Vengeance Episode I

A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…
Time Period: During the events of Episode VII and Before VIII
Location: Beyond the Outer Rim
A Short by D1474


“Madame, please, we have no ill will toward you. We are criminals, yes, but only smugglers.”
The man feared for his life. He was an older man, clad in a brown duster and knee high boots that covered tattered brown attire formerly worn by enslaved spice miners. As he leaned against a crate of stolen spices within his ship’s cargo bay he knew that the new arrival on board his vessel was there for nothing that would promote the longevity of his existence.
“Silence, you fool. I care not of your dealings. I need your ship.” The cloaked woman demanded.
The man began to slide his back up on one of the crates to regain his composure.
“We are headed to a desert planet on the Outer Rim. There are those there who need this shipment to survive!” he hesitantly said.
The woman thought quietly for a moment before squatting down near the old smuggler.
“A smuggler is always on the run, correct?” She asked.
“Y..Yes maam” he replied.
“This shipment of spice…who does it belong to?” She queried of him again.
“Jabba the Hutt.” He replied. “But…but…I don’t work for him. I am taking it to him only for the benefit of several families.”
“Go on…” she hissed.
“My family, and the family of others in my village need the money from the shipment to rebuild. Our village was torched by the Empire and we are in grave need of a new home.” He begged. “Please…allow me to finish my task.”
“Tatooine will work fine for a destination. Once there, you may deliver your spice, but your ship will be turned over to me.” She said.
The man nodded in fear.
“Stand up and set course. Tell no one I am here.” She said.
The man stood and went to the cockpit. He was shaky, and it was hard for him to keep a solid hold over his anxiety as he returned to captain the ship. After several questions from the crew about his current state, he avoided them and hit the hyper drive toward Tatooine.


Tatooine:
The man walked down the ramp at the spaceport, concealing the goods onto a Bantha caravan and began the trek to Jabba’s palace.
“Captain…are you sure you are alright?” one man asked of him.
“I am fine. We, however, seem to have run our last mission on that old junk of a freighter.” He said.
“What do you –“
Before the man’s question was even complete, the smuggler’s ship roared away from the spaceport behind them.
“The ship!” the man said as he halted his Bantha.
“Yes…I had no choice. It was taken from us.” The captain replied.
“Who the Hell do you just let TAKE your ship?” the man asked.
“I don’t know. But I don’t argue with a lightsaber.” The captain said as the stunned man’s eyebrows rose and he looked back toward the departing freighter.


Aboard the Vessel:
The cloaked woman sat alone in the captain’s chair as she had done many times before. She set a course and a smile crossed her face.
To herself she spoke…a deep hatred in her tone…
“We will see who this new “Sith” really is…their rule ended long ago and evaded my vengeance…soon, the heirs to Dooku’s ways will know the true power of Asajj Ventriss”
The engaged hyperdrive kicked on and the ship was gone…toward Republic space.