Star Wars: Traits Of Descent

by Madman007

  Chapter Two

  Coruscant Mon Mothma's New Republic office

  The room was serene, which echoed the same nature of the figure who occupied the office. It offered a wide view of the constant motion of Coruscant traffic on the other side of the transparisteel wall. The office had little else in the way of decor. No sculpture. No paintings. Not even one holo of a loved one on the desk. Most others would comment on the impersonal aspect to Mon Mothma. Luke Skywalker knew that it was just part of her no frills attitude.

  Luke and Corran Horn had come into her office after her assistant had let them in. They each had been summoned individually on the previous day by the Chief of State. The meeting's subject had yet to be determined. Corran had enough instinct in his CorSec background to guess. He read HoloNet news. He knew why he was summoned. He pondered why Luke had been called concerning a killing spree of criminals.

  Mon Mothma's assistant led them inside and directed them to the two seats opposite the Chief of States desk. Each man sat down before nodding to Mon Mothma as she stood in greeting. She addressed her assistant. "Thank you, Miria, that will be all. Please hold all of my calls until we are finished. And, Miria, if anyone asks, I am in an important Senate meeting."

  Miria answered before she disappeared behind the sliding doors, "Understood, Miss."

  Mon Mothma addressed the men as she sat in her seat behind her desk. "I want to thank you both for interrupting your busy schedules to meet with me"

  Luke gave a nod and said, "It's no problem. I have all the trust in Tionne and Streen as substitute teachers."

  "I have no doubt," she answered. "I will get to the point. As you may or may not suspect, I need an important favor to ask of you both. I'm not sure how well versed you are in current events, but one in particular has been brought to my attention."

  Corran spoke in turn. "You're talking about the murders on Nal Hutta the other night."

  "Correct. How much do you know?"

  Corran shrugged. "Some thugs and their boss were cut down by a vigilante. Cut and dry, if you ask me."

  Mon Mothma turned to Luke to ask what he had heard.

  Luke stirred in his seat and was almost embarrassed to answer, "I'm sorry, I really didn't get a chance to get any details. A Twi-Lek student of mine did mention something about it yesterday. One of his relatives lives in the suburb where that tapcaf is. I usually don't have time to catch up on the latest murders across the galaxy." Luke winced. "Sorry if that sounded patronizing."

  Mon Mothma smiled sweetly. "I understand. As you are both somewhat familiar with the official report, let me fill you in on the unofficial. This vigilante, as Corran called him, was not after a random leader of a nefarious gang. The leader who was murdered was a former Black Sun Vigo. The weapon used on him was a lightsaber."

  Both Luke's and Corran's ears perked up. Corran commented first. "Is that so? That explains the lack of truth surrounding the whole mess. Not that Nal Huttan authorities are all that truthful, anyway."

  Mon Mothma replied, "Nal Huttan security had gone to extreme lengths to keep that out of the HoloNet."

  Luke questioned, "Are they sure it was a lightsaber?"

  Mon Mothma stated grimly, "Cauterized wounds. No blood spilled."

  Corran noted, "I thought that didn't happen with Defels. Their blood is too thin to be cauterized or something."

  She replied, "The Defel was not killed by lightsaber. He and the two WeeQuays were simply cut down with a vibroblade."

  Corran noted, "It takes more than one vibroblade to take down a Wraith."

  Luke ignored Corran's comment and stated in deduction, "The Vigo was special. So, you believe there is a Jedi out there killing former members of Black Sun. The only evidence is the use of a lightsaber."

  Mon Mothma's brow lowered. "Isn't that the primary weapon of the Jedi?"

  "For the most part. Although, it can still be a weapon even in non Jedi hands. Han himself had to use mine in an emergency once."

  Corran mumbled, "Hope you were out of his range."

  "Actually, I was almost freezing to death and semi conscious." He eyed Corran with a look that translated into his unwillingness to tolerate Corran's humor at the moment. Luke faced the Chief of State again. "Am I to assume that you chose us to start an investigation?"

  Mon Mothma nodded. "It would be a terrible thing if we had a citizen using different methods to take out former members of Black Sun. And an even worse situation if it was a rouge Jedi."

  Luke thought of her words. This was the part about being a Jedi that Luke considered to be subjective. The Jedi of the Old Republic had called themselves the guardians of peace and justice. So far in Luke's short time as a Jedi, there was more emphasis on keeping the peace in the galaxy. Keeping justice was another matter to contend with. It was an aspect that Luke had been unfamiliar with. He did act as a mediator while he was in the thrall of the clone of Jedi Master C'Boath. Yet, that had been CBoath's version of his own justice, which did not resemble the Jedi's definition. The current Jedi Council had mulled over countless times as to what justice meant. Especially with the recent situation with the crimes that Kyp Durron had committed.

  Luke asked her, "You're not wrong that it would be a bad situation either way. Yet, who's to say there wasn't a specific reason why that Vigo was the target? Suppose it was at random."

  Mon Mothma asked, "Are you willing to take that risk?"

  In his mind, Luke thought of all the Dark Jedi he had encountered in his life. Exar Kun. The clone of C'Boath. Emperor Palpatine. Darth Vader. All had been a threat to the Jedi. None had ever been a direct threat to regular citizens of the galaxy. Luke didn't want to imagine the danger if any one of them had gone on a killing spree of just anyone. Why would they? They would be too easy of a target. Luke nodded to Mon Mothma. "No, we can't risk it. Are there anymore former Vigo still alive?"

  Mon Mothma smiled at Luke's forward thinking. "Yes, we compiled a list."

  Corran interjected, "Which I'm sure Y'ull Aab was so willing to give to you."

  Mon Mothma countered, "Despite his defeat against the Imperial remnant, Y'ull Aab was cooperative with New Republic agents."

  Corran sneered. "From whom he receives a healthy supply of ships. It's so nice to know that the New Republic is feeding that maniac's dream of reforming Black Nebula."

  The Chief of State shot back, "Not a feeding. An incentive. Now, do I have both of your agreements that this has to be researched?"

  Luke gave his unspoken approval, but Corran crimped his brow. He addressed Luke more than the Chief of State. "Is that it? Just like that and the Jedi are reduced to a police force?"

  Luke replied calmly, "If there's a threat to the public, Jedi or non Jedi, we have to investigate this."

  Corran quipped, "It's only a threat to the scum of the galaxy. I say let him finish his job."

  While Mon Mothma stirred uncomfortably at this reply, Luke stayed neutral and calm.

  Corran cried, "You knew I would react like this, Luke. I've spent more than half my life chasing and arresting this scum. And now someone starts killing them and you want me to care enough to investigate?"

  Luke uttered, "If we allow this person to keep killing innocents then we are no better than him."

  "Better to be rid of them than to have actual innocents murdered."

  This time, Mon Mothma spoke. "Would you rather have the blood of vengeance on your hands than the rights of justice? I had hoped, Corran, that your Jedi training would have taught you better than that."

  Corran shot back, "I'm no longer a Jedi."

  Mon Mothma replied, "Some part of you will always be a Jedi. I expected more from you, Corran." She turned to Luke. "Will this present a problem in working with him?"

  Luke shrugged. "Not in the slightest. Corran and I have come to terms on his leaving the academy. With all that happened this past year with his wife kidnapped and what happened to Kyp Durron, I thought it best to allow Corran choose his own path. And he chose."
/>
  Mon Mothma said sourly, "I suppose I shouldn't judge. I am leaving by my own choice as well."

  "That is not your choice. Your illness decided that for you," Corran noted.

  "Discreetly put. Now, since this will most likely be the last mission I will give you, are you in, Corran?"

  "On one condition," Corran requested. "I go into this as a former CorSec officer, not as a Jedi."

  "I'd expect nothing less," was her answer. She looked on a nearby datapad and announced, "I have made arrangements to secure the crime scene for seventy two standard hours starting yesterday."

  "That doesn't give us much time," Luke figured.

  "I'm sorry it couldn't be more."

  Corran mentioned, "That's no small feat with Nal Hutta officials."

  Mon Mothma beamed as proudly as she could without showing any indication of how much her illness had taken its toll on her. "You forget who you're dealing with. I simply hinted at the loss of their trade routes through the Inner Core."

  Corran smirked. "Which hinted at the loss in their pocketbooks. Well played. Now I can see why you're Chief Of State."

  "Not for long. Leia will be taking over at the end of this month. My reign is over."

  Luke assured, "And we are proud to serve you until that time. Anything else that may give us a lead?"

  "There is. It was something I wanted to wait until you both agreed before I told you. There is a witness."

  Luke gasped, "A witness? Someone who watched the murders? That's strange."

  Corran followed up with, "He was kept alive so could tell the tale."

  Mon Mothma stated, "That's what we believe. As you can surmise, this was no ordinary murder. There was a purpose here. This act was done by someone who has a grudge against Black Sun."

  Corran quipped, "Who doesn't? All we have to do is make a list of Black Sun's enemies. It'll be easier to find a Jawa at a Tuskin Raider convention."

  Luke replied dryly, "Thanks for the Tatooine allusion."

  "Anytime."

  Mon Mothma cleared her throat to get their attention. As they both straightened and rid themselves of humor, Luke made note that though she had been weakened by her illness during her tiring duty as Chief of State, Mon Mothma was still all business.

  She went on. "I trust in both of your methods of investigation. You are permitted to use any source at your discretion. Truthfully, I dont want to know the sources. I only want the news that a rouge Jedi or a civilian madman's killing spree is over."

  "I understand," Luke said as he lifted himself out of his seat, sensing the meeting to be over. Corran did the same as he nodded to her but she stopped him.

  She said sternly to him, "I sincerely hope that you and our Jedi Master can work in tandem together without allowing any differences get in the way."

  Corran answered, "You have my assurance that they won't."

  New Republic shuttle Space Run en route to Nal Hutta

  Both Luke and Corran thought it best that they charter a New Republic shuttle rather than arrive on Nal Hutta in each of their own starships. That way it would look more official to the Nal Huttans as well as more intimidating. It was a way to show the Nal Huttan security that it was the New Republic and not just the Jedi who were deeply involved.

  The two men had made their respective arrangements for at least a standard week of absence from their duties. Luke assigned Tionne to be in charge of the academy while she and Streen could take over lessons. They hadn't had many students in the past months, more likely from the events surrounding Kyp Durron scaring potentials off. Luke hoped that will change over time. Tionne and Streen would only be dealing with established students.

  It was much easier for Corran to arrange for a leave of absence from Rouge Squadron. All he had to do was mention to Wedge two separate phrases. Jedi mission and Luke Skywalker. Wedge understood the higher priority over Rouge drills. Corran had suspected that since the Rouges had been involved with two major factions in the past year, the Kyp Durron crisis and the attack on the Jedi Praxeum by Desann, Wedge had wanted to give the squadron a break anyway.

  When he told Wedge he was joining Luke in an investigation into the murders on Nal Hutta, Wedge almost felt sorry for Corran because it didn't seem like a vacation. Corran could never tell Wedge, nor admit fully to Luke, that investigating was more of a break to Corran than being a Jedi or a Rouge. Detective work made Corran feel like he was back home.

  After Luke set up the coordinates into the navi computer for the hyperspace jump, Corran admired the Jedi's virtuosity as a skilled pilot even in the mundane acts. The instinct was so natural. Corran often wondered if Luke had never realized his potential as a Jedi, how powerful would he be as a member of Rouge Squadron.

  Suddenly, Luke spoke from the captain's chair nearby Corran, "It would never work. Wedge would never let me overshadow him."

  Corran sighed deep and scoffed, "Is it too much to ask for you to stay out of my mind, Master?"

  Luke shrugged, "If you can stop projecting so loudly."

  Corran admitted, "I guess my mind has drifted more lately."

  "It's had a lot to process in the past year."

  Not wanting to go into the details, Corran made note to Luke, "You do realize that we may be the pawns in this charade of an investigation."

  "I don't get that sense in this."

  "Not yet, you don't. Chief of States don't send two representatives of the Jedi Order, former or current, to investigate murdered scum on Nal Hutta."

  "Unless there was a specific reason. In this case there is."

  Because a lightsaber was used? Like you told her, anyone can wield a lightsaber."

  "We have to know either way, Corran."

  "And if it's not a dark Jedi, do we still investigate? I don't know about you, but I can't feel anything dark since Kyp."

  "Kyp?" Luke eyed Corran.

  "Exar Kun, I mean. Do you feel anything out there that could be a Dark Jedi?"

  After a moment of reflection, Luke replied, "No. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be researched. Dark Jedi or citizen, this person is killing in cold blood."

  "Correction. He's killing known criminals."

  "So criminals have no rights?"

  "As a former CorSec agent, I won't even dignify that with an answer."

  "How about as a former Jedi?" Luke shot back.

  Corran noticed the Jedi Master trying to avoid making eye contact with him. Luke simply stared ahead at the molted star lines with a neutral expression. Corran then stated, "I'll remind you that the condition I gave Mon Mothma also applies to you as well."

  "Of course," answered Luke in his famous I Know More Than You Believe tone. "I am grateful that you came with me, Corran, despite our differences. I do regard your CorSec experience highly."

  "Speaking of which, let me handle the Nal Huttan authorities. They're a bit touchy with investigations not conducted by them. They get nervous when they're under the microscope with not only Jedi, but the Master Jedi looking on. If Retnir N'ros is still head of NalHut Security, it'll be a wonder if there's anything left of the crime scene."

  Luke assured, "Mon Mothma's threat was veiled, but no less valid. At least for seventy two standard hours." Luke glanced at the chrono on the shuttle's console. "Make that fifty two hours."

  Corran chuckled and wondered aloud, "Maybe we can tell them she meant three days on Nal Hutta's solar schedule. What is a day there, eighty seven hours?"

  Luke answered sourly, "I doubt they would fall for that old smuggler's trick."

  "I suppose not." Corran hesitated bringing his next subject up to Luke, but he had to. "You know we could use a direct source on Black Sun. Or, at least, Black Nebula."

  "Are there any direct sources left? Didn't they kill themselves off in some kind of suicide pact?"

  "That was never proven. More like they got so angry at each other as to who would take over that they ended up killing themselves. Still, there may have been some who didn't make that meeting. Or may no
t have been in power enough to be a Vigo. This Rousch that was killed...I read his bio and there would have been no way he would made Vigo back in Xizor's day. Still, even if there are no former members left, there could be plenty of historians. I was kind of thinking of someone who has direct knowledge of how their organization worked from the inside."

  "Yes, I thought about Karrde."

  Corran chuckled, "Right street, Luke. Wrong block."

  Luke straightened and said sternly, "I'm not asking Mara to help us, Corran."

  "Oh, so you're going to ignore the fact that she brought down Black Nebula with her assassination of Dequc."

  "That was never official."

  "When is anything official where Mara Jade is concerned?"

  "Mara Jade is only concerned with people who can benefit her needs alone."

  "You don't believe that. You two make a great team together."

  Luke almost laughed aloud when he said, "I'll file that remark under comedy, Corran."

  Corran smiled, sensing not only Luke's want to change the subject, but also an underlying current of regret. Corran couldn't read enough of the Jedi Master to find out what it was, but he knew it was more than just failure. He ended the conversation with, "Whatever you say, Master." He paused and said, "I still say there is more to this than just the murders."

  "I agree. We won't know anything more until we search the scene and speak to the witness."

  "Maybe. Tell you what, whoever is running around killing former Vigo from Black Sun has a huge pair of gugistu."

  Luke flashed at Corran beside him with a grin. "Did you just say..."

  "Ah, you didn't think I knew a bit of Huttese, did you?"

  "Right." Luke stared at him for a long pause and said, "Found a book of Huttese slang?"

  "Pretty much."

  Nal Hutta Tapcaf crime scene

  It was always cold on Nal Hutta for Corran. It didn't matter what season it was, he could always feel the coldness in the system's air. He could never decide if the source was the constant wind or the cold blood of creatures who would kill you without a moment's pause.

  They had landed in a secured space port pad as directed by NalHut officials. Retnir N'ros was, in fact, still head of NalHut Security. As one who hailed from Malestare, Retnir had an automatic mistrust of all other officials in power besides his own. That distrust had doubled for Corran Horn since he had been CorSec. As Corran exited the shuttle ramp before Luke and saw Retnir standing with two of his troops and his bronze protocol droid, he could see that same distrust on his three eyed face. He greeted them through his translator droid and went on to explain procedures. The gist was that they had secured the tapcaf from the public since the bodies had been found. The insides of the tapcaf had been untouched except for removing the bodies.

  They proceeded to the tapcaf by speeder. It had been sectioned off by low density laser barriers. If anyone would try to cross over them, they would receive a small burn that a bacta patch could handle. They also would be discouraged to attempt to cross the barrier again. Once they approached, Retnir announced through his droid that per the Chief of State's orders, he and his troops were not allowed to go in with Corran and Luke to avoid being biased. They were simply there to ask any questions.

  Luke started in immediately with a question. "Was there any indication as to what the nature of their meeting was? I read the report of the projected time of their death and it was at a time when the tapcaf would have been closed."

  Retnir rumbled in his language and the droid was silent. Corran figured it was language that was not to be repeated. Instead, the droid translated an obvious pat answer. "We do not know what goes on in my jurisdiction. I am sure that whatever they were doing after hours, their actions were not condoned by myself or the public."

  Knowing that it was a method of dancing around the true issue, Luke let it go.

  Corran and Luke proceeded to go inside the abandoned tapcaf. The first thing that hit them was the smell. Retnir was true to his word about not removing anything inside. That included the food and meat in the back that was starting to spoil. The area was neat and tidy, which was more indication that every patron went home before the events took place. The tables were cleaned and chairs upturned. They walked around and observed not only with sight, but also with the Force.

  Corran thought to ask after several minutes, "You feel anything?"

  "Nothing," answered Luke sadly. "I found where one of the bodies fell." Corran looked over to where Luke pointed at the green fluorescent outline of a body outline.

  Corran noted the location and looked around until he found it. "Here's the other one," Corran announced. "These two must have been the WeeQuays. They're too big for the Defel. You notice something about their positions?" After he found Luke straining to see and shook his head, Corran explained, "They're within their perimeter of their security positions. This one guarded the outside perimeter and the one next to you flanked on that side. It seems that the focal point was the post there."

  Luke looked over at the supporting post to see the same green luminescence of an outline and said, "That must have been where Rousch was killed."

  "Yes. And the guards are right where they should be."

  Luke sighed. "I don't follow, Corran."

  "The guards were killed right where they stood. They didn't have time to fight."

  Luke nodded to admire Corrans keen sense of observation. He went closer to the post and noticed something. The shock of realization from Luke was strong enough to alert Corran.

  "Luke, what is it?"

  "Come here a moment and look at this." After Corran obliged standing side by side with the Jedi Master. Luke continued and pointed. "See those burn marks in the permacrete?"

  "Yeah. Almost in a circular pattern. A symbol of some kind? Something he drew after killing him?"

  "Not after. During. Those scorches were made by the tip of a lightsaber."

  Corran shifted his angle to look at the column by its profile. "The cuts aren't that deep."

  "They wouldn't be." Luke looked at Corran and said grimly, "The body of Rousch was in the way."

  "Luke...are you saying..."

  Luke interrupted, "What was the official cause of death?"

  "Wounds inflicted by lightsaber slashes."

  "Not slashes. It was a series of stabs through his body."

  "Around the heart."

  "Which singed it. Slowly."

  "Oh, kriff. He not only wanted Roucsh dead. He wanted him in pain before he went. Luke, I'm afraid we can rule out a Dark Jedi. Any Sith would not go to the trouble of slow torture. They would just kill you on the spot."

  "I agree. And we can rule out anyone with Force potential. Otherwise, why would they kill the others with a vibroblade?"

  "I still want to know how a wraith was killed by a mere vibroblade."

  "I'd like that answer too." Luke abandoned the post and started walking around the clean tables looking for anything missed. "I have to tell you, Corran, the more I know about this incident the worse I feel about it. The amount of hate behind that torture had to be intense."

  "Let's just look around a little more and get out of here. This place is starting to give me the creeps."

  "Can't argue there." Luke and Corran had both been exposed to death in their lives, yet each experienced it in different ways. Luke had to wade through dead bodies of soldiers who had once been committed to lay their lives down for honor of keeping peace in the galaxy. It was nowhere near how Corran sifted through dead bodies of victims who had died at the hands of a murderer. Corran found the small green outline that had to have been where the Defel landing. It was way across the main area. Corran guessed that the murderer could not see the wraith and somehow landed a lucky slash with his blade.

  Luke was about to give up until he felt a faint presence as he passed a table. He looked carefully on its surface. He spotted a light gray drip spot that was really more powder than liquid now.

  Corran came ove
r to him. "Find something?"

  "I don't know. All the tables have been cleaned except this one."

  Corran shrugged. "Looks like somebody missed a spot. Guess they should fire him."

  "What drink do you know of that dries up into a powder?"

  "I know of a few that makes you feel like powder."

  Luke shrugged off his joke and placed his real hand over the spot and reached deep into the Force. He received a series of images that included a dry desert land with intricate caverns of crystal. He shared these images with Corran and they each looked at the other to say at the same time, "Glitterstim."

  Corran added, "At least we know what the meeting was about."

  "It's strange, though. I thought spice was in a solid form. This looks like it's water based."

  Corran shrugged as he reached into his satchel. "One way to find out." He pulled out a labpad and took the thin appendage and placed it on the spot to collect a sample. Immediately, the pad analyzed the contents and within moments the results appeared on screen. "It's glitterstim, all right. With an exceptionally high concentration. It has the most density I've ever seen. Like it's been crystallized into a liquid."

  "Liquid spice. Now, there's a highly profitable project that's worth killing over."

  "My thoughts exactly. Though, why be secret about it? The Hutts don't mind a deal as long as they get a cut."

  "Unless there was no intention of sharing with the Hutts."

  "That could be dangerous. A new product on the market and they don't have a profit? No wonder it was secret."

  Luke added, "At this particular tapcaf."

  "Right in the heart of suburbia. The last place where the Hutts would suspect a high end deal would take place. There's something missing, though.

  What?

  What did they use for payment? Corran bent down to glance directly at the surface. He saw a collection of dust accumulated since the night of the murders. There was a concentration of more dust that created a ninety-degree angle. There was something set down here. Probably a datapad.

  A datapad connected to a credit line?

  Exactly.

  So, where is it?

  That is the golden question.

  You think Retnir removed it?

  No. The dust there is too thick. Besides, if he removed that, why didnt he clean up the spilled spice? What do you think?

  Luke stated, I think we need to speak with that witness.

  Corran agreed. Thats a good idea. Time to get out of here.

  Nal Hutta Security Headquarters

  Corran and Luke waited in the solid durasteel walls of the cell for quite awhile. Then the door on the opposite end of the room slid open and two human guards flanked a limping Rodian with a bacta bandage around his right leg. He hands were in binders. There was a retractable table that extended out of the opposite wall, where Corran and Luke were seated and leaning against one side of it. The guards carefully sat the Rodian in the seat on the opposite side. There was no barrier in between them and the guards left them alone with their prisoner and the Jedis witness. Luke figured that because of his own presence, the Rodian wouldn'tt dare try to attack or escape with a Jedi in the room. From the looks of his leg, the Rodian didnt look like he could run far anyway.

  He had been the most intricately dressed Rodian that Luke had ever seen. Usually, the aliens wore tattered vests or flight suits that had been scuffed. This one wore a brightly colored and expertly tailored suit with high end jewelry around his neck and wrists. He had the look of someone who was pivotal in a certain spice deal in a tapcaf.

  Corran leaned over the table and exclaimed, As I live and breathe, its Meeko.

  The Rodian actually spoke Basic well and returned with, Horn. Its been a long time.

  Luke asked Corran, You know him?

  Weve had some run ins over the years. Never anything official.

  Meeko added, And never anything convicting, either. I must say your presence here comes as a surprise. Unlike your friend here. He glanced at Luke.

  Luke had to get over hearing a Rodian speak fluent Basic. He did have a lisp, which was unavoidable with the Rodians huge lips at the end of his long snout. Luke asked him, Why are you not surprised Im here?

  Meeko scoffed. If Rousch had been killed any other way, you would be saving the galaxy elsewhere along with the other Jedi and not here with an ex member of CorSec.

  Luke and Corran exchanged glances and hid their amusement about the inside information that Corran had been trained as a Jedi. Corran wanted only his immediate family, the Jedi, and the Rouges to have that knowledge. Meeko had just proved that the secret held well inside the underworld.

  Corran started the questions. We just came from the tapcaf.

  Meeko cracked, Try the Bloody Zailias. They should be good now.

  Cute, Corran reacted. Tell us what happened. And dont think of leaving anything out, or this one will know. Corran thumbed at Luke.

  Meeko stated, Im not saying anything until my trial.

  Corran almost laughed. Meeko, dont be ridiculous. We are your trial and jury. The only reason you dont have an executioner by now is because the murders were plastered on the HoloNet. I suspect the Hutts will be lenient on your sentence if you help us. Who knows, maybe you wont spend as much time on Kessel as the new product you were endorsing the other night.

  Meeko looked as shocked as a Rodian could. How did you know about that?

  Corran grinned. Analyzing dried up spots on tables is a neat trick.

  Meeko muttered, I told Rousch not to spill any. So, I guess I dont have much choice.

  Not much. And we can skip the messy details of how you were planning to exclude the Hutts out of what looks like the deal of a lifetime. All we want to know about is your sudden mystery guest.

  Meeko sighed. Everything was going great until he showed up. First, we heard the chit fall to the floor.

  Luke repeated, The chit?

  Yes. It was a old piece of metal that was given to each of the Vigos in Xizors day and before. Some kind of symbol to represent their commitment. This was all according to Rousch. He said that the one we found had been missing until now.

  Missing? Corran asked.

  Yes. From the famous suicide pact of the Vigos after Xizors death. Rousch hinted that this one had been someone who was tortured and murdered in cold blood separate from the pact. That Vigos chit was never found. Until we found it on the ground.

  Interesting, Luke uttered. Where is the chit now?

  I assume our guest took it.

  Corran blurted, Like he took the datapad that transferred your credits?

  The Rodian eyed Corran with his large black pupils and demanded, Before I answer that, do I have your guarantee that if I give you my incriminating information that my sentence will be reduced?

  Corran assured, Well see what we can do.

  Not good enough.

  Luke glanced at Corran first and addressed Meeko. If you help us catch this murderer, I will see to it personally that your sentence is reduced.

  Meeko answered wryly, I didnt know the Jedi were so concerned with the elimination of former Black Sun leaders.

  Luke countered, Were only into justice.

  Meeko replied, Nice to know there are still idealists left in the galaxy. And I dont mean that sarcastically.

  Thanks, said Luke sourly. Now, can you describe this guest?

  Meeko thought in remembrance. Medium height. Tight black tunic with red lining highlights along the limbs. He wore a hood, so I never saw his eyes or face. He didnt speak much, but when he did it his voice was deep and raspy, almost a whisper.

  A vocoder? Luke asked.

  No, it was not mechanical. Tell you the truth, I was not really paying attention to his voice. In fact, he didnt speak at all when he was...well, when he was busy with Rousch.

  Corran accused, You mean when he was putting Rousch through torturous pain while you sat back and watched.

  Hey, I tried to stop him. He indicat
ed his wounded leg. This is what I got in return. He threw something at my leg that made me numb. I couldn'tt move. The yurif already killed my two guards each with a single stab to their abdomens. Then he took out the wraith after he set off some kind of...flash.

  Flash? Corran repeated.

  Yes. It was some kind of mechanism that flashed a bright white light and blinded Rousch and I. By the time we could see again, the wraith was dead. There was nothing I could do. I admit Im a businessman who deals in questionable items. Im not a fighter.

  Luke added, And you were scared.

  You bet your kistana I was.

  Luke looked over at Corran and explained, Kistana is Huttese for

  I know, Luke. I do read my book of Huttese slang.

  Meeko ignored the exchange and went on. He already told me he wasnt going to kill me. How was I supposed to trust him? This killer has a serious score to settle with Black Sun. Hes not afraid to inflict pain or death on anyone to get to them. Its like he wants Black Sun to come after him. Hes baiting them. He wants to torture them all. The Rodians voice was starting to crack with emotion and both Luke and Corran could feel the aliens fear coming through. It was time to let him go.

  Corran suggested calmly, Maybe you should get some rest and let that leg heal. Weve got enough for now. Ill speak to Nal Hutta about your cooperation. If we catch this bantha fodder, Ill make sure they reduce your sentence. Maybe you wont even set foot on Kessel. Well see. He stood up and said to Luke, Lets go.

  As they began to leave, Meeko stopped them. Wait! Theres something else. There was a name etched on the back of the chit. Caieco. Rousch said he was an old Vigo when he started into Black Sun. He was murdered years before the suicide pact. They covered it up saying it was a suicide. They never found his chit. Until we did the other night.

  Corran repeated, Caieco. Good. Well look into it. Thanks, Meeko.

  New Republic shuttle Space Runs cockpit

  Luke and Corran sat wearied from the days research in their seats while the shuttle was still docked at the NalHut spaceport.

  Corran sighed his question. Ever feel you have more questions coming from an investigation than going in?

  Sometimes. We have a description of the murderer. We know what to look for. We also have a lead in that name Meeko gave.

  A Vigo who was supposedly murdered before the pact and was covered by saying it was suicide. Either way, it doesn'tt give a good impression of comfort as a Black Sun member. Unfortunately, we only have Rouschs word on the name. And we cant exactly ask him now.

  No. It seems to be all pointing in the same direction. The past.

  Corran grinned at a pleasant memory. Its like my father used to tell me. If you want to begin an investigation, start at point A. In this case, point A is the illustrious history of Black Sun.

  I could start researching on the HoloNet.

  No! Dont go there to search about Black Sun. That will alert everyone you dont want to know what youre researching.

  What do you suggest?

  Its like I said on the trip over here. We need a direct source. A living source with no ties would help.

  Luke stated, Ill put a call into Karrde.

  That a boy. Tell me what he says. And try to leave my father-in-law out of it. Boosters got enough problems on his hands.

  Will do.

  Luke went to the shuttles com and holo-projector and entered in the cryptic codes to hail Karrdes organization wherever he was. Luke had been given the codes in emergencies, and this fell into that category. It took several tries through security walls, but Luke got through. Luke never thought of himself as an expert slicer, like Ghent, but he managed well enough.

  The holo came on and the blue-white image of Aves appeared.

  Yes? Ah, Skywalker. To what do we owe this pleasure? You need Mara?

  No, Aves. I need to speak with Karrde.

  Just like that? No indication of the reason why? You know that the cost is higher that way.

  Luke snapped, Just put it on my account. Is Karrde there?

  Just a moment, Master Jedi. His sarcasm came through as his image disappeared. Within a few moments, the chiseled face and black goatee of Karrde replaced the image of Aves.

  Skywalker, Karrde greeted too sweetly. Im sorry, but Mara is away on an errand of mine.

  Luke almost gritted his teeth as he reiterated, I dont want Mara. I need to talk to you about something important. But, not over the waves here. In person.

  What? You dont trust my secure lines?

  Not for this.

  Ah, so the murders on Nal Hutta are too secret even for me? Isnt that what you needed to speak to me about?

  Luke was stunned for a few seconds until he realized who he was speaking with. It might be.

  It is. And I suspect that you may need a direct source into the history of Black Sun.

  I...well...

  Yes, you do, Karrde said with confidence. Have no fear, my friend. I have just the man in mind. Ill send you the coordinates where we are. See you soon, Jedi.

  Yeah, soon.

  * * * * *