sees us in trouble, and just starts shooting up the place. Honestly, it was quite thrilling." She let out a purred. "And that's when I decided to claim him."

Bril gave the girl a grin. "Ever since, we like to be a thorn in their side whenever we cross paths. Even blew up one of their bases once."

"By accident!" Gar pointed a finger. "I only intended to knock out the power, not blow it to smithereens." He sighed and rubbed a hand across his eyes. "I'm going to go make some coffee and hit the holoterminal and navcomputer. See if I can try to triangulate where they're holed up. They've got to be close if you were captured in a nearby system, and then be able to stow yourself here without notice." He turned back to Jinra. "Meanwhile, feel free to claim a bunk for yourself. There's currently no one else in the passenger quarters."

"I've already claimed one. Thank you, Captain. I was going to contact the Order, let them know what's going on, but…I'm not sure anyone could make it out here in time to be of help." The girl looked at them all. "I'm still not even certain I should be pulling you into Jedi business."

"This isn't just Jedi business, Jinra. This is personal business. We aren't in this for revenge; we just enjoy giving this group of pirates a black eye or two whenever we can. Makes the area safer for cargo ships everywhere." Tenga gave the girl a smile. She turned to Gar, the tips of her leku crossing twice. "I will go make us some coffee. I just roasted some fresh beans." She sauntered out of the cargo hold.

Jinra fidgeted uncertainly before also heading out, leaving the two men alone. Bril crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Still in denial? After two declarations from my sister?"

"I deny nothing, Bril." Gar muttered. "I just don't know what your sister sees in me."

"Good. Neither do I, you coffee obsessed swindler. But you try telling her that." Bril scowled. "Next port, I get to hit the tables before you go anywhere near them. Getting us involved with Jedi business. Even if it is the Carrion group." He scratched his chin. "While you're at the nav, I'll be outside doing maintenance on the turrets. We'll be needing them in prime shape. Good thing we just got that new shielding and armor last cycle." He gave one last look over the parts in storage. "Really, though, my sister sees you as the good guy you are." He gave a couple rough, but good natured, pats to his shoulder on his way out.

Gar cracked his neck and headed back into the rest of the ship. He headed to the holoterminal first, pulling out his datapad. He cross checked the areas said to have recent pirate activity to the known locations of previous bases he'd recorded.

Next he grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to the bridge for the navcomputer.

Tenga walked onto the bridge a few hours later, a couple plates of food in one arm and a couple cups of coffee in the other. "I bring you food and more coffee! Jinra has settled in for the night, claiming one of the bunks in the passenger cabin. Bril finished maintenance of the turrets, says they're more than primed if needed." She handed over a plate, setting his coffee where an empty cup previously rested. "Find anything?"

Gar nodded, bleary eyed from staring at the viewscreen. "I think so." He pointed out a small moon. "Pretty certain it's here. Or at least somewhere in that system. Close by. Not a lot of traffic coming through. Bit of a contested system between three mining corporations, so no one is supposed to be there. But there've been reports that ships are seen in that region regularly. Nothing solid enough for authorities to investigate heavily." He took a bite of his food.

"Hmmm." She tapped her fork against her chin. She reached over and adjusted the nav display. "There's a small asteroid field not too far off. Could have a mobile base in there, too. Probably one of their larger ships."

Gar nodded as he swallowed. "I'm wondering that myself." He reached over and grabbed the coffee.

"In the morning, we'll get Jinra in here, see where it was they were caught. She didn't say whether it was at a base or not." Tenga leaned forward, pecking his cheek. "Come on, we'll drop the plates in the galley before bed." A wry grin played at her lips. "Or maybe we hit the refresher first?"

Bril suddenly poked his head in. "Good you're both still up." He moved fully into the room, nodding at the navcomputer. "Even better! Here, you'll want to see this." He handed Gar a datapad.

Tenga looked over his shoulder and sucked in a breath. A twi'lek woman was bound, her green skin mottled with bruises. A neural suppressant was wrapped around her forehead, covering her eyes. "They're auctioning her off already?"

Gar frowned in thought. "They know Jinra got out. Probably figured out what ship she stowed away on, thanks to her lightsaber." He took a long sip of coffee. "Naturally, it'll only be a matter of time before a rescue may be attempted. So they need to get Master Shiar off their hands fast." He went through the rest of the info. "The auction is in two days, over in this system here." He adjusted the navcomputer to show another system, highlighting a specific planet.

Tenga leaned forward, looking over the system's information. "It's not too far from that contested system you found, Gar."

Bril leaned over their shoulders to look. He gave a nod. "That does fit their usual tactics." He also pointed to a bit of info. "Plus I think this company may be one of their fronts. The name is at least similar to one they were using last cycle."

Tenga gave a sly smile to Gar. "And what of the Senator's daughter?"

He shrugged. "Well, Master Shiar and Jinra were out here to find her, sooo…grab her and take her back with them?" He gestured a hand towards the depths of the ship. "Could keep her sedated in med bay if necessary. And we should prep the kolto tank. Shiar looks like she could use a few hours soaking."

The twi'lek siblings both scoffed. Tenga waved him off. "That thing is always kept ready. Given our luck."

"I would say more of a knack for trouble." Bril retorted. "Between you and our dear captain." He let out a yawn, then gave the two a deadpan look. "Don't stay up much longer. We've got a little over a day to find them before the job gets really difficult."

Tenga's cheeks flushed, turning a lovely shade of deeper blue, but Gar just blinked from her, to Bril, then back. "Hold on, if it comes down to it, why don't we just go to the auction, buy our Master Jedi, nurse her back to health, then help the two of them get this Senator's daughter back?"

Tenga frowned at him. "That…that isn't a bad backup plan, if necessary. Though let's be real, how likely would that end with lots of shooting? Possibly a ship exploding?"

Bril gave Gar a very pointed look, but Gar shrugged. "The probability is high. Unless…"

Bril scrunched his face at the implication. Tenga's frown only deepened. "Yes. There is always your abilities. Though what if your use of them earlier tipped them off?"

Gar couldn't help but give her a hurt look. "The apprentice Jedi wouldn't have given me some cover? One who was deliberately trying to get her lightsaber back?" Tenga huffed and looked away. "Exactly. Just had that feeling that I needed to get the lightsaber." He gave one last look at the viewscreen. "And now that same feeling about this."

Tenga looked at him and nodded slowly. Bril nodded as well. "We may not understand exactly, but I suppose…we'll trust you as always."

Gar closed out the navcomputer, stood up, stretched, then grabbed his plate and coffee cups. "Then we best be heading to bed, as Bril suggested. We've got our work lined up."

Bril shook his head and headed out. Tenga wrapped herself around Gar's free arm. She leaned up, her lips close to his ear. "After we hit the refresher first." And she sauntered out ahead of him.

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Jinra couldn't help but fidget as she sat at the table. Three strangers, in just a few hours, were already strategizing where and even how to rescue not only Master Shiar, but also help fulfill their initial mission.

The one thing her mind could focus on were the words her master always said: "The Force dwells and moves within all things. If one surrenders themselves to it, answers will come in the most unexpected of ways."

"This system isn't that far from where my Master and I began our search." Jinra said, staring at the holodisplay. "If anything, the info we had helps confirm your finding. I can't see this as coincidence."

"Then we are fully decided." Bril said, climbing to his feet. "I'll be manning the turrets."

Tenga pulled out her datapad, tapping out a couple functions, and headed out of the galley. "I'll go start the pre-flight check. Already checked over the engines before this meeting. Good to go on that front."

Bril nodded, following her out.. "Turrets and main guns are good to go. Double checked the calibrations first thing this morning."

Gar turned to Jinra. "You'll be on the bridge with Tenga and I. I trust you'll be able to use the Force to help find Master Shiar?"

"I can do it. I'd know her presence better than anyone. I also know how to operate the sensors and scanners." Jinra answered confidently. She followed him to the cockpit, watching as he went through prepping for launch before taking a seat at the sensor station.

Tenga entered and slipped into the copilot seat as she finished off her checklist. "Checklist is all go. Systems coming online. Systems are green."

The ship hummed and vibrated as the engines came online. "Take off is go, course laid for atmospheric exit." Gar said.

The docking bay fell away from them as the ship rose swiftly. The clouds gave way in minutes as the star mottled only blackness of the celestial ocean lay out before them.

They headed out away from the planet before turning and adjusting their course. "Making the jump to light speed. Won't be long before we drop out in the system." He flicked the internal comm. "Bril, how are those turrets looking?" Outside, the stars elongated, stretching out across the void and soon they were within the swirling blue and white vortex.

"Primed and ready." Came the reply.

"Main guns are also primed and ready." Tenga said from her seat. "Shields are up and stable."

Jinra kept her eyes on the sensors. "Are we expecting them to fire at us the moment we exit hyperspace?"

"Not right away, but not long after if we are on the right track." Gar replied.

Tenga glanced back at the girl. "Our previous run ins with Carrion marks us as a fairly known ship to them. We can hide from their sensors for a time, but the moment they catch a glimpse, they'll be on us. If or when that happens, keep your senses tuned for your master. Hate to put pressure, but you'll be our navigator to her location."

"Wouldn't be the first time I've pulled her out of trouble." Jinra answered.

"I kinda figured that. You're too…calm. Even for a Jedi." Tenga grinned at her.

Jinra raised an eyebrow, but returned the grin. "You mean for a Padawan?"

Tenga shrugged. "You may not be a full Knight, but you are very much a Jedi."

"Dropping out of hyperspace." Gar said before Jinra could reply. The ship shuddered as they dropped back into normal space.

The system lay before them. A series of asteroids forming a loose field between them and any of the system worlds.

"I've got something on sensors." Jinra said, her hands flicking across the screen. "It's a ship! Out in the asteroids. It's just…drifting…" Her eyes narrowed. "Master Shiar is on board!"

Gar leaned back to give Tenga a look. She raised an eyebrow, and he gave the barest nod. "You're sure?"

"I told you, I'd know her…we've got incoming!" The girl shouted.

"Already see them! Fighters! Can't tell the markings, but they're swinging back around toward us!" Bril commed from the turrets.

"Tenga, man the main guns! Taking evasive maneuvers!" Gar shouted. The ship whirled about, heading towards the asteroids.

Red and green streaks flashed across space. Three of the fighters zipped past, circling back around. A series of larger red bolts zipped out, Tenga taking aim with the Star Grazer's main cannons. Two of the fighters angled in opposite directions, unintentionally exposing the third. One bolt hit it dead on, and it vanished from the sensors as it exploded.

Two more blew as Bril whooped over the comm as he aimed for a new target. The ship shuddered as a pack of four fighters fired on the shields.

"Really wished we'd had time to get that shield upgrade installed!" Gar muttered under his breath.

"It'll be my main priority after we've rescued Master Shiar and gotten them back to Coruscant." Tenga quipped back. She pumped a fist when two fighters flew into her next shot.

"Only two fighters left, Captain! They're breaking off…one of them just jumped to hyperspace!" Jinra exclaimed from the sensors.

"Then now is our chance. We're going in to dock with that ship!" Gar said. His hands moved along the controls.

The freighter came around, aligning with one of the larger ship's docking rings. The Star Grazer settled gently in, the dock connecting flawlessly.

Gar looked over at Tenga as he stood and stretched. "Better grab your rifle. More than likely will need it."

Tenga nodded and hurried off the bridge, heading deeper through the ship. Bril had just come down the turret access as Gar and Jinra came through the bridge access corridor. He opened a locker standing near and pulled out an Arkanian heavy blaster pistol, buckling it's holster around his waist, then pulled out an Arkanian rifle out and slung it over a shoulder.

Gar already had his pistol strapped to his belt: a Mandalorian heavy model. Had been a rare find, and he was glad to have made the purchase.

Jinra had declined any offers of a pistol, opting to utilize her lightsaber and the Force.

The three headed for the docking port, meeting up with Tenga. Like her brother, she had a pistol on her hip and a rifle, though she carried hers at the ready. Bril unsling his own, readying it.

Gar pulled his blaster from its holster; Jinra pulled her lightsaber from her belt, not powering it on yet. She closed her eyes, reaching a hand towards the docking hatch. "There's no one immediately on the other side, but I sense a lot of anger. I think my Master got loose. Not sure what all has occurred, but the pirates are furious. Not at her though…"

Gar's brows creased briefly. "Perhaps the Senator's daughter wasn't as loyal to them as they thought. Maybe she helped Shiar get loose in order to help her get away."

Tenga frowned and nodded. "Play the loyal pirate to lower their guard to give her a chance to escape. It's happened before."

"Both ways." Bril muttered. He stepped forward, eyeing the docking hatch to the other ship. "Give me one moment." He pulled out a small device and put it up to the door. "Tsk. Not even decent security on their doors still. Do they learn nothing?" He said as the hatch slid open.

Tenga rolled her eyes. "They could, if they ever get the chance. Most of the time, they probably don't."

Gar cautiously moved past Bril, boarding the larger freighter. The corridor was empty, and he wondered if anyone aboard had even noticed them docking. If Shiar had escaped and was drawing their attention… This could work out very advantageously. Depending on if those fighters returned with reinforcements. And how many.

They moved swiftly through the corridor until coming to a junction. To the right, it opened up into what looked like a storage room. Ahead and to the left were closed doors. His eyes shifted towards the left before he turned to the young Jedi. She gestured to the left door. He gave her nod.

The others took defensive positions while Gar approached the hatch controls. He gave it a tap and the hatch began sliding open.

He ducked for cover as the sound of blaster fire hit his ears, but no shots came his way yet.

A voice familiar to him shouted, "Hold fire!"

Silence fell over the cargo hold, and Gar cautiously glanced over the crate he had thrown himself behind. Two women were on one side, one holding a yellow lightsaber before her. The other was pressed behind a stack of crates, a blaster rifle in her hands.

"Gar Melarin." The man shouted. "It's so good to see you again!"

Gar frowned at that. "Abel! Didn't realize you survived! Sorry about that fuel depot. Really didn't mean to blow it up. Honest."

"You've racked up quite the debt, Melarin. You have any idea how much credits you've cost me?!" Abel spat. "And now you just happen to show up when I'm dealing with a Jedi wench and some Senator's skank daughter."

"That sounds a bit harsh. I mean, you probably didn't give the woman much choice, right? Why be surprised when she tries to shoot you in the back?" Gar called back, maneuvering himself to get a better look. He glanced at Shiar, making eye contact. She blinked and gave him a curious glance, but kept her focus on the pirates. She gave the barest nod. Good.

Abel stood not that far away, holding his own rifle. He was dressed in combat armor, no helmet. Three lackeys were spread out behind him, two holding rifles, the last a pistol. The man saw him and brought his rifle up. A shot streaked past Gar, striking Abel in the shoulder. The man stumbled, his aim thrown off. Gar quickly leaned forward, firing off two shots at his legs. The first missed, almost hitting a man next to him; the second hit his shin. He tumbled backwards, managing to roll away from more fire.

More fire came from behind as Bril and Tenga shot at the still standing pirates. One took a hit hard and fell to the ground. The Jedi, Shiar, had grabbed the other woman and was making their way behind cover towards him. He focused a moment, then fired off two precisely timed shots. Another pirate went down. He caught a glimpse of Abel, now further back into the cargo hold, talking fast into a comlink.

The final pirate fell back to where Abel was, providing him extra cover, just as the women made it to Gar's position. Gar fired off a few more shots and ducked back into the corridor. Bril and Jinra had taken positions near the hatchway, the girl providing the Twi'lek with cover with her green lightsaber.

Shiar clasped her padawan's shoulder, and they took equal positions to cover the group's retreat. Bril glanced at Gar. "Tenga already ran back to get the ship primed for our get away." He took another shot around the Jedi.

Gar nodded. "Then we better not waste time. We need to get out of this system fast."

"Abel was talking about reinforcements. Though I have the feeling these pirates aren't as cohesive as they make themselves out to be." Shiar added.

"They're not. Having played as one of them for a month, I can assure you of that!" The woman, the Senator's daughter Gar assumed, muttered.

They slipped through the docking hatch, Gar heading for the bridge as Bril slammed the docking hatch controls. He could feel the Jedi Master's eyes on him as the ship shuddered slightly from disengaging from the dock.

He ignored her, for now, heading straight for the bridge. Tenga glanced at him as he entered and slipped into the pilot's seat. "We've got both of whom we came for, now let's get going. Straight for Coruscant?"

"Nah, not right away. We're going to do a couple of random jumps first." He replied. "Just need to clear…the asteroids…"

"Oh blast it all." Tenga muttered, seeing full well why he had trailed off.

Three large ships had gathered just at the edge of the field, more fighters patrolling around them. One looked to be a frigate, the others more akin to some type of corvette. All of them were clearly refits, yet Gar had a bad feeling that they were all fully functional borderline warships.

"The Acklay." Tenga spat. "It all felt too easy."

"Bril, are you on the turret?" Gar asked into the ships comm.

"Really wish I weren't right now." Came his reply. "Are they seriously building a fleet out here?"

"Doesn't matter. We'll outrun them just like before." Gar replied.

"Just not in the same way as before, right?" Bril asked, an edge to his voice. "Right, Captain?"

"Just be ready to shoot." Came the only reply. The freighter captain tapped out a few things on the navcomputer. The timing had to be just precise this time, little room for error. Unless…

The Star Grazer flipped over quickly, a complete 180 degrees. Tenga shot Gar a puzzled look, but kept her hands on the controls, the main guns primed.

The sensor alerts let them know of Bril firing at the first wave of fighters. Abel's ship came back into view. Only it had begun moving again. Slowly, yet it's guns were coming into range of them.

Three bursts from the main cannons slammed into the bow of the ship. The first struck the shields. The second punctured through them. The third slammed directly into the hull. The ship listed off.

Gar dove around the vessel, veering immediately around a couple asteroids. As the Star Grazer came back around, Bril took down two fighters from the turrets.

Gar clicked his tongue. "Bump the ventral turret repairs to the near top of the list. Should really get those back online."

Tenga scoffed. "I'm not gonna say it. I'll just add it back near the top. Right after the shield upgrade is properly installed."

The Acklay came back into view as they crested around a particular large hunk of space rock. Gar kept their course even.

The main guns on the large ship seemed to aim right for them. The Star Grazer kept right on target. The ship jerked what appeared straight down, speeding off into open space. The stars stretched out as they slipped into the blue haze of hyperspace.

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Shiar sat on the bed in medbay, her bruises seen to and dressed in fresh robes. Jinra stood nearby, as did the woman that had come aboard.

Gar and Tenga entered. "I'm pleased to report that we are officially en route to Coruscant."

The Jedi master gave him a curious look. "You certainly live up to your reputation, Captain Melarin." Her look turned mischievous. "Old Master Bakur is a dear friend of mine."

Gar shrugged. "I'm just a simple freighter captain, doing his best to make a living."

Shiar nodded. "Indeed. And yet the Force is…rather strong in you. I certainly was surprised to find you're a telepath." She held up a hand. "Bakur never mentioned you were, though in hindsight some of his comments of you make a tad more sense." She dipped her head. "Thank you, for aiding my Padawan and then coming to my assistance."

The woman presented herself. "Yes, thank you for your aid. Aileen Hyurn. My father is a senator for a profitable mining conglomerate. I'll make sure you're reimbursed for the cost of fuel getting me to Coruscant."

"That's not necessary, but appreciated. Make yourselves comfortable in the meantime: we're about two days out. The guest quarters are just in the next room over; the galley is open for use. We keep stocked on simple meals. If you need anything, I'm going to be catching a few hours of sleep in my cabin." Gar gave them a nod and headed back out.

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Coruscant. Capital of the Galactic Republic. The whole planet, one massive city. Skyscrapers reaching high into the sky. The lower levels of the city a near mystery. None of the surface even visible.

The Star Grazer settled into its docking bay with a grace rarely seen in freighters, but the Corellian XS freighter model had proven itself time and again.

Aileen gave the ship an appraising look. "For a ship named 'Grazer', it isn't that slow."

"The 'Star Grazer'." Tenga smiled. "He named it that because…'everyone will assume it's slow, cause it's called the 'Grazer' but if it grazes on stars, it's actually got to be fast.'"

The woman blinked. "That…well. Most would make that assumption, I suppose." She tapped her chin. "I work in a part of my father's mining operations. Knowing a reliable captain such as you is…quite fortuitous. I always have a few jobs that could use good freighters like yours. You'd still be strictly freelance, of course. Free to pursue other jobs as well as mine. If you're interested."

Gar and Tenga exchanged smirks. "We'd be happy to work out the details for that. We keep our prices fair and proportionate to the job at hand." Gar held out his hand and Aileen briefly clasped it.

"Then it's until we cross paths again." She nodded as a man entered the bay, flanked with a couple security guards.

They watched as father and daughter reunited and left the hanger. Shiar nodded sagely. "I can't help but agree with her: this has been a fortuitous meeting." She gave the three a bemused smile. "I'm certain our paths will cross again. Until then, may the Force be with you." They watched as the two Jedi departed, headed back to the Temple no doubt.

Tenga cracked her knuckles and locked her arms with Gar and her brother. "Alright fellas, those upgrades aren't going to install themselves. First things first: the shield upgrade. Maybe check the markets for a ventral turret. And then we'll get to the rest of it."

"And then we'll find a good paying job and travel the stars." Gar replied. He could say this at least: his life was never boring.