Star Wars: Brave Misdeeds

Chapter 22

"The quality of life is lessened by fear, which is why cowards often live in gilded caves and brave men in tiny castles."          —El-Diablos Bandido <IIA>

The Intergalactic Tenets of Peace were at risk for a second time in as many days.

A year ago, before the peace accord existed between the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial forces of the Emperor, the metropolis of Coronet became a focal point in the war. At one point, the fighting grew so fierce that the city became an overnight ghost town, devoid of workers, citizens, customers, capital. Pristine theaters and museums were converted into makeshift medical centers and morgues, their facades heavily tarnished in blast-scoring marks and blood. Corpses lined the streets where parades once passed and spectators cheered from the curbside. When the announcement was made, declaring the Intergalactic Tenets were in effect, life returned to normal within the month. Since that time, the city thrived, as it was meant to do, becoming the catalyst for other modern cities to emulate.

"Did you see Cadina's face when we stormed the auction pit?" Daemen scoffed. "I'd give a million credits for a holo of that moment." He mimicked the famous crafter's shocked expression as the members of <ELITE> stormed the stage in the city of Mayhem on Lok, killing the auctioneer, a well-known Rebel colonel and personal friend of the famous chef, before proceeding to assassinate his security escort.

Laughter echoed between the walls of the metropolis and the vehicle garage. Gathered about in the growing dimness, beneath a wavering streetlight, the members of that assault team stood or sat on the dividing foundation between the city and its garage. "That was good, but what Bink did to Pawe was even better." Fistacuffs chuckled, barely able to contain his glee as he retold the event. "She snatched the Rebel insignia rug right out from beneath his feet, flipping him in mid-air. He landed, legs up, on Beer's table and smashed it to bits, ruining their dinner and their appetite, not necessarily in that order."

"It's the sort of entertainment you usually have to pay for," Nuru said, running a polishing rag over the muzzle of his rifle. "A shrewd design, Daemen. Truly one of your better diversions."

Tempist nodded to agree. "One the Rebels will never forget. I thought Apathy was going to have a coronary."

Ghata roared in warning, his flawless pelt shaking with the vibration of his voice. Unlike his fellows, the Wookiee could easily see over the dividing wall into the courtyard in front of the Coronet Starport. What he saw was enough of a concern that the Wookiee grasped his double-bladed lightsaber.

"Rebels?" Fistacuffs questioned. He listened to the subsequent report. "Cole and Zep." The Sith shrugged, his shoulders slumped with boredom. "Who's with them?"

"No one," Nuru replied. Balancing on the highest corner pillar, the Imperial sniper stared through the macro-scope of his rifle. He dropped the rifle to his shoulder and glanced down at his companions, his blue eyes gleaming with mischief. "It's just the two of them."

Leaning against the stone support pillar on the near side of the vehicle garage, Daemen grinned and slowly drew on his gloves. Nonchalantly, he adjusted the black bracers until they were snug against his forearms. "Zep again?" He snorted softly. "Stand tall there, Ghata, make certain they see you."

"What's the plan, Daemen?" Fistacuffs asked. "Gank them both?"

Nuru hopped down from the cornerstone. "Sounds like a good plan to me." He bent forward, allowing his Mabari helmet to slide forward. With one hand, he snapped the armored helm into place.

"Zep is mine. Stay out of it. If Cole gets too interested, he's yours to do with as you please." Daemen met the eyes of his guildmate to reinforce his orders. "Nuru, I need your eyes in case they brought friends again."