by David Marron
“On my way,” came the reply.
A minute later a short man with brown hair and a sour expression came in. He squinted up at Dannen and Purr for a moment. “You the smugglers?”
Dannen sighed, rolling his eyes. “Yes.”
The shorter man smiled. “Thank you for the supplies. We owe you a debt worth far more than what you’re being paid.”
Dannen, taken aback by this unexpected kindness, simply nodded.
The short man turned to Colin. “Is that it?” he asked, indicating the cube.
Colin surrendered it to his comrade.
Thinker turned the object over in his hands for a few minutes, then looked at his commanding officer. “It’s a homing beacon, sir.”
“What?” Dannen said, incredulous.
Peck’s eyes widened as he looked at Thinker. “You mean that this … man … has not only brought in medical supplies, he’s brought in a blasted homing beacon?”
Colin looked dazed. “A homing beacon?”
Peck drew his blaster and whirled to face Dannen. “You scum. And I thought you were helping us. I thought that maybe I had been wrong, and that you have honor after all. How much are they paying you, bounty hunter?”
Dannen paled. “You think I did it?”
Peck glared at Dannen. “You knew we couldn’t evacuate. You set us up, didn’t you? Thanks to you, the Empire will be here soon!”
“No, I didn’t! I swear I didn’t know!”
Colin spoke up. “He didn’t know, sir. He couldn’t have known.”
Peck spun to face Colin. “Why not?”
“Because the bacta case still had the original factory triple seals. He couldn’t have inserted the homing beacon and kept the seals intact. He’s just as much a victim as we are.”
Peck considered this, lowering his blaster, then turned to Thinker. “What’s the range of this beacon?”
“Short-range, probably in-system,” Thinker replied. “We have an hour, maybe two.”
Krell must’ve known, Dannen thought to himself. But why? Why would he set me up?
Another Rebel came running in. “Sir,” he said, saluting Peck. “Report from the settlement: the Imperials are here on Rafft. Ashe reports a small squad of scout troopers in the settlement. Communications have already been severed.”
“We’ll never scatter in time!” Tawn said.
“Well, we can destroy the base, but we’re expendable, Sergeant.”
Purr touched Dannen’s shoulder. He met her gaze, read the question in her eyes. He nodded to her, then looked back at Peck. “No, you’re not,” he said.
Peck’s face reddened. “Now listen here, smuggler …”
“No, you listen, Commander,” Dannen exploded. “You may think you’re expendable, but there’s always a chance to escape. I think I have a way to get you all out of here … provided, of course, that … ”
“ … That you get paid, of course,” Peck interrupted him.
“No,” Dannen countered, “provided that you have someplace in mind to go. Is there somewhere?”
“We don’t have a ship, though,” Colin said.
“No, but I do,” Dannen answered. “It’ll be a tight fit, and it’ll be necessary supplies only, but I can manage if you all move fast, taking only what you need. Within an hour we all can be gone.” He turned to Peck. “What do you say. Commander?”
Peck examined Dannen for a moment. “Let’s get moving,” he ordered.
Dannen turned to his partner. “Purr, get things started; we’re leaving in an hour.”
Peck caught his arm. “Why are you doing this? You’re not getting paid to risk your life for us.”
“That’s true, Commander, I’m not.”
“Then, why?” Thinker asked.
Dannen turned to the smaller man. “Because you have no choice,” he said quietly. “And because it’s the right thing to do.”
Dannen had been correct. It was a tight fit, trying to squeeze 12 people and their equipment into the Lifeline. The cargo hold was stuffed to capacity, and both Dannen and Purr had to share their quarters with two other people each. But they were ready to lift off within an hour, just as Dannen had promised.
Tawn was worried, though. “Can you take off with all these people on board?”
“Sure we can,” Dannen reassured her. “This is a YT-1300. The cargo capacity is about a hundred metric tons. If she can handle that, she can handle this.”
Peck came up to them. “We are all ready. The coordinates for our new location are on this mem-stik,” he said, handing it to Dannen.
“You still don’t trust me, do you, Commander?”
“That has nothing to do with it,” Peck sniffed. “I simply don’t want any mistakes.”
“Don’t worry, Commander. I’ll get you there. You have my word.”
Peck snorted. “We’ll see,” was all he’d say.
Dannen sat down in the pilot’s chair and looked over at Purr. “Okay, here we go,” he said, powering up the ship. Slowly, the Lifeline lifted off and made for the open sky.
Shortly after they cleared atmosphere, Dannen slid the mem-stik into the nav computer. He turned to Peck, who was seated right behind him. “Okay, the computer’s reading your coordinates, Commander. As soon as I’m lined up on the correct vector, we’re on our way.”
Suddenly, cannon fire rocked the ship. The Lifeline tilted dangerously to the left, throwing Purr out of her seat.
Dannen slapped the shield activator and checked the sensors. “We have company,” he said.
“So it seems,” Peck said. “You did set us up, didn’t you?”
“No, I didn’t,” Dannen retorted, “and if you want proof, you’ll find they’ll kill me just as readily as they’ll kill you.” Another blast shook the ship, but this time the shields held.
Dannen glanced at Peck. “See what I mean?”
He checked the computer readout, then grabbed the hyperdrive activator levers. “Here we go!” he shouted, the pulled back on the levers sharply. The ship stuttered … then stalled.
“Damn,” Dannen said.
“What’s wrong?” Tawn asked. Dannen flipped switches, then peered at a screen. “That first blast must have damaged the hyperdrive.”
“I’ll fix it,” Purr said, running out the door toward the engineering hatch.
Tawn tapped his shoulder. “Can she fix it?”
Dannen paused, then nodded. “If she can’t, no one can,” he added. “In the meantime, let’s give these guys a run for their credits.” With that, he barrel rolled to the right, while checking the sensors.
Suddenly, a large shadow passed over the canopy. Tawn looked for the cause and gasped. “An Imperial Star Destroyer,” she whispered.
“Yep,” Dannen confirmed. “Looks like they want you guys really bad.”
Tawn turned to Peck. “It’s the Engager, Commander.” She chuckled. “I guess Dalton’s still unhappy about his face.”
“What about his face?” Dannen asked.
“Captain Dalton was caught in one of our traps a while back,” Peck answered. “It cut his face up rather badly.”
Dannen winced. “Ouch. No wonder he’s upset.”
“Rumor is he won’t get the scar fixed until we’re captured and executed. He uses his disfigurement to inspire those under his command.”
“Actually, sir, I think it’s an improvement,” Tawn grinned.
“Perhaps, Sergeant. Can you outrun them. Lifehold?”
“Maybe, maybe not, Commander. But there’s one thing this ship can do that theirs can’t, and that’s maneuver. Hold tight, everyone,” he said, whipping the ship into a sharp bank.
“You see, Commander,” Dannen continued as the commander picked himself off the floor, “it doesn’t matter if I can outrun her, it’s a matter of whether I can evade their tractor beams. To do that, I have to out-fly her long enough for Purr to fix the hyperdrive.”
“Which reminds me …” He reached over and flicked a switch. “Purr, h
ow bad is the damage?”
“Not too bad,” came the reply. “I can fix it, but I need parts.”
“Do what you have to do, Purr, just do it fast!”
“Don’t worry, Dannen, I’ll do it fast.”
Dannen shut off the comlink. “Now, we wait,” he said.
A turbolaser blast exploded just in front of him, and he banked straight up. “And fly,” he added.
“I hope this mechanic of yours is good enough, Lifehold.” Peck grumbled.
“Relax. Commander, she knows what …” At that moment, the main cabin lights went out. A split second later, the emergency lights came on, bathing the room in a red glow. “ … She’s doing,” he finished.
“Are you sure?” Peck said sardonically.
Dannen pressed the comlink. “Purr, the ship lights just went out!”
“I know, I needed parts.”
“From the lighting system?” Tawn asked incredulously.
“We’re dead,” Peck commented.
“With all due respect, Commander,” Dannen growled, rolling the ship as he did, “shut up.”
For the next few minutes, Dannen tried every trick he knew and some new ones to keep the Lifeline away from the Star Destroyer. He was right about one thing: the smaller transport was far more agile than the ponderous cruiser. But it still took all he had to keep their distance.
Tawn checked the sensors and noticed with horror that the Star Destroyer had moved closer. “Dannen, we’re running out of time!”
“Yeah, I noticed,” he grunted. He slapped the comlink button. “Purr, how much longer?”
“Almost done, Dannen … almost done … done!” As she spoke, Dannen yanked back on the control levers, and the Lifeline shot into hyperspace.
Dannen sank back into his chair with a sigh. “See? I told you she could fix it.” He glanced around the cabin. “We’ll just have to go without lights for a while.”
“But how did she do it so fast?” Tawn asked.
“I don’t know — I’ve given up trying to figure out how she does it.” He turned and smiled out the canopy. “I’m just glad she does it.”
The Lifeline arrived at the Vondarc system four days later. The group rendezvoused with a Rebel cargo frigate making its regular stop to pick up supplies from Alliance sympathizers in the area.
The Rebels from Rafft quickly transferred their gear and effects to the frigate, which was returning to the Rebel sector command base.
On board the frigate, Tawn and Commander Peck escorted Dannen and Purr to their quarters. The Commander, in gratitude, had ordered the repair of the Lifeline’s hyperdrive, and Dannen didn’t hesitate to accept.
The repairs would take all day, however, and rather than stay on their ship, Dannen and Purr joined the Rebels at mealtime and helped them transfer their gear to the cargo frigate.
Halfway through the day, Purr watched as Dannen paced the length of the rec room. “I still can’t believe Krell did this!”
“Set you up?”
“Yes, set us up! He was my oldest friend. We’d been through so much together. I can’t believe he’d do it.”
“Maybe he didn’t.”
Dannen paused. “You mean, someone else put the tracking beacon in there?”
Purr grimaced. “I have seen such badness with crime lords. They called it … umm … treachery?”
“So you think we were both set up — me and Krell?”
“Maybe, Krell did seem like he was glad to see you.”
“Yes, he did, didn’t he?” Dannen muttered. “But still — ”
His musings were cut short by the arrival of Tawn and Peck. Peck, for once, was smiling. “You’ll be pleased to know, Captain, that the repairs to your ship have been completed, and you may leave at any time.”
“Thank you, Commander. Again, I’d like to thank you for getting it fixed.”
Tawn smiled “It’s the least we could do. You risked your lives for us, after all.” She came over and stood next to him. “Are you sure you can’t come with us? You and Purr would make excellent additions to the Rebellion.”
Dannen shook his head. “I told you. I’m not ready to commit myself just yet. Besides, I have to get back to Alderaan and talk to Krell.” He gazed out the window at the Lifeline. “We’ve got to be going.”
“Well, we’ll be sorry to see you go — ” The commander was interrupted by Colin, who came up and saluted hastily.
Peck returned the salute. “What is it, soldier?”
“Sir, we’ve just received a report from sector 246.”
“And?” Peck prompted when Colin hesitated.
“Sir, they report that… well… Alderaan has been destroyed, sir.”
“What?” Dannen burst out.
Purr put her arm around Damien’s shoulder, and he gathered her into a tight embrace. “All those people … all those lives … ” she murmured.
Peck’s jaw almost stretched to the floor. “Destroyed? The whole planet?”
“Yes sir, the whole planet. Alderaan’s gone, Commander.”
“Krell said he’d heard something about a secret project the Empire was working on,” Dannen’s heart tightened.
“Rebel high command had one or two top operatives on Alderaan,” Peck noted. “It’s possible Krell was one of them.”
“I’d bet the Empire has something to do with Alderaan,” Dannen said.
Peck nodded soberly. “I’m sorry about your friend, Lifehold.”
“Thank you, Commander,” Dannen said. He glanced down at Purr, who nodded up at him, then faced Peck again. “The Empire has just changed the rules on you guys. I’d like to help even the odds if I can.”
Colin gaped. “But I thought — ”
Dannen cut him off. “You thought wrong, Colin. So, what do you say, Commander?”
Peck looked at him. “We can’t afford to pay you what you’re accustomed to.”
Dannen approached Peck until their noses almost touched. “Is that what you think this is all about?” he asked, a dangerous glint in his eye. “Really?”
Tawn tried to take his arm, but Dannen wrenched it free. Peck looked distinctly uncomfortable. “I meant that — ”
Dannen didn’t let it pass. “Do you really think that I do things only for money? That I’m just a mercenary — a man without principles who only believes in the almighty credit?”
Peck held his gaze. “To be honest, yes, that’s what I think.”
“Okay, then, I’m going to prove you wrong. Right here, and right now.” Dannen drew himself to his full height. “I want to join the Rebellion as a transport pilot.”
Tawn gasped slightly. “You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do, Tawn. Purr and I have talked about this before. We’re both sure.”
Peck regarded the younger man. “May I ask why? Because of your friend?”
“No,” Dannen replied. “Because of Alderaan. Because of the innocent people. Because if the Empire could do this to one planet, they’ll do it to another.” He smiled slightly. “But mostly because it’s the right thing to do.”
Peck nodded, and smiled also. “Very well. Welcome to the Rebel Alliance, Captain Lifehold.”
Dannen Lifehold
Type: Smuggler
DEXTERITY 3D+1
Blaster 5D+1
KNOWLEDGE 2D+1
MECHANICAL 3D+2
Space transports 5D, starship gunnery 4D+2, starship shields 4D
PERCEPTION 3D
Bargain 4D, con 3D+2
STRENGTH 3D
Brawling 4D
TECHNICAL 2D+2
Security 3D+1
Special Abilities:
Owed A Favor: Hero to the Silikas for stamina. May call upon them for minor assistance (if they’re even around)
Force Points: 1
Character Points: 5
Move: 10
Equipment: Modified Stock Light Freighter (Lifeline), heavy blaster pistol (5D), comlink, 3,000 credits, 25,000 credit debt to Linkaas
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Capsule: Dannen Lifehold is fairly new to the smuggling game. He hasn’t had the finer qualities, niceness, politeness, and honesty, forced out of him yet. His electric blue hair is genetic, and dyes won’t work on it. It has become a kind of trademark — it’s identified him when he was trying to escape from one villain or another. Usually relaxed and easygoing, he is very solid in his beliefs — he has surprised more than one opponent with his steel. When flying, Dannen has a flair for daredevil techniques that will one day probably either save his life or get him killed.
Quote: “I’ll have it there — you have my word.”
Purr
Type: Tinnell
DEXTERITY 3D+1
KNOWLEDGE 2D+1
MECHANICAL 2D+1
Repulsorlift operation 3D+1
PERCEPTION 2D+1
Search 3D+1, search: tracking 4D+1, sneak 3D+2
STRENGTH 2D+1
Brawling 3D
TECHNICAL 4D+1
Repulsorlift repair 5D+1, space transports repair 5D+1
Special Abilities:
Claws: All Tinnel have claws that add +1D+2 to their Strength in melee combat. These claws are not quite strong enough to add to their climbing skill.
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 2
Character Points: 5
Move: 12
Equipment: Tool kit, 500 credits
Capsule: Purr was kidnapped from her home planet and forced to do menial work for a minor crime lord. When he found her modifying a swoop to make it faster, he put her to work in his garage. When the crime lord was killed in an ambush (along with everyone in the compound). Purr escaped to ride the spaceways, fixing things as she went, and getting used, abused, and exploited in the process. Now she’s joined Dannen, whom she sees as the most noble being she’s met (that he’s risking his life to keep her alive is a big indicator that she’s right). She’s going to make the Lifeline the best ship in the galaxy … even if she has to rip it apart and put it back together one part at a time.
Quote: “lt was broken. I fix — make it better.”
Tawn Porew
Type: Rebel Commando