Bounty On your Heart (complete)

3. Bounty hunted

A few weeks pass and Hunter had healed and is ready for travel. I was happy for them. I could tell that they really cared for each other. Even Crosshairs, though he won't admit it. Echo was the mother hen , Tech the voice of reason, Wrecker the big fun uncle, Crosshairs the broody quiet one, Hunter the designated leader, and Omega the child that has seen so much in her short years.

I watch as they gather their things and load them onto their ship. Loneliness sneaking up on me with each thing packed and stowed away. I quickly blink away tears when Hunter approaches me.

" Remember , If ever you need help. Just send out a message on this comm signal and we'll come as fast as we can."

He hands me a transponder and then a vibrio-knife. I look up at him in surprise.

" Hunter what's this for?"
I stares at me for a few moments then says something unexpected.

" I don't know what's ahead for you but, this blade has never failed me. Keep it and use it. You have become our friend and aif there's one thing I've learned from Omega, friends are the family we've chosen."

I nod my head and do something I haven't done in so long . I put one of my hands on his shoulders and the other behind his neck. I gently bring him down and we touch foreheads.
" Aliit ori'shya tal'din"

I say to him. I pull away and I can see shock on his face as well as the others.

"I was taught Mando'a by my squad during the war." I chuckle at them.

" Now go on before your clunker of a ship gives out on you!"

They all come and give me goodbyes . But Omega looks at me and says " You know, I've never seen them react that way."

I bend down to her and whisper " That's because they probably haven't heard that particular saying in a long time."
She looks back at them and then back at me.

" What does it mean?" I look back at the others and catch Hunter watching us.
" Family is more than Blood."

She smiles and scampers off. I watch them board , and know I'll never be the same. I feel a disturbance in the force. A warning that something will drastically happen for our paths to cross again.

****** six months later****

Going off world was a horrible idea.
Especially since I'm so far along.

Cerea is a beautiful planet and the Cereans are very kind. But I fear if hat I won't be able to leave for a while yet. I've made several friends from previous travels especially the Chiefs first wife Me'lanna.

" Really Zara, I'm insisting that you find a few males to help you return to Endor.
I mean you need the help and help the male Cereans will do just anything you ask!"

I chuckle at her and say " Be that as it may, my friend. I already have a life partner."

I explain , rubbing my belly. I feel dread in the pit of my stomach. I believe it is time to go. I stand and look at her.

" Im sorry my friend but I must leave. Someone is coming for me."

Her eyes widen in fright and she quickly helps me out the back of her home to my ship.

"May the force be with you my friend ." I look at her in shock.

She smiles at me. " Ki-Andi Mundi was my uncle. My mother has often spoke of him and his " Senses". We will hold them off. Now go quickly!"

I look over her shoulder and see my worse fear. Standing in the distance. Red eyes staring into mine

Cad Bane.

Flashback

I was running through the street of Tatooine. Trying to out run the bounty hunter. Order 66 had been given a few weeks ago. I had been running ever since. My squad refused to follow the order and they were killed. I had escaped and had come here hoping that the Empire wouldn't find me. Unfortunately for me I had landed and had seen a wanted droid displaying my name and face. Saying I had killed a squadron of storm troopers . I was armed and dangerous. They were giving a reward for my capture. I come to a dead end and draw my lightsaber. He comes To the alley opening and we stare at each other.

" Why are you doing this?" I ask in a cold voice.
He rolls his tooth pick around in his mouth and answers in a deep voice.

" Money speaks little lady. And it spoke my name when I saw you in the market."

" I won't go with you."
He spits his tooth pick to the side and pushes the brim of his hat up.

" then you'll be dead." He says

" that's where your wrong I have something to fight for."

He scoffs at me
" The republic is gone, the Jedi are either dead or in hiding. You have nothing left to fight for."
I look down at my still flat stomach.

" Never underestimate a desperate woman protecting her child."
That's when he realizes what I mean.

He steps back and looks at me.
" then let's see what desperation does."

He draws his gun and fires at me. I quickly block his shots. Making sure that he understands that I will fight dirty.

I run at him hoping to catch him off guard. I do. His eyes widen in shock and I knock his gun out of his hands and hold my sword to his throat.

" You come after me again and I will end you." I back away from him and put away my lightsaber.

" I will come after you. I've never lost a bounty. It maybe not today , maybe not tomorrow but I will come for you." He says to me

" You better pray that day never comes."
I walk away and quickly board my shuttle and leave. Going to one place that my old master told me would be safe. Endor."

Present

I quickly go to the cockpit and start up my ship. I look to my left to see the transponder Hunter gave me. I don't think , I activate it and send a message to them.
" Hunter , I'm cashing in on that debt you owe me....." I finish the message as I breach the atmosphere.

Authors note

Aliit ori'shya tal'din-
Family is more than Blood