Edge of the Empire: Book 02: Escape from Mos Shuuta

Chapter 1: In the Blink

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of its character and while plot points are from various RPG games, I take no credit for their origins only of their application in the story therein. This a labor of love and not for profit though if Disney or Lucas Arts would like to hire my creative brain, I'd be more than happy to drop everything and come running. Please read and leave a review.

...Four Cycles later...On board the Ao Var

A battered old Ghtroc 720, the Ao Var, arched up and over a rocky outcropping before careening back down to barely skim the surface of the sand once more. Exhaust from the port and starboard engine pods sent up plumes of dust briefly obscuring the half dozen single pilot pursuit craft. Bolts of red energy sprayed from each of the ship's single forward blasters. Despite being a large target, the maneuvers of the transport freighter caused more than half of the blasts to fly wide but the rest of them struck stitching pockets across the craft's hull.

The pilot felt the impact all the way forward in the cockpit. Sparks flew from a number of consoles and alarms blared. The freighter was not designed for combat and it was well passed its retirement date, yet Madlyn Kallos, a young Alderanni female, had managed to coax a great many surprises out of the old girl. It was as if she'd been holding out on Maddy the last eight weeks and was finally showing what her brittle bones were still capable of.

The cabin shook once more. Alarms blared; shields down to 25%. They'd been lucky; Madlyn hadn't known the ship had shields at all.

"I know babe," she cooed towards the ship hoping that a little sweet talk will keep her vital systems functioning a bit longer. Next time, if there was to be a 'next time,' she'd drag Tersen Aboleth along with her no matter how much he hated flying. She could sure use the Lannik technician right then and there. Kriff! Slick's basic mechanical know-how would be a godsend at that point. It was physically impossible for her to fly and effect repairs and stars were they in need of repairs.

Madlyn keyed her mic and spoke to her only other passenger, "Jarek we've got a bit of a situation," the ship shook again as she banked left and right, emphasizing her point. "If you'd care to blast the scum on our tale, I'm sure the galaxy wouldn't mind."

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Back down the corridor towards the cargo hold a man in full battle armor struggled to keep his feet as he made his way toward the freighters one defense turret mounted at the top center of the ship. "Working on it Maddy!" he replied opening a hatch and clambering up the access ladder, "Not like they gave us much warning."

"Last I checked pirates rarely liked to post notices," the part-time smuggler retorted banking again to avoid being hit. Jarek had to regain his footing before pulling himself into the turret seat and strapping in. "I could ask them to reschedule if it's too inconvenient for you."

Jarek gripped the turret controls and swung it into action. With a fully charged power cell, the duel barrels spat red angry death at the pursuers. "No thanks, I'm already wearing my good armor." He focused fire on a single craft. "Hate to be all dressed up with nowhere to go." A bolt took out the left aileron and the pursuit craft spun wildly before crashing into a sand dune. The following explosion confirmed the kill.

The remaining ships split up. Using their superior speed they moved to surround and intercept the larger ship. "They're moving all around! Can't track them all! Kallos?"

In response, the pilot poured on the speed even as two craft swooped in from the front pouring on the laser fire attempting to take out the cockpit. The shields held and as they flew past Jarek managed to take down one.

"Splash two!" He cried scanning for his next target.

"Still four more out there!" Madlyn called out as she brought the ship into a series of tight turns amidst the dunes.