Force & Federation: An Anthology

Granite Hawk: Rebel Scum by @5thBeastieBoy (Force)

Granite Hawk: Rebel Scum

A Star Wars Story by 5thBeastieBoy

Stars sped by in streaks around the canopied view port of the cockpit. Just as swiftly, they stopped as the YT-2000 light freighter came out of light speed.

The Granite Hawk sat motionless in the vastness of space, a black canvas awash by pinpricks of light.

"Of course I'm sure we're in the right place," Declan Anders answered with a hint of charm from his pilot seat.

His co-pilot, Kezaal, wasn't convinced. The blue-skin Duros folded his arms, seated slightly elevated behind Declan.

"It would be wise to be certain," Kezaal stated.

"Trust me," the Corellian grinned. He then spoke softly into his commlink, "Artie, run a check on our nav coordinates. I want to make sure we're at the right spot."

A moment later the astromech droid, designated R3-B2, whirled and chirped confirming their location.

"See? Told you we're at the right place," Declan teased Kezaal. "And to think you doubted me."

"I did not doubt you. I merely wanted to confirm."

"No, admit it. You doubted me."

"You've been wrong before," Kezaal countered with amusement.

"That was one time," Declan exclaimed. "You going to hold that against me forever?"

"Perhaps."

Their friendly banter was interrupted by the arrival of another, larger, freighter.

"Time to go to work," Declan stated as he piloted his Corellian vessel to dock with the freighter.

"Wagmrah, you're late," he addressed the freighter's captain. "That's not like you, you old pirate."

"I don't have time for your nagging," Wagmrah replied over the comm. The Weequay captain's voice was strained and tense. "Let's get this over with, quick. I had a run in with some Imperials a few jumps back."

"Sorry to hear that, my friend." Declan shot a look of concern at Kezaal as he departed his pilot seat. "I'll meet your men at the airlock. Get you on your way as fast as possible."

Declan was joined by Artie at the airlock door. It cycled open and three Ugnaughts waddled onto the Granite Hawk. Two carried an ornate box while the other held a datapad in hand.

"I'll take that," said Declan as he hefted the box from the Ugnaughts. "Plug into Artie, he'll complete the transfer."

The Ugnaught plugged his datapad into R3-B2 while Declan stowed the box away, locking the storage door on his way out. By the time he returned, Artie had completed the funds transfer and the three pirates were heading back.

"Well, that was easy, Artie," the smuggler observed. "Of course, it's going to take weeks to get the stink of Ugnaughts off our ship."

Artie beeped a humorous reply that made Declan chuckle. However, the smile was quickly wiped from his face.

"Imperials!" Kezaal's voice was harried over the comm. "Get up here, Dec. Quick!"

Declan broke into a sprint back to the cockpit. "Plug into the hyperdrive, Artie!" he shouted on his way. "Kez, get us uncoupled from their ship, now!"