Star Wars: Lurking Darkness

Chapter 21

     The two Neimoidian's had been seated side by side with blasters placed against their necks. Snader and Rig stood behind the Neimoidian's ready to take them out if anything went wrong. The hostility finally got to Neg as he realized his captors were ready to finally get rid of them for good. He gave into the obvious display of intimidation being played out around him and placed his cuffed hands on the table. Po followed his father's actions not knowing exactly why he was doing it.

     Yrett paced the side of the hut several times before stopping short of Po's seat. She stared at the young alien hoping to further intimidate him. If they had anymore valuable information then she would surely obtain it here and now.

     Lena stood by the hut's entrance with her hands placed firmly on her two holsters. She had cleaned her face off and bandaged some minor wounds she had suffered during battle.

     As Gwen stepped into the hut a small creature stepped in behind him. It was a Drallian that everyone except Rig and the Neimoidian's had recognized. Everyone welcomed the young female Drallian as she moved closer to the table they were to negotiate on.

     "Before we begin I want you both to meet the Drallian representative who will be overseeing our little meeting. Her name is Duchess Shalu and don't underestimate her size, she's a formidable warrior in her clan as well as a leader. I believe she was one of the first Drallians to destroy your precious droidekas." Gwen smiled at Shalu as he introduced her to their prisoners.

     Shalu bowed before climbing onto a chair set in place for her. Her green eyes easily visible. Her brown fur had been groomed to fit royalty. White streaks ran down her face solid proof she was a warrior.

     The Drallians used face painting as a homage to their creator. White streaks represented strength among her kind. A shiny wooden bow crossed her chest and back with only one arrow stored in a pouch, which was safely tied to her hip.

     Rig assumed she could take both Neimoidian's out with that single arrow. Her present stature gave that assumption truth.

     Yrett bowed as the Duchess removed her bow and placed it on the table. Her lonesome arrow still tied to her waist.

     "We are honored to have you with us Duchess. I'm sorry for all of the losses your clans have suffered during this conflict. If there is anything we can do to help you recover please let us know." Yrett said bowing once again.

     "I thank you for your generosity and I am blessed to have you all here as protectors of our land. We will stand by your side any day. That is a promise I vow to keep so as long as we coexist." The Duchess said in basic Drallish.

     Rig once again felt left out. Everyone seemed to understand the princess except himself and Snader. Both men looked at each other confused. "I guess were not getting a direct translation are we?"

     "I suppose not." Rig said.

     "You two just keep those blasters ready!" Yrett said aloud.

     Both men looked at Yrett unhappy to be left out of the conversation taking place before them.

     "It is alright my friend, but now let's get down to business shall we. So what can you give us Neg?"

     As Neg reached into a small pouch attached to his waist, Rig quickly jumped in to stop him. Neg didn't fight the man and let him reach into the pocket himself. "I apologize if I startled you my friend."

     "Yeah well next time you're dead my friend." Rig told Neg as he retrieved a small chip from Neg's shirt pocket. The chip was small and could easily be hidden away.