Heart Of Darkness (Star Wars)

Chapter 11: Getting Help

Days had past since we left Ran's space station. Ani and the child were both asleep. The child laid in his pod, while Ani laid beside me in the cockpit. Meanwhile, Mando was in the pilot's seat, planning on our next destination. All of the sudden, a hologram from Greef Karga appeared.

"My friend, if you are receiving this transmission, that means you are alive. You might be surprised to hear this, but I am alive too. I guess we can call it even. A lot has happened since we last saw each other. The man who hired you is still here, and his ranks of ex-Imperial guards have grown." Karga began. "They have imposed despotic rule over my city, which has impeded the livelihood of the Guild. We consider him an enemy, but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while."

Mando and I exchanged a look, sharing a look of doubt. Could we truly trust him? We then glanced back at the hologram of Karga.

"You have been successful so far in staving off their hunters, but they will not stop until they have their prize. So, here is my proposition. Return to Nevarro and bring Helia with you. Bring the child as bait. I will arrange an exchange, and provide loyal Guild members as protection." Karga continued. "Once we get near the client, you kill him, and we both get what we want. If you succeed, you keep the child and I will have both your names cleared with the Guild, for a man and woman of honor should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism."

The hologram then vanished. I looked over at Mando, who kept his gaze on where the hologram once was.

"You're thinking of going back, aren't you?" I asked.

He turned his chair around, facing me. "What choice do I have, Delmira? They'll keep sending more hunters after us. None of us will be safe."

I knew he was right. I nodded. "You're right, but can we trust Karga?"

"We have to. We don't really have a choice." Mando advised. "But I have a plan."

I furrowed my brows. "You do?"

"Somewhat." He confessed. "We're going to Sorgan."

•••

Once we landed in Sorgan, we made our way to the same common house we visited when we first landed on Sorgan. I remembered when we first arrived here on this planet. I felt like I was a different person back then, especially to Mando. And now we were like the best of friends. Although I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if we were dating. Those thoughts quickly vanished from my mind as we entered the common house. We saw a throng of people cheering.

We followed their gaze to see Cara fighting a male Zabrak. Cara wasted no time in beating the Zabrak. Once he gave up, Cara threw the Zabrak on the ground. The crowd cheered as she raised her arms in the air. "Pay up, mudscuffers!"

As she collected money from the crowd, Mando, Ani, the child, and I approached her. Cara was rather baffled to see us.

"Looking for some work?" Mando asked.

After sitting down at an empty table, Mando and I explained Karga's hologram, and its message. I could sense Cara's hesitation.

"It seems like a straightforward operation. They're providing the plan and firepower. We're the snare." Mando mentioned.

"With the kid?" Cara inquired.

"That's why I'm coming to you." Mando informed her.

"I don't know. I've been advised to lay low. If anybody runs my chain code, I'll rot in a cell for he rest of my life. " Cara commented.