The tension was at very dangerous limits to think about. Mirana led the group, showing supernatural confidence, but inside she was completely terrified. Behind them walked patiently Numa and Lubo, both covered with a dirty and somewhat torn hood, giving a sign that they were slaves being led away to be sold. And behind the rest, Boil with his bounty hunter façade, who was the most tense of all.

Making contact with a slaver in Abafar was not really difficult, as the sale of slaves was more common than food markets. Boil walked through those streets full of so much evil with regret. Something Mirana had already become accustomed to from a very young age.

Boil was always a good soldier. Faithful to his ideals, to the Republic at the time, and to his former general Kenobi and the Jedi order, but there was always something that bothered him.

At the time of the Clone Wars, I heard stories of how the Jedi infiltrated worlds as corrupt as Abafar, but not to save their inhabitants, but to carry out a specific mission. For a long time it seemed somewhat hypocritical to him that peace advocates did not save those most in need when they had the opportunity and he judged them for it. But now that he was in that situation he had a very different point of view.

Hundreds of innocent people lay there, and a feeling of guilt and helplessness ran through every cell of their body. He felt an impulse rooted in his being, an impulse that compelled him to take up his weapon, end the life of every slave trader present and free the defenseless. Something that was instilled in him during his training on Kamino.

Although the end of his creation had a meaning as macabre as Order 66, its values ​​still tortured him inside. Even when he had to witness the harsh reality of seeing children chained up and ready to be sold to the first ruffian who showed up with the right cash. Children treated like animals under the shadow of an Empire that promised peace and prosperity to the galaxy. "So much blasphemy."

Even so, he felt that iota of hypocrisy that he judged so much in the actions of his general and his order. Now he stood up as a defender of peace and justice, but he couldn't do anything about it. He had a mission, and it was much more important than rescuing the innocents that plagued his surroundings. He had to be strong. Harden your heart and walk with your eyes forward. He knew that if any of those child prisoners looked him directly in the eyes they wouldn't be able to control themselves. No matter how much his soul screamed for the opposite. Not even walking through the arid sands of Geonosis had been so hard.

For better or worse, the path Mirana led them along reached an area devoid of chained slaves, an area that obviously belonged to wealthier beings. An area that smelled different. A smell of perfume and human misery. A smell that aroused the resentment of those who once tasted slavery.

Mirana: - We are close. Don't separate. - His hoarse and sharp voice gave the impression that he did not feel comfortable in that place.

Numa and Lubo just nodded silently. They were both quite scared, even knowing that the commando droids were watching them from the rooftops. Boil, on the other hand, managed to snap out of his self-critical thoughts and was able to refocus on the mission. It was no time to judge himself in moral conflicts. I had to pay attention. There will be time to judge himself when they return home.

Before them stood a mansion too ostentatious for everyone's taste. Even Mirana thought it was too much opulence. And she had seen unthinkable things. So much so that he even hesitated to approach the Trandoshan who was waiting for them at the door of the place.

Trandoshan: You must be Omnicidal. [Code name Mirana used in her bounty hunting days] I have to admit that I feel honored to witness a legend.

Mirana: What can I say. We all need money. Is your boss there? I have something that I know you will like.

Mirana pulled the rope that held Numa and Lubo's hands, part of the performance to avoid raising suspicions. The Trandoshan knew the reason for the visit, since Takke had warned him, but he could not see the faces of the hooded men.

Numa watched in horror as the Trandoshan brought his hand closer to her face, surely to check the "quality of the product." Boil watched from behind everyone's backs, his blood boiling at the idea that this ruffian had in his mind. The clone was about to take his knife and rip off his hand, but thanks to the force Mirana intervened.

Trandoshan: - Au... - He complained when he felt the woman hit his hand. - Are you crazy? -

Mirana: - You will not touch the product until it has been paid for. -

Trandoshan: - What? No... That's not what... Grrrrr... It's okay... Just come in... The boss is waiting for you. Do not deviate. -

That was strange without a doubt. The way the Trandoshan reacted was not that of a guy who was used to dealing with slaves, but that had little relevance at the moment.

The group entered and began, following the corridors that led to their destination without even looking around, because the last thing they wanted was for any of the bandits that plagued the place to set eyes on them. Numa was getting more and more scared, especially because of what had just happened to that Trandoshan. Even his own idea didn't seem so good to him. Well, being a female entering puberty, her physical and mental safety would not be assured if something bad happened. Still, the hand that Boil placed on his shoulder could have given him a little confidence.

Mirana: - Walking. Don't get distracted. -

The woman's tone sounded aggressive, but it was a warning to the rest rather than a threat. If Boil showed affection towards her some might become suspicious. They were slaves and slaveholders after all. One mistake and everything would go out of control in a few seconds. And each step was worse than the last.

The voice of another Trandoshan stopped them. A pair of guards were waiting in front of a large door, where they demanded that he hand over all his weapons before moving forward. Boil was able to hide his anger under his helmet, as he had not thought about being unarmed on that mission, although that was probably his fault for not thinking things through with more common sense. Mirana, on the other hand, did not even hesitate and left her gun on the table indicated by the slavers, because she did expect something like that.

Only when Boil put down his rifle did the guards allow him entry into a rather simple room compared to the place. A large and spacious room, but lacking much furniture or decorations. A place where only one figure and a makeshift metal throne stood above everyone.

Mirana: - Takke... - The woman murmured angrily.

Takke: - Good. Well. Well. But look what the galaxy brought to my humble abode. If nothing more and nothing less than Onmisida herself. Although... It seems that you don't have that gloomy aura that you used to carry. -

Mirana: - I can say the same about you. Now you sit on a throne, but you answer to your Hutt masters like a lapdog. You have fallen low without a doubt. -

Takke: - How dare you say that!? I am the one in control of Abafar! I'm the one who gives the orders here! -

The way the Trandoshan reacted was quite disconcerting, as if an old rage took over him at the former bounty hunter's insults. Did Mirana and Takke share a common past? The answer was obvious, but apparently things had not ended in the best way.

Mirana: - Yes yes yes. As before. Always believing that you have everything under control. That's why Mustafar turned out so well. - He said with irony and anger.

Takke: - Silence! That was a contractor's mistake! -

Mirana: - A mistake that cost us everything. -

Thanks: - Grrrrrrrrr..... -

The Trandoshan was burning with anger. Apparently those memories were not very pleasant for either of them. Still, Takke managed to take a deep breath, remembering his position and letting go of past grudges. He had more important things on his mind right now. Obtain a pair of Twi'lek slaves for his master Jabba, who "adored" slaves of this species. Something highly valued throughout the galaxy in this imperial era. With that, perhaps he could get some favors from his lord.

Takke: - Very good... Do you know what...? I don't care what you think. That's your problem... Not mine. Just say why you came and let's get this over with. -

Mirana: - Finally some intelligence in that brain. -

Mirana kept spitting poison out of her mouth, which made Takke more and more angry. Boil behind her and hidden under his helmet looked at her worriedly, questioning whether it was a good idea to continue fanning that flame for no apparent reason other than resentment. I was thinking about intervening, but before I could even say anything Mirana continued in her role.

Mirana: - I'm short on credits. That's all I need to know, so I'm here to sell these two. I knew someone like you couldn't resist. -

Takke: - And you guessed right. -

The Trandoshan stood up and began walking towards them. He leaned his body to look the young Twi'lek in the eyes, but kept a safe distance. Those reptilian eyes and constant hiss frightened both Numa and Lubo alike, and they couldn't help but feel intimidated by such a menacing presence.

Sensing her fear, Takke smiled pleased. Knowing all the benefits that acquiring such valuable slaves would give them. He did not see them as conscious living beings, but as bags of meat that had a price. It was always like this, and Mirana knew it very well.

Takke: - Very good... Heh heh. Jabba will be very... pleased when I tell him what I have for him. Hehe... - He laughed maliciously. - Very good. What is your price! -

Mirana: - Give me something worthwhile. -

Takke: - Ten thousand for each one. Does it seem enough to you? -

That amount was too much. Even Mirana was surprised to know that someone as greedy as Takke was willing to hand over so many credits. But that was a good sign. Mirana could play with that to get closer to her goal.

Mirana: - I don't want credits. I need something worthwhile. -

Takke: - As demanding as always. Tell me what you want? -

Mirana: - I want a hundred barrels of rhydonium. I understand that you are in charge of all this. A little fuel won't be much. -

Takke took a moment to think about it. Although one hundred barrels was a fairly large amount, the price was not that far from the original amount. Why did Mirana want the rhydonium? That didn't matter to him. Just get your hands on your new acquisition.

Takke: - Very good. I agree. I'll need some time to gather the rydonium. For now, feel like my guests.

Mirana: - It's not necessary. Tomorrow we will return and... -

Thanks: - Insisto. -

The Trandochan's voice was very challenging. And for good reasons. Numa and Lubo looked confused as two droids suddenly entered the room. But instead, Mirana and Boil saw in horror what it was. Old memories came to their minds, and an innate fear surfaced within them.

Takke: - My "bodyguards" will take you to your rooms. -