In the quiet of space, drifted the countless number of small celestial bodies. Some rocks no bigger than your fist, while others larger than space stations. It was among this huge mess of floating chucks of rock, that a small freighter silently ghosted through. The ship was Quasar's Light. And on board carried the last remnants of the Kelloch family. Calhoun, the father, sat in the weapons chair. Alana, his faithful loving wife, sat in the navigation and communications seat. Their son, Malcom, concentrated strongly on steering their vessel through the dangerous passage that went through the asteroid belt.
They had been flying for weeks now in an attempt to evade some unsavory types who had been out kill them, after they played a role in foiling a small raid on their home planet of Naboo. Time and time again, when they thought they had given these pirates the slip, they appeared again. Doggedly pursuing them in revenge for their lost comrades and ability to operate effectively in that sector. It was during this trip, that as a family, it was decided they would take Malcom to the Republic and handed over to the Jedi....if they would take him. It was felt that was the only way at least he could be kept safe, and out of immediate danger. Though it would be a safer bet to say it was only Calhoun and Alana who had agreed to this. Malcom did not want to leave what family he had left. At the same point in the back of his mind, he wondered if he agreed to join the Jedi, could his parents be afforded some protection? He wasn't sure. But it was the only thought that was allowing him to begrudgingly go along with this plan so far.
A quick blip on the navi computer, and Alana announced sighting the primary verpine colony in the Roche system. The one that house the main corporate office of the Slayn & Korpil Corporation. A slight nod from Malcom brought about a small change in course as the new coordinates were relayed to him. Making sure to give a wide berth to the massive mining ships also floating through the field, he couldn't help but gaze at the size of them. Sure, there were plenty of ships bigger than these fairly harmless vessels. But it was still impressive to see them so effortlessly making their way through the jumble of rocks despite their size.
It didn't take too much longer, and the colony soon found a small freighter making landfall in one of the docking bays.
"So...you think we lost 'em this time?" Malcom asked doubtfully, as he finally relaxed in his pilots chair. A quick snort of disgust came from Calhoun. "I doubt it. Hopefully with all the Mando's AND Republic forces in the area guarding all these mining vessels and such, we can buy some time....but somehow they seem to keep picking up our trail. It's almost like they got a tracker on us. But I already checked the hull for bugs...I didn't see anything."
Malcom got up from his seat and sighed heavily as he walked past them and out of the cockpit. "So I guess it's keep on running."
As sad look fell across his mothers face as she looked after his departing form. "Where are you going dear?"
"Just going to hit one of the local cantinas for a quick drink. I need off this ship for a bit." He paused and turned around to face her. Allowing a small smile to form, he added. "Don't worry. I won't be long. And I'll be careful." With that said. Malcom left.
"He'll be fine. Just needs to cool off. He knows what we're doing is the right call." Came the hushed comment to Alana.
A frown wrinkled her brow as she shot an annoyed look Calhoun's way. "I doubt that. He's too stubborn. I blame you...get's it from your side of the family. He'd rather just fight it out."
Calhoun gave a tired half hearted chuckle. "Aye, he is that." Leaving his own chair, he walked over to Alana and placed his hands on her shoulders, messaging them gently. "Don't you worry though darling. We'll get him to safety. Then we can deal with them ourselves....or at least lead them far enough away so that they will never be able to find him again."
A small tear trickled down her face as she softly reached for his one hand, and rested her head on the other. "I know..."
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Noticing the sign for one of the local cantinas, Malcom let loose a sigh of relief and muttered to himself. "Thank god." Making his way in through the door, he paused to take stock of everyone in the establishment. Fancy business people from the looks of it. He supposed this was where the more high to do liked to hang out. He didn't care. All he wanted was a drink. As he made his way to the bar, he couldn't help but notice how a few people gave him less than complimentary looks. Apparently, his more traditional pilot or freighter outfit was unbecoming. "Snobs." He thought to himself as he plopped himself into a chair.
"What'll it be friend?" Came the cheery query from the barkeep opposite of him. A quick grin flash across Malcom's face as he replied. "A reactor core please. Thanks."
It didn't take long for the barkeep to bring the order, and Malcom soon found himself enjoying the strong taste of his favorite drink.