Traits Of Descent

Chapter Nine

Errant Venture - Booster's office

"Calm down, Booster," Corran said.

"Calm down? How do you expect me to calm down when I have a killer running around on my ship? This was exactly what I was afraid would happen. He's already killed one Vigo using my own droid as his assassin. Then he kills a random guest. A paying guest, mind you!"

Corran assured him, "Everyone assumes the man got drunk and fell."

"And what happens when there's another death? And another? Pretty soon these accidents won't look like accidents anymore." Booster gave a gruff sigh. "You know, I'd almost prefer dealing with one of your Sith lords. At least they don't kill randomly."

Luke wasn't going to argue with Booster on his wrong assumption about Sith lords. It wasn't the right time to argue with Booster in his current mood. He understood the Captain's worry. Mahc Tiernan had to improvise when Corran cornered him. In his desperation he murdered an innocent gambler in Trader's Alley. That was one less gambler to supply credits into Booster's establishment. Luke tried to keep Booster positive. "We can contain him to Trader's Alley. We can post guards at each of the ventilation shafts where he got through to Black Level."

Booster sneered, "You already told me you want guard duty assigned to the Vigos non-stop. Now you want guards at more than a dozen vents. You're running out of guards. And I'm not sure I want my crew involved in this anymore." He cleared his throat and added, "Not to mention what you plan to do with Lieutenant I'hela Broadwater."

"What do you mean?" Corran questioned.

"I'm talking about the restriction order from her Chief to take her off this case."

"How did you–"

"Let's not pretend I don't have the resources for information the same as Karrde, Corran. Her Chief sent the alert in a broadwave across the HoloNet. That means he doesn't know where she is."

"It also means she didn't report our position," Luke stated.

"But the killer is here anyway."

Luke replied, "Which is why we can't let her leave now. It's too dangerous. Even if she avoids the press, they can still get information from the NRS. Regardless if it's the truth or not."

"Do you really think I'hela is the killer's source?"

Corran answered, "Mara is getting an answer for that as we speak."

Booster grunted, "Hope there's something left of the poor woman."

Luke reiterated, "We are certain that Mahc received the information we gave I'hela somehow."

Booster uttered, "We already did a sensor sweep of everyone as they came aboard, and there was nothing on the Lieutenant Broadwater. Data trails may tell you the who, but never the how."

"Either way, we have Mahc's source plugged. I don't think he will make anymore direct moves against the Vigos without us knowing."

"Can you guarantee that, Master Jedi?"

"Nothing is guaranteed, Booster."

"Then I have to make my move. As much as I hate to do this to you two, especially, I have to look out for my own concerns. As of now, the deal is off. I want those Vigos off my ship immediately."

Corran snapped, "You can't be serious?"

Luke pleaded, "Booster, think about this. They'll be sitting ducks if they leave now. We don't know if that will play into Mahc's plans."