A Star Among Planets (Star Wars Rebels Fanfiction)

Chapter 60: Precious Cargo

    Halftail was laying on the bottom of the hanger, head rested on his paws as he tried to calm his frayed nerves. He faintly heard Molis and Keen fighting a couple tail-lengths in front of him, but he didn't open his eyes, at least not until the scent of Lando made him lift his head. He growled lowly as Lando stood right in front of him, obstructing his view.

    "This is the spot," he announced as he placed his hands on his hips.

    Halftail rose to his paws and pushed past Lando. "Spot for what? If this is something dangerous then-"

    "Don't fret, cat with only half of his tail. This is only going to take a second," he assured as he looked to Hera. "I'll just need you to accompany me and do exactly as I say."

    "That sounds risky," meowed Adlerleaf as her whiskers twitched in muted hostility. She looked up to Hera and her ears flattened against her head. "Are you sure you want to do this, Hera?"

    Hera smiled as she lowered down and scratched Adlerleaf under her chin. "It's alright, Adlerleaf. I know what I'm doing. This slick scoundrel isn't going to slow me down."

Adlerleaf felt a bit better as Hera scrambled down the ladder and past Kanan with Lando leading. They went over to the loading area while Kanan came over to Halftail. "Would you like to come with us?"

Halftail sighed. "I suppose so." He rose to his paws and stretched out, front paws scraping against the ground. "Do you know where we are going?"

"To pick up cargo and that's all I know," confessed Kanan as he walked behind Hera and Lando. "I just hope that he's not leading us into any trouble."

Halftail snorted in amusement. "Have you met him? His middle name is trouble!"

Kanan chuckled in agreement before a space lock opened in front of them and they stepped through. Reek made Halftail's nose wrinkle in disgust. He was tempted to dart back to the Ghost, but he forced himself forward. He stayed close to Kanan as he heard the grumbling and burping of someone eating.

"What is that smell," muttered Kanan, speaking what Halftail was thinking.

Lando said nothing as they kept walking until they stopped in front of what Halftail thought was a giant potbellied creature that Halftail hadn't seen before, nor did he want to see ever again. The creature was eating some fancy fruit that Halftail had never been able to afford, nor had he ever wanted to. Most of the juice was just seeping down the creature's face and it made Halftail want to look away in disgust.

"Lando," the creature gurgled through a mouthful of something. "I bet you're here for what we discussed."

Lando nodded. "I am. Do you have it?"

The creature nodded as he slurped a strong of liquid that threatened to drip from his lips. "Yes, but what do you have for me in return?"

Lando suddenly grabbed Hera and shoved her forward. "I have her for you."

"What," Kanan and Halftail gasped in unison. Halftail was about to surge forward, but Kanan blocked his path. Halftail let out a growl of saturation, looking back to Kanan as if he was crazy.

Lando reached out a hand. "I'll trade her services for my cargo. Now hand it over."

The creature smiled before he slurped again. "Very well. Give him the crate," ordered the creature as someone who looked like a solider handed Lando a crate. Lando took it gratefully and the scent of animal grazed Halftail's nose, making him grimace.

Lando turned to leave, but Halftail stood in shock. "We can't leave," he hissed as he turned to look at Hera. Hera had been Bine's companion so it almost felt like he was leaving Bine behind. "We can't leave Hera!"