Chapter 18: An Unexpected Commission

18. An Unexpected Commission

CLANG!! The wall of the bar was violently smashed open, and a bruised and battered man was thrown out. Then, the hulking silhouette of the T-850 appeared in the breach, grabbing several drunks one in each hand and slamming them hard against the ground.

THUD!! The men were slammed so hard they were left dazed, sprawling on the ground and retching up everything they had just eaten.

A few seconds later, another drunk was kicked out of the bar and collapsed onto the ground. Tang Xiao walked out alongside Vant, carrying a wine bottle in one hand. The brawl hadn't lasted long; the T-850 had single-handedly beaten those drunks so badly they wouldn't even recognize their own mothers, and neither Vant nor Tang Xiao were people to be trifled with.

As a legendary explorer, taking down a few thugs was child's play for Vant. Although Tang Xiao couldn't use the power of his Force in public, swinging a wine bottle to deliver a finishing blow was no problem at all. Moreover, he had been feeling stifled for the past few days, and the pent-up resentment in his heart found the perfect outlet.

"Fuck you! Looking for trouble, are you?! Want a beating?!" Tang Xiao barked out a string of Earthly profanities in a rage, not caring whether they understood him or not.

Since the fight began, the anger in Tang Xiao's heart had become somewhat uncontrollable. A faint golden light flashed momentarily in his eyes, and his only thought was to tear these people into shreds!

"You... piece of... Bantha dung..." The drunk was still being stubborn, but with a *crack*, Tang Xiao smashed another wine bottle against the man's face.

The fighting brought him a sense of catharsis. The inexplicable negative emotions in his chest suddenly erupted, and he let out a hysterical roar as if venting everything: "GET OUT!!!"

His voice sounded like the roar of a demon; though not incredibly loud, it sent a shockwave straight to the soul!

Without looking back, he raised his hand and slapped another drunk who was attempting a sneak attack, sending the man flying! No one in the surrounding crowd, who were watching the spectacle with relish, cared why he could slap a man several meters away, nor did anyone notice the thin streak of electricity on his palm. They were all too intimidated by the ferocious T-850 and Tang Xiao.

"Let's go, back to the ship. We're heading to Mos Espa Port," Tang Xiao said, suddenly feeling utterly exhausted. He delivered one last kick to the drunk's groin and panted.

Looking around, the onlookers quickly averted their eyes, not daring to meet Tang Xiao's gaze. In this lawless place, strength was the only true passport.

"They're from the Nudger Gang—just a bunch of local thugs who sometimes do errands for Jabba. Let's move; they definitely have accomplices, and they might have called for backup," Vant said, kicking the man on the ground while skillfully looting the valuables from their bodies.

"You certainly gather information fast," Tang Xiao said with a weary smile.

They walked toward the docking bay for Truda's ship. Pedestrians moved aside as they passed, not daring to approach. However, as they passed a small shack, a low, somber voice drifted from the shadows: "I have a job. 10,000 Wupi. Are you interested?"

Tang Xiao turned around, only to see a green-skinned Felin woman leaning against a corner, a sniper rifle slung across her back.

He frowned and turned to leave, but Kunto pulled him back and whispered, "Boss, Jabba only gave us 2,000 Wupi on that last run. We took a huge loss. If we don't take some work, we won't even be able to afford fuel."

Vant gave a slight smile and walked over. "If you want to commission us, this isn't exactly the right setting, is it?"

"You are capable, and you have a decent ship. Therefore, I believe you can handle this," the Felin woman said.

Vant cut straight to the point: "So, how much were you paid to take this job?"

"That is none of your concern. I know Jabba withheld your payment, and you need the money. Well? Do you take it?" the Felin woman said coldly.

"20,000 Wupi. Additionally, you must give me all the details regarding this job. Otherwise, find someone else," Vant replied. Having dealt with people like this many times, he knew exactly how to negotiate.

Had it been Tang Xiao, his first instinct would have been to stay far away from them.

"Deal. Follow me." The Felin woman beckoned them over, then lifted a cover inside the shack, revealing a staircase leading underground.

Vant thought for a moment, exchanged a glance with Tang Xiao, and then led the way down. Tang Xiao and Kunto followed, while the T-850 and Spad remained in the shack to guard the rear.

Upon reaching the basement, the Felin woman turned on a communicator, and a hologram appeared. The figure in the projection was thin and nearly two meters tall, looking as if a human had been squeezed through a pipe and then pulled out.

It was a Muun. His skin was incredibly pale, and he wore a black cloak with a hood covering the upper half of his face, along with a mechanical breathing mask that wrapped around his entire jaw.

"These are the ones taking the mission, correct?" The Muun glanced at Vant and Tang Xiao.

"That's right. They are among the most reliable people you can find on Tatooine," the Felin woman answered.

"Very well." The Muun nodded. "I am Hego Damask II, your employer. Your task is simple: go to the planet Makito, pick up a man named Semid, and deliver him to the planet Rune."

Hego Damask II!!! Upon hearing that name, Tang Xiao's eyes widened! He quickly lowered his head to hide his emotions, avoiding any suspicion.

Vant didn't think much of it and simply nodded. "That's it?"

"I assure you, that is all. Of course, you should also know that since I am asking you to pick him up, it means others are interested in him as well. If you succeed, you will receive a handsome reward and... the friendship of the Damask Holdings Group," Hego Damask II said indifferently.

"And who are the opponents we will be facing?" Vant asked.

"This is an unofficial commission. Therefore, your opponents are everyone."

Vant pondered for a moment. Seeing Tang Xiao nodding slightly, he replied, "Fine. We'll take the job."

"I will send Semid's information to you," Hego said, his gaze falling on Tang Xiao. "Your companion... seems somewhat... fearful?"

Tang Xiao's heart skipped a beat, but he tried his best to maintain a relaxed demeanor.

Vant said, "He's a new crew member. He hasn't seen much of the world. With Kunto and me here, there won't be any problems."

"Very well. It is best not to let such newcomers affect your mission. This is important. You must reach the destination within 89 standard hours," Hego said slowly.

"Understood," Vant replied quickly.

Once the communication ended, the Felin woman placed a heavy pouch in Vant's hand and threatened, "This is 5,000 Wupi. The remaining 15,000 will be paid upon completion of the mission. Time is tight, so you must leave immediately. Don't try any tricks! You cannot afford to offend this man!"

[Easter Egg Image 1: Hego Damask II]