This is a prequel of sorts for two characters covered in another of my FanFics called "To No Avail". Hope you enjoy this little exploration into the past of these characters and how it will shape the men they become. As always reviews are appreciated!

Keep an eye out for my homage to Skyrim!

Operation Nar Shaddaa. Chapter 2

Miles is sitting alone at a table beside a window, outside a crowded bar on the streets of Nar Shadda. If you could call it a street, in reality it's nothing more than a walkway hanging between two large buildings. It's obvious that it was constructed many years ago with a hodgepodge of materials by engineers who probably couldn't operate a hydro spanner let alone design a safe walkway.

The plating beneath Miles feet shakes as a ship flies by overhead. Miles takes another sip of his drink to calm his nerves. He wonders what will get him killed first, getting caught as an Imperial agent on this world, or a failure of the shoddy workmanships holding this place together. He looks out over the crowd milling about the street. So far there doesn't seem to be anyone following Miles and Wilkis. This could be a good or a bad sign.

If Miles was being pessimistic, he would assume everyone here knows he is an Imperial Agent and know to stay clear of him. They know to not bother trying to sell or buy anything from him. Or maybe the citizens are just afraid that when a bounty hunter finally comes to kill Miles and Wilkis, there would likely be plenty of collateral damage and they simply don't want to get caught in it.

On the other hand, if Miles was being optimistic, he would assume that he's blending in perfectly and no one knows they have goods to sell just yet.

Miles takes another sip as he considers what he feels about that dilemma.

Wilkis finally comes out of the bar in a huff and sits down at the table. He grabs the drink from Miles hand and downs the whole thing in one big gulp.

"This is ridiculous!" Wilkis says as he slams the cup down.

"I was drinking that you know?" Miles responds as he turns to face Wilkis.

"Not a single damn patron wants the Death Sticks." Wilkis says as he ignores Miles comment and turns to look out over the crowd. "All these people have enough drugs to fill a cargo freighter! How the hell does this place not implode on itself from the way they live?"

"Functioning addicts." Miles says as he takes the cup back from Wilkis hands and looks into it.

"What?" Wilkis asks, his gaze turns back to look at Miles.

"They're functioning addicts." Miles says as waves his hands towards a waitress on the other side of the window, when she sees him he points at his drink cup. "They've been on drugs for so long it doesn't even faze them anymore. They say what sorts of items they do want?"

"Yeah, weapons." Wilkis says as he shakes his head in disgust. His eyes seem to judge every person that walks by. "It seems that between their brief moments of lucidity, all these people want to do is kill one another or go off world and kill others."

The waitress makes her way outside and comes up to the table.

"What do you want?" The waitress asks with an obvious tone of annoyance.

"A refill?" Miles asks with an equal level of sarcasm as the waitress.

The waitress scoffs and rolls her eyes as she takes the cup and walks back into the bar.

"Alright, so we switch to selling weapons." Miles says as he folds his hands together and cracks his knuckles.

"We go from being drug dealers to being arms dealers?" Wilkis asks with some astonishment. "Blast it Miles, what the hell have you got me into?"

"Relax Wilkis!" Miles says as he leans in closer. "You're not going to make me remind you why we're here every hour are you?"

Wilkis frowns and shakes his head as he turns his gaze back to the crowd. It's true, Miles has had to remind Wilkis of the importance of their mission more than once since they've landed here. But it hasn't helped ease the difficulty for Wilkis. When he first signed up to the Empire, he was under the impression he would be enforcing law and order, not bending it for some "greater good". It's a task he wasn't expecting, nor one he feels fully prepared to handle.

The waitress comes back out of the bar with Miles cup, now full of whatever strange brew they are serving here. Miles grabs her arm as she sets the cup down. Hers eyes widen and she seems to pull her free arm back, ready to slap Miles. She relaxes when she sees the wad of cash in Miles other hand as it comes out from under the table.

"Miss, let me ask you something." Miles says as he rests his elbow on the table, the cash hanging in the air between the two. "Is there anywhere nearby, that deals specifically with arms sales?"

The waitress looks around nervously before turning back to Miles.

"Belethors Imports." The waitress says.

"Can you tell me how to get there?" Miles asks with a smile.

The waitress pulls her hand free and takes out a small pen, she leans over and draws a crude map on a napkin before handing it to Miles.

Wilkis watches with amazement. Hes not sure if this is a smart move or a dumb one. He decides to just follow Miles lead on this one. Miles takes the napkin and examines it briefly before turning to the waitress. He hands her the wad of cash.

"Thank you miss." Miles says as he picks up his cup and takes a sip.

The waitress pockets the money and heads back inside in a hurry. Wilkis catches her steal a few glances abck at them as she disappears into the bar. Miles takes a few more swigs of his drink before standing up.

"Come on." Miles says to Wilkis as he zips up his jacket. "Time to head out."

Wilkis gets up and looks out over the crowd. His hand resting on his blaster.

"Which way." Wilkis asks.

Miles looks down at the map again. Then looks up and points down the street.

"That way." Miles says as he starts walking. Wilkis follows close behind him.

The pair weaves their way through the densely crowded streets for about 15 minutes or so before they reach a small alleyway. Miles comes to a stop.

"According to her map, its down this alley." Miles says as he looks around and scrutinizes their surroundings. Making a mental checklist of any threats or escape routes.

"I should have known as much." Wilkis says as he looks back at the crowd. He doesn't notice any recognizable faces and so far it doesn't appear they are being followed. He turns back to Miles. "After you."

Miles turns and looks down the alley. As far as he can see down it, it appears empty. But there are plenty of shadows and crevices. Miles makes sure his blaster is within reach and heads into the darkened alley. Wilkis takes one last look at the crowd before following Miles in. They only get about 20 feet into the alley before Miles hears a blaster charging in the darkness.

"Hold it right there." A voice speaks from the shadows in front of them.

Miles hears a noise behind them as well and turns to see a large alien of a species he doesn't recognize blocking the path back to the street. Wilkis already has his blaster out and aimed at the alien. Miles turns back around and watches as a figure walks out from the shadow before them, just far enough to not reveal themselves.

"What brings you two to Nar Shaddaa?" the figure asks, it's face still obscured by the darkness, a blaster pointing at Miles.

"We're interested in dealing goods." Miles says as his hand hangs close to his own blaster.

The alien at the alley entrance stares hard at Wilkis. Wilkis wonders for a moment if he were to shoot the alien, would it even effect it? In the end he decides if it came down to it he'd just shoot for the head, it works most of the time.

"What sorts of goods?" The shadowy figure asks.

"The kind that cost money." Miles says in defiance.

The shadowy figure stands there in silence. For a brief moment, Miles thinks he may have just fallen into a deadly trap. Theres no telling how many more figures are hiding in the dark. Hell, there could even be snipers on the roof tops aiming at them right now. Eventually the silence is broken.

"This way gentlemen." The figure says as it turns and begins heading back down the alleyway.

Miles and Wilkis exchange concerned looks. Wilkis watches as the alien disappears around the corner back onto the street. Miles starts down the alley after the shadowy figure, Wilkis, his blaster still in his hand turns and follows.

Miles feels a slight annoyance at himself for not seeing the alien standing guard outside the alley when they first entered. Had this been a trap set by thieves or bounty hunter, it could have easily gotten the best of Miles and Wilkis. Miles thinks he is either out of practice at these kind of ops or they are dealing with some very skilled dealers here. For now he tries to take comfort in the latter.

"Areese told me to expect two men looking to deal arms." The figure says as he steps into a patch of light.

Miles quickly notes the man is human. The waitress must be this "Areese" and she must have called ahead to warn this man she was sending some people his way. The human reaches a small door in the side of a building and swipes a security card over a panel. The door opens.

"Please, come into my shop." The man says as he enters the doorway.

"Are you sure about this?" Wilkis whispers to Miles as he returns his blaster to its holster.

"Relax." Miles says. "Just keep your eyes peeled for trouble."

Miles enters the doorway followed closely by Wilkis. The door closes behind them. For a moment the lights are dim and it's hard to see, but as the lights charge up the room becomes clearer. It is a small 20 by 20 meter room filled with various tables. Each table has an assortment of various types of blasters on them. The human stands in the middle of the room. Miles gets his first good look at the man.

He is average height, human, with dark brown hair that populates what's left of his balding head. He appears to be in his late 40's and the scars on his face suggest he has a history of being involved with various criminal organizations. That or he has seen combat.

"So, what do you think?" The man asks as he waves his arms over his collection, a prideful smile dons his face.

Miles looks over the tables and puts on an impressed expression.

"Looks like a life sentence if you ever got caught." Wilkis says with some sarcasm.

Wilkis realizes the mistake in his wording long before he feels Miles heel digging into his foot. Miles doesn't look back at Wilkis but if he did, it would be to stare angry daggers at him. The arms dealer's eyes widen with annoyance and suspicion. Wilkis quickly tries to recover.

"So basically, just my kind of place." Wilkis says with a smile as he walks over to a table and picks up a A280 blaster rifle. He looks over it and aims it at the wall. "Not bad, this is a powerful piece of equipment, hard to come by."

"Glad you like it." The human says, a smile returning to his face.

Miles wants to slap Wilkis but is happy his partner managed to cover his error in judgment. Miles steps closer to the dealer.

"You must be Belethor?" Miles asks as he approaches the human.

"I am." Belethor responds with a smile and slight nod. "And you are?"

"My name is Miles, that there is Wilkis." Miles says as he points briefly at Wilkis who is still examining the blaster rifle.

"Pleasure to meet you both." Belethor says. "Are you looking to buy sell or trade?"

"Sell." Miles says as he surveys the room.

On board their ship, Miles has 4 crates of DH-17 blaster rifles. Miles tries to quickly see if there are any on the tables here. So far he deosn't see any. But just in case Belethor isn't interested, they also have a single crate of V-1 Thermal detonators to deal with.

"What have you got?" Belethor asks.

"We just stole 4 crates of DH-17's from BlasTech's warehouse on Druckenwell." Miles says as he turns back to look at Belethor.

"Eh DH-17's, can't get much for those my friend." Belethor says as he rubs his chin. "Got anything else?"

"We also have a crate of V-1 thermal detonators. Those I know fetch a strong price." Miles says.

Belethor has a good Sabacc face and hides his expressions well. But Miles is well trained at spotting deceit and can see this has peaked Belethors interest significantly.

"Hmmm not as much as you'd think." Belethor says. "I can give you 5,000 for it."

A low ball offer to be sure. Miles knows that on the black market, V-1's go for nearly 1,000 a piece. Either Belethor is testing Miles or he is really hoping to get lucky here. Miles decides to play hardball.

"Not a chance." Miles says. "I'll negotiate with you, but don't insult me with absurd offers."

Belethor smiles. Wilkis has put down the A280 rifle and is now toying with a nearby A295 rifle instead. He seems to barely acknowledge the conversation happening near him.

"How about 10,000?" Belethor asks.

A better deal but still not a fair price. Then again Miles sees an opportunity here.
The man they are looking for, "Arkin", used a large yield Detonite bomb. Most likely a MM-40 thermal charge or something similar. It's clear that the weapons Belethor is dealing puts him on the low end of the Arm Dealing market on Nar Shaddaa. Arkin definitely didn't get his bomb material from this man. But it's possible that Belethor can point them in the right direction.

"How about 12,000 and you take the DH-17's as well?" Miles says. "But I'll need some help with another acquisition in addition to the sale."

Belethors eyes widen. The deal is very much in his favor, but he knows better than to trust something so good so easily.

"What is this other acquisition?" Belethor asks.

"We're looking to buy some high yield MM-40 charges." Miles says. "I know you don't deal with those so I'm hoping you can send me to someone who does."

Belethors smile fades quickly.

"What would you need explosives like that for?" Belethor asks with some scrutiny in his eyes.

"What we need them for, is our business. Suffice to say we need to take out a ship." Miles replies.

"What kind of ship, a Star Destroyer? That's a powerful charge my friend." Belethor says.

"You know anyone who can help us out?" Miles asks.

Belethor seems to consider the thought for a moment.

"I know a man. He's out near the Corellia Sector on the other side of the moon. He sells some of the high grade stuff. It won't be easy to get in contact with him though. He only deals with those he trusts and he doesn't trust anyone." Belethor says.

"12,000 and a name and we got a deal." Miles says.

Belethor looks to the ground and slowly nods his head. Wilkis has put down the rifle and is standing beside Miles now. Belethor considers the ramifications of sharing the information and weighs it against the massive profit he stands to make with this deal. It's an easy choice really.

"Deal. His name is Kyeex Bermar." Belethor says. "But he is a very dangerous man, so be careful who you ask about him. If you get in trouble you didn't get the name from me ok?"

Miles smiles. This is the best lead they've got so far. 12,000 credits and they still have a good amount of illegal goods to deal if they end up needing more money to find their man. So far so good.

"You got it." Miles says. "We're parked at docking bay 12 at Yheedo's Spaceport. You know the place?"

"I do." Belethor says.

"Good, then you bring a cargo hauler and meet us there within the hour. Bring the credits." Miles says as he signals to Wilkis to follow him, they turn and make their way out of the shop.

"See you then." Belethor says with a big smile as he watches them leave.

As Miles and Wilkis exit the alley and enter the crowded street again, Miles looks around to see if he can spot the alien from before. To his dismay he cannot. Miles turns to Wilkis.

"Alright, we've got a decent lead. Let's get back to the ship and get her ready for takeoff." Miles says.

Miles and Wilkis quickly make their way through the crowd.

An hour later Belethor arrives as agreed upon at the docking bay. Miles helps load the crates onto Belethor small hover cart. The two exchange no words as Belethor reaches into his pocket and hands a small pouch to Miles. Miles simply nods his head and smiles as he watches Belethor leave the docking bay with his cargo. Miles turns and heads up the ramp into his ship, the ramp and door closing behind him as he enters. He makes his way to the cockpit. Wilkis is already in the cockpit and has the engines warming up.

"You realize all those weapons we just sold him are going to end up in the Rebellions hands?" Wilkis says, irritation dominating his voice.

"Yeah probably." Miles says as he takes a seat next to Wilkis and straps in.

"Doesn't that bother you?" Wilkis asks as he turns to face Miles.

"Yes it bothers me. I'm not a fool Wilkis." Miles says with some annoyance. "But we have a mission, and there are bigger things on the line here."

Wilkis turns his attention back to the controls as he shakes his head with disapproval.

"Besides, anyone who goes up against the Empire, even with those weapons, will just get stomped out. Who dare stand up against the mighty Wilkis Zarin, Storm Trooper and defender of all justice?" Miles says through sarcastic laughs, his arms held over his head as if praising an invisible stature.

"Ah shut up!" Wilkis says as he finally lets a smile break free onto his face.

"Come on, let's just get this mission done." Miles says.

The engines come to life as the ship lifts off the deck. Remembering the advice from the other day Wilkis doesn't bother checking the air traffic, he simply pushes the thrusters to full and comes out of the docking bay at max speed. Several ships have to swerve to avoid a collision as the 'Ghost Jewel" turns and blasts its way up into the sky. The Corellian Sector is on the other side of the planet, and it'll take an hour to get there. Miles takes the free time to rest his eyes. He falls asleep within minutes.