The YT-2400 Corellian freighter eased into the landing queue for her turn at the monsterous docking bay. Eventually, the com unit flashed an incoming. The pilot, a young Corellian woman in her late twenties flipped the toggle to the receive position. Jesra glanced at her radar and noted with relief that no ships broke suddenly from their positions or that no military or police units burst from the station. "So far so good. Let's keep it that way." She said with her words coming out in a heavy sigh.

Corellian freighter Hope's End, you're clear to dock in bay thirty-four. Ease your engines to minimal and we'll take you in with the station's tractors in four...three...two...one.

The light freighter shuddered at the invisible grasp of the tractor beam took hold of it and smoothly drew it closer to the giant maw of the docking bay like an ever hungry beast ready to swallow its next meal.

"Understood Astral Astoria. She's all yours. Be careful with her." The fake transponder code seemed to work. The irony of it all was the real Solar Horizon had been an Imperial warship that was destroyed during a raid on a rebel outpost. The ship Jesra flew was actually named Galaxy's Horizon.

The next few minutes seemed to take forever, which didn't help her nerves any. Getting tagged now wouldn't bode well for her. Then again, they could wait until she landed. But, with a sigh of relief and a quick prayer to whoever was listening, Jesra saw and felt her ship land with a gentle *clunk* onto the station's decking. She finished her post-flight checks which had become second-nature to her, unstrapped her safety harness, then slowly uncurled her stiff body from the pilot's seat. Moving carefully this way and that, Jesra felt her back and neck pop and crack with abated relief from having been seated for too long. That was because she fell asleep for the last three hours of the trip.

Back in her small, but efficient cabin, she grabbed her holster belt, which had a few hard pouches on it, off her bed and strapped it on. It made her feel complete and secure. But, during long flights unless there was threat of being boarded, she kept it off for the most part. Her black Bantha hide leather jacket was the last to be put on before she left and headed for the cargo section of her ship where the main entry ramp was located. With a slap of the access panel, the hatch was opened and the ramp was lowered. Jesra flipped her wavy, dark brown hair over the collar of her jacket and walked steadily down the ramp to the deck plating of the docking bay. Her jacket concealed her blaster for the most part.
The sounds and smells of the bay immediately tickled her nose, but didn't draw any noticeable reaction from her. It was nothing new.

"A droid rolled up and from its metal chest opened a small panel which revealed a swipe unit like that found at a public banking console. "Please make the exact payment for docking fee. Thank you." Said the tinny droid voice. Not too far were uniformed personnel to ensure that no one ignored the collection droids.

Jesra dipped her hand in one of her belt pouches and pulled out a multi-use credit disk, swiped it downward in the droid's chest and returned it with a few muttered comments. One of the uniforms turned his head in her direction and she returned his serious gaze with her most charming smile before continuing on her way. Her stomach growled to impress upon her what her next stop on her agenda should be. After inquiring, she decided to go to the 111th floor of the station where the bar district was located.

All is never as it seems.

In the control booth of Docking Bay 1527-A3, the traffic control officer sat slumped over his desk, the reek of Corellian brandy - the really hard stuff - eminating from him and from the fluid that slowly wound its way through the papers on his desk. The upset bottle slowly leaked out its contents, and to anyone observing it would seem that the man was drunk on the job. Later, when the man was finally discovered, certainly that was what the security officers would believe.

And that is what they were intended to believe. Behind her mask, the second figure in the room smiled. The ship she had just brought in for a landing was powering down its engines. A tap of a button and a small droid approached it as the Corellian woman emerged. Eyes narrowed behind the helmet, and an armored hand reached up to touch a small button, magnifying the individual's vision.

An armored wrist met an armored hand near an armored head. The voice, diluted through a voice scrambler in the helmet, was not even distinguishable as male or female. "We got her," it said quietly. "Corellian YT-2400 Solar Horizon. Probably a false identity. Have C run a check on the transponder code."

A reply echoed inside the helmet, the sound not penetrating the armor. "You're certain? We can't afford to grab the wrong one again."

Another look through the transparisteel window. "Positive. This is the one we've been looking for."

A slight pause. "Can you track her movements?"

Despite the fact that the other party couldn't see it, the figure shook its head. "Not from here. Put C on it. She can hack into the system quicker than anybody I know."

"Done. Try to follow her if you can. But don't take her until we meet you. Understood?"

The figure nodded. "Understood. M out."

Jesra pushed past two patrons who glared at her but said nothing and continued their conversation when she moved away.

"I'll take a Corellian ale." The woman in the black Bantha hide jacket tossed two credits on the marred wooden surface of the bartop. One of them wobbling for a few seconds before settling still. No words were exchanged when her drink was brought. That was fine with her. The regulars of the bar stared at Jesra and she returned one in kind until they looked back to their own drinks.

She moved off to an empty table, set her drink down and propped on leg up on an adjacent chair. Which wobbled as badly as the one Jesra sat in. She shifted her concealed holster to a more comfortable spot along her thigh. Her eyes casually observed the ongoings around the bar as she sipped the pale, brown liquid in the tall, thin and not-so clean glass. A bar of which she hadn't been in before. And, probably wouldn't be again if she could help it.

Amongst the din of the various conversations around the bar, a feint beeping sounded. It was Jesra's datapad. She pulled it from an inside pocket of her jacket and with her access code, browsed the incoming transmission. It read:

Cargo retrieved. Payment deposited as agreed. Have a nice day.

It was short and sweet. Jesra smiled, but not visibly as she returned the pad back to the pocket and lifted her glass for another sip. As far as anyone was concerned, it was just a mundane piece of information.
If there was anyone among the motley patrons watching Jesra, she hadn't noticed. Or it seemed she wasn't paying attention. But, her sidearm hand relaxed reassuringly on the butt of her blaster under the hem of her jacket. She was waiting for one more transmission before she could leave. Well, more like if it seemed that was taking too long, then it would be time to depart. Waiting wasn't one of her better virtues nor did she cherish being away from the safety of her ship in space.

A few more minutes and Jesra would make for the docking bay with or without her next job.

Even with the multitude of bars on this level to cater to the uncountable numbers of travelers and Astorians on the mighty station, the one Jesra was in seemed to be profiting nicely. Inwardly, the slicer in her smiled at the thought of how much could be had from a nice, quick hack into the bar's bank account. It was a thought Jesra kept tucked in the back of her mind if she had time or the opportunity presented itself without too many barriers.

Jesra was mulling over the thought of refilling her ale or even getting a cup of caf when her wrist comlink chirped to life. In answering it, she kept her voice low. "I'm still here. Why aren't you?"

"Change of plans. Meet me on the 150th level. The Bazaar deck in case you..."

"I know what's up there. I don't like surprises, why the change, Brilk?" It was obvious in her expression if anyone had been paying attention that Jesra wasn't happy. Though she still kept her voice level to minimal, but it was angered and the individual at the other end knew it. Unless he was tone deaf.

"Must be something up at your location. Got wind that station security is suddenly interested in that bar." Came the answer from the gravely voice of a male Bothan.

Jesra didn't look around. "Great, and I'm still here. Thanks for the heads up, Brilk." Her words were filled with sarcasm. "Be there shortly. By the way, my price just doubled for the inconvenience." She added firmly before she cut the link prior to any protest.

The brown haired woman stood, adjusted her jacket, flipped a few credits on the table, then casually headed for the double doors of the establishment. Jesra made sure not to take a direct route to the Bazaar deck. Sure, it'd take more time, but it increased the chance of discouraging,or shaking any tags she might pick up along the way. A few paces down the corridor from the bar she'd just left, a group of six uniformed security personnel arrived from the opposite direction and disappeared through the doors.

Approximately ten minutes later, Jesra stepped onto the very crowded, bustling deck of the Bazaar. The number of shops and vendors was overwhelming to say the least. Maybe I'll do a little shopping while I'm here. I'm beginning to like this station. Might even stay awhile.

The smells from the numerous food vendors were amazing, and at the same time a little too overwhelming. But food wasn't what Jesra was interested. No. She was there for another reason though she strode casually through the crowds like any other visitor and resident of the station. Stopping now and then at the stands as if something had caught her eye.

At one stand, a Bothan walked up beside Jesra and started fingering through a crate of goods. Without anyone's notice except by Jesra, he slipped a small data disk into the pile of electronic component boards and optical connectors.

"Make sure that extra payment's added to my cargo hold, Bothan." Jesra made sure not to use his name nor did she look at him.

"Already there." Then, casually Brilk walked off and disappeared into the crowd.

She moved over to where the Bothan was standing, retrieved the disk and moved away without anyone being the wiser.

Except for two individuals, a Rodian and a Human who had been standing far enough away from the exchange. Both were armed nicely and wearing and odd assortment of body armor.

Unfortunately, Jesra had spied them too late. She kept her composure knowing this wasn't the place to use her weapon and moved among the thickened crowd of people. The two men were moving her way at a steady pace. Think Jes. Need a diversion.

That diversion was provided in a manner unexpected and unlooked for, as things often were.


Ten minutes earlier


The others had been making their way quickly to the bar when they got an urgent call from their woman-on-site. "She's leaving."

The brunette leading the group cursed. Her eyes showed her fury. They needed this contact. "C, can you get a reading on where the target is going?"

A few moments of silence passed. Then the reply came over the comlink, "No. You'll have to follow her. I'll try to keep you in touch using the station security cameras."

The brunette cursed again. The three women with her simply stood silently, waiting for orders. They had been well trained by the Onyxians before the demise of that ignoble power, and part of their training was to wait for orders from their superior in a situation such as this. Each was capable of acting on her own, but now was not the time for this. They all knew what the price of their failure might be, and since J was the brains here, they waited on her decision.

A decision that came quickly. "M, follow her. Stay with her, and don't be seen."

"Understood."

J cursed again. Then another call came from C. "I just intercepted a comm call. Apparently Scorpio Red is here, and they're not happy. The target must have made them angry. They're sending two of their best after her."

J's eyes closed as another curse formed on her lips. "M, this falls to you. Let nothing happen to her. Understand?"

Silence was the only reply. Apparently M had taken her task seriously and had turned the comm off. But she would know what to do. M knew the value of the target, and there was no one from Scorpio Red that could take her. J smiled at the thought of someone trying.

"C, any read on where she's headed?" J asked.

"I'm not sure yet, but it looks like she might be heading to the Bazaar levels. Yep, that's it. Most recent shifter went to Bazaar 150. She's not making herself easy to follow."

Good, J thought. She's smart, this one. If we can't follow her easily, then neither can Scorpio Red. That gives her a chance.


Present


M always did like to make an entrance. She had been slinking along in the shadows, keeping track of the target. Noticing the pursuers, she recognized them immediately for what they were; there was no mistaking the red sashes and the manner in which they carried themselves. Scorpio Red assassins, she thought with chagrin. Well, I was looking for some excitement. Time to play.

Slipping out from behind a booth, M stepped directly in front of the Rodian. Despite her short stature, she still stood a good six inches above his head. Speaking quickly, she asked, "Have you seen our latest silks? Imported all the way from Coruscant, they are. Come, have a look!"

The Rodian narrowed his eyes and replied, "No, thank you. I am busy."

He attempted to step around her, but M got in his way. "But they are wonderful, and your wife will love them!"

The Rodian cursed her, then said, "I have no wife. Now move, or I will move you!"

M remained rooted in his path. "What about your girlfriend? You have a girlfriend? Or are you just another single, stupid Rodian?"

The last insult was too much. The Rodian's blaster cleared its holster, but it got no farther. M grabbed the hand and pulled it straight up, driving her other hand into the Rodian's elbow. With a loud crack, the alien's arm bent at an angle no arm was ever supposed to bend, and the assassin screamed in pain. A knee to the stomach and a blow directly to the back of the neck stopped his cries.

By this time, the human had pushed his way back towards his partner. His blaster was out, though; there would be no fancy martial arts with this one. As the assassin fired, M rolled to the right, her hand flashing down towards her boot as she did. As she came up, the hand flicked forward, and the assassin's eyes went wide. He fell to his knees, then to the floor as M calmly walked over and retrieved her vibroblade from his forehead.

She knew station security would be there momentarily. It was time for her, and her target, to disappear.


Meanwhile


As M stepped out of the shadows, J sighed with relief. Now they could do what they came her to do. Moving forward, they approached the target as her concentration remained on the assassins behind her. She never noticed the threat in front of her until it was too late. A and JC grabbed Jesra's arms, pinning them so that she could not use her blaster, or any other weapon. They quickly disappeared with their target, before she could even scream. Not that she would, J knew. She was too professional for that.

A service doorway provided access to a private room, then to the service tunnels. A short walk later, all in silence. They set Jesra down. JC and A covered Jesra with blasters as J stood in front of her.

"I'm sorry for the rough treatment, Jesra, but you are not an easy person to track down. We've been looking for you for some time - you appear to have quite a reputation. Oh, by the way, don't bother using your weapons; we have no intention of harming you.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jaeriel Skynia. The girls with me are part of my team. We used to be soldiers in the Onyxian Army, before it got destroyed at Bilbringi. Now we're working for a more...subtle employer. Our job is to hurt the Empire in whatever way possible, and to provide others with the supplies to hurt the Empire. We want you to work with us.

"You should also know that your life is in serious danger. Your pursuers were assassins from the group Scorpio Red. I assume you've heard of them, and you know how dangerous they can be. By now, Mika will have dealt with them, but they will send more. Apparently in your travels you inadvertently made them very angry. We can help you with this problem, if you agree to work with us. The task is not demanding. All we ask is that when you get an assignment marked "TNR: Delivery" you perform it. You will be well paid; our benefactors are quite wealthy. So, do we have an agreement?"

Jesra's eyes bounced to each of the woman with suspicion and curiosity in them. Trying to bolt would surely get herself killed. "Oh, I've heard of them alright. Had a run in with a couple of them awhile back." She shifted in her chair and made sure not to drop her hand to her blaster out of habit. Didn't want to make anyone nervous.

"They might be a little upset because I cost them two pilots. Thought I was an easy target." She smiled impishly. "Guess they were wrong."

The offer was a tempting one. She didn't have any real loyalties with anyone but she sure as hell didn't plan on working for the Empire no matter how many credits were jangled in front of her. Against them, yes. And if innocents were to be harmed in a particular job, then she wanted nothing to do with it.

"You shanghai me from the Bazaar, and bring me in here. Where ever that is, then throw a job offer at me?" She was angered but only mildly. Then she smiled again. "You could've just bought me a drink and asked. I'll have to think on it." She stood up and realized that might not have been a good idea and stood still with her hands at her side in a non threatening manner.

"I do appreciate your help, really. Even though I would've taken care of them eventually."

EDIT: Dadgumit, I keep forgetting which account I'm under. This is supposed to be Jaeriel. Sorry.


In the Service Tunnel


"I'm sure you would have taken care of them yourself," Jaeriel replied. "But could you have done so while avoiding station security? Do you think that you could have escaped their clutches entirely? If you had gotten caught, you would be dead right now. They have infiltrated the security here. Not to mention the fact that we were going to offer you a drink. Mika, who saved your butt back there, had followed you to the cantina. She was waiting there for us to arrive. Unfortunately, you left first."

Jaeriel paused to think. "Come to think of it, had you stayed there you might be dead anyway. Cynthia did say that security officers were on their way, and Mika mentioned some entering the cantina just after you left. Could have been a plot by Scorpio Red to dispose of you quietly. When their first plan failed, they went to their backup, which was pretty shoddy for them. I wonder..."

A thought dawned on her. She cursed, then said, "I don't think we're safe her much longer. Their backup plan wasn't the two assassins. They expected you to be able to deal with them. There's something else going on. Scorpio Red is too smart to send only two assassins after someone like you." Another pause. "Your ship is sure to be either sabotaged or surrounded by now. They are powerful, perhaps more powerful than you realize. Our contacts have told us that they now have some wealthy financiers, though who exactly it is I couldn't say. Hutts, maybe, or worse. We have a safe room here. If you want, we'll offer you shelter while you consider our offer. Either way, you're free to leave whenever you like."


In the Bazaar


Mika watched from the shadows as the security officers arrived. She had quickly removed any trace of her presence, except for those who could perhaps describe her. Now, she watched as those people were questioned. Then she gasped involuntarily as the sergeant in charge turned to find another witness to question. Mus't'fa! the voice in her head screamed. The olive-complexioned human was well built, thick eyebrows and a full beard ringing his hard face. He was a known member of Scorpio Red, or at least known to those who were in the know. And Mika was in the know.

She had had some personal contacts with him before, a long time ago. Mainly a business relationship, but some of those contacts had been more...intimate. She shrank back as his cold brown eyes ran over her hiding place, as though she thought he could sense her presence. Something registered in his mind, or so it seemed to her. She had lingered far too long. Sliding quickly away, she slipped through a service door and made her way back towards the safe room. She had to warn the others. This thing was bigger than they had imagined.

Jesra was in a bind and she knew it. Going to her ship now would be walking into a welcoming party that wouldn't be so welcoming. And running around trying to keep alive in a station she didn't know well wouldn't be smart either. Her only option would be to go with her new 'friends' at this point.

Oddly, she didn't feel threatened by them. Almost reassured. She nodded at Jaeriel. "Alright, I'll go with you." Jesra looked at the others. "But, I'm still not clear as to why you're going through all this trouble for little ol' me. A spacer trying to make a living." She wondered how much they really knew about her. "And by the way, I don't like being holed up for too long. I'm going to need to get to my ship one way or another. We hate to be apart." She added with a grin. "Could use your help to get to her."

Jaeriel nodded. "We'll get you back to your ship in good time. It may require some extreme measures, though. Hope you're up for a bit of a challenge."

Jaeriel led the way through the service tunnels back to the room, noting to Jesra that there were no security recordings in these areas. They were safe from prying eyes, at least for now. Within twenty minutes they were gathered back in the safe room, where Cynthia, the squad's computer expert, had disabled the recordings and looped the feed so it appeared as though the room were unoccupied. Security wouldn't be snooping around anytime soon.

Mika was already there, and as Jaeriel walked in she saw from the woman's face that something was dreadfully wrong. "Mika, what is it?"

The girl's eyes were full of a mixture of fear and hate as she spat out the name. "Mus't'fa. Here, on the station. In station security."

Jaeriel's eyebrows raised. "The same Mus't'fa you told me about?"

Mika nodded. "Yeah. He's pretty high up on the Scorpio Red ladder from what I hear. This thing is bigger than we thought."

Jaeriel turned to Jesra. "Apparently you're a bigger fish than I originally believed. I knew you were a smuggler, and a very good pilot. But what else is hidden behind that face?" she asked rhetorically. Not expecting an answer, or waiting for one, Jaeriel strode to where Cynthia sat behind an array of computer equipment. "Well?"

Cynthia, a skinny blonde who was definitely more at home in a room full of computers than on a battlefield (or so her frame suggested), looked up grimly. "It's him, alright. Got a facial match."

"And I assume station security is out."

Cynthia shook her head. "We don't know how deep they've infiltrated. We can't risk it. He might be the only one, or they might be running the place by now. They're certainly taking a chunk of money out of here." She rolled her chair to another monitor and pulled up a screen. "See here? I hacked my way into the station's main financial center and downloaded the transaction records. This one here," she continued, pointing, "is a massve transaction to Y'lthia Enterprises, a Scorpio Red shell company. With what we've seen, I'm sure there are more like it."

Jaeriel glanced back to the newest arrival. "Well, Jesra, feel like helping liberate a space station?"