Chapter 3: Re-Reconsidering a Relationship
In the bounty hunters’ quarters, the mood was festive and lively. They had caught eight assorted pirates, two ex-imperials, and a Jedi Master. If offered to the right people, such a collection would earn them a fortune. While the pirates were drugged and piled off to the side, the Jedi and Imperials were left with their independence. Escape, however, would be rather tricky, seeing how one imperial was still unconscious and the Jedi’s Padawan was held in timeout in one corner for foul language.
Gavin raised a glass of good drink with the ship's Captain, a Mon Calamari, who had already paid handsomely for the favor of saving his transport. The Rodian called out merrily to his ‘guests’, “Why are you not drinking? Aren't we celebrating the victory of a great battle?”
Jay remained silent and refused to acknowledge the words while Rey retorted, “I thought I stunned you.’
The man shrugged helplessly, “I have been stunned by many charming women in my line of work., I have developed what you may call a resistance.” He gestured with his glass to his men and added, “They grew resistance by being target practice.”
The room broke out into laughter, and Chichy, in particular, let out a drunken roar. Having defeated the four pirates that chased her single-handedly had also won her a great reared from the Captain. Regrettably, a mix of being from humble origins and a significant amount of liquor made her unable to tell her allies were, in fact, being held against their will. Rey nodded and responded, “Well said, Chichi, I couldn't agree more.”
Gavin nodded and received more liquor from a fellow passenger who had stopped by to thank the valiant heroes for saving the ship. The bounty hunter laughed and called, “I’m truly sorry, my fellow compatriots, but business is business. That things had to turn out this way is regrettable. If you weren't you and I wasn’t me, I’m sure we might have been very good friends.”
Jay snorted and Rey signed at this. A tremor went through the ship, and the Captain clapped his hands happily. “We have arrived at Brentaal. How could I ever repay you, great heroes.”
Gavin waved dismissively, “My good sir, our reward has been more than enough.” He glanced at Jay and added, “I may not like Imperials.” he then turned to Rey, “And I may not like Jedi.” he then turned to the Captain and finished, “But you, my smuggling friend, I like a great deal.”
The Captain nodded graciously and offered up a jug of drink, “Thank you, Sir, thank you. Let us toast to friendship.”
Gavin nodded, “Good to friendship.”
The drinking and celebrating continued as a hidden conversation took place between Master and Padawan. Telepathic communication was a very advanced skill well beyond anything either of them could pull off, but a secret code of facial expressions and gestures was easy for any Force-sensitive person to master.
Rey initiated the talk with a wink, translating to, “Are you ok.”
Fama faked a yawn, meaning, “I’m bored.”
Rey raised her eyebrows, which translated to “It's your fault.”
The girl clenched a fist, meaning, “No.”
The Master furrowed her brow, this meaning “Wrong.”
Fama rolled her eyes, which didn't mean anything, and then shrugged, “What?”
Rey made a fist and rolled it inward, then shook her head. The series of motions meant simply, “You did a bad.” The bad referred to leaping at a bounty hunter, biting him, and calling him a fargle-head, which, in many cultures, was highly offensive.
The girl rolled her eyes again. She then gestured with her head backward, meaning, “What now.”
Rey smiled and blinked both her eyes, which meant, “Wait or meditate.” Fama nearly lurched up at this but quickly calmed down; after a searing glare that was met by a kind smile, she closed her eyes and began to rest.
Some ten minutes passed when the doors to the room were suddenly opened. A row of uniformed human soldiers marched in and spread out quickly as Gavin gazed on, shocked. He quickly adopted a happy expression, the opposite of the Captain. The last person to enter was a casually dressed, pot-bellied, middle-aged, bald man, and the New Republic Marshal medal on his chest was unmistakable. After glancing around the room, he snapped, “An unlicensed transport full of scum and wild rumors.” He focused on Gavin, who appeared important, and added, “I was informed the treacherous Captain was here.”
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The bounty hunter raised his glass, “I am no captain, but, my good sir before we get to business, may I know your honorable name.”
In response to the flattery, the man smiled ruthlessly, “Cassius Roman, Marshal Cassius Roman to you.”
Gavin grinned wider and nodded, “Indeed, indeed, I am a fool for not knowing this.” He clapped and barked, “Men, bring this honorable Mashal a token of my apology.”
A few of the less drunk Rodians brought over a captive from the corner, causing the man's eyes to widen, “Pirates, I see. It seems you have performed a service to the New Republic.”
Gavin nodded, making grand gestures as he talked, “Indeed, a number of these unsavory people raided this humble vessel as we voyaged. Knowing such vile fiends could not be left to roam the stars. We sacrificed much to capture them.”
Marshal Roman nodded and coughed into his hand, “Very well, we’ll take these men off your hands and make sure they are turned in to the authorities. You and your men may go.”
Gavin stood up, rubbing his hands together like a pedaler, “Thank you, honorable Marshal, we will be sure not to bother you.” He turned to the Captain and spat, “You treacherous snake, you assured me your ship was licensed. Now, look at what an inconvenience you've caused such a righteous man.”
The Marshal's eyes rose as a smile appeared on his face, “Indeed, how treacherous. Men take this criminal away and confiscate all contraband.”
Gavin began to leave with his men, ushering the Jedi and ex-imperials along, unwilling to let the true prizes fall into another's hands. Cassius grabbed Gavin’s shoulder tightly as he saw Rey’s face and spoke in a stern voice, “I've heard the rumors. This isn't who I think it is.”
The bounty hunter gestured for his men outside the door to hurry Fama along as he quickly laughed, “Not at all, not at all. This is my good friend, an actress.” he paused and leaned in before adding, ‘You can see how her appearance may cause rumors to fly.”
The Marshal nodded, “Indeed, to resemble the great Jedi Rey so closely is truly a rare gift.” He sighed as he thought of something grand, “ If only such a great hero could visit my port. I'd welcome them with the best food and drink from my stores.”
Gavin nodded quickly, “Of course, you are truly a great man.”
With the trade complete, the bounty hunter got a firm sap on the back before getting escorted off the sip. Rey was surprised by how much cargo the bounty hunters were able to smuggle out under the noses of the guards but was equally disappointed with the situation as a whole. Once on the flight platform, along with the other passengers wealthy enough to bribe their way out, Gavin stretched his arms above his head and called out happily, “Now that was a close one.”
Rey made sure to step on his foot accidentally and grumbled, “Great, what happened to friendship?”
The man leaped back and snapped, “I had to reconsider the relationship.”
Jay, who was kneeling down beside Didi, glared up and growled, “Now what? This port may have a Marshal, but this is space controlled by the Six Generals.”
Gavin sighed, rubbing his head, and responded, “You make me feel so bad. I thought we were friends.” The ex-imperial and Jedi made eye contact, each expressing a similar emotion. The bounty hunter placed a fist into the palm of one and, as though he had just had a realization, “I've got it. You help me find reliable people to turn in this Jedi to, and I'll consider letting you and your woman go free.” He raised his eyebrows, “You should know you were my favorite captive to date.”
Jay looked tempted but also saddened, “Right, and when you're done turning in her you’ll toss me to Mr. Marshal here.”
Gavin shook a finger at this, “That's a dangerous accusation. You don't want to risk destroying our friendship, do you.”
How the situation was going to evolve from this would forever remain unknown as Jay’s eyes suddenly lit up. He appeared shocked, concerned, hesitant, then resigned all in a few moments. In a flash, he was on his feet, shouting and waving his arms, “Sir! Sir!.”