STAR WARS: ADVENTURES OF BUCK RYDUR - BOOK 1 PART 1 FREEDOM'S PRICE

Chapter 8

Cash Stanton was discussing some job options with Ogen Odo and Dac Farrow when Robyn burst into the chamber.

"Cash! Hey Cash!"

The pirate was usually amused by his ward, but was not in the mood for antics at the moment and waved the boy away. "Not now, kid."

"But--"

"Robyn, I'm busy."

The boy refused to give in. "This can't wait! You're not gonna believe what happened!"

Cash gave an irritated sigh. "Lemme guess. You were trapped by seccers and escaped by the skin of your teeth."

"Buck almost killed a guy today!"

That got everyone's attention.

"What?" Cash demanded, turning to face him.

"Ha. Not so busy now, are ye, mate?" the boy mocked smugly, thumbs hooked in his pockets.

Ogen Odo's large eyes narrowed. "Kid, if you're pulling our leg--"

Robyn looked offended. "Oy, if ya don't want ta hear what I got to say then fine."

He turned to go but Farrow grabbed his arm and hauled him back.

Cash gave the boy his undivided attention. "Spill, Robyn. What do you mean, Buck almost killed someone?"

When Robyn finished the story there was a short silence.

"Incredible," Cash commented finally, possibilities and ideas spinning through his mind. "You were right, Odo; boy's gotta be a frackin' Force-sensitive."

Farrow sat down in a nearby lounger. "So Buck can only use his power when he's angry?"

"I'm not sure," the teen replied. "I think he only uses it for emergencies. Probably never would've done it if I hadn't been in trouble. He's scared somebody will find out, track him down."

"Well, we definitely can't let that happen." Cash studied the boy for a moment. "You know all the kids who saw him at the power station?"

"Most of 'em."

"Make sure they don't talk. Threats, blackmail, bribes, I don't care how you do it."

"Got it," Robyn agreed.

"Captain," Ogen Odo said with excitement. "Think of what we could do with power like that."

Cash's brow furrowed. "Problem is Buck don't seem to know any more about his abilities than we do. It'll take time for them to develop . . . Be easier if he had some training."

"I'll stop the next Jedi Master what comes along and ask 'im if he's free," Farrow quipped, reclining with his hands behind his head.

Cash shot him a narrow look. "The important thing right now is to get Buck to trust us. Robyn, you're closest to him; see if you can get him to open up more."

Robyn crossed his arms and shrugged. "Let me keep seventy percent of my profits and I'll see what I can do."

The pirate gave a wry grin. "Deal."