Star Wars: Musical Rebel

Prologue:
It is a time of civil unrest in the galaxy. The Galactic Empire is tightening its grip, and many systems are feeling the strain. Some planets have taken a pacifist approach to the Empire’s aggression, destroying all their weapons to show the Empire they’re no threat. Other planets have rebelled, making an armed stand against the Empire.

This story begins on the planet Purnak III, in the capital city of Purnak Center.
Karmen Veloc, a famous pianist, has recently taken a stand against the Empire, publicly voicing protests against the Empire’s aggression, and supporting the rebels.

Imperial Headquarters, Purnak City. 1320 Hours.

         Commander Pezorn sat behind his desk, idly looking through some datapads. He was going to have to read and sign these eventually, but just didn't feel like it right now. This desk job wasn't what he'd envisioned when he joined the Stormtrooper corps. Pezorn sighed. He almost wished the local populous would try to rebel, or at least some disgruntled citizens would stage a demonstration. Anything to break the monotony. He sighed again. This planet was just to well behaved.
         Pezorn had finally steeled himself to begin doing the paperwork when his comm chirped. He depressed the mike button. “What is it Sharyl?” His secretary's voice was shaking slightly when she answered.
         “Its Moff Kulton on the comm sir. I'm putting him through now.”
         Pezorn leaned back in his chair, worried. Its not everyday you get a call from your local Moff, and normally its not something good. He mentally reviewed his latest actions, trying to find what he'd done wrong. Perhaps, Kulton had found out about the supplies he had acquired from the shipment bound for his office? No, he couldn't have found that out.
         His musing was ended when the comm chirped its readiness to receive Moff Kulton's message. Pezorn hesitantly activated it. A hologram sprang to life, a miniature model of Kulton. His visage spoke. “Commander Pezorn?”
         “Yes sir. What is it you need sir?”
         “You like to get right to point don't you Commander? Fine, then I will oblige you. Have you ever heard of Karmen Veloc?”
         “Yes sir, he's that musician that spoke against the Empire on Altyr 5 recently.”
         “That is correct Pezorn. Did you also know he is now on Purnak 3? I can tell by your expression you didn't. He is, and you are tasked with eliminating him. His voice carries too much weight with the common people, it must be silenced. Do you understand?”
         “Yes sir, I'll lead the stormtrooper detachment myself.”
         Kulton's holographic image shook its head. “No, no, you don't understand at all Commander. The Empire cannot be linked to his death. People of many worlds would be greatly angered at us for his death. The rebellion would call him a martyr for their cause. No, the Empire cannot be linked to his death. I am sure he has offended many in his time, thus you will hire a bounty hunter to dispose of him. My office will set up the funds in an untraceable account. Whoever you hire can be paid from that account. Take every precaution to ensure the hunter and everyone else thinks it was a private individual that was behind Karmen's killing. Now do you understand?”
         “I will take care of it immediately sir.”
         Kulton's face took on a dangerous look. “Don't mess this up. Another infraction, and I won't be so kind in overlooking missing supplies.”
         “Y, y, yes sir.” Pezorn stammered out his answer, then ended the transmission. A cold sweat had broken out on his brow. Kulton knew about the supplies! If he didn't eliminate Karmen perfectly... Pezorn shuddered. Who knew what Kulton would do to him.
         Regaining control, Pezorn turned to his computer and activated it. He pulled up a list of known bounty hunters and their last reported positions. He would have to find just the right one to eliminate Karmen.

Republican Hotel in Purnak City, room 350. 0730 Hours.

         The birds chirped sweetly outside Karmen's window. He sat on the edge of his bed, taking in the beautiful morning outside. It's a great day to be alive he thought. Tearing his eyes from the window, he walked over to his suitcase and dug out some clothes. In a moment he was dressed, then quietly exited the room, passing his slumbering companion Amund. Karmen figured he'd be fine for awhile without his bodyguard. After all, he was only going to get some breakfast and a little alone time.
         The hotel hallway was deserted, but Karmen knew it wouldn't be for long. Even as he trotted to the turbolift he could hear the sounds of the other guests beginning to awake. He had left just in time. Karmen disliked large groups of people, much preferring to be alone. It was rare that he could get time to himself, what with being followed around everywhere by admirers and the like. Maybe this morning he'd be lucky.
         Stepping off the turbolift at the bottom floor, Karmen could smell something delicious cooking. He smiled, just the way he liked to start off his day, with a large breakfast. Though, he chided himself, it probably shouldn't be quite as big as normal. He was definitely getting a bit... large, about the waist.

33 Minutes later...
         
         Amund yawned luxuriously as he sat up. He was amazed at how soft these beds were. Much better than what he used to sleep on, before meeting his current employer. “Rise and shine Karmen.” he said, glancing towards his friend's bed. It was empty. He's probably just using the fresher Amund thought. But when several minutes passed and Karmen still had not appeared, he began to be concerned. He knew how much the Empire hated the musician right now.  Hurriedly he threw on his clothes and left the room.
         The hallway was filled with people on their way downstairs, eager for breakfast. Amund hurriedly pushed through the throng eliciting several angry cries and dirty looks. He didn't care, his friend and employer wasn't where he should be, and must be found.
         Amund shoved  his way into the turbolift, barely fitting into the tight space. “First floor, on the double.” he said to the man closest to the control panel.
         “No need to get your pants in a knot” the man grumbled, hitting a button. “That's where everyone's going anyways.”  Nothing happened. “Heh, why ain't this thang working?” He punched the button again. Still nothing. Amund forced his way to the panel. He hit the button. Still, nothing happened.
         “Ok,” he said, “This lift doesn't seem to be working. Lets just get off and use the other one.” The stranger shook his head.
         “Sorry, but that won't work. I already tried that button.” Amund groaned. Of all the luck.
         “There must be some way to get out. Isn't there a comm pad in here?”
         The guy nodded, “There is one, but it's not working either. I think the entire control pad is dead.”
         “Oh no...” A passenger groaned. “We're trapped!” yelled another. One person pushed his way to the pad and tried hitting the buttons himself. When nothing happened  he yelled and smashed the panel with his fist. There was a sizzling sound and then a pop. The pad's lights flickered, then slowly faded away.
         Amund cursed. “You idiot! If it wasn't busted before, it sure is now!”
         The man turned toward him. “You were the one who said it was already dead, so what does it matter I smashed it, huh? What you going to do about it?”
         As Amund took a step towards him, the other stranger came between the two. “Hold on there y'all, lets not start fighting. Now, if we just sit tight and wait, the hotel will figure out what's going on and will have repairs crews getting us out in no time. So what do ya say, why don't we all wait nice and quiet, eh?”
         His words had a coming effect not only on the two contesters, but all the passengers. The hubbub that had arisen calmed down, with only low conversations now to be heard.
         The stranger turned to Amund. “Heh, you two almost came to blows there. Not the best idea in this space. By the way, the name's Sertt. He stuck out his hand. "Put 'er there.”
         Amund shook it. “Good to meet you Sertt. I am Amund, bodyguard to Karmen Veloc. Thanks for stopping me a moment ago. Sometimes my temper gets the better of me. Once in fact, Karmen said I have one of the most volatile tempers he had ever seen. I've been trying to work on it, but as you've just seen, I don't seem to be having much luck.”
         Sertt chuckled. “Oh yeah, you've got some temper, sure nough. Hey, wait a sec, you said you're Karmen Veloc's bodyguard. You talken about the Karmen Veloc, the famous pianist?”
         “Yes, I'm the Karmen Veloc's bodyguard.”
         “Why what a coincidence, I'm a great fan of his! Do you think, that, well maybe, just possibly, when we get outa here, that, perhaps, you might could take me to him, so I could, you know, get his autograph? Maybe? Perhaps?”
         His expression was so pleading Amund just had to laugh. “Of course Sertt, it would be no problem at all.”
         “Thank you Amund, thank you thank you thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. But, you know, there's just this question nagging at me. You said you're Karmen's bodyguard. But iffen you are, how come you ain't with Karmen right now?”
         “That's the problem Sertt. Karmen left the hotel room early this morning, failing to wake me as he was supposed to. When I woke up, I found Karmen gone. At first I thought he was in the fresher, but when he didn't appear I began to get worried. I hurriedly got dressed and rushed to the turbolift, planning to go downstairs and look for him. You know what happened next.”
         Sertt looked troubled. “That's pretty bad. Hey, you don't think maybe someone  broke the turbolift on purpose, maybe to keep you from protecting Karmen?”
         Amund's face was grim. “The thought has crossed my mind. That's another reason why I'm so anxious to get out of...” He fell suddenly silent, listening intently.
         “What? What is it?”
         “Shush!” Amund said, a finger over his mouth. “I thought I heard a clanking noise.” Everyone in the turbolift fell silent, each straining to hear something, anything, that might denote rescue. Then another sound was heard, and the turbolift started moving!
         “Huzzah!” someone yelled. The rest cheered, their cries of joy magnified in the small space. A moment later the turbolift halted and the doors opened. The passengers streamed out into the hotel lobby on the bottom floor, overjoyed to be out of the lift, even though they had been stuck for but a short time.
         “Well now Amund, I reckon you better get to finding your lost friend.” said Sertt, turning towards the bodyguard. But there was no one there. Sertt looked around, and spotted Amund for one second, running towards the breakfast hall. Then the man turned a corner and was lost to sight. “He shore do take his job seriously” he chuckled to himself. “I'll just get my autograph later.” He turned and left the lobby, stepping outside. Discreetly he tapped a position right below his left ear. “Unit 3 to Leader, do you copy?” Sertt said softly, casually glancing around to make sure no one was watching.
         “This is Leader. Status?” The voice came through a tiny ear-piece that was practically invisible in Sertt's ear.
         “Contact successful.”
         “Affirmative, over and out.”
         Sertt tapped the position again, silencing the communications device. He smiled. Everything was going according to plan.

OOOOOO

         It only took moments for Amund to determine Karmen was not in the breakfast hall. Discouraged but far from giving up, Amund left the room, heading to the front desk. There was one man on duty who seemed to be barely awake, sitting in his chair with his head on his chest. Night shift must not have ended yet thought Amund. Walking up to the desk, Amund cleared his throat to get the man's attention. “Ah-hem.” The man didn't move. “Ah-hem.” Amund cleared his throat, a little louder this time. The clerk still didn't respond. Now Amund was annoyed. He pounded the desk with his fist. THUMP. The man jerked upright.
         “Uh yeah, uh, did you want something sir?”
         Finally... Amund thought. “Yes, I was wondering if you had seen a gentleman come by here recently. His name is Karmen, he's about 5 foot 6, has black hair, brown eyes and would be dressed somewhat richly. Though considering the state I found you in, I doubt you saw anything.”
         The man's face turned red. “Oh yeah, that. Sorry, I didn't see anyone. And uh, mister, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell my boss about this. He said one more offense and I'd be fired.”
         “I won't tell him this time. Make sure it doesn't happen again.”
         “Yes sir, thank you sir!”
         “Now, just one more thing. If someone wanted to get some outdoor exercise around here, do you know where he could go?”
         “Yes sir, there's a couple outdoor parks around here. The most popular is Green Forest. If you want to get there, just leave by the front entrance and turn right. Go three blocks then make another right. If you go straight you'll come to the park in no time.”
         “Thank you. And just a tip, some stimulants my help you stay awake a little better. Perhaps you should get some.” So saying, Amund left the building.
         As soon as he was outside he set off at a dead run. Seven blocks later and Amund arrived at Green Forest. It wasn't a forest per-say, but there was a large cluster of trees deeper in. Beside the park gates was a holo display. Amund walked up to it. The display showed information about the park, the different areas within, and a map. He activated the last feature. A map of the park appeared, different areas divided by glowing lines. Scattered here and there were small red blips. They're people Amund realized. He tapped one. The words, Yugo Manton came up beside it. He tried another; still no Karmen.  It took several more tries, but Amund finally found what he wanted. In the center of the forest beside a red blip were the words, Karmen Veloc. Amund shut the display off and ran into the park.
         Karmen was slowly meandering through the forest when Amund found him. “Karmen!” he yelled. The pianist turned, his face lighting with pleasure and a grin spreading across his face. “Amund, my friend, it is good to see you!”
         Amund slid to a halt next to Karmen, puffing with exertion from his long run. “Karmen Veloc, you know very well you're not supposed to go anywhere without me.”
         “But Amund, you looked so happy and comfortable in your bed this morning, I didn't have the heart to wake you.”
         “No excuses. You should have just woken me up.” Amund closely examined Karmen's face. “But that wasn't the real reason, was it?”
         Karmen sighed. “You're right, of course. Actually I just wanted some time alone, completely alone. That's why I came here. You don't know what its like, being a celebrity, having people pressing around you all the time. It was all I could do to get here without an entire crowd following me.”
         “Maybe some other time you could have gotten time alone, but not now. If only you hadn't made that idiotic statement...”
         Karmen looked offended. “And just what statement are you talking about?”
         “You know very well what I'm talking about. That statement you made in public on Altyr 5, against the Empire's aggression on Altyr 4. That statement was one of the dumbest things you could have done. What were you thinking, speaking against the Empire? I still can't fathom why you did it.”
         “The reason I did it Amund, was simply because the Empire was wrong in its treatment of the natives.”
         “That may be true, but you should have kept your sympathies to yourself. I'm surprised the Empire hasn't made some attempt on your life. And I wish you'd keep a lower profile so we can keep it that way. Do you really need to do all these concerts? Tell your public you're going on vacation for awhile.”
         “We've discussed this before. I couldn't disappoint my public, many would be greatly saddened if I canceled my performances.”
         Amund threw up his hands and turned away in frustration. “Fine, lets just keep all your appointments. But when you're killed by an Imperial sniper, don't say I didn't warn you. I can't protect you against the entire Empire.”
         Karmen looked thoughtful. “You really think I'm in danger?”
         Amund turned back around. “Of course, you're a popular person. Your opinion influences the opinions of many others. The Empire won't let you convince others to support the rebels. Their only option is to silence you, one way or another. The most likely way is to simply kill you.”
         “But wouldn't that enrage my admirers, and cause them to join the rebels anyways?”
         “Likely so.”
         “Then the Empire can't touch me for fear of the people.” Karmen smiled. “Problem solved.”
         “No, the problem is not solved. The Empire will silence you. I just don't know how they'll do it yet.”
         Karmen was silent for several long moments before he spoke. “Alright Amund, I will do as you say. We shall leave Purnak right after I issue a statement giving my reasons. Don't worry, it won't  be the real ones. We'll just need to head back to the hotel so I can type up the statement. I'll send it to my Appearance Specialist. She'll know how to get the word out.”
         Amund grasped his friend's hand gratefully. “I'm glad you finally see reason. Let's go do that right now.” The two left the park heading for the Park exit. Karmen walked confidently ahead, while Amund stayed slightly behind, glancing uneasily from side to side. Karmen had made the right decision, and Amund hoped it hadn't been made too late...

The next day in a dim and murky bar, somewhere in Purnak City. 1300 Hours.

         Pezorn sat at a small corner table, wrapped in a black cloak, stealthily watching the other customers. They were all a seedy looking bunch, but then again, this wasn't exactly the rich part of town. His attention was temporarily drawn by a commotion at the counter. An angry wookiee was glaring at a small human who pointing a wavering blaster at him. The human was speaking and gesturing with his free arm, seemingly trying to placate the wookiee, but didn't seem to have much luck. The wookiee roared and charged. The scene erupted into chaos. The human fired a writhing mass of blue energy at the wookiee. The creature staggered but kept coming. The man managed to get off one more shot before the wookiee was on him. The man screamed as the wookiee lifted him over his head, and threw him through the bar's front door blasting it off its hinges and sending it flying into the street. Another stun bolt lanced out of the gloom into the wookiee, this one finally dropping him. With the commotion finished Pezorn turned back to his drink as the bar's staff dragged the wookiee outside. Pezorn started, there was a man now sitting opposite him. He spoke, his voice deep with a menacing undertone.
         “Yerye Fargrin?”
         Pezorn stared at the man intently. Could this be the bounty hunter? “Yes, I'm Yerye. You are Killean Lefu?”
         “Yes. You have the information?”
         Pezorn fumbled in his pockets for a moment before pulling out a datapad. “Here it is, everything I have on Karmen Veloc.” Killean snatched the datapad and switched it on, giving the contents a cursory glance.
         “This will suffice. I will contact you when the job is done. You will then give me the agreed upon bounty or I will kill you. Understood?”
         The cold way in which he said it chilled Pezorn to the bone. This man was deadly as poison. He wouldn't want to go up against him, not even with an entire Stormtrooper battalion at his back. “Yes, I understand.” Killean, saying nothing else, stood and left the bar. Pezorn watched him go, feeling a little sorry for Karmen. He didn't stand a chance.
         Having no wish to remain with the riff-raff for any longer than possible, Pezorn hurriedly finished his drink and left. Several minutes after another man entered. He sat at the same lonely booth Pezorn had used. It wasn't long before another man got up from a different table and joined him. The first man spoke. “This had better be important Sertt, I have a lot of cargo that still needs to be unloaded.”
         “Well now Nathanael, I wouldn't call ya here if ain't important. Now, ya listen to me real good.” He leaned in closer. “Ya know of that musician, Karmen Veloc?”
         Wondering where this was going, Nathanael answered warily, “Yeah, I'm familiar with him. What of it?”
         “Well, did ya hear that the he made a public protest against the Empire?”
         “Yes, I know that too. What are you getting at?”
         “I've just heard that his bodyguard, a guy named Amund, finally managed to convince him to take a vacation for awhile, till this whole dang mess blows over. So they'll be looking for passage off-planet, ya follow?”
         Nathanael nodded his head in comprehension. “I do follow. You want me to be the one to transport them.”
         Sertt bobbed his head. “Aye. That way we'll know just where they'll be and where they'll be a going. I'm sure ya understand why he's important.”
         “Yes, his popularity could come in very handy.”
         “Ya got that right. So we can count on you?”
         “Of course, I'm always willing to help the cause.”
         Sertt stood. “Then our business is done. I'll leave it up to you to get him to hire ya.” He started walking away, but then turned back around. “Just make sure ya don't wait to long. I've just confirmed the Empire has got a professional killer on the loose after him.”
         “I'll get started right now.”
         Sertt nodded, and walked away.
         Nathanael leaned back in the booth. Quite a job they had stuck him with this time. But still, how much trouble could one bounty hunter be?

A somewhat better condition bar, close to Purnak City's spaceport. 1630 Hours.

         Captain Nathanael Capulet strode boldly into the bar, his black cape billowing backwards revealing a SW500 Magnum revolver on his right hip. Looking around, he spotted Jonton, his first officer. “Hey Jonton!” He yelled. The man turned around.
         “There you are Captain, what kept you? If you'd taken much longer, I'd have died from old age.”
         Nathanael laughed.”Ha ha, you're one to be talking. Which member command crew is always late for duty shifts?”
         Jonton looked thoughtful. “Well now sir, I really don't know.”
         “Really.”
         “Really.” Jonton answered with a straight face.
         Nathanael chuckled again, then resumed a straight. “Alright then, on to business. Do you know where Amund will be heading next?”
         “Actually, he's headed here. When at The Flighty Bird, I was sitting next to a guy he was asking about passage to Alderaan. When he finished talking with him I mentioned I knew a good captain with good prices. I told him he liked to hang out here, at the Spacers Cafe, and a little about the Exodus. He should be along shortly.”
         Nathanael gave him a slap on the back. “Good job Jonton. I'll be in my normal spot. Just direct him to me when he gets here.”
         “Yes sir.”
         Nathanael ordered a Corellian Ale and went to his booth. Two refills later a tall dark man walked into the bar. He hesitated momentarily, before being drawn by Jonton's shout. He said something and gestured towards Nathanael's booth. Amund nodded to Jonton, and walked over. “Captain Nathanael Capulet?”
         “That's me. Why don't you have a seat.”
         “Thanks.” Amund sat down. “I've already heard about your ship, and now I'm wondering if you would be willing to ferry me, another passenger, and our luggage to Alderaan?”
         “Depends, how much are you paying?”
         Amund named a price. Nathanael went higher. Amund named another a little more than the first. And so they went for several minutes before finally agreeing.
         “Just so you know,” Nathanael warned, “I'll want half before.”
         “That won't be a problem. When do we need to be at the spaceport?”
         “When do you want to leave?”
         “As soon as possible. We're in a hurry.”
         “Alright, then be at the spaceport in three hours. Docking Bay 17. I assume you know how to get there?”
         Amund looked a little abashed. “Actually I'm not to sure. But I can find out easy enough.”
         Nathanael waved his hand in dismissal. “Don't bother. I'll have one of my crew meet you there. He can guide you to my ship. Just make sure you're on time. I have a tight schedule to keep. Speaking of which..” He stood, offering his hand to Amund. “I still have some cargo to take care of. A pleasure doing business with you.”
         Amund shook it. “Likewise. And like you, I have my own cargo to take care of.” He walked over to Jonton, thanked him for his help, and left the bar. When he was gone, Jonton walked over to Nathanael. “Did he charter us?”
         “Yes, we're leaving in three hours.”
         “Three hours? We still have a lot of cargo to unload.”
         “I know, but you know how important Karmen's safety is. You'll just have to get as much off as possible. We've already gotten more to the rebels than they thought they were going to get. Who knows, maybe we can give the rest to groups on Alderaan.”
         “That could be difficult sir, you know how the authorities are about weapons on planet.”
         “We'll find a way, we are smugglers after all. Oh, and before I forget, I need you to meet Amund and Karmen at the spaceport entrance. Amund isn't used to navigating one, and Karmen...” He feigned a mock shudder. “Karmen can't navigate anything, or at least that's what I hear.”
         “I understand sir, they won't get lost with me to guide them.”
         “Alright then, time for us to get to work. Lots of unloading to supervise.”
         “Right sir.”

Entrance to the Purnak City Spaceport. 1947 Hours.

         Jonton paced back and forth in front of the entrance. Amund and Karmen were late, and considering the current state of affairs, something really bad could've happened to them.
         His fears were shortly alleviated however when the duo finally appeared, hurriedly walking towards the entrance. Amund was struggling to keep up with Karmen, burdened  as he was with four large suitcases.
         Jonton waved at the two. “Amund! Over here!” The pair turned towards him.
         “Jonton?” Amund asked. “You're part of Nathanael's crew?”
         “First Officer in fact.”
         “And here I was thinking you were just some guy recommending a good captain. Didn't think you were actually part of his crew.”
         “Oh don't worry Amund. Everything I told you about the Exodus and Captain Nathanael was true, even if it was slightly biased.” Jonton waved towards the heavily bearded man beside him. “I assume this is the famous Karmen? Didn't think he had a beard.”
         Karmen laughed. “I don't good man, this is just a disguise. Can't have a crowd following me, now can I?”
         “Guess not. Here Amund, why don't you give two of those bags.”
         Amund gladly obliged. “Thanks. As you can tell, Karmen doesn't pack light.”
         Jonton almost dropped the bags he was handed. “Ugh, yes, I can tell. What in galaxies did you pack, boulders?”
         “Not quite. Mainly piano equipment Karmen says he can't do without.”
         “Ah, I see. Well, we shouldn't stand here chatting, you all were late enough as it is. Lets go.” Jonton started off. “The docking bay is this way.”
         Karmen and Amund followed, the bodyguard bringing up the rear.
         The trio got to bay 14 before things started going wrong. A blaster bolt came from behind them, slamming into one of Amund's suitcases. He dropped them both and drew his blaster in the same breath. Amund fired backwards towards a armored shape sprinting towards him, then shoved Karmen behind a pile of barrels. Jonton meanwhile had also taken cover and was firing towards their attacker. He pulled out his comm chip. “Captain Nathanael, we've got trouble! Some sort of bounty hunter.”
         Nathanael voice came through, calm and collected. Hang on Jonton. I'm on my way right now with Garp and Wer'ty. Just hang on.”
         “Right Captain,  make it quick.” He popped off another shot.
         Amund was hard-pressed. The bounty hunter was relentlessly advancing. If he got too close he'd be able to get at Karmen. He stood and fired another barrage. Several bolts hit the hunter's armor only to bounce off or be absorbed. Before he could work his aim to head height his enemy had taken cover. Amund crouched just in time, as red death flew through where his head had just been. “Karmen, we can't stay here, he's getting too close. At the count of three I want you to run to those boxes.” He pointed behind him. “I'll cover you.”
         “What about you my friend?”
         “I'll be fine.”
         “But Amund..”
         “No buts. Now, on the count of three. One... Two...”
         Amund never reached three. A blinding flash filled the air and he felt himself being lifted and thrown backwards. He smacked into the duracrete wall behind him and everything went black.”
         Jonton watched in horror as he saw the bounty hunter stand and throw a grenade at where Karmen and Amund were hiding. An explosion blew apart their cover and sent their bodies flying. Amund hit a wall behind him, but Karmen was thrown towards Jonton landing face-down at his feet. For a moment Jonton thought he was dead, but Karmen moaned and rolled over. Thank heavens he thought. Then he saw the hunter slowly advancing through the smoke towards them, taking aim with his blaster rifle. Time seemed to slow down, and Jonton knew what he had to do. He threw himself forward, protecting Karmen with his body as he fired. His bolts hit the hunter and he staggered, but still managed to raise his rifle and fire. A trio of bolts flew forward. One hummed harmlessly past Jonton's head, but the other two hit in the throat and chest. Jonton flopped forward, his gun flying from his limp fingers. His body hit the ground and rolled bringing him face up. As his vision dimmed, he saw seemingly hundreds of bolts fly overhead and impact the hunter. The body was catapulted backwards, filled with smoking craters. The last thing he saw was the tear-stricken face of his Captain looking down at him...

Moff Kulton's headquarters aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Silencer. 2350 Hours.

         “You fool!” Moff Kulton yelled at the holographic representation of Commander Pezorn. “You let him slip through your fingers! Some bounty hunter you hired, how did you describe his body? Riddled with holes? Bah! Why didn't you get someone like Boba Fett to kill him, eh? I'm disgusted with you Pezorn. You are hereby ordered to the Silencer. Be here in three days, no later. We'll be holding position in our current location. We'll discuss your failure in more depth when you arrive. Kulton out!” He ended the connection, hitting the switch hard enough to snap it. If you want something done right he thought, you do it yourself . After brooding for several minutes, Kulton called Captain Uzzer to his office. The man saluted. “Reporting as ordered sir.”
         “At ease Captain.” Uzzer dropped the salute. Kulton continued. “Do you have Pezorn's replacement ready?”
         “Yes Moff. Once Pezorn is gone it will be easy to install Huter in his place.”
         “Good, good. Now, what was the information Pezorn sent us?”
         “It consisted of those that witnessed the fire-fight, the exact location of said fight, and those that assisted Karmen in his escape.”
         That got Kulton's attention. “Who helped him?”
         “Karmen's escape was aided by a man named Amund Hunter, believe to be Karmen's body guard. Also assisting was the crew and Captain of the starship Exodus. The Exodus is a Corrielian corvete, slightly smaller than the type commonly referred to as a “Blockade Runner.”
         “The Exodus huh, put out an alert about it. It is to be detained for Imperial inspection by any means necessary. Do you know where it was headed?”
         “It made several jumps to throw us off sir. We've compiled a list of its probable locations.” Uzzer pulled a datapad. “Here it is.”
         Kulton read through the list. Midway through he chuckled.
         “What's so funny sir?”
         “This location here, Alderaan. It would be quite something if they actually headed there.” He handed the list back to Uzzer. “Go on and take care of that alert.”
         “Yes sir, I'll see to it right away sir.” He spun on his heel and left the room.
         Once Uzzer was gone, Moff Kulton chuckled. Karmen had just made his job a lot easier. Now no one knew where the musician was, so he could use his entire strength to track him down. If someone heard on the news that the Exodus had been destroyed, they wouldn't care. They would have no idea it contained Karmen Veloc. The man would disappear without a trace, just what the Empire wanted...

Two days later, en-route to Alderaan in the Exodus' medical bay. 0912 Hours.

         Amund awoke to find himself in a bacta tank. He couldn't make much out through the bubbles. The room outside looked to be white, but that was about all he tell. His mind was trying to sort out what happened to him, namely where he was and how he got there.
         While his mind still tried to comprehend his situation he heard a tapping above him. He looked up and saw Karmen opening the top hatch and motioning for him to come up. Amund pushed himself up and out of the fluid. Karmen grabbed his hands and helped him down the ladder on the side of the tank. Gratefully Amund took off his breather, relishing the ability to breath air naturally. He examined the room he was in. It wasn't exactly white, there was a hit of pink in the walls, but just a hint. Various medical tools and equipment were scattered around., including another bacta tank. There were two other men in the room with him, a white cloaked man, the docter most likely, and Captain Nathanael. Seeing the Captain jogged his memory and he remembered the firefight. He turned to Karmen and gave him a tremendous hug. “Karmen! You're all right!”
         Karmen returned Amund's hug with equal enthusiasm. “Yes my friend, I am fine. The good docter here patched me up nicely.” He gently pushed Amund back a pace and looked him in the eye. “We weren't as sure with you. You got a nasty knock on the head when you hit that wall.” Karmen smiled. “But you seem to be doing quite well now.”
         “How long was I out?” Then just seeming to realize he was clothed in nothing but a plastic cover around his waist he added, “And when can get some clothes?”
         Captain Nathanael was the one who answered. “If you go through that door there, we have your clothes waiting for you. When you get out I'll have Wer'ty escort you to the briefing room. I and Karmen will be waiting there to bring you up-to-date.”
         “Thanks, a man just doesn't feel right going around naked.”
         When Amund came out of the changing room he was escorted to briefing room, but given a  slight tour as well. Wer'ty was an interesting guide, a very lively Twilek. Amund was shown the engine room, a large affair with a powerful engine. Wer'ty boasted they could out-run any vessel, Imperial or otherwise. He was shown the four turbo-laser batteries, the many quad cannons, and the most impressive technology on-board, the cloaking device. Not fully reliable yet, it was still many years ahead of its time.
         In time they reached the briefing room. Wer'ty left him at the door saying, “If you ever want another tour, or just someone to hang out with, I'm your Twilek.”
         Amund thanked him, and entered the room. It was a small amphitheater, the chairs in the back sloping downwards towards those at the front. The wall all the chairs faced was covered by a giant view-screen, which was currently displaying a rotating model of the planet Alderaan. Karmen and Captain Nathanael were looking over some information on a small holo-display located just under the view-screen. Karmen looked up as Amund entered. “Ah, there you are. You took a little while getting here, yes?”
         Captain Nathanael spoke up. “Let me guess, Wer'ty gave you a tour?”
         “Yes Captain, and if I may say so, the Exodus is very impressive. The cloaking device especially.”
         “Why thank you Amund. I'm very proud of my vessel. But I didn't want you hear so I could brag out my ship. What do you remember from two days ago?”
         “Two days... I was out for awhile. Now lets see, what I remember... Well, there was the bounty hunter of course. The blaster-fight, and the last thing I remember was an explosion of some sort. My mind is blank after that.”
         Captain Nathanael sat down. “Go ahead you two, have a seat. So Amund, the last you remember was the explosion huh? Well, there's not much else to tell. We, I mean myself, Wer'ty, and Garp, arrived right after. We saw you and Karmen flung in different directions, and witnessed the death of a very brave man.” Nathanael stopped for a moment, composing himself, before continuing. “Jonton died heroically, sacrificing his own life for your friend Karmen here. He will not be forgotten.” He had to pause again, struggling to keep tears from his eyes. “He was my friend for many years and I will miss him dearly. After we slew the bounty hunter, my crew brought you, Karmen, and Jonton's body to the Exodus. We had a little trouble with port authorities when leaving. It seemed they wanted to question us about a fire-fight the took place outside bay 14. Anyways, we eluded them and jumped to hyperspace. We made several jumps in different directions to throw off anyone following us, then jumped towards Alderaan. We'll be there in a couple hours.”
         Amund sat in silence for several minutes. He hadn't known Jonton long, but he'd grown to like him in that short time. He would miss him. Finally he spoke. “When is Jonton's funeral?”
         “We're having a service when we reach Alderaan. Jonton had family there, and they'll of course want to say goodbye.”
         “Thats it for that then. Is there anything I need to know about Alderaan that I don't already?  I know they don't allow weapons on planet, and that the populous is primarily human. But there could something else I don't know, since I haven't been there.”
         Nathanael thought for moment. “No, I can't think of anything. Aside from the no-weapons law and the low crime rate, they're just your run-of-the-mill population on a pretty nice planet. If I may ask, what do you and Karmen plan on doing once you're there?”
         “Just lay low for awhile, until the Empire forgets about us basically.”
         Karmen then spoke. “I wish to thank you taking us there Captain. You've already much more than you should have. One of your crew sacrificed himself for us, and you let us use for bacta tanks.”
         “I agreed to take you to Alderaan. I'm going to, bounty hunters or no bounty hunters.”
         “But still, losing a crew man? I no money won't help you cope with the loss, but I still feel we should make some sort of restitution.”
         “We agreed on a price. That will be the price I am paid, no more.”
Karmen started to say something else but Nathanael cut him off. “What I say is final, no buts.” Karmen nodded, accepting his decision. “Now,” Nathanael said, “I suggest you two go get some rest. I'll wake you in a couple hours when we're about to enter the system.”

Continued in Part 2!