Deception at Ryloth
By Keith Robinson
While travelling to Naboo on their 2nd mission, Brin'tac recounts a lesson learned from Master Jin Tai Lo during their continuing search for his family and the dark figure who abducted them in the months prior to the formation of the Phantom Hunters. (Brin'tac's story precedes the events of "The Bounty Hunter Chase".)
Chapter 1
The crackling o the clashing lightsabers filled the interior of the shuttle. Although the combatants both grunted and groaned, neither one gave ground. As the two Jedi padawan dueled, the remaining four occupants of the shuttle watched with interest.
“How much longer do you think they can keep this up?” Tso asked.
“I’m not sure,” Brin’ tac replied. “I would have thought they would stop after 10 minutes.”
“Quiet!” Tarrsk growled, his eyes never leaving the battle.
Suddenly, Geldar’s right foot swept the feet out from under Satchel and he fell hard to the deck. Satchel rolled quickly into a crouch, gave a yell, and lunged at Geldar. Geldar easily sidestepped and used Satchel’s momentum to carry him head-first into the wall, thus ending the training session.
As Satchel regained his footing, Geldar said, “You let your anger get the best of you. You need to keep it in check or it could be your undoing.”
“Don’t patronize me. You’re not Master Lo.”
Before Geldar could reply, a low, gutteral voice spoke in Huttese. Satchel turned to face Brin’tac and Nyarchagga. “What did he say?”
Brin’tac calmly looked at Satchel. “He was just commenting on the fact that although Geldar is not Master Lo, what he said reminded him of the counsel Master Lo gave me on Ryloth. You would do well to heed the advice of your peer.”
A sudden look of remembrance crossed Satchel’s face, followed in rapid succession by guilt, pain, and finally, anger. Without another word, Satchel walked quickly out of the room.
“What was that all about?” Tso asked.
“There was an incident on Ryloth when I let my anger almost destroy me. It is not a pleasant memory.”
Geldar, still breathing heavily from his duel, walked over and joined the group. “Your memories are your own. Do not feel pressured to share them.”
“Thank you. I would not, except I feel that I would dishonor the memory of Master Lo if I did not share this lesson so all may learn.
Chapter 2
The chill wind howled in their ears and grabbed at their cloaks as the four passengers disembarked from the shuttle.
“Master Lo, are you certain that this anonymous informant said that we should go to Ryloth?”
“I am certain. He, or she, was very specific that on the night your family was kidnapped, a Twi’lek named Nad Dresnin was seen fleeing from your residence. Also included in the anonymous datadisk were copies of the ship log from the trading vessel Kindor’s Fortune, clearly showing that is was on Kothlis during that time, and had left for Ryloth that night. Also, according to port authorities here, the ship has been here for the last 2 weeks since the kidnapping.
“My friend, I know you are understandably anxious to find your family. However, I would caution you: this is an anonymous lead. It may only lead to a dead end.”
“Thank you, Master Lo. I will try to keep that in mind.”
“Master,” Satchel spoke up, “Did the datadisk tell where to begin looking?”
“No. However, it did mention that Nad was from the Lycren’dis Clan. They own a good portion of this starport and the surrounding area. We will begin our search here. Beware Padawan: the Twi’lek people are mostly spice runners or warriors. Not a good combination.”
Brin’tac interjected. “Master Lo, if my knowledge of the Twi’lek clan structure serves me correctly, then the Lycren’dis clan are mostly smugglers of the indigenous spice, Ryll. One of the five clan leaders is Scal Lycren’dis who owns a luctrative lodging/gambling establishment across from this starport. There are a few contacts I know from the Bothan Spynet who work there. They may be able to lead us to Nad.”
“Excellent!” Jin Tai Lo replied. “Let us begin.”
Chapter 3
“Are you sure about this?” Satchel asked warily. “I don’t want to go into anyplace called ‘The Dark Side’.”
“Do not be alarmed, my young Jedi friend,” Brin’tac assured him. “It is called that because Ryloth revolves around the sun at the same rate as it spins; thus causing half of the planet to be perpetually light, and the other side perpetually dark. Most Twi’lek society lives on the ‘dark side’ while outcasts are banished to the ‘light side’.”
“I still don’t like it.” Satchel muttered.
“Be at peace, Padawan.” Jin Tai Lo instructed. “But keep your senses alert.”
The Dark Side was a classy establishment, in Twi’lek society. Compared to the rest of the galaxy, it was little better than Chalmun’s Cantina in Mos Eisley, only 3 times as large. The room was dimly lit and smoky, giving it’s patrons the ability to conduct “business” without too many prying eyes. The entire building was divided into three equal sections. The bar was located in the middle section of the room with Sabaac and other various gambling tables on the right, and a stage and dining area on the let. The stage was currently filled with scantily clad Twi’lek dancers, their lekku (head tails) gracefully swaying and pulsing to the melody being played by the Bith jizz band in the corner. Lining the back and sides of the establishment were private booths with curtains drawn.
“Now this feels like home!” Nyarchagga said as he eagerly headed for the nearest Sabacc table.
“I don’t like this, Master,” Satchel said. “Everyone in this place has a sense o either fear, deceit, or anger. How are we to sense any impending attack?”
Master Jin Tai Lo
“A Jedi must learn to rely on his other senses as well as the Force,” Master Lo replied as he surveyed the room. “Come. Councilor Kyen’tir, lead the way.”
Without a word, Brin’tac led them to the bar. There were five bartenders in all: 1 human, 2 Twi’lek, a Rodian, and a multi-armed serving droid. Brin’tac signaled to the Rodian.
“Howww maaay I heeelp youuu?” it said in heavily accented Common. In response, Brin’tac rattled of several phrases in Rodian as he nonchalantly reached into his cloak and passed something to the bartender. The Rodian quickly pocketed the item, glanced to each side, and began preparing drinks. As he did so, he spoke quietly to Brin’tac so that only he could hear.
Rodian
After a few minutes, Brin’tac turned to the two Jedi. “He says that Nad is part of a group of smugglers who work for Zorba the Hutt. They are still on-planet, but he doesn’t know for how long. Their ship, Kindor’s Fortune is docked at docking bay 27. We should…”
Before he could finish his sentence, a large, burly arm with long, sharp fingernails landed heavily on Brin’tac’s shoulder.
“The owner of this fine establishment would like a word with you.” As if to accentuate his words, a Barabel, a Wee-quay, and two Twi’lek, came up behind Satchel and Jin Tai Lo, their lekku twitching anxiously.
Weequay Thug
Chapter 4
The welcoming party led them through a back door into a private room with only a few chairs and a large desk. The only other entrance into the room was through a door on the far side of the room. Sitting behind the desk, another Twi’lek sat with a large, furry Whiphid standing guard next to him.
As the group entered the room, the Twi’lek stood and the five guards each took up positions encircling the three friends, their blasters trained on them. The Twi’lek gave a toothy grin as he approached.
“Welcome to the Dark Side. I am Scal Lycrendis, owner of this facility. Can I help you with anything?”
“No, thank you,” replied Brin’tac. “We were just out for a drink and a little fun before returning to our ship.”
“Oh, really? So you’re not looking for Nad Dresnin then?” Scal said smoothly. At this, Brin’tac’s fur rippled slightly.
“No, we are not. I’m afraid you must have us confused with someone else.”
Suddenly, Scal’s friendly demeanor disappeared as he growled, “You are a poor liar, Bothan! Your race needs to learn to disconnect your feelings and your fur.”
As he finished his sentence, the door opened and Nyarchagga was shoved roughly into the room, the door closing behind him.
“Ah. I see the fourth member of your little entourage has arrived.” Turning back to Brin’tac, he continued as if the interruption had never occurred. “Now, why are you looking for Nad?”
Jin Tai Lo stepped foreward before Brin’tac could reply. “My friend is looking for his wife and family who have been kidnapped. Nad may know their whereabouts.”
Brin’tac turned toward Jin Tai Lo with a look of betrayal on his face. Scal grinned, “Well, I’m sure if Nad had anything to do with it, then she’s probably amusing some Hutt somewhere.”
Brin’tac suddenly lunged at Scal, but was held back by Jin Tai Lo. Scal laughed in amusement.
“The ever peacable Cereans. Always trying to avoid a confrontation.”
Brin’tac shoved Master Lo aside. “Bothan, do you really think you could best me?”
“Why don’t you dismiss your lackeys and find out!”
“I’m afraid my time is too valuable for that. Let me just say that you have come to the wrong place. Leave now, and you will live. Try to reach Nad, and you will die. Rolt,” one of the Twi’lek guards stepped foreward, “take these ‘gentlemen’ to their ship and see them off.” Scal’s lekku twitched slightly as he turned back to his desk.
The room suddenly exploded with a flurry of motion. Brin’tac tackled Scal from behind as Nyarchagga dove into the nearest guard. Jin Tai Lo turned, crouched, and drew his lightsaber in on fluid motion even as he used the force to pin the Whiphid in the corner with the desk.
The guards, recovering from their surprise, opened fire. The Barabel and Wee-quay were knocked to the floor by their own blaster bolts which were deflected by Jin Tai’s lightsaber. Nyarchagga used on hand to grab Rolt’s weapon as he drew his own and fired, stunning him. Satchel quickly recovered and used his leg to sweep the two remaining Twi’lek guards off their feet.
A deafening roar filled the room as the Whiphid lifted the desk and launched it at the combatants, not caring who was in the way. Satchel rolled to the side and avoided being crushed by mere millimeters, but the two Twi’lek guards who shot at him were not as fortunate. Jin Tai Lo deftly rolled under the desk and faced the brute.
The Whiphid’s tiny eyes stared hard at the Cerean Jedi. Then, with a growl, the alien charged. The Jedi Master leaped over him, slicing off a large tusk with his lightsaber. The beast howled in rage.
“I do not wish to hurt you. Cease this battle or I will be forced to cause you further injury.” Jin Tai warned.
The Whiphid, however, either didn’t understand common, or disregarded the warning entirely and lunged once again at the Jedi Master. Jin Tai Lo rolled backward with the lunge and flipped the hairy alien over him. Then, reaching out with the force, he hurled the desk once again at the Whiphid, this time crashing it into his head and upper torso, rendering him unconscious. The large, hairy body fell to the floor with a loud thud.
Jin Tai turned to see that the battle was finished. Nyarchagga stood over the body of one guard, Satchel leaned up against the wall holding his left shoulder, and Brin’tac stood over the unconscious body of Scal. As Jin Tai looked on, Brin’tac suddenly kicked Scal in the side.
“Brin’tac, my friend. Please. Let go of your anger.”
“Don’t you begin telling me what to do,” Brin’tac exploded in rage. “I’m not one of your Jedi Padawan. If I want to use my anger, it’s my choice. I don’t have to worry about ‘The Dark Side’. And how dare you call me ‘friend’ after what you said. What gave you the right to tell my personal business to a maggot-infested, slime like him?”
Jin Tai Lo answered calmly, “You are right, my friend. Please forgive me. I had no right to tell your private affairs. However, he already knew. I sensed through the Force that somehow he already knew you were looking for your wife. I thought by telling him the truth, we might earn some trust and thus avoid a pointless confrontation.” To accentuate his point, he looked down at the bodies laying throughout the room.
“Secondly, you are also correct that you are not a Jedi Padawan and you may do as you please. However, the Jedi code is more than just for those who can use the Force. It is a philosophy which brings peace to all who follow it. Peace instead of conflict; love instead of hate; truth instead of falsehood; forgiveness instead of revenge. All are noble…”
“I am sorry to interrupt you, Master Lo,” Nyarchagga said as he moved toward the back door, “but more guards will be here any second. Also, before these goons grabbed me, I found out from one of the other Sabacc players that Nad’s ship was leaving within the hour. If we want to catch him, we need to move!”
Jin Tai Lo nodded in agreement as he helped Satchel to his feet. “Nyarchagga is right. Satchel, can you make it?”
“Yes. It’s just a fleshwound.”
Brin’tac turned and moved toward the back door without a word, his fur bristling.
Chapter 5
Gamorrean Guards
The four companions huddled together in an alley across the street from docking bay 27. Two Gamorrean guards stood in front of the door. The sound of sublight engines warming up could be heard coming from the bay.
“We don’t have much time for a plan,” Jin Tai Lo said quickly. “Any ideas?”
Nyarchagga’s gravely voice spoke first.
“During my time with Zorba, I oversaw many smuggling operations such as this. There is another entrance to the docking bay around the back. Zorba always uses the same formula to determine his entrance passwords. I can open the back door easily. If Master Lo and Satchel would be willing to provide us with a diversion, Brin’tac and I could come through the back door and prevent the ship from leaving.”
“That sounds good, Nyarchagga,” Master Lo said. “Now quickly, go!”
As Brin’tac and Nyarchagga hurried away, Satchel rubbed his shoulder.
“Master, how did you, Brin’tac, and Nyarchagga know to attack simultaneously? I was alert, but I didn’t see or hear any signal.”
“My young Padawan, you were alert to your enemies, but not your friends.” Satchel gave a puzzled look. Master Lo continued, “You must not only use the Force to sense your enemies’ emotions and intentions, but your friends’ as well. I acted because Brin’tac and Nyarchagga suddenly had a great sense of alarm about them. I do not know why. We must remember to ask them later.”
Satchel nodded in understanding. “One more question, Master. You sensed that Scal somehow knew about Brin’tac’s family. How can that be? We only just arrived on Ryloth.”
“That too remains a mystery,” Master Lo replied. “I believe that before this day is done, the answer to that question will reveal itself.”
Satchel simply nodded as he ran through his Jedi calming techniques.
Chapter 6
Nyarchagga spent a few brief moments at the control panel of docking bay 27. The locking mechanism of the door made a soft click as the light on the control panel changed from a dark red to light green. “Good old, predictable Zorba!” Nyarchagga gave a lopsided grin. “Now we just need to wait for our diversion.”
As if on cue, shouts and blaster fire erupted from beyond the door.
“Now!” yelled Brin’tac.
The door opened and Brin’tac and Nyarchagga surveyed the chaos.
There were ten smugglers total, all running for cover behind various shipping crates. Jin Tai Lo stood just inside the main doorway, lightsaber drawn, deflecting blaster bolts left and right. Satchel stood behind his master, also with his lightsaber drawn, preparing to circle the docking bay and take out as many assailants as possible.
Nyarchagga drew Brin’tac’s gaze away from the battle by pointing to a Twi’lek who stood near the ramp of Kindor’s Fortune, not more than ten meters from their position in the doorway. He shouted orders to two of his smugglers, then proceeded up the ramp. Before Nyarchagga could say anything, Brin’tac sprinted toward the Twi’lek.
“Pudoo!” Nyarchagga cursed as he chased after Brin’tac.
He had almost caught him when several blaster shots sent him sprawling to the duracrete. He quickly rolled to the nearest crate and drew his own blasters. He joined the firefight and soon lost track of Brin’tac.
Chapter 7
Brin’tac lost all sense of time as his heart pounded in his ears and his fur ruffled in the strong winds of Ryloth. As he reached the bottom of the ramp, the Twi’lek turned to face him.
“So you must be that annoying Bothan who’s looking for me.”
Before he could say another word, Brin’tac gave a feral growl and punched the Twi’lek hard in the jaw. Nad recovered quickly and returned the attack by kicking Brin’tac in the stomach.
Brin’tac, enraged, slammed his body into Nad’s, knocking them both off the ramp. As they fell, one of Nad’s lekku became caught between the ramp and the ship, jerking his head backward. Pain shot through his head and gave Brin’tac the time he needed to land another punch in Nad’s stomach. The Twi’lek’s headtail became dislodged as he doubled-over in pain. Brin’tac’s kick sent Nad to the ground.
As he pinned Nad to the ground, Brin’tac pulled out his blaster and aimed it at the Twi’lek’s face.
“Where is my family, you Hutt-slime? Who kidnapped them?”
“I don’t know anything about a Bothan family,” Nad gasped in pain. “Whoever told you I had anything to do with a kidnapping was seriously mistaken.”
Brin’tac shot the tip of Nad’s lekku with his blaster. “Wrong answer.” The smuggler gave out a scream of agony.
“I’m telling you, I don’t know!”
The enraged Bothan pulled Nad off of the ground and slammed him into the bulkhead of the starship.
“Let me tell you something, Nad. I have studied the Twi’lek culture in depth. I know your language, your customs, and your anatomy. I know that besides the tips of your repulsive lekku, there are twelve other pressure points on the Twi’lek body that cause extreme pain when pressed correctly. Do I need to demonstrate my knowledge?”
The Twi’lek moaned in reply. As Brin’tac began to squeeze the base of Nad’s lekku, Nyarchagga grabbed his arm. “Brin’tac, what are you doing?”
Brin’tac responded by shoving Nyarchagga away. “This scum’s going to talk, or he’s going to meet his maker!”
Gasping for breath, Nad wheezed, “I honestly…. don’t….know.”
“Then maybe more pain will refresh your memory.” Brin’tac sneered as he once again squeezed Nad’s lekku.
“Brin’tac, he honestly doesn’t know,” came a calm, quiet voice.
“What?” Brin’tac said as he turned to face Jin Tai Lo. “No. I think he does.”
“Brin’tac,” Master Lo began quietly, “I sense no deception from him. I know you believe that the Jedi code is only for Jedi, but the truth is that all living things have a presence in the Force. Some are bright and good; others are dark and evil. I wish I could open your eyes to see your own presence. Usually you shine fairly brightly, but right now, you are almost completely black. In fact, you are darker now than Nad is himself.”
Brin’tac’s grip on Nad began to slacken as Jin Tai Lo continued. “What would you gain by getting your revenge and finding your family, only to lose them again because you allowed your hatred to change you?
“I once knew a man who was betrayed by his friend and sent to the spice mines of Kessel. For years he plotted his escape and revenge, until one day he achieved both. When he returned to his family, they didn’t recognize him and couldn’t live with him because all those years of anger had made him abusive. He eventually killed himself. Which path will you choose, Brin’tac Kyen’tir? If you honor your wife and children and everything they stand for, release your anger.”
With a cry of despair, Brin’tac released Nad and slumped to the ground.
“Oh Vaqshi. Vaqshi, my love. I miss you so much.”
For a moment, no one moved. Then Brin’tac looked over at Nad. “If you don’t know what happened to my wife, then why was your ship on Kothlis the night she was kidnapped?”
Nad struggled to sit up. “If I was on Kothlis, it was because I deliver spice to a Bothan bureaucrat there. He’s the only person I know on Kothlis.”
A cold lump settled in Brin’tac’s stomach. “Do you know his name?”
“He didn’t tell, and we don’t ask. We deliver the goods to his servants, get paid, and leave.”
Satchel spoke up, “How did Scal know we were looking for Brin’tac’s wife if you aren’t involved in her kidnapping?”
Nad looked up at Satchel. “We received an anonymous message a few days ago saying that a Bothan and three others would be landing soon and they wanted to kill me for doing something to his wife. Scal told me he would take care of it, so he assigned me to this shipment to get me off-world.”
“Forn Ral’din.”
“Who?” Satchel asked.
“Forn Ral’din is a … ‘peer’ of mine,” Brin’tac said. “He also works for Senator Prin Ay’laya of Bothwai. He set us up. He gives us a lead by sending us an anonymous message implicating Nad, hoping that Nad would kill me, thereby allowing him to take my position as aide to Senator Ay’laya. I wonder if that bantha dung also kidnapped my wife, or did he just take advantage of the situation?”
Suddenly, Nyarchagga, who had taken up a sentry position by the door, gave a low growl. “The port authorities are coming. We had better move.
During the momentary distraction, Nad jumped to his feet and scrambled into the ship, sealing the hatch behind him.
Master Lo shouted, “Quickly! Take cover. He’s going to fire up the repulsors!”
The four companions watched from behind crates as the smuggling ship lifted off.
As they watched, they noticed that the cargo bay doors had not been sealed completely since the ship had not been fully loaded with all of it’s cargo. As the ship turned towards it’s heading, several boxes of spice fell to the bay floor, causing the ship to become unbalanced.
The high winds on Ryloth make landing and taking of treacherous under normal conditions. With the haste of his escape and the unbalance of his ship, Nad soon lost control. Kindor’s Fortune careened to the right and smashed into the surrounding mountain, exploding in a blinding ball of fire.
“That should keep the port authorities busy for awhile,” Nyarchagga said with a grin. “We’d better leave before they get here.”
They all nodded agreement as they headed for the back door.
Epilogue
Tso, Tarrsk, Geldar, and Nyarchagga sat in silence as Brin’tac finished his account. Geldar was the first to speak.
“Master Lo was wise indeed. I can see why Satchel is struggling so much with his death.”
Tso rubbed his jowls. “I had never thought about how Force-sensitive people see me. I hope my sense is not dark.”
“Don’t worry, my Sullustan friend,” Geldar said with a smile. “You’re sense is indeed very bright.”
“I still don’t understand one thing,” Tarrsk interjected. “How did you and Nyarchagga know to attack Scal at the same moment?”
Brin’tac smiled. “The Twi’lek language uses a mixture of speech and lekku movements. It is very similar to sign language. Scal told his men verbally to take us to the starport, but his lekku movement told them to kill us immediately.”
Nyarchagga continued the explanation. “I had seen that signal given many times during my time with Zorba. Twi’lek like to lower your defenses by telling you one thing with their speech and giving a death signal to their associates with their lekku.”
Suddenly, Satchel entered the room and approached the group.
“I would like to ask for forgiveness for my actions. Geldar, I appreciate your willingness to help me. I should not have lost my temper. I hope we can both help each other hone our Jedi abilities.”
He then turned to Brin’tac. “I would like to thank you, Brin’tac for reminding me of my master’s teaching. It seems you paid more attention to his lessons than I did.”
Brin’tac nodded in acceptance. “It takes strong character to admit a weakness. You will make a great Jedi Knight.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, if you are all finished, I’m going to get something to eat,” Tarrsk said as he headed out of the room.
The others followed, leaving Brin’tac alone, lost in one final memory…
The door to Forn Ral’din’s private office on Kothlis opened and Brin’tac Kyen’tir stepped through. Forn stood up from his desk.
“Ah, Brin’tac. It’s so good to see you. Have you found out anything new about your family’s disappearance?”
Brin’tac’s fur bristled slightly, but remained in place. “Actually, yes. I discovered that a conniving Bothan sent me on a wild onrat chase and tried to have me killed so that he could replace me, using my family’s kidnapping as bait. If I find evidence proving that this particular Bothan had anything to do with my family being taken, that Bothan is going to wish he had been swallowed by a Sarlacc!”
Forn looked indignant. “My dear friend. That almost sounded like a veiled threat.”
Brin’tac put both hands on Forn’s desk and leaned toward him.
“I’m sorry, ‘my friend.’ I didn’t mean to veil it. Let me try again. You have been pretty good at covering your tracks so far. But if I find out that you did more than just take advantage of my family’s disappearance, I will do everything in my power to destroy all of your authority, position, power, and money. I will make you so poor that you will drool at the thought of one slice of dianoga steak, and you will envy Jawas for their wealth. I will bring such disgrace to your name that your clan will deny ever hearing your name!
“Have a pleasant day, Councilor Ral’din.”
Brin’tac turned abruptly, and walked confidently out of the office.
Forn Ral’din stood quietly for a moment, then sank nervously into his chair.
GM's Note in conclusion:
As Brin'tac and his companions are seeking to uncover evidence that will link Forn Ral'din to his little deception, Brin'tac receives news that the councilor was found dead three days after his meeting with Brin'tac. The death was a mystery that no one can seem to solve, for all that is known is that the councilor died of a fatal heart attack. However, the councilor was in prime condition and no poison or foreign element was found in his body.
After recalling his final encounter with Forn, Brin'tac begins to wonder if his death has something to do with Master Lo's death and his family's disappearance. Back then, he thought nothing of it. The councilor had simply died of natural causes, and he put the thought out of his mind. He never even told Master Lo and the others. Now, however, after Master Lo's death by the hands of a dark jedi, Brin'tac begins to suspect that Forn's death may have been linked somehow with this dark jedi, and he wonders why he hadn't thought about the connection before. Perhaps this will have to be something Brin'tac and his friends will have to investigate after they've accomplished their next mission.
Continue to "Bounty Hunter Chase"
Return to Mission Archives