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Naboo

"What did you just say?" Thikok walked slowly towards Lokrut.

Lokrut turned to him, "The emperor is fallen."

"And how would you know that?" Thikok stopped in the middle of the spring.

Lokrut bursts into action. He aims his palms down at the water and sends a wave at Thikok. Lokrut took off running. Nuz instantly sprang after him with Bokoof trailing behind. Thikok stood there and sighed. Buklam ran up to the ship and grabbed one of their speeders.

"It's as if they forget we have swoops," Thikok said as he hopped on behind Buklam.

The lasat shot off in the direction that the three shistavanen ran in. Buklam swerved through the trees and swung his way to the front of Lokrut. The shistavanen went to double back but Nuz was on him, and Bokoof closed him off.

Thikok swung himself off of the speeder, "Lokrut, you don't need to run."

Lokruts eyes started to water, "Yes I do. Now that the emperor is gone, the sith are free."

"What do you mean?" Thikok held up a hand to show he meant no harm as he slowly walked toward him, he was also still naked.

"I fled the ones who trained me, punished me," Lokrut growled, "They were puppets of the emperor. I broke free from their torment. I killed my master and I fled. I've been better off living as a slave to mindless gamblers than I ever was to them."

"The sith?" Thikok asked.

"They're going to rise again," said Lokrut, "The darkside always flourishes and spreads when there's no master to tame it."

Thikok nodded, "Why run from us?"

"You are clearly jedi," said Lokrut, "It's your job to kill me."

"No," said Bokoof, "It's not a job, and nor would we ever kill you. We'd rather befriend you and help you down a decent path."

Lokrut turned to Bokoof, "I have killed so many. What makes you think there is any redemption for me?"

"Many sith in history have turned themselves around," said Bokoof, "Even the most dangerous saw the light. The force always has room for one to change their outlook. No jedi is perfect, no sith is right. There is also the line in between. You can feel love and hate. You cannot have chaos without order. There's always a balance. Do what you think is right."

"What if what I think is right is wrong?" Lokrut shot at him.

"Then you're like every other living being," said Bokoof as he approached with his hand outstretched, "Take my hand, and join us. Now is the time to make a difference. Not for the universe, not for the ones that corrupted you, and not for us. But yourself."

Lokrut hesitated.

"Or you can run free," said Bokoof, his hand outstretched, "Leave me here with my hand and I will guide it to another."

Lokrut took his hand, "I could easily kill all of you in your sleep."

"But you won't," said Bokoof, "I can feel you. So empty and alone. Aching for friendship only to be discarded from master to master. Anger, embarrassment, shame."

"I know nothing else," said Lokrut.

"Come on," said Bokoof.

The shistavanen kept hold of the others hand, leading them back to the ship. Buklam pulled the swoop back into the ship and came down to join them. He crossed his arms and looked between the group of shistavanen.

"So, four force users," Buklam laughed, "One old, one cocky, one soft, and one hard."

Thikok shook his head, "Sorry Buk."

"A sith though," Buklam sighed, "I don't know."

Lokrut lowered his ears.

"Look, you guys were easy to let on my ship," Buklam kicked some dirt, "I need to keep my crew safe. Are you sure we can be safe with him onboard?"

"I'll do whatever you ask," said Lokrut, "I know how to do repairs. I've even worked on droids. I can also get information. I've been used for passing messages between planets. I am intimidating, but can also pass anywhere as long as I'm collared with the right credentials."

Dokraar cleared his throat as he approached from behind, "Fill me in?"

"Lokrut used to be sith," said Thikok.

Dokraar looked Lokrut up and down, "Well, he hasn't killed us yet. And he fled. And now he's returned. As long as he behaves, I see nothing wrong with having him onboard."

Buklam motioned him over, "Do, are you sure we should?"

Dokraar looked over at the scarred shistavanen, "Buk, we all changed with time. You used to build ships on Lasan. I used to be an accomplished pilot. Now look at us. Smuggling goods across the galaxy for a small bit of credit."

"But sith are different," Buklam crossed his arms.

"I know they are," said Dokraar, "What has Bokoof said?"

"He thinks he's good," said Buklam.

"Shouldn't that be enough then?" Dokraar asked, "He's never led us wrong. He has incredible powers too. If he can soothe a gundark, I think he can soothe the big guy."

"What about the rest of the crew?" Buklam was trying to resist.

"You know Hungo doesn't care," Dokraar crossed his arms now, "Grok will badger him with questions to learn about his life as a sith. Poor guy will be stuck giving him a history lesson that he probably doesn't want to. Sheef is happy if we're happy. And Daddus agrees with me on everything. But, you are the captain."

"Ugh, karabast," Buklam rubbed his face, "I better not regret this."

"Welcome aboard, Lokrut," Dokraar gave him a playful salute as he walked back down to the spring to fill the rest of the crew in.

"Thank you," said Lokrut.

"Why don't you take him onboard and find him a place to sleep," said Thikok, "And maybe some clothes. I'm gonna go talk to Buk. We need to confirm that the emperor is gone."

Nuz turned to Bokoof, "Bo, are you really sure about this?"

"Look at him," said Bokoof, "He's been so broken by everyone in his life. Everyone deserves happiness at some point."

Nuz went to say something, but had nothing. Bokoof motioned for Lokrut to follow him as he went up into the ship. Inside the ship were two cargo departments on either side of the freighter. In the center of the ship was the living quarters. A ladder led up to the Eta docked on top of the 720. In the front of the ship was the cockpit with engines set on both sides of it.

On one side of the ship was a collection of swoops. Miscellaneous crates were scattered around them. There was a makeshift wall closing off one of the corners from view. There was loud snoring coming from there.

"Come on, let's go wake Mugg," Bokoof led him to the corner.

Lokrut froze, "That's a gundark."

"Yeah!" Bokoof grinned as he started to shake the gundark, "Wake up sleepyhead."

The gundarks' long ears twitched as he rolled over. He let out a rumbling yawn, his gaping maw large enough to snap a man in half. His tail wagged as he used his four arms to push himself up to his feet. He gave Bokoof a big slurp across his face.

"Gross," Bokoof laughed, he grabbed one of the gundarks massive clawed hands, "Come here Mugg. I want you to meet Lokrut."

The gundark rumbled and growled. He dropped down onto his forehands and sniffed curiously at Lokrut. Lokrut didn't move. The gundark huffed and started to pet Lokrut. Bokoof smirked.

"Guess he likes you," Bokoof started to rummage around in a nearby crate, "I should have some clothes in here that should fit you. You and Nuz look to be the same size."

Lokrut was being cradled and petted by Mugg. Bokoof laughed as he pried the gundark off of Lokrut. He led the gundark off the ship to go run around. He returned and handed Lokrut the clothes he had found.

"You keep a gundark as a pet?" Lokrut asked as he inspected the clothes.

"I guess," said Bokoof, "He was a bet, just as you were. I tried to free him, but he didn't want to leave. He likes flying."

"You can communicate with him?" Lokrut raised an eyebrow.

"I can feel emotions," said Bokoof, "When we took off with him, I could feel his joy as he watched out the window. He's quite smart too. He even does his best to help when we do ship repairs. He's memorized all the tools. He also knows what all the switches and buttons do on the ship. Gundarks may be on their way to full sentience soon."

"Evolution takes time," said Lokrut as he slid some pants on, "Strange they'll one day go from terrifying beasts to everyday citizens."

"Every species has their time to shine," said Bokoof, "Our people have lived through the time we were viewed as nothing more than beasts. Some people in the galaxy still view us as that. But what can you do?"

"Keep fighting?" Lokrut tugged a tunic on.

Bokoof nodded, "Looks good. Pants seem a bit snug on the crotch."

"Good thing they stretch," Lokrut tied a belt around the tunic, "Why am I so calm talking to you?"

Bokoof smirked, "Same reason I have a gundark as a pet. I've always had a soothing touch and presence around all living beings."

"Sometimes I don't understand the force," said Lokrut.

"I don't think we're supposed to," said Bokoof as he himself got dressed, "I guess I should show you where you're going to sleep."

"I'll sleep here," said Lokrut.

"With Mugg?" Bokoof chuckled.

"I'd prefer not to be in the way," said Lokrut.

"Nonsense," said Bokoof, "Come on."

Bokoof led Lokrut into the center of the ship. Next to the galley were the bedrooms. Behind those was the cockpit. Bokoof led him into one of the rooms where there was a single bed and a bunk bed. The room was a bit cluttered. Bokoof motioned to the bunk bed.

"This is my room," said Bokoof, "You're welcome to have top or bottom. Sheef sleeps wherever in the ship, so sometimes he'll be here or elsewhere."

Lokrut put a hand onto the mattress, "I've never slept on a bed. Slept mostly in crates or on floors."

"Well, no more of that," said Bokoof.

Lokrut studied the room, and his eyes came to rest on something, "Is that your lightsaber?"

Bokoof picked it up. It was simple in its design. The hilt was polished silver with a leather grip. The emitter was broad and set against the hilt. On the bottom were intricate leather braided tassels adorned with beads and fangs. Bokoof held it out and turned it on. The yellow beam lit up the room.

"I don't think I've ever seen a yellow one," said Lokrut, "Most Jedi I learned about had blue or green."

"It's not very common for one to find a yellow kyber crystal," said Bokoof, "But this one spoke to me and asked me to find it."

"Mine was just given to me," said Lokrut.

"Here," Bokoof turned the lightsaber off and held it out to Lokrut.

"I shouldn't," said Lokrut, "I haven't held one since..." He lowered his head.

Bokoof put a hand on his shoulder, "It's ok. Come on, take it."

Lokrut wrapped his hand around the lightsaber and turned it on, "Huh... I forgot how good it felt." He stood up and waved it around.

"If you like, maybe you can build one," said Bokoof, "I have several kyber crystals that I've won during races. And Sheef has found all sorts of saber parts on the blackmarket. He has quite a collection going."

"You want me to get it?" Sheef asked from the doorway, he had obviously been spying.

Lokrut turned off the lightsaber, "I don't know. You're putting an awful lot of trust in me."

"Have to give trust to earn trust," said Bokoof, "It works both ways."

Sheef didn't wait for an answer and returned, dropping a box onto the floor, "Here you go! I've never seen a lightsaber get made before!"

Bokoof brought them out to the galley. He laid out all the parts from Sheef's box. There were several hilts and emitters, and a random array of plugs, switches, and other parts. Lokrut wasn't sure what to do with all of this.

"Alright, you just need a kyber crystal," Bokoof emptied a pouch out onto the floor, scattering kyber crystals of varying colors, "Come, meditate in front of the crystals until one speaks to you."

Thikok came up the ramp, "Oh, not what I was expecting to find."

"He's building a lightsaber!" Sheef announced excitedly.

"I can see," Thikok sat down on the floor with them, "Bokoof, you're moving this rather fast, don't you think?"

Bokoof bit into his lower lip, "I don't think so master. I feel this is what he needs to start down a new path. With the emperor gone..."

"If he's gone," said Thikok, "We don't know for sure yet."

"Even so," said Bokoof, "If he is or isn't, maybe the Jedi can rise again. Or maybe something new and different. When we left the order, you yourself said we have a new path to wander down."

Thikok bowed his head, "You have always too positive of an outlook."

"I know," Bokoof smirked, "Come on, Lokrut, we'll meditate with you."

Lokrut looked uncertain but made himself comfortable in front of the crystals. Sheef sat next to Lokrut to meditate with them. After some time, Nuz joined in. The rest of the crew gathered around to watch. None of them had ever seen the process. It was a bit unorthodox compared to what jedi used to do, but they had to make do. The empire mined out major kyber locations to make the most terrifying weapon in the universe, so tradition had to be put aside.

Lokrut started to have a vision while meditating. Bokoof was there. The shistavanen was hanging off of a cliff. Wind was blowing wildly. There was a dark figure wielding a saberstaff with red blades. She whirled her staff around and swung down at Bokoof.

A sharp whistling sound interrupted his vision. He opened his eyes. He looked over at Bokoof. The shistavanen was whole and relaxed in meditation. Lokrut looked down at the crystals. One was faintly glowing. Lokrut reached out and picked up the purple kyber crystal and the whistling stopped.

"You found it," Bokoof smiled.

"I didn't know they actually called out," said Lokrut.

"Pick out what you want your saber to be made out of," said Bokoof as he stood up and went back to the galley's table, "Then I'll show you how to forge the lightsaber."

Lokrut rummaged through all the parts. He picked out a thick hilt with an intricate swirling design carved into it. He pulled out an emitter with a black leather wrap that locked down over the hilt. He sorted a few other parts and stared glumly down at them.

"You ok?" Bokoof asked.

"Yes," said Lokrut, "This is just the nicest thing anyone has done for me."

"Get used to it," said Buklam, "Bo is a little overgenerous."

"Wouldn't have him any other way," said Dokraar, "Now let's see how this is done."

Bokoof brought them back down to the floor, "Ok, just watch what I do, then you're going to give it a shot. It may take you a few tries."

Bokoof sets his lightsaber down in front of him and closes his eyes. He held out both of his hands and took in a deep breath. The lightsaber raised in front of him. Bokoof then moved his hands around to get a feel for the parts. The lightsaber started to deconstruct itself and he set it down on the floor.

"All you have to do is feel your parts and let the force guide them," said Bokoof, "Just center your breathing and let your mind build what you envision your saber to be."

Bokoof closes his eyes and shows him how he puts his lightsaber together. Lokrut drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He reached out his hands and could feel the pieces lift. He started to construct them in his mind. His hands waved around as he fit the parts together.

He opened his eyes and reached out to grab his lightsaber, "I did it."

"You didn't," said Thikok, "If you turn that on, you're going to blow out both ends. Here, let me show you how the part needs to go."

Thikok sat down and showed Lokrut which part he'd set wrong. He disassembled it and told him to try again. Lokrut looked a little frustrated. He shook his head and took in a deep breath again as he reached out. Piece by piece he fit the lightsaber back together in his mind. He opened his eyes and grabbed the lightsaber from the air.

"That looks much better," said Thikok, "Try it out."

Lokrut turned it on. A long purple beam shot out. The shistavanen stared at what he made in awe. He slowly stood up and walked away from the crowd. He swung the blade around. It whirred as he twirled it around. He turned it off and held it tight between both his hands.

"Thank you," he whispered, he turned back to the table and set it down, "I don't think I am so deserving."

"Maybe sleep on it," said Thikok, "It's late, and it has been a terribly long day."

Thikok retreated to his room. Nuz gave Lokrut a pat on the back and took Grok along with him to his room. One by one, everyone left, leaving Lokrut and Bokoof on their own.

Bokoof picked up the lightsaber, "When you're ready for it, let me know. I will train you in my ways. They are not jedi or sith. They simply just are."

Lokrut sighed, "Right. As the force is just here."

"Let's get some sleep."

Danoor

Buklam went over the datapad. He was checking everything off as it was loaded onto his ship. There were crates full of rations and medical supplies for him to bring to Danoor. An astromech rolled out of the ship. He is an R5 series unit. He has a conical head and a long cylindrical white body with red panels and yellow pinstripes. He came about waist height on the average person. The crew calls him by his second digits, which is M2.

M2 was being followed by a much larger droid. One with long legs, a solid looking torso, and strong arms. He's a KX series droid. They were designed around being like a human athlete. KX droids have a long range of combat capabilities, excellent probability analysis algorithms, and direct access to the Imperial datanet. This KX droid however was salvaged, had his imperial gold emblem sanded off, and repurposed by the crew of the Thundasa for their own use. His name is K-NOT, or Knot.

M2 whistled and beeped, and Knot responded, "I think not. Throwing our things away is not necessary to make more room in our cargo bay. " M2 buzzed at him, "And no, we're not getting rid of Mugg. No matter how often he chews on me, Master Bo loves him."

M2 rammed into Buklams leg.

"Hey now!" Buklam squatted down, "What's up M2?"

He beeped and whistled angrily at him.

"Ah, well, you know, the ship is home," said Buklam.

M2 vibrated and angrily spun around.

"Alright, alright," said Buklam, "I suppose we could do with cleaning up. Knot, sort things in the cargo into crates and label them for later. Take inventory of what's in them that way we can sort it out later."

M2 beeped in thanks and went back into the ship.

"What crawled into his circuits?" Knot shook his head.

"Well, he does have a point," said Buklam, "We haven't cleaned up in awhile. So, hop to it."

"Unbelievable," Knot threw up his hands in defeat as he walked back to the ship, "I was once a machine leading an army and now I'm serving the floor at the feet of the enemy. This is utterly degrading."

"Yeah, yeah," Buklam shook his head.

The lasat signed off on the paperwork for the cargo load. He went to turn it into the shipment office when he heard blaster fire in the distance. A kel dorian took the datapad and noticed Buklams concern.

"It's nothing," said the kel dorian, "The rebels are trying to take out some troopers. But so you don't get imperials in your beard, I'd suggest you take off before the rebels make a break for it."

"Yeah," Buklam nodded, stroking his beard, "Good idea. I don't need that kind of headache today."

Buklam bumped into Dokraar on the ship's ramp, "Everyone onboard?"

"All bodies are accounted for," said Dokraar.

"Let's get out of here, there's a skirmish in the city," the lasat lead the way into the ship as he shut the cargo doors.

Dokraar took the pilot's seat and powered up the engines. As he took off into the air, hundreds of tie fighters came raining down from the sky.

"Oh, crik!" Dokraar turned tail and threw the thrusters forth as far as he could.

Dokraar swerved and turned as they started to get fired on. The ties were going after anything in the air and bombarding buildings on the ground.

"I could use someone on the turrets!" he yelled back into the ship.

Nuz and Bokoof sprang into action. Nuz took to the 720's turret, and Bokoof ran up the ladder into the Eta. They both started taking aim and combated back against the ties. Dokraar swerved side to side as they gained altitude. When they broke the clouds, an overwhelming sight took them by surprise.

Several star destroyers were under fire by hundreds of ships. The star destroyers were trying to retreat with tie fighters zooming in all directions trying to take down rebel ships. Buklam studied the scene as he tried to find an opening for them to go to hyperspace.

"Karabast," Buklam slammed his fists against his console, "Dokraar, pull us into orbit and sling us around until I find a way out of here."

Dokraar did as he was told. M2 came up front to help Dokraar maintain shields and engines. The shistavanen turned them around the moon until Buklam announced they had an opening. Dokraar broke out of orbit and approached the coordinates. Several ties were moving in on them when Buklam was finally able to blast them out of there. The lasat sunk into his chair.

"That was too close," said Buklam, "They came from nowhere, no warning."

"Buk, those were everyday ships," said Dokraar, "It's like the whole system is out to get rid of the empire."

"Maybe that old bastard really is dead," Buklam sighed, "Our contact still hasn't confirmed yet."

"It's a big galaxy," said Dokraar, "Let's just keep our fingers crossed."

"Get us back on course when you can Do," Buklam stood up, "I'm gonna check on the crew."

Buklam met with everyone in the galley, "Sorry about that guys."

"Most of those ships were from Naboo," said Thikok.

"I take it this is a sign that the empire has been crippled," said Nuz, "We should listen to chatter on all channels to get information. Our informant hasn't contacted us, so I assume the worst has happened to him."

"That would be unfortunate," said Buklam, "I like the guy, even if he's an imp."

"What if we open a channel with the rebels?" Hungo suggested.

"That could be dangerous," said Nuz, "We don't know what's going on right now."

"Let's just get to Danoor," said Thikok, "We drop off the supplies, and we get in touch with a rebel liaison there. They're likely to be at the village we're dropping off at."

"Agreed," said Buklam, "No transmissions. We can't risk ourselves until we find out what's going on."

"I'll tune in to the bounty channels and see if any chatter is going on," said Hungo, "Maybe I'll pick up a target in Danoor too."

Some time passes before they leave hyperspace and make their approach to Danoor. Danoors colorful surface welcomed them to it. It shone with the backdrop of an incredibly large rift in space. The Kathol Rift is a massive area of space with a dense accretion of nebulaic materials. There was something to it that made travelers have hallucinations, especially those that are force sensitive.

"I always feel queasy when we're here," said Nuz.

"Such strange energy," said Lokrut as he stared out at the rift.

"Don't let it pull you in," said Thikok, "We'll be fine once we're on the planet. And don't go exploring the rift again. I won't save you this time."

Daddus chuckled, "It was Nuz's fault."

"Hey now, you said it would be fun," said Nuz, "And it was. At first. But now, I want nothing to do with that thing."

Dokraar sent the empire ships their transport codes. There was no response. Dokraar sent out another message and waited. They saw one ship fly out of the destroyer. Moments later, the bridge blew up. Then the rest of the ship erupted section by section.

"What the fark!?" Dokraar cried out.

"We need information, now," said Buklam, "Just bring us to our destination. That appears to have been the only empire ship here."

Dokraar brought them down to the planet's surface. He flew them to a makeshift village with a few buildings surrounded by a network of ships that were being used as refuge homes. They dropped down just a short way outside of the village's outer wall of ships. A group wielding guns came out to greet them.

Buklam went out first with his hands up. He explained that they were there with supplies. A few of them ran back to the village and the rest headed to the ship with Buklam to help them unload the supplies. Some moments later, a ship captain came running up to the ship.

"Buklam!" the old pilot called out.

"Zhukez!" Buklam shook hands with the crocin.

The crocin are a reptilian-like species. They have long snouts with teeth protruding out of the tops of their mouths. Zhukez stood several heads shorter than Buklam. The lasat knelt down and spoke quietly to him.

"Do you know what's going on out there?" he asked the crocin.

"Come, bring Do and Thik," said Zhukez, "We'll have some tea."

Buklam motioned for Dokraar and Thik to follow, "Knot and Nuz, make sure everything goes where it needs to."

"Aww, why can't M2 do it?"

M2 whistled and rammed into Nuz's shin. Buklam, Dokraar, and Thikok left Nuz to his swearing as they followed Zhukez through the ships. He led them up into his freighter. It was small enough for only two people to consider it comfortable for the long term. The crocin went and put some tea on.

"It's so good to see you guys," said Zhukez, "I'm glad you got my order."

"It's good to see you," said Thikok, "But as Buk asked, do you know what's going on out there?"

"Word is," said Zhukez, "A small rebel group took out the emperor and Lord Vader."

"Both?" Buklam was shocked, "Windy meatbag and the geezer?"

"Claims were it's a jedi," Zhukez beamed with tears in his eyes, "I had all but thought your lot were forever lost to the galaxy. But one rose to such great power to save us all."

Thikok didn't know what to say other than, "Really?"

"That's a real staggering blow," said Dokraar, "But I am skeptical. It's either the truth or a very clever lie to get the rebels out of hiding. Or for some other power using the rebels to try and move and take over where the empire fails."

"You can't let anyone have anything, can you?" Zhukez remarked and went to pull the whistling tea off his stove, pouring them each a cup, "The reports are coming in from top rebel sectors themselves. Apparently the battle took place at Endor."

"Endor?" Buklam shook his head, "I guess it's a good place for the empire to hide something important, but word traveling here that fast? I would question what you've heard."

"Time will tell," said Thikok, "Remain hopeful."

They shared their tea with Zhukez. The crocin was a great host and filled them in on everything going on in the galaxy. Nuz collapsed after getting the last crate off the ship. Knot shook his head and called him pitiful before going back onto the ship to recharge. Nuz sighed as he stared up at the rift.

"Wanna go?" Daddus teased as he sat down next to him.

"Ugh, no," Nuz chuckled, "Grok and Thik would kill me."

Daddus smirked, and turned his gaze to the village, "I wonder if we'll ever recover."

"I think of your planet," said Nuz as he sat up, "You're people have been a central hub for war machines for centuries."

Daddus sighed, "But we're still here. Surviving. Uvena hasn't fared better during this time."

"My people are basically enslaved to the empire," Nuz sighed, "They just wanted to be left alone, but the empire thought otherwise."

"It always feels like the more alien one is, the more we get stepped on," said Daddus.

"Unfortunate and feels true," said Bokoof as he came down the ramp, "But there are those who fight for us."

"Yeah," said Nuz, "We met so many good people during the clone war. I miss them."

"I'm off to check in for the race tomorrow," said Bokoof, "You guys need anything while I'm out?"

"Naw," said Nuz, "I'm just gonna wait for the old guys to get back so we can plan lunch."

"I should be back in a few hours," said Bokoof, "I'll check the markets to see if they have any fresh fruits."

Lokrut and Sheef joined Bokoof. They took three swoops with them and headed towards the nearby city. It didn't take long for them to get there. Bokoof led them up to a tall, black building with flashing advertisements and packed full of patrons. He led them inside and headed towards the back. FR-33 was waiting for them.

The protocol droid had two yuzzem standing at his sides. Yuzzem are giant, furry beings. Even larger than wookiees. They have elongated muzzles with large bottom canine teeth. They are quite a shocking sight.

"Ah, Bokoof!" FR-33 cheerfully greeted him, "Welcome to Danoor!"

"Good to see you FR-33," Bokoof bowed to him, "Who're your new friends?"

"Oh, these are my new bodyguards," FR-33 motioned to each in turn, "This one is Bruuk, and this is Mekka."

Both of them bowed to Bokoof.

"A pleasure to meet you" he said, "What of your other bodyguards?"

"They were plotting against my master," said FR-33, "They were using me as a way to get in to see him and steal his fortunes."

"Well, these two seem much more trustworthy," said Sheef.

"Of course," said FR-33, "At least I can see their wonderful faces. And they're great travel companions. But we are not here for me, we are here for you Bokoof! Come, let us get you signed in. And we'll get you a map to study your route."

"Sounds good," said Bokoof.

FR-33 led them to the check-in booth. Bokoof signed off on all of his paperwork. One section covered the safety regulations, as few as they were. Another went over the rules for finishing the race. And lastly, the form that wouldn't hold the competition accountable in case of "accidental" death.

"Oh, wonderful Master Bokoof!" FR-33 was excited, "I can't wait to see you race tomorrow. Do you need any help or parts to get you ahead for the race?"

"Oh no, I'm good FR-33," said Bokoof, "The credits from the last run was more than enough to help me out."

"Have you considered upgrading to a new swoop?" FR-33 inquired.

"What's wrong with the one I have?" Bokoof frowned.

"Oh, nothing sir!" FR-33 assured him, "There's just many new models out with the popularity of the sport growing again after the incident. Vast improvements have been made in performance."

"I built my Lancer up piece by piece," said Bokoof, "I can't imagine trading out for something I didn't build."

"Most admirable, sir," FR-33 gave him a bow, "I do hope you win tomorrow! Best of luck to you!"

"Are his conversations always so short?" Lokrut asked as FR-33 left with Bruuk and Mekka.

"He's all business," Bokoof shrugged, "I tried long ago to get more out of him, but he gives me credits and after a while, I just didn't worry about it anymore."

"I guess some things are best left unsaid," said Lokrut, "But, who's the actual sponsor?"

"A forever mystery," Bokoof smirked, "Maybe one day I'll find out. But for now, let's go hit the market."

Sheef led the way to the nearest market. The street was packed shoulder to shoulder with merchants. The streak of blue fur disappeared into the mass of people. Lokrut stuck close to Bokoof. Bokoof looked up at Lokruts face.

"I haven't asked, but the scar over your eye..."Bokoof hesitated, "Are you able to see out of that eye?"

"I cannot," said Lokrut.

"Would you like to get it looked at?" Bokoof asked, "Maybe we can get it replaced."

"I could not ask that of you," said Lokrut as he kept walking.

"But I'm asking it of you," said Bokoof.

Lokrut turned to him, "You've given me enough already."

"Look, five thousand credits and we can get you an ocular implant," Bokoof argued, "It takes no time at all."

"Why are you like this?" Lokrut asked.

Bokoof took Lokruts hands in his, "I sense so much in you. I can feel your heart swell with the excitement I bring. You yearn for so many great things, and now someone is offering to help you. You don't know how to take it."

Lokrut sighed, "That didn't answer my question."

Bokoof sighed as well, "You're my new. And you're in my care. We live together now, so that means you're part of our weird family. We all support each other."

"It seems to be more you support them," said Lokrut.

"There's more to life than just credits," said Bokoof, "Credits are meaningless if you don't have what's most important. Friends, love, those that care for you. I guess being a servant has given you a skewed view on what it means to be powerful."

"Harsh, but I guess that is true," Lokrut lowered his head.

"I'm sorry," said Bokoof, "I could have worded that better."

"It's a lesson for me to learn," said Lokrut, "I've been a tool for destruction and a tool for the destructive. There was never room for anything else."

"It'll be natural for you to react negatively to kindness I think," said Bokoof, "But, I intend to break you of that. Now, about that eye..."

Bokoof led Lokrut to a building. Inside was a cyberneticist. The room was white, and the instruments were polished clean. Lokrut was sat down by a human woman. She looked closely at his face and measured his eye. While Lokrut was distracted with her hovering in his face, she gave him a shot to the neck. Lokrut felt himself quickly passing out.

His eyes shot open. He was in a dark room. He sat up and immediately felt lightheaded. Feeling dazed, Lokrut turned himself off of the bed he had been laying in. He had trouble focusing as he stood up. He found his way to the door and opened it. He gasped as he realized he could see out of his left eye again. He reached up to touch gently at it.

It was a smooth bulb. It was obviously machine. He was able to run his claw around it without damaging it. He saw a mirror nearby and went to check it out. He pulled his eyelid down to get a better view. It looked like his normal eye unless you examined it closely. He leaned towards the mirror and could see the circuits laid within.

"What do you think?" the woman asked, she was working on another client.

"It's fantastic," said Lokrut, "I've never seen one done so well."

The woman smirked, "Tell your friends about me. Speaking of friends, you're already paid for. He went out shopping with some squib. You're welcome to wait here if you like."

"I'll get out of here," said Lokrut, "Being outside will help me get used to the new eye."

"Just avoid spinning around in a circle for a few days," she said, "You could make yourself sick."

"Thank you again," Lokrut bowed and left her to her client.

He held a hand up against the light. It seemed only a few hours had passed since he sat down. Bokoof and Sheef were close by with two crates full of goods. Sheef came bounding up to him.

"How'd it go!?" Sheef asked excitedly.

"It went well," said Lokrut, "I can see again."

Bokoof checked out his eye, "It looks really good."

"I can't believe it was only five thousand credits," said Lokrut, "She did a great job."

Bokoof smirked.

Lokrut closed his eyes and sighed, "It wasn't five thousand, was it?"

"Come on," said Bokoof, "We need to pick up some fruit and head back."

Lokrut felt a bit numb. Thankful, but numb. Bokoof packed up another crate to bring back with them. It was full of every fruit he could grab. They loaded up the swoops with one crate each and they took off to return back to the ship. Lokrut had them take it slow. The ground was moving too fast for him to concentrate.

The sun was setting as they approached the village. They pulled up to the side of their ship and moved their goods up to the ship. Nuz was at the bottom of the ramp having a serious conversation with Thikok and Buklam.

"Please, I just need to borrow it for a few weeks," Nuz begged.

"Not until you tell me what you need it for," said Thikok as he crossed his arms.

Nuz sighed, "It's Ken'la. She needs me."

"The gal from Coruscant?" Thikok asked.

"We've been in contact every month since we left," said Nuz, "She just sent me an urgent message asking for immediate evacuation."

"Coruscant is crawling with imps," said Buklam, "I'm sure with what's going on right now, it's probably one of the most dangerous places in the galaxy."

"I have to try," said Nuz, "Without her, we'd have been gunned down by the clones."

"I can go with him," Grok suggested as he came down the ramp.

"Grok, no," Nuz looked sternly at him.

Grok took Nuz's hands into his, "You are my life and soul, I wouldn't be able to bear living without you if you didn't return. We go in together."

"Gross," said Knot from atop the ramp, "I'm going too. You need something that can't die, and you won't care if I die."

"I would be very sad if you died, Knot," Nuz laughed.

"That's very kind of you," Knot punched him in the shoulder, a little too hard of course.

"But Grok, I can't risk your life," said Nuz, "Coruscant has to be a madhouse right now."

"I won't take no for an answer," Grok insisted, the bothan had his nose pressed up against Nuzs "We're in this together, till the end."

"Make sure you take your sabers," said Thikok, "It may save you some trouble."

"Bring Ken'la somewhere safe," Bokoof encouraged him.

"Go on then, do the jedi thing," Buklam motioned up to the Eta on top of the freighter.

"Thank you," Nuz bowed.

Him and Grok went and got supplies put together for their trip. Nuz was hoping they'd be in and out without too much difficulty. Grok checked the charges on their blasters before bringing them up to the ship. Daddus and Knot were waiting for them.

"Daddus, no," Nuz said.

"What, and let you have all the fun?" the selonian started to fire up the Eta's systems, "I think not."

Daddus detached them from the 720 and the thrusters fired up as Knot pulled them out of orbit. A bothan, shistavanen, selonian, and droid on their way to Coruscant to save a yarkora and her family. An adventure that is sure to get the blood pumping.