Star Wars: The Lord in Exile

Idiot's Array

At Jho's bar on Lothal, some of the Ghost crew were hanging out at their good friends' establishment. Zeb and Chopper were at the Sabacc table, Kanan was at the bar and the couple of the crew were seated at one of the booths. It had been some time since Ezra made his lightsaber and work was slow. The Ghost was running low on supplies, and while Senator Cicero's shipments were helping they couldn't constantly rely on him. Too many strange shipments would certainly cause some unwanted attention eventually. At Aurelian and Sabine's booth, the couple were laughing and enjoying some food during this quiet time in between missions. Their relationship was going well, their banter and teasing still alive and vibrant; when one took charge or surprised the other with affection, it would be met by the same treatment soon after.

"By the Gods." Aurelian sighed in content. "You never realize how bad food on the Ghost is until you land on solid ground."

"Still better than the academy." the Mandalorian joked. "How does this compare to a feast on Ultramar?"

"Well, we're missing about five courses of food and a lot of wine... but I have a warm meal and the perfect woman by my side. The high priests would say the Gods have blessed me."

Sabine chuckled and smiled in response. "Aren't you sweet?"

"I try."

"You know what would really be sweet? If you let me dye your hair."

"No... but just out of curiosity what's your natural hair colour?"

"Dark brown."

"Really?"

"Why is that surprising?"

"I thought you wouldn't tell me. I assumed it was a guarded secret of yours."

Sabine laughed and leaned back against the seat as she tried to compose herself. "No one asked!"

Aurelian laughed as well until he saw Zeb playing Sabacc in the distance, "How much you wanna bet he loses?"

"Zeb? No way. Fifty says he's got this."

"I'll take that action."

Over by the table, Zeb and two others all stared down at each other trying to mask their true feelings. Chopper let out a few beeps, advising Zeb to fold now and keep some money.

"Right. Like I'd let a droid tell me how to play Sabacc. I'm in." Zeb pushed two golden credits to the pool and Chopper made some more angry beeps.

While his crew were keeping busy, Kanan was worried. His team needed either money for food, so they needed some work as well.

"Hey, it doesn't have to be a big job, Jho. Just something to put fuel in the Ghost and food in our bellies."

"Sorry, Kanan,"Jho said. "Got nothing. But the stranger playing with Zeb over there... said he was looking to hire a ship and crew. Go talk to him."

Back at the table, a Rodian looked at his cards and the confidence of his fellow players. He slammed his cards down, took his remaining money and walked off while muttering in Huttese. Sabine and Aurelian looked at each other, eager to see who would win the bet.

"Guess it's down to you and me. Except," Zeb said with a nervous chuckle. "It seems I'm all outta creds."

Chopper let out a few mocking beeps as Kanan walked over to the table. He wanted to see what work Zeb's competitor had to offer but decided to wait till the game was done.

"So, I'll bet my droid."

"Oh yes, Zeb please lose. Rid us of that clanker. I can have Cicero send us a Servitor as a replacement." Aurelian silently prayed.