Star Jumper

Episode 8.1 - Deception

Stardate: 41171.6

Earth Standard Date: March 03, 2364.

Galactic Date: 22nd Day of the Second Month, 3956 BBY

Location: Bridge of the Leviathan, In Orbit of Taris

On the bridge of the Leviathan, the Interdictor-class Sith Flagship, the crew worked diligently at their stations, the hum of machinery and the soft beeps of consoles filled the air. The bridge was a hive of activity, with officers and technicians moving about.

Suddenly, a communications officer spoke up, his voice cutting through the low din of the bridge. "Admiral Karath, we're receiving a transmission from the Governor on the surface."

Admiral Saul Karath, a man with a stern visage and a reputation for ruthless efficiency, turned his attention to the officer. "Patch him through," he ordered.

A moment later, a small hologram flickered to life on the bridge's main display. But instead of the Governor's image, the hologram revealed a Sith Trooper.

Karath's brow furrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Where is the Governor?" he demanded in a sharp tone.

The trooper stood at attention. "I'm Trooper TY50N," they introduced themselves, "I have an urgent message for Lord Malak."

Karath's eyes narrowed, his suspicion evident. Messages intended for the Dark Lord of the Sith were not to be taken lightly. "This is Admiral Karath," he replied, "You may relay your message to me. I'll determine if it reaches Lord Malak."

The trooper continued, "The base here was attacked yesterday. The Governor was killed." A ripple of unease passed through the bridge crew, the news of the Governor's demise striking a chord of uncertainty. Karath, however, remained impassive, his expression betraying nothing. The trooper pressed on, their voice taking on a note of self-satisfaction. "However, I personally managed to defeat the intruders. I captured one, who happens to be the Jedi that Lord Malak is seeking. Bastila Shan."

At the mention of Bastila's name, the bridge fell silent. The capture of Bastila Shan, the young Jedi with the rare gift of Battle Meditation, had been a top priority for the Sith. The hologram shifted, the image of the trooper replaced by the sight of Bastila, restrained and kneeling. Her brown hair was disheveled, her Jedi robes torn and stained.

Karath studied the image, his mind racing with the implications of this development. The capture of Bastila was a major victory, a turning point in their campaign against the Republic. With her under their control, the Sith would be unstoppable.

A slow, calculating smile spread across Karath's face. "A tragic yet fortunate situation," he remarked, his voice dripping with a mix of sarcasm and satisfaction. "Bring the prisoner to the Leviathan. Lord Malak will be pleased."

The hologram flickered as the trooper nodded their agreement. "Yes, Admiral. I will personally escort her to your ship. She will not escape."

Karath's eyes glinted with a cruel light. "See that she doesn't, trooper. Your diligence will be rewarded. Bear in mind, Lord Malak is not forgiving of failure."

"Understood, Admiral. I will not fail."

With that, the transmission ended, the hologram blinking out of existence.

Karath turned to his second-in-command, "Prepare a welcoming party for our esteemed guest," he ordered, "I will inform Lord Malak of this development. He will want to be present for her interrogation."

The officer nodded, "Of course, Admiral. I'll see to it."

As the bridge crew set about their tasks with renewed purpose, Karath allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The capture of Bastila Shan was a triumph. With her power under their control, the Republic would fall, and the galaxy would kneel before the dark glory of the Sith Empire.

But even as he savored the victory, a flicker of unease passed through Karath's mind. The trooper's report had been unusual, and their demeanor not quite fitting the mold of a typical Sith soldier. Plus the attack on the Governor's base, the death of the Governor himself... something about it didn't sit right. Karath pushed the thought aside, dismissing it as a product of his paranoia. Their blockade had been effective. It had driven the Jedi to be desperate enough to assault a Sith base, undoubtedly seeking the codes to escape the planet. If they killed the Governor, then they'd nearly succeeded. Bastila Shan had been captured and that was all that mattered. The rest could be sorted out later, once the Jedi was safely in their custody. He turned his gaze to the viewport, the vast expanse of space stretching out before him.

Soon, Karath mused, the Republic would fall, and a new era would rise, with the Sith as its unquestioned masters.

— Star Jumper —

Admiral Karath kept his hands clasped rigidly behind his back, standing at attention as he watched a modified Sith Interceptor glide into the hangar bay of the Leviathan. The vessel's unusual configuration caught his eye; the cockpit had been extended and raised, creating a dome-like structure that could accommodate a small number of passengers. It was a clever design, one that likely hadn't compromised the ship's agility or combat capabilities in battle.

Beside Karath, two dark Jedi masters stood silent and menacing. Lord Malak himself had tasked them with overseeing the secure transfer of their valuable prisoner, Bastila Shan. If this trooper failed to deliver the Jedi, these Dark Jedi would ensure he paid the price.

With a hiss of depressurization, the Interceptor's door slid open. A Sith trooper emerged fully encased in his black and silver armor. In his gauntleted hand, he held a chain connected to a collar locked around Bastila's slender neck. The once proud Jedi followed behind him, her head bowed, her confident bearing replaced by an air of defeat.

The trooper marched up to Admiral Karath and the dark Jedi, his armored boots clanking against the floor of the hangar bay. Though his features were hidden behind an expressionless helmet, his confident posture spoke of a man on an important mission. The Jedi followed behind him, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Admiral Karath," the trooper said, his voice emerging robotic and distorted through his helmet's vocoder. "I have brought the prisoner as ordered."

Karath nodded, his cold eyes fixed on Bastila. "Well done, trooper. The dark Jedi will take her from here."

The trooper stood motionless for a moment tightening his grip on Bastila's chain. "With all due respect, Admiral," he replied firmly. "I must insist on escorting the prisoner to her holding cell myself."

One of the dark Jedi spat in disgust. "That won't be necessary. We are more than capable of handling the prisoner." Though his words were calm, his tone held the promise of violence should the trooper continue to defy him.

Unfazed, the trooper stood his ground, refusing to hand Bastila over. "I understand your concerns, master Jedi, but I will not risk her escape and incur Lord Malak's wrath." His stance remained unwavering, his commitment unshakable.

Karath raised an eyebrow, impressed by the trooper's boldness. It was unusual for a mere soldier to challenge the authority of the dark Jedi. "And what makes you think you are better suited to this task than these Jedi, trooper?" The Admiral asked.

The trooper turned to face Karath. Though his voice remained steady, a hint of pride colored his words. "I captured the Jedi myself, Admiral. An accomplishment no other soldier here can claim." He straightened slightly. "I know her strengths and her weaknesses better than any other. I am the best equipped among you to anticipate any attempt at escape."

The dark Jedi bristled at the trooper's words, their hands drifting to rest on the hilts of their lightsabers in warning. "You overstep your bounds, trooper," one of them hissed, the threat clear in his tone. "The prisoner is our responsibility now."

Karath held up a hand, forestalling the dark Jedi's anger. He studied the trooper with new consideration, thinking over the soldier's claims. The man had a point. Who better to guard the prisoner than the one who had captured her?

"Very well," Karath said at last. "The trooper will accompany us to the holding cell." He leveled a stern finger at the soldier. "But be warned, if the prisoner escapes, her fate will rest on your head alone."

The trooper nodded, posture relaxing slightly in relief. "I understand completely, Admiral. She will not escape under my watch, you have my word." His voice rang with confidence.

Satisfied, Karath turned and strode down the corridor, the dark Jedi and stalwart trooper following close behind.

They traversed a series of corridors to reach the holding cells. An energy field hummed and shimmered across the cell's entrance. It was turned off momentarily, allowing the dark Jedi to roughly shove Bastila inside. She staggered but quickly regained her balance as the energy field snapped back into place behind her.

Admiral Karath turned to the Sith soldier, a thin smile spread across his weathered face. "Well done, trooper. Your skill and dedication in capturing such a valuable prisoner will not go unrewarded. I'll personally see to it that you receive a promotion and official commendation for this. Not to mention the bounty for her capture."

"Thank you, Admiral. I was merely performing my duty."

Satisfied, Karath clapped the loyal trooper on the shoulder and steered him away from the cell's shimmering energy barrier. "Come. Let us leave the Jedi to their duties. Walk with me."

As they strode through the Leviathan, Karath let out a weary sigh. "It's good to be away from those dark Jedi, isn't it? Make no mistake, they have their uses, but they're not true soldiers like us. They don't think or act as we do, at least not until they've endured the trials of combat."

"You're right, Admiral. That was my advantage against Bastila. She relied too heavily on her vaunted Force abilities and neglected basic tactics. It left her vulnerable."

Karath chuckled dryly, slowly shaking his head. "Overconfidence is a weakness shared by many Jedi. They believe their connection to the Force makes them invincible. But as you've proven here today, a trooper, a skilled and strategic soldier can outmaneuver and defeat even the most powerful Jedi."

Admiral Karath led the way to the nondescript door of the barracks. Karath slowed his brisk pace. "You know, it's damn refreshing to see a soldier like yourself making a real difference in this war," he rumbled. "Too often, all the glory and credit goes to those Force-users and their supposed supernatural abilities." He huffed out a dismissive breath. "But it's men like you, the backbone of our military, who truly shift the tide of battle."

The trooper drew himself up taller, pride swelling in his chest at the admiral's words. "I'm honored to serve the cause, sir. And grateful for the opportunity to prove my mettle on the field."

Karath's mouth curved in a thin smile. "Get some rest, soldier. You've earned it." His pale eyes glinted with approval. "With your skills, you may find yourself leading your own battalion before long."

The door slid shut, leaving the admiral alone in the empty corridor. Karath allowed himself a small sense of satisfaction. In a war dominated by the arcane powers of the Jedi and Sith, it was still the common soldiers who made the greatest impact.

-- Star Jumper --

The barracks held five other Sith troopers huddled around a table, engrossed in a game of pazaak, a card game similar to blackjack. The familiar sound of cards being shuffled and the occasional grunt of frustration filled the air.

As Tyson moved towards the terminal in the room, one of the troopers glanced up from his hand. "Hey, new guy! Want in on the game?"

Tyson paused, turning to face the trooper. "Just got here from the surface. Never been on a ship this size before, I need to learn the layout."

The Sith trooper grunted, his attention already back on his cards. "Suit yourself."

Tyson turned back to the terminal, pulling up the schematics of the Leviathan. The Interdictor-class cruiser stretched 600 meters from angular bow to stern. Its design evoked the familiar wedge shape of an Imperial Star Destroyer, but with a more narrow profile, rounded edges, and a distinctive semicircular cutout slicing through the center of the ship. When viewed from the side, the Leviathan's silhouette resembled a crab's pincer.

Despite its mammoth size, the ship only contained four decks layered compactly between dorsal and ventral hulls. The interior was divided into two primary levels, with the bridge situated above the upper level and the hangar bay sprawling across the belly of the lower deck. Tyson's sparse barracks was located on the lower of the primary levels, deck three. This deck also contained detention blocks, cell blocks, droid maintenance bays, and a medical center. He studied the schematics intently, committing the layout to memory and downloading it to his HUD.

Tyson's thoughts drifted to Vicky, who was posing as Bastila Shan in the detention area. He wasn't concerned for her safety in the slightest; Vicky's nanobots could easily turn off her pain receptors. Any torture methods employed by her captors would be rendered ineffective. There was no damage they could inflict that she couldn't heal, no agony she couldn't ignore.

Not wanting to draw too much attention to himself by snooping around the sparse barracks, Tyson stepped out into the corridor. The hallway was empty, giving him the perfect opportunity to use his Access Key on the panel next to the door. With a soft hiss, an opening to his Personal Reality opened before him. Tyson could now return to the barracks here using the Access Key if the need arose later.

Instead of heading straight to the detention area to free Vicky, Tyson set his sights on the droid maintenance section located elsewhere on the lower deck. It might have seemed like an unusual choice, but Tyson was determined to seek out any upgrades or useful tools he could find while he had free reign of the ship.

As he entered the droid maintenance area, Tyson spotted a lone technician working on a droid. The technician's armor was identical to his standard Sith trooper attire. There wasn't an observable way to distinguish Tyson as an outsider, save for his larger size. The technician glanced up, eyeing Tyson warily, but ultimately decided it was better to leave the imposing figure alone than to question his presence.

Tyson approached a workbench littered with droid parts and began sifting through the components. It didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for, an energy shield, Grade 2, identical in strength to the one Vicky possessed. With one hand, Tyson's Gray Goo Suit absorbed the energy shield, while his other hand continued to rummage through the parts, the continued movement concealing his theft.

As he searched further, Tyson discovered a set of Class 3 droid motion sensors, the most advanced sensors available. Without hesitation, his suit absorbed those as well.

The technician, growing increasingly curious, finally spoke up. "Is there anything I can help you find?"

Tyson turned to face the technician. "Is this all the parts that are available? What I'm looking for isn't here."

The technician, eager to avoid angering the larger Sith, replied, "There's a Droid Bay one level up. They have all the most advanced, functioning parts. Most of the stuff that makes its way down here is spare parts or salvage."

Tyson nodded, offering a curt "thanks" before leaving the droid maintenance section. Once again, he found himself in the corridor, ensuring no one was nearby before using his Access Key to open the way to his Personal Reality.

Tyson paused. The droid maintenance section was only a short distance from the detention area that held Vicky. But he stuck to his plan, and did not turn in that direction. Instead, Tyson pivoted and strode with purpose in the opposite direction. His next destination lay at the furthest east point shown on the heads-up display's map of the Leviathan.

The elevator doors hissed as they slid open, and Tyson stepped inside the compact space. He selected the next level on the control panel, and the doors sealed shut once more. A faint hum filled the small chamber as it began its ascent. Within seconds, the doors parted again with another hiss, opening onto the requested floor. Tyson turned right upon exiting. He approached the first door on the left side of the corridor and it slid open automatically as he drew near. Striding with determination into the droid bay, Tyson scanned the room. Various mechanical apparatuses lined the walls, with a handful of technicians milling about their work.

Inside the droid bay, Tyson was greeted by the sight of three war droids standing motionless along the far wall. Their glowing photoreceptors followed his every move, but the combat protocols that would engage them in battle remained inactive. In the corner loomed an imposing assault droid, similar to the one Tyson had faced in the Sith base on the planet's surface. Its heavy armor plating and large energy shield generator marked it as a formidable foe.

Tyson eyed the assault droid warily, remembering how Vicky's attempt to absorb a similar droid had triggered an attack back in the Sith base. He had no desire to provoke the droid's defenses and risk raising an alarm.

He approached the console and began navigating through the interface.

SYSTEM LOADING...

COMPLETE...

ENTER COMMAND.

Tyson's fingers hovered over the console as he hesitated. He lacked the authorization needed to enter system commands without setting off alarms. Unwilling to risk detection, he turned his attention back to studying the assault droid.

Taking note of its design and capabilities in case he needed to face it in combat; Tyson inspected its heavy armor and advanced weapons systems. The advanced technology housed within the assault droid tempted him, but he knew pressing his luck further could jeopardize the mission. He had already acquired the shield. That was the upgrade he desperately sought; discretion was the better course of action. With a final, considering look at the dormant assault droid, Tyson turned and exited the droid bay, setting his sight on reaching the bridge.

The long corridor leading to the elevator was lined with heavy blast doors, reminiscent of ones seen in the Phantom Menace. Tyson knew that in an emergency, these doors could seal, cutting off all access to the bridge above.

The elevator ascended swiftly and when its doors slid open, Tyson found himself facing another long corridor, this one ending in a sealed door barring his path to the bridge. Attempting to force entry would be unwise, Tyson knew.

Instead, he retrieved the Access Key and inserted it into the door's control panel. With a soft hiss, the door slid open, allowing entry into his Personal Reality. Once inside, the door closed behind him.

He had used the Access Key in this manner so that he had the means to bypass the sealed blast doors guarding the bridge, should they activate. Now he had a simple way around them.

Inside the pocket dimension, Tyson approached the pedestal and activated the device, selecting a different exit point. When he emerged, Tyson found himself standing back in the corridor outside the droid maintenance bay, back on the lower level of the Leviathan.

The pieces of his plan were falling into place, and with the upgrade he had acquired and the strategic use of his Access Key, Tyson felt confident in his ability to succeed. The time had come to retrieve Vicky

Tyson's thoughts turned to who might be standing guard over Bastila. Finally he reached the heavily armored doors guarding the detention block.

Before he could take another step, a stern voice called out from behind, "Hold it right there, trooper." Tyson turned to see two Dark Jedi approaching, their hands drifting towards the lightsaber hilts on their belts. Their faces were obscured by menacing masks, but Tyson could sense their suspicion and hostility.

"What business do you have in the detention area?" demanded the first in a sharp tone.

Tyson maintained a calm demeanor, responding, "I am the trooper who brought in the prisoner, Bastila Shan. I came to inspect the cell and ensure there were no issues with her confinement." The lie flowed smoothly off his tongue.

The second Dark Jedi answered, "Good timing, trooper. We were on our way to find you. Lord Malak wishes to speak with you immediately." Tyson nodded, feigning compliance as he asked, "Shall we proceed to the bridge then?"

The Jedi shook his head. "The bridge? No. Lord Malak is interrogating the prisoner himself inside the detention block."

Tyson steadied his nerves as he followed the Dark Jedi into the detention block, knowing he would come face-to-face with the Sith Lord.

The stench of sweat and fear hung heavy in the air of the hallway lined with cell doors. At the far end, the hall opened up into a large hexagonal room. Tyson could make out Malak's imposing silhouette within.

He was not alone. Two other Dark Jedi flanked Malak. Tyson's escorts led him towards the open cell, lightsabers gripped tightly in their hands but not yet ignited.

Within the center of the room was a circular energy field, and Vicky was trapped within. She was still disguised as Bastila, looking disheveled and worn. A flash of worry crossed Tyson's face behind his mask at seeing his companion imprisoned. Knowing she was imprisoned, and potentially being tortured was one thing, seeing it was another.

A simple sentence flashed across his heads-up display, transmitted surreptitiously from Vicky.

"I'm fine."

Tyson felt a small sense of relief, though the situation was worse than he expected.

He was glad she was okay, but the situation was dire. The chamber was filled with Dark Jedi. At the center stood Darth Malak. At his side were two Dark Jedi Masters, garbed in black robes and armor reminiscent of Darth Bandon, the Sith he'd defeated on the Endar Spire. Their hands rested on the hilts of their lightsabers, ready to ignite the red blades at a moment's notice.

Behind Tyson stood the two Dark Jedi who had escorted him into the chamber. Five dark siders in total. Tyson would need to choose his moment carefully if he hoped to prevail against these odds. He would need all his wits and skill to face Darth Malak, the Dark Jedi, and escape this detention block with Vicky alive.

Malak's chilling voice echoed down the passage. "Ah, the trooper who delivered the Jedi to me. I've been expecting you." The hum of his activated red lightsaber cast an ominous crimson glow across the cell's interior.

Tyson kept his focus fixed on the Dark Lord. Despite Malak's intimidating presence, he willed himself to remain calm and collected.

Malak's piercing gaze narrowed as he studied Tyson. "You've impressed me, trooper. The prisoner told me of your... unorthodox tactics against her." Malak's eyes seemed to bore into Tyson's very soul.

The two Dark Jedi Masters stood poised at Malak's side, hostility simmering just below the surface as they watched Tyson, awaiting their master's command. Tyson sensed their desire to cut him down where he stood through his empathy, but they remained still for the moment.

"No...not just talent. I sense more within you. A connection to the Force." Malak let out a chilling chuckle. "It was no mere skill or luck that allowed you to defeat a Jedi. You yourself are Force-sensitive. I can feel it." The Sith Lord began laughing harder. "Karath will be so disappointed when he finds out, he was excited to see a common soldier capturing a Jedi."

"I have a proposal for you, trooper," Malak continued. "My apprentice Darth Bandon was killed earlier this week, and the Sith Governor perished when the Jedi and her allies attacked in a futile bid to escape Taris. But you stopped her." Malak paused, letting his words hang in the air. "Join me, and I will teach you the true power of the dark side. Together, we can crush the Jedi and impose order upon the galaxy." His voice rang with persuasion, but Tyson saw through the Sith Lord's hollow promises.

Tyson chose his words carefully. "I'm honored by your offer, Lord Malak." His tone was humble, but he knew he was walking a thin line. Refusing Malak outright could prove fatal.

One of the Dark Jedi Masters interrupted, his voice laced with barely contained rage. "Lord Malak, you would take this common trooper as your new apprentice?" He gestured dismissively at Tyson. "There are those of us who've followed you since you were an apprentice yourself. You would spurn us for an upstart?" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Seizing power is the way of the Sith. If you would take him as your apprentice, I would challenge him for the position!"

A tense silence fell over the cell as all eyes turned towards Malak. The Sith Lord's expression remained unreadable, but Tyson sensed a flicker of amusement deep within Malak's emotions.

"Well, well, well," Malak rumbled, his voice a sinister purr. "I have a feeling this trooper has more potential than you realize." His masked gaze shifted back to the indignant Dark Jedi Master. "Very well. Let us see what mettle this one possesses."

With a subtle nod from Malak, the two Dark Jedi Masters flanking him ignited their crimson lightsabers in unison.

— Star Jumper —

The throne room of Davik Kang's estate was lavishly decorated, with intricate tapestries adorning the walls and polished floors that reflected the overhead chandeliers. At the far end of the expansive chamber stood a massive black stone throne, upon which Davik Kang now reclined. Beside him was the icy-eyed Calo Nord, regarding the newcomers with a mixture of suspicion and disdain.

As Canderous led Avner and Carth into the room, Davik leaned forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "Canderous, I see you've brought guests. Most intriguing. You usually travel alone."

Calo's lip curled in a sneer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not like you to take on partners, Canderous. You're getting soft."

Canderous bristled at the insult, his hand twitching toward the blaster on his hip. "Watch yourself, Calo. You may be the newest kath hound, but you're not top dog yet."

Davik held up a hand, his voice sharp with authority. "Enough. I'll not have my top men killing each other over petty squabbles. That's bad for business. I'm sure Canderous has a good reason for this change in his usual habits." He turned his gaze expectantly toward the Mandalorian.

Canderous nodded. "This is a special case, Davik. I've brought you someone the Exchange might want to recruit. You may have already heard something of their recent exploits."

Comprehension dawned on Davik's face as he took in Avner's appearance, and a smile spread across his lips. "Ah yes, now I recognize your companion… the rider who won the big swoop race. Very impressive."

Avner stepped forward, his voice steady and confident as he finally met the crime lord face to face. "Good to meet you, Davik. I'm Avner."

Davik Kang's smile widened, "You know, Canderous was right. The Exchange is always looking for new talent, and with your recent exploits, you could have a bright future with us."

Leaning back on his throne, Davik steepled his fingers before him contemplatively. "With a recommendation from Canderous and a thorough background check, you could become part of the Exchange. Many would kill to prove themselves worthy of such an honor."

Avner nodded thoughtfully. "Your proposal interests me, Davik."

Rising from his throne, Davik's robes swirled around him as he beckoned them to follow. "Come, I'll give you a tour of my operations. I'm certain you'll be impressed."

As they followed Davik through the winding corridors of his lavish estate, Avner and Carth couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer scale of the criminal operation. Heavily armed guards patrolled the halls, and priceless works of art adorned the walls.

Davik led them through opulent chambers, each more impressive than the last. Gaming rooms hosted high-stakes sabacc. Lounges where alluring slave girls danced and entertained guests. Armories overflowing with enough weapons and armor to outfit a small army.

Throughout the tour, Davik kept up a steady stream of commentary. He spoke of his plans once he acquired the Sith departure codes, the power and influence he would wield in the underworld. He boasted of his connections and resources, making it clear he was a major force to be reckoned with on Taris.

Finally, they reached the hangar bay. Davik Kang led them to the Ebon Hawk. Davik ran an appreciative hand along the metal flank, his eyes alight with possessive pride.

"Ah, there she is. The Ebon Hawk. The fastest ship in the Outer Rim!" He motioned to the security panel affixed beside the lowered boarding ramp. His voice took on a warning edge. "Note the state-of-the-art system I've installed to protect her. Impenetrable shields. Not a soul can get past them without the codes." His expression darkened, brow furrowing in frustration. "Unfortunately, the Sith military blockade has grounded my vessel. The Ebon Hawk can outrun any ship in the galaxy, but even she can't evade the auto-targeting cannons orbiting Taris. I am working on acquiring the Sith departure codes, of course, so I can come and go freely. But progress has been slow." He sighed, then gestured for them to continue. "Well, let us proceed with the tour."

Davik stopped outside a set of luxurious guest quarters. Turning to face Avner, his expression grew serious. "These will be your accommodations during your stay. The slave quarters are just down the corridor should you require their services. Food, massage, anything you need. If the background check goes well, you'll be invited to join the Exchange. I advise accepting the offer when it comes, lest you suffer dire consequences for refusal."

Avner nodded, his voice brimming with confidence. "I look forward to working with you, Davik."

Davik's eyes narrowed, his tone taking on an edge of warning. "You'll remain in these rooms as my honored guest for the next few days. I'll brook no argument on this. Feel free to visit the slaves anytime. However, if you're found wandering beyond the guest wing, or bothering my other guests, my security forces will deal with you harshly. I'll return once your background check is complete. Until then, make yourself at home. Come, Calo, let us leave our guests in peace."

As Davik Kang and Calo Nord departed the guest quarters, Canderous turned to Avner and Carth, his rugged features set in a serious expression. "Well, we've managed to infiltrate Davik's estate, but that was only the first step. Now we need to figure out a way past the Ebon Hawk's security system so we can retrieve the rest of your crew and escape this planet for good."

They had made it this far into the crime lord's den, but with Davik's security forces measures, it would take cunning to pull off their escape.