Chapter 4: A Fateful Encounter
In response to Jay’s shouts, from across the landing platform, a slim man dressed in grey was walking away from an old Labda-class T-4a subtle. He looked up and over, appearing raver startled, but walked over casually, taking in the party with a calculating gaze. To another person, he may appear as just a man in his early forties, but to Rey, he was odd. In the Force, all people had outlines that expressed, in a way, their innermost selves. But this person was shrouded in a glimmer that prevented all inspection or appraisal. The source of this obscurity was a necklace he wore, which, in the plane of the Force, was like a radiating light one could not gaze at directly.
When the man arrived, his face was covered with a warm smile, and he spoke with a kind warmth, “If it isn't Unit J-2769. You graduated third in your year for Analytics from the Officer’s Academy. I believe I spoke at the ceremony.”
Jay looked near tears but nodded quickly, “Yes, sir, I didn't think you’d remember me. We only shook hands once.”
The Imperial Official chuckled and responded, “I try and never forget a face.” he looked down at Didi and pointed, “Your hair is different colors, but I would say this is Unit DD-217. A real troublemaker, if I remember correctly.” He stroked his bare chin, thinking, and added, “But last I checked your files, I thought it said the two of you retired early.”
Jay went pale at this but nodded, “We did. We wanted a normal life but were unwelcome in the New Republic space.” Gavin, during this exchange, had yet to close his open jaw and showed no signs of snapping out of his shock.
The official looked grimed and nodded, “Indeed, grudges run deep, and talk of tolerance Is often just talk. Threat not. You will be welcomed back with open arms.” He then looked over to Gavin and added in a playful tone, “Though I wonder who this man might be.”
Gavin opened his mouth, but Jay blurted, “Sir, this is the bounty hunter Gavin Mandunin; he captured Didi and me after we fought off pirates.”
The Rodian gasped and cried out, “You dare. I, your loyal escort, have done my best to deliver you across space to a land where you can live free of worry, and this is how you repay me.”
In response to this outcry, the grey-haired man laughed and waved dismissively, “You’ll fool no one like that. Even I know ex-imperial fetch a high price from the New Republic security forces.” He then clicked a button on a bracelet, causing a holographic board to appear, “I’ll pay for both these children, the standard rate.’
Gavin looked shocked again but adapted quickly, “Very well, very well.”
He looked excitedly at the credits transfer sheet projected through the old man, pulled back, and pointed at Rey and Fama, asking Jay, “Would these two also be captives.”
Jay nodded, looking excited, and blurted, “Yes, yes, this is… this is..” A clear battle was going on inside the man’s heart till he finally managed, “Yes, they are captives.” Pointing at Rey, he managed, “This is an actress from the outer rim.” Then, pointing at Fama, “ And her little cousin.” After saying this, he spoke no more.
The official chuckled merrily and nodded, “Right then.” He addressed Gavin, “I'll pay the standard rate for the four of them.”
Producing a gasp, the Rodian pointed at Rey and blurted, “ No, this is ‘The’ Rey Skywalker. She even has a lightsaber. The child is her Padawan or something.”
With a wink, the official nodded, “Of course, of course…” he then put a hand on the Rodian's shoulder, and a tremor could be seen passing through the man's body from the applied pressure. “Now, I am understanding towards those who like hard lives, but let's not push the limits of our luck.”
A sad smile appeared on the bounty hunter's face while his men also looked dejected. They might have numbers, but before people of status, that didn't matter. He nodded and spoke in a pained voice, “My bad, I was mistaken. Yes, I made a mistake. I’ve had a stressful day. The standard rate for the group is more than fair.”
The official released the Rodian and likewise nodded, “Good, let's finish our businesses, then you may be on your way.”
Gavin completed the holo-form, then had a subordinate bring over a computer tablet; after a few moments, his eyes lit up. With a deep bow to Jay and Rey, he spoke with his usual flare, “I have decided to reevaluate our relationship one last time.’
Rey smiled in a tired manner, “And what is your conclusion.”
The bounty hunter's expression, for the first time, revealed something that might be genuine. He answered, “I doubt I’ll ever forget this day.” he turned and waved, “Men, let’s move out.”
Once the bounty hunter gang had left, he officially knelt down and placed two fingers on Didi’s throat. After a moment of observation, he stood and smiled, “She’ll be fine. But let me take you both to my cruiser. There, you can recover and plan what you want to do with your future.”
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Jay nodded with his eyes wet from gratitude and seemed unable to get words out. Right when something might have been said, an infuriated roar came from the transport ship. “What are Imperial Scum doing in my Port.” Marshal Cassius waved, and his men dropped the armfuls of cargo they were carrying to draw their weapons. The man puffed out his chest and barked, “Capture this dog for me. I'll turn him into regional management, and we’ll all get promotions.”
The men rushed forward and surrounded them. Jay seemed ready to explode and shouted, “Do you fools even know who this is?”
The Marshall took his time walking over and waved dismissively, “Who is he? You should be asking who I am. I am Marshal Cassius Roman, and I report directly to Regional Commander Regonalt Squalt.” He stuck up his nose a bit at this before continuing, “And let me tell you, any Imperial official is insignificant before the rising glory of the New Republic. Soon, the weed that was the Empire will be fully uprooted so that new life can sprout and grow. No one man can stand against the coming purge.”
Rey really didn't like this Marshal one bit but was concerned for the safety of her Padawan and could not risk capture by the Remnant Generals. Additionally, this calm official was strange. When he had checked Didi’s pulse, she had carefully observed him but still wasn't able to see anything via the Force. He was completely blank, unlike anything she had yet encountered. The only thing she could vaguely sense was a coldness like the surface of a frozen lake. After considering the situation carefully, she shifted over to Fama and waited.
In response to this outburst, the official shook his head and eyed the Marshal down. With a cold tone, he spoke slowly, “I will give you a single chance. Lay down your weapons or suffer the consequences.”
With a near-manic glint in his eyes, Cassius shouted, “Open fire.”
The sound of blaster fire filled the air as Rey prepared to defend herself, but the stun bolts never landed. A faint purple energy dom had appeared around them and intercepted the dozen shots effortlessly. Unable to hold back his surprise, one of the soldiers shouted, “A T-3 Personal Shield Generator.”
The old official’s hand hovered over his wrist-mounted computer while a calm expression rested on his face. With a slightly impressed though mostly superior tone, he retorted, “Actually, it's the T-4, but it doesn't matter.”
Right as he finished this remark, new blaster fire filled their surroundings as the New Republic soldiers began to fall in rapid succession. A small squad of four Stormtroopers appeared dressed in pitch-black armor that didn't reflect any light. The expression on the Marshal's face was one of pure disbelief as he, too, was stunned without discretion. In moments, the elite guard arrived before the energy shield, and the leader, marked by a silver arm guard, barked, “Admiral, perimeter secured.”
In a voice laden with shock and surprise, Fama squeaked, “Admiral.”
With an innocent yet slightly mischievous smile, the old official rubbed the back of his head, “Ah yes, introductions are still in order.” His gaze became clear and particularly focused on the eyes of Rey, “My name is Primidian, third of the remaining six Admirals.”
His gaze showed nothing but kindness and honesty, though hearing these words and looking into these eyes made Rey feel a strange sense of deja vu. More than this, despite the clear introduction, she felt this man was no less unfathomable. While in the back of her mind, a deep and instinctual worry began to sprout. She wished she had time to think and plan, but at the moment, there was none; with a bow, she forced herself to answer with a respectful tone, “It's a great honor to meet the great Admiral of the Imperial Navy.”
Primidian laughed heartily at this and waved dismissively, “The Imperial Navy is no more, just a few old men trying to do what's right.”
In an outburst of genuine emotion, one of the guards, a younger male by the sound of his voice, blurts, “If anyone can restore the glory of the Empire, it’s you, sir.”
The old official signed with a melancholy smile, “We shall see Midnight 7.” With his gaze becoming sharp and focused once more, he added, “My little trip to get some fresh air has turned out so exciting.” With a gesture to the four individuals beside him, he ordered the guards, “Let's return to the ship for now. The girl will need medical treatment, and then have her and Jay here meet with an Integration Counselor.” With another fluid gesture, he pointed to the Jedi and Padawan, “Take these two to a guest room in the transport wing and have that leg wound looked at. They must be worn out from so much excitement.”