Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars or their respective universes. Who knew.
To everyone who enjoys sweets I want to wish you a happy National Marzipan Day! My parents had taken my sister and I to Germany a couple years ago where we got to try Marzipan for the first time and it was one of the cullinary highlights for the trip! And to everyone out there who has never had the opportunity try or the desire to celebrate this National Holiday no worries tomorrow is National Sticker Day which sounds almost as fun if slightly less delicious. Enjoy your days!
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Five days after their confrontation with Cad Bane, Harry patience was wearing thin. He paced back and forth in their cramped quarters that the CorSec had arranged for them, one room for the two of them only slightly larger than his room at the Jedi Temple, his frustration palpable. Obi-Wan Kenobi sat cross-legged on a cushion, his face calm but his tone firm as he finally addressed Harry's mood.
"Harry, you must be mindful of your emotions," Obi-Wan said. "Frustration clouds judgment and opens the door to rash decisions and the Dark Side. We've made progress, even if it doesn't seem like it."
Harry stopped pacing and took a deep breath, trying to rein in his irritation. "I know, master, but it feels like we're just chasing shadows. Cad Bane got away, and it seems we're no closer to uncovering the cartel's plans."
"Patience, Harry," Obi-Wan said with a small smile. "Today, we meet with an informant who should be able to point us in the right direction."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Who is this informant?"
"It was something Captain Falco arranged for us and set up for tonight. A Trandoshan named Skaar. He's a pilot who works with several cartels but also feeds information to CorSec. A dangerous game, but one he's managed to play skillfully."
Harry crossed his arms. "Playing both sides, huh? Sounds like he's in it for himself."
"Most informants are," Obi-Wan replied. "But his intel has been critical to several CorSec operations. Captain Falco mentioned that information from his has led directly to them being able to close several big investigations. We need to hear what he has to say, even if we have to sift through some self-serving motives. With a little luck the information he can provide us to day should be able to help us as well."
Harry nodded, though he remained skeptical. Despite Obi-Wan's reassurances, a gnawing doubt lingered in the back of his mind. With a frustrated exhale, he forced himself to sit down beside Obi-Wan, who was still in his meditative position.
"Clear your mind, Harry," Obi-Wan encouraged. "The Force will guide us and provide clarity to our thoughts if we are calm enough to listen."
Harry closed his eyes and tried to center himself, though it was more difficult than usual. His thoughts darted from one worry to another, replaying the dead-ends they had encountered over the past week and the daunting task ahead. But he persisted, breathing deeply and focusing on the quiet hum of the cities noise just outside the buildings walls. Gradually, the noise in his mind faded, and he entered a meditative state, though it took longer than usual to reach the tranquil space he sought.
By the time Obi-Wan gently nudged him and said it was time to leave, Harry felt a sense of calm and clarity that had eluded him earlier. His stress had ebbed, replaced by a cautious optimism. He stood, nodding to his master, and together they made their way to their destination.
The seedy cantina near the main spaceport was a hive of activity, its dim lighting and stale air giving it an oppressive atmosphere. The smell of spilled ale and unwashed alien bodies filled Harry's nose as they entered, and he wrinkled his nose in distaste.
Skaar was easy to spot. The slight Trandoshan sat in a shadowy corner, his scaly green skin glinting under the faint glow of a flickering wall light. His reptilian eyes fixed on them as they approached, his sharp teeth bared in what might have been a smile or a threat.
"You are the one called Ben?" Skaar hissed, his voice a guttural rasp. "And this must be your young companion. Sit. Let's talk."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Obi-Wan. "Ben?" he asked under his breath.
Obi-Wan shrugged slightly. "It's the name I use on missions. Keeps anyone from running to the nearest holonet terminal and looking me up," he whispered back.
He then looked to the Trandoshan before he inclined his head and took a seat across from Skaar, motioning for Harry to do the same. Skaar's eyes flicked between them, his forked tongue darting out briefly.
"You know how this works," Skaar said, leaning back and tapping his clawed fingers on the table. "Information costs credits. Let's start there."
"We'll discuss payment, and you'll get your credits … after we know the value of what you're offering," Obi-Wan—or rather, Ben—countered, his tone calm but firm, as he reached into his robes and dropped a heavy bag of credits onto the table, but making no motion to push it across towards the Trandoshan.
Skaar's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward. "No credits, no talk. I don't risk my neck for charity, especially for people I am unfamiliar with."
Obi-Wan's expression didn't waver. "And I don't hand over credits without assurance of useful information. Let's not waste time with posturing, Skaar. You've worked with CorSec long enough to know the drill."
The Trandoshan let out a low growl but seemed to relent. "Fine. Three pieces of information. Take it or leave it."
"We're listening," Obi-Wan said, his voice neutral.
Skaar's claws tapped the table again as he spoke. "First, the Black Thorn Syndicate, run by a Devaronian named Jaxar Larr, is making a move to gain influence and contracts. They're planning something big."
"We'll need specifics," Obi-Wan said.
"I'm getting to that," Skaar snapped. "They've hired a bounty hunter to take out a senator. Big name, too. Cad Bane."
Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed. "We already know about Cad Bane and the assassination plot. We need specifics … if that's all you have, this meeting is over."
He began to reach for the bag of credits that he had placed on the table, but Skaar slammed a clawed hand on the table, his growl rumbling across the table. "Wait. I don't have specifics about the attack, I'm only a pilot but … I have one more thing. However, if this leaks that I was the one who said this, I'm as good as dead. So nobody better find out."
Harry and Obi-Wan exchanged a glance. Obi-Wan gestured for Skaar to continue.
The Trandoshan looked around the cantina, his eyes scanning for anyone who might be listening. Satisfied, he leaned in and lowered his voice. "The cartel boss's son has a gambling problem … a big one. Once a week, he sneaks out with only one guard to one of the biggest casinos. Tomorrow night is his usual outing. He might know something."
"And how do you know this?" Harry asked.
"I was their driver for a while," Skaar said with a shrug. "Their regular guy … got sick, and they needed someone to fill in. Did it for four weeks until they found a replacement. That's how I know."
Harry frowned as he looked between Skaar and Obi-Wan. "If we grab the son, won't that escalate the situation? His father will notice."
Skaar let out a raspy laugh. "The kid's a mess. Regularly goes on week-long benders, where he disappears right off the radar before crawling home. His father knows about the partying, but he's too busy to care or do anything about it. If the son and his guard disappear for a few days, no one will bat an eye."
Obi-Wan considered this, then gave a slow nod. He pushed the entire bag of credits towards the Trandoshan. "You've earned your pay. But if this information is false, Skaar, I'll make sure CorSec reconsiders your value."
Skaar scoffed, pocketing the credits. "My intel's good. It always is. You'll see."
Without another word, the Trandoshan stood and headed out of the cantina, his movements quick and deliberate. Harry watched him go, then turned to Obi-Wan.
"Are we really going to do this?" Harry asked.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment, his face thoughtful. When he opened them, he nodded. "It's too good of an opportunity to pass up. We'll liaise with CorSec, but we should be able to plan carefully and act decisively. This could be the break we've been waiting for."
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The room's dingy light flickered in and out as Harry sat in the mobile monitoring center with Captain Falco. Around him, CorSec agents bustled, murmuring to each other and typing furiously at terminals. Despite the hum of activity, Harry's attention was glued to the bank of screens displaying the live feed from the casino floor.
It had been thirty minutes since Obi-Wan, once again using the alias "Ben," entered the casino. Harry had watched as his mentor, wearing a deliberately rumpled suit and feigning intoxication, stumbled to one of the kiosks, before he slapped a large stack of credits onto the table and asking for that to be exchanged for chips, ignoring the looks that other individual's in the vicinity were giving him.
The target—Jaxar Larr's son, Zeth Larr—was easy to spot. The young Devaronian had the same crimson skin and distinctive horns as his infamous father. Zeth's demeanor was cocky, his laughter loud and frequent as he gambled without restraint. Beside him loomed a hulking Gamorrean guard, his piggish eyes scanning the room for threats. And currently the two of them were glancing over to Obi-Wan.
"There," Captain Falco said, pointing to the screen. "That's our guy. Obi-Wan's captured his attention and he's moving in."
Harry nodded, his jaw tight as he mumbled under his breath. "And I'm stuck here."
Falco didn't respond, her focus on the operation.
On the screen, Obi-Wan swaggered up to Zeth's table, his movements loose and exaggerated. He dropped a handful of chips onto the table and slurred, "Deal me in!"
The next few minutes were a carefully choreographed performance. Obi-Wan played recklessly, losing more often than winning, but never betraying frustration. His antics quickly drew Zeth's attention, much to the irritation of the Gamorrean guard. The two struck up a conversation, Zeth's curiosity piqued by Obi-Wan's tales of his extravagant life. When Obi-Wan casually mentioned a high-stakes game happening later that night, Zeth's eyes lit up with interest.
Harry watched intently, frustration gnawing at him. He shifted in his chair, muttering under his breath, "I should be out there."
Falco chuckled softly and turned to him. "You want to be out there on the floor?"
Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Of course I do. I'm capable. I could help. There is no need to view me as a child. I'm more capable than I may appear."
Falco smirked. "I don't doubt your capability. I've met more than my share of Jedi in my time, young one. And I've found that even Padawans like you have a knack for surprising competence. But do you know the biggest reason you're not out there?"
Harry frowned and glanced between her and the screens. Obi-Wan was now leading Zeth and the Gamorrean guard toward a back exit. And as his vision slipped to the screen beside it, he could see the CorSec team stationed near the exit was already in position, ready to strike.
"Because I don't have a weapon?" Harry guessed.
Falco shook her head. "No. Jedi are more than capable fighters, even without a lightsaber. The weapon helps, sure—a lot of folks don't want to tangle with someone wielding one. But that's not it."
"Then what is it?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation.
Falco gestured toward the screen. "It's because you weren't needed."
Harry blinked, taken aback. "I'm not useless," he began.
She cut him off with a raised hand. "It's not about being useless. It's about not overcomplicating a plan. One person—your Master—was enough to lure the target and his guard to the right spot. If you were there, sure, the plan might still have worked. But it would've made things more complicated. One drunk gambler around the same age as the target is easy to explain. Him and a child who is less than half the age of the target. What scenario would we have to explain that situation?"
Harry considered this as he looked back to the live feed. Obi-Wan was now standing over Zeth, his lightsaber ignited and held at a safe but threatening angle. The Gamorrean lay unconscious nearby, his weapon partially drawn but unused. CorSec agents quickly bound the guard, their movements efficient and practiced. Zeth, pale despite his red skin, raised his hands in surrender.
Falco pressed the communicator on her shoulder. "Targets secured. Bring them to the offsite interrogation room. No need to risk anyone seeing this transfer and reporting back to his father."
A voice crackled back in affirmation.
Falco turned back to Harry, who was staring at the screen, replaying her words in his mind. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I have no doubt there are great things in your future, admittedly you seem to be an alright person," she paused before smiling as looked at him, "in spite of you being a Jedi and all that. But there are lessons to learn before you get there. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best."
Harry nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "I understand. But it's still frustrating."
"Frustration's part of the job, how you deal with it, now that's the trick," Falco said with a wry smile. "Now, come on. The mission's gone well so far. Let's not risk anything by hanging around here."
The ride to the offsite interrogation room was tense but quiet. Harry's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming interrogation. As they entered the secure facility, he turned to Falco.
"Can I join the interrogation?" he asked.
She paused, considering. "If you can think of a way your presence would improve it, I'll allow it."
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Harry had been unable to come up with a compelling reason to join the interrogation, so he ended up sitting with Obi-Wan in the observation room, watching the process unfold. It quickly became clear that his presence wouldn't have made much difference. As almost as soon as Captain Falco entered the room, Zeth became a torrent of words, seemingly eager to please and willing to offer anything if it meant him being let go.
The wiry Devaronian stammered through his responses, denying any knowledge of an assassination attempt. He claimed that his father kept him in the dark about cartel business, an assertion that even Harry found plausible given Zeth's forthcoming demeanor. However, Zeth did reveal one critical piece of information: his father had a meeting scheduled with several other cartel bosses later in the week. According to Zeth, his father had been in an unusually buoyant mood all weekend, boasting that it was finally Black Thorn's time to rise as a major player in the galactic underworld.
"He's gathering his top lieutenants and key men for the meeting," Zeth said, sweat glistening on his brow. "I don't know where exactly, but it's a big deal—big enough for him to call in all his favors."
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. He turned to Obi-Wan. "This is it! If we can capture all the main players in Black Thorn at once, we can stop their plan before it even begins. And if the cartel collapses, Cad Bane won't have any reason to carry out the assassination."
Obi-Wan nodded, a rare smile breaking through his usual calm demeanor. "Indeed. Part of me doubted things would go this smoothly—especially after how Naboo unfolded—but sometimes the Force grants us a break that even we don't anticipate."
Over the next three nights, they worked tirelessly with Captain Falco and CorSec to prepare. A lucky break with another informant provided the location for the meet. The meeting was set to take place in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the industrial area, a sprawling structure that had once produced ship parts. Surveillance was set up, escape routes were mapped, and CorSec operatives were briefed. Harry spent his time poring over schematics of the factory, analyzing every detail, and shadowing Obi-Wan as he strategized with Captain Falco.
On the fourth night, the plan went into action. The factory was a hulking relic of a bygone era, its towering smokestacks silhouetted against the moonlit sky. Rusted machinery loomed in the shadows, and the air was thick with the scent of oil and decay. The CorSec team moved into position, their movements silent and precise. Obi-Wan and Harry were stationed near a side entrance, their mission to prevent anyone from escaping.
Using one of the small screens that could cycle between any of the cameras that had been set up around the area, Harry saw that inside, the meeting was beginning. Jaxar Larr stood at the center of a large, dimly lit space, flanked by his lieutenants. Around him, several bosses from other cartels formed a loose circle, their expressions wary but intrigued. A battered holo-projector displayed a map of trade routes and territories, its flickering light casting eerie shadows on the walls. Low murmurs filled the air as Jaxar made his pitch, promising power and profits beyond their wildest dreams.
Receiving the word go from Captain Falco. The CorSec team began moving in, their steps calculated and their weapons drawn. But just as they were about to spring their trap, blaster fire erupted from concealed positions within the factory. Hidden cartel members emerged from the shadows, their weapons trained on the CorSec agents. The ambush had been set for them instead.
"It's a trap!" Obi-Wan shouted, igniting his lightsaber, and leading Harry into the building.
Harry's stomach sank as he watched one of the female agents collapse as she got caught in a crossfire of blaster bolts, but he didn't hesitate. He raised the blaster he'd been given and fired at the nearest attacker. The bolt struck true, sending the cartel member sprawling to the ground. He ducked behind a rusted piece of machinery as more blaster bolts flew in his direction, the metal sparking and groaning under the impact.
Obi-Wan moved like a blur, his lightsaber carving through the air as he neutralized the nearest attackers. "Stay close to me, Harry!" he called, blocking a volley of blaster bolts aimed at the young Jedi.
Harry nodded, his focus intense as he followed behind Obi-Wan and he fired again, taking down another cartel enforcer who had popped up from behind a stack of crates. The sound of blaster fire was deafening, and the air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burned metal. He could see CorSec agents exchanging fire with cartel members, their positions under heavy assault from elevated catwalks and hidden alcoves.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a group of cartel members sneaking up on a pair of CorSec agents. Not having a clear shot, he used the Force to nudge a heavy crate from off one of the skywalks above onto the group of cartel enforcers. The impact sent them sprawling, their weapons clattering to the floor. He glanced around, searching for additional openings to help the CorSec agents, as he heard Obi-Wan yell into his communicator.
"Captain Falco, regroup your men near the main entrance! They are too spread out." Obi-Wan ordered over the comm channel. "We'll cover you!"
Falco's voice crackled through the comm. "Understood! We'll hold position and push back from there."
Blaster bolts ricocheted off machinery as the cartel members pressed their advantage. Harry spotted Jaxar Larr retreating toward a side corridor, flanked by two heavily armed bodyguards. "Master, Jaxar is getting away!" he shouted.
"Go!" Obi-Wan replied, cutting down another attacker. "I'll handle things here. But be careful if you are engaged. Trust in the Force, Harry."
Harry sprinted after Jaxar, his heart pounding as he navigated the maze-like corridors of the factory. The Devaronian glanced over his shoulder, his sharp teeth glinting in a sinister grin. He fired a shot from his blaster, narrowly missing Harry, before disappearing through a rusted doorway, which appeared to be one of the doors to the outside of the building.
He burst into the night air, finding himself face-to-face with the two bodyguards. One of Jaxar's bodyguards, a massive Trandoshan wielding a vibroblade, lunged toward him. Harry fired his blaster, but mostly due to having the element of surprise the bodyguard managed to knock the weapon from Harry's hands with a single sweep of the blade. The blaster skidded across the floor, leaving Harry momentarily defenseless.
The bodyguard grinned menacingly, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "This is the best CorSec can muster?" he sneered. "Or are you the little Jedi we were warned about?"
Harry's eyes narrowed.
This caused the bodyguard to laugh. "You honestly don't think that we don't have our own sources within CorSec?"
Harry's eye's raised a little as he stared between the two guards before smiling. In one fluid motion, he drew his wand from his sleeve and pointed it at the Trandoshan. "Expulso!" he shouted.
The blasting charm hit the bodyguard squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward into a stack of crates, which collapsed under the impact. Harry barely had time to smile before the second bodyguard, a burly Weequay, charged at him with his vibroblade raised. "Stupefy!" Harry yelled, and the stunning charm struck the Weequay, causing him to collapse in a heap.
For a brief moment, everything seemed to slow down and Harry made eye contact with Jaxar, who was staring at Harry in stunned disbelief. Jaxar's sharp eyes flicked between Harry's wand and the unconscious bodyguards. The Devaronian's expression twisted into a snarl as he scrambled toward a waiting speeder parked near the back of the factory.
"Not happening." Harry said, raising his wand again. "Immobulus!"
The spell shot toward the speeder that the cartel leader had jumped on, but Jaxar swerved at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the spell. Harry gritted his teeth and aimed once more. "Expulso!" As with the previous spell, the blasting charm missed, striking a wall just behind the speeder as it roared out of the narrow alley, disappearing into the night.
Frustration bubbled up inside him, but he forced himself to focus. Returning to the main factory floor, he found Obi-Wan and the CorSec agents securing the remaining cartel members. It appeared as if almost all of the other members of the Black Thorn cartel, along with all of the other cartel bosses had been captured, their wrists bound in stun cuffs.
"He escaped," Harry admitted, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Obi-Wan placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, though his own disappointment was evident in his expression. "We've dealt a significant blow tonight, Harry. Capturing these leaders will destabilize Black Thorn and the other cartels. As for Jaxar escaping … well, that's not great. He'll be more difficult to track down now, and I fear this will only make him more determined to carry out his plans. However, we still have time."
Captain Falco nodded, her expression a mix of exhaustion and concern. "We've got nearly a dozen high-ranking members in custody. This will put the cartels on the back foot for a long time, but maybe we'll get lucky and one of his men will know something …" She trailed off, shaking her head. "But Jaxar will be a ghost now."
Kind Regards,
FavoriteAuthor
If you like this content do not hesitate to smash that like button and subscribe. Haha but seriously if you do enjoy the story - do favorite it, other than messaging me or leaving a comment it's the only way I know if you are enjoying the stories and chapters.
Story Note 1 – Well this chapter sure had a lot going on! Hope it was enjoyed. Felt that despite there certainly being a lot going on the big moments in this chapter were Harry's conversations learning things. As I felt they really applied to Harry who certainly had a habit of being the most involved individual with everything that happened at Hogwarts/Ministry/… so certainly might have developed an uncouncious decision that he needed to be the one to do things otherwise they might not get done. While he certainly carried that attitude to great effect it doesn't really help if a member of a team where all parties are capable. So while this one conversation with Captain Falco might not fully change his mind at least it gave him something to think about.
Story Note 2 – Really enjoyed writing this non-canon arc with non-canon characters! Especially as while attempting to make sure that canon characters are written properly is certainly something that I have spent a lot of time on. It was a different challenge to come up with a non-canon scenario and make up the characters in a way that I felt fit within the Star Wars universe. Please do let me know how it came across!
Story Note 3 – Things are about to take off in a dramatic way. Any guesses? Plus unfortunately for poor Zeth but I imagine he shall probably need to find a very big cave to hide in for a while and his days of lavish exuberance might be over.
A large thanks to those of you out there who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you all are enjoying them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or have reached out to me directly.
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Guest - Thanks so much for the review and I really hope you continue to enjoy the story as it progresses.
cameron1812 - Thanks for the review and I'm really glad I was able to capture his character! ALthuogh hopefully he will come off as slightly ... less capable/intense than the show as he will be closer to the start of his career ... that being said still incredibly dangerous.
Guest - Don't worry magic will certainly play a part in the story including coming up shortly, but this story is largely driven on plot.
jslee102 - Thanks! Happy the balance came off! Will obviously play an important part of the story as it goes forward.
George Cristian810 - That is totally a fair take and unfortunately ends up becoming the case with a lot of recurring villians in tv shows. Will hopefully try to stay away from plot armor and develop the character more.
delphinous - I am really happy to hear you are enjoying the story (I enjoyed writing it). And don't worry magic will certainly be a large part of the story but trying to balance it with the need to drive the plot.
Vukk - Hopefully everyone will get to enjoy the light ...
Jostanos - Haha that's a good way to look at it! Nothing wrong with luck! I guess we will find out about their involvement ...
WhiteElfElder - That seems ... reasonable ...
Monkey D. Conan - Haha I thought so. Certainly feel free to follow up and let me know how it is going.
Maverick123214685 - Without a doubt and that will certainly be something that will start happening.