KOTOR Version 2-Chapter 5-Alliance with the Beks

As Revan and Carth made their way over to the bounty office, they noticed a medium sized Hutt sitting against the wall. Revan bet that the Hutt ran the bounty office, and it was also a reasonable assumption that it also worked for Davik in some for or another. Very few people on Taris don't have some connection to Davik and the Exchange. Whether you're a simple merchant paying them protection money or you're actively working for Davik, you're connected to the Exchange somehow. Revan thought as he made his way over to the Hutt.

'I've not seen you here before, human. You are new to the bounty office, yes?' The Hutt asked.

'Check out the brains on the Hutt.' Revan said, grinning. 'What was your first clue?'

'You're brave human.' The Hutt said, laughing. 'My name is Zax; I'm the one in charge here. Are you looking for work? There are many bounties available here; legal and otherwise. But they all pay quite well. Or are you here for information? Everyone knows I'm one of Davik's best agents... I'm the Hutt with all the answers.'

'Tell me about the bounties.' Revan said, trying to bring the Hutt back to business.

'There's two government contracts. One's an assassin named Selven, the other is Bendak Starkiller. He's a famous death-match duelist. Between them they've killed hundreds of people.' Zax said.

'I can't see anything wrong with getting rid of people like that - as long as we don't end up on the list of their victims.' Carth interjected.

'But not all the bounties are dangerous.' Zax said. 'Davik got some special contracts. There's one on the table for a girl named Dia; she attacked Holdan, one of Davik's men. And then there's Matrik. He used to work for Davik, then he betrayed the Exchange and now Davik wants him dead. I'll put all this information in your datapad.'

'Okay, I don't know about Davik's special contracts. Justice is one thing, but doing a crime lord's dirty work is something else.' Carth added.

'Maybe, but we need credits.' Revan said, turning back to Zax. 'Speaking of Matrik, I blew up his apartment while my partner fought him. He injured him, and I set off the bomb. We barely got out, but Matrik was crushed under the rubble.'

'I believe you, human. I've heard reports of a rather large explosion, and some of my people saw you buying the permecrete detonator. It's good Matrik's dead but maybe you went overboard, human. Next time use a blaster, not a bomb!' Zax said. 'Bombs are messy. But at least the job is done. The traitor Matrik is now a dead traitor. This is a lesson for anyone thinking about turning against the Exchange. Here - 300 credits. That's the price for all bounties.'

'Come on Zax,' Revan said, turning on his charm. 'That permecrete detonator and the explosives were a hundred credit value. Doesn't the Exchange reward those who think creatively?'

'You're brave, human, to bargain with a Hutt. But I like you. Okay, 400 it is!' Zax said. He picked up 4 one hundred credit notes and handed them to Revan.

'Thanks.' Revan said, taking the credits. 'Now, where can I find Holdan?'

'Next section to your right after leaving this section. The room with the Twi'lek dancers.' Zax answered.

'Thanks.' Revan said, pocketing his money. 'I'll be back with news of more bounties later.'

'You do good work human. If you continue like this, the other hunters will take notice and work harder.' Zax said, with a Huttish grin.

As Revan and Carth made their way out of the bounty office section and over toward the room with the Twi'lek dancers, they saw a slimy looking human male standing near the entrance to that section. He had a short haircut, and face devoid of facial hair. He wore a black vest, with what appeared to be a light blue undershirt. His pants were grey, with a black belt with a blaster holster hanging off it. His boots were black and long. Revan walked up to him, guessing that this man was Holdan, the man who put the bounty on Dia.

'What? Oh... sorry. I didn't see you there. My attention was kind of focused on the Twi'lek dancers.' Holdan said. 'Look at them waggle those head-tails! I don't normally go for these alien girls, but I've had some bad experiences with my own species lately. It's time for a change, you know what I mean?'

'You Holdan?' Revan asked, though he really didn't need to. Everything about this guy screamed 'low level Exchange thug', from the way he stood to the way he ogled the Twi'lek dancing girls.

'Yeah, I'm Holdan. What do you want?' Holdan asked.

'I want to talk to you about Dia.' Revan said, straight and to the point. Exchange thugs like Holdan weren't worth the breath it took to talk to them, but in order to save Dia, Revan did what needed to be done.

'You're here about that? I guess Zax must have mentioned me to you at the bounty office.' Holdan said. 'Fair enough, I don't care who takes her out, just so long as the job gets done. I can't let her get away with what she did - that wench tried to cut me with her vibroblade!'

'I want you to call the bounty off.' Revan said.

'What? I can't do that! Think how it would look. I work for Davik, I've got a certain reputation to uphold. I can't let her get away with this.' Holdan shot back. 'There has to be payback!' Holdan sighed. 'Although I do feel a little guilty about all this. Dia's a good looking gal; it'd be a shame to kill her. Tell you what; I'll take 200 credits in exchange for lifting the bounty.'

With those words, Holdan asking for 200 credits to lift a bounty on a girl that defended herself after he tried to feel her up was the last straw. Revan decided he would use the Force to persuade Holdan to doing as Revan wanted.

'You will remove the bounty on Dia's head.' Revan said, in a monotone, with the Force enhancing his words.

'I will remove the bounty on Dia's head.' Holdan said, with a blank look on his face.

'You will leave Dia alone, and never bother her again.' Revan said, in the same manner.

'I will leave Dia alone, and will never bother her again.' Holdan said with the same blank look.

As Holdan left the entertainment section, Revan followed him to make sure Holdan took the bounty off the table. He listened to Holdan speak to Zax, and when Zax confirmed that the bounty was no longer active, Revan decided it was time to go and speak to Gadon Thek and the Hidden Beks.

'That was good of you to do Revan,' Carth said as they walked out of the cantina. 'I would have lost my patience a lot faster than you did.'

'You'd be surprised at when I lost my patience with him. The fact that he wanted money for his wrongdoing, that's where I drew the line. I wasn't even trying to be subtle with him.' Revan said. 'But we're wasting time. We need to speak to Gadon as Mission suggested. A gang leader would have more information about Lower Taris than anyone else.'

Carth nodded as Revan made started on the short walk toward the Hidden Bek base. But as they came closer to the door, a dark skinned human woman clad in light armor in the Hidden Bek colors started eyeing them intently. And when Revan reached out to open the door, she immediately snapped at him.

'Hey, you can't just walk in here! This is the Hidden Bek base.' The woman snapped. 'How do I know you're not a Vulkar spy sent to kill Gadon Thek?'

'I need to speak to Gadon. It's important.' Revan said. He and Carth really didn't have time for this. Every second they wasted, the Sith got closer to finding Bastila, and the fact that the Sith had a head start on then didn't help either.

'A lot of people want to go inside and speak to Gadon. He's a hero of the common folk.' The woman said with a grin. But the grin disappeared with her next words. 'But the days of the Hidden Bek's open door policy are gone. Between the Sith conquest and the Vulkar gang war Gadon has more enemies than he used to. We're being careful about who we let in now.'

'Maybe I can help Gadon.' Revan said.

'Well, we do need all the help we can get. And you don't look like you're with the Vulkars or the Sith. Besides, it's not like you can do anything to harm Gadon in the heart of his own base. Not with Zaerdra watching his back.' The woman said.

'So you'll let me through?' Revan asked, knowing the answer.

'Go in and speak to Gadon if you want. Just remember to be on your best behavior... the Hidden Beks are watching you.' The woman said. She opened the door, and Revan and Carth entered the Hidden Bek base.

The Bek base was as Revan expected. The smell of fluids used in swoop bikes had saturated the place, to a point where it seemed to be coming from the walls. Carth spotted a man in the rear of the base, sitting behind a desk, with a purple Twi'lek standing nest to him. She was armed heavily, with a vibrosword on her back, two blasters hanging off her belt, and a blaster rifle in her hands.

'Hold it right there!' The Twi'lek said, pointing her blaster rifle at Revan and Carth. 'Who are you and what is your business with Gadon?'

'Calm down, Zaerdra.' The older, human, male said. He had dark skin, and was clad in light battle armor, with two blaster pistols hanging off the belt. The most notable feature was his eyes. They appeared to be ocular implants, to replace damaged eyes. Revan and Carth both guessed that this older man was Gadon Thek. 'Nobody is going to try anything here in the middle of our own base. It would be a suicide mission.'

'You're too trusting, Gadon.' Zaerdra said. 'Brejik and his Vulkars want you dead. Anyone we don't know is a potential threat, and it's my job to make sure you're safe!'

'Do you want us to start attacking strangers on sight, Zaerdra, like the Vulkars do?' Gadon said, raising his voice at his bodyguard. 'I will never let it come to that! Now step aside and let them pass.'

'As you wish.' Zaerdra resigned. 'You can speak to Gadon if you want, but I've got my eye on you! You try anything and you'll be vaporized before you can say 'Vulkar spy'!'

'Nice lady.' Revan said as he walked up to Gadon. 'I take it you're Gadon?'

'Yes, I am.' Gadon said, nodding. 'You'll have to excuse Zaerdra. Ever since Brejik has declared open war on us, she's been a little overzealous in her security duties. Now, what do you need from me?'

'You know anything about the Republic escape pods that crash landed in the Undercity?' Revan asked.

'The escape pods? You know, I heard the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about them as well...' Gadon said. 'But you don't look like you're with the Sith.'

'They might be spies, Gadon! They might be working for the Sith!' Zaerdra spat out immediately.

Overzealous was an understatement. Revan thought as Zaerdra argued with Gadon.

'Calm down, Zaerdra. If the Sith thought we knew anything useful they'd have a battalion of troops kicking down our door. No, I think this off-worlder has his own agenda.' Gadon said.

Don't worry. I'm actually going down there to rescue a friend.' Revan said, trying to placate Zaerdra.

'I suppose I could tell you what I know. It's not like it could do any harm to me or my gang... but it might cause problems for the Vulkars, and that's okay in my book.' Gadon said, with a sly grin. 'The Vulkars stripped those pods clean within hours after they landed. It's too bad we didn't get there first, considering what my spies reported the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila survived the crash. We Beks don't believe in intergalactic slavery, but the Vulkars aren't so picky. They took her prisoner.'

Great, Revan thought. I'd bet that's why I felt her in an unfocused haze earlier. But I still don't know where Brejik's got her.

But Carth was able to vocalize what they were thinking before Revan was able to. 'Where would he keep her, do you know?'

'Normally the Vulkars would take a captured slave and sell them for a nice profit to Davik or an off-world slaver. But a Republic officer is no ordinary catch.' Gadon said. 'She's too valuable to leave with the Vulkar scum at the base. Brejik's probably got your Republic friend hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You'll never find her.'

'They still think Bastila's just an officer.' Carth interjected. 'That could work to out advantage.'

'I'm afraid your friend has become a pawn in Brejik's game to take over the Lower City. He's offered her up as the Vulkar's share of the prize in the annual swoop gang race.' Gadon said.

'What good would that do?' Revan asked.

'By putting up such a valuable prize Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of some of the smaller gangs. Their numbers will allow him to finally destroy me and my followers.' Gadon answered. 'The only hope you have of rescuing Bastila is to somehow win the big season opener of the swoop race.'

'Unfortunately, I left my swoop bike on Mon Gazza.' Revan said with a grin.

'You raced on Mon Gazza, eh? Well then, I might be able to help you with this, if you'd be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here, and much to lose.' Gadon said with a grin.

'You want me to race for the Beks, don't you?' Revan asked.

Gadon nodded. 'I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks this year. If you win the race, you'll win your friend's freedom.'

'But there's a catch, isn't there?' Revan said.

'Right. My mechanics have developed an accelerator for a swoop engine. A bike with the accelerator installed can beat any other swoop out there!' Gadon said. 'But the Vulkars stole the prototype from us. They plan to use it to guarantee a victory in this year's swoop race. I need you to break into their base and steal it back.'

'Okay, then how do I get into the Vulkar base?' Revan asked.

Gadon smiled, realizing that Revan was playing right into his hands. If these off-worlders succeeded, he wouldn't have to risk the lives of his Beks in an attempt to get the accelerator back. And if they died, they had no connection to Gadon anyway. 'Getting into the Vulkar base won't be easy; the front doors are locked tight. But I know someone who might be able to get you in the back way; Mission Vao.'

At the mention of Mission's name, Zaerdra freaked. 'Mission? Gadon, you can't be serious! She's just a kid! How is she supposed to help them with this?'

'Mission's explored every step of every back alley in the Lower City. Plus she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get inside the Vulkar base, it's her.' Gadon shot back.

'Where can I find her?' Revan asked. A girl like her can get into, and out of, a lot of trouble very easily, so she could be anywhere by now.

---

But Gadon had a good idea where Mission had gone. 'She and her Wookiee friend Zaalbar are always looking to stir up a little excitement. They like to go exploring in the Undercity, despite the dangers.' He said. 'Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you'll need some way past the Sith guard post at the turbolift.'

'We've got some Sith uniforms that we could use to disguise ourselves.' Revan said, though he loathed the idea of having to wear that armor again.

'A simple disguise might have worked on the Upper City guard, but the security down here is much tougher. You'll need the proper papers to get past him.' Gadon said.

'Great. Security papers are hard to get, whether you're military or not.' Revan said.

But Gadon just grinned. 'My gang ambushed one of the Sith patrols headed down to the Undercity. They never made it, and their security papers fell into my hands.' Gadon slid the datachip on the table. 'Since we're working together now I suppose I could give them to you in exchange for your uniforms. With the security papers you won't need a disguise anyway.'

'Well, that'll help out greatly. My partner isn't too keen on wearing a Sith uniform, and I don't want to get asked something I don't know, and get found out.' Revan said, taking his bag off his shoulders. He pulled the uniform out of the bag, and placed it on the floor next to Gadon. Revan motioned for Carth to do the same, and noticed a look of relief on his face to not have to carry this around anymore. When both uniforms were on the ground, Gadon picked up the datachip and handed it to Revan.

'Good choice. And thanks for the uniforms. You won't need them with these security papers anyway.' Gadon said.

Revan took the datachip and inserted it into his datapad. 'Thank you Gadon. Now, we need to head out of we're going to find Mission.'

'I suggest you hurry. The swoop race is coming up, and we want you to have time to practice before the race.' Gadon said. 'Time is running out, you know.'

If you only knew. Revan thought as they walked away from Gadon.

As they exited the building, Carth spoke up. 'Did you really race on Mon Gazza?'

'Yep. Gotta make money some how.' Revan said. 'Besides, the Jedi Order doesn't have many credits to give out, so they tend to turn a blind eye on us gambling and racing, so long as we don't present ourselves as Jedi when we do it. In fact, the pseudonym I'm using here is my racing name. So, if anyone recognizes my name, they'll think I'm just a swoop jockey.'

'Seems like you've thought of everything.' Carth said, with a frown on his face.

'Not everything. I'm still only human after all.' Revan said, as they headed toward the turbolift. 'Now come on, we don't have much more time.'

Revan and Carth were making their way to the turbolift to the Undercity when they were stopped by a group of Black Vulkars. Revan sighed, and drew his vibrosword. We're running out of time. Though the race is in two days, we've only got a day to find Mission, get into the Vulkar base and get back the accelerator if Gadon's going to have time to have it installed. He turned his head slightly to Carth, and Carth immediately knew what to do. He put his hands on his blasters, though he didn't draw them.

'You leave here now! This Vulkar territory!' A Rodian Vulkar said.

'We need to get through, and you are not going to stop us. Step aside, now!' Revan said in a serious tone.

'Looks like you need a lesson on how to treat the Vulkars!' A human shouted, and then charged at Revan.

Revan easily dispatched the human by decapitating him, and as the body fell, he just glared at the rest of the Vulkars.

'I'll say this again, stand down and step aside. Don't throw your life away over something stupid!' Revan yelled at the remaining Vulkars.

Unfortunately for the Vulkars, pride won out over common sense, and they charged at Revan and Carth.

And that was the moment that Carth drew his blasters. Laying down a field of fire, Carth was able to take down all four remaining Vulkars on his own.

'Nice job.' Revan said as he sheathed his sword.

'Thanks.' Carth said, holstering his blasters. And as they walked on, Carth realized something. He didn't like Revan, that hadn't changed, but Revan knew how to fight, how to lead. Revan knew when the use of his skills were best, and he knew when Carth's skills were best. Carth knew Revan could have dispatched those Vulkars easily, but the last time he had been swarmed like that, Revan got a deep cut on his shoulder from a Vulkar vibroblade in the apartment. And though Carth was sure that Revan had been able to completely heal the cut, it was still probably sore, causing his reaction time to slow down.

But all those thoughts were pushed of Carth's head when Revan stopped in front of an apartment complex. He saw two Vulkars arguing with an exchange thug.

'You guys are behind with your payments.' The exchange thug said. 'What do you uh, you think just 'cause you're in some gang you don't have to give Davik his cut?'

'I don't see Davik doing anything for his share. We do all the work. Davik claims he's part of the Exchange, so let's see him prove it.' The Rodian said.

'Yeah, let's see the big crime lord come and get his money from the Black Vulkars!' The Feeorin said.

The exchange thug just grinned. 'Ah, so you want to play this the hard way? OK.' Then he did a sharp whistle. And out from a pillar came a large, well built man. And from the way he walked and carried himself, Revan could tell that he was Mandalorian.

'Oh, hey... Canderous. We didn't know you was working for Davik now.' The Rodian said, now fearing for his life.

'Yeah, we were just goofin' around here. We don't want no trouble with a Mandalorian. Here's Davik's cut.' The Feeorin said, digging credits out of his pocket and hastily giving them to the Exchange thug.

'I knew you boys would see reason. Now get out of here.' The Exchange thug said as he began counting the credits.

'Too bad. I was looking forward to cracking some heads.' Canderous said as the Vulkars ran away.

'Maybe next time, Canderous. I better get this over to Davik.' The Exchange thug said. 'I'll call you if anyone else gets behind on their payments.'

As Canderous saw Revan and Carth walk toward him, he let out a heavy sigh. 'Those Vulkars are dumber than a Coruscant granite slug! They actually think being in that pathetic little gang of theirs makes them important.' He said, rolling his eyes. 'Gadon keeps his hidden Beks in line, but Brejik's getting dreams of grandeur. If Davik's smart, he'll slap that young punk back down.'

'Feel better now that you've vented?' Revan said with a sly grin.

Canderous just grinned from Revan's comment. 'I don't have time to stick around here, anyway. Davik's got me working on a special assignment.' And then Canderous walked into the apartment complex in front of him.

'Not smart, taunting a Mandalorian like that.' Carth said.

'Still holding a grudge against then?' Revan asked.

'And you don't?' Carth shot back.

'Of course not. Fascinating people, the Mandalorians. Though not 'good' by the standards of the Jedi Order or the Republic, they do have a strict code of honor that they must follow.' Revan said.

'And how do you know so much about the Mandalorians?' Carth asked.

'Before I left for the Mandalorian Wars, I did a lot of research on them. If I was going to counter their tactics, I had to know they fought and how they react.' Revan answered. At that moment, Revan saw a woman walk into the apartment. She was wearing a heavy battle armor, with two heavy blaster pistols on her belt. On the armor were a lot of nicks, cuts and burns, as if it had seen years of hard combat. Her hair was tied back, and had a dark, angry look on her face. Revan would have bet 100 credits that that woman was Selven.

'We need to follow that woman.' Revan said, starting off. But before he could get far, Carth grabbed a hold of his arm. 'And why do we need to do that?' He asked.

'That's Selven, one of our two government bounties. You know, the assassin who wiped out the entire Ulgos family.' Revan said. 'We need credits to pay for supplies, like food and med packs.'

Carth agreed, but he didn't like it. Both he and Revan knew that their time was running out, and they needed to win that swoop race if they were going to rescue Bastila, but he also understood that they needed credits. And other than bounties and Pazaak, they weren't going to get them anywhere else.

After entering the apartment, Revan and Carth crept up, waiting for to go somewhere where they could take her down quickly and quietly. Unfortunately, Carth tripped over one of the small cleaning droids, causing a loud thud on the floor, causing Selven to turn around and draw one of her blasters.

'Stop right there, or I'll give you a blaster shot right between the eyes! Now, what are you doing here?' Selven said. She eyed Revan and Carth, in 'fight or flight' mode. And she wasn't about to run.

'I bet you know you've got a bounty on your head.' Revan said, drawing his sword.

'You're a fool if you think you can collect the price on my head!' Selven said, drawing two vibroblades from her boots. 'Now you'll see why I'm the most dangerous assassin on Taris!'

Selven was quick. Moving with a dancer's grace and skill from years as living as an assassin, she lunged at Revan, attempting to take him down with one blow.

But Revan was quicker. Even without using the Force, Revan's skill with Teräs Käsi, as well as the Jedi Broken Gate style, Echani fighting style, and his extensive knowledge of lightsaber and Mandalorian sword combat, Revan countered Selven's careful strikes with some careful strikes of his own.

As the battle continued, Carth noticed a bunch of Black Vulkars congregate around them. They seemed to staying back far enough to not be caught in the crossfire, but close enough to see. Carth didn't know how long that would last, and drew his blasters. This can get real ugly, real quick.

But the Vulkars were smarter than they looked. No one who chased Selven's bounty ever survived, and for good reason. Selven was the most dangerous assassin on Taris, and the multiple bounty across the different sectors of Taris proved it. A good bounty hunter could retire on the credits they could collect if they got all of them.

But the Vulkars knew of the reputation of this off-worlder. He had become the Taris dueling champion in one night, and had taken out numerous members of their gang with his partner.

The Vulkars could see that both the off-worlder and Selven were two of the most dangerous people on Taris, but something strange was happening that the Vulkars didn't expect; Selven was losing.

After Revan dodged Selven lunging at him, the Vulkars could see that, while Selven was sweating profusely and breathing hard, Revan hadn't even broken a sweat.

'If the off-worlder can do that to Selven, imagine what he could do to us!' A Twi'lek Vulkar said, just as Revan thrust his sword through Selven's chest.

As Revan pulled his sword out of Selven's now dead body, Carth noticed the uneasiness on the Vulkars. Apparently, they had heard about their earlier exploits with their gang earlier, and after seeing Revan dispatch Selven so easily, they knew they wouldn't survive. Carth grinned, glad that finally, some things were looking up. He doubted they would have to worry about any more skirmishes with the Vulkars in the near future.

After sheathing his sword, Revan searched Selven's corpse for anything that would prove that he had killed Selven. On her corpse, he found a simple gold necklace, which he quickly pocketed, as well as some blaster packs and frag grenades. He tossed the blaster packs to Carth, and put the grenades in his pack. He stood up, and glared at the Vulkars that still remained. The Vulkars took the hint and darted off like a tach. He then looked back at Carth, and said, 'Now, let's claim this bounty before anyone else does.'

The trek back to Zax in Javyar's Cantina was uneventful, and they claimed the bounty quickly. Revan was even able to get an extra hundred credits from the Hutt again, claiming the difficulty of the fight. And after collecting the 400 hundred credits, Revan and Carth were once again on their way to the Undercity.

When Revan and Carth got to the turbolift, they were immediately stopped by a Sith guard.

'Hold on there, civilian! Only those with official Sith business are allowed into the Undercity.' The guard said. 'Unless you've got the proper security papers you better just turn around and go back the way you came.'

'I've got my papers right here.' Revan said, handing the guard his datapad.

'Let me see...' The guard said, as he looked at the datapad. 'Hmmm, these look to be in order. Okay, you can go down if you want. Can't say I envy you, though.'

The guard keyed in the code to open the turbolift. 'The Undercity is crawling with mutants. Rakghouls, they call 'em. If you see anything moving down there, shoot first and ask questions later.'

Revan acknowledged the Sith's comment, and headed into the turbolift to take them into the Undercity. And immediately upon exiting it, hey were greeted by two beggars.

'You there! Up-worlder! Anyone using this elevator has to pay the toll!' The first beggar yelled.

'Yeah, this is our elevator! If you use it, you've got to give us something!' The other said.

'I don't believe this planet! Even the beggars are trying to shake us down.' Carth said, clearly irritated with the beggars.

'Five credits! That's what it costs to use our elevator! Five credits!' The first beggar said.

Revan reached out and touched the minds of the beggars, in an attempt to find out what they were going to use the credits for. If they were going to use them for things like spice or other drugs, then he wouldn't give it to them. If they were going to use the credits for food, medicine or clothing for them or other villagers, he would help them out.

But their intent was neither. 'I have a feeling that you two are just going to hoard whatever I give you. Am I right?' Revan said.

The two beggars' eyes got as wide as dinner plates when Revan said that. How could the up-worlder know that?

'If your intention was to help others, I would gladly help you. But you two are selfish. You only care about your own desires, to be the richest outcasts in this village.' Revan said, answering his own question.

But before the beggars could say anything, they were chased off by a woman of about the same age; between 17 and 20.

'Go on, you two! Get out of here!' She shouted as she ran up to Revan and Carth. 'I'm sorry about that... those two beggars give everyone in the village a bad name! We aren't all like that, you know. Most of us are good people.'

'Who are you?' Revan asked.

'My name is Shaleena... you're from the up-world, aren't you? I've... I've never seen it. I was born here in the Undercity. Is it as nice as they say up there?' Shaleena said, expectantly.

'The surface is a beautiful place.' Revan said, which was half a sentence. The rest of it was 'so long as you don't pay attention to all the corruption up there.'

'I've never been to the surface, but sometimes I think I can see it in my dreams. The sun, the sky, the stars... it all sounds so... so... so wonderful.' Shaleena said, with a gleam in her eyes, as if she was imagining what life was like in the Upper City. But when she came back to her reality, the gleam quickly faded. 'Gendar, the leader of our village, tells me I should spend more time trying to improve things down here and less time dreaming about something I can never have. Maybe he's right.' Shaleena shied away a little, slightly embarrassed. 'You probably think I'm a fool, having dreams of a place I've never even seen. But when I was little, Rukil used to tell me stories of what it was like up there.'

'Where can I find Rukil?' Revan asked.

'He's wandering around somewhere on the south side of the village. He doesn't move too far... it's hard on his bones. He's over 100 years old!' Shaleena said, smiling at the thoughts of Rukil. 'The children laugh at him and people think he's crazy because of his stories about the Promised Land, but he's really just a kind old man.'

'What's the Promised Land?' Revan asked.

'It's...it's just a story to make little children smile. Rukil believes in it, though. Sometimes I can almost believe it myself, but then I look around and I see the ugly truth.' Shaleena said, sighing. 'I guess we have to make the best of what we have though. If you really want to learn more about the Promised Land you should speak to Rukil.'

'All right then, I'll got speak to Rukil then.' Revan said.

'Oh... okay.' Shaleena said, slightly disappointed. 'Well, if you ever need anything, or if you just feel like talking, come back and see me. I hardly ever get a chance to speak to someone from the up-world.'

Revan and Carth made their way toward the south side of the village, when they were stopped by a strange old man.

'You...you come from the world above! Is this the time of destiny, then? Is this a portent of the salvation of my people? Or merely another false sign to mislead us from the path?' The old man said. 'Are you the herald of prophecy? The beacon to guide us through the darkness? Or are you merely another harbinger of shattered dreams and unfulfilled promises? Speak to me, up-worlder! Tell me what fate you unleash upon us; salvation or damnation! Speak, up-worlder, I beg you!'

'What are you talking about, old man?' Carth asked.

'A question. You are uncertain. Bewildered. Perplexed.' The old man said. 'Understandable, I suppose.'

'Could you start off by telling us your name at least?' Revan said to the old man.

'My name is Rukil, the oldest Outcast here in the village. Rukil Wrinkle-Skin, the children call me sometimes.' The old man said.

'What do you want from me Rukil?' Revan asked.

'Once I was honored for my wisdom, but over time the villagers fell away from the true path. Eventually there was only a single apprentice who followed me; and now she is gone, too.' Rukil said.

'And you want us to see if we can find her.' Revan said.

Rukil nodded. 'Her name is Malya. I must know of her fate, whatever it may be. I must know what she... found.'

'Well, she's got to be in the Undercity somewhere. Got any leads as to where she went?' Revan asked.

'Finding her may be difficult; Malya could be anywhere in the Undercity... but if you find her I will know you to be our true savior! Only then can I reveal my secret knowledge to you.' Rukil said.

'We'll keep an eye out then. We'll be back.' Revan said.

'I wish you luck, up-worlder.' Rukil said as Revan and Carth headed toward the gates.