Star Wars: A Resistance Story. Book 1.

Chapter 11: Valek.

The club was full of creatures from all around the Galaxy, mercenaries, hitmen and several others who seemed to be gathered in this same place. Valek was settled at the bar, sipping a deep blue drink. If he wanted to be honest (which wasn't something he usually was), he didn't even know what he was drinking and he didn't care. He wanted to celebrate something. After all, a contract like the one he just signed deserved a reward! He didn't care who was buying, as long as he had the money, he was a happy man. He was looking around when he felt a friendly hit on his back. He turned around, glancing curiously at the man who just arrived next to him. Tall, black curly hair, a brown leather jacket and a blaster on his hip. He first thought he was working for the First Order but he understood quickly that he was wrong.

 "Hey buddy! Well that's what I call a party!"

"Yeah for sure. Sorry but do I know you?"

The man offered a smile, shaking his head softly.

"Oh no... Not at all... I'm just talking while I'm waiting for my drinks. I'm about to have a crazy night!"

Valek arched a brow, asking a silent question to the man. He scratched his neck, a bit ill-at-ease when the man turned around and pointed to something in the corner. Actually... Someone. A young woman was seated at a table, alone, she was sending charming smiles in their ways. The mystery customer smiled back before turning to Valek again.

"This poor sweetheart had a problem with her ship. I flew her back here. And I really hope it won't stop now if you know what I mean!"

Valek had to admit that the young woman was really beautiful. He turned to face the client and nodded.

"You're a lucky guy. She's really hot!"

A small smile appeared on the lips of the second guy before he turned to face the young woman again.

"That's a sure thing... Hey... Why don't you come with us? A friend of mine is giving a party and she seemed to like you, it would be sad to not enjoy that!"

Valek hesitated a second. But if he was known to love money, his worst sin was beautiful women and this one was really a beauty! He smiled and finally nodded.

"You know what? Okay! I also have things to celebrate today and it's like tonight could only be better now!"

"Awesome, come on buddy! Let's go!"

Valek followed his new friend and couldn't hold back a liking whistle when the young woman joined them. The three of them stepped out of the club and headed towards another building. It was dark when they came in and Valek was welcome by a violent hit in his stomach. When the light came back on, he knew he was about to have big troubles.

"So... I heard you had something to celebrate Valek?"

The man of the club kneeled down, facing him, and fixed him in his eyes.

"But... Who the hell are you?"

The young woman stepped closer as well, adjusting her jacket around her.

"We're sent by Leïa, Rancor's ass. Where are the cristals?"

Valek frowned and looked around. The group of Resistants was composed of four men, a woman and a droïd, all of them wearing weapons. But if he was known for something else than money and women, it was his cowardice. The man lift his hands above his head and shook his head quickly.

"W-Wait, I swear I don't have them anymore! I sold them! T-To the First Order! I signed their contract, we'll make the exchange tomorrow, at the Palace! D-During the party giving by the Hutts!"

Ly'ra and Poe shared a glance and the young woman sighed before turning her green eyes back on the seller, still on the ground.

"And who are you supposed to meet for this transaction?

"The General Hux. He will come to buy the cristals himself."

Dameron frowned when he noticed the look given by Dante to the young woman. She stayed still, even if he could see some kind of fear in her eyes.

"And the cristals? Where are they now?"

"At the Palace. In an area kept by the Stormtroopers. The access is forbidden to everyone. Not even me is allowed to go there anymore!"

Dante grabbed Valek's arm and forced him on his feet before facing the rest of the group. Jay seemed a bit worried.

"What do we do now?"

Ly'ra fixed Dameron a moment, silent, and then she nodded, turning to face the others.

"We're gonna take these cristals back. First we go back to the Dawn to work on a plan."