The Nightsister's Vengence - A Star Wars Story

04. Meeting a Hutt

Lilo had to spend some time running diagnostics before they could get their journey underway. The ship and the droid had been soaking in a swamp for over sixteen years. Most of the home comforts in the ship had to be stripped out and replaced with those made by the Nightsisters. It meant the inside had a strange clash between sleek metal and rough tribal furnishings.

The ship was quite homely. Allya didn't really know what to do with all the space, it was so much bigger than her shack. There was a dedicated living area, dining room and kitchen. There were several bedrooms and two bathrooms for the ship. She now understood what the holopad meant when it described the ship as a 'luxury trade freighter'. Still, there were sections where a rough job had been done of militarising the ship. There were sections that had clearly been cut and welded to add gunnery seats or places to smuggle goods. The sisters told her there might be more hidden places that they couldn't find.

It seems her father had been smuggling weapons based on how many they'd found but most were ruined in the swamp. Oh well. She didn't care. It's not like knowing more would change anything. He was a male and had never been in her life. He meant nothing.

While she was looking around the ship trying to understand how things worked, a green swirling mist told her that it was time for her first mission.

From the mist, her mother appeared.

"Well, my daughter. How do you find your new ship?" She said.

"It is so large but so constrained at the same time. It will take some getting used to I think."

Talzin smiled knowingly. "Ah, you're already pining for another one of your adventures in the wilds? You'll have plenty of chance for excitement."

"Where am I to go?" Allya asked.

"I am sending you the coordinates of a palace on a desert planet called Tatooine. A powerful warlord has recently lost his son. He is paying handsomely to anyone who can help the child find his way back from Confederate captivity. I have already offered the services of a talented mercenary, you. Word from the other sisters is that the Republic is also working towards the child's rescue but the warlord, Jabba the Hutt, doesn't trust them. You might want to work with them."

"Very well. Does he know what we are?"

"No. He just thinks you are a bounty hunter. Keep it that way."

"Understood, Mother. I will set off immediately."

"Be careful. Make me proud."

She disappeared again, leaving Allya alone. Shortly after Lilo reported that the ship was good to jump to hyperspace. Or, at least, thats what Allya assumed he was saying. She didn't understand his beeping.

Lilo set up the jump to Tatooine while Allya watched in wonder as the galaxy seemed to stretch around them. It was a beautiful sight. She hoped she never got used to it.

Lilo took the ship to the coordinates Mother Talzin had sent.

"Thanks Lilo. Glad you're here, I wouldn't have a clue what I'm doing." She told the droid and it chirped happily in response. "Stay here and keep the ship ready, I'll be right back."

It was time for her to see her second world.

The second the door opened a wave of heat hit her. It was unlike anything she'd ever felt. The light followed, blinding her. She squinted under the harsh sun. No, suns. It would be an amazing sight if it wasn't so awful.

She stepped out as her eyes adapted to the bright light. This planet looked terrible. Just sand as far as the eye could see. There was a small single seat fighter parked next to her with an astromech waiting inside. A Republic symbol was on the side. Must be their representative's ship.

A droid flanked by a couple of ugly looking aliens approached.

"The wise and powerful Jabba is waiting for you. Follow me." The robot said before turning and walking back towards the palace. The alien guards followed along on either side of Allya, watching her every move.

As they walked through the building she could feel lecherous glances at her. She saw their taste in dancing girls and slaves. She was their type. This place was revolting. She met their glances with a disgusted sneer and flashed her dagger on her belt. Their glances drifted away, uninterested in her threats but knowing she wasn't 'available'.

She entered a large room with a giant slug creature lounging beside a droid with a robed man standing in front of him. This slug must be Jabba.

"... Jabba has one more small condition. He demands you bring back the slime who kidnapped his little punky muffin." The droid said to the man.

"Punky?" The man asked with disbelief.

"Alive or dead?" Allya asked as she stepped forward to stand beside the man. He looked at her with interest.

Jabba made a noise that expressed his happiness she was there before speaking his language.

"The wise and powerful Jabba welcomes you, Ghost. We have heard a lot about you." Allya assumed Ghost was the pseudonym Talzin had given her. It would have been nice to know this in advance. "We trust you will be able to ensure young Rotta's return."

"Of course."

"If you and the Republic fail. We are sure Count Dooku and his droid army will succeed."

"I will return soon."

"A moment please?" The Republic man said as she turned. He gestured for her to follow to a more private area.

She followed him. They entered a small booth at the side of the room and, with a wave of his hand, the man closed the door. A Jedi, she realised. They took seats opposite each other.

"I don't know you but if Jabba is hiring you alongside the Republic, you are clearly talented. My padawan, Anakin, is currently dealing with this situation and we can't risk you hindering this mission. I'm asking you to work with us on this. The Seperatists cannot be allowed to claim they recovered the child." He said with an almost pleading tone.

"I prefer to work alone but... I've never met a Jedi before. This could be interesting... How do I know you won't steal all the credit though?" She asked.

"You don't. But trust me when I say, we are not like that. The Jedi are not like that. We don't care for glory or wealth. You can have them. We simply want the gratitude of Jabba and to know that the Seperatists do not."  He explained. She watched him closely. He didn't seem to be lying.

"Very well, Jedi. I will help your people. Let them know I am coming. I'd hate to be shot down before I even get to them."

"Excellent. I will contact him immediately. I would also be grateful, although I don't expect you to, if you could keep an eye on his young padawan. She has only recently been assigned to Anakin and is still inexperienced in war." He said.

She raised an eyebrow. "Will I be paid to babysit?"

"No..."

She frowned then sighed. "We shall see. If she can't handle herself though, she shouldn't be in battle. I'll keep an eye out but I won't be going out my way to do so."

"Oh, she is more than capable of defending herself. I just worry."

"Well don't. If you've trained her well she will be fine."

He hummed and sighed. "You're right. You should get going though if you want to get there in time."

With that she made her leave. Talzin had given her the coordinates of the planet the child was likely to be based on their spies information. It saved her having to track them down and didn't reveal her cards to the Republic that she didn't have a clue where to go.

She arranged for Lilo to begin their journey and prepared for battle. Finally, real battle. Not just fighting the wild or training against her family. Actual, real combat.