The Bounty Hunter Chase
By Keith Robinson
An account of Brin'tac Kyen'tir's search for his family and the irrepressable dug, Nyarchagga with the aid of Jedi Master Jin Tai Lo and his Padawan Satchal Paige in the months prior to the formation of the Phantom Hunters. (Immediately follows the events of "Deception at Ryloth")
Chapter 1
The succulent aroma of fried Arnto eggs hung heavy in the air and slowly wok Brin’tac from his sleep. The Thought of his favorite breakfast caused him to quickly rise from bed, put on his robe, and head for the kitchen.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
Brin’tac turned to his wife and gave her a gentle fur-rub. “Yes, thank you. What did I do to deserve such a delicious breakfast?”
“Nothing. I just wanted to show my wonderful husband how much I love him.” Vaqshi replied.
“Where are the kids?” Brin’tac inquired.
“Tal and Lorna are out playing in the back, and Calni is in her room sleeping.”
Brin’tac walked to the window and saw his two youngest playing Catch the Gnarl. It always brought a smile to his lips to watch his children play. Calni used to play with them too until puberty hit.
As Brin’tac began to turn away from the window, an ear-splitting scream erupted from Calni’s room. Brin’tac bolted to his daughter’s room and slammed his hand against the panel to open the door. A sharp pain hit him in the stomach as he realized his oldest daughter was gone.
He quickly turned and ran outside to find his other two children, fear pulsing through his veins. When he reached the location where his children had been playing moments before, he found it empty. In desperation, he ran back into the house to find his wife.
What awaited him made his heart freeze in fear. A dark-robed figure stood in the kitchen doorway with Brin’tac’s wife draped over his shoulder. The robed figure’s face was obscured by a dark, black hood. Brin’tac overcame his fear with rage. “Leave my family alone!” he bellowed as he charged the intruder.
The figure merely laughed and slammed his fist into the Bothan’s jaw. Brin’tac fell hard to the floor.
“You pathetic weakling! All of your political posturing and intelligence can’t save your family now!” The intruder turned and began to walk slowly away. Brin’tac tried to stand, but found his legs would not cooperate. Instead, he could only gasp in despair. “Noooooooooooo……”
Chapter 2
Brin’tac awoke with his heart pounding in his chest. He looked over at the empty bed next to him and let his despair rush out in great sobs. Once more the nightmare stole his rest.
Slowly, he walked to the refresher and washed and brushed his fur. Each day his morning routine became more automatic and pointless. In the 4 months since his family had been taken, he had only had a few leads as to their whereabouts; each ending in a dead end. He was beginning to lose hope.
He walked into the dining area and ate his breakfast prepared by the servant droids. How he missed his wife’s cooking! He glanced around his house and remembered the sounds, the noises, the smells….
The com unit beeped and interrupted his musings.
“Hello.” he muttered.
“Hello? Is this Councilor Kyen’tir?”
“Yes. How may I help you?”
“This is Din Yalda, head of personnel at Sra’akyin Electronics. Is your friend Nyarchagga there? He was supposed to report in over 30 minutes ago. He is helping us with a special project. I hope he is alright.”
“I’m sorry, but he isn’t here.” Brin’tac punched a few buttons on the console in front of him. “According to my servants, he left over an hour ago. If he returns, I will certainly have him call you immediately.”
“Thank you, Councilor.”
Brin’tac pressed the ‘off ‘ button and sat down at the dining room table. Nyarchagga had been doing odd jobs for various computer companies since Brin’tac, Satchel, and Master Lo had freed him from Zorba the Hutt’s service 3 months prior. Yet, in all that time, he had never once reported late for a job. An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach.
The Cerean Jedi Master Jin Tai Lo and his human Padawan Satchel Paige entered the room, both dressed in typical brown Jedi robes.
“Brin’tac, my friend. Is everything alright?” The Jedi Master asked, concern etched in his face.
“Yes, Master Lo. Thank you,” Brin’tac replied. “I’m sure it’s nothing. How did your visit to the Jedi Temple on Corescant fare?”
Master Lo sat in the chair across the table from Brin’tac “Be at ease, my friend. The Council has asked me to continue to assist you in your search for your family. They believe that it may be possible, although unlikely, that someone may have stumbled upon a Sith Holocron crystal and are using the information it contains to impersonate a Sith Lord. Although many Holocrons have been destroyed, there may still be a few around. Even one could cause the rebirth of the Sith. Any leads of this nature must be taken most seriously.”
Brin’tac nodded. “Did any of the Jedi know of any leads we might follow?”
Jin Tai Lo sat back and steepled his fingers. “None as of yet. However, I spoke personally with the Twi’lek Jedi Master Anoon Bondara and his Padawan Darsha Assant as well as Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Both pairs are aware of our situation and will be alert for possible leads. Master Bondara in particular thinks he may have a possible lead for us and will let us know further details after his current mission to Uba IV is over.”
As the Jedi finished speaking, the com chirped again. This time the call came from the guardhouse.
“Councilor Kyen’tir, I’m sorry to disturb you. There is a Wee-quay here to see you. He claims it is of vital importance.”
Brin’tac looked puzzled. “Is he armed?”
“Yes, sir. But he is willing to relinquish his weapons if he is allowed to see you. He says it has something to do with Computer Specialist Nyarchagga.”
Brin’tac’s fur stood on end in alarm. “Please, escort him in.”
A minute later, the front door to the house opened and the 4 Bothan guards surrounded a rough looking Wee-quay. He was dressed in typical garb for a smuggler/soldier, including light armor, Ronto leather pants and boots, and a light shirt. As most Wee-quay, he was bald except for a single braid down his back.
Brin’tac heard a muffled cough behind him and turned slightly, grinning. Satchel was covering his nose and gagging, unprepared for the smell of Wee-quay pheromones. Brin’tac turned back to the visitor and began to welcome him when the Wee-quay spoke in a low, gravely voice, “Is Nyarchagga still here?”
Brin’tac suppressed his distaste at the visitor’s lack of protocol and replied, “No, he is not. May I help you?”
The Wee-quay ignored the question. “Do you know where he is? He is in grave danger.”
Brin’tac looked at the Wee-quay suspiciously. “If you would like to leave a message, I will give it him when he returns.”
The visitor looked at Brin’tac carefully, then slowly nodded. “I see. It is as I feared. I’m too late. Kal-faj already has him!”
Chapter 3
“What!?!” Brin’tac exclaimed in surprise. “Who, or what, is Kal-faj?”
The Wee-quay looked at the Jedi and Bothan with impatience. “Time is crucial. However, since I don’t think you will help me without explanation, I will tell you briefly.
“Kal-faj is a bounty hunter sent by Zorba the Hutt to capture Nyarchagga and return him. He couldn’t locate him until he received a tip two weeks ago from a Twi’lek named Scal Lycrendis on Ryloth that Nyarchagga was traveling with a Bothan named Brin’tac Kyen’tir.”
Brin’tac looked at Master Lo, then back to the Wee-quay. “How do you know all of this?”
The Wee-quay looked intently at Brin’tac. “I work for Zorba the Hutt. Nyarchagga and I worked together frequently and developed a partnership. When I learned that Kal-faj had been sent after him, I made an excuse to Zorba and took my ship here to warn Nyarchagga. Unfortunately, I am too late. However, if we hurry, we may be able to intercept Kal-faj before he reaches Zorba’s Pleasure Palace on Nar Hekka in the H’toub System.”
Brin’tac looked to Master Lo, then spoke to the visitor, “Please excuse us for a minute.”
The Jedi master and his Padawan joined the Bothan in the corridor. Brin’tac whispered quietly, “What do you think, Master Lo.?”
Jin Tai closed his eyes for a moment. “It is hard to tell. Wee-quay are hard to read in the Force. He has an air of dishonesty about him. However, that could just be his nature. Nyarchagga had a similar sense about him when we first met. We should try calling Sra’akyin Electronics to inquire about his whereabouts.”
Brin’tac nodded. “Actually, they called first, just before you arrived. This seems to lend validity to his story. Also, I do vaguely remember Nyarchagga mentioning a Wee-quay acquaintance during his years with Zorba. Also, the braid of hair on his head is singular, thus indicating a very low rank in Wee-quay society, further supporting his story.”
The Jedi Master nodded, “Then we should waste no more time.”
Chapter 4
The cockpit of the Wee-quay’s ship was made for two crew members, thus making it difficult for the three passengers to squeeze in. Brin’tac and Satchel hovered of the back of the seats as Master Lo sat in the co-pilot’s seat, assisting the Wee-quay.
“Where are we?” inquired Brin’tac.
The Wee-quay responded without turning, “We are entering the Shulmona System. I traced Kal-faj’s ship to here. He seems to be heading for the 4th planet called Molk. We should be able to catch up with him there.”
“How were you able to track him since he left Kothlis before us?” Satchel asked.
“I simply plotted the shortest coarse from here to Nar Hekka, found the residue let behind from Kal-faj’s jump to light speed, and followed. Also, since I have records on the ships of many of Zorba’s hirelings, I scanned various systems along the way for the false ID’s that Kal-faj frequently uses.”
“This should then allow us to find his landing site as well, correct?” Brin’tac asked.
“Yes. He landed in Otalalga City in the Northern hemisphere.”
Brin’tac was silent for a moment, then he asked, “I am aware that in Wee-quay society, you do not have individual names. However, is there some way you wish us to address you?”
“Call me Houk-qal.”
Brin’tac winced. He was familiar enough with the racial conflicts between the Wee-quay and Houk peoples on Sriluur to know that Houk-qal meant “Houk-slayer.” His uneasiness grew.
**********
The three companions sat across from the docking bay containing Kal-faj’s ship. Satchel whispered to Jin Tai, “Master, why did Kal-faj land at all? Surely he must have had enough fuel to make the short jump from Kothlis to Nar Hekka.”
“I have wondered that myself, Padawan. We may find out shortly. Houk-qal returns.”
“So I smell,” Satchel muttered to himself.
The Wee-quay came over to join the group. “I circled the docking bay. It seems my initial guess was correct. Kal-faj seemed to have some sort of engine failure which caused him to land. He has gone out to find parts, no doubt.”
“Then this is the perfect chance to free Nyarchagga,” Satchel said, fingering his lightsaber.
“Unfortunately, no.” Houk-qal looked at Satchel. “Kal-faj has his ship wired to explode if the hull is breached. The only way to rescue Nyarchagga is to capture Kal-faj first and make him open his ship. Perhaps a Jedi mind trick will make things easier.”
Jin Tai Lo frowned. The Jedi Code is clear that a Jedi must only use his influence over others when absolutely necessary. Brin’tac looked to the Jedi. “What do you suggest?”
The Jedi Master thought for a moment. “I believe that Houk-qal and I should go look for our bounty hunter friend while you and Satchel remain behind, in case he returns.” He turned to face the Wee-quay. “Do you know where to look?”
Houk-qal nodded, “There are only two hyperspace engine vendors in this area. One sells only new parts, the other, used. Judging by the financial status of Kal-faj, I suggest we first check the used parts dealer.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
“Master,” Satchel called, “I would like to go with you.”
“No, my young Padawan,” Jin Tai said. “I need you here. Brin’tac is no match for a trained bounty hunter and I would like you to stay here and be alert with the Force. Houk-qal cannot do that.”
Satchel looked at Brin’tac, who quickly looked away. “Yes, Master. I understand.”
As the Jedi Master and smuggler walked away, Brin’tac gazed at his small LK-17 blaster pistol and thought back to the helplessness he felt in his dream.
Chapter 5
“That’s him,” Houk-qal said, pointing to an armored and helmeted figure walking away from the hyperdrive parts dealership. The figure was clad in reddish-brown light battlearmor made of Dewback scales with a matching helmet containing a long, rectangular visor. Across his armored chest was a bandolier with several round, metal sections in it. Slung across his back was a combination blaster rifle and thermal detonator launcher.
“Is your weapon set for stun?” Master Lo asked.
Without responding, the Wee-quay began walking toward the bounty hunter. Suddenly, Kal-faj broke into a hard run down a side street, knocking down anyone in his path. The Jedi Master and smuggler pursued, jumping over various aliens and street vendors who were unlucky enough to get in the way.
The bounty hunter turned into a dead end alley. Master Lo and Houk-qal rounded the corner of the building at the end of the alley just in time to see the bounty hunter ascending the wall of the building using a wrist activiated grappling hook. Houk-qal fired several shots, barely missing his target.
The Wee-quay swore in frustration. Master Lo gestured back down the alley. “I’ll maintain pursuit. Go around and try to catch up.” Before the Wee-quay could question the instruction, the Jedi Master gathered the Force around him and leapt to the top of the wall.
The bounty hunter was already several meters away by the time Jin Tai Lo reached the roof. Kal-faj turned quickly and pressed several buttons on his arm console. Suddenly, several small, flying droids detached from the bounty hunter’s bandolier and flew straight at the Jedi Master, firing small, but painful bursts. The Jedi dove to his left and ignited his lightsaber, deflecting the shots.
It took only a few moments to dispatch the small droids, but it was long enough to give Kal-faj time to return to the street and get lost in the crowd. If Jin Tai Lo had been anything other than a Jedi Knight, he would have completely lost his quarry. As it was, he lost visual contact and had to track him with the Force.
The Jedi stayed on the rooftops and used the Force to leap between buildings. The bounty hunter, seeing this, ran into a large city park. Master Lo jumped of the building he was on and closed on Kal-faj.
Pedestrians and other observers ran screaming in all direction as the bounty hunter shot of a thermal detonator from the end of his gun into the crowd. However, instead of reaching it’s target, the explosive flew into the air on a tendril of the Force and exploded next to Kal-faj, knocking from his feet.
The explosion was not close enough to seriously injure the bounty hunter, but it was strong enough to dent the Dewback armor. As Kal-faj regained his footing, he reached for his helmet strap and yanked the smoldering metal from his head. Through the smoke of the explosion, Jin Tai caught a glimpse of green, scaly skin and a bald head trailing a long, black pony-tail, once more fleeing down the path.
Master Lo used the Force once more to increase the speed of his run. The bounty hunter, realizing there was no escape, chose the only option left. Kal-faj pulled a small knife from his boot, grabbed an Ithorian bystander, and placed the knife to it’s throat.
The Jedi Master stopped abruptly in front of the unmasked bounty hunter and received his first look at Kal-faj. The first thing that the Jedi Master noticed was not the large, purplish birthmark covering the right eye, or the fact that the bounty hunter was a Falleen. The first thing that he noticed was that the face of the bounty hunter was the face of a woman.
Chapter 6
“Take one step closer and the hammer-head dies!” Kal-faj said.
Jin Tai Lo deactivated his lightsaber and laid it on the ground.
“I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here because you have a friend of mine in your ship and I would like him released,” Jin Tai Lo calmly answered.
The Falleen bounty hunter laughed derisively. “Friend? What does a high-and-mighty Jedi want with a Hutt slave? Do you want him so you can practice your mind powers on him?”
Jin Tai shook his head slowly. “I call him ‘friend’ because he, like all sentient beings, is worthy of respect and should be free to choose his or her own path, not be controlled by others.”
Kal-faj sneered. “Mighty strong words for someone who controls other people’s minds!”
Jin Tai nodded solemnly, “Only when there is no other alternative. The Jedi Code is based on helping others, serving them, and helping to lighten their burdens and ease their pain.”
“Ease their pain?” she screamed, pressing the knife ever closer to the Ithorian’s throat. “The only Jedi I ever knew murdered my parents and left me an orphan. How is that ‘easing pain’?”
“I’m sorry,” Jin Tai Lo said quietly. “How did your parents die?”
“One of your so-called ‘Guardians of Peace’ was chasing a criminal through my city and was very careless as to who got in the way. After the building crushed my parents, he never even came back to see what he had done. Not only that, but he was made into a hero because of it. You Jedi are all hypocrites! You talk of peace but only cause division and strife!”
“You are correct,” Jin Tai Lo said softly, causing Kal-faj to startle in surprise. “There are many Jedi who are careless, reckless, and irresponsible. But you should not judge the entire order by the actions of one person. Look to the teachings of the Jedi to see if the actions of the person in question fits with the philosophy of the Order. Many claim to serve the Jedi Code, but only those who truly follow the teachings of peace and service to all beings are true Jedi.
“Furthermore,” Jin Tai continued, “don’t you see that the evil that caused the pain in your life is being continued in you? You have become a criminal…”
“What? I’ve become a criminal because of you Jedi. If my parents hadn’t been killed, then I wouldn’t have become an orphan. My parents didn’t mid my birthmark, but everyone else in my life has made me an outcast because of it. I had to learn to fight and steal just to live. If I’m a criminal now, it is the Jedi who made me so!”
“No. You are wrong. Every choice you make takes you one step closer to either the light side or the dark side. What you become in the future is a direct result of the choices you make today. To which side is your current choice leading you? The careless Jedi and the criminal he was chasing were responsible for setting your feet upon the wrong path. However, you are the one who has chosen to continue on that path. Evil is circular. It continues to perpetuate itself. Your parents were killed because of a careless Jedi chasing a criminal through the streets of your city. Yet here, once again, an innocent being,” he gestured to the captive Ithorian, “is in danger because of a Jedi chasing a criminal. The same evil that made you an orphan is once again trying to make orphans of this Ithorian’s children. Only you can stop this cycle of evil.”
The Falleen bounty hunter’s face showed the conflict in her soul. Then, slowly, she began lowering her knife. She looked up at Jin Tai Lo, but before she could speak, a look of intense pain crossed her face and her body fell to the ground with a thud. Standing behind her, laser pistol drawn, was Houk-qal.
Chapter 7
Jin Tai Lo looked angrily at the smuggler. “That was entirely unnecessary! I was beginning to reach her. Now she may believe that I was only setting her up. You may have caused her to further mistrust and hate Jedi.”
The Wee-quay stood stoicly. “She may have harmed the Ithorian if I had not stopped her.”
Jin Tai Lo closed his eyes and opened himself to the Force to drain his frustration. “If I had sensed any true intention to harm the Ithorian, I could easily have used the orce to pull the knife from her hand.” The Jedi Master walked over to the body of the fallen bounty hunter. “The damage is done. Let us return to her ship.”
Houk-qal silently reached down and pulled the bounty hunter onto his shoulder, then turned and followed the Jedi back to the docking bay.
*******
Satchel laid the unconscious form of Nyarchagga down on Houk-qal’s bunk inside his ship. “How long do you think it will take for the sleeping drug she gave him to wear off?”
Houk-qal shook his head. “It could be minutes or hours. It depends on how much she gave him. Since it is still a 4 hour jump to Nar Hekka, we can probably assume he will be out for at least that long.”
Satchel and Houk-qal left the cabin and shut the door. Entering the main area of the ship, they joined Jin Tai Lo and Brin’tac, who were seated at a table, deep in conversation.
“It makes sense now.” Brin’tac was explaining. “Kal-faj means “stalker” in Falleen. It’s probably not her real name. And this,” he picked up a small, bug-shaped droid, “is the spy camera she used to see you tracking her. Very interesting.” Brin’tac looked up as Satchel and Houk-qal entered the area. “How is he?”
“Fine. He was not harmed during his capture,” Houk-qal said. “Zorba pays more if they are uninjured.”
“What about Kal-faj? Where is she?” Brin’tac added.
Houk-qal walked to the main control panel and made a few adjustments. “She is restrained and unconscious in the cargo hold.”
Brin’tac looked puzzled. “Houk-qal, did you know that Kal-faj was a woman? If I remember correctly, you referred to her several times as a he.”
Houk-qal began walking toward the door leading to the cockpit. “I did not know. Zorba does not hire women bounty hunters. If he had known she was a woman, he would not have hired her. Since I am only a guard, I had to rely on the information I could get from Zorba’s main files.” Houk-qal pressed the panel and opened the door. He looked over at Brin’tac, “I’m going to lift off. Strap yourseves in.”
For a brief moment, Brin’tac locked eyes with Houk-qal. Then, his fur stood on end as he realized the truth. Houk-qal saw Brin’tac’s surprise and dove through the door, slamming his hand on the panel to shut it.
Brin’tac dove toward the door and jammed the only thing he had available at the time, the bug-like droid, into it to prevent it from closing. Suddenly, a green gas began entering the room through a vent in the ceiling. Satchel and Jin Tai Lo ran to the door and drew their lightsabers.
Jin Tai looked through the small opening between the wall and the door to see Houk-qal shutting the cockpit door and sealing it. He quickly extended his arem through the opening and ignited his lightsaber, piercing the control panel of the door.
As the three shoved the door open, the repulsor engines roared to life. Jin Tai and Satchel leaped toward the cockpit door, when suddenly, the ship tilted to the right, sending Brin’tac tumbling down the open entrance ramp and onto the ferrocrete.
Jin Tai, seein Brin’tac fall, leaped of the ship and pulled the Bothan from under the descending landing gear. Satchel, uncertain what to do, plunged his lightsaber to the hilt into the cockpit door.
The ship ascended quickly, leaving Brin’tac and Jin Tai Lo behind. Houk-qal, seeing the blade protruding through the door, suddenly tilted the ship vertically, throwing Satchel against the wall. As soon as he let go of the hilt of his lightsaber, it deactivated and fell to the floor. The ship then leveled off, allowing Satchel to regain his footing and grab his dropped weapon. Then, before he could react further, the cockpit door opened and Houk-qal blasted Satchel point blank in the chest. Satchel’s unconscious body fell down the ship’s boarding ramp and plummeted towards the ground.
Jin Tai Lo was preparing to use the Force to leap up to the ramp when he saw his apprentice fall. The Jedi Master shifted his focus in the Force and grabbed Satchel, slowing his descent. By the time Satchel was safely to the pavement, Houk-qal’s ship was nearing the edge of the atmosphere.
“I’m sorry, Master Lo,” Brin’tac said as he looked down. “If it had not been for my clumsiness, we could have stopped him.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you had not acted when you did, we would all have been captured,” the Jedi Master consoled. He reached over to see if Satchel was okay. He laid his hand on the young man and used the Force to give strength to his body. “Speaking of which, how did you know what he was intending?”
Brin’tac stood to his feet. “When he began to talk about the information he found about Kal-faj, he mentioned that he was only a guard, which I thought was odd. How could a low-level guard get information about a bounty hunter? Then, I suddenly recalled what Nyarchagga said about the Wee-quay he worked with at Zorba’s: he was a bounty hunter. When I locked eyes with him, I knew.”
Satchel moaned and stirred. Jin Tai Lo reached down and helped him sit up. “Are you well, Padawan?”
Satchel placed his hand to his chest where he was shot. “Yes, Master. But my head feels like it has a herd of wild banthas running around inside of it.”
The Jedi Master smiled. “You are fortunate that his blaster was still set on stun.”
“But why was he after us? Who was he really?” Satchel asked.
Brin’tac answered, “He was another bounty hunter working for Zorba. More than likely, he was competing with Kal-faj for the bounty on Nyarchagga. It is possible that Zorba may have offered more if the bounty hunter also brought in those responsible for Nyarchagga’s defection.” Satchel nodded in understanding.
Brin’tac looked around at the docking bay. “Well, now what do we do? Houk-qal is probably half-way to Nar Hekka by now, and we don’t even have a ship to pursue him with.”
“If we have any hope of rescuing our friend, we must reach Zorba’s quickly. Hutt’s are notorious for feeding disgruntled employees to their pets for their own twisted pleasure,” Jin Tai Lo said.
“Master, what about Kal-faj’s ship? Since we have deactivated the protective measures, we have full access to the ships controls,” Satchel offered.
“Excellent suggestion, Padawan. The ability to find a solution when you are fighting ‘a herd of wild banthas’ in your head is no easy task. You are going to make a wise Jedi Knight.”
Satchel smiled, causing his head to swim. Brin’tac interjected, “But how are we going to get Nyarchagga out of Zorba’s Palace?”
The Jedi Master helped his apprentice stand. “I have an idea that may work. Come, we have no time to lose.”
Chapter 8
Nar Hekka is one of the many habitable planets in the Hutt sector of space. Located hear a dim red star at the edge o the Y’toub System, Nar Hekka has very little indigenous life. However, due to the intervention o the Hutts, several plant and animal species have been imported to the world, resulting in a beautiful planet covered with gardens, parks, and arboretums. Much of the habitable area of the planet is covered by a transparent dome that alters the incoming red light and creates a blue sky tinged with violet. It was in this dome that Zorba had his Pleasure Palace.
Zorba, being several hundred years older than his son Jabba, and therefore much more wealthy, had a much grander and more opulent palace. The palace itself was circular in shape, with several large buildings surrounding a large courtyard built in the shape of an amphitheatre.
As Jin Tai Lo, Satchel Paige, and Brin’tac Kyen’tir approached the main entrance to the palace, the two Gran guards readied their weapons, eying the newcomers as they drew nearer.
“I’m not sure I can do this, Master Lo,” Brin’tac whispered nervously. “I’m used to dealing with snobby senators, not cutthroat gangsters.”
The Jedi Master laid a calming hand on his shoulder. “Be at peace, Councilor. All will go according to plan.”
Brin’tac took a deep breath and stepped toward the triple-eyed guards. “We are here with a business proposition for your master,” he said in Huttese.
One of the Gran stepped back to the wall and pressed a switch. Suddenly, the holographic form of a dark-haired human dressed in black appeared. “Welcome to Zorba’s Pleasure Palace. I am Cesar Quinn, Zorba’s majordomo. How may I help you?”
Brin’tac face the hologram. “We have come to make an offer for the release of the Dug Nyarchagga.”
Cesar looked sideways away from the holo-camera. He turned back to face the group and said, “Zorba grants you permission to enter, but you must leave your weapons at the main gate. When your business is completed, they will be returned to you. A guard contingent will escort you to His Excellency’s throne room.”
As he finished speaking, the hologram disappeared and the Gran stepped aside as the large double doors mechanically swung inward. A minute later, six Gammorian guards approached and surrounded the group.
The guards led the three friends into a large, rectangular throne room made of marble and decorated with fine gold and gems. Six large, white pillars supported the ceiling, three on each side. Decorating the walls were various paintings of Zorba’s many exploits. The room was filled with a multitude of beings of questionable character. At the far end of the room, seated on a floating platform, sat an enormous Hutt. Zorba was slowly stroking his braided beard and looking down at a humanoid figure bathed in light from a large skylight. Standing next to Zorba was Cesar Quinn, who glanced at the group as they entered.
Zorba’s bellowing voice filled the hall as he addressed the figure below him. “Ganto pinya la kook’ni, banto ‘unker.”
Brin’tac leaned near the two Jedi. “He said, ‘You’ve failed me too many times, bounty hunter’.”
Suddenly, Satchel inhaled sharply. “That’s Kal-faj!”
“Yes,” Brin’tac confirmed. “It seems that she has not done very well lately in her chosen profession. Hutts do not look favorably upon employees who fail frequently.”
Cesar Quinn spoke. “Bounty hunter, for failing in your assigned duties and breaking your agreed upon contract with the Great Zorba the Hutt, you are hereby sentenced to death. Take her to the dungeon until her execution.”
Two squid-head Quarren hauled Kal-faj away as she pleaded for her life. Zorba ignored her pleadings and motioned for the guards to bring the group forward. As they approached, Brin’tac caught sight of a Wee-quay leaning against a pillar, grinning.
Once they reached the skylight, they immediately knew the reason for it. Anyone who stood in the light was instantly blinded. Everything and everyone else in the room became nothing more than shadows and vague shapes.
“Issa kabowampa,” bellowed Zorba.
“Your Excellency,” Brin’tac replied, his fur flattening nervously, “we…have come to offer a gre—large sum of credits for the fre—release of the Dug Nyarchagga.” Brin’tac paused as Jin Tai Lo whispered into his ear. The Bothan turned and gave the Jedi Master a quizzical look, then turned back to the Hutt. “Furthermore, for an additional sum, we would…like to ask for the privilege of…disposing of the bounty hunter Kal-faj.”
The Hutt sat back and gave a puzzled look. Then Zorba leaned foreward and spoke slowly in broken Common.
“You cause me much problems. You cost me many credits. You destroy my property and injure my guards. You cost me much in lost revenue. You kill Nad Dresnin. Now, you want do business and buy my property and rob me of pleasure? No, no bargain.”
As he finished, he pressed a button causing an electric-shock net to drop onto the group. The two Jedi quickly dove to the side, but the blindness created by the skylight caused them to miscalculate. The last thing they remembered was the laughter of the vile Hutt.
Chapter 9
Brin’tac was jostled awake by rough hands hauling him to his feet. He was shoved through several passages into a piercing brightness. A thunderous sound filled his ears. When his eyes finally adjusted, he looked around and felt a deep sense of dread rest upon him. His arms were bound behind his back and he was standing in the center of the amphitheatre. Next to him stood Jin Tai Lo, Satchel Paige, Nyarchagga, and, much to his surprise, Kal-faj, all with bound wrists.
Before Brin’tac could question why the bounty hunter was with them, the voice of Cesar boomed out overhead.
“Gentle being, now for the main event.” The huge crowd gathered around the amphitheatre cheered wildly. “The Coliseum is proud to present the execution of five enemies of the Magnificent Zorba the Hutt. First, we have the Dug Nyarchagga who deceived and betrayed His Excellency. Next, we have the Bothan and two Jedi Knights who were responsible for the traitorous Dug’s defection. And finally, for an added twist of irony, the very bounty hunter who was sent to bring back the aforementioned thief. However, due to several past failures, she has incurred the wrath of the Glorious Zorba.”
Nyarchagga turned to Brin’tac. “I’m very sorry, Brin’tac. You are a true noble.”
“Shut-up!” snapped Kal-faj. She turned toward Jin Tai Lo. “What a surprise. My life was ruined by a Jedi and now it is going to be ended because of a Jedi!”
“Be at peace,” the Jedi master said. “Stay close to us if you want to live. All is not lost.”
“Release the Krayt Dragons!”
Suddenly, several loud roars filled the theatre. The small group turned to see 2 monstrous, greenish-yellow Krayt Dragons lumber into the open. Their flat, horned heads swiveled back and forth on their long muscular necks as they searched for their pray. Seeing their dinner only 40 meters away, the giant lizards simultaneously let out a deafening victory cry and began charging toward the small group.
“Quickly! Follow me!” Jin Tai Lo yelled and headed toward the barred and locked service entrance.
“Whatever your going to do, Jedi, you had better do it quickly!” Kal-faj shouted.
The Jedi Master reached into the sand near the door and pulled out several metal objects. Suddenly, the snap-hiss sound of a lightsaber igniting echoed across the chamber.
Jin Tai Lo quickly cut the bonds of the others, causing the crowd to gasp in unison. Jin Tai Lo then gave each of the group a blaster which he had pulled from the sand. As the dragons drew closer, Jin Tai slashed the door open and yelled, “Quickly, through the door!”
The Jedi master turned to face the dragons as the others fled through the door. The first dragon used it’s claw to slash at the fleeing group, barely missing Nyarchagga as he dove through the opening. The second dragon swung it’s tail in an attempt to knock the Jedi off his feet. Sensing the dragon’s attack, Jin Tai Lo leaped to the side, using his lightsaber to sever the tail. The dragon howled in rage and fell back.
The first dragon, seeing most of it’s prey escape, turned to challenge the Cerean Jedi Knight. As the dragon lunged and snapped at him, Jin Tai used the Force to propel him up and over the dragon’s head, landing on it’s back. Lifting his lightsaber high, he plunged it into the neck of the beast. In a last attempt to kill it’s attacker, the dragon rolled to it’s back to crush him. Jin Tai Lo dove into a tight roll to avoid the dying dragon’s death throes and came up into a crouch facing the tail-less second dragon.
Zorba bellowed a command and several trainers and guards rushed into the Coliseum from several entrances. Jin Tai, seeing the mass of guards rushing at him, dove under the remaining dragon and dove through the exit which the others had previously gone through.
Jin Tai Lo ran through the passage and burst into the quarters of the Krayt dragons’ keeper to see that Nyarchagga, Satchel, Brin’tac, and Kal-faj were standing over the unconscious forms of the Keeper and three guards. As he entered, Satchel spoke.
“Master Lo, as you guessed, Nyarchagga knows of several secret passages which lead outside the complex.”
“Excellent. Nyarchagga, please lead the way.”
Without any further urging, the Dug headed through the door leading to the main corridor. Shouting came from several directions as Nyarchagga led the small group through a maze of passages.
“We’re almost there!” the Dug shouted.
Suddenly, as they turned a corner, blaster fire erupted from behind them. Master Lo deflected several shots as the others followed Nyarchagga. But before they could go any further, three Aqualish smugglers pined the group down with more blaster fire. Kal-faj, Satchel, and Brin’tac returned the Walrusmen’s fire.
Nyarchagga moved a small, hidden section of the wall, revealing a hidden door. “This way,” he shouted as he ran through the open door.
Satchel fired his blaster, dropping one of the Aqualish. “Brin’tac, go!” Without hesitation, the Bothan sprinted across the hall. Just before he reached the door, a blaster bolt caught Brin’tac in his right side, dropping him to the floor.
Nyarchagga pulled Brin’tac into the secret passageway as Satchel took out another smuggler. The last Aqualish feigned surrender, but as soon as Kal-faj moved toward the door, he fired a hidden wrist blaster, hitting her in the left leg. Satchel quickly felled the third attacker as Jin Tai Lo caught up with the party.
“Satchel, carry Brin’tac. I’ll get Kal-faj.” The bounty hunter looked up at him in surprise.
The Jedi Master helped her to her feet and into the passage as Nyarchagga closed the door, leaving Zorba’s henchmen far behind.
Chapter 10
“I’m not very good at this kind of thing, so forgive me in advance,” Kal-faj said to Jin Tai Lo as they traveled through hyperspace aboard her ship. “I would like to…well…thank you. Thank you for saving my life.”
“You’re welcome, Kal-faj. I am grateful to have had the chance to show you that I meant what I said on Molk,” the Jedi master said.
“Yes, I understand. If there is ever anyway I can repay you, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She smiled, “And please, call me Zirtah.”
The Jedi master smiled in return. “Actually, there is something you can do.” Zirtah looked at him with surprise. “You can give up your life as a bounty hunter.”
Zirtah looked at the floor, and then raised her gaze to meet the Jedi’s. “But what would I do for a living? I have no job skills or connections.”
“Don’t worry. I have a friend who runs a shipping business. With my recommendation she will hire you immediately.”
Zirtah’s eyes began to fill with tears. “Why are you doing all of this for me? Especially after what I did to you and your friends!”
“I’m doing this because I believe that even as evil perpetuates itself, so too does good. As I show you kindness, it will allow you to show kindness to others.”
“Thank you,” Zirtah said. “I will always remember your words.”
The Jedi master bowed and left the cockpit.
*******
Brin’tac winced in pain as Satchel finished dressing his wounded side. Nyarchagga stood next to the makeshift medical bed in concern. “I’m sorry, Brin’tac. You wouldn’t be in such pain if it hadn’t been for me, and you wouldn’t have wasted time that could have been spent finding your family.”
Brin’tac smiled, then winced in pain once more. “Sorry,” Satchel said. “I haven’t done too many of these on real people.”
Brin’tac thanked Satchel weakly, then looked back at the Dug. “It’s the least I could do for all the help you’ve given me to find my family. How many times have you risked your life for them? And besides,” he gave Nyarchagga a sideways grin, “you are part of my family. I don’t know what I would do without you, Satchel, and Master Lo.”
Nyarchagga gave the Bothan a grateful smile, then abruptly changed the topic, uncomfortable with the sudden air of emotion.
“By the way, how did Master Lo get a lightsaber and four blasters into the Coliseum?”
“He didn’t,” Satchel said as he finished with Brin’tac’s dressing. “When we knew we would have to infiltrate Zorba’s to rescue you, Master Lo contacted a fellow Jedi Knight who is currently working undercover at Zorba’s. This Jedi Knight informed Master Lo that Zorba has a flare for irony. Knowing this, Master Lo devised two plans.
“The first plan was simply to pay for your release. Using Zorba’s love for irony, Master Lo was going to also attempt to rescue Kal-faj.”
“How? I don’t follow,” Nyarchagga asked. “And why would he want to rescue that Bantha podoo anyway?”
Satchel answered, “I guess he senses some good in her. As for how…
Suddenly Brin’tac interjected, “Now I understand. The irony is that the bounty hunter that captured Nyarchagga is in return captured by Nyarchagga and his friends! Unfortunately, Zorba either didn’t see the irony or he would rather have made money using us for dragon bait.”
“Or,” continued Satchel, “he preferred the irony of the bounty hunter being killed alongside her bounty. Master Lo believed this would be the case, that is why he had the other Jedi Knight place his lightsaber and four blasters in the sand. We were never in as much danger as it seemed. If things went wrong, the undercover Jedi would have revealed himself and saved us. Fortunately, he still remains undercover.”
“I’m sorry you had to leave your lightsabers at Zorba’s,” Nyarchagga said.
“Don’t worry,” Satchel replied. “Since our informant is still in his position, he has assured us that he would return our weapons to us as soon as it is safe.”
Nyarchagga sighed, “Well, that at least makes me feel a little better. But I still have one last question. If your first plan was to pay for my release, how did you plan on coming up with enough money? Brin’tac is wealthy, but not that wealthy.”
“that is the true beauty of it all,” Satchel said with a grin. “Are you familiar with Krayt dragon digestive systems?”
“What?” Nyarchagga asked. “Not that I see the connection, but somewhat. Please refresh my memory.”
“Well, Krayt dragons swallow large, sharp rocks to smash against their food to help break it down for digestion. Well, after awhile these rocks become smoothe. When that occurs, the Krayt dragon then expels the useless, smoothe rock. At least, useless to the dragon. For the rest of the galaxy, these are known as dragon pearls, a very valuable jewel. As it turns out, our Jedi friend found one from Zorba’s own dragons, and he sent it to use to use to purchase your freedom.
“So you see, even though we rescued you, Master Lo wanted to get Zorba off of your back, so he sent it to Zorba before we left Nar Hekka. The beautiful thing about it all is that a Hutt who loves irony became the butt end of irony himself: his own Krayt dragon supplied the funds to pay for your freedom!”
All three of the companions shared a moment of laughter when the door suddenly opened and Jin Tai Lo stepped through. As he entered the room, Brin’tac briefly met his gaze, then quickly looked to the floor.
“I am sorry, Master Lo. I have failed you again.”
The Jedi master calmly shook his head. “Why do you say that? Is it because you were wounded and fell unconscious? No, Brin’tac. In fact, you were quite successful. Each person has strengths and weaknesses. Your strength lies in knowledge and wisdom, not in dexterity and fighting ability. In your areas of strength, you acted superbly.”
“Yes, but I feel so helpless all of the time. Every instance where we are in danger, I feel so weak. What good would it be if I acted wisely and find my family, only to lose them because I am too weak to defend and protect them?”
“I cannot answer that for you,” Jin Tai Lo said. “However, if you ever desire to learn basic fighting skills, just ask. And please remember, you were not the only one injured. On Ryloth, Satchel was wounded. And today, Zirtah was also wounded.”
Nyarchagga interjected. “Excuse me, Master Lo. Meaning no respect, but speaking of Kal-faj—or Zirtah—I can’t believe you actually saved her life after what she did! She’s probably planning even now how she can re-capture us and return to Zorba’s.”
Before Jin Tai Lo could answer, the door to the main room opened and Zirtah walked in. Nyarchagga snickered quietly to Brin’tac, “Speaking of the Sith!”
As she approached Nyarchagga, she quickly glanced at Master Lo. “I’m sorry to interuppt you, but may I speak?” Jin Tai Lo nodded reassuringly. “Nyarchagga, I have done a great deal of thinking about what Master Jin Tai Lo had said. You are extremely fortunate to have such great friends who are willing to risk so much for you.” She paused and looked at each of them in turn. “And so, as a means of making amends for wronging you I would like to offer you a gift.” At this she held up the same small, bug-shaped robot which Brin’tac had used to jam into the door aboard Houk-qal’s ship. Zirtah held out the robot and it’s control module to Nyarchagga. “This is a surveillance droid that I developed several years ago when I became a bounty hunter. Since I have decided to give up that profession, I figure that Gnat would be more help to you.”
Nyarchagga was so shocked that he could only mutter a weak, “Thank you,” as he took the small droid. Zirtah nodded and turned to walk back to the cockpit. As she left, she looked at Jin Tai Lo and smiled for the first time in years.
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