In the office of the Supreme Chancellor, selected senators & senior members of the Jedi Council convened with Palpatine. Among the Jedi were Master Yoda, Master Chuwu K’Norris and Master Be’El Kauz-Bee. The Chancellor was surprised to hear what the senators and Jedi had to report. “Solari crystals?” asked Palpatine. “Used by the Jedi, they are,” replied Yoda. “For your lightsabers?” It was interesting to see the Chancellor ignorant of such a particular fact regarding the guardians of peace and justice for the Republic. “And you believe Solari crystals are being smuggled off Sacorria?” Be’El Kauz-Bee cleared his throat. “Chancellor, we believe smugglers, employed by the Separatists are smuggling Solari crystals to the Hutt Cartel.” Palpatine raised his eyebrows, “The Hutts?” “Yes, Chancellor,” said Chuwu, “Count Dooku is hoping to enlist the Hutt Cartel into the Separitist movement. Depending on the rarity of the crystal, the higher it’s value. A financial gain that might persuade the Hutts to join Dooku.” “If successful, Dooku is, greater the strength the Separatists will be.” Palpatine nodded. “I see your point, master Jedi.” Palpatine examined to faces of the senators who remained silent but firm. “What do you propose for course of action?” “I will go to Sacorria and stop the smuggling,” said Chuwu. “I have troops assembled and ready to create a defense blockade ensuring unregistered transports from leaving the Corellia sector.” Chuwu stood and gestured to the senators behind him, “I have the approval from the senators to deploy clones forces as and where needed.” Palpatine’s look turned to concern, “Do you intend marital law, Master Chuwu.” “That is not my intension. But considering that the smuggling has snuck by as long as it has, we need a large enough force to cover all possible routes to the Corellian trade run. It is possible that someone within the Senate has been plotting with Dooku. We must also supervise all communication within the Senate. ” “Do you agree with this, Master Yoda?” Yoda thought for a moment before answering. Using the Force to see what the future might have in store. “Difficult, this course is, but necessary. Remain here, I shall. Track down the conspiring senator, I will.” Palpatine nodded. “But even with Sacorria controlled what will become of the crystals that have been smuggled to the Hutts? We will need to send someone to stop Dooku. Master Kauz-Bee, are you up to such a task?” Kauz-Bee weighed out the options in his mind. “We will need to make sure that the Separatists and Hutts are unaware of our plans. We will be unable to use any Republic transport. Say, perhaps, a smuggler ship is what we need. Someone who is partially friendly to the Republic.” “But surely you cannot handle this task all by yourself. You will need assistance.” Yoda nodded. “Another master, you will need.” “Then it is settled,” said Palpatine, rising from his desk, “I must address the Senate on the news reports with the war. I leave you with the hope that you will defuse the situation quickly and return even quicker. We have much need of your services when you all return.” As the Chancellor left the office followed by the senators, Yoda and Chuwu, Master Kauz-Bee pondered on who would be the best choice to join him. 
Master Kauz-Bee entered the library chamber of the Jedi Temple and flagged down the nearest aide. “Where might I find Master Warner?” “He is in the archives, Master.” “Thank you.” Kauz-Bee found me in the vast alleys of the Jedi archives, deep in research. I sensed his presence before one could hear his footsteps over the humming of the archive drives. “Master Be’El Kauz-Bee. What brings you down here?” “I need your help. I’m going on a special mission to Tatootine. Dooku is attempting to enlist the Hutts into his Confederacy with Solari crystals as his bribe.” I turned from my research to my fellow Jedi. “Solari crystals?” Kauz-Bee nodded. “Master K’Norris is being dispatched to Sacorria to stop the smuggling and Master Yoda will remain here to weed out the senator who is aiding Dooku from within the Senate. Our mission will be to stop the bribe and possible bring in Dooku.” 
“Sounds like fun.” I closed the port I was researching from and tucked my portable drive into a belt case. “So we’ll need a transport.” “Something not related to the Republic, agreed. We cannot afford to be noticed. Do you have anyone… anything in mind that would work?” He knew me well. I had an interest in that area and had my number of contacts. It took me a moment then I formed a smirk on my lips. “I think I know of something that will.” 
As the Ebon Hawk traveled through hyperspace to Tatooine I was curious as to Kauz-Bee’s plan of action. “It won’t be easy to arrange an audience with a Hutt. Especially since Dooku has begun a dialogue with them. How do you intend to break them apart?” “The Hutts are always in competition with each other. We must first find out which Hutt Dooku has arranged himself with and find who his rival is.” “You’re suggesting we offer a trade?” I found this very interesting. Obviously the Republic could never be affiliated with direct trade with the Hutts. Though time to time we were sure to have obtained goods that came from their means originally. “Precisely. Offer what is needed in exchange to for what we need.” “What about the Solari crystals, Master Kauz-Bee? Why would Dooku be selling them? Why not utilize them for focused Force concentration?” Kauz-Bee shook his head. “The chances of finding a crystal equivalent to the Heart of Guardian are too slim. Dooku doesn’t want to his Separatist allies to front the finance to bring in the Hutt Cartel. That would give the Hutt’s an advantage over their operations. They’re too focused fighting the Republic. They need their own wealth for their own needs. Solari Crystals are worth a lot of credits. The act of smuggling them shows the Hutts how resourceful the Confederacy is for partnership with the criminal league.” He stopped for a moment. Sure it was a complicated dilemma we were faced with. With his guidance, experience and my contacts we were sure to come up with something. But what? Then he smiled at me, sensing my caution about the mission “You are right about one thing; it will be difficult to arrange an audience with a Hutt.” The Captain entered the room, “Sorry for the interruption, but we’re getting a message from Master K’Norris.” In the cockpit the holographic image of Master Chuwu K’Norris flickered. The captain returned to the helm and continued his flight plan. “This is Kauz-Bee. Go ahead Master K’Norris.” “Master Kauz-Bee. I’ve captured the smugglers here on Sacorria and discovered they were intending to sell the Solari crystals to Jabba the Hutt. They tell me that Dooku is on Tatooine as we speak.” “Is there any indication that he knows we were on the way?” “Negative. The smugglers were caught off guard thinking that our forces were there in preparation for a Separatist attack.” I peered in closer to the holo-image. “What about the senator Dooku was using to hide the smuggling from the Senate?” “Master Yoda is working on that,” said K’Norris. I had a feeling it was a little too easy thus far. “As soon as I finish here, I’ll be heading to Tatooine to assist you.”  Kauz-Bee rested a hand on my shoulder assuring him that all was in good hands for now. “Well done, Master K’Norris. Master Warner and I will report to you when we have dealt with the Hutts on Tatooine. May the Force be with you.” The holo-image of K’Norris made a farewell nod and the image promptly faded away. Be’El looked me. “Don’t get too riled up about things beyond your control. You must trust the guiding nature of the Force.”
I sighed. I still had many lessons left to learn. “Thank you, master.” Kauz-Bee smiled. “Come. Let us prepare some food and then we can negotiate with Jabba the Hutt.” Turning to the Captain, “How long till we reach Tatooine?” The Captain replied, “We should be there within the next two hours.” “Prepare to send a message to the Jabba the Hutt.” I was surprised by this course of action, “You speak Huttese?” I watched from across the table as Be’El spoke with Jabba over an audio channel. A visual holo-transmission would be to compromising. I had no idea what they were saying. “Hi chuba da naga?” “Zip-zop zoobity bop,” said Master Kauz-Bee. “Dopo mee gusha, peedunkey?” “No man-da pa shaw. Yu wanta da jello pudding ya?” “Jesscroonie Dopot Sleemo!” “Keel-ee calleya ku kah.” “Dobra do nupee nupee um baw wah du poolyee yama. Da beesga coo palyeeya pityee bo tenya go kaka juju hoopa. Procha mah bompa cheestah crispa!” “Mee jewz ku, Pateesa-” “Boska!!!” And then the channel was cut off. I sat there with a blank stare on my face. “So, that went… well? Be’El grunted. No it didn’t. Looked like we were going to have to find other means to speak with him. 
The Ebon Hawk landed in Mos Espa with little trouble and with littler notice. The benefits of outer rim communities like Tatooine’s. Much like a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy. The captain would remain behind with the ship as Master Kauz-Bee and Warner headed out for the Hutts. Be’El and I headed out. “If we ask even the common folk, we are risking our cover, Master.” “Agreed.” Be’El scanned the surroundings. Moisture farmers, smug pilots, slaves returning from or going to work and a few droids doing various activity; the daily activity. A commotion from an outside eatery caught our attention. A few patrons were engaged in laughter and judging from the number of cups on their table, probably inebriated. This gave Be’El an idea. “Are you up for a drink, Master Warner?” I glared at him at first, then realizing his thought process, smiled, “I am a bit parched from this desert climate.” 
As we entered the nearest cantina we looked for the drunkest fellow we could find that was conscience. A sleeping drunk would do us no good. Be’El moseyed his way to the bar as I prowled the booths and tables. Trying to be inconspicuous would probably draw more attention than if I acted casual. Casual it was, then. From booth to booth I ease dropped on as many conversations, trying to find our man. Conversations ranged from troubles with moisture evaporators to the latest skirmish with a shipment of illegal spice from Kessel. A few were in languages I didn’t recognize. Turns out Kauz-Bee had found a suitable fellow. He waved me over. I walked his way to find Be’El already in conversation. The man was clearly hammered but still coherent. It was just what we needed but did he have what we needed to know. I sat down next to him. “Hello friend.” The man had no problem accepting more company to his table. He was drunk. “Hey!” He grabbed Be’El’s cloak keeping him balanced. “Like I told this guy, you just don’t know what kind of trouble you have till you find it chasing after you.” I played along with his babble, “Truer words never spoken before. What adventure this time?” The man hiccupped and glared his eyes down the glass of his drink. “Aw, man. No deposit, no return.” Be’El nudged him on the shoulder, “We’ll take care of that.” He waved the barkeep and then pointed to our drunken, “Another round for our friend here.” A servant brought over a flask container of what the man was drinking. Master Kauz-Bee filled his drink. The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded… even a mind under the influence. “Tell us,” I said. “What adventure brought you here? Smuggling or a raid?” The man shook his head, almost violently. He grabbed a hold of Be’El’s cloak again to maintain his balance. “Nothing of the sort,” taking a large swig, “I was hired to bring in spare parts for some pod racer.” “And what is so troublesome about that?” I asked. He hiccupped again, “Because the racer is up against the best. When they found out who I delivered it to, they killed him.” “Killed him over spare parts?” Even Kauz-Bee seemed shocked at such savageness. At this pace this would some time or another drunk. Yet I had a feeling of Be’El’s choice. “Who is the competition?” “That racer Jabba the Hutt bets on.” Be’El and I looked at each other. This was our guy, all right. “With those parts he could have been able to win for sure.” Be’El refilled our man’s glass. “There’s a race soon?” Gulping it down, “Hmm, this very afternoon! Mos Epsa grand arena!” This was our chance we needed. Trust in the guiding nature of the Force, for sure. As we got up, Be’El gave one last nudge on our man’s shoulder. He indicated to the drink, “It’s all yours, friend.” His eyes took an extra second to adjust on it. Then he seized it. “Aw, thanks friend.” Be’El and I left the table and headed for the exit while our drunk chugged. “Do you know where this pod race is being held?” “I know of the arena. It isn’t far.” As we left we could hear the sound of our man falling out of his chair and hitting the floor. He won’t remember us. 
From the bleachers we overlooked the racers bring their pods up the starting line. It was amazing to see so many attending. Made me wonder what the actual population of the planet really was. Be’El pointed to a royal box. “There’s Jabba’s. But by the looks of it the security is too much. Guarded by rouges and bounty hunters. Too many for us to handle and we don’t want to create a scene.” I knew we should trust the Force, but being close I don’t like being stopped. “So how do we get to him?” “You can’t,” said a nearby voice. “At least not today.” 
Be’El and I looked down at this little character. “And why is that?” I asked. “This is the Boonta Eve holiday,” he replied. As if we knew. Seeing our faces and that we didn’t know, he continued. “One of three holidays the Hutts established to commemorate the victories against Moralan Parliament. Named after Boonta the Hutt himself.” “You sure there’s no way we can meet Jabba,” asked Be’El. “It is very important.” The little man shook his head, “Impossible. No one sees Jabba right now, unless he wants to see you. Especially with what’s between him and Gardulla right now.” “Gardulla? Whose that?” “You guys aren’t from around here are you?” Smug little twerp. But he did have us at an advantage. We didn’t know anything at the moment. It was time we made some reference as to who we were. Be’El and I cracked open our cloaks to reveal our lightsabers hanging from our utility belts. His eyes widened at the sight of our hilts and he began to panic. “Look here…I’m not a high man in smuggling. I don’t even deal directly with the Hutts myself. I moistly deal with Trandoshans.” Be’El crouched down on one side as I took the other, cornering him. “But you do deal to the Hutts indirectly, yes?” We could see sweat forming upon his brow. Whatever I can’t sell to the Trandoshans I sell to people who then sell them to Gardulla. Gardulla has set herself in debt for too much too long. She’s trying to break Jabba’s monopoly on dispersing weapon.” I raised an eyebrow, “Weapon dispersing?” Be’El leaned in. “Go on.” There is obvious panic in his voice. “Jabba has been running a scam on the moisture farmers. Not many know about it.” It sounded like he was having trouble breathing. “From time to time Jabba has his thugs attack Tuskan settlements. This provokes Tuskans to attack any and all other settlers, mostly moisture farmers. Jabba through some other guises or aliases supplies the moisture farmers with just enough weapons and defenses to keep the Tuskans at bay. Never does he supply the farmers with enough to strike back or take charge, only enough to keep the charade going. And when he deems it appropriate, he has his men attack the Tuskans and the whole thing repeats. Gardulla is hoping to break that monopoly.” “But the Trandoshans buy all the good stock from you leaving Gardulla with little to barter with.” He nodded, a few sweat drops trickling down his face. “What are you going to do with me?” Be’El smiled putting an assured hand on the man’s small shoulder. “Nothing… we just want to join you wherever the weapons are being purchased.” He gulped. “Right now?” We both stood up, towering over the poor little man. “Right now,” I said. 
As we headed for Mochot Steep, where our little informant makes his deals with the Trandoshans, Master kauz-bee allowed our voices to be too faint for our little friend to hear. “Master, is there any possibility there could be a trap?” “I don’t sense anything. But there is more than meets the eye with these Hutts.” “Do you ever think Republic rule will ever reach this far?” “Not likely. Even if the Hutt Cartel joins the confederacy and we defeat them both I doubt the Hutts will give up control of their territory.” 
When we reached Mochot Steep we allowed our little friend to hurry on his way. The place was lively with merchants and Jawas. From the looks of what was being traded, bought or sold I could understand the people of Tatooine a little more. We had to find some vender who was selling weapons. Before we could ask about, the crack of a firearm echoed through out the canyon. The merchants and Jawas scattered in fear. More shots rang out, some hitting people others ricocheting off crates and speeders. Snipers. Be’El and I headed for shelter. “What the devil is this?” Master Kauz-Bee tried to find the shooters. “Jabba’s henchmen did provoke the Tusken Raiders into attacking settlers and moisture farmers.” I couldn’t believe this turn of events. “Oh that just great!” Another shot rang out. “We were suppose to stop a the Hutts from joining the Confederacy. Now we’re caught in the middle of more than we-“ “Contact the Ebon Hawk! Tell the captain to send a message to Chuwu, to get here as soon as possible.” We could hear the grunting and cries of Tusken Raiders. “Until help arrives,” he drew out his lightsaber, “we’ll hold the Tuskens here. Protect these people. I drew my saber along with my comm. unit. “I have a bad feeling about this.” I sent the message but wasn’t sure if it was properly received. For all I knew, we were on our own. We peered around the bend and saw several Tusken Raiders charging our way. From the tops of the canyon walls we could spot several snipers laying down fire keeping most of the merchants trapped. Many of the Jawas were able to make it to their Sand Crawler but it would take some time before their engine started up. Protect the people and open aggressive negotiation with Sand People. 
Master Kauz-Bee leaped into the open to face on the assaulting Tusken Raiders. He had not yet ignited his lightsaber. The Tuskens were in full charge with the battle cries echoing in the surroundings. I sensed more cycler fire from the snipers and quickly spun around to force block them. I could see that Be’El had not moved. I had almost begun to think he was pulling a suicide when all of a sudden… he took in mighty breath and released a strong exhale. I saw visible ripples in the space form around him and dart out toward the Tuskens who were within ten feet of Be’El. The raiders were whipped back at high velocity followed with a massive dust cloud from the wave. I have always heard to it but never saw a Force repulse wave before. Such remarkable talent. 
Fending off a few Tuskens with my lightsaber and making sure to be aware of their sniper fire was one hell of a multi-task. I must admit I didn’t see it coming when a gaderiffi stick struck me in the waist. Part of the L-shape spear cut my side and I tried to stay with the motion of the gadefriffi so as to make sure he didn’t rip me in two. Damn thing really hurt. I quickly dispatched the raider with my lightsaber and took a defensive stand to fend off the next attacker when I began to feel an intense amount of pain from my side. I couldn’t stand any more. I fell to one knee and grabbed my waist. Another Tusken charged toward me that I was barely able to fend off. I realized I had been jabbed with sandbat venom. Not good. I’m usually good at enduring pain but this stuff is really bad. Master Kauz-Bee saw that I was down for the count. “Master Warner! You all right?” With one hand still on my waist, I waved him on with the other, “I’m hurt, but I’ll be okay.” A sniper’s sluground pierced Kauz-Bee’s right shoulder. It spun him around and he went to the ground. He was able to get back up but it left him a little disoriented. We both hubbled our way to some cover. Another group of Tuskens came around the bend and made a charge to us. Both Be’El and I used Force push and sent them flying backward into a nearby container. They wouldn’t be getting back up. 
The cycler rifle increased. Seemed to be non-stop at this point. Master Kauz-Bee began to address his wound, blood was seeping through his cloak and. I peered over the cover and saw that another large group of Tusken had advanced on our position. “We’re pinned down, here” They began their battle cries again. And in the distance I heard another sound. It sounded like light thunder but it was too constant to be the weather. I figured this was it. We couldn’t hold them off forever without help. I looked at Be’El who was able to stop the bleeding through Force heal. But even that wouldn’t be enough. He was without a good arm and I was unable to stand. I could smell the Tuskens they were so close now. I was ready to give it all I had left when the light thunder sound turned out to be a Republic transport. The loading ramp was opened and the ship stopped above our position. A lone figure stood in the ramp. “HEY YOU GUYS!” Be’El and I looked up as we recognized the figure from the transport. A tear formed in my eye. The Tusken Raiders stopped their advance and stared up at the figure that leaped from the loading ramp and soared down to the surface. He landed between the Tuskens and us and produced his lightsaber. Jedi Master Sloth. The Tuskesn made a brief stand off but then resumed their charge. Sloth engaged the Tuskens as blaster fire from the loading ramp via clone troopers helped Sloth. The gunner from the transport took out the snipers from their elevated position. We helped were we could providing force pushes for Master Sloth. Within minutes the Tusken Raiders had dropped to just a handful. Their snipers had been eliminated and the remaining ground force was in retreat. As they fled some of the merchants cheered and the Jawas cautiously came out from their sand crawler. Be’El helped he to my feet and aided me toward Master sloth. Sloth gave out his own war cry watching the Sand People run away. He then turned to us, smiled and beat his fist against his chest, “Sloth!” I shook my head in disbelief. “Sloth? How did you get here?” Sloth chuckled. “Chuwu. Sent me to help you.” Seeing our wounds his smile went to a sad frown. “You are hurt.” He then waved to the transport, which had begun landing procedures. As clones troopers secured the area a medic unit tended to Be’El and I. Sloth stood by keeping us company. “Sloth,” said Be’El, “Did Master Chuwu tell you that we need to stop Dooku from contacting the Hutts?” Sloth chuckled again. “Done taken care of.” His smile had returned. Sloth explained how Master Obi-Wan and Yoda tracked down the Senate informant, Po Nudo. That the Council sent Anakan and Ahsoka to Tatooine on another mission, hoping that the four of us would join up to stop Dooku. Senator Amidala negotiated an alliance between the Republic and the Hutt's securing the Republic forces safe travel through the Hutt's space along with stopping the Confederacy’s hope in enlisting the Hutt Cartel. I groaned at how it all turned out from out point of view. “Soounds like we got the bum end of the stick, eh Kauz-Bee?” Be’El rested his hand on my shoulder, “Could have been worse.” 
The medic unit hoisted me to my feet and assisted me to the transport. “I don’t want to know.” | 
