The shuttle made the jump to hyperspace without incident. Mu turned around in her chair to confront Ivins, “Care to explain? That hunter wasn’t there for me. I’m not that important.”

“Politics in the core are,” he rubbed his brow, “uncertain, always shifting among the elite. Certain associates of mine have determined that my usefulness has come to an end.” He sat back and shrugged. “Hazard’s of youthful ambition.”

“Tragic.”

The pilot turned towards Mu, “Since we’re being chatty, why are we headed into Hutt territory?”

“I have a contact there.” Mu turned back in her seat and settled in for the flight.

“You’re just full of helpful information.” The pilot looked at Ivins, who stood and shrugged a second time.

“I’ll be with my patient,” Ivins began to unbutton his uniform collar as he left the cockpit.

The pilot watched him leave then turned back to look at Mu. He let the silence hang in the air for exactly 3 ticks. “Look, I get it. There’s some kind of history going on here and I’m just along for the ride. The Doc may not care about his life anymore, but I’ve been paid good money to see that it continues.”

Mu looked at him.

“Imperial officers heading directly into the pit of unwelcomed guests doesn’t strike me as the wisest decision.” He sat back a bit, “I need to know what we’re walking into.”

Mu sat up and punched up their destination on the HUD, then zoomed in. “It’s a small outpost at the edge of their territory. Mainly used as a pit stop by smugglers for basic parts and supplies.” She sat back in the seat and let him examine the charts. “When we get closer I’ll signal my contact that you three are on the run and I’m expediting your escape across the stars.”

“That sounds highly suspicious.”

“Everything out here is suspicious.”

“Point taken. I’m J’Cyn by the way,” he held out his hand. “I like to know who I’m going to die with.”

Mu hesitated then returned the hand shake, “Satach.”

“Now that the formalities are out of the way, I’m going to get some sleep.” He left Mu alone in the shuttle’s cockpit. After he was gone she worked her way out of her black leather jacket and relaxed into the chair. The sleeveless tunic revealing the thin silvery battle scars racing up the arms and under her shirt.

~~~

“I’m comin’ in hot Sal.”

Sal’s toothy grin and boisterous laughter was only surpassed by his snout. “Eh! What have you got with you ‘dis time?” he clasped his hands in delight. “Is no good Mu! I think you play too much out there. I still fixing de ship from your last run!”

A broad smile spread across Mu’s face at the holo of her friend.

“Is sometings shiny yes? Sometings maybe Sal can take a small piece?” Sal cocked one eye closer to her.

“Fraid not Sal, I’ve got the blood and guts kind with me this trip.”

“Fugitives! Ahhhh, dey don’t divide up so good.”

“Don’t worry Sal, they’re the best kind of cargo, the rich kind.”

The toydarian exploded in laughter.

J’Cyn watched Mu from a slight distance as she carried on her conversation. Ivins walked up behind him, “She’s not your type.”

“Oh, she’s definitely my type.”

“See you soon old friend,” she reached out and clicked off the holo.