Chapter Eleven

“Entering the Janos System now, Your Excellency. We await your instructions.” Commander Ooamlek of the Star Destroyer Repressor saluted smartly before his superior and stood rigidly to attention.

Treece smiled benevolently at his sub-ordinate and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Your orders are as before Commander Ooamlek. Place the Repressor behind the third moon and await further instruction. A simple enough task I believe?”

Ooamlek twitched, his pride stung by the barbed remark.

“Simple enough sir, yes.” He saluted once more leaving Treece alone in his briefing room. Den Treece took the bottle of Duarga that sat on his desk and moved with it to the window. Below him lay the planet of Janos, a world at once cursed and grudgingly respected by the Empire. Indeed, Emperor Palpatine himself had commented that there were some places in the galaxy best left alone, and perhaps, for the time being at least, Janos was one of them. Treece couldn’t bring himself to agree with his master’s assessment of the matter. As Grand Moff he believed it was his right, indeed his duty, to exert and use all the influences that came to bear with the Empire. Janos sat beneath him as an ever-constant reminder of chaos, of resistance, of rebellion. And rebellion was something he couldn’t bear.

Unless it suited his own ends.

With those thoughts he seated himself once more. Lomona and his team were among the most rebellious people he knew of, and at that moment they were engaged in various clandestine activities on the planet below. Treece smiled. His associates had the Sunrise team under such close observation he doubted if they could sneeze without it being reported back to him. How Glann must hate that! Knowing that so much rode on the actions of his small team, and yet knowing every move they make is being watched and scrutinised by the enemy. To his credit, Cipple had figured out the majority of his opposition. Dressel more or less announced it at his meeting with Cipple on Amagad, Treeces connections on Amagad had confirmed as much. Tasar and Jason weren’t known for being discreet, and Formoon was open enough not to care who knew what he was up to. But, Treece had to hand it to Cipple - figuring out the involvement of Spyte was a masterpiece of espionage. Even Spyte himself thought he’d been subtle enough to avoid detection, but somehow Glann had figured him out. The remaining main player was himself, the one who had brought so many disparate elements together and forged them into a crew capable of bringing down Glann Cipple. Unless tongues were severely loosened Glann wouldn’t learn the true identity of his nemesis….

Until it was far too late.

Treece watched with a lazy fascination as the planet apparently tipped on its side and receded into the near distance, the moon quickly replacing it. Back here, hidden like a small-time smuggler in a big-time starship, I could oversee the operations on Janos. I could render aide when necessary to the ganglords in my employ, even send Stormtroopers to assist in any operations undertaken…no. No, I’m paying big credits for this job. Massive amounts of money that more than equals the risk they’re taking. And Treeces own risk too. So far he’d escaped detection, but if the bean counters back on Coruscant ever spotted the temporary drop in allocated sector funds that Treece had briefly dipped into, he’d have an awful lot of explaining to do despite his high status as a Grand Moff. And I don’t welcome the thought of a trip to Coruscant to discuss finances. My predecessor Moff Dacartchen made a similarly careless error. His desk alarm chimed softly, bringing him back to the present.

“What is it?” He was irritated enough. Having to leave his beloved Chancai had turned out to be more of a wrench than he thought it would be. He didn’t realise how secure he’d come to feel there, entrenched in his own city fortress. How disgustingly like Cipple I’ve become.

“Your Excellency, the transmissions you were expecting have begun to come through. Do you wish to receive them?”

Treece frowned and swigged the last of the Duarga away with a flourish. Best not keep the troops waiting.

“I’ll attend to it now.” Treece straightened his collar, polishing the brass on his chest swiftly with a swipe of his cuffs and waited. Slowly the five figures coalesced into clarity on his desk. “Gentles. Again, may I say what a privilege it is to have you standing on my desk. How goes the war?”

Dressels Holo-image wavered first, the deep-voiced ganglord eager to speak first.

“It goes well Your Excellency. My men closely followed Lomonas team on Chancai, and as you know my meeting with Cipple was….illuminating. I currently have agents on Janos reporting back to me regularly. I foresee no problems…”

“More fool you.” Interjected Geon Tasar with a growl, cutting off his former employer. “I had an experienced team of soldiers trailing Lomona through the Algean Desert. He managed to eliminate them easily enough.”

Torona Formoon sneered at this.

“You worry too much, old man. Perhaps you should concentrate your efforts on decoding the encryption and finding the location of the third planet.”

“And the Starship Heed?” It was Predd Jason, the youngest of the major ganglords and the most outspoken. “You still think they’ve located the Heed? Tell me Formoon, what did your Mother feed you to breed such an idiot?”

Formoon smiled an easy smile.

“She fed me punks like you.”

Treece frowned as he broke up the brewing argument.

“Gentles, please. We simply don’t have time for all these pleasantries. Lomona will soon be leaving Janos, and there our trail ends. None of us have the location of the third planet mentioned in the disk. We have no idea where the Heed is hidden. Unless we think of something soon the trail will grow cold and Cipple will have eluded us once again.”

“And you’ll have got a million credits out of us for nothing.” Spyte leaned forward into the Holo-emitter, his dark features filling the camera. Treece leaned back into his chair and laced his fingers, collecting his thoughts.

“Without your continued assistance I’ll have nothing either. Let me remind you Mister Spyte that you five have the most to gain from this enterprise. My vendetta is purely personal, but you shall all profit greatly from this endeavour. And let’s not forget why we are here in the first place. The final removal of Glann Cipple from the Setnin Sector, from its underworld activities, from its social circles. We must settle for nothing less than this. And the Heed?” He smiled. “That legendary starship will be a fitting reminder of our combined efforts. Are we still in agreement?”

Treece waited for the five to vocalise their assent.

“Very good. I look forward to our next conversation. Treece out.”

The briefing room descended into darkened silence. How tiresome, the constant bickering and sniping. True military discipline was the only solution to problem solving. That rabble would club each other to death over the last Cockon. Treeces comm. board chimed once again.

“Treece.” He acknowledged, recognising the excited pause from the other end of the line and knowing immediately that it was Commander Lans. Presumably with good news.

“Your Excellency, we finally have the information you require from the disk.” Treece sat up in his seat. Could it be?

“The third planet?” He asked, almost afraid to vocalise the question.

“Better than that Your Excellency. We have the planet….and we have the prize Lomonas team are travelling to.”

Treece gulped.

“Is it the Heed?” He prayed that it was.

“It is, Your Excellency.”

Treece shook his head in dizzy amazement, flicking off the comm. and laughing once. The Heed! This was the moment he’d been waiting for, and for so long. And if he timed it right, Glann Cipple would never know how he’d been outwitted. Until Treece had the opportunity to gloat in person. But what to do? He couldn’t claim the prize himself; he’d made it clear to his associates that all he wanted was Cipple. But he couldn’t possibly allow the Starship Heed to fall into the hands of any of the major ganglords, it was simply too dangerous a weapon. This would require some deft thinking, but he would have plenty of time during the journey.

“Commander Lans, come to my briefing room and detail the good news.”

Sunlight filtered lazily into the Sunrise, littering itself throughout the starship like angels' dust. Jan knew he’d overslept the second he woke up, but the bed was warm and he didn’t feel like moving. He rolled over to wake Frans, and she snored softly at his touch. She never was the best at rising, not even when their lives depended on it. Perhaps today wasn’t quite the life or death situation it might have been, but they still had a ship full of things to be done. And they’d get around to doing them. But not quite yet.

Paige had been up for two hours already, and had just about finished wiring the Sunrises signal booster into the Tailburners systems. Terrie had come on board and woken her early, explaining the situation and urging her not to wake Jan. Paige agreed with Terrie’s view of the situation and proceeded to begin the temporary refit, carefully carrying the booster between the two freighters and swiftly hooking it up to the Tailburners systems. It didn’t have to be an expert job; it merely had to be linked in to amplify the signal off Janos and to the local agent. Once that was done, she could begin the trickier job of re-fitting the booster back into the Sunrise without Jan finding out. She knew she could do it smartly enough - she just hoped that Jan would enjoy the lie-in as much as he’d appreciate the deftness of her work.

Terrie spent the early hours of the morning seeing to Himbs and Weale, and was genuinely surprised to see the massive alien up and about before sunrise. He seemed almost normal, strolling about the ship and preparing his morning meal as if nothing much had happened. Whatever recuperative powers he possessed she’d like to bottle and sell as tonic. Knowing that Himbs would attend to Weale, who’d been badly affected by her ordeal, she secured the Tailburner and scouted around outside.

Terrie knew what she was looking for. The nearby north ridge was where she’d seen the glint of binocs, and it was there she headed for first. Treading warily she advanced around the two freighters, off the landing platform and across the desert to the foot of the ridge. It was a cool morning so she travelled in khaki shorts, combat boots and a cropped black vest, her blaster hanging from the gun belt around her hips. Open worlds like Janos afforded little cover, and Terrie was relieved when she reached the ridge and the scattering of rocks around it. It wasn’t particularly high and it posed little problem for the athletic field agent to scale its side and stealthily edge toward the top. She breathed as shallowly as she could, watching every footfall and handhold. There was no way to know how many enemy agents there were, if any, waiting for her over the top. But she was prepared for any surprises. Taking her Blaster she took a firm hold of the edge of the ridge and swung her shapely, muscular legs over onto the top and rolled into an attack posture. But she was alone. Breathing the cool, refreshing Janos air through her nose she surveyed the terrain. There was nothing for kilometres around apart from the landing pads and the two ships. Why anyone would want to situate a pad way out here was beyond her, but the Janites were a strange race. Terrie kneeled down and investigated the ground. There had been people up here last night, watching the Sunrise team go about their business. She estimated ten, maybe a dozen. There was no way to tell who they worked for, but they were no longer around. With a frustrated frown she checked her chrono - 09.35. Paige would surely have hooked up the booster to the Tailburner by now. With another deep, clear breath she bounced up and down on the spot to energise herself and began the descent back to the freighters.

“You’re telling me that the disk decoded itself? I’d have thought that impossible.” Treece stared, hawk-like, at the back of the nervous young slicer who had been given the task, along with a dozen other experts, of decoding the Amagad disk. He’d only once had the honour of meeting the Grand Moff of the sector and was excited to be brought onto the team. But the Moffs reaction to the good news, that the disk code had finally been broken, was confusing. What did it matter that the disk decoded itself? It was cracked, the information within accessible.

“With respect Your Excellency, our team has been working on this project for almost twelve days. Avenues have been explored, ideas exchanged. It’s not beyond the realms of fantasy for the disk to have been prodded so many times that it finally cracked.”

“So you think there is another reason?”

“Sir?”

Treece breathed hard and tried not to lose his temper. Does everything have to be printed in black and white?

“Putting aside the `realms of fantasy’, what other explanation could there be for the disk cracking its own encryption sequence? Any possible outside influence…”

“Like an activation signal?” Interrupted the young slicer, nodding slowly and rubbing his chin in thought. Treece let the breach of protocol go by. Obviously the young ensign had stumbled upon a possible explanation for the disk decoding. To reprimand him now would break his train of thought. Besides, there was always time for reprimands later. These sifters knew too much about his investigations already. By next week they’d either be mining the glitterstim caves on Noscage or upgrading the Repressors hull plating - without space suits.

“Well Ensign? Could it be a foreign signal?”

After a moment the slicer shook his head.

“I don’t see how it could be sir. Our sensors aboard the Repressor would have registered any incoming transmissions. Communications would have isolated the signal, inhibiting its effectiveness. No Your Excellency, I don’t believe it was a signal.”

Treece nodded. Perhaps it was the sifter team who had stripped away the final layers of encryption and found the buried treasure. Treece turned and walked slowly to the window, Janos waiting patiently over the horizon of the moon below. Did it really matter how the disk was cracked? He had the knowledge he required. Glann Cipple was at his mercy and victory was at hand. And yet he knew that he couldn’t charge in, guns blazing, and apprehend the ganglord himself. He’d been careful in his decisions so far. To rashly leap in now and risk everything would be foolish. He still had to balance common sense with his desire to finish off Cipple for good. But how?

“I still don’t understand why you were so quick sending the activation signal! Surely you should have waited until you knew they were dead!”

Bella was raging hard and fast, and had been for almost an hour. Glann was seated calmly at his bedroom desk, sipping at a cup of hot Konekone. She had been pushing this all night, demanding to know why he’d made the decision he had. As unused to being contradicted as he was, Glann always secretly welcomed the arguments Bella presented. It kept him sharp and sneaky. If he could out-think her opposing points he could out-think almost anyone’s. She was so angry it was making her voice break, and without thinking he let slip a small smile, which she noticed.

“Oh, what’s so damn funny now? Is there something else I missed?”

“Apart from your sense of humour? No, I don’t think there is. Now calm down and let me explain what I’ve done.”

Bella came to a halt, chewed the inside of her cheek in irritation and grabbed her robe. Throwing it around herself she sat on the edge of the bed.

“Agent Saffra was re-briefed before leaving Amagad. Remember, when this mission to Abrogard began the disk had yet to be stolen. During that briefing there were some points that, although delicate, had to be raised. One of them was the issue of losing contact with the team. During their journeys from one world to another I don’t expect to hear from them, only from my field agents. However, once they have landed on a world, I do expect to hear from them, either directly or from an operative.”

Bella nodded quickly.

“Yes, yes, yes, I understand all that. Just tell me why you were so quick with the activate signal?”

Glann took a deep breath and finished off his Konekone.

“Himbimimam and Shadow Weale were the Janos liaisons for the Sunrise team. They were instructed, as was every other field agent, to contact me through the correct channels whenever the Berone Sunrise touched down on any given planet. Knowing Lomona, he probably shaved some hours off the pre-destined co-ordinates. Nevertheless, we had gone over the agreed time for check-ins. Nothing has come out of Janos for two days.”

Bella nodded again and lay back on the bed, running her fingers through her tousled hair.

“So by activating the signal you achieved what?”

Glann smiled and rose to join his wife.

“The activation signal was designed to decode the final levels of encryption in the event of thefts like this. My field agents are briefed and prepared to activate the signal from wherever they are in the field. And that is what they’ve done.”

Bella frowned again, clearly confused.

“But why? What use is there in decoding it so soon?”

He nodded, understanding her concerns.

“Two points. If the Sunrise team is alive and well, and the loss of contact is due to circumstances beyond their control, then the activation signal will draw the opposition away from Janos and to the third planet. That will give Lomona the chance to travel to Abrogard unhindered and complete the trade deal with D’Staan. If, however, the Sunrise team have been eliminated…“

“Which you assume they have.” Interrupted Bella.

“Then there is no need for the disk to remain decoded. The sooner the location of the third planet is revealed, the sooner the next phase of our operation can begin.” Bella smiled a sly smile and rolled over to face her husband.

“And what would that be then?”

Glann smiled and wagged his finger at his teasing wife.

“Every marriage must have some secrets. Let this be one of them.”

Bella grinned and conceded defeat. It must have been something pretty darn good. Good enough for Glann to be so eager to execute it he’d risk the lives of his best agents.

“Of course, you do realise that if the Sunrise team are still alive then they’re in terrible danger?”

Glann crossed his eyebrows in consternation. Whatever did she mean?

“And why is that?”

Bella sat up again. Had she caught him out at last?

“Think about it. If Dressel and the rest of them know where the third planet is, why keep Lomona alive? We both know they’ll want him dead, and everyone knows how much you value his services.”

Glanns face froze, stony serious. She continued.

“If they’re not already dead, you could have just handed down a death sentence.”

Damn it, he thought. Of all the times to miss the obvious. And of all the people to point it out to me. His regrets were interrupted by the chime of his comm. unit.

“Excuse me for one moment.”

He slid off the bed and returned to his desk, seating himself as he activated the control panel and waited. It was Blasticker, one of his Yatchrare System field agents.

“Mister Cipple, sorry for contacting you so early.”

“It’s no trouble Blasticker. Do you have news?” The line crackled heavily.

“I do sir. Your agents around the local sectors have all checked in. None reported any difficulties in activating the signal. Our agents on board Rebel Alliance and Imperial ships have also contacted us. They had no problems activating the signal either.”

Glann smiled, relieved that something was at last going right.

“Good news indeed. Is there anything else to report?” He tensed. He was certain that the Sunrise team was dead. Yet he still half-expected to hear some news from Janos. Since he’d activated the decode signal, and since Bella had deftly pointed out the danger he’d inadvertently placed the team in, he’d anticipated a reply.

“Nothing of any great importance sir. As expected, enemy agents are beginning to depart from Janos. Our local agent is in system and is preparing to locate the Sunrise and the Tailburner. As soon as we have confirmation I’ll alert you. Blasticker out.” Glann Cipple flicked off the comm. unit and leaned back in his seat, rubbing his temples firmly. He felt old and tired, and his shoulders were knotted like locks. Some good had to come of this exercise.

Didn’t it?

“You’ve done what?!”

Jan bounced out of bed, ripping his jacket off the back of the storage door and stalking into the corridor. The cockpit door was open and he could see the empty space where the signal booster should have been, the wires dangling from it like spaghetti. It flared up his annoyance even more.

“What did I tell you about the comm. unit? I said to leave it alone.”

Terrie, arms crossed and foot tapping on the deck-plates, smiled sarcastically.

“Well, I was going to consult you about it but I didn’t want to disturb your lie-in.”

“More concern for my well being?”

“No Captain. Just concern for our well being. Now are you going to come and send this message or what?”

Jan gritted his teeth and swallowed hard.

“Just give me a minute to get changed and I’ll be out.” Jan stepped back into his quarters and closed the door.

“He’s really angry, isn’t he?” Asked Paige from the top of the ramp, hiding timidly from his line of sight. Terrie turned and nodded.

“He’ll get over it. He’ll have to if we want to get a message back to Amagad.” She paused, throwing a glance beyond Paige and over to the Tailburner. “Failing that, Himbs and Weale will have to fly there and give the message personally. Glann must fear the worst by now.”

Paige moved closer to Terrie, leaning on the ramp-frame with her hands in her pockets.

“What’s going to happen if we don’t get a signal through?”

Terrie toyed with the idea of telling Paige the truth, that they were probably already in grave danger. But what purpose would it serve to upset her?

“Nothing much. Glann will probably send out some back up, run some interference for us to move on. You can never tell with Glann.” She smiled at her young companion. “Anyway, it’s nothing for you to worry about. Come on; let’s give Himbs a hand setting up the signal channel.”

Paige grinned and exited the Sunrise, Terrie close behind.

“You won’t believe what they were doing last night.” Jan growled, pulling his boot on. Frans shrugged beneath the sheets.

“More than us. You were asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow.”

Jan half-grinned.

“What’s the matter? It’s not like it was your birthday or anything.”

Frans threw a pillow at him, hitting him on the back of his head. With a deft twist he returned the pillow square into her face.

“So lover-boy. What did they do?”

He stood and began to button up his shirt, checking himself in the mirror.

“Only took out the signal booster. Like I told them not to.”

Frans got out of bed, a surprised expression on her sleepy face.

“They did that in one night? That’s good work.”

Jan frowned and threw a glare over his shoulder.

“It’s not good work. I told them to leave it alone. I don’t like people messing with my ship.”

Frans straightened the bed sheets and began getting dressed, slipping into a pair of black leggings.

“You know it’s the only way we’re going to get a message out. All the decoding packages are hard-wired into the Tailburner.” She paused, buttoning up the leggings on the side of her hip. “I think it’s Terrie you’re annoyed with.”

Jan froze.

“Why do you say that?”

Frans grinned, a smile just hidden from Jan’s view in the mirror.

“Well, all you ever do is argue. You’re like we used to be when we were Paige’s age. If I didn’t know better I’d think you were flirting with each other.”

Jan shook his head as he finished the final button on his shirt.

“Honey, nothing will make me happier than having this ship to ourselves again. Not having to queue for the head, or stay out of the cockpit while Terries sending messages to.... whoever. Or having to deal with being someone’s surrogate father.” Frans moved to stand next to him, straightening his collar and kissing him softly on the lips.

“What was that for?” Jan smiled. Frans shrugged.

“For being such a convincing liar. Now go, send the message. And be nice to Paige, she deserves better.”

Jan nodded slowly. Convincing liar? What did she mean by that? Sure, Terrie’s a stunning looking woman but she drives me crazy. And Paige? She’s fun but she sure ain’t my daughter. Not yet anyway. Jan kissed Frans back quickly and left their quarters.

This time the speeder banked so hard it almost deposited its occupants onto the unforgiving sands of the Eluune Plain. Its engines were screaming, straining under the exertions its pilot was subjecting them to. There was a dust storm in the distance, whipping and swirling fiercely but the pilot paid it little attention. Milogick was determined to reach the landing pad before the two freighters lifted off. He was disobeying orders, he knew that, and even though the objections of his men were strong he pushed on with his plan. News of the disks decoding had reached them quickly and new orders had been dispatched. Geon Tasar wanted them back in their starship and away before the next phase of the sun blocked off transmissions. Milogick had acknowledged this, but before signing off asked what the situation was regarding the Sunrise team. His express orders were to leave Janos immediately. If Lomona came into the equation again, then the outcome was at Milogicks disgression. And that was good enough for him. Worlog, his Hanusshian lieutenant, had been most vocal in his desire to leave Janos far behind. The team had been subjected to a rough night, fleeing from Janos Executioners who pursued them after they strayed onto a religious site of great importance. Worlog and the other dozen men wanted to be away from Janos as soon as possible.

But Milogick had other ideas.

He knew that there was a real chance that if Lomona got off Janos alive he’d be eliminated on the third planet. It stood to reason. All of Geon Tasars men would be present, waiting to take possession of the Heed. What chance would Lomona and his pitiful group of women have against that? None. And so Milogick had seen this opportunity as the last chance he would get to have his shot at Jan Lomona. And he was going to take it.

“There, up ahead.” Milogick squinted, the fierce sun of Janoui glaring harshly. “The Sunrise hasn’t lifted off yet.” Not long now, he thought and turned to acknowledge his men. They looked less than impressed. What is it with these goons? Here’s the opportunity to wipe out some of Cipples best agents and these cowards want to blast off. What ever happened to dedication to your job? To hell with them. If they want to stay on the speeder they can.

“We should attack from the ridge area again.” Suggested Worlog. “Unless you’ve decided to change your mind?”

Milogick shook his head vigorously.

“Why would I want to do that? This will make the whole trip worthwhile! You can all stay on the speeder,” he spat out at the men behind him. “I want real men to help me, not cowering babies.” He glanced at his lieutenant. “Worlog. I can count on you, can’t I?”

The Hanusshian nodded and snuffled loudly.

“You always have.”

With a wave of gravel and hot sand the speeder slid to a halt. Milogick was half out of the vehicle before it had stopped and was running up the side of the ridge. With a frown Worlog followed. All the others remained in the speeder. Milogick summoned his lieutenant to his side as they reached the lip of the ridge.

“Do you think the men will try to make a run for it in the speeder?” Asked Milogick. Worlog turned and looked back down at the group below. They were milling around the speeders engine housing, deep in concentration.

“I would say yes.”

Milogick grinned and produced a glinting metal object.

“I don’t. I took the ignition activator when I jumped out.”

Worlog looked at it in admiration as Milogick smirked.

“You can never be too careful.”

The two men lay down onto their bellies and crawled the short distance to the edge of the ridge. Nothing had changed from the night before. Tailburner and Sunrise remained on their landing platforms.

“What is your plan?” Worlog inquired.

Milogick rolled onto his back and checked the sights on his Blaster carbine. Satisfied, he rolled back over.

“Wait for Lomona to come out of his ship. Then shoot him.” He glanced at Worlog. “Why? What did you think I was going to do?”

Worlog shrugged.

“I’m not sure. Something more. Lomona won’t even know who killed him.”

“He won’t care. He’ll be dead.”

“I know but….Milogick, look!”

Milogick turned his attention back to the ships to see the back of Lomona enter the Tailburner from the Sunrise. Dammit!

“Great. Now I’ll have to do `something more’.” He breathed out a frustrated breath and began to move forward. “Come on.”

Worlog remained where he was.

“What are you doing?”

Milogick gripped his pistol hard and broke into a jog.

“I’m going to deliver a message.”

Jan had to admit, it was just about the sharpest bit of jury-rigging he’d seen. Paige wouldn’t have any trouble getting a job with any of his mechanic friends. Arach Raynor would hire her in a second, not just because she was such a proficient mechanic but because she’d brighten the place up with her good looks. And Romanoe would hire her because he enjoyed playing the wise mentor. What that guy didn’t know about starship operations wasn’t worth knowing. Except for telling the difference between Ridley Powcorp power relays and reconditioned Bezzrens…

“So this is ready to transmit?” Jan stood above Himbs, Paige and Terrie, the three of them all sat around the signal booster. Himbs looked up.

“Paige finished wiring it in and I’ve been fine-tuning the wave carrier. This should at least reach the local agent, if not further.” He smiled at Paige. “Your friend here has done an excellent job.”

Paige blushed with embarrassment, and Jan couldn’t help but feel that warm glow of pride again.

“What message do you want to send Captain?” Terrie shuffled around, cross-legged to look up at Jan. “We’ve been out of touch for days now. Glann must assume the worst.”

“Well, I’ve got the correct codes to prove we’re who we say we are. To be honest I’m not sure what to say. What do you think?”

Terrie flashed a quick smile.

“You’re the Captain.”

I sure am. He ground his teeth in thought.

“Who is the local agent?”

“A character called Ocern Gabe. I believe you know him?”

Jan and Himbs exchanged smiles. Ocern Gabe once ran for Duze Jostenn in the days of the Old Republic was one of the oldest operators in the business, and a long-standing friend to both of them. Gabe had been an associate of Glanns since Cipple had begun his operation on Amagad and was one of his most trusted employees. No wonder he was assigned to this particular planet. Jan moved to the pilot’s chair and flicked on the comm. unit.

“Ready to go?” He asked.

Paige nodded.

“Okay then. This is Captain Jan Lomona, transmitting on secure channel Beta 1127. Security identity code TLS732 Alpha. `Flying Banthas Never Sleep’, repeat, `Flying Banthas Never Sleep’. Over?” Static fizzed over the airwaves for a few lingering seconds, and then a voice cut through the silence.

“Lomona? Is that you?”

Jan laughed.

“Who else could it be Gabe? How’s it going?”

Ocern Gabe’s familiar Ishi Tibb laugh echoed from the other end of the line. Jan winked at Paige as they patiently waited for the laughter to subside.

“You won’t believe the bother you’ve caused by losing contact. What the hell happened?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later, but you can tell me what’s going on now.”

“Okay. Firstly, is everyone alright? That gorgeous fiancée of yours still doing her tricks?”

“Please Ocern, there’s children present.” Jan chuckled. “We’re all fine. It’s been a little rough but we’re still here. Now, tell me, what’s going on?”

Ocern sighed.

“Sorry Jan, but I’m going to have to ask to speak to Agent Saffra. Alone.”

Jan sat back in his seat.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a second Gabe. This isn’t the time for military intelligence. Spill it, so we can get on our way.”

Terrie kneeled into an upright position and placed her hand on Jan’s forearm.

“Jan, wait outside. I’ll tell you everything you need to know later.” She smiled a genuine smile. “I promise.”

Jan nodded and rose to his feet, taking Paige by the hand and following Himbs out of the Tailburners cockpit. Terrie secured the door and slid into the warm seat, the hot leather sticking to her bare legs.

“Mister Gabe, this is Agent Saffra. I assume this is about the disk decryption?”

“It is, Agent Saffra.” She ruffled her hair. The early morning heat was rising and moisture was dampening everything.

“Call me Terrie.”

“Very well. As you know, Glanns procedure was to decode the disk in the event of your teams death, therefore moving the operation on.”

Terrie nodded.

“Yes, I was aware of that. I assume Glann believes we’re dead?” More static.

“He does. He activated the decode signal a few hours ago.”

Terrie leaned forward and placed her elbows on her knees. This was bad news. Not only was the operation being jeopardised by their losing contact but they would become legitimate targets for the opposition. The enemy knew as much as they did. “What is your current status?”

Terrie closed her eyes and leaned back again. It was definitely heating up now, her clothing was damp throughout and sweat was pouring from her. The sooner we blast off this hellhole the better.

“Captain Lomona has performed well. He’s been surprisingly little trouble considering the change in mission. Likewise Frans Latka. Agent’s Himbimimam and Shadow Weale have performed impressively. Yesterday however, they were attacked by enemy agents. Himbs sustained terrible wounds but appears to have fully recovered from his physical ordeal.”

“That sounds like Himbs alright.” Interjected Gabe with a wry laugh.

“However, Shadow Weale has fared worse from her attack. She is still traumatised and has remained in her quarters since yesterday. I would suggest getting her to a medical facility soon, before there‘s any permanent damage.”

There was an uncomfortable pause.

“We understood that there was another passenger. A young woman? A-desandian, by the sound of the description. Who is she?”

Terrie bit her lip. She was obliged to tell her contacts everything she knew, including any hunches or conclusions she arrived at herself. Should she say that she thought Paige was Jan’s daughter? After all, it was obvious to everyone but that Gundark-headed smuggler that she was his girl.

“She’s just a passenger travelling out of the sector. Lomona had arranged to take her with him before he accepted the D’Staan mission. I objected at first, but she has turned out to be an invaluable addition to the crew.” Another pause, and this time Terrie knew it had nothing to do with static.

“Understood. We’ll be investigating the matter further, of course.”

“Of course.” Terrie tucked her legs underneath herself. Please, don’t make me lie anymore. Change the subject.

“As of now you have new instructions.”

Terrie frowned. She wasn’t expecting this. As far as she understood they had one more stop-off point and then it was on to Abrogard for the D’Staan deal. What could possibly have gone wrong in their absence to make Glann change their plans?

“New instructions? I understood we were to proceed directly to the third check-in point on Cantarr Bi Romou and then on to the final location?”

“You were, but things are moving very quickly at the moment. Take the Sunrise to Luronsa IV instead. It’s only a day’s travel, less knowing Jan. Send the Tailburner back to Amagad, following these co-ordinates.”

Before her, the comm. unit activated and began feeding information directly into the Tailburners nava-computer. Gabe continued.

“Take a copy of these new instructions. Finish whatever you need to do on Janos and get the hell out. I assume you’re smart enough to realise that the Berone Sunrise has now become a legitimate target for the opposition?”

She smiled a wry smile.

“I do. If the enemy has the location they require then they no longer need to follow us.”

“Exactly. I’ll alert Glanns agents to let him know your team is still active. You know what to do. Good luck Terrie.”

Terrie stood from the chair and peered out of the window.

“Clear Skies. Agent Saffra out.” She thumbed the inter-ship comm. “Captain, could you come to the cockpit now.” Terrie released the lock on the door and seated herself again as the door-slid open, revealing Jan with hands on hips.

“So, Agent Saffra. What did he have to say?”

Terrie raised her eyebrows and motioned to the co-pilots chair.

“Have a seat. You’re not going to like this.”

Milogick motioned silently to Worlog across the narrow gap between the two starships. Stealthily, Worlog scampered to the bottom of the Sunrises ramp and paused. Cocking his head he listened intently. There was hardly any sound coming from the interior of the starship. He shook his head at Milogick - no prey here. Milogick nodded his reply and moved to the ramp of the Tailburner….

“….and this doesn’t bother you? Sue me for being over-sensitive but I’m beginning to think there’s no end to this mission.”

Terrie raised an eyebrow and patted the console.

“I know what you’re saying Captain, but these are our orders…“

“Lady, I don’t take orders. You should have figured that out by now.”

Terrie frowned and stood to her feet again.

“I’m going to say this once. I’m on this mission to do one thing - make sure you get safely to Abrogard and complete the deal with D’Staan. There are other things I’d rather be doing with my time, but here we are. Now stop making everything out to be a problem and let’s get going.”

Jan glared at her for a long moment and saw the intent in her eyes. Of course she’s right. They had all been forced to make the best out of a bad situation, Terrie included. Jan nodded his agreement and sat down.

….Milogick couldn’t believe his luck. Whoever had last entered the Tailburner had neglected to secure the ramp. It was unlocked. With a knowing smile he mimed his actions to Worlog and lowered the ramp….

“What was that?” Himbs queried as he rose to his feet. Paige shuffled closer to Jan as he stood and grabbed his blaster, Terrie doing the same in a swift motion. “Sounded like the ramp opening.”

“Must be Frans.”

Paige stood to check on their visitor but Jan intercepted her.

“Wait.”

Paige frowned.

“What’s up?”

Jan keyed the door release and stepped out into the corridor. It was still dark; Himbs had yet to fix the lighting. There was restricted vision but enough to proceed.

“We don’t know who it is yet. Stick close and stay behind me. I’ll handle this.”

Terrie nodded as Himbs tried to squeeze past.

“Not so fast Agent Himbs, you still need time to recover. We’ll take care of this. Check on Weale.”

Himbs chewed his tongue in thought and realising the logic in Terrie’s request cut left to Weales room. Terrie nudged behind Jan, placing her hand on his shoulder to better follow him in the gloom.

“Is it Frans?”

Jan shook his head slowly.

“No. She’d have let us know it was her by now.” They peered around the corner of the corridor to where the ramp was housed. Two hazy figures could be seen further down, the dust clearing and the sunlight breaking through. It looked like a Hanusshian and a grimy human. Jan ducked back and cursed. Boarders. Damn!

“Unless she’s a shape-shifter it’s not Frans. There’s two of ‘em. I’ve seen the human before.” He whispered. “Works for Tasar. Don’t recognise the Hanusshian though. We’ll have to be careful; Hanusshians can smell out almost anythi”

Jan didn’t manage to finish his sentence as a furry hand whipped from around the wall and connected with the side of his head, knocking him straight to the floor. Terrie stepped back and stood firm for an attack, waving Paige back into the cockpit. Worlog dived across the corridor, obviously expecting a Blaster attack that didn’t come. Terrie swung her leg firmly into his face as he came out of his roll, off-balancing him backwards into a barrel of engine grease. Stunned, the Hanusshian backed away, clambering to his feet to renew his attack.

“I don’t know what you want but you’re not going to get it.” Terrie edged closer, left hand clenched for attack, blaster ready in her right hand. Worlog growled deeply, tensing for action.

“It’s not you I want, it’s Lomona. Hand him over and we’ll let you live.” Milogick yelled from behind the safety of the ramp door. Terrie grinned.

“Sure you will.” She could hear Milogick chuckle. What’s so funny about that?

“I’ve waited a long time for this moment. I’m not going to let some woman with an attitude get in the way of what I want. Now, hand him over.”

Terrie bit off the urge to just blast the pair of them into globules of fat and threw a glance down at the floor where Jan lay. Or at least, where he was lying. The floor was empty. Lomona had gone. She smiled to herself and flicked her blaster to kill.

“I don’t think so. We’ve gone through enough heat on this job as it is already. Another couple of lowlifes won’t stop us. So make like a Hoojib and Pliff off.” Milogick simply laughed louder this time as Worlog scrambled to his side.

“Your choice lady. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I’m saying nothing. You say too much.” Terrie offered a little prayer to her favourite deity and swung around the wall, peppering the ramp entrance with blaster bolts. Worlog and Milogick ducked back, scurrying down the ramp to regroup.

“What now?” Enquired Worlog. Milogick growled.

“I didn’t expect the woman to have so much spunk. We’ll kill her first and then mop up the others after. The Imbam should still be out for the count, and the Shadow Warrior will probably be dead anyway. That just leaves Lomona and his little harem of women. Come on.” Milogick prepared his blaster for deadly intentions and stormed the Tailburner again….

“Himbs. Himbs!” Jan whispered as loud as he could, pressed flat to the floor outside Weales quarters. Her door wasn’t fully closed and Himbs soon appeared.

“Jan? Is that you?”

“Down here!”

Himbimimam frowned and cast his gaze down to the floor where Jan was lying.

“Why are you..?”

“Never mind that, Terrie needs help. Milogick and that Hanusshian from Tasars gang have broken onto the ship.”

“What do they want?”

Jan smiled weakly and raised his hands off the floor.

“Me. Who else?”

Himbs grabbed Jan’s gun belt and hauled him bodily off the deckplates.

“Who else indeed. So what are you going to do?”

“We’re going to take them out and leave Janos as soon as possible. Grab your Blaster and come on.”

Himbs threw a sad glance over his shoulder at Weale who was huddled up, knees clamped to her chest, shivering on the edge of her bed. There was nothing he could do to help her at the moment. But he could think of a few things he’d like to do to Tasars men.

It was too darn hot, and only minutes after getting dressed Frans felt like she needed another shower. And nothing was as refreshing as the shower aboard the Berone Sunrise. Frans thanked fate that her fiancé had the good sense to keep it regularly serviced. Among other things. Her sodden red hair was plastered across her shoulders, reaching down to the middle of her naked back, and she wrung it out over the sink. She caught a reflection of herself in the misted-up mirror and smiled. It was said that A-desandian women improved with age, that the nearer to middle age they approached the more beautiful they became. Frans had no reason to doubt that assumption; she was a devastatingly attractive woman now and was many years away from A-desandian midlife. Time was her ally, and that was fine by her. Frans wrapped the towel around herself and stepped onto the cold deckplates, wincing as she did so.

“Aurran? Aurran, could you get my leggings and boots, this floor is freezing.” She waited for the reply of their ships droid, but it didn’t come. Surprised, she began to move toward the cockpit. Aurran was fastidious about prompt replies; he almost never ignored a request. For him to not answer must have meant there was something wrong.

“In the cockpit, Mistress Latka. I believe you should see this.”

Frans raced up to the front of her ship, knotting the top of towel so her hands were free for action.

“What’s up Aurran, is…” She stopped dead in her tracks. Through the cockpit window she could see Milogick and Worlog re-entering the Tailburner, Blasters raised and firing. Swiftly she snatched the comm. and called.

“Jan? Jan honey, there’s two men breaking into the ship. Looks like - “

“ - I know. Himbs and me are on it. We might need back up. Be ready.” Jan whispered and slid the comm. unit back into his pocket. “Women. Never shut up when you want them to, but when they want to say something….”

Himbs pointed ahead. They had reached the intersection where the ramp had opened and the firefight had begun. Terrie was nowhere to be seen, but Worlog and Milogick could be seen searching around for a sign of her. Or anyone. The Tailburner had just become a ghost ship….

Ghost ship? Jan had an idea, and he pulled out his comm. unit again.

“Paige, patch me through to the ships comm. system.” He whispered. He didn’t bother waiting for the reply. He knew the girl well enough to know that such a simple request didn’t require one. Closing his eyes he took a shallow breath.

“Looking for me?”

The two intruders spun around at the sound of Jan’s voice echoing out of the comm. system. Blasters ready for the kill. But Lomona wasn’t there, just more shadows. Milogick checked Worlogs reaction but he was lost in concentration, sniffing the air for a scent.

“It’s him. Lomonas here. And he’s on the move.”

Milogick nodded and stepped forward.

“We know it’s you Lomona. Come out and spare your friends the pain of a slow death. I have a speeder full of loyal men waiting for me at the ridge, don’t make me call for them. That would be most unfortunate for you. And your women.” He checked around again. Nothing but shadows. “This game of hide and seek isn’t clever Lomona. Give it up…”

“My sentiments exactly. Drop your guns.”

Milogick and Worlog froze, lowering their blasters as they edged around to face Jan. And Himbs. And Terrie, with Frans treading up the ramp behind her still wrapped in her towel. Milogick had a sickly sweet smile on his face, as insincere as an Imperial Tax Collector. How in the Rings of Fornax had he got there so damn fast? Then he spotted the floor panel just around the corner. Lomona must have scurried down it and got outside the ship. Worlogs face, however, was a mask of fear. He knew something that Milogick didn’t.

“Fair catch Lomona. Now, are you going to let us go or are we going to have to fight it out again?”

Jan shook his head, twirling the blaster around on his index finger.

“I don’t think so. Fact of the matter is I’m leaving soon. But before I go I need to ask a couple of questions.”

Milogick shrugged his shoulders.

“Fire away….metaphorically speaking.”

“First - what’s the location of the third planet we’re travelling to?”

Milogick glanced at Worlog whose attention was focused almost entirely on Himbs.

“Soluman. In the Soluman Delta Gulf. Why do you ask?”

Jan motioned at Terrie, who was nodding menacingly. Finally, Jan knew the location of the famed third planet, where the disk said they were travelling to. Even if they weren’t.

“Oh, no reason. It’s just that Glanns agent here would like to know what you know, that’s all. And secondly….” Jan trailed off, leaving Milogick twitching uncomfortably.

“Yes? What?” His self-assured confidence was rapidly draining away, much to Jan’s satisfaction.

“Why did you come back? To this landing pad I mean? We knew you were here last night, but when the disk was decoded you must have been ordered to pull out and regroup somewhere else. I want to know why you came back. For me?”

Milogick looked away as Jan smirked.

“Be honest with me Milogick. It might be your only chance.”

Milogick snarled angrily.

“Yeah, I came back for you Lomona. I came back to wipe that self-satisfied, smug grin off your smirking A-desandian face. Permanently. Satisfied?”

Jan nodded, holstering his blaster and taking Frans by the hand.

“I’m perfectly satisfied. But we’ve gotta go now. Places to go, things to do. Give my regards t