Alasdair Sitra and the Heart of Lothal

[Alasdair Sitra]

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1

Alasdair had never been to the Port Town of Bespin before. But he’d been in hundreds of places just like it, and he knew the type extremely well. The place was bustling with species from every corner of the galaxy, a level of wariness about the air that came hand in hand with the restraint of keeping a low profile should the white helmets of the First Order come down deeper from their influence in the clouds.
It was in short, a perfect little hideout for what ever informant they had been sent to.
In front of the young pilot the dark skinned Thyrsian who Alasdair had found himself in partnership with pushed through the mass of market stalls, carts and parked speeders and ships. Jan had made his opinions known when they had received the notification that they had been given another job, and even now through the sounds of the busy port Alasdair could hear his gruff tone of annoyance at the whole situation.
“No kidding,” Alasdair growled back towards one of Jan’s unhappy ramblings, his fingers tapping the leather of his belt that was comfortably sat around his waist. “But if there’s even a chance that this job pays as much as they were saying we’ve surely got to take it?”
Jan shrugged. “Don’t have a choice do we.”
“No.” Alasdair said flatly. “Not if you want to see your family again.”
“Then why am I here?” From behind Alasdair came Kel’s question. The third member of their little group and the only one who didn’t owe something to be here. “I don’t care about his family.”
“No, but you care about credits.” Jan smirked. “Which there is apparently meant to be many.”
Alasdair glanced around the Market Row. He knew he was still paying off whatever it was that had managed to get him out of the cells on Corellia, even if perhaps the newer life wasn’t much better then the previous one behind bars.
If this job offered to pay as much as it was rumoured to, there would be a good chance that he wouldn’t owe anyone anything for much longer.
“Good you’re on time.” The smooth voice came from Alasdair’s right. “Eyes front and act natural. You two as well.”
Alasdair gritted his teeth and made himself busy looking at a small native ornament on a stall nearby, glancing a look at the slim and tall Pantoran woman who had also paused to look at the same stall. “The thugs in the black coats and goggles. Can’t have them overhearing. Find me at the droid access in ten minutes.” Alasdair watched her put down the trinket she was inspecting, give a tut and then drifted off into the crowd, where she was quickly followed by a trio of black coat clad beings, their focus on the fleeing woman enough to not notice Alasdair or his two companions all looking with suspicion after them.
“Strange sort.” Jan murmered as he came up to stand by the left of Alasdair who was still keeping tabs on the Pantorian and her pursuit. “However she does fit the description of our contact. Suppose we should help out?” Never one to rest on his laurels the ageing Thyrsian moved into the crowd before any form of agreeance forcing Alasdair and Kel, who had merely just shrugged at the whole thing to move into the bustling flow of people as well in the hopes of doing something that would get the thug chasers to stop and allow them time to at least meet face to face with this apparent contact.
It took a couple of minutes of moving people aside and a shortcut through the back of a small thift-shop with a little bit too much perfumed air, but Alasdair had managed to get in front of their running contact and pursuers. The plan in his mind was to stall them, allow time for the Pantorian to get in front where Kel could escort her to somewhere quiet and out of the way, naturally though Alasdair knew that every plan had the chance to fail and this one could do so with flurries of blaster fire if he wasn’t careful.
Watching the Pantorian approach from the side of his vision Alasdair gave her an indication of direction with a small movement disguised as a hand moving to brush through his hair, then as she passed he stepped out and straight into the path of one of the black coated thugs.Throwing his hands up casually Alasdair threw a smile.
“Oh I am so sorry, need to watch where I am going.” The human, easily twice as broad as Alasdair threw him a dirty look and went to step around him. Matching his step Alasdair blocked his passage again and then did so as he again went to move around him yet again. “Sorry, sorry.” He would say making a joke about wanting to dance, then obviously fed-up of Alasdair’s attempt to stall him the thug placed two thick hands on his shoulder and tossed the Corellian to the side. Alasdair landed hard in a pile of pots that clattered and cracked gaining an angry look from the shop owner, an even larger Trandoshan who made a straight line for Alasdair.
“It wasn’t me!” A hand pointed towards the thug who had turned his attention to the angry and suddenly very large lizard who had changed his line towards him now. “He did it. Just threw me!”
It was enough to start a small scene, the thug unable to continue his path after the Pantorian as he now tried to stop the store owner from tearing him a new one.
“Well that is one.” Alasdair muttered happily as he got up and brushed the dust off his jacket and then as he went to move felt the sharp pressure of something hard being pressed against his back.
“I wouldn’t move if I was you.”
Alasdair’s teeth set firmly together and slowly his hands moved away from his belt and up towards the air to show no threat. So much for an easy get away. “Nek?”
“Hey, good memory,” Nek said approvingly as he slid around from Alasdair’s back and into his view, standing in front of him with a glare. He was just as Alasdair remembered: A runt of a Rodian, a mottled green with yellow patches wearing his usual choice of ugly street urchin clothes with an old stolen military jacket that was just as ugly as he was. A heavily modified blaster sat in his hand currently pointed discreetly at Alasdair’s chest.
“Move. Into the alley.” Nek said and nodded his head towards the small access alley to the the right, Alasdair complying without a fuss and being led by the Rodian into the now worryingly empty area. “I’ve heard a few people aren’t happy with you.” He shifted the barrel of his blaster to level at Alasdair’s face. “Again.”
“I hear you branched out into being an arsehole,” Alasdair countered, his eyes taking in the blaster and carefully repositioning his leg without Nek noticing. He would have one shot at this. That was it, one.
Nek shrugged. “No need to be nasty about it. Customer gets what customer wants and these new Cartel’s are paying a lot more for a blaster hole then any of the others used to for the capture.” He pushed his blaster forward, clearly trying to get a reaction from the human which he didn’t get. “However, you know me. I like free credits. You know, as I am just here anyway.”
“Everyone likes free credits. Why not?” Alasdair agreed, his eyes narrowing. He was trying to get a read on the bounty hunter, was it just pure luck or did someone know that he would be here right now?
No.
That was stupid. That galaxy was huge. A bounty hunter had no chance of just randomly arriving here in a random city on a random planet at the exact moment that Alasdair was distracted by a group of raving thugs. No, Nek knew and was being a smart arse about it.
That was fine. Alasdair could be a smart arse too. “So what? I pay you and you just walk away?”
An evil smile crossed the Rodian’s face. “You got enough?”
Alasdair tilted his head towards his belt. “Second pack on my left.”
Nek flicked his bulbous eyes towards Alasdair’s belt—
In a single controlled motion Alasdair launched forward and pushed hard against the inside of the Rodian’s arm and carried through to push his entire body against the Bounty Hunter. There was a flash of heat and a bright light that sizzled past Alasdair’s left ear as Nek released a shot based on his reflexes rather then skill.
One shot was all he would get. In fact it was all he would ever do. The rodian Bounty Hunter found himself hanging above Alasdair like a doll, frozen in place by the iron grip of a large, imposing Wookiee who had seemingly come out of nowhere.
That should have ended it. The bounty hunter should have released that he had been defeated and walked away from the situation.
Nek wasn’t however one of those sort, his other hand, the one not held by the Wookiee went for his jacket, a small hold-out blaster emerging like a knife towards the beasts stomach.
Alasdair saw no other option, nor did even consider anything but the instinct of the moment. Alasdair shot the bounty hunter with a swing of blaster. Nek slumped in the wookiee’s grip, still held up above the ground, his hold-out blaster hit the floor and bounced away where it clattered against a metal refuse pile. Another moment passed, then the Wookiee, releasing a small growl lowered the rodian back to the ground, releasing the blaster from the life-less fingers as he did.
There were a dozen of seconds where neither party moved, Alasdair’s fingers still firmly gripping his blaster, eyes darting around the alleyway. The entire market beyond had seemingly gone quiet, several curious eyes glancing down towards the young human, wookiee and dead rodian. None seemed like authorities, but several of the closer onlookers had hands on or near weapon holsters.
A rumbling came from the wookiee, aimed towards the alleyway entrance. “Hate to say it.” Alasdair shouted down towards them all. “He shot first.”
Another few moments of pitch silence. Then one after the other hands began to lift away from their weapons, heads turned and the onlookers slipped back into the crowds beyond. Realising he had just dodged a blaster bolt to the head Alasdair turned towards the Wookiee and gave the giant alien a quick look over.
“Uh,” Curious eyes merely stared back at the young pilot. “Thanks?” The wookiee gave a series of low growls which all seemed friendly enough, but Alasdair had never managed to fully understand the primal language of Kashyyyk so was stuck with just nodding a simple, yet hopefully understanding gesture. “Look I have to, uh…” He looked again towards the far end of the ally noticing the form of Kel appearing in a hurry.
“Excuse me?!”
Alasdair gave the Zabrak woman a quick ‘I’m coming’ hand before turning back to the Wookiee yet again. “Don’t know why you did it, but thanks.” Then he moved off back towards Kel who was looking rather frustrated towards Alasdair.

“What have you been doing? Shady deals in the shadows?” She grunted as they headed off into the crowd once more, her glare piercing into Alasdair’s soul.
“Just frustrations of the past catching up.” He would answer as he kept the incredibly fast walking pace set by the Zabrak. “It’s all sorted now, promise. Where is Jan?” He had tried to look around and find the older part of their party, but among the crowd it was hard to even make out the person beyond the one next to you, let alone doing it while practically running.
“He’s with the Pantorian.” Kel was so matter of factly that it always made Alasdair feel like he had done something wrong in asking, so he would continue to remain silent.
The droid access wasn’t that far around the bustling market square, in fact from where Alasdair had been made to stop he could still see the ally which he had just killed the Rodian. Of which had disappeared, along with the Wookiee. Kel had slipped into a hunch against the nearby wall, ignoring the slick from the ever present moisture in the air from the thousand of humidifiers that lined the ceiling of the lower levels.
“—and that makes three.” Jan said from where he was stood, next to the Pantorian that had initially spoke to Alasdair. “What were you doing anyway kid? Been waiting a while.”
Alasdair could feel the judging of the his other parties, creating a warm tingling in his cheeks. What was he meant to say? A bounty hunter jumped him and almost killed him if it hadn’t been for a random Wookiee arriving to save the day? No, that would never work. He’d have to stick to something far simpler.
“I eh,” He glanced back at the market. “Saw a jacket I really liked.” Yeah, because that was far more believable. Yet seeing the look on Jan and Kel’s face as frustration hit both of them almost, just almost made it worth it.
“Well if you’re done with the shopping let me introduce Aya Rhen.” Jan motioned towards the Pantorian. “Our contact.”
Alasdair moved around to meet the Pantorian.
Or rather, meet the woman. Her face was covered in the ritual yellow markings of her race, contrasting against her beautifully blue skinned face. Her eyes were golden in colour, a small and glittering star among a dark galaxy that even in the access corridor’s dim lighting were striking, unsettling, and strangely hypnotic.
“You must be the con-man.” With a jolt, Alasdair realised he had been staring and forced his gaze away. Her words had hit him hard about how easily he had been drawn in, a suitable trick for any potential pickpocket or murdering sly scum.
“Pilot actually.” Alasdair would say with a shake of his head resulting in a scoff from Jan.
“Con-man.” Kel laughed.
“Pilot or con-man in makes no difference,” Aya announced, a smile giving away perfect white teeth. “You are all here now and we can finally get down to business, but not out here.” A hand indicated to a small door that was to their left, a small data box allowing Aya access as she pressed a certain set of keys and led them to an unmarked black speeder that was primed and ready inside.

“This is Harad Rhen.” The apartment that Aya had taken them too was no longer within the slums of the market districts. No this was far more elegant as was the ageing Pantoran who had appeared to greet them as they had arrived. He was clad in elegant blues and maroons and complimented the pristine white that was designed around the natural sunlight that poured in from the cloud and gas stained skies of Bespin. “My father.”
Alasdair moved towards the rear of the group, picking up a chrome ornament from a nearby shelf and turning it over in his hands, it alone would have been worth more then he had owned in his entire life, which made him very carefully put it back down before turning to watch as the Pantoran addressed them all.
“I am pleased you came.” Harad said, taking a step forward towards the three of them as Ara took a place behind a nearby bar and poured herself something very expensive looking into an equally expensive glass. “You have been recommended to me as people with a certain set of skills and as such I have decided to offer you a job.” He glanced towards each of them in turn, Alasdair avoiding his direct stare when it came to him, instead concentrating on a piece of artwork upon the wall. “I won’t lie, it will be illegal, confidential and could be somewhat dangerous however I can pay, I can pay very, very well.”
Alasdair reluctantly looked towards Harad, half of him wanted to walk out and leave already but the mention of pay was always a consideration. After all what would be the harm in hearing the guy out at the very least. “How much we talking?” Jan shot him a look, obviously not wishing to be the one who didn’t ask the question.
“At minimum, all your expenses. However, if you are successful?” Harad paused and clicked his knuckles. “In excess of ten and a half million credits to split between me, my daughter and whoever else you need to help you.”
Alasdair felt his throat tighten. This could be nothing. Just lies.
But if he was telling the truth…
“Well then. Let’s talk Mr Rhen.” Jan said from his forward position, smiling towards Kel who shot Alasdair a raise of her brows.
“Yes let us take a seat. There is a lot to go through.” Harad motioned towards the next room and with a smile that could seal a thousand fates allowed each of the others to move through before he even shifted himself.

“A few days from now, a valuable gemstone will be up for auction thanks to our friends at the Figg & Associates art museum right here in cloud city.” Harad had taken a position at the head of the table which was a fantastic white polymer very similar to everything else that surrounded them, again natural light from the sky above them poured in and basked the entire area in an orange hue that set the mood to much more calmer and relaxed then it had any right to be. “This gemstone is known as the Heart of Lothal and has been reputed in the past as being ‘unstealable.’ Knowing this I have a plan in place for us to infiltrate and manipulate the bidders in order to rise the auction to sell the jewel for as much as possible. This will allow maximum return when we slice into the central systems and redirect the credits into our own account.”
Jan seemed easily caught on, Kel and Alasdair not so much. “Seem’s an easy tag in my eyes. I’m game.” He would say before catching the suspicion in Kel’s eyes. “What? It’s practically free money? Why are you always so damn cautious?”
“If it was free why would he need us?” Kel made her point and pushed herself backwards in her chair so that she could take in the table as a whole. “Why would he invite us here, to this big fancy apartment that smells of nothing but lies if it were merely a case of making the money flow from here to there.”
Jan gave her a scowl and a shush, fearful of insulting their contact and seemingly now employer.
“She has a point Jan.” Alasdair spoke up, his feet where on the table, unpolished boots leaving a streak of black grit on the highly polished surface. “Apartment isn’t lived in, or there would be food in the refreshers. It’s either a front or Mr. Rhen here hired it to make an impression. The job seems to simple, there has to be a catch.”
Harad had only smiled and nodded during their exchange, but actively laughed at the mention of lacking food. “Very perspective of you Mr..?”
“Alasdair. Just Alasdair.”
“The place is nothing more then a safe-house used by those who need to have meetings such as these. So you are slightly correct, I don’t live here but I own it. As for the catch, you did say there always is one.” He sighed, leaning forward slightly. “The Gala and the Gem are both being held within the museum, which wasn’t designed to protect items of such high value. This will leave it wide open for the taking. Which means, we are stealing that damn jewel twice.”
Jan gave a low whistle that was out done by Kel who offered a loud scoff.
“That is a—“ Alasdair put his feet down.
“Lot of credits.” Harad finished with a smile that sat ear to ear. “Which of course we will all split evenly, the better we do on getting the bidding high the more we will make and hopefully comfortably retire with.”
There were several seconds of pure silence as the consideration passed through each of the individual minds at the table, obvious agreance would mean that they would all be in this together, but naturally questions would have to be asked and it would be Jan who started.
“This Heart of Lothal? How is it worth so much, what is so special about it?” It was a question that they had all wanted to ask and by Harad’s expression the one question he was expecting above all others.
“The Heart is a rare gen of unparalleled size, clarity and radiance. It is a prime example of its kind and has been highly sought after by treasure hunters over the hundreds of years it has been known about.” Harad’s answer seemed to gain some expression of interest, enough for Kel who had as usual been immensely quiet during the whole thing.
“This is all good and all, but how are we getting into this auction? I’m sure its not just an open event we can march on into with open expectations.” She gave Alasdair a sidewards glance. Yet Harad jumped straight into his answer, clearly expecting the question as much as the others.
“The Cloud Car Grand Prix.” He smiled. “We win that and you get an invitation to the gala. It won’t be easy but the thirty thousand credit prize has a draw of its own. I can organise the racer and I’ve heard you have the pilot.”
“Yes we do, the best—“ Alasdair started before being cut off by Jan who had even stood from his seat to make himself heard.
“Don’t mind the kid, I’ll be flying.” He gave Alasdair a ‘shut-up’ look and sat back down into his chair, the young Corellian shaking his head back in frustration. “He’s got his head in the clouds.”
Harad spent quiet seconds looking over Alasdair as they all sat there, momentarily at a loss for words. “I like this kid. He has a big mouth and is confident to use it.” He said energetically, his eye twinkling with natural light. “I could use a man like you after this job. Now if you would excuse me, I have some matters to see too. I trust that Aya will be able to answer any further questions as well as planning that may be necessary.” With that he stood, bowed to each of them and left the room through one of the far doors leaving the group in an awkward moment of reflection.
“So that is the job.” Aya had now taken a seat at the table, speaking over the exhales of breath from the rest of the crew. Kel had taken her head to her hands, running fingers along her forehead as thoughts clearly ran through the Zebrak’s head, this was unlike Jan who had stood, moved to the bar and had poured himself the largest glass of brandy they had ever seen. Alasdair however? He was merely staring at the door that Harad had just gone through with innate curiosity, Aya’s voice breaking his trail of thought.
“So questions? Ideas? We have a long night ahead of us. Hence the stocked bar.” She smirked and sat back into her chair as the three others put their attention on her.
Alasdair sighed.

It was indeed going to be a long night.

 

[Alasdair Sitra]

2

The museum known as Figg & Associates was well known on Bespin, mainly for two things: The first being the nearly legendary self status of it’s original founder, Ecclessis Figg and the second was being the home of the greatest natural treasure of the system; the Heart of Lothal. The site was an attraction that had created much buzz among the local populace and even travelling groups, some going as far as travelling purely to Bespin to see the Gemstone.
There were a lot of these sort out today, Alasdair noted as he sat on one of the pristine white benches that sat littered around the inside of the art exhibition. There were upper class, middle class and even one who Alasdair swore used to be a runner back on Corellia.
But the most peculiar and worrying among the crowd was the Order.
Some of them were in what was recognisable as officer off-duty attire, enjoying a day away from the ever present First Order presence on the floating city. Others walked around in small groups, wandering the crowds in search of any sign from upstarts or rebellion behaviour. They could potentially become a problem, but for now none of them were doing anything remotely illegal.
Kel found him after walking down one of the central corridors, dressed in a magnificently blue robe she looked miserable at the current situation. As the world was run by the Order the majority of the upper-levels were practically human-run, and Kel had against her wishes concealed her head horns beneath an ornamental hood that matched the robes handed to her before they had left the apartment.
“This is stupid.” She muttered as she took a seat next to Alasdair.
“No, you look stupid. There is a difference.” He agreed with Kel as they both continued to look around the room they were sat in. The space was a jumble of paintings, sculptures and cases filled with a large mix of archeological finds from the era known as Xim the Despot’s reign. The few that Alasdair had looked at properly claimed to date from thousands of years before the Great Plague, but he had accepted that most were probably replicas rather the relics. “However you don’t stick out so much with this crowd.”
A large group of high-educated humans walked passed, one wearing nearly exactly the same robe as the disgruntled Zabrak, who scoffed in their location and merely crossed her legs with an angry grunt.
“—and check.” Alasdair pressed the switch on the side of a wrist-chrono that Jan had given him. He had pressed the switch six-times while being sat on this bench, each time a small group of Lutrillians entered and walked with staring eyes across the room and back out. “They keep good time, six to severn minutes for the whole joint.”
“Keep it noted.” Kel grumbled. The pair of them had been in the museum for several hours now watching the security patrols and the routes they were taking. A digital map of the building had been scanned by the Chrono, but they all knew there would be other areas they could do with knowing, which is why Jan, who had departed earlier then them was hopefully grabbing some schematics of the building from the Ugnaught-run construction guild.
“I’m going to head back into the wonders of the galaxy exhibit.” Alasdair stood and stretched his back. “See if I can work on getting a look into the Auction room.”
Kel nodded. “Be careful, we can’t raise suspicions just because you want to have a peek.”
It was Alasdair’s turn to scoff. “Don’t worry, they won’t suspect a thing.”
“Why don’t I believe you.”
The door leading into the Wonder’s of the Galaxy exhibition were flanked by a pair of life-sized replicas from the famed Brass Soldiers of Axum, a legendary archeological find where an entire army of Brass soldiers were found buried deep in the tomb of some warlord from millennia ago. Here and there holopics depicted the Imperial Palace of the first Galactic Empire on Coruscant and the Dawn Pyramid of Aaragu, both of which were proudly presented with golden plaques listening out details of their history. Pausing by a glass cabinet Alasdair looked at the archaic finds from a recent excavation of Coruscant’s Ice Crypts and wondered how much they would be worth. Scale models of several historically important and magnificent buildings were placed around the entire room, with inscriptions from the Halls of Knowledge on Phateem written in gold linkage upon the walls surrounding them. Even the floor and the ambiance were exhibitions in some shape or form, the ground covered in gleaming tiles replicating the Alsakan Mosaics and the sounds taken from the Cathedral of Winds on Vortex flowed through the air.
Alasdair did his part to blend in with the crowd that were slowly moving through the exhibition, sliding between two human families to stare intently at one of the Ice Crypt displays, or stare through it if one would look close enough. A door on the far side of the room was locked and guarded by a single guard, who unlike the alien patrols was human and clearly not on the hotels payroll, beyond the guard lay the apparent auction room. He could cause a distraction? Knock something over and in the confusion slip into the room unseen, or he could try and directly bluff his way through.
However a quick glance saw the holo-recorder that was positioned directly towards the door, a clear indicator that there were more then the single guard watching the room. He’d have to pass on getting into that room right now, unless he generated un-needed attention.
“Kid.” Alasdair spun around to see Jan, who was clad in the usual civilian attire of the local city, motioning at him from around one of the statue replicas. “Learnt anything useful?”
“Just that they don’t like leaving it alone.” Alasdair flicked his head towards the door still under guard. “Closed it off in preparation for the auction apparently and I can’t see any real way to get in without turning heads.” They both stared at the artwork before them, Jan nodding as Alasdair spoke.
“Well I managed to get schematics of the museum, old ones but should still be relevant.” Jan tapped a satchel that was wrapped around his waist. “I had to pull some favours with the Ugnaughts that may mean a job or two when this is done, but with luck the schematics they gave me should point us in the direction of the easiest routes in and out.” The pair had already started to move back towards the bench where Kel had remained , for form rising to meet them.
“We’ve got all we can get from here. Might be time to put some feelers out into those contacts Aya gave us.” She seemed frustrated still, which seemed obvious considering the stupid headdress but Alasdair knew deep down inside she was harnessing the moment she could pull it off and burn it.
“Couldn’t hurt to see if we can get some inside information on these people they’ve hired to guard this damn thing.” Jan agreed, continuing to look as casual as possible as the trio walked passed the main entrance desk and back into the white corridor beyond. “We also need to get some other specialists for the team.” He gave a glance towards Alasdair who had remained fairly quiet for the most part. “Can I leave that with you?”
Alasdair, caught by surprise turned to the pair. “Me?”
“Yes you. I need someone who can work multiple angles, make sure we are hiring the right types.” A clear smirk crept across the ageing Thyrsian’s face. “You happen to be very good at judging character.”
“Well yeah I suppose I can do that.” He shrugged, but for the first time in a long time Alasdair felt the increasing sense of excitement in his gut. It had been a while since any task of importance was handed straight to him and only to him, if there ever was a chance to properly prove himself to the others then this was it.
“Good.” Jan had stopped to lean on a railing that overlooked a vast window boasting views of the orange white clouds that made the mythical Cloud City a beautiful marvel that hinted at none of the criminal enterprises that were currently staining its underworld. “Kel will go and do some snooping around this guard unit with the contacts Aya gave us, you will find us the people we need.”
“…and you?” Kel asked as she took off the hood that had been covering her head for the last few hours.
“I’m going to mingle with the upper-classes.”



“If it isn’t the notorious spawn on Sitra.” The male Balosar had inclined his head in greeting towards the young rogue who had approached him with a smirk. They had found Maral Ch’dai in the centre of one of the crowds that were gathered on the main market strip, flipping small sticks between his hands at will, a magical act that had small children fascinated. Like Kel had done earlier, and many of his own race Maral had retracted his antennapalps and concealed them within the fluffy waves of his hair in order to blend within a population that was fast becoming as human-centric as most had feared. “I could feel you coming.” He touched two fingers towards the spot on his petrified hair that hid his alien features. “You just radiate evil and criminal feelings you know.”
“So I’ve heard.” Alasdair said. “I figure your ears work pretty good, too. I suppose you heard that I’m on a job?” The crowd had all but disappeared, no longer interested in Maral who was no longer practicing his magical tricks.
“Basically,” The Balosar said, adding a slight smirk through his sound of boredom. “Here I was thinking that you were just looking for somewhere to hide out, get whoever has you tied to them now off your back.”
“Not trying to hide.” Alasdair interrupted. “I want to offer you a job. A big one.”
“Really?” There was no surprise in Maral’s voice. “You want me?”
“Depends.” Alasdair had to play his cards right on this one, after all Maral wasn’t his first choice, but after hearing that the Balosar who had grown up pickpocketing the middle class with Alasdair on Corellia was on Cloud City he had seen it as a sign, even if it did mean hiring a half depressed Balosar with no money. “We have a few plans, all require a need for slight of hand, a con-man and most of all a knack with slicing. I know you still have that in your bag of tricks. So. Interested?”
“Well I will have to think about it.” Maral went quiet as a group of stormtroopers, marched passed scanning the crowds. “Yes. I’ll help. However, i’m laying low at the moment, so there is a slight problem in me being able to move around on free will.”
Alasdair nodded. “Current employers not happy with you leaving?” It sounded all very familiar with how Maral operated on Corellia, he would be in and out of street gangs like the high-class were with the newest trend, continually getting himself in trouble and running for the next gang for protection.
“Let’s just say they wouldn’t take kindly to me not working this street.” He waved a hand around him. “They take their performers very seriously. Lucrative business you see.”
Alasdair gave the Balosar a look of annoyance. He couldn’t really afford to not have Maral work with him, he’d already wasted enough time looking for the damn creature. “How much?” He asked.
“Credits won’t help.” Maral made a scoff. “But thank you for the offer. Now where are we going?”
“An apartment on level six.” Alasdair said, frowning. “But you just said—“
“I love level six.” Maral interrupted, “Let me collect my things and I’ll meet you at the apartment.”
“Wait, you just said—“ Alasdair questioned.
“I know what I said.” Maral said. “They don’t watch me closely enough for that. Plus, I’ve been wanting this day for quite a while.” He gave the area a scan. “I just need one promise from you. If we pull this job off, whatever it is. I want off planet.”
Alasdair paused, he gave him a solid look over and sighed. Turning away for just a minute he cursed under his breath. The last thing the group needed was Maral tagging along after the job, after all weren’t they all trying to clear their names. Well, Alasdair thought of himself, not all of them and having a professional slicer on the team would always come in handy. “Of course. We need you.” He assured him. “You with us or not?”
“I’m with you.” Maral nodded. He glanced around once more, then from inside his pocket pulled a small round device. A flash of blue light and the drab clothes that he had been wearing before had turned into the most startling blue robes Alasdair had ever seen.
“Like I said, I’ve been ready.” He turned and gave Alasdair a quick nod before fading into the crowd of shoppers that kept the promenade busy.
“Haven’t seen that one before.” Alasdair said with a chuckle before heading off in the opposite direction, with a slicer in the pocket they needed some muscle or so Jan thought. They had all had their opinions, but Alasdair had a hunch he knew he could find someone to fit the bill nicely as long as he went with his gut, and simply just retraced his own steps.

Getting back to Port Town had cost Alasdair far more then he had been willing to pay, so right now the casual step he had been blessed with on his last trip down had been forced to disappear as he hastily made his way through the crowd ignoring the pursuit of two burly men from the transport station that had insisted against his wishes that he paid.
Occasionally he would see them through the masses of crowd, two big, bulky forms in black attire that seemed like they had honestly had enough of chasing him. A suspicion that soon was proven correct as they gave up and completely disappeared back into the heavy crowd of alien and human origin.
It put Alasdair at ease, down here it was so similar to Corellia or indeed any of the other underground places he had made his home over the years. Up there in the sunlight of Bespin it was a different playing field, full of diplomats and high-rollers who would backstab you for nothing else then fun, down here at least it was honest.
Speaking of honest—
“You must be Sitra.” A blue skinned being stepped out from the shadows nearby and approached Alasdair with a purposeful walk, his red eyes taking in the young scoundrels hand which had moved to rest on the worn blaster at his hip. Hands were raised in a symbol of peace, “I’d rather not be shot. We have a mutual interest. Harad sent me.”
“Keeping tabs on us?” Alasdair pulled his hand away and rested in easily at his side instead.
“What would you expect, you are an investment. Harad takes care of his investments.” The alien spoke calmly and was even more at ease as he stood there allowing Alasdair to give him a more detailed look over.
“You’re a Chiss?” Alasdair hadn’t seen a Chiss in his years in the core, the alien’s notorious for keeping to themselves in the outer-reaches or being snatched up by other groups if ever out of system.
The Chiss smiled, offered a hand and nodded his head. “Yes I am a Chiss. Mitth’urama’nurudo is my name—“
“Well I’m not saying that.” Alasdair interrupted with a scoff.
“You may call me Thuraman. Which is my core world name. Now Harad sent me to you because your searching for something and he wishes to lend aid. That aid being me.” Thuraman gave a polite smile. “I am well versed in Port Town and should be of assistance.”
“I don’t need—“ Alasdair stared at the Chiss and went silent. Did he need help? He was looking for a needle among the haystack in all honesty and if Harad was indeed trying to help him what was the harm? “—I’m looking for a Wookiee. Bumped into him yesterday, seemed a decent sort. Brown fur, solid build.”
Thuraman glanced around, clearly thinking as Alasdair gave him the information, a finger ran across his chin before he momentarily went silent. “Charlwook.” He finally said.
“Pardon you.” Alasdair muttered getting a frustrated sigh out of the Chiss.
“It is the wookiee’s name. Charlwook. Arrived in Port Town several months ago, hasn’t set up a home or anything, just wanders the markets and frequents the local bars. Seemingly waiting for someone, rumour has it he was involved in the Jedi-Sith war.” The Chiss indicated for the young human to follow him. “Although I don’t see what use he would be.”
Alasdair gave a quick side-eye towards Thuraman. “Trust me, he’s exactly what we need. I just need to know where to find him.”
The pair moved passed several stalls, one of which was set up across the alleyway where Alasdair had met the Wookiee initially, yet the merely moved passed it. Thuraman indeed seemed to know his way around Port Town, people nodded to him and moved out of his way as they walked, occasionally he would pause and give a credit chip to one of the store-owners or children who were begging for anything.
“I’ve helped these people for years, forgotten by the judges and politics of the over world.” He said, clearly trying to show off his power and influence to Alasdair who was more interested in finding this Wookiee and getting back to the Heist. “It is my duty down here and Harad understood that which has allowed me near free reign to do what I deem necessary in these parts.” They stopped, the street around them bustling with even more then what the markets seemed to hold, behind them a neon door announced a small cantina called ‘The Floating Rodian’ with a comical flying Rodian face flying through several clouds as its sign. “He should be in here, drinking away his days if I'm not mistaken.”
The big, hairy Wookiee was too far away across the inside of the cantina for Alasdair to hear what he was saying. But by the way his arms were waving towards the Gran half of the conversation, he wasn’t very happy. Then again neither was the Gran, whose hand was resting on the grip of his holstered blaster.
“Yep there he is.” Thuraman said quietly. “So why exactly do you need the Wookiee.”
“Because we need a mechanic.” Alasdair told him.
“A mechanic?” Thuraman frowned. “Its a Wookiee, not a mechanic.”
“His fur is stained with oil, has several tool sets in his gear and has small dimples from Hydro-drivers on his thumbs. He’s a mechanic.” He nodded towards the arguing duo. “Charlwook has got the skill I need, I just know it.”
The Chiss turned around him, looking at the Wookiee. “But why do you need a mechanic?”
“The race,” Alasdair reminded him. “We need someone who can make sure we win the race. Besides who doesn’t want a Wookiee on their side.”
Thuraman gave him a look of impressed wonder as the conversation across the Cantina grew louder. the pair watched Charlwook’s wild arms, wondering if it would be necessary to step in and avoid this thing running flat into a wall faster then an Imperial shooting a possible Jedi.
Then, with a small pouch and a small mechanical device being transferred between the two it was over. The Gran turning and leaving passed Alasdair and his Chiss friend.
“Well that was anti-climatical.” Alasdair said. “Let’s see if he’s free to talk.” Starting towards the Wookiee Alasdair was forced to stop fast as something hard dug into his back.
“Don’t bother about turning around,” Thuraman’s voice came from behind him, barely a whisper just to make sure the message was understood by the blaster barrel.
Alasdair stopped, exhaled a sigh. Why was it never simple. “Ease it up.” He tried to sooth the Chiss as he made sure his hands were clear away from his sides. “I just want to talk to the Wookiee.”
“I don’t think so.” The Chiss said. “Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to walk over there, nice and quiet like, then when the Wookiee is close, well you understand. Don’t even think about trying to warn him either.”
“Okay, no problem.” Alasdair assured him. Across the cantina he noticed the Wookiee meet his eye, a curious expression fluttering across his face. “So I guess Harad doesn’t like Wookiee’s then?”
“I don’t work for Harad you idiot.” They had started walking, the ever present push of the blaster in his back. “You’ve all made some mistakes and now the Ison Syndicate have taken notice. I’m here to shut you down and take the advantage to remove that damn Wookiee too.”
“Fair enough.” Alasdair studied Charlwook’s face. He was watching Alasdair with a slight frown on his face. A curious frown and by the way his shoulders were sat there was a high level of suspicion mixed in, however the chance was he hadn’t noticed the blaster because of Thuraman’s odd position behind Alasdair.
“You sure you want to do this?” Alasdair asked, listening closely.
“Don’t ask questions.” The Chiss advised. “You tip the Wookiee off and I’ll end you right here.”
“I got it.” Alasdair spat. Damn back stabbing bastard. “Look, lets just take it easy anyway. I’ve heard this Wookiee has ripped people’s arms from their sockets.” He continued.
“Yeah, whatever.” Thuraman sarcastically answered. “I hear that all the time.”
“I wish I was joking.” Alasdair insisted. “Ripped the arms right off a Rodian yesterday morning. I told you there was a reason I wanted to hire him didn’t I?”
“Hands at your sides!” The Chiss snapped, as Alasdair had over exaggerated his arm removal flourish a bit too wildly.
“Sorry, I was just so taken by how easy he made it seem.”
The Chiss had eased their advance a little bit, clearly the thought of loosing his arms to a Wookiee hadn’t been a welcome one. Faint scuffling of boots on duracrete filled Alasdair’s ears as he matched Alasdair’s pace and movement before they both finally came right up to the table that included the big, hairy Wookiee.
“Hi. I’m Alasdair,” His smile was so damn forced it was clear that the Wookiee instantly knew something was up, “we met yesterday and—“
“The Ison Syndicate says hello.” Thuraman spat his blaster moving away from Alasdair’s back, yet with his assailant’s attention fully turning away from him and the centring on the Wookiee it gave the young scoundrel time to half turn, sweep his left arm backward to knock the blaster out of line where it fired helplessly against the wall, and was followed by Alasdair’s right fist digging into Thuraman’s gut.
He gave a cough and folded in on himself before falling to his knees. Charlwook, who was surprisingly fast for his size in Alasdair’s opinion came around the table and grabbed the Chiss’ firing arm, steadying it out and pinning him while Alasdair jumped to it and twisted the blaster out of fingers that held no grip thanks to the Wookiee’s strong hand. A defeated and rather fearful look came over the Chiss’ red stare. “I think it’s time we had a little talk.” Alasdair questioned with an unimpressed tone. “Who do you work for and why were you trying to kill the big guy.”
Thuraman remained silent, which caused Charlwook to rumble out several growls.
“That’s why I’m asking?” Alasdair said back to the Wookiee, which caused a slight look of amused alert to come across its face. “Yes I understand you. I’m not fluent but Kashyyyk used to provide skins and fruit to these docks I worked on.” It was a lie, but it would do. “Now let’s try again,” Alasdair twisted the blaster around to point it directly in Thuraman’s face. “You just pulled this stunt. Why?”
“Take it outside.” The barman had come over from the bar with a blaster drawn, clearly intending to remove them from the premises. What he wasn’t intending was the roar that left the Wookiee’s mouth in his direction. “Or you can stay here. Your call.”
“Pick your friends more closely Sitra.” The Chiss spat as foam began to form on his lip. His eyes rolled and his body began to shake which made Charlwook release his arm and let him go limp on the floor. Dipping a finger into the foam Alasdair smelt it and could get the slight metallic hints he was expecting.
“Damn. Poison, he must have had a capsule tooth.” Alasdair threw the blaster onto the ground in frustration forgetting the Wookiee and his surrounds for a moment. A couple of deep breaths later and he turned back to face Charlwook. “Hi, so I’m Alasdair. andI was just part of a plot to take your life.” He sighed, indicated at the bar with a hand and a deep breath. “Let me buy you a drink.”

 

[Alasdair Sitra]

3​

Aya was waiting in the white-washed apartment as Alasdair, Jan, Kel, Maral and Charlwook sat around mulling through the plans they had all put forth. Alasdair had handled the introductions, seeing as he had been the one to recruit Maral and also convince the Wookiee it was a good idea to jump onboard the plan, and while the Pantoran crime-mogul had been polite in her replies, Alasdair had a feeling that she wasn’t that impressed with the speed by which the group was growing.
The group size, however large had meant that the plan had been decided upon and already set in motion. With Maral taking the lead in terms of specifications he needed in regards to the slicing, which Alasdair had assured everyone that this strange individual was indeed their best bet.
“Don’t make me look a liar.” He had snarled towards the Balosar straight afterwards, causing a rumble of laughter from Charlwook who had overheard the threat thanks to being sat right next to Alasdair.
“So now everybody is here.” Jan had announced, wincing slightly as Aya gave them a dagger of a look that screamed her frustration at the new additions. “I would like to propose a—“
“Starting the festivities without me?” Alasdair shook his head, of course Harad would show up now, right as they were about to get down to business. His interruption causing Jan to stutter slightly before allowing their employer to sit down at the table with them, his rich golden eyes staring at each of them in turn, hovering just long enough to make them feel uncomfortable. “I’ve just come passed to offer my well wishes.” He continued, “Tomorrow will be the start of something great, something that will make us all, very, very rich. However,” Alasdair felt several at the table go slightly stiff at the words, clearly expecting some form of betrayal. “I’ve decided to make additional hirings of my own. Do not worry, they wont take from the cut as they are already well on the payroll of my people.” A door opened at the far side of the apartment revealing another two humans who entered the room.
Given the rest of the group, the man and woman who entered were something of an oddity. Closer in age to Alasdair than the others, neither having a hardened look like the majority of criminals and both radiated a sense of regal charm.
“Alasdair.” It took every ounce of power to not spit his drink everywhere. The woman spoke and drew his proper attention to her. “Good to see you.”
“Kat?” Harad looked between the pair and gave an almost evil little smirk.
“We know each other?” He enquired, the rest of the group glancing between the two. “Please tell my dear.”
“Alasdair and I, we—“ She gave Harad a smile. “Grew up together, a long-time ago, back on Corellia.” She avoided the scoundrels eyes for the most part, having been caught in the attention of the big crime boss in the room.
“Really?” Harad turned his sights to Alasdair, who felt the heat rising and colour flushing his cheeks. “Whoever would have known.” A sickening feeling told Alasdair that Harad knew full well, but for now he’d play along politely.
“Yeah.” Staring at Katrina he couldn’t help but remember how beautiful she actually had been, and still was. “Small galaxy isn’t it?”
Harad indicated to the table for the other pair, allowing them to sit. “Let me introduce two of my top lieutenants. Katrina and Jermain. They will be acting as cultural awareness for the more political sides of this venture.”
Jan seemed uncomfortable as he let the two be introduced to the now very large group. “Political sides? I thought we had all the bases covered?” He asked, waving a hand across the others in the group. “Or is their something else we haven’t been told about, because I was expecting full honesty on this one.”
“No more then you already know, but like we are aware their will be an element that you shall have to meet with the upper-class of Cloud City and I’m afraid that we do not have the time for any of you to appear that you belong there.” There were a few murmers around the room. “So Jermain and Katrina will be playing your benefactors, using my credentials you will be entered into the race under their name, this will guarantee you a placing rather then merely being looked over.”
“They will be present at the auction then?” Jan added.
“Yes, to assure that the price inflates as per my instructions.” Harad added as the others nodded. “Which brings me to my other matters of the night.” He threw a small data chip that had been in his hand towards Maral, “I have several contacts within Cloud Cities Banking Firms, one of them allowed me access to that, an up to date mock of the security systems currently protecting several of their high-end accounts. The auctions account included.”
Maral held onto the chip like a a newborn babe. “This will take a lot of the legwork out of this sir. I should be able to have the correct systems in place by the end of the night at this rate.” He said with admiration.
“Including the tunnelling to our unlisted account?” Harad requested.
“Yes, easily.”
“You have a lot of faith in your abilities. I like that.” Harad turned his attention away from the Slicer whose face had broken into a large grin, clearly happy with his ego being brushed so fine. “Which bring me to the next port of call that has come to my attention. Jermain here is a highly trained forger, he will over the next two days create identities for each of you to ensure that we are covered should any one of us be captured by the Wing Guard. These identities will each include a background story that I insist you, from the moment of receiving it live completely in order to sell it to the point we are all safety off planet.”
There was a collective nod around the table, yet Alasdair couldn’t help but notice Jermain’s overly worried expression while Harad was speaking, perhaps there was more to this boys servitude then met the initial eye. “What story are we going with?” He pipped up, getting several looks from the others, his silence since Kat’s entrance noted it seemed. “Only moving that much money out of the system is going to be highly suspicious.”
“Travelling merchants.” Jermain was quick to answer, “Or, at least most of team will be. Katrina will be representing the funding of the race team, which will be the identities of the Wookiee, Jan and yourself.”
“The kid?” Jan seemed to stiffen slightly, leaning forward. “He’s not on the race team.”
“He is.” Harad interrupted with a face that shut them all up. “Your racing cloud-cars. You need a co-pilot who can handle himself, I didn’t just blind hire your team Jan, the boy is the best match and I want him in that car with you.”
If you could see frustration it would be coming off Jan in waves, so much so that Alasdair resisted the urge to smile too much.
“He takes too many risks.” The Thyrsian said in objection. “I can’t have the whole operation blown because he wants to play fly-boy.”
“I wont put the operation at risk.” Alasdair said back.
“Yes, you will. You’ll try to—“
“—You’re just worried I’ll fly rings around you.”
“I don’t give a damn about that, I just want you on the ground—“
“What so you can loose the race—“
“—Where your safe.” Jan was stood now, his face flushed in a deep red. “Fine.” He looked defeated, he knew there was no alternative. “He can fly with me, but only as co-pilot.”
Harad couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. “Nice to see we’ve come to an agreement. Now, I have a Cloud-car I can loan to you for the race. Nothing special and will need some work in order to race, but I have faith in your abilities.” He gave the Wookiee a sidewards glance. “Now, I shall retire for the night. We have a lot of—“
“I have a question.” Alasdair interrupted, which for the first time tonight threw the Pantorian off his guard. He went to knock it off, but Alasdair wasn’t going to let him get away that easy. “What about the Ison Syndicate?”
The mood instantly darkened. “What about the Ison Syndicate!?” Harad’s voice was no longer the calming tone it had been before. “I said what about the ISON SYNDICATE!”
Alasdair merely took a drink, unfazed by the sudden aggression. “I only ask because they seemed mighty interested in what you were up to, interested enough to try and take out me and the Wookiee.”
Harad was breathing hard, a sweaty brow betraying his earlier composure. “Well—“ He brushed a hand through his hair. “—The Ison Syndicate are a bunch of low lives who will try to profit off anything that they can. They wont know what we are up to yet, only that we are up to something and I would personally like to keep it like that. Understand?”
“Perfectly.” Alasdair said, raising his glass to their employer who turned and left the room followed closely by his daughter.
Charlwook gave a couple of low rumbles towards Alasdair who nodded. “I know, doesn’t quite add up to me either. Watch my back and I’ll watch yours buddy.” The Wookiee patted him on the shoulder and rose to his huge height, heading over towards where the apartments kitchen was hidden.
“Alasdair…” Turning his attention from the table the young Corellian found himself face to face with his past. “A word if you please.”
“Of course.” He answered curtly to Kat who gave the room a glance.
“In private.”

He didn’t have much time to actually take in the view of the bedroom. It’s white walls and deep crimson accents. By the time he had made it through the door Kat had grabbed him by the neck and spun him into a kiss of absolute passion that took the scoundrel by complete surprise. He was telling himself he didn’t want it, that it was wrong for her to even think that after what she did that he would even want it.
Then why was he kissing her back?
His hands had grabbed her as quick as she had him, her form already familiar and bringing back memories of Corellia, sat beneath the broken sky staring out at a galaxy that held so much promise and hope for a pair of young outcasts with dreams as big as the planets they would one day reach.
“I thought you were dead.” She muffled out between their lips. “They told me you were dead.”
“They told me you’d left. Gone.” He answered back, not fighting as she slid her hand beneath the shoulders of his jacket and slid it backwards letting it fall to the floor.
“I waited for you. I waited weeks.” She pushed him hard, throwing him backwards onto the bed which was softer then it had any right to be. Her form moving to be on top of him as their lips met again.
“They shipped me, got me off the planet.” He muttered. “Told me I could never see you again, that you didn’t want to see me. I tried to get back, I’ve been trying to get back.”
“Shut up.” She locked her lips to his once more and with a spare hand hit a button on the bed that made the door give an audible click as it locked and the crimson curtains slide fast across the windows casting them in a red shadow.

 

[Alasdair Sitra]

4​

Alasdair shuffled into the vehicle maintenance bay that they had been working on the cloud-car for several days, cradling a mug of stim-caf. He glanced at the cloud-car, which was still in various states of disrepair, then blinked over towards the big Wookiee who was lounging on a overburdened deck chair nearby. “I overslept,” he said accusingly. “You didn’t wake me up.”
Charlwook made a short rumble of a comment. “I probably did need the rest,” Alasdair admitted. “But you can’t work on this thing by yourself, too much work.”
The Wookiee reassured Alasdair that he was doing just fine. The young Cornelian glanced towards the pieces of machinery scattered around the bay, then sank into the other seat next to Charlwook. “Good. Let me tell you, I’m happy you turned out to be an actual mechanic. When I told them all that I hired you because I needed one, I had no idea you’d actually be one.”
Charlwook laughed, his little grunts making the chair beneath him squeak. He pointed out, truthfully that Wookiee’s did tend to have a reputation to be efficient with machinery. Alasdair shrugged. “You’re right I suppose. That does remind me of something though.” Getting up from his seat, he moved towards one of the tables that was littered down the far wall of the bay. He returned shortly with a box that had been partly covered by a thick brown paper, roughly wrapped even. “Here. For not making me look the fool.”
Char gave several audible grumbles, clearly wondering what Alasdair was up to. Yet as the human threw the package to the Wookiee there was an eager glint in the wookiee’s eye as he ripped into the packaging.
“It’s a bandoleer.” He added humbly. “I figured you might want to carry stuff around and that can be hard—“ He paused as Charlwook looked at him, holding the leather strap in front of him. “—you know, because you have no pants.”
There was a few moments of awkward silence as they both just stared at the leather belt, then with a snigger and a grunt both of them burst out in pure, honest laughter.
Laughter that soon died as the door to the maintenance bay opened with a loud hiss and the scrapping of metal.

“So then in walks the ugly scum-faced two timing, and what do I do?” Jan, already deep in conversation along with Katrina and Kel entered only to stop abruptly at the sight of both Alasdair and Charlwook already within the docking bay. “You two been here all night?”
Alasdair gave a small nod as Char, still overly happy with his present began to clip it across his torso and gave an approval along with a small ruffle of Alasdair’s hair with his large hand. “Been busy, but I think we have what we need.” The scoundrel explained, again taking up the cup of stim-caf and taking a small sip.
“Everything?” Jan turned towards the cloud-car, walking towards the small ship allowing for Alasdair to catch Kat’s eye, a small smile on her features allowing colour to slip into his own cheeks. “Even the Augmented Buffer?”
Charlwook confirmed the upgrade, Jan giving the Wookiee a blank look that took several moments until everyone remembered the ageing Thyrsian couldn’t understand the roars as words.
“Ah, he said yes.” Alasdair translated, as he too approached the Cloud-car and stood next to Jan, both observing the ship that was very nearly ready to compete. “Maneuvering thrusters on the chassis, a enhancement to the repulsorlift and before I forget—“ He placed a small coin, baring the symbol of the Corellian systems into the co-pilots capsule, sitting it between the window and the framework. “—Never can have too much luck eh?”
Jan’s arm came up and rested on Alasdair’s shoulder. “You’ve done good kid. Never thought I’d say it but you done good.” He let the words sink in, it wasn’t often he gave the young Corellian praise, so why should he ruin the moment. “Gives us some time to discuss tactic. That’s why the girl is here.” He flipped his thumb towards Kat who had opted for a lime-green dress that truly made her look like she belonged here on Bespin, among the clouds.
“Yes, we’ve been hard at work finding out about the competition, who you will be flying against.” She moved to one of the tables and placed a small holo-projector upon it, the blue flicker ignited and several faces all appeared in the air above the table. “We’ll start with the crowd favourites and last years winners; The Stormhawks.”
Alasdair and Jan approached the table, shuffling behind them gave evidence to Kel and Char also drawing close to take in who they would be flying against. “The Stormhawks?” Alasdair questioned, “I’ve heard of that name.”
“You would have.” Kat smiled. “Their pilot is Gerrol Hunn, suave, dashing and everything Corellian.
He’s won the Corellian Dash five times in a row and the media love him, he’s a bit arrogant when talking about his competition. His Co-pilot—“ She indicated to a beautiful woman’s head floating next to Gerrol’s, “Is Chara Tull. She is a professional if there ever was one. What Gerrol lacks in efficiency she makes up for. There are rumours that they are an item and we could have used that, unfortunately my contacts haven’t been able to establish any truth behind the matter.”
“Damn.” Jan said out loud. “I do love some partnership bickering in the morning.” Kat just smiled and continued, clearly on the clock and not as comfortable being casual like the rest of them, even with Alasdair around, or maybe that was why she was being so uptight?
“The Hutt’s of course have sponsored a team in the race. Relgar Carrae, ‘The Carbine’ as he is known. He’s notorious for his rough piloting ability and we have links to his name in certain piracy rings. His backer is unknown to us, which adds some worry that one of the big Kajidic’s are behind it, but that is worry for a different day. He pilots alongside his gunner Garulo. A Xexto who holds a questionable record as having the most racers disabled over the course of the races history—“
“—Wait, disabled, gunner?” Alasdair perked up and got several stares.
“Yes?” Kat responded looking back at Jan momentarily. “He does know?”
“I may have not told him.” Jan ran a hand through his own fading hair, earning a look from Alasdair.
“Not told me what?”
“Alasdair, the co-pilot is a gunner. You can shoot the others out of the sky.” Katrina explained, which seemed to make the young Corellian take a step back. “It makes the race more profitable.”
“You could have said earlier.” Alasdair shot blame at them. “We stripped the gun to make room for the dampeners.”
“You did what?” Jan practically spat.
“You never said we needed it.” Alasdair put his hands up in mock-surrender. “Never said we had to shoot people.”
Jan raised his height, now standing a head taller then Alasdair who did not back down. “Can we fix it?”
Charlwook growled from the corner.
“Uh—he said have we got two days?” Alasdair again translated.
“I’ll deal with this later.” Jan took a deep breath. “Damn it Alasdair, why does everything you touch fall apart.” It was a stab and it hit Alasdair hard, but he bit his tongue and merely turned back to the projections at the table. “Who are they.” Jan added to continue the conversation.
“Um—“ Kat pulled her eyes away from Alasdair, which he was happy for, he couldn’t deal with the pity. “—That is Tarryn Rayzer. He and his co-pilot K4-76A are a frequent fixture. They both come from Cloud City itself and have a nice little following. I honestly wouldn’t worry about Tarryn at all, he’s never actually finished a race, despite the insistence his fans will give you that the forty seven Batha did actually count as a finish. The rest of the teams are un-important, independent operators that stand no true chance against the professional craft.”
“So as long as we stay ahead of the Stormhawks we should be fine.” Jan said with a concentrated look at the head of the Corellian duo. “Easy enough.”
“Alasdair I have a readout of the course. Don’t ask how we got it.” Kat handed him a data-stick, “As co-pilot you should try and memorise that, make sure that you understand how it works. Those buoys have to be passed closely or you have to double back, that is usually the way someone looses the race. By missing the Buoys.” Taking the data-chip Alasdair twirled it in his fingers, it was going to be a long, long night.