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19 BBY, 2 Weeks before Order 66

Master Dok Fikram is a shistavanen. One of the few of his kind that has shown a strong connection with the force. He's covered from head to toe in thick brown fur, a thick mane hugging around his head. He has a long snout with a scruffy chin. His almond shaped eyes are closed as he's knelt down in meditation, his tail curled around the side of his leg.

His face twitches. The weight of his meditation as he basks in the pull of the force is taking an unusual turn and growing heavy. Visions cloud his thoughts. Faces of many clones. The council. Planets he'd yet been to crossed his sight. A shadowed figure called out something he couldn't hear, appearing to loom over the galaxy. Squads of clone troopers turned their guns toward the jedi he'd known for many years and opened fire.

His eyes shot open as he let out a quiet whisper, "No."

The meditation chamber felt as if it hung onto his vision. He had trouble getting up to his feet. He slumped himself up against a wall and tried to regain his composure. He opened the door to his chamber and stumbled out. He was seeing double of everything as he worked his way down the hall. Familiar faces from his vision passing by.

He regained his energy and made his way to the council chamber. He hurriedly explained to the guards that it was urgent he speak with the council. They asked him to wait. He took a seat to catch his breath. The sounds of Coruscant echoing through the halls. The wait felt like forever before the guards returned to inform him that he may enter.

"Master Dok," Mace Windu greeted him, along with a handful of other council members, "It's most unusual for you to request an audience with us."

"My apologies, master," Dok gave a courteous bow, "I had a most disturbing vision. It was quite vivid and I am at unease."

"Oh?" Mace leaned forward in his chair, pressing his forefingers together as he gazed at the shistavanen, as if trying to read him, "Do tell."

"I do not know if the war has gotten to me, or something dark is clouding my thoughts," Dok lowered his long, pointed ears, his deep voice tense as he continued, "But my vision, it showed that we jedi are in grave danger."

Dok went into the details of his vision. Those present hung onto his words and did not interrupt. He was clearly distraught by what he had seen. When he finished telling them his vision, the council exchanged looks of consideration on how to approach the situation.

"Master Dok, as you know, the force tells us many things in our visions," said Mace, "It is not unusual to have distressing thoughts clouding our minds. Especially in the time of war. The clone troopers have been a tremendous help in fighting this war. Maybe the vision is trying to show you something yet to come in which Jedi are unable to defend themselves against or maybe it's trying to show you we may not need the clone troopers anymore. Could be a sign that the war is about to end."

"And what of the dark figure looming over the galaxy?" Dok asked.

"The force works in mysterious ways," one of the other council members responded, "It could be the darkside reaching out to you. Trying to pull you the other way to confuse you."

"Perhaps you should get some rest," Mace advised him, "I'll make sure your battalion has another jedi to go along with them."

Dok's heart sank, but he bowed to the council, "Thank you. Perhaps I do need some rest. My apologies for taking up your time."

Mace pursed his lips together as Dok turned from the room. The shistavanen had a feeling he was going to be given these answers from the council. He opened his chambers and slumped down into his bed. He placed his head into his clawed hands and brushed his mane back. He shook his head in disbelief and started to pack his meager belongings. His door chimed.

"Enter," he called out.

The door opened to reveal two young jedi knights, both of them shistavanen. One known well to Dok. His padawan, Godaf Rav. He was small, but strong. He has dark red fur, and the smug confidence of youth. His companion, one of the other few shistavanen in the temple, Tagg Daaq. His tall body is covered in black fur, but he had a golden mane and stripes along his body. An unusual pattern and colors for a shistavanen. Both of them have just finished sparring with one another.

"Master, I felt something while I was sparring," Godaf has quite the gift of connection to living things, and would often check in with his friends to make sure they were doing fine, "It was an emotion I'd never felt from you before."

"My apologies, Godaf," Dok cleared his throat as he tried to hide his case, "It was just a disturbing vision."

"Disturbing enough to make you pack your bags?" Tagg leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.

Dok looked sheepishly down at his belongings, "I tried to warn the council, but they wouldn't listen. I truly felt my vision was true. It was unlike any I'd ever had." He proceeded to inform both jedi knights of his vision.

Godaf clasped a hand around Dok's shoulder, "I believe you, master. But, do you really plan on just leaving?"

"If the council will not listen, what choice do I have?" Dok sighed.

Tagg cleared his throat, "Well, if what you say is true, we need to disappear. From records. From the planet. We should make for the outer rim."

"We?" Dok felt confusion and relief that someone believed his vision to be true.

"Master," Godaf smiled, "You're the best thing to ever happen to me. If what you say is true, then we need to make a run for it."

"I know someone that can make us disappear," said Tagg, "They can get us new identities, and can wipe us from the system."

"Do understand, once we leave the temple, there is no coming back," Dok straightened out his tunic, "We must break off all contact. If we don't, we endanger not only ourselves, but each other."

"You taught us strength in unity," said Tagg, "You've always been a pillar of support, and I won't let you down."

"Neither will I master," said Godaf.

"Tagg, get in contact with your person to get us new identities," Dok directed him.

The shistavanen gave him a salute and took off. Dok continued to pack his things. Godaf took off to do the same. After a few days hiding in lower Coruscant, Tagg sent Dok coordinates to meet him. It appeared to be in the Coruscant senate building. Dok and Godaf headed over. Tagg was waiting for them with his bag slung over his shoulder.

"Hope you packed everything," Tagg seemed a bit nervous.

"You look uneasy," said Dok.

"Well, we're leaving behind the only life we've known," said Tagg, "I have these doubts telling me this is a bad decision. But, you've never led me astray."

"Thank you for your confidence," Dok softly smiled.

"Come on," Tagg led them inside, "Administrator Ken'la is going to help us. She owes me a favor. The last favor I'll probably get from here."

Tagg led them into a group of offices. At one of the desks is a yarkora. Her round face lit up as she came from behind her desk to give Tagg a bone crushing hug.

"Oh Tagg!" Ken'la shook him around, "I can't believe you're leaving. Have a seat! I'm almost finished getting your new IDs done. Master Dok and Knight Godaf, good to see you as well."

Tagg straightened himself out, "Thank you Ken'la. Are you sure you don't want to flee with us as well?"

"Tagg, as much as I want to, my family is here," Ken'la typed away on her datapads, "And what if one day, you need me again? Hmm? You said the Jedi are in danger. What if I'm not? What if me being here is important?"

"You're sounding just as cryptic as some of the jedi," Godaf chuckled.

Ken'la gave a knowing grin, "Are you sure you want to go? Once I hit this approval button, all three of you, gone."

Dok took a deep breath, "Do it."

Ken'la handed them each a datapad and an encryption card, "Ok. Here's your new ID's. I gave you all jobs based on recommendations from here at the administration."

"Thikok Pakt," Dok read his new name out.

Gadof smirked, "I like mine. Bokoof Lokak. It's fun to say."

Tagg held up his datapad, "And Nuz Koqstad."

Ken'la came from behind her desk to give Tagg, or Nuz now, another hug, "Take care of yourself, Nuz. And should you ever find yourself back in Coruscant, you visit for dinner."

"Thank you Ken'la," Nuz patted her on the back, "I promise."

Ken'la gave them a long goodbye. The newly named Thikok lead the newly named Bokoof and Nuz away from the administrator building. He too had been busy with a contact of his own. He lined up a ship for them from an old friend of his in the senate.

"You what!?" Nuz exclaimed, "You can't just tell someone in the senate you're leaving!"

"Don't worry," said Thikok, "This senator owed me a favor, as did your friend Ken'la. It's important to know where and when to place your trust. A ship is less than a complete wipe of one's identities."

"Fair enough," said Nuz.

"What kind of ship did we pick up?" Bokoof asked.

"It's an Eta shuttle," said Thikok.

"Hmm, isn't that specifically a transport for high officials?" Bokoof seemed concerned.

"Not to worry," Thikok put him at ease, "They've been getting sold on the markets. With credits running thin because of the war, the senate has been selling ships to anyone that wants them. I just need to register it in my new name when we get there, and we'll get off planet."

"That's one generous senator," said Nuz.

"Remind me if and when we're ever on Naboo, to thank them," said Thikok.

4 ABY, Naboo

Bokoof was setting up his swoop for his big race. Over the years, he had become a well known swoop racer. No one knew of his past. He was simply that shistavanen that placed fifth in the qualifiers for the cross planet swoop races, in the fastest speed division. He was polishing the fins on his 105-K Lancer. He'd put a few modifications on it so it would handle turns better, and gave it a booster to give it just a little more kick from time to time.

The swoop is bright green with red racing stripes running down it. Red Gundark heads are painted on the sides of the seat. On each fin is a Gundark in running position. Gundarks are large beasts with four arms and a head with a giant maw and long ears. They're one of the most feared creatures in the galaxy. Bokoof likes to think of his swoop as a fearsome beast on the track. Only the brave and skilled would keep them as pets.

Two DUM droids were helping him tune up before the race. Bokoof had given them both names. They were both their standard brown colors, but had been given unique paint jobs on their arms and legs so they could be told apart. Tunk is blue and Zonk is white. Both of them have red Gundarks painted on both sides of their heads so they would match Bokoof's swoop racer.

"Make sure the fuel lines are tight, Zonk," Bokoof said.

The white limbed DUM droid chittered and saluted him, setting right to work.

"I'm surprised you trust those rust buckets," a voice called out.

Bokoof looked up and saw a fellow racer. Kas Murrak. He stood about chest height on Bokoof. He's a lepi from Coachelle Prime. His species is known for their green fur and long ears. They looked very much like rabbits. They wouldn't let you call them one. They're a proud species with much to offer to the galaxy.

"They're good workers, Kas!" Bokoof laughed.

The lepi sat back on his Zephyr-G swoop, "I prefer using my own hands. Lets me be more in tune with my swoop. It's like a sweet relationship.

"You ranked almost last," Bokoof jabbed at him, "The fellas made sure I'd be top of the race."

Another voice roared out with a laugh. A wookiee nearby was chortling at them both. Wookiees are giant furry creatures from Kashyyyk. Sirrfhukk is covered in brown fur with black streaks. He has giant fangs and a brawny body.

"Yes, we know Sirrfhukk," Kas rolled his eyes, "We know you got first without any help. Stop rubbing it in. Your victory won't last for long."

Sirrfhukk barked at him.

"You know you shouldn't test a wookiee," Bokoof laughed.

"What's he gonna do?" Kas crossed his arms, "Fold me in half?"

Sirrfhukk agreed that was a good idea. Kas and Sirrfhukk went back and forth. Bokoof went back to concentrating on his swoop. He was determined to win today's race. It was the opening to the S-class Plantery Swoop Races. Or at least stay in top rankings. Every five races, the three poorest racers were dismissed from the circuit. Every first place win is five hundred thousand credits. Second place would get three hundred thousand, and third would get one hundred thousand.

There are also the sponsors and betting rings. Almost every racer would make credits one way or another from their race. Some racers would get the short end of the stick and would lose sponsors for performing poorly and lose bets for them. Bokoof would get paid a minimum five thousand credits per race from his sponsor. It was at least enough to buy him and his crew food and fuel for a month.

His main sponsor is a mystery. They've never revealed themselves. Instead, he deals with a protocol droid, FR-33, that only refers to the sponsor as Master. Bokoof hopes to one day meet them, but settles for what he can get. Aside from credits from his sponsor, he'd sometimes receive ship parts, swoop parts, slaves, droids, basically anything people would bid against him.

It was difficult for him when he'd meet with FR-33 and he'd have slaves waiting for him. Bokoof had spent a great deal of his credits sending them back to their homes, or even helping them start new ones. More often than not, he'd find them work for freighter captains he knew were safe so they could restart their lives.

Only once did one slave refuse to leave. He was immediately smitten with Bokoof. A squib named Sheef did everything he could to prove Bokoof needed him. Squibs are a species covered in colorful fur, and have pointed snouts, tufted ears, and large eyes. Sheef is blue and violet with black stripes running down his back.

Having been an imperial laborer, Sheef didn't want to chance getting back into the galaxy only to be caught again and forced back into what was doing. He ended up being a great asset to have on the ship. He's a well rounded engineer and will work around the clock to fix the ship if he had to. He also has a knack for trading and getting what they need. Also, exactly what they don't need.

Sheef came bounding over with Bokoofs racing helmet in his hands, "Bo! I fixed your helmet. The straps are tight and sturdy!"

"Hey, thanks Sheef!" Bokoof took the helmet from the squib and put it on.

"Good luck out there," Sheef gave him a hug.

"Alright," Bokoof patted him on the back, "Tunk, Zonk, clear out. Race starts shortly."

The two droids chittered and followed Sheef out of the starting zone. The race is starting on the outskirts of Kaadara. The racers were to go from the ocean to a mountain top. The race is five hundred kilometers and estimated to take fifty minutes. There were twenty checkpoints the racers needed to pass through. If they missed any, they would get five minutes added to their time. No racer ever missed a checkpoint.

Bokoof cracked his neck and fastened his helmet. He then mounted his swoop and moved over into the ready position. The roar of the crowd to watch the race was almost overwhelming. Hover cams zoomed all around the racers. The race is being broadcasted to all the local systems with millions of watchers. Sirrfhukk growled out at Bokoof.

"You too big guy," said Bokoof, "I got your back."

Sirrfhukk chuffed in thanks. There were twenty swoop racers all lined up side by side. Engines revving. Voices broke out over the roars of the crowd. Two tynnans came on screen. Tynnans are a rodent-like species with large front teeth. Yum Lii'lov and Guna Hailo are famed MC's for swoop races and are well loved by the crowd and the racers.

"Welcome everyone to the annual S-class Planety Swoop Races!" Yum shouted excitedly into his microphone.

"We're starting off with twenty well deserved racers," Guna joined in, "Shoutout to our boy Sirrfhukk for placing first in the qualifier!" The crowd went wild.

"Welcome to lovely Naboo," Yum went on, "Our racers will be going from the oceanside all the way up into the high mountains. We've received reports of herd animals in the way, so watch where you drive!"

"And hello to all you gungans!" Guna excitedly went on, "For the first time ever, we have a local in the race. Mobaw Nizupp!"

A group of gungans started pounding drums. Gungans have lanky arms and their feet have three stubby toes each. The long Gungan face has a tough yet flexible bill for burrowing and rooting out food. They also have long muscular tongues they use to clean out shelled creatures.

They started to chant Mobaw's name. The gungan was nearby, and Bokoof could see he was embarrassed from being singled out. Guna and Yum went on for several more minutes announcing all the racers before the two of them started to countdown. Bokoof pulled his goggles down.

Both Yum and Guna started the countdown, "Threeeee! Twooooo! GOOOOO!"

All twenty swoops shot forward at lightning speeds. Bokoof pressed forward on his handles. The swoop between his legs purred as he left the roaring crowd behind. He was reaching his top speed of seven hundred twenty kilometers per hour before passing the first checkpoint. Sirrfhukk is first. A cathar, a species that had long pointed ears and looked much like cats, named Cacyn was in second. And a rodian, a reptilian humanoid with large eyes and a long snout, named Vee was in third.

He heard a whistle behind him as someone hit their booster. Kas went whizzing past him. The lepi was determined to beat Sirrfhukk. Bokoof kept pace behind them. There were several racers closing in behind him. They were slow to accelerate, but they were bound to catch up at some point. Bokoof was holding his boosts for closer to the end of the race.

He growled as someone kicked the side of his bike when they passed. The twi'lik, a colorful species with fleshy appendages coming off the backs of their heads, Kaana Teb is always a troublemaker. She would wreck her own bike to take someone out if she felt like it. She was a good racer, but was aggressive about it. She was good at kicking racers off their rides too. Her only problem right now was that the rest of her competition is good at it too.

Kaana rammed her ride into Kas. The lepi went spinning off course. Bokoof could hear his unkind words as he went by. Kaana gained on Vee and went to do the same thing, but she became startled when Sirrfhukk slammed on his airbrakes. She nearly rammed into the back of him when she overcorrected off course and missed the checkpoint. She would have to circle back now.

Bokoof could hear Sirrfhukk laughing when he passed him. He wasn't sure if Sirrfhukk cared about the race at all. The wookiee seemed to just genuinely enjoy riding and being the bigger problem on the playing field when troublemakers came around. Sirrfhukk was maybe three meters behind Bokoof right now. Cacyn and Vee were keeping pace with each other up ahead.

Naboo was a relatively straight shot course. It ran from the ocean, over the plains, through the swamps, and up the mountain. At any point, anyone could overtake the leaders. Bokoof liked to keep himself in fifth or sixth place so he could gauge his chances better when it came time to overtake the leaders. Kaana messed that up. He could hear the pounding of Sirrfhukk's engine gaining on him.

He'd rather the wookiee pass him so he could plan better. He chanced a gaze back. Only Sirrfhukk was behind him. He wondered how many people Kaana kicked off the course. The wookiee pulled up next to him and chuffed and roared. Bokoof chuckled. Sirrfhukk was going to keep pace with him until the last checkpoints. He wanted them to overtake Cacyn and Vee at the same time.

"May the best shag carpet win!" Bokoof laughed.

Sirrfhukk chortled. They dodged and weaved their way through the cattle Yum had mentioned. They became difficult to navigate as the engines spooked them into running in all directions. This slowed the four up front enough that other racers started to gain on them as they approached the final four checkpoints.

Sirrfhukk tapped his fingers on his helmet and pointed forward. Bokoof gave him a thumbs up. He and the wookiee both hit their boosters. The two of them zoomed by Cacyn and Vee. The both of them responded in kind. Cacyn and Vee both shoot off after them. Sirrfhukk weaved back and forth over the track.

Cacyn wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He pushed his 3D swoop up against the back edge of Sirrfhukks R-2000 Raptor. The wookiee laughed as he had Cacyn right where he wanted him. Sirrfhukk grabbed Cacyn's swoop and hit his air brakes as he made a sharp right. The cathar let out a yelp as Sirrfhukk brought the both of them into a spin.

"Are you mad!?" Cacyn cried out.

Sirrfhukk growled at him and let go. Bokoof swung out of the way, narrowly missing Cacyn. The cathar went to correct but got cut off by Kas. The lepi seemed to be powered by anger. He slammed into his boost and rocketed past all of them. All of them got a shock when Mobaw came from far behind. The gungan was determined to win his home turf.

Sirrfhukk hounded after the lepi and gungan. Bokoof found himself riding next to Vee, and Cacyn was trailing just behind them. This was more like it for Bokoof. They shoot up the mountainside hitting the last checkpoint. The finish line waiting for them at the top. Sirrfhukk grabbed onto Kas's swoop when the lepi hit his boost.

The wookiee hindered his speed as Kas was forced to pull the wookiee along. This gave Mobaw the advantage. Cacyn took this as an opportunity to get back ahead. Bokoof and Vee sideyed each other and hit their last boosts. Cacyn was gaining fast on Mobaw. Sirrfhukk had a better idea.

The wookiee zoomed over and rammed his fins beneath Cacyn's ride. The cathar swung back at the wookiee to get him to back off. Sirrfhukk simply crossed his arms and laughed at him. Kas got his momentum back but it was too late for him to catch back up. Vee leaned into her ride as they rounded the mountain top and were on the final straightaway. Bokoof did the same.

Vee tapped the side of her head and pointed at Mobaw. Bokoof nodded and tapped back in acknowledgement. They both knew it would mean a great deal to Mobaw to win this race. He would also be greatly honored by his tribe for winning on home turf. The gungan threw up his arms as he passed the finish line. There was a massive cheering crowd waiting to greet all the racers.

Bokoof eased off a bit to let Vee have second. He happily took third. Kas was followed in by Sirrfhukk, then Cacyn. The cathar looked absolutely beside himself. He pounded his brakes and approached Sirrfhukk. The wookiee stood up and threw off his helmet. Cacyn immediately threw up his hands and backed away.

Kas had no problem walking up to Sirrfhukk and kicked him right in the shin, "You damn vertical monstrosity! You ruined my win!"

Sirrfhukk picked up Kas who cried out. The wookiee then turned the lepi around to face toward Mobaw. The gungan was being carried off by his tribe to the sounds of singing and drums. The wookiee dropped Kas to the ground.

"I swear, you're a damn goodie goodie sometimes," Kas said.

Sirrfhukk growled and chuffed at him.

"Yeah, what's one race?" Kas chuckled, "I guess being the first gungan in a race like this is a pretty big deal. I just hope we don't break him out too early. He's gotta keep up that pace."

"I think he'll do fine," said Vee, "He did get tenth in the qualifier. He knows what he's doing, he just needs to improve on his sharp turns and being mean."

Bokoof laughed, "Ah yes, we were very mean this race."

Vee smirked, "I'm happy to let him win. And you, why did you let me get second?"

"I didn't!" Bokoof said.

"Uh huh," Vee eyed him, "You eased back last second."

"Not at all, you got by me," Bokoof knew she knew better.

"I got my eye on you shistavanen," Vee gave him the evil eye, "Do not think I'll repay the kindness in a later race."

Mobaw was put up on the winners podium for all to see. A crowd of gungans were going nuts beneath him. Drums boomed and their voices sang out in praise for Mobaw. Bokoof went to celebrate with him. After what felt like an hour of celebrating, he said his goodbyes and rode his bike off the track to go to a mountain lodge nearby to pick up his winnings.

Sheef was waiting for him with Tunk and Zonk, "Bo! You got third!"

"I did," Bokoof grinned, "Wasn't expecting to."

"How're you going to celebrate?" Sheef asked as he followed Bokoof into the building, Tunk and Zonk ran off to go watch over the swoop.

"We'll get some nice food for ourselves," said Bokoof, "I know we need a few parts for the ship too. And Mugg could use a new harness. He broke his last one while hunting. Should probably get him some food too."

"That would be wise," Sheef chuckled, "I'm perfectly snack sized for him."

"Bah, he wouldn't eat you," Bokoof ruffled up Sheef's scruff, "Come on, I see FR-33."

FR-33 is your standard protocol droid. Human features, gold from top to bottom. He was in the company of his usual guards. The guards were fully armored and never talked. Bokoof wasn't sure who was under there. He was suspicious that one of them would be his secret sponsor, but never pursued it.

"Ah, there you are!" FR-33 proclaimed when he spotted Bokoof amongst the crowd, "Come right this way, sir."

"Good to see you FR-33," Bokoof said as he followed the droid.

"And good to see you, sir," FR-33 responded, "You did quite well in your race today. Third place brought you quite the bounty this time around."

"All for the credits," said Bokoof.

"Of course, sir," said FR-33 as he brought them to a collections room.

Inside were Yum and Guna enjoying drinks and keeping company with the high rollers. Vee was already collecting her winnings when they entered. She let out a large sigh when she made her way down the line with the swoop agent that was helping her collect, and they got to a group of slaves that were bid in.

"Do we have to go through this every time?" Vee was disgusted.

"Unfortunately, yes," said the agent, "You do get to set them free if you like. So, see this as an opportunity to help citizens get their lives back."

"I know, I know," Vee sighed, "Bokoof, help me out here."

The shistavanen looked at the lineup. Two twi'leks, a rodian, a trandoshan, a few jawa, and, to Bokoofs surprise, a shistavanen.

"You want me to help you sort your selection?" Bokoof asked.

"You can take who you want once Mobaw makes his selections," she said, "I doubt he'll know what to do either. You're really good at getting these people home."

"Come on, let's get our credits and wait for Mobaw," Bokoof led her away from the eight beings.

FR-33 had his two guards sort his credits. Bokoof took the case of credits and handed it to Sheef. FR-33 then slid over several weapons and motioned over to a few crates of supplies. FR-33 then pulled out something most peculiar, a green crystal.

Bokoof played dumb, "What is it?"

"It's a kyber crystal," said FR-33, "They're extremely rare."

"Shouldn't this go to Mobaw then?" Bokoof asked.

"This was bid directly against you, sir," said FR-33, "Therefore, to you it goes."

"Maybe I can get some good credits for this," said Bokoof as he took the kyber crystal from the droid.

The sound of drums echoed into the lodge. Mobaw had finally escaped the celebration and made his way to the collections room. He looked completely confused and lost. He'd never had to go check in for bigger claims other than his sponsor pay. Thankfully an agent flagged him down and led him into the room.

"Disa muey grand!" Mobaw was wowed by the prizes waiting for him, he then noticed that he had slaves on his chart to choose from, "Thisa not what I expect. Whatta mesa to do with dem?"

Bokoof cleared his throat, "Free them. Help them find their way back home."

"How do I dosa that?" Mobaw asked.

Bokoof took the lead to help Mobaw and Vee with their slaves. The twi'leks were simple. They wanted to return to their families on Ryloth. The rodian wanted to return to working on ships. The trandoshan wanted to return to the great hunt. The jawas had no idea where they were, they just wanted to collect and build. And the shistavanen didn't speak.

"Vee, Ryloth is on your way back home, isn't it?" Bokoof asked.

"I guess I'll give the twi's a free ride," she sideyed the trandoshan, "And I know a spacehub I can drop our scaly friend in. Plenty of trandoshan who live and die by the blade."

"Mesa knowsa the master shipwright in Theed," said Mobaw, "Maybe thisa rodian can worka there."

"Get on that," said Bokoof, "I want to make sure he's taken care of before we leave. And the jawas, I can send them on a transport back to Tatooine. They'll be a headache for the transport droid though."

Vee laughed, "If the droid survives the trip."

"What aboutsda big guy?" Mobaw asked.

"Well, guess I'll take him with me until he talks," said Bokoof, "Or writes something down."

"Poor guy looks like he's been through the war over and over," said Vee, "Hopefully you're able to help him."

After some time, the three of them went on their way. The now free people followed their respective party. Bokoof had lined up the jawas to catch two transports. He explained to them several times what they needed to do in order to get back home. He was fairly sure they understood. He then took a better look at the shistavanen.

The agent only knew his name. Lokrut Shoog. He was owned by a sullustan that was far too confident in the wrong racer. He's tall, muscular, and covered in many scars, one of which crossed his left eye. Most of them looked like burns or claw marks. His bluish grey fur was rough and unkempt, and only clothed in a loincloth and a collar.

The agent handed Bokoof the collar's controls, "The owner said he's prone to violence and that he needs to be shocked sometimes to heel."

"Well, maybe if the owner wasn't bantha fodder," Bokoof took off Lokruts collar and handed them and the control to the agent, "Have these destroyed."

Lokrut rubbed a hand from where the collar had been. The fur beneath had been rubbed away in spots. Bokoof assumed he had it on for several years. He reached a hand out toward Lokrut. The shistavanen looked warily at him and backed away.

"It's ok," said Bokoof.

He was trying to use his force ability with him but found resistance. Bokoof wasn't sure how, but nodded and pulled his hand away.

"Come on, let's go get you cleaned up," Bokoof said, "My friends are at the hot springs nearby. They're quite soothing to the soul."

Lokrut obeyed and fell in line behind Bokoof and Sheef. Sheef was bouncing up and down as they walked and talked. Well, Sheef talked. He was trying to get Lokrut to crack. The shistavanen kept his stony face on for the whole walk.

Tunk and Zonk were busy doing maintenance on the swoop when they approached the ship. The ship, named the Thundasa by its pilot Buklam, is a 720 freighter. It was large but fast. It's unusual design had two engines located on either side of the cockpit. Two massive cargo compartments were set on the sides with living space in the middle. The Eta they left Coruscant with was docked on top of the freighter. It made the 720 look like it had a large cannon on top.

Buklam was nearby sitting in one of the hot springs. He was a rare sight these days himself. A lasat. He'd fled his planet after the empire invaded. He made his living hauling goods across the galaxy. His purple skin glistened in the setting sun. His large pointed ears twitched against the sky, showing he could hear someone approaching. Nearby in the spring was Thikok and Hungo.

Hungo is a dug they'd met while he was hunting down a bounty. Dug's are a unique species in that they use their hands to walk around more than their feet.This gave them a tactical advantage in movement and speed. And having hands and feet with opposable thumbs was rather useful. His face sported a broad muzzle with a thick tendril mustache. Hungo decided to ride with Buklam when the lasat helped him bag a large bounty and didn't ask for a single credit.

Hungo saw this as an unknown kindness in the galaxy and decided to stick around. Approaching them with drinks in hand was a bothan. He has an elongated face and pointed ears, and is covered in brown fur. He set down the drinks on the springs edge.

"Meiloorun Bombers," Grok stripped naked and jumped into the spring and started to pass the drinks out.

"Ey, where'd you get the meiloorun juice?" Buklam asked.

"I raided your room," Grok teased.

"I see," Buklam laughed, he then noticed Bokoof approaching with Sheef and Lokrut behind him, "Ayyy, there's our big winner!"

"Not quite a win, Buk," said Bokoof as he started to strip down to join them.

"Third place is good," said Thikok, "Who's our new friend?"

"That's Lokrut," said Bokoof as he eased himself into the warmth of the spring, he then introduced Lokrut to everyone, "He doesn't talk. So, I'll figure out how to help him eventually, or I guess, we have a new crew member."

"Gettin' mighty crowded on my ship," said Buklam.

"We have space," Grok said.

"I know," said Buklam, "But this'll be the second one we've picked up."

"Come on in," Bokoof waved Lokrut down into the spring.

Sheef stripped down and held out a hand for Lokrut. The shistavanen lowered his eyes and dropped his loincloth. He pushed Sheef's hand out of the way and lowered himself into the spring. Bokoof could tell this is what he needed. Lokruts face softened and he sank himself down into the water. A plume of dirt rinsed off of him.

"Poor guy," said Buklam, "Rather mistreated, wasn't he?"

"Yeah," said Bokoof, "It's one of the more unfortunate things to happen in the universe. Do we have any of the lavender left?"

Thikok chucked the cube of lavender soap over to Bokoof, "Our last block. We'll have to pick up more next time we're shopping."

Bokoof approached Lokrut, holding up the soap. Lokrut was hesitant but held out his arms. He winced when Bokoof touched him. Bokoof was as gentle as he could be with him. He helped Lokrut get cleaned up. The shistavanen growled and bit on his lower lip as Bokoof cleaned up around his neck. It had to be quite tender from having worn the collar for so long.

Bokoof put the soap into Lokruts hands, "Here, you can get the rest, ok?"

Lokrut took the soap and moved away. Thikok looked curiously at Lokrut. They were soon interrupted by the hooping and hollering of two voices approaching with a crate of food. Nuz had returned with another of the crew. A selonian named Daddus, covered head to toe in brown and white fur and wearing only a harness. He looked much like a ferret, but stood on his hind legs and wielded an electrostaff. He was once a gladiator, but left the fights to pursue something less damaging.

"Ahoy friends!" Nuz announced, "We've returned with dinner!"

"Fresh from a local restaurant," said Daddus, "We picked up a variety. We got stew with chili dumplings, Mongo beefhead patties, lemon cake, ko-do fruit, and some Dobri whiskey!"

"Perfect celebration meal," a shistavanen came down the ship's ramp.

Dokraar is Buklams first hire and had been traveling with him the longest. His fur was grey with bits of white here and there. He's a well seasoned pilot, and has helped Buklam run a successful smuggling business. He was busy helping the droids onboard with repairs, but the sound of dinner was enough to make him leave.

"Did you fix the hyperdrive?" Buklam asked.

"R6 has confirmed all systems are good," said Dokraar, he gave Daddus a kiss as the selonian handed him a box of food, "Thank you love."

"Once we leave Naboo, we have some goods to pick up at a nearby moon," said Buklam, "We'll be delivering it to the rebels before we head off for Danoor."

"What're we picking up this time?" Thikok asked, "I hope it's not weapons. We nearly got caught last time."

"Don't worry," said Buklam, "It's just food supplies. We'll stick with the standard lie about delivering it to imperial families that have endured heavy loss from the war."

"Sounds good to me," said Bokoof, the shistavanen was trying to give a box of food to Lokrut, which he was refusing.

"Who's that? A new pet?" Dokraar jokes.

Lokrut pinned his ears back.

"Just a joke," said Dokraar, he knelt down and took the box of food from Bokoof and stuck it against Lokruts chest, "If you're going to be a part of the crew, you need to eat and keep up your strength. You're going to pull your weight just as much as the rest of us. We're all in this together. Now take the food, enjoy it, and tell me what your name is."

Lokrut took the box and moved to the other side of the spring to eat. Dokraar put his hands on his hips and laughed. The rest of the crew chatted and ate, as did Lokrut after a while. The shistavanen ate like he hadn't eaten in days.

"I hope we can stop the slave trade one day," said Bokoof.

"One thing at a time," said Buklam, "The Empire needs to go away first. But that's near impossible."

"The emperor is just too powerful," said Thikok, "Anyone that has faced him, has fallen or narrowly escaped with their lives."

"It's weird how the galaxy is divided these days," said Buklam, "There's those that live life as normal, and then the rest of us."

"If it wasn't for the normal ones," said Bokoof, "I wouldn't have my swoop races and sponsors. It's been the only legal way we've gotten credits."

"You're fame has also saved our butts a few times," said Buklam, the lasat sniffed hesitantly at a lemon cake," Some of those imps like gambling a little too much, and you've created a small wave of fans among them."

"Best fight we have against them," said Nuz as he shared lemon cakes and whiskey with Daddus, "That and the smuggling for refugees."

"Bleh, this whiskey is terrible," said Daddus.

"It gets better with each sip," said Nuz.

"That's just your brain going numb," said Buklam.

Nuz went to jab at Buklam but stopped as he felt his hairs rise on the back of his neck. A tingling sensation rippled across his body. Thikok stood up and stared back and forth between Nuz and Bokoof. Bokoof also slowly stood up.

"What was that?" Bokoof asked.

Buklam looked between all three of them, "You guys...uh, ok?"

Lokrut was also standing now. His eyes pointed toward the sky. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. He raised a hand towards the stars. After a moment he gasped and his eyes opened.

In a deep, raspy voice he declared, "The emperor is fallen."