CHAPTER EIGHT
If Dax Goldam had to describe his life in one word, it would have been: complicated.
Even before his father’s death, things had never exactly been “easy.” For as long as he could remember, it had always just been him and Dad; his mother had never been part of the picture and his only memento of her was a golden chestplate with a mysterious symbol painted on it. When pressed, his father had always refused to elaborate on its meaning, and after his father was killed, Dax decided to don the armor himself as he set out on a path to avenge his father.
After receiving some training from an old friend of his father’s, Dax had been able to make enough money to buy himself a ship and a crew. Each one of his crewmates checked off a box that made for, in his mind, a perfect crew: a killer droid in 791; a fearsome Wookiee in Redclaw; and a fiery woman in Alyson. At the time, he didn’t think he could ever ask for a better crew… until they ditched him on Desevro after that fiasco on Lianna six years ago. He had had his chance to take out both of his father’s killers—Baron Salvan Tai and the rogue Mandalorian Kadar—and it had been snatched away from him. Everything he had spent the last five years of his life working towards had just gone in the blink of an eye.
Without a ship, without a crew, he had found himself wandering from planet to planet, crew to crew. He had thought he had finally found something a bit more permanent with Remar and Sharbrook, but that had also been taken away from him. All he had now was this mysterious woman and the vague promise of finally accomplishing of what he had failed to do back on Lianna six years ago.
To kill Kadar.
He had no idea what kind of life would be waiting for him after he had killed his father’s murderer. Perhaps this woman and her benefactors would give him a large enough reward that he could retire and never pick up a blaster again. Or maybe they would just ditch him as others had ditched him before and he would be forced to fend for himself as he always had, with his only comfort being that he had finally avenged his father.
Given how complicated his life had been up until this point, Dax could easily see things going either way for him.
The trip from Phaeda to wherever this woman was taking him had lasted several hours, perhaps even days, and Dax had largely spent that time sitting in the co-pilot seat in complete silence. The armored woman controlling the ship had not tried to strike up conversation, keeping quiet herself until she brought the ship out of hyperspace after their last jump and brought them into view of a frigid mountainous world.
“Here we are,” the woman said.
Dax furrowed his eyebrows as he stared at the approaching planet. “Kijimi? Why are we here?”
“You were expecting someplace else?”
“No, I was just… I just wasn’t expecting it. It’s not exactly that notable, even among the circles I frequent.”
“There are a lot more circles than just the ones you frequent,” the woman replied. “Go into the main hold; you’ll find some weather-resistant clothes to wear.”
Dax saw no point in arguing and proceeded to do as instructed. By the time he had put on the heavy coat that had been laid out for him, the ship had already touched down and the two of them were soon venturing out into the cold climate of Kijimi.
Built atop one of the planet’s many mountains, Kijimi City was home to a variety of smugglers and spice runners that had made the planet their home. While it was hardly the safest place in the galaxy, Kijimi was also one of the few where their trade of work was accepted and they did not need to worry about repercussions from the Galactic Alliance. The only authority that they needed to worry about was that of whoever was running the city at the time, which tended to change every few years or so. The last time Dax had been to Kijimi, the city was ruled only by the anarchy of self-interested criminals living there. Who knew what could have changed in the seven years that had passed since then.
As he and his companion made their way through the shabby town, Dax could feel the eyes of many following them with every step they took. He knew better than to look over his shoulder so as to not give away his paranoia, though it did not make him feel any less uneasy. The feeling followed them as they approached a nondescript building situated at the very far edge of the town, unmarked and showing no signs that anyone even occupied it. Dax followed his mysterious guide as they stepped into the shack, wooden floor plates creaking beneath their feet. The room they found themselves stepping into was dark save for the glow of a furnace at the very end. The silhouette of an armored figure was highlighted by the flickering flames, their back turned to the visitors of their humble abode.
“It’s about time you showed up,” a gruff voice greeted them. “I was starting to think you had gotten lost.”
Dax’s mysterious companion said nothing as she shoved Dax Goldam forward, pushing him towards the armored man. The figure turned to face them and Dax saw that he was clad in all-black Mandalorian armor, his visor barely distinguishable from the rest of his helmet.
“So, you’re the boy who wants to kill Kadar then,” the Mandalorian muttered. “Must admit, I wasn’t expecting someone looking so… rugged.”
Dax snorted. “And who would you be?”
“My name is Argus of Clan Ordo. And it may surprise you to know that we have more in common than you would believe.”
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Like you, I also want Kadar dead. He was responsible for the deaths of my daughter and grandson.” Argus Ordo tilted his head to one side. “I understand that he robbed you of someone close as well, yes?”
Dax stiffened, his lips forming a tight, thin line. “Yeah,” he managed to say. “Somethin’ like that.”
“Then we have a common enemy. And with a common enemy, we will only benefit each other by working together.”
Argus Ordo walked towards Dax and put a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. Dax fought every urge to shrug the hand away.
“If you want to kill a Mandalorian, you have to fight like a Mandalorian,” Argus said in a low tone. “I will teach you how to fight like a Mandalorian. Only then will you be able to kill Kadar.”
Dax eyed the Mandalorian warily. “Are you sure it will be enough?”
“It will be,” Argus Ordo said darkly. “Or nothing will.”
Naboo
“While I am grateful that you are here, Princess Organa, this is cutting things rather close. The wedding is in an hour.”
“I apologize for our tardiness, Pooja,” Leia Organa Solo replied, walking alongside her cousin through the Temple of Shiraya’s courtyard. “And remember, it’s just Leia. We are family, after all.”
Even after all this time, Pooja Naberrie was still coming to terms with that fact. While she and Leia had both been good friends during their times as representatives of their respective homeworlds in the Imperial Senate, it was not until much later that Pooja learned that Leia was not only the daughter of Darth Vader but that of Queen Amidala, who had been Pooja’s aunt. To this day, she still struggled to wrap her mind around this fact, though it had done nothing to tar the relationship she already had with the Princess of Alderaan. If anything, it had only made their connection stronger.
“I must admit,” Pooja said, “I was not expecting you to accept the invitation. I figured you would be too… busy with other things.”
“I have been busy,” Leia said. “But I can always make time for family.”
“That’s another thing; I don’t believe you’ve ever been close to Darius, have you? I know Ryoo had him over when you visited once, but he couldn’t have been older than five. I don’t believe he’s even met your children, has he?”
“No,” Leia admitted. “But I still feel an obligation to give your aunt’s branch of the family some form of representation.”
“And I thank you for that, Leia.” Pooja paused for a moment before lowering her voice to a more conspiratorial tone. “Of course, that’s not the only reason you’re here, is it?”
“No. But we can talk more after the wedding.”
“Indeed. Speaking of which, we should probably get back inside. Queen Reneme is rather eager to meet you, from what I’ve heard.”
Leia put on a smile. “Then let us not keep her waiting.”
* * *
“This is a bad idea,” Sare Valrisa muttered under her breath.
“You have a better one?” Kyla Kishanti murmured back. “Because I’m all ears.”
The Renegades were carefully making their way towards the Temple of Shiraya, where the wedding of Darius Naberrie and Valera Teramo would be taking place. Humans dressed in the bright colorful clothing of Naboo and drab grays of Serenno were beginning to file into the palace, with several maroon-clad security officers standing guard all around the grounds. Valrisa was positive that she and the other Renegades stood out like a sore thumb and would likely be kicked out on first sight. That was unless Kyla’s hastily made plan worked, which Valrisa severely doubted.
Sure enough, as soon as the Renegades reached the front steps, a burly Naboo officer stormed over to them, a grave expression on his face.
“I’m gonna need to see some identification,” he grunted.
Valrisa presented him with an identification card. “Here you go,” she said simply.
The officer snatched it from her and perused it with his narrowed eyes. “Sare Valrisa? As in House Valrisa?”
Valrisa nodded. “And I am Lady Teramo’s half-sister. Our mother is the late Sareth Valrisa.”
The officer grunted as he handed the card back to her. “You’re not on the invitation list though. So you’ll have to leave.”
“But I’m her sister.”
“Doesn’t matter. If you’re not on the list, then you have to leave.”
As Valrisa opened her mouth to object, Bedo let out a sudden squeal.
“Oh my stars, is that who I think it is?”
Everyone—including the guard—stopped and turned to see an entourage of Gungans approaching the Temple of Shiraya. Leading them was an elderly Otolla Gungan, dressed in ceremonial brown robes and green shoulder pads, while armored Gungan warriors flanked him on either side. The elder Gungan greeted those who gawked at him with a bright smile and a friendly wave.
“Oh my stars, it’s him!” Bedo whispered excitedly, bringing his pudgy blue hands to his face. “It’s Jar Jar Binks!”
“Who?” Wiskin asked, scratching his head.
“He was a general who served in the Invasion of Naboo! He’s a war hero!”
“Oh,” Wiskin muttered. “Of course.”
“Boss Binks,” the officer said as the Gungan and his entourage reached them. “This is, uh, an unexpected visit.”
Boss Binks nodded sagely. “Yes, meesa was invited by Queen Reneme herself. Meesa apologize for de inconvenience.”
“Oh, not at all. I mean, it’s not an inconvenience, sir. Boss Binks. Your majesty.”
Boss Binks chuckled as he patted the officer on the shoulder. “Yousa funny. Take care.”
“Wait!” Bedo jumped out in front of the Gungan leader, a move which cause the officer and several other nearby guards to put their hands on their blasters. “Boss Binks, I am a huge fan of yours! I’ve read up on all of your feats and accomplishments! I was wondering if I could have a chance to interview you? After the ceremony, of course.”
“Now just wait a minute,” the officer growled, putting his hand on the Ortolan’s shoulder. “If you think you’re getting in like that, then—”
Boss Binks hummed to himself as he tugged at the barbels hanging from his upper lip. “Meesa have no problem with that!” he said. “Yousa can join meesa for the ceremony, if yousa would like.”
“Great!” Bedo said. “Can my friends join you as well?”
“Meesa don’t see why not.”
Both the officer as well as Boss Binks’ bodyguards gave the elder Gungan surprised looks. “Are… are yousa sure about this, Boss Binks?” asked one of the warriors.
Binks nodded as he raised a placating hand. “Meesa certain. Come. Wesa must find our seats!”
Jaw hanging open in shock, the officer slowly stepped away and allowed Bedo and the other Renegades to join Boss Binks and his entourage as they headed into the Temple of Shiraya.
Nudging Bedo with her elbow, Valrisa whispered, “Hey, that was some pretty clever thinking.”
Bedo chuckled uneasily. “I’ll be honest… I wasn’t really thinking at all.”
* * *
“Is it done?”
“Yes. Leinad Tagge has been taken care of.”
“Good.” Lady Valera Teramo adjusted her earrings as she studied her reflection in the full-length mirror. “And what of the other five?”
“Well, Senator Valrisa is already accounted for on Coruscant. Lady Praji has also been sighted in the Core Worlds, advocating for full control of the Alliance’s financial sector. The twins of House Mecetti are presumably still operating in the Tapani sector, although their present whereabouts are currently unknown.”
“The twins will be the easiest to be rid of,” Valera mused aloud. “The galaxy will hardly miss them. Valrisa and Praji, on the other hand, will cause the most repercussions.”
“Indeed. Shall I instruct our assets to direct their focus on the Mecetti twins?”
“Yes, do that.”
“So it shall be done then.”
With a courteous bow, the protocol droid departed from the room. Less than a minute later, an older woman came barging in, flailing her arms in a theatrical display of excitement.
“Valera! You are supposed to be at the altar in fifteen minutes!” crowed the noblewoman. “Aren’t you ready yet?”
“Yes, Auntie,” Valera replied, admiring herself in the mirror. “I could not be more ready.”
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