Nico's Gambit

Risha

Odette folded her arms across her chest and eyed the other woman. She was beautiful in an exotic way with brown hair bound up in an elaborate twist, leather suit, and an intelligence in her eyes surprising for the women that Skavak generally went for.

"I expected to be the only woman on board," she said, copying Odette's stance. "Are you one of Skavak's special friends?"

Odette scoffed. That was the second time that day someone had accused her of that. "Not likely, but I was going to ask you the same thing."

The two women raised an eyebrow at each other at the same time. Odette liked her.

"But if you must know, I wouldn't touch that scum-sucker with a two-meter bantha prod."

The mystery woman let out a humorless chuckle. "I like you already. Any woman who knows better than to play with Skavak is alright by me. The name's Risha. Skavak and I have been traveling together on a business arrangement. We deliver these unconventional items to interested buyers."

Odette looked around the hold at the assorted arrangement. Looked almost worse than a Jawa transport. "This looks mostly like junk."

"Unique items for very unique buyers," she said, turning to inspect her inventory. "My problem is that as of late Skavak has proven unreliable." She looked Odette up and down. "You might prove a much better partner, if you're interested."

"What's your offer and we'll see?"

"My offer is simple—I make you filthy rich," Risha said, looking Odette straight in the eye with no irony or taunting in her voice. "The business model is pretty straightforward."

Risha's holocommunicator began to beep. "Ah, the scum-sucker pops his head up. Let's see what he has to say."

Risha hit a holo projector on the wall. Skavak's scowl could have cut Hoth glaciers.

"You're late, Skavak, and I just made a new friend."

Skavak's glare trained on Odette. "Congratulations, Captain. You've just made it to the top of my list of people to kill. When I get my hands on you, you'll wish you'd never left Ord Mantell."

Odette laughed. "Eat my exhaust, pal. Can't kill what you can't catch and it seems you're currently ship-less at the moment."

"That should be the least of your concerns, Captain," he said. "Coruscant has plenty of options. You have no idea what you've stumbled into, but I guarantee, I will catch up to you and you won't see me coming."

"Oh, man, did it just get a little chilly in here?" Odette said, rubbing her arms. "I'm shaking in my boots. Come and get me any time you want. I look forward to seeing the look on your face when I blast you between the eyes."

"Heh, you'd be so lucky," he said. "You may have gotten past those Imperials but you're not going to get far with Rogun the Butcher on your hind end. I sold all those blasters you were supposed to deliver back on Ord Mantell. Can't imagine he'll be too happy you lost them."

"I'll make sure he'll know exactly who to thank for that, don't worry," Odette said.

"Yeah, I'm sure you'll have lots to say as he tortures you to death."

Risha let out a loud sigh. "Are you done posturing yet? The pretense is getting a little thick in here, and the Captain and I have cargo to deliver."

"Don't even think about cutting me out of this deal, Risha."

"'Finders keepers'—isn't that what you always say, Skavak?" she asked. "Not my fault that the Captain seems better equipped to beat you to the big prize."