Chapter 6: Nar Shaddaa

Note: I was hoping to pick up a new fan base when I guided this story over into the Movie category. Didn’t work out that way.

When the Ebon Hawk touched down on Nar Shaddaa the crew gathered around the view screen to wait for assignments.

“Mister Dickson. Who will you need to negotiate fuel to Citadel Station?” Qinn’Tarra asked Dickson, taking charge of the meeting.

“I will need Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi. Their skills with their tongues far surpass ours.” Dickson told the former Jedi General.

Qinn‘Tarra nodded, dismissing the three to get ready for their assignment. “Good. Then Bao-Dur, and Kreia are with me. Atton, Mission, T3, and CD will watch the ship while we take care of this quickly. Let’s gear up.” She told the rest of the group.

Dickson was in the cabin he was sharing with Bao-Dur, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon getting his sword and two blaster pistols ready for his journey when Bao-Dur walked in.

“So where did you get the Maintenance Droid?” Bao said as he picked up his own blaster out of his chest.

“On Taris. It was an R-8009 Utility Droid until I took off the repulsor lifts and added wheels. I upgraded a bunch of systems. Now the little bugger can clean, do maintenance, has a bigger hard drive, and even understand Huttese. He’s even been programmed with the personality quirks of old T3. He and T3 were communicating earlier about old times on the Hawk.” Dickson explained as he began shining Deliverance. “How’s your HK-47 Project coming?” he asked his bunkmate.

Bao had just put his rifle on his hip and was picking out a sword when he answered. “It is going well. Our time in hyperspace gave me the chance to put everything the into HK-47 that it was missing and upgrade certain systems. I even activated his backup memory core. Touchy thing that was.” he answered as he attached the sword to his other hip.

“Impressive. That droid was built by Revan as a Sith Assassin Droid. If you could activate that without destroying him you are even better than I thought.” Dickson said with a grin. “After we get done here I’ll let Atton take off and we can activate him.” he concluded to Bao.

“Sounds good to me.” Bao responded as the two walked out of the room and toward their assignments.

When the two groups got everything they were going to take on their respective trips they met at the bottom of the Ebon Hawk boarding ramp.

“So. We all have our assignments. We’ll go look for Zez-Kai Ell and you will go secure fuel for Telos.” Qinn’Tarra reiterated to the collective group.

“Alright. Let’s head out gentlemen.” Dickson said prompting the two Jedi to follow him into Nar Shaddaa.

“So we are dealing with a Hutt.” Qui-Gon said not surprised.

“Yes we are. Vogga is one of the biggest engine grade fuel dealers in the galaxy. I spoke with Lieutenant Grenn earlier and he gave us authority to negotiate on his behalf.” Dickson replied.

“So I am to negotiate with the Hutt to send fuel to Citadel Station. Most intriguing prospect.” Qui-Gon told Dickson as they walked.

“Indeed it is my friend. Indeed it is.” Dickson replied.

“Just remember, Vogga wants Goto dead. That is your trump card.” Dickson explained.

“Noted.” Qui-Gon answered.

“So if you only need Master Qui-Gon why am I here?” Obi-Wan asked Dickson as he fell into step with his master.

“To learn how to deal with a Hutt of course. A most useful skill in any century.” Dickson replied.

“Indeed it is. I expect you to pay attention Obi-Wan, this could save your life one day.” Qui-Gon told his padawan.

“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan replied as they entered the area that housed the Hutt they were looking for.

When the three men reached the Hutt entrance they were initially stopped by a Rodian guard.

“We are here to see Vogga.” Qui-Gon announced.

“Vogga say NO visitors!” The Rodian told them.

“We are here to discuss the hijacking of Vogga’s transports by Goto. I believe we may be able to be of some assistance.” Qui-Gon told the Rodian.

“If you do not come out it is no fault of mine!” The Rodian emphasized before opening the door for the three men to enter.

When they entered the room Qui-Gon took the lead. “Mighty Vogga. We come on behalf of the people of Telos. As you may have heard the Peragus Mining Facility was recently destroyed and they are in need of fuel.” Qui-Gon began.

In response the Hutt let out a mighty laugh before speaking. “I can not help you humans. The Exchange slime Goto hijacks my freighters. No oil leaves this planet.” Vogga told the group.

“Perhaps we can come to a compromise. A consistent flow of fuel to Telos for let’s say Goto.” Qui-Gon proposed.

The Hut sat there for a second before answering. “Bring me Goto or kill him and Telos will have it’s fuel.” Vogga agreed before dismissing the three.

When Dickson, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon got back to the Ebon Hawk they saw that the other group had yet to return. The three of them swiftly went up the ramp but unlike the others who went to the main hold to discuss their success Dickson immediately went to the communications room.

“So. You get the fuel?” Atton asked.

“Unfortunately no. Not yet anyway. We need to find a way to destroy Goto. Then we will have our fuel.” Qui-Gon responded.

“Well that should be easy. Why didn’t that pathetic ex-general in there just point a blaster to the slug’s head? Maybe then some good would have come out of your meeting!” Atton told the others that were in the room.

“Hey! Don’t you talk about Joe like that!” Mission yelled before stomping Atton’s foot and punching him in the jaw knocking him down causing Obi-Wan to chuckle and Qui-Gon to stroke his beard.

“Mission, you know anger leads to the Dark Side.” Qui-Gon reminded.

Mission just grinned. “No. Uncontrolled emotion can lead to the Dark Side. Controlled emotion gives us strength Master Jinn.” she corrected by reciting the lesson Jolee had taught her.

Before Qui-Gon could respond to the rebuttal Bao-Dur, Qinn’Tarra, and Kreia walked into the hold.

“Progress Report.” Qui-Gon asked the group of three.

“Well, we managed to kill every living member of the Sereco gang and anger the Exchange. If nothing else we should be able to drive the Exchange off Nar Shaddaa.” Qinn’Tarra told Qui-Gon.

“And how foretell do you intend on doing that.” Kreia asked snidely.

Before Qinn’Tarra could answer Dickson walked into the room. “Bao and I can do that. Just give us about five minutes and we will have your answer.” Dickson told everyone before leading he and Bao-Dur to the garage.

A few minutes later everyone was standing around chatting when Bao-Dur and Dickson re-emerged.

“Ladies and gentlemen may I present to you our favorite overbearing, homicidal, badass, HK-47!” Dickson announced proudly causing the room to grow silent as HK-47 walked into the room.

“You’re letting that thing loose on this ship! You’re crazier than I thought!” Atton yelled at Dickson not liking where the whole trip was going.

“HK and I go back a long ways Atton. Now that I am his master you haven’t a thing to worry about.” Dickson told Atton.

“Is that the same thing you told your wife before she died!” Atton yelled.

Before anyone could move Dickson had Atton against the wall secured by the throat. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan immediately went over and tried to pull Dickson off of the smuggler without success. Atton’s face was getting redder by the second as he was quickly losing his air supply.

Next to come over was Bao-Dur. Bao-Dur quickly grabbed Dickson and successfully pulled him off. Atton was now on his hands and knees wheezing, and coughing as he tried to breath air back into his depleted lungs. Unfortunately for Atton however Dickson broke loose from the group and gave him a mighty kick to the ribs. Everyone in the room could hear the crack as Atton rolled onto his back holding his midsection.

Before Dickson could come down onto Atton’s head with the fist he had raised Bao-Dur and Qui-Gon tackled him to the ground. Obi-Wan and Mission quickly walked over and picked Atton up off the ground and carried him to med bay while the other men kept Dickson on the floor. Dickson was struggling but due to the combined bulk of the large Zabrak and the Jedi Dickson was pinned.

After several minutes of struggling Dickson finally stopped. Qui-Gon was the first to get up followed by Bao-Dur. When Dickson got up he immediately went to his dorm and grabbed his explosives and Triple Threat Rifle before going back to the main hold.

“HK, you ready to work out some frustration.” Dickson asked the droid.

“Excited Response: Of course, Master. I am sure you are at least still as effective as you were five years ago.” HK spouted proudly.

Dickson didn’t even crack a small grin as he led HK-47 out of the Ebon Hawk and toward the Refugee sector.

“That is definitely not a good sign is it?” Qui-Gon asked Bao as he straitened his robes.

Bao shook his head. “No my friend. I am afraid it is not. If you hear explosions you know they came from those two.” he told the Jedi Master.

“In that case, let us go check on the injured. I believe my Padawan is learning how to heal broken bones.” Qui-Gon told Bao before walking off toward medical.

When Qui-Gon and Bao entered Obi-Wan had just finished repairing one of Atton’s broken ribs and was exhausted, leaving Mission to complete the healing.

Obi-Wan wiped the sweat off of his forehead and turned to Qui-Gon. “You know Master. After we get back I am going to spend time in the healers ward.” Obi-Wan told his master.

“A very wise decision Obi-Wan. Now you should rest. You have done more than enough training for this week. The rest of the day is yours to do as you see fit.” Qui-Gon told his Padawan and receiving a bow in response.

After Obi-Wan left Bao turned to Qui-Gon and spoke. “A fine padawan you have there. His eagerness to learn is commendable.” Bao told his friend.

“Yes he is. He has even been putting more effort into his meditations lately. I foresee he will become a great Jedi one day.” Qui-Gon responded.

Bao just nodded as the two men watched Mission complete the healing of Atton’s injuries. This day was just beginning.

A couple hours later T3 wheeled into the room where everyone except Atton was sitting. Atton was still laying on the bed in med bay recovering from his injuries and no one had heard from Dickson or HK since they had left.

“What is it little guy?” Mission asked from where she was sitting.

T3 whirled around before stopping in the middle of the group and showing the hologram that was broadcast to him. “I am Visquis, representative of the local Exchange here on Nar Shaddaa. I have a proposal for the Jedi Exile. Meet me in the private room of the Jek-Jek Tar for …WHAT IS GOING ON!” the transmission yelled.

The transmission then rattled as an explosion was heard. Next thing the group heard was the unmistakable voice of HK-47. “Statement: My master tells me you are no longer of use to the galactic society. Excited Statement: Say hello to eternity, meatbag!” that was the last thing the group heard before blaster shots and saw Visquis fall dead.

“HK! Set the charges!” They heard Dickson yell over the still recording system.

Seconds later an explosion could be heard ripping over Nar Shaddaa.

The entire room was in shock. Dickson and HK-47 had dismantled the Exchange on the planet and blown up the Jek-Jek Tar.

“I felt no life die here except for Visquis. He must have gotten everyone out before he blew the building.” Qui-Gon told the rest of the group.

“I agree Master Jinn. It seems that he has ulterior motives. Perhaps driving the Exchange off Nar Shaddaa will help him cope in some way for the loss he has suffered.” Kreia responded.

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t endanger the mission.” Qinn’Tarra stated.

Kreia turned to Qinn’Tarra before speaking. “Perhaps not. I have known this man for many years. He would never endanger a mission to repair his own personal pain. Perhaps he is making our trek easier, we just can not at the moment see how.” she announced.

“Yea. Joe has some pretty bizarre ways of doing things but it always works out. It will this time too. You’ll see.” Mission said confidently.

I hope so Mission.” Qinn’Tarra responded before walking off.

Two hours later Dickson walked onto the Ebon Hawk with HK-47 on his heals.

“HK. Program Vogga’s ID signature into the Ebon Hawk Computer.” Dickson said to the droid who immediately complied.

Next he turned to Qinn‘Tarra. “Qinn’Tarra the Exchange is toast here on Nar Shaddaa. All there is left is to find Goto. I got the transponder code to one of Vogga’s ships. You should be able to take a team and board after we are taken in. Also there is an old Jedi Master waiting outside the ship for you.” he explained to his team leader.

Qinn’Tarra nodded and swiftly walked outside of the ship to see the old Jedi Master.

“Did you work out your frustrations?” Qui-Gon asked coming from the cockpit.

Dickson turned to him with a grin. “Yes I did. And in the mean time I freed the people of Nar Shaddaa from the Exchange. I may go a little overboard at times but I get the job done.” he explained as he sat down.

“I see. You’re methods are quite rough, but it seems you do get the job done.” Qui-Gon told him.

“I do what I must. Something any Jedi should do. As long as I do what I feel in my heart is right why should I care what anyone else thinks about it. I will always be able to look myself in the mirror and say I did what was right.” Dickson told Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon nodded knowing that he could not dissuade the other man from his position on the subject. Instead he went back to his bunk to prepare for if he was chosen to go into battle upon Goto‘s yacht.

When Qinn’Tarra got back on board after speaking with Zez-Kai Ell Dickson went to the cockpit and started the startup sequence for the Hawk. After the Ebon Hawk became air born Qinn’Tarra called a meeting of the crew minus Dickson who had declined an invitation to join the mission on board Goto’s Yacht.

“Alright. Let’s make this short. We’re going onto Goto’s Yacht with the single purpose in mind; to destroy it. Now, I’m going to need two volunteers to go with me onto the yacht to blow it up. Who’s with me?” Qinn’Tarra said hoping to get a good combination.

“Count me in. Joe and Bastila never let’s me blow anything up.” Mission said happily.

“I too will go. I have a feeling it will be essential to have at least two lightsabers on this mission.” Qui-Gon added in.

Before anyone else could speak there was a jolt and Dickson yelled from the cockpit that they were caught in a tractor beam. Qui-Gon, Mission, and Qinn’Tarra were going in.

Qui-Gon was the first to enter and was immediately met by blaster fire causing him to draw his green blade to deflect the two droid’s blaster fire. Next was Mission who immediately drew her own violet blade and joined Qui-Gon in redirecting blaster fire. Qinn’Tarra was next and came in blaster firing as she took down both droids.

The further into the Visionary that the group of three went the more resistance they saw. They were confronted by combat droids and auto turrets all the way to the control room. Once the group got to the control room Mission quickly set out to disable the cloaking mechanism. Unfortunately the power module was on lockdown and she couldn’t disable the cloak. Instead she powered all systems over to the secondary power system and took her lightsaber and sliced through both control panels. As the panels blew up it disabled all main power, disabling the cloaking device and setting off sparks and alarms all over the ship.

“Great. This should be fun.” Mission said as she started jogging out of the room.

Qui-Gon who was following closely behind raised his eyebrows. “I must say I do not agree with your idea of fun.” he responded evenly.

“Could we talk about this later. We have Bounty hunters!” Qinn’Tarra told them as the Twin Sun sisters stepped in their way.

“Well, here we go again.” Mission said before she charged.

Qui-Gon quickly followed suit and as lightsabers met batons the fight for survival was on.

After the three of them were on board Qui-Gon yelled for the ship to disembark. Dickson immediately complied breaking the Ebon Hawk away from the Visionary’s docking clamps. Immediately the crew looked outside the viewing ports and saw that the Visionary was being bombarded be a countless number of smaller ships. Within moments the ship was in pieces.

The three person group were now exhausted. Fighting the droids would have been a time consuming yet simple task, however the bounty hunters were not as simple as droids. On the way back the group met many bounty hunters whom were left either dead or dieing. Now with the ship destroyed including all on board Qui-Gon felt a small pang of guilt for what had to be done. However he released that guilt into the Force and decided to go check on Obi-Wan.

After Qui-Gon checked on the still sleeping Obi-Wan he decided to go to the cockpit. When he got there he saw Qinn’Tarra and Dickson laying out what looked like ground rules to a hologram.

“You do not, I repeat DO NOT reprogram any of my droids. If I find you have tampered with any of my three droids I will shoot your ass out the airlock do you understand me Goto.” Qui-Gon heard Dickson tell the hologram.

“Completely.” Qui-Gon heard the hologram say back.

“And while your droid is traveling with us it will follow commands from myself, Dickson, Mission, Master Qui-Gon, and Bao-Dur. If you don’t I will tell Dickson and he will shoot you out the air lock.” he heard Qinn’Tarra explain.

“And if you even think of messing with my ship I will personally leave you activated while I dismantle you piece by piece, by bloody piece. Do you understand us Goto?” he heard Dickson demand of the droid.

“Yes. And you have my word I will not interfere in your business with Vogga the Hutt. It is now a necessity that he be allowed to send fuel to Telos; regardless of how I feel about the situation.” Goto responded.

“Good. The Republic still may yet need your services so don’t do anything to get your droid blown up Goto.” Dickson told the hologram.

“Indeed that would be most unfortunate.” Goto responded.

“Getting fuel from the Hutts, deals with crime bosses, things in this time were more severe than those in the future ever realized.” Qui-Gon thought as he left the cockpit area.

After the Ebon Hawk landed back on Nar Shaddaa Dickson and Qui-Gon went to see Vogga to finalize the deal for fuel to Telos. After they returned the crew including the recently awakened Atton and Obi-Wan met in the main hold to determine where to go next.

“Well, Nar Shaddaa down, which glorious Jedi Master that likes neither of us would you like to find now oh fearless leader.” Dickson asked Qinn’Tarra from his place beside Mission and Bao-Dur.

“Well. I would really like a new lightsaber but I have a feeling if we go to Dantooine we will be there for a while. So let’s go see Master Kavar on Onderon.” Qinn’Tarra told the pilot who nodded and headed off to set in the coordinates.

Note: Next Stop…Onderon.