Chapter Seventeen   

   “You’re bluffing.”

   “If you think so, call me.” 

Terrie looked hard and long into Jan Lomonas eyes, looking for any sign of deception or deceit.  If there was any there it was well hidden.  Did he have a winning hand?  Only the cards would tell.  Frans eyed the two of them from the third chair, Paige from the fourth.  They’d both dropped out of this hand, Jan's wagers rising too high for their continued involvement.  Lomona was an accepted master of the A-desandian game of Calin cards.  Terrie was only the third person that Frans had seen take Jan to a fifth and final hand. The pot balanced on this round.  Terrie didn’t move a muscle.

   “Come on Agent Saffra.  We’re about to arrive at Abrogard.  Play the hand or forfeit the game.” 

Terrie cracked a smile and leaned back into her seat, brushing her dark hair away from her forehead.

   “Oh, you’d like that wouldn’t you.  Gets you off the hook.” 

Jan shrugged.

   “Either way I’m going to win.  Make your move.”

   “I’ll see you.”  Terrie threw her remaining coins into the pot, sitting in the centre of cups, bottles and plates of crunchy Cockons.  Jan smiled and laid down his hand.  Four cards, all in the suit of the Monk, in a straight run with knives showing.  The second most powerful hand. Terrie laid down the Priests, straight run with their cups flowing over.  The other second most powerful hand.  Jan and Terrie grinned at the outcome, both leaning over to take the pot.  Terrie half-smirked at Jan.

   “Captain.  What do you think you’re doing?” 

Jan smiled.

   “Dealer takes the pot in the event of a drawn fifth hand.” 

Terrie nodded.

   “Fair enough.  But you weren’t the dealer.  Paige was.”

   “I know.”  He scooped the coins into an empty Cockon bowl and handed it to Paige.  “Here you go kid.  Don’t spend it all at once.”  

Paige laughed as the bowl was handed to her.

   “Wow, thanks!  There’s enough here to buy a new set of power-bits.  Wow….”  She stood and wandered off to her quarters, happily shaking the Cockon crumbs from her credits.  Jan smiled again.

   “That’ll be the easiest hand of cards she ever wins.”  Grabbing the bottle of Duarga he leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes.  The Sunrise hummed steadily beneath his feet, powering her way through the final stages of their hyperspace journey to Abrogard.  Jan didn’t know what awaited them, none of them did.  But he was ready for anything.  He’d gone through more than he’d bargained for on this journey already, in more ways than one.  Initially he thought it would be a great opportunity to spend some quality time with Frans.  Make her see how he really felt.  And show her that he truly did love her, even though he had trouble committing himself to the thought of marriage – a relationship on a full-time basis.  Terrie's presence was an initially unwanted distraction, but she had proven herself to be an invaluable member of their team, and damn good to look at when the streaking stars of hyperspace began to hypnotise.  And finally Paige.  She was the genuinely unexpected part of the last few weeks, turning up from out of nowhere claiming to be his daughter.  Jan still had trouble believing it.  But he had less trouble than he did those few weeks before.  It was all confusing enough, but this whole disk business had changed things drastically.  Running, hiding, fighting and eluding their way around the Setnin Sector and beyond had been hard.  And a quick education for young Paige.  Lomona had been forced to leave the bigger picture to other people and worry about his own team.  It had been hard, but they had made it this far.  No reason to believe they wouldn’t make it all the way.  He smiled as his three female companions stood and cleared the gaming table.  Even though it had sometimes been awkward having the three of them around all the time, he’d finally got used to it.  This last ten-day leg of the journey had been much better.  Frans was back to her usual fiery self, her stomach bug finally gone.  Terrie believed that the mission on Soluman, whatever it turned out to be, would go smoothly and give them a straight run to Abrogard - she was relaxed as well.  Paige seemed a trifle apprehensive, and Jan knew why.  He’d overheard her talking to Terrie about him possibly kicking her off the Sunrise once the mission was over.  And whilst he wasn’t yet convinced that she was his daughter, he would never leave a girl so young to fend for herself this far out from her own sector.  What kind of scumbag does Saffra think I am? 

Carlonian Feese had kept himself entirely to himself, locked away in the smallest quarters and talking to no one.  Jan liked that just fine.  He’d expected real fireworks, having to share the Sunrise with Feese for the ten-day journey.  But nothing had arisen, nothing at all.  To say he was surprised was an understatement.  Finally Gimo had been kept in the cargo hold.  Aurran tended to his wounds after he’d regained consciousness, and Jan spoke to him at length telling him of the reasons for keeping him locked away. Gimo entirely agreed and was just glad to be off Luronsa IV.  In short, everything was in order.

Jan sighed and stood, easing past Frans and making his way up to the cockpit. Everyone seemed to be near the rear of the Sunrise either tidying up or preparing for their arrival.  Jan welcomed the few minutes peace he would get alone in the cockpit adjusting any necessary systems for their re-entry from hyperspace.  He opened the door, into the darkened cockpit and closed it behind him.  A scattering of twinkling lights and the bathe of purple from hyperspace illuminated the split-level cockpit as Jan seated himself.  He reached for the jet-juice under the dash and popped the cap.  He took a long swig, breathed a contented sigh and relaxed.  This is his life.  The life of a smuggler.  Not that he’d smuggled an awful lot lately.  Unless you counted Gimo, which Jan didn’t.  Slaving was one of the trades Jan had sworn never to be a part of.  Livestock yes, that was a fair and reputable market.  Guns - well, there were always freedom fighters, and the oppressed, who always paid better credits.  Spice running was probably his main staple, and morally he had little problem with it.  If folks want to destroy their minds by using spices, glitterstim, Noscage and Gista spice then it’s entirely up to them. I can’t be the moral gauge for everybody.  Besides, he was no angel himself. 

And everybody knew it.

   “How long until we arrive?” 

Jan bounced out of his seat at the unexpected voice, spinning and drawing his Blaster in a fluid motion.  Carlonian Feese sat in the higher of the chairs, monitoring the nava-computer.  Jan relaxed, holstering his Blaster and seating himself once more.

   “That’s a good way to get yourself killed.”  Jan growled.  “A warning would have been nice.” 

Feese shrugged.

   “Ten days aboard a starship does little to improve your reflexes.  I needed the practise.  From the speed of your draw I can see that you didn’t.” 

Lomona turned his face away from Feese and smiled.  That was a compliment.  Wonders will never cease.

   “We pull out of hyperspace within the hour.  Is there anything you need?”  Jan turned around to face Feese.  They’d never liked each other, not since Jan began working for Glann sixteen years ago.  They certainly had a history, and had worked together on occasion.  But Glann knew better than to pair them together regularly.  There were enough things to worry about.

   “Nothing physical.  Just an assurance.”

   “Which is?” 

Feese slid out of the higher chair and stepped down to Jan's level.  He stood in the gap between the two front seats.

   “You are Glann Cipples representative.  What you say will dictate the future of Glann Cipples operation. This trade route will give us access through to the Core Systems, an area of space in which Cipple has had little success.  Myself and Agent Saffra shall be watching closely, ready to intercede in case there are any unfortunate….slips of the tongue.” 

Jan began to laugh, and Feese looked down at him, his dull mask catching the glow of lightspeed.  “I fail to see the humour in my words.”

   “You don’t trust me to pull this deal off, do you?”

   “No.  I don’t.  Not without assistance.”

   “You think I’ll go in there, shoot my mouth off and blow the entire mission.” 

Feese tilted his head.

   “The thought had occurred.  But Glann seems to think you are the most qualified to see this through.  With Glann refusing to leave the Fortress you are his most experienced man.”  Feese leaned closer.  “See that his faith in you is not misplaced.”

   “It won’t be.”  Said Jan coldly.  “That’s my assurance.”

The Mannacks Renown landed smoothly in the main starport of Zeno, in the area known as the Flatlands outside the city of Allapead.  Her protruding boosters sizzled insistently in the damp, fine drizzle.  Steam haunted away from her outer shell, dissipating into the atmosphere.  Above, the Servitrium-soaked peach coloured skies clouded over ominously, threatening more downpours.  Rain and drizzle was a constant companion on Abrogard, both night and day.  Despite the constant damp, little vegetation dotted the landscape.  A bush of green here, a sprouting of red there, nothing more.  The Mannacks Renown lowered its ramp as a Portmaster rushed over to collect his fees and waited.  At the edge of the flat landing pad a squad of ten Stormtroopers milled about, a regular sight this close to the Core.  Their squad Lieutenant collected his men, alerting them to the new arrival and waited.  From the top of the ramp came the sound of footsteps, and then the soft tread of plimpsoled feet.  Two Shadow Warriors appeared, followed by two more.  Finally, raising his collar over the back of his neck and casting a long, cool stare over the landing pad Glann Cipple began his descent down the ramp….

   “Can you come to the cockpit.  We drop out of hyperspace in two minutes.” 

Terrie nodded as she looked up from her equipment pack at Jan waiting by her quarter's door.  He had a relaxed, easy expression on his face as he waited for her to gather her things and joined him in the corridor.  As they were about to join the others in the cockpit Terrie took his arm. Jan looked at her hand and stopped.  He frowned a confused frown.  Terrie seemed ready to say something, then apparently changed her mind and stepped back, her usual straight face masking over.

   “Are you ready?” 

Jan nodded.  Of course I’m ready.  Lomonas are always ready.

   “Absolutely.  Nothing’ll stop me securing this deal. I’ll get a massive pay rise and live happily ever after.  Why?  Don’t you think I can do it either?” 

Terrie shook her head.

   “No.  Yes.”  She frowned at her own inarticulation.  “Yes, you can do it.” 

   “Are you sure?”  He leaned on the wall.  “You’re not filling me with confidence.”  Terrie motioned to the cockpit.

   “We’d better have this conversation some other time.  I can hear the dropout alarm.” 

Jan casually palmed the cockpit release and stepped inside.

   “Saved by the bell again Agent Saffra.”

Frans slid out of the pilots' chair as Jan and Terrie entered.  Paige was nestled into the corner, Feese occupying the same nava seat he’d occupied before.  Terrie stood behind Jan's chair and waited.  Jan glanced at his passengers around him.  Once he pulled the lever there would be no going back.  Frans took his hand, squeezing it and he squeezed it back.  Sometimes it felt like she was the only person in the galaxy who truly believed in him.  And right now he really needed that belief.  Here we go.

   “Dropping out of hyperspace….now.”   Jan leaned back on the lever and the stars coalesced from flits of light into clearly defined stars.  Jan breathed out a sigh of relief and began to check his console.  Their co-ordinates had dropped them right onto the edge of the Abrogard System, deep in the Verlence Sector.  The Core Worlds lay only a few sectors away and Imperial activity was high.  Jan breathed in again.  The Core Worlds.  He rarely came this close.  Terrie tapped him on the shoulder and handed him another disk.

   “Take this.”

   “I’ll never swallow that.”  He twitched at the utter lack of laughter.  “What is it?”

   “False transponder codes.  Run this through the computer to the engine diagnostics.  It’ll cover our real transponder output and fool the receiver into thinking we’re the….”  She paused, and Jan turned in his seat.

   “The what?”

   “The freighter Scrapheap.  Sorry Jan, it was the best we could do at such short notice.” 

Jan chewed back a caustic reply as he glanced back out at the Abrogard System.

   “I’ll bet it was.  Okay, do a passive scan.  Sweep the system for Imperial ships and give me a reading.” 

Paige nodded and began her check.  A few seconds later she swung her seat back around.

   “It’s pretty busy.  Fifteen Imperial frigates, a troop transporter and a Star Destroyer.” 

Jan grimaced and slowly looked at Terrie.

   “Can you ID it?” 

After a second Paige shook her head.

   “No, it’s too far out of range.  I could try a focused scan.” 

Jan frowned.  That would be way too dangerous, he thought.  We’d light up the scanners like a nuke.

   “Don’t worry about it.  We’ll ID it later.”  He checked his instrumentation again.  “I’ll make the pre-set micro-jump over Abrogard.  Hang on.”

   “Your papers seem to be in order.  The Mannacks Renown shall be guarded night and day.  Good day Gentles.” 

Glann nodded at the Portmaster and placed his papers into his back pocket.  He’d tried, he’d really tried to lose the air of control.  Of command.  The confident bearing of a man so used to power and influence.  But it was difficult.  Being a despotic tyrant had taken years to perfect.

To be here, on Abrogard after all these years was a true blast from the past.  He remembered a job he’d done here two decades ago with Anzai Karoo.  Something had happened whilst in orbit, an altercation with an Imperial frigate or something, and they’d landed here on Abrogard.  Glann smiled at the memory. I’ll never forget the way Anzai charmed that force-user.  The way she forgot about her situation and allowed Anzai beneath her guard.  The good old days.  He frowned to himself.  Why I never figured out that Dessio had come here is beyond me.

Of the ten Stormtroopers gathered near the landing pad, four moved to intercept Cipples party.  Rifles raised and in tight formation.  Glann suppressed a sly grin.  His four Shadow Warriors would make short shrift of the ten Troopers barring his exit.  With them by his side he never felt less than invulnerable.   However, he rarely ever left the confines of his Fortress.  Why feel unsafe within the confines of your own home?  Glann stepped forward to greet the first Stormtrooper, the Lieutenant.

   “Our papers.”  Said Glann curtly and thrust them out to the approaching Troopers.  He snatched them from Cipple and checked them over, scrutinising every detail.  Two minutes later, satisfied everything was in order he stepped aside.

   “Everything checks out Mister Eyelove.  You and your party can proceed.  A copy of all local laws can be obtained from the kiosk as you leave.  Failure to adhere to these laws will result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment.  Do you understand?”  Glann sized the Trooper up for a second.  An efficient and collected officer. 

   “I understand perfectly.  Come on.”  He motioned to his four assistants behind him.  “We’ve wasted enough time already.”  Glann strode past the Stormtroopers, ignoring their black-lensed stares and made his way out of Zeno Starport.

The Sunrise/Scrapheap eventually made a safe, uneventful landing on Abrogard.  Zeno Starport was moderately busy for the time of day and Lomona had no trouble securing a bay and touching down.  Terrie's disk had contained more information than simple transponder codes.  False ID’s, new identities and histories were there and Jan, Frans, Terrie and Feese absorbed them during their easy but protracted landing.  Paige, being the unexpected passenger, had no new identity.  But she’d also done nothing wrong in her short life and so had no need for cover.  Besides, Jan had insisted that she remain on board the freighter with Frans.

   “No way!  I want to come with you.” 

Jan smiled and took her by the shoulders. Gods, you really do look like my cousin Sharn.

   “Stay here.  You and Frans look after the Sunrise, Aurran can keep an eye on Gimo.  If I need help I’ll comm you.  Besides,” He squeezed her shoulders.  “I’ve seen you land the ship.  I know you can get her off the ground.” 

Paige nodded, her eyes cast down to the floor.  Jan smiled sadly and lifted her chin with his finger.  “We’ll talk when I get back.  Okay?” 

Paige brightened a little and gave a small smile.

   “Okay.”

   “Good.”  Jan motioned to Terrie and Feese to grab whatever they’d assembled.  “We’d better get moving.  There’s too much to do as it is.” 

Terrie swung her bag onto her shoulder and moved to the ramp.  Jan made a self-recriminating stutting noise and picked up a box.  The box Feese had given him on Amagad, to give to D’Staan on behalf of Glann Cipple.  He weighed it up in his hands and tossed it across the room to Terrie who deftly caught it and slipped it inside her holdall.  She secured it and turned to the others.

   “Does anyone know where D’Staan’s place is?” 

Feese and Jan looked at her blankly.  Jan stepped forward.

   “You don’t know where it is?”

Terrie shook her head.

   “No.  I know it’s in the city somewhere.” 

Feese growled.

   “So we have to embark on some wild treasure hunt to find D’Staan’s hideout?  Not very efficient.” 

Terrie frowned and let her bag drop noisily to the floor.

   “Look, D’Staan didn’t include his home address on the letter-search, okay?   Presumably he thought Glann would come here himself.”  She paused.  “That’s assuming Glann knows the address.” 

Lomona closed his eyes and took a breath.

   “If Glann knew the address he would have told us.”  He threw his arms into the air.  “Whatever.  Come on, let’s go.”  Jan stepped over to Frans who was sat quietly near the gaming table.  She stood as he approached, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him hard.  He grinned and kissed her back.

   “Take care lover.  Come back in one piece.”

   “I always do.”  He paused.  “Will you be okay?” 

Frans winked confidently. 

   “You know I will.  And Jan?”  He stopped in his tracks.  “Maybe we can talk when you get back?” 

Lomona smiled.

   “Whatever you want.” 

Frans kissed him again and moved up to the cockpit.  Without a second glance Jan lowered the ramp and left the Sunrise/Scrapheap, with Terrie and Feese close behind.

The aroma was so sweet it was almost overpowering, a thick, cloying smell that permeated everything.  A cool blue satin sheet divided the workstation from the sleeping area as pleasant music rang hauntingly from the musicbox and drifted around the room.  Outside the air was clear and fresh.  In the area on the outskirts of Allapead known as the Glades the rainy atmosphere was consistently mild, the air crisp and wholesome.  The room reflected the outside environment.  Into the satin-divided room came a tall, muscled woman carrying a tray of fruits, two glasses of wine and an information pad.  She closed the door behind her with a nudge of her foot and stepped silently across the room, past the monitors and workstations to the divide.  Balancing the tray she slid it aside and entered. 

   “Breia.  Put the tray down and massage my back.  I’m all in knots.” 

She placed the tray on the edge of the dressing table and moved over to the bed where, lying face down, was a slim, naked woman of tender years.  Her long ebony hair fell over her face, her toned body moved slowly to the strains of the music.  In front of her were three information pads, which she was reviewing.  As Breia knelt astride her on the bed she swept them off the edge and lowered her head.  Breia’s oiled hands began to rub her shoulders, then her back, firmly and deftly.  She sighed in satisfaction.

   “Do you have anything to report?”

Breia shook her head.

   “Nothing unusual.” 

She smiled.  That usually means something.

   “Then tell me about the usual things.” 

Breia's thumb pressed hard into a knot of muscle and she gasped.  That hurts.  But it hurts good.

   “Profits are up for the day.  Menno says if we keep expanding at this rate there’ll be no need to hire any more debt collectors.” 

She nodded.  That was encouraging news.

   “What else?”

Breia thumbed a line down her back, running her hands along the muscle around her spine to the small of her back, then back again.  The woman on the bed released her breath, feeling the tension ooze out of her.  These massages make the days bearable - without them I don’t know what I’d do.

   “Two starships from out of the sector landed at Zeno Starport.”

   “Did you identify them?”

Breia stopped her massage as she reached for the pad on the tray.

   “Who said you could stop massaging?”  She teased. Breia smiled, laying the pad on the bed so she could read from it and continued the rub.

   “A Stock Heavy freighter arrived from the Luronsa System in the Setnin Sector.  Pilot by the name of Joel St. John.” 

She shook her head.

   “Never heard of him.  What was the ship called?”

   “The Scrapheap.”

   “Nice.  I assume he inherited the name.”

Breia turned around, facing down her legs and began to massage the back of her thighs.

   “I wouldn’t know.  The other ship landed earlier.  Hard to tell what classification.”  She half-rolled over, to look at Breia.

   “What was the ship called?” Breia checked the pad again.

   “The Mannacks Renown.  Its Captain was a man by the name of - “

   “Glann Cipple.”  She finished.  She frowned as she moved her legs to get up.

   “It says here his name was Lerone Eyelove.” 

She smiled as Breia stepped off her. Covering her nakedness with her hands she grabbed the robe from off the floor and swept it around her. 

   “That’s a cover name, believe me.”  She sat at a workstation, crossing her legs and entirely forgetting about the soreness remaining in her back.  “You’d better tell Menno that Cipple has arrived. He’ll want to be there when we contact him.” 

The well-muscled woman nodded and rubbed her hands on a towel.

   “I’ll tell him right away.  And Armella?” 

She glanced up from the screen she was scrolling through.  “Don’t forget your drink.” Armella nodded.

   “Forget?  Me?  I come from a family that never forgets.” 

Glann bobbed his head in satisfaction as he surveyed the entrance of the hotel.  Its ornate carvings and high arches were architecturally pleasing and Cipple admired them.  Abrogardian design structure was a regular sight, even as far out in the Mid-Rim as the Setnin Sector.  Glann had even insisted on some within his own Fortress - the courtyard had a distinctly Abrogardian flavour.  How strange that Dessio D’Staan should have ended up here.  Smiling, he broke off his thoughts and motioned to his four Shadow Warriors.  Waiting for a squad of Stormtroopers to pass they entered the hotel.

Inside was equally ornate.  A plush red carpet led through to the check-in desk where a plump, friendly looking woman welcomed her guests.  As Cipple approached she smiled.

   “Good day sir.  How can I help you?” 

Glann nodded and smiled back at the woman.

   “Good day.  I require a room.”

   “Certainly sir.  For how long?” 

Glann paused.  How long indeed?  The D’Staan deal could take an hour or a week.  There was no way to tell.  Not that it mattered.  He probably had enough cash on his person to buy the hotel and the airspace above it.

   “Six days.” 

The woman smiled again.

   “And will that be a single room?”

Cipple motioned over his shoulder to the four Warriors standing behind him.  The female Wookie, male Trandoshian, female human and male Imbam all glared at the plump woman with barely disguised distaste.  Glann frowned at them with his eyebrows and turned, smiling, back to the woman.

   “A family room would be preferable.” 

The woman took a breath, glancing at the foursome again and began to log the information into her desk computer.  The people we get in here…

   “That will be four hundred credits a night Mr…?”

   “Eyelove.  Lerone Eyelove.” 

   “Very good Mister Eyelove.  If you’ll just sign here I’ll have Tendo take you to your….room.” 

Glann suppressed another smile and signed the form.  He hadn’t felt this relaxed in an age. Leaving the Fortress and all its problems behind was something he should have done years ago.  It’s been years since I’ve had a vacation. I’ve never taken Bella away anywhere.  Yes, a time for change.

   “Thank you for your assistance.  Good day.”  He nodded charmingly at the woman and followed the bag boy up the stairs, his Shadow Warriors falling into step behind.  Once he’d left the foyer the woman moved to the rear of the desk, opened a door and closed it behind her.  It was pitch black and she flicked on a low, warm light.

   “Armella, this is Lilken.  Glann Cipple has just arrived at the Red Star Hotel.” 

There was a pause.

   “Are you sure?  It’s been years since you last saw him.” 

Plump Lilken smiled again.

   “I checked him in myself.  Anyway, he didn’t recognise me.”  She patted her full and round stomach with a wry smile.  “I’m twice the woman I used to be back in the Setnin Sector.”

   “I’ll send Menno right away.  Make sure Cipple doesn’t leave the Hotel.” 

Lilken nodded.  It would be just like Glann Cipple to pay two thousand four hundred credits for a bed and never sleep in it.

   “He won’t be going anywhere for a while.  I’ll see to that.”

   “The woman at the desk.  It was Lilken.”  Glann glanced at the female Wookie bodyguard standing next to him.  “I’d recognise that smile anywhere.”

   “Do you think there is deception?”  Asked the young male Imbam.  Cipple nodded.

   “I’d be disappointed if there wasn’t.”  He stepped over to the window and gazed outside.  Early evening approached, the peach-coloured skies descending into red ochre.  A truly beautiful display.

   “What should we do?”  The human female, a tall powerfully built Amagadian called Malletta crossed her thick arms.  Glann clenched his jaw and stared back at her.

   “You remain here.  D’Staan will send for me.”

   “Send?  For you?  Surely it should be the other way around.” 

Cipple half-smiled.  He wasn’t in his own backyard anymore.  This game would have to be played according to different rules.  Rules not dictated by him.

   “D’Staan will send for me.  And I will go.” 

Malletta shifted her feet, the agitation all too clear.

   “And you expect us to remain here?  Helpless to assist you in the face of possible deception?”  She moved closer to Glann.  “Sir, I don’t think I can do that.” 

Glanns face sank into a stony frown.  Dissension in the ranks?  Not in my army.

   “You don’t think you can do that?”  He barked.  “You’re not required to think.  I expect you to obey.  Is that clear Shadow Malletta?” 

She stepped back in line with her fellow Warriors who wisely remained silent on the subject.

   “As always sir.”

   “Good.  When the contact arrives I shall leave immediately.  And you shall remain here.”  He paused.  “In the event of any deception I shall contact you in the usual way.” 

Malletta and the other three nodded.  Cipple closed the silk curtains and sat on the edge of the bed.

   “This is not my idea of searching.”  Feese mumbled as Jan and Terrie seated themselves to eat.  Feese remained standing next to the table.

   “Look Feese, everyone knows there are three ways to get things done in this life.  You can either get a haircut, buy a coat or go to a restaurant.”  He pointed in exasperation at the empty chair.  "Sit down.” 

Feese shook his head slowly in resignation and took the seat.  Jan winked at Terrie as he did so and opened the menu.  What would go down well with a Duarga?

   “So Captain,” Began Terrie.  “how exactly do you intend to find D’Staan?  I’m quite sure he doesn’t wait on tables.” 

Jan raised his eyebrows conspiratorially.

   “How do you know?  He’s waited on Glann for the last twenty years.” 

Terrie grinned and read her menu.  The two of them ordered Ackramm slices, Bleff soup and Poom-poom for deserts.  Feese, of course, had nothing.  Jan knew that he would decline the offer of food.  Which was exactly why he decided to eat.  Whilst he ate with Terrie, Feese could keep a beady eye out for any contacts.  Jan smiled to himself as the food swiftly arrived.  All this time travelling to Abrogard, checking in with agents and hating every minute of it.  Now we’ve arrived there’s nothing I’d like better than for a limousine to pull up and drive us directly to D’Staan.  Sweet dreams…

   “I’ll wait by the exit.”  Feese stated, rising from the table and moving around the two waiters.  “You obviously have much to discuss.” 

The assassin left without protestation from Jan or Terrie and waited near the entrance to the establishment, ignoring the stares of Stormtroopers and passers by.  

Jan took a sip from his Duarga.

   “He never changes.  We all thought time would mellow him but he gets worse.”  Terrie chewed on her food.

   “He’s just dedicated, you can’t knock him for that.”

   “True.  But he doesn’t have to be such a stiff all the time.”

   “Oh, like you’re always the life and soul of the party.  Captain.”  She added teasingly.  Jan grinned and took another swig of Duarga.  Terrie could be good company and now they were finally at their last stopover she had noticeably relaxed.  It suited her.

   “So, what now?  How do we contact D’Staan?” 

Terrie paused, her fork hovering near to her lips.

   “Pardon me for being so blunt but I thought Glann chose you for this mission because you were good at contacting people.  I’m just a field agent - “

   “You’re not just anything.”  He butted in.  Jan and Terrie locked eyes.  He’d meant the remark to be a compliment, but not such an overt one.  She slipped the fork between her lips and out again.

   “Thank you Jan.  That’s a sweet thing to say.”  Silence again, the stare unbroken.  Terrie ended the moment.  “So, D’Staan.  How do we contact him?” 

   “Find a local tapcafe or cantina and wait for his name to come up.  Then we take it from there.” 

Terrie raised her eyebrows in surprise.

   “It’s that simple?” 

Lomona grinned and shovelled in a spoon of Ackramm. 

   “It’s that simple.”

Armella rubbed the back of her neck and shifted the dress material across her thigh.  She had been sat at the terminal for almost two hours, checking with her people and allies for any more information on the new arrivals.  Is Cipple alone, or were the two starships together?  She needed to know before initiating contact on behalf of D’Staan.  Once the first meeting had been arranged there would be no going back. 

It was raining lightly outside in the Glades, the moisture and damp glistening off the sparse greenery and sheening the soils of Abrogard.  Armella adored her home, enjoyed her job working for D’Staan, and took her responsibilities seriously.   But occasionally, like today, the job took on a higher meaning.  A sharper sense of importance.  Cipple, Dressel, Riger, Anzai Karoo and D’Staan had been allies years before in the Mid-Rim.  But Glann and Dessio had been friends, compatriots, almost brothers.  Until D’Staan broke up the partnership and travelled to the Core.  Cipple never found out where he had disappeared to….

Until four weeks ago.

Armella wiped her sore eyes.  The Mannacks Renown had travelled in a straight line from the Setnin Sector, most likely Amagad.  Which tells me what?  Cipple was notoriously cautious - so much so that for him to have travelled directly to Abrogard, without altering course, leaving false trails and the like.  Well, it didn’t fit in with his profile.  And D’Staan had an extensive profile on Glann Cipple.  Armella scrolled through some of it.  Pages and pages of facts, figures and information on the Setnin ganglord rolled past her eyes.  Dessio D’Staan had kept close tabs on his old friend. 

Very close tabs.

There.  What was that?  She clicked back to the previous page, profiling the other recent arrival at Zeno Starport.  The freighter Scrapheap matched almost exactly the specifications of another Stock Heavy Freighter, one used by a man in the employ of…. Glann Cipple.  A freighter called the Berone Sunrise, Captained by a smuggler called Jan Lomona.  Curious.  Why would Cipple send another starship on a circuitous route through the Luronsa System and himself travel at maximum speed directly from the Setnin Sector?  It makes no sense.  Armella promised herself that she would make sense of it, one way or the other.  She flicked on her comm unit.

   “Menno, are you at the Red Star Hotel yet?”  She wiped her forehead with her arm.  It was beginning to get humid.  Not like Glades weather at all.

   “I’m in the foyer with Lilken, about to go to Cipple’s room.” 

Armella chewed on her lip. Is this the right thing to do?  What am I saying, of course it’s the right thing to do.  Cipple’s here for a reason and I won’t be the one to convolute matters by being overly cautious.  There’s no need for it.

   “Make contact Menno.  Bring Cipple out here to the Glades.”

   “Consider it done.”

   “One more thing.”  Armella rolled her neck around to loosen the tight muscles.  “The other freighter that landed, the one from the Luronsa System.”

   “Yes.  What about it?” 

   “Find the Captain and bring him and his companions here.” 

She heard a whispered conversation between Menno and Lilken.  What, are they contradicting my orders?  She hoped not.  Both of them had been loyal D’Staan employees for twenty years.  It would be unfortunate, not to say embarrassing if she had to reprimand them.

   “Pardon me for asking, but what for?  D’Staan’s instructions were quite clear.  He only wants Cipple.” 

Armella shifted in her seat.

   “I’m well aware of that.  Just do it.  I’m heading into Allapead to eat.  When I return I expect them to be here.”  Silence.  “Do you understand?” 

   “No problem.  Menno out.”

   “That was a great meal.”  Terrie wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin and dropped it onto her plate.  Jan ate the last spoonful of his Poom-poom desert and used his napkin, then leaned back into his seat and smiled.  He’d had a relaxing meal with Terrie.  More than I’ve had with Frans of late.  His frown betrayed his inner thoughts.

   “What are you thinking about?”  Terrie leaned her head to the right.  “Frans?”

   “Frans.”  Jan confirmed.  He scratched his eyebrow and half-smiled.  “I should feel guilty about taking another woman out for a meal - “

   “ - It's hardly a date.”  Broke in Terrie, leaning forward.  “Like you said, the best place to find information is bars and restaurants.” 

Jan nodded.

   “True.  But I’m not supposed to enjoy it so much.”  He looked at his plate.  “Thing is, I don’t feel the least bit guilty.” 

Terrie looked at her lap and smiled a small smile.

   “Neither do I.” 

Jan stared at her.

   “You don’t?” 

Terrie shook her head as she took her glass of Duarga and sipped from it.

   “No.  Why, should I?”

   “Of course not.  I didn’t mean you should feel guilty, I mean, there’s nothing to feel guilty about - “

   “ - of course not.”

   “It’s just that….”  Jan broke off, looking around the crowded restaurant and eventually settling for another glass of Duarga.  He downed it and took a deep breath.  “If I wasn’t with Frans….” 

Terrie’s smile was tinged with regret.

   “Glann ordered me to keep an eye on you during the mission.” 

Jan raised an eye at this.

   “Oh he did, did he?” 

Terrie smiled again.

   “He told me to use my charms when necessary.” 

Jan's smile faltered and he glanced down at the table.  Oops.

   “Oh….so the flirting, the teasing….it was all an act?” 

Terrie crossed her legs under the table.

   “Not all of it….very little in fact.”  She added with a teasing smile.  Jan couldn’t suppress the grin and didn’t try.

   “Lady, if things were different - “

   “ - I know.  I feel the same.”  Terrie interjected.  She began to edge her seat away from the table.  “But they’re not.  As much as we would like them to be.  We should leave.  Get to the bars, find D’Staan.” 

Lomona left his seat and lightly took Terries arm.  They locked eyes again, this time with a sad, if-only warmth.

   “Don’t go yet.  Sit down.  Another drink won’t hurt.”  He grinned.  “Anyway, I feel better now I’ve said my piece.” 

Terrie re-seated herself.

   “So do I.”  She raised her hand to catch the attention of the waiter who scurried over, menu in hand.  “We’ll have another bottle of Duarga.  And see that Gentlebeing outside?”  Terrie pointed to Feese who was having a heated discussion with the Head Waiter in the doorway.  “He’ll have a bottle of Flameout.” 

The waiter nodded and scuttled away.  Jan began to laugh.

   “You do know he hates Flameouts?” 

Terrie grinned.

   “Yep.  But it’s the thought that counts.”

An Imperial troop transport hovered low over the city, rain bouncing off its hull, scouring the ground for an escaped criminal.  Flashlights lit the dusky sky, glowing against the deep red backdrop of impending night.  Glann took it all in.  Maybe it was a regular occurrence here on Abrogard, but however regular it was to the citizens of the city of Allapead it was alien to him.  Amagad had its Imperial presence, like any other city.  But troop transports chasing criminals through dusky streets?  It wouldn’t happen on Amagad. I wouldn’t allow General Kriner to do it.  He wondered how it was going back home.  Has Bella found the mole like she promised she would?  How has the mission on Soluman gone?  Have the enemy been eliminated?  And how?  He smiled a thin smile.  All would be revealed once he returned to the Fortress.  If it’s still standing.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.  His four Shadow Warriors sprang to attention but Glann waved them away.  Now isn’t the time for confrontation, it’s time for reconciliation.  For righting old wrongs.  Drawing a deep breath he approached the door.

   “Who’s there?”

   “Lerone Eyelove?” 

Glann raised an eyebrow.  Clever.

   “That is correct.  Who am I speaking to?”

   “Dessio D’Staan’s representative. Your presence is required at the D’Staan residence.” 

Cipple looked around the room at his four loyal young Warriors. Looking at them full in the eye, one at a time, he opened the door.  He was intrigued by the person that greeted him.

   “Menno.  Menno Mannack.  I am truly surprised.” 

Menno didn’t smile, didn’t raise an eyebrow.  But Glann could see the humorous twinkle in his eyes.

   “Mister Eyelove.  Good to see you.  It’s been a while.”  He glanced around.  “We’d better get going. The rain’s getting heavy and I don’t want to get drowned again.”  Glann smiled.

   “Perish the thought.”  He extended an arm to the corridor.  “Shall we?”

Jan handed the credit stick over to the waiter, watched as the financial transaction was completed and pocketed the stick.  Raising his eyebrows he looked at Terrie.

   “Ready?” 

Terrie nodded.

   “Whenever you are.” 

Lomona stood from his chair and moved around the table to help her out.  As he did he noticed a strikingly beautiful woman enter the establishment and walk directly to a table.  Gracefully she seated herself and waited for service.  Alone.  Jan caught himself staring and smiled, self-consciously at Terrie.  She pouted in mock petulance and placed a hand on her hip.

   “Your reputation precedes you Captain.” 

Jan frowned in confusion.

   “I know her.”

   “From a previous life no doubt.”

   “No, seriously.  There’s something familiar about her.  I can’t think what….” 

Terrie stood next to him and looked.  The woman was classically beautiful, there was no doubt about that.  But Terrie had never seen her before.  Maybe Lomona had.  He was a well-travelled spacer, and meeting women had never been a problem.  The woman glanced up from her menu, to catch the attention of a waiter and noticed Jan and Terrie looking.  Jan smiled, shoved his hands into his jean pockets and nodded.  The woman smiled, obviously intrigued and stood.  Jan gulped. I wasn’t expecting that.  Terrie tensed and took Jans hand.  Jan glanced down at their intertwined hands, then at Terrie. 

   “Don’t have a hot flush Captain.  I’ve not fallen completely for your charms.”

   “Yet.” 

The woman reached them, eyeing them both closely as she did so.  Jan blinked.  There really is something familiar about her.

   “I noticed you staring.” 

Jan would have blushed, but his blood was far too thinned out from an afternoon of drink to get enough pressure to do so.

   “I’m sorry.  It’s just that I know I’ve seen you before.” 

The woman smiled, narrowing her eyes and assessing the towering smuggler. I can’t keep my eyes off her.

   “St. John?  Joel St. John?” 

Jan smiled.  He had met her then.

   “Jan Lo - “ 

Terrie nudged him hard in the ribs. 

   “ - el.  Joel St. John, that’s right.  Joel St. John.  And you are?” 

The woman stepped closer, extending a hand.

   “Armella.” 

Jan shook her slender but firm hand, followed by Terrie. 

   “I work for the D’Staan operation.  You’re here to finalise the deal.” 

Jan breathed in, open-mouthed.  How many surprises can possibly come in one afternoon?  First Terrie, now this.  He nodded.

   “We are.  On behalf of - “ 

Armella raised her hands to silence him.

   “This isn’t the place to talk.  Would you care to join me at the D’Staan residence?”  Terrie squeezed Jan's hand and he glanced down at her, expecting some sign or clue as to what action to take.  But there was none.  She’d simply squeezed his hand.  He bobbed his head, nodding to Armella and smiled.

   “I can hardly wait.”