This story takes place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, when Corran is 20 years old and working for CorSec with his father. Some important background information here: The Lady Star Warriors (LSW) Elite Unit is a specialty unit of 7 women. They are from Earth and have traveled to the GFFA for some adventures. Each member of the unit has a special job and title, and they travel around in their own ship called the LSW Athena. The Star Wars characters and universe belong to George Lucas. This story was written for fun, not for monetary gain. Do not repost this story anywhere without the permission of the author!
Extra Special Thanks: To Becky Schone for helping every step of the way.
Leena sat up to the bar examining the contents of the datadisc she had received from Kulreg, refusing to leave the tapcafe before she checked the merchandise. She had given Kulreg one of her own datacards and what appeared to Joressa to be a rather large sum of credits in exchange for the disc she now examined. Joressa saw that Kulreg was still sitting at his table, engaged in a similar display of scrutinizing his new datacard.
Joressa knew that this had been a precarious situation, no matter how much Leena tried to play it down. She decided that it might be useful to work her skills to gather some information about Kulreg before they left. She thought she would start by approaching the man at the bar that Leena had first talked to, and then see what she could learn from the barkeeper.
* * * * *
Everything looked in order. Leena smiled as she ran through a mental list of the things she could do with these programs. Or rather the things that her R2 unit Beeper could do for her. She was excited to get back to the ship to install the programs into Beeper’s memory; but she knew that Joressa would still want to tour CorSec Headquarters. Leena looked down at her watch and jumped out of her seat. "Joressa! Let’s go or we’ll miss the tour!"
Joressa’s conversation with the barkeeper was brought to a quick end as Leena grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the tapcafe. As soon as Joressa realized what time it was, she took off running. Leena kept pace one step behind her and they made good time getting to CorSec. They arrived just as the tour group, which had gathered outside, started moving in toward the main public entrance of the large building.
The tour was very informative. It started off in an exhibit area that showed how CorSec works. Then the guide told them about some of CorSec’s more famous captures. They were making their way to the forensics lab to see how scientific evidence aids in capturing criminals when Leena noticed Joressa slip away from the group. Oh, no, Leena thought as she trailed behind Joressa, who had waved her along.
They made their way deeper into the heart of the building, and Leena started to get nervous. "We could get into serious trouble for not staying with the group. Security is pretty tight around here." In fact, she was almost surprised they had made it through the last section and into this restricted area without being stopped, but Leena knew better than to underestimate her sister’s expert intrusion skills.
Joressa remained poised next to a corner in the hallway. "Shhh. I think I hear them."
Leena knew right away who ‘them’ was without having to ask. She also knew that this was a definite recipe for trouble. And I just barely escaped punishment for the disappearing act I did yesterday. Any more trouble and I'll be on maintenance duty for sure. She let out a little groan. "Don’t do it," she pleaded. "Us sneaking around CorSec Headquarters, in a restricted area no less, is not going to look good."
Ignoring Leena’s warning, Joressa strode around the corner to come face to face with Hal Horn. "I think I can help you," she said with confidence and complete seriousness.
Leena just shook her head in amazement at her sister’s audacity and followed her around the corner. Hal and Corran stood there stunned.
"What are you doing here?" Corran asked. "Did Kulreg send you?" Leena could tell from Corran’s expression that he shared the same loathing for Kulreg that Kulreg had showed for him.
"You cannot be back here. You will need to come with us." Hal took Leena by the arm, with Corran grabbing Joressa’s arm, and the two sisters were escorted to a holding room.
* * * * *
"Way to go, sis," Leena sneered. They had been sitting in the holding room for about fifteen minutes, but Leena was already getting bored and had taken to making faces at the holocams in the ceiling. There wasn’t much to look at. Just four white walls and a bare metal table with four chairs. Their weapons and comlinks had been confiscated. Hal had even taken Leena's datapad from her, but not without Leena putting up a pretty good fight. "I thought I was the one that always got into trouble?"
"It’s not my fault."
Leena rolled her eyes. "Where have I heard that one before?"
"They are probably doing a background check on us. I’m sure they are suspicious because of your friend we had to meet this morning. And they should be too. That guy is bad news."
"He’s not my friend. He was just my contact. And we certainly didn’t end up stuck in here until you went into action."
Joressa looked ready to snap a quip, but stopped short. "I think we need to calm down. We are both getting a little short on patience. Perhaps it would do us some good to remember what Obi-Wan would say at a time like this," Joressa said with a smile and looked at Leena expectantly.
Leena thought for a moment, then with her best Obi-Wan accent said, "When waiting is your only option, your time is best spent in preparation and meditation." They both started laughing, helping to ease some of their tension.
"Good advice."
"Naturally." Leena grinned from ear to ear. "So tell me what you meant when you said you could help the Horns."
"I overheard Hal and Corran talking about Kulreg before I stepped out in front of them, and I have some information I think would be useful."
"I see." Leena paused for a moment to think things through. "So that’s what you were up to right before we left the tapcafe this morning. You thought you could endear yourself to the Horns by helping them arrest Kulreg. How very sneaky of you. You make me proud to call you my sister," Leena jibed.
"It wasn’t like that." Joressa started to defend herself but was interrupted as Corran and Hal entered the room.
"We couldn't find any history on you indicating prior criminal activity, or any activity for that matter," Hal started, "and the tour guide informed us that you were with her group. Given the circumstances we won’t arrest you, but we will give you a warning to stay away from places you don’t belong. You are free to go."
Leena’s muscles relaxed as relief set in, but that feeling didn't last long.
"I still don’t trust them." Corran leaned over and placed both hands flat on the table, his green eyes piercing into them. "What were you doing with Kulreg this morning?" he demanded, turning his attention on Leena.
Leena had to consciously fight to not wither under his stare. "I made a simple transaction. No big deal." She shrugged, but the slight quiver in her voice betrayed her anxiousness.
Corran brought himself up to full height again. "No big deal? Really?" Corran turned to Hal, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Did you know that doing business with one of the Bald Brothers is ‘No big deal?'"
"Bald Brothers?" Joressa asked.
"The Brugg Brothers," Hal corrected. "Some members of CorSec have affectionately nicknamed them the Bald Brothers since they both are as bald as the day they were born." He gave a little chuckle.
"You mean there's another one running around out there?" Leena asked.
"We captured Voss Brugg, Kulreg’s brother, about a month ago and shipped him off to Kessel. Those brothers are two of the most treacherous, lethal, and elusive thieves to ever grace Corellia. Kulreg is someone you should not be messing with."
Corran continued his interrogation. "What did you purchase from him?"
Leena found no reason to hide the truth, and knew that any attempt to do so would be fruitless anyway. "I bought a program to upgrade my R2 unit’s sensors and slicing abilities."
"That can be very dangerous in the wrong hands. Where’s the program now?"
"No way," Leena protested, and folded her arms over her jacket where the datadisc had been carefully concealed. "I’m not giving it up."
"Leena," Joressa nudged. "I think you should cooperate. That way they’ll know you're telling the truth."
"I spent a lot of money for this disc. And why can't my R2 have the same programming as his Whistler?" Leena pointed an accusing finger at Corran.
"How do you know about Whistler!?" Corran demanded. Leena didn’t know how to answer that. Her rising frustration at the situation was clouding her thoughts, and she didn't think they would appreciate her slicing exploits.
Corran continued to stare at Leena. She felt like his eyes were piercing right through her. "They know more than they’re letting on to. I suggest we hold them for further questioning."
"Wait." Joressa stood up to get their full attention. "I would like to explain. I have no intention of withholding information. Quite the contrary actually."
"Please proceed," Hal instructed.
"My sister and I are part of an elite unit. We each have special skills that we use to help people. People like you. I am the intrusion expert and Leena is our code slicer. Like you, we only seek justice and freedom in this galaxy. I know my sister can get a little carried away sometimes, but she means no harm. And I really do think I can help you."
"Why should we trust an ally of Kulreg?" Corran was obviously not convinced.
"Slow down for a moment, Corran," Hal guided. "These ladies don’t mean us any harm. In fact, I’m inclined to hear how they can help."
"We don’t need an intrusion expert," Corran persisted. "And we have our own skilled slicers."
"Skilled sure, but no geniuses." Leena mumbled under her breath.
"Listen to me, Corran." Hal gently directed Corran to the corner of the room. "Don’t let your anger at Kulreg cloud your judgement. Listen to your instincts. These ladies are being sincere, and I should think you would welcome any help in catching the last Bald Brother." He gave Corran a little wink and a big smile.
Corran couldn’t help but smile back and slowly nodded in agreement. The two men turned back toward Joressa and Leena. Joressa spoke up first. "I didn’t assume you would be in need of our direct services, though we would never hesitate to offer. However I do have some information that might interest you."
"Information is often a more valuable and powerful tool than any physical matter," Hal commented, in a rather Jedi-like manner, Leena noted. "Please tell us what you know."
Joressa explained how she was wary of Kulreg and she wanted to get some information on the guy in case he ever tried to bother Leena. She spoke with one of Kulreg’s muscle men, the guy who Leena had initially approached, but he was of little help. All Joressa learned from him was that Kulreg was trying to get some immediate extra business.
"We too have noticed the increase in Black Market sales," Hal commented. "We assumed he was planning something big and needed the extra cash to pay for equipment or additional hired hands to get the job done."
Joressa nodded and then continued. "I then spoke with the barkeeper and he was more helpful."
"Do you mean Herrso?" Corran asked. "How did you manage to weasel anything out of that guy?"
"Simple really. I was very charming," Joressa smiled. "And when I ordered a drink, I paid with 500 credits and told him to keep the change."
"Works for me," Leena said.
Joressa went on explaining that Kulreg was indeed planning a big heist. Herrso had told her that word on the street was the Tinta family was planning to receive a rather substantial private delivery of imported goods. The shipment was expected to include fine food, rare art, and various pieces of computer equipment.
"To pull off a hit that big would require quite a few men, at least half a dozen. Not to mention a very thorough plan laid out in advance," Hal ruminated. "This is excellent news. This could be our ticket to catching Kulreg."
"And shipping him off to the spice mines," Corran added. He looked intently at Joressa. "Was there anything else you were able to learn?"
Although Joressa's face remained serious, Leena could tell that her sister was pleased to finally be helping. "Herrso also mentioned that he'd seen a number of new people associating with Kulreg's known men. And apparently one guy boasted about being added to Kulreg's payroll. I guess Kulreg is really making it worthwhile for those who will be helping to pull off the heist." Joressa paused for a moment. "That is all I was able to discover."
"That's no small amount." Hal seemed pleased with the news. "You have been very helpful. I want to offer you my sincere thanks."
"Wonderful!" Leena exclaimed, startling all of them out of their serious dispositions. Their business appeared to be concluded and Leena had no intention of getting into any more trouble that day. She knew they had already pressed their luck, and she intended to get out while the getting was good. "Everybody is happy now! I assume there is no further reason for us to stick around, so we will be going." Leena made her way for the door and motioned to Joressa, who had remained unmoved.
"I'm afraid you assumed incorrectly." Hal's words froze Leena in place. So close, she thought. She slowly turned around and dragged herself back to her seat.
Hal took a seat across from Leena and spoke directly to her. "We cannot take the risk of you meeting up with any of Kulreg's men." His voice was calm and kind. Leena knew Hal was only trying to be cautious rather than cruel, but that didn’t mean she had to like what he said. "You know too much now, and if we’re going to be successful in trapping Kulreg, we can’t take the risk of him discovering how much we’ve learned. I'm terribly sorry, but until Kulreg makes his move I cannot have you roaming free."
"And I don't completely trust you to stay out of trouble," Corran added.
"The man learns fast," Joressa mumbled. Leena gave her a little kick under the table and glared.
"I am not going into protective custody," Leena said stubbornly. She understood the need for caution, but the thought of sitting around doing nothing all day under the watchful eye of a CorSec officer did not appeal to her in the least.
"May I offer a suggestion?" Joressa inquired.
Hal nodded. "By all means."
"We could help you capture Kulreg. Our background training is similar to CorSec training, and with my intrusion skills and Leena's slicing abilities I believe we could be of use. This way you can be sure that the security of your mission won't be compromised, and Leena and I won't go crazy sitting around staring at a wall all day."
Hal thought for a moment before responding. "This idea has merit." He rubbed his chin and paused for another moment as if to further consider the ramifications. "Let's move to a more comfortable location and plan our next step."
* * * * *
"Are you sure you trust them?" Corran whispered quietly to Hal as they led the way from the holding room to their office.
"I'm positive." Hal spoke with complete confidence.
Corran ran his fingers through his hair. Part of him wanted to trust Joressa and Leena, but another part could not let go of his suspicions. "What if it's a trap?"
"If this is a trap, then Joressa and Leena are not the ones setting it." He stopped walking for a moment to turn and look directly into Corran's eyes. "I'm sure they are on our side, Corran." Corran gave a small nod, and they continued down the corridor. "I also feel we will further benefit from their aide. Besides, this way you can keep a close personal eye on them."
A smile tugged at Corran's mouth. He had to admit he would find a certain measure of satisfaction in knowing that the security of this mission would not be left in someone else's hands.
* * * * *
The echo of three knocks reverberated in the hallway.
"Enter."
Derk gently pushed the door open and took two steps inside. The room was dimly lit by the glow of sunlight suppressed through the drapes over the window. There were objects of every kind cluttering the walls, furniture, and floor. Some were fairly familiar, but others were so strange and exotic looking that he couldn't tell if they were functional or merely for decoration. In the middle of this garish jumble stood a large figure. The muted sunlight silhouetted his body and bounced ever so slightly off of an unmistakably bald head.
Derk tried to clear the lump in his throat before speaking. He wasn't quite sure if he was more angry because of what he had to say or more nervous because of who he had to say it to. "The two sisters were spotted leaving CorSec Headquarters with the Horns."
"How much did they learn from Herrso?"
"The barkeeper informed me that he told the older one everything you told him to." Derk had fulfilled his orders from Kulreg by making sure that Leena, who he was supposed to meet with earlier that morning, had met with Kulreg instead. He was also told to make sure Leena discovered some key elements to their plan, which he and Herrso accomplished by talking to Leena’s sister. Derk had assumed Kulreg was considering recruiting the sisters for the job. "And now CorSec knows everything they know." Derk could feel his anger rising again. His hands clenched into fists.
"Excellent." Kulreg's deep voice remained calm.
"What!?" Derk could feel his anger boil as his last bit of restraint slipped away. "Sithspit, Kulreg! We have to scratch the job now! Did you forget how much that shipment was worth? And you're the one who's put so much effort into this!"
Kulreg casually sat down on a sofa. "It's okay, my friend. CorSec only knows what I want them to know." He motioned to Derk. "Please, have a seat." Kulreg waited for Derk to take a seat on a nearby chair before continuing. "There has been a slight modification to your instructions. And if all goes according to plan, you will still have your share of the shipment, and I will finally see the wrong against my brother made right."
Copyright 2001 by Beth Jameson.
Continue on to Part Three.
Back to Part One.
Back to Beth Jameson's vault.
Back to Corran Fanfiction page.