“Come on guys she’s probably already waiting on us in the cantina.” Mattman prodded his team through an underground Imperial base on Hoth. His team consisted of Dredge and Newo, the outlaw lovers on the run from the law; the infamous sorcerer Walterodim; and an inexperienced young Zergadin sniper named Phazer Lamperouge. Mattman Starbanger had scrambled the team together soon after the assault on the Paartharnox. They left without leave from command, and without supplies and provisions needed for the treacherous journey they were about to endure. Mattman was counting on the sixth member of the team to provide those essentials.

As he neared the cantina Mattman ran out in front of his followers, giddy with anticipation. He rounded the corner that opened up into a small room and began to scan the crowd. The slow depressing song that was spinning on the jukebox faded away, and a much more lively beat took its place. Starbanger recognized the tune immediately, and knew that it was his long lost friend Chavala who had changed the music. She stood there by the jukebox, holding a drink in one hand and snapping to the beat with the other one.

“Como esta hermana?” Mattman greeted Chavala in her native tounge.
“Bien, bien.” She sat down her drink and welcomed Mattman with an elaborate secret handshake that lasted until Walterodim and the rest of the team caught up.
“So this is the search team you’ve assembled to scour the wastelands of hoth?” Asked Chavala as she greeted the team. “They look like a bunch of rag moppets to me, prolly had some crap jobs.”
“Hey!” Dredge spoke up “I used to be a xantha player thank you very much, still would be if it wasn’t for the injury I sustained to my pickin’ hand.”
Dredge’s partner Newo pushed him out of the way to introduce herself to Chavala. “Oh please hun. The only thing you’ve ever played with that hand is your own skin kloo. You aren’t in the band anymore cause you’re allergic to work but addicted to lazy.” Dredge didn’t even hear the insult. He was already at the bar ordering several drinks, on Newo’s credit chit.

After getting to know everyone, and making sure they were all comfortable in the chilly Hoth cantina, Chavala took a seat next the Mattman at the bar. She took out a small device and slid it in front of him. “This contains directions to nearby coordinates where you can find a safe-house which I have stocked with supplies and equipment. There are plenty of seeker droids and five pairs of macro binoculars for you and your team.”
“Five,” questioned Mattman “I requested six Chavala. Remember I told you about Phazer, the new guy?”
“There is a pair for Phazer too,” replied Chavala “I’m the one who won’t be joining you on this one, old friend.”
“But… Who’s going to…” Mattman’s confusion was interrupted when a small child ran up and jumped in Chavala’s lap.
“Mommy, the wompas are chasing me!” The young boy teased as he snuggled his head into Chavalas warm fur coat.
“Do not fear my boy, the infamous Mattman Starbanger is here to chase off those scary wompas.” Chavala played along.
“No way! Are you the real Mattman?” The boy said as his wide eyes gazed at the sith pure blood.
The only one more amazed than the boy was Mattman himself. He was shocked into silence. He had always harbored a crush for the beautiful Chavala, and to see her in this role only deepened his yearning for her companionship.
“I’ve got other priorities now Mattman, I can’t be running off on some hopeless adventure to find Azhi. You shouldn’t run off either Mattman, you could stay with us. You could be his father.”

Weeks later…

“Alright general, this is where we touch down.” Zyley said into his face mask’s mouthpiece. He was leaning out the open side of a drop ship that neared the surface of Hoth.
The rest of the space inside the drop ship was completely full of General Panzer Dawnstar and his weaponized walker. He sat on the machine twelve feet above Zyley. As the ship touched down Panzer looked over the controls of his walker, then decided to pull one of the many levers. The machine lunged forward and out of the ship. Panzer had to duck for his head to clear the top, and a small antenna on the top of his helm nicked the ship and broke off. Luckily, the antenna was only there for cosmetic reasons, and Panzer was able to communicate a command to the droid piloting the shuttle.
“Have that aircraft decommissioned, it obviously has a faulty ceiling.”
“Yes sir General Panzer Dawnstar the magnificent hero of the galaxy and glorious defender of freedom.” The droid tweeted back its programmed response. Zyley rolled his eyes and started to brief the general on the mission.
“OK Panzer, the implant we put in Phazer had a tracking beacon in it and it lead us to this location. Hopefully when we find him we will find Mattman, Walterodim, Dredge, and Newo.”
“Hold that thought Zyley!” Interrupted the General. “There is danger on the prowl.” A skinny wompa emerged in the distance, and began to run at the sight of Panzer’s walker. The general adjusted a few nobs on the machine and pushed a button. A large mortar shell was launched high into the air. As it flew on it’s path Zyley stood by biting his tongue and impatiently tapping his foot. Panzer saw the wompa turn into a splatter of red on the white snow and fist pumped. Zyley took this as his que to resume the briefing.
“As I was saying…”
“Wait…”
Interrupted Panzer. Then they heard the distant ‘boom’ of the artillery exploding.
“Ahhhh yeeeeaaahhhh” said the general “that’s my favorite part!”
“Panzer what would you wife think of you gunning down innocent animals just for fun?” Asked Zyley.
“Silence! We must not speak of these things now. There is more danger to be had.” Interjected the general. He was looking at his vehicles bio scanner, and saw several blips approaching.
“Panzer, nothing in its right mind would attack you in that gaudy walker of yours. Besides, it is probably Phazer and the rest of the missing team.”
Zyley’s assumption was correct. Phazer and the weathered party drudged through the deep snow and beating wind. They witnessed the drop ship’s decent and subsequent light show through the Macro binoculars Chavala had supplied them. Phazer was the first to arrive at the scene, followed by Dredge and Newo. Then Mattman limped in with one arm over Walterodim, who was using every bit of force power he had left to keep Starbanger upright. Zyley began to med-scan the party and ordered a droid to set up a makeshift camp in the drop ship.

As the Zergadins slept in the cold shelter Mattman stared blankly into a small fire, and Walterodim explained the mission to Zyley.
“Mattman used his totally heterosexual force connection with Azhi to deduce that he was in a secret underground base on Hoth. Now he has got us out here using seeker droids to scan every inch of the surface for this underground base. At first I was skeptical, then I connected with the Dahaki myself. It is true Zyley, he is here somewhere. We just have to keep searching for the Dahaki.” Panzer was pretending to sleep, and eavesdropping on the conversation. Then he finally spoke up.
“OK Walterodim, if you believe him to be here then we must assist with the search. But we are going to do things my way. We can set up a grid, and map out focus points for deep scanning. Then we will form up in a strait line and comb the landscape. Nobody will deviate from the plan, or they will be…”
Walter stood up and interrupted Panzer.
“Alright fuck it. I’m out. If this is how we do things then I’ll have no part of it.” He used a burst of force speed and soon disappeared into the darkness.
“Well fuck.” Zyley said, hoping Walterodim was just playing a joke.
“We won’t find him” a crackly voice emerged from Mattman. “We won’t find him because we are looking for the wrong thing.” The voice coming from the Starbanger was not the deep sexy tone he was known for. It was darker somehow, it was evil. “I am out here looking for my friend, looking for his friendship. In my search for friendship I missed the chance to find something much greater. Even if we find the Dahaki it will be to late. The powers which bind him are greater than friendship. He is bound by hate, and the only thing which can defeat hate is…”
“Oh stop your sniveling Mattman” Dredge woke up and joined the conversation. “If its love you want then go back to that cold cantina and the broken jukebox. I’ve got a whole sleeping bag full of love over there and look where it has gotten me.” He motioned toward Newo, who had rolled over to listen to her man. “I’m in the same place you are Mattman. I’m just not being a little pansy ass about it.”

…the next day

The team scanned the terrain with seeker droids for hours. A few wompa bones and an old Imperial recon probe were all they had found so far. Then Zyley spoke up on the comm channel.
“Hey Panzer, come take a look at this.”
“Oh alright I guess, since I already do everything else around here.” The General reluctantly agreed.
“Yep that’s it.” He declared after glancing at the handheld monitor. Panzer turned to Mattman and made a small circular hand gesture. Mattman dutifully nodded and began to speak on a secure comm channel with Melamamas, the famous Imperial ace pilot.
“What was that?” Questioned Zyley “Panzer we have to do some deep scans to know for sure. It could be a natural cave or something for all we know.”
“We don’t have time for such nonsense. I am scheduled to make an appearance before the new recruits, and I still have to pick up my armor from being polished. I wouldn’t stand there if I were you.”
Zyley looked around the see Mattman, Phazer, Dredge, and Newo all take off running in different directions. Then he turned back to the general to see him looking strait up in the sky. Zyley turned his personal shield generator on and took cover under one of the walker’s huge legs.
“Thwompoooom” the orbital laser slammed into the ground. Ice, snow, dirt and dust went flying in every direction away from a central crater formed by the impact. The white hot energy drilled into the ground. Zyley screamed into the comm channel for he duration of the laser’s attack.
“God dammit. Who in the fuck ordered an orbital strike? And why is everyone running around like a bunch of orosquab with their heads cut off.”
The laser finished its bombardment, and the general used a finger to wipe the bit of snow from his helmet. He might as well have been wiping a tear of joy from his eye, because the beauty of so much destruction got him a little choked up.
“I love a good midday orbital strike, makes me feel like freedom” he said to himself. The rest of the team made their way back to the crater and began to investigate. The bombardment had punched a small opening into the underground void.
“Alright, you guys wait here.” Suggested Mattman as he took off a large backpack. “Azhi is my partner, so I’ll go in and investigate first. I’ll call for backup if I need it.”
“Just a minute soldier.” Ordered the general, he then made eye contact with Dredge and gave him a slight nod. Dredge said “You got it, dude.” Then he walked up to the edge of the crater, used his jet pack to hover above it, and proceeded to launch every missile and rocket in his arsenal into the crater. The small opening grew large enough to fit a couple people through at the same time. Mattman assessed the opening, an decided he should take a partner with him. He didn’t want to separate Dredge and Newo, so they were both out. Mattman was worried Zyley would be too bossy, and the general obviously had no interest in doing anything that required him to dismount his walker. That left Phazer, the newest addition to the Zergadin team.
“Hey kid, are you ready to show us what you’ve got?” Mattman addressed the recruit.
“Who me?” Phazer looked surprised, and very nervous. “I’ve never even been…”
“Oh I’m sure you will do fine. Just stay right with me, and point that big rifle where I tell you.”
Phazer took off his backpack, then checked and double checked to make sure his weapon was fully loaded. The two lowered themselves into the hole and disappeared into the darkness.

Panzer set in his vehicle dozing in and out of a deep dreamy sleep. His bronze face tanned dark, but did not burn in the bright Hoth landscape, thanks to Zyley’s kolto shell that was protecting the General. Meanwhile, Zyley sat in the shade of Panzer’s walker attempting to communicate with the pair below surface. He had not heard from the two since they descended, and much time had passed. Zyley kept his cool longer than any other member of the Silverstryke legacy could have. The waiting was just too much for him though. He couldn’t take his shell off the general, because Panzer would get really grumpy if he was woke up from a good nap. So commander Zyley walked over to Dredge and Newo, who had just been sitting there staring at each other this whole time.
“Alright you two lovebirds, you are next in the hole. Send someone back to report in as soon as you can.”
“Chips are up, buttercup!” Dredge said to his lady as they both jumped up in perfect synchronization.
“After you, scotcheroo!” Newo chirped back. They held hands and hopped down into the cave.

Newo ignited both of her light sabers to illuminate the dark underground passage. After they traveled past several turns and twist they became aware of a distant voice echoing in the tunnel. Dredge drew both his blasters to be on the ready. Soon they rounded a corner and found the young Phazer Lamperouge motioning them with one hand to get down. The other hand was on the trigger of the sniper rifle that he was peering through the scope of. The duo dropped down and crawled up to Phazer.
“Spot for me Dredge.” Phazer said as soon as the two got into a position next to him. Dredge got out his binoculars and tried to look where the sniper was aiming.
“All I see if a fucking rock Phazer?”
“I know but you can see a reflection in the carbonic crystal formation.” Phazer leaned over so that dredge could look through his scope. He adjusted his binoculars a few times until he saw the same formation that was reflecting light.
“OK Phazer tell me what I’m looking at.” Dredge requested

Moments earlier…

“Wait here” instructed Mattman, “I sense the Dahaki is near” he said as he disappeared into the shadows. He left Phazer who quickly noticed the reflective crystal ahead, and the bit of light flickering off of it. Phazer set up his tripod and focused his sights on the formation.
Mattman surrounded himself in a black shadow, and sneaked into the small room. He immediately saw Azhi strapped to some hideous torture device. Quinn and Whatsurface were on both sides of it. Whatsurface was using the device to mutilate Azhi’s unconscious body, and Quinn was filling a large syringe. Mattman saw his opportunity and used a burst of speed to dash in. Starbanger ignited his double bladed light saber right between the two torturers, killing both of them instantly. The two heads melted through the black core saber, and the bodies flopped and twitched on the floor as the last nerves inside the bodies sent pulses through muscles. A bit of flesh and hair sizzled on Mattman’s blades, filling the room with a dirty smell. Mattman spun around and into his fighting stance, ready for anything. It’s a good thing he was, because Jache’s light saber came whirling in, followed immediately by Jache himself. Mattman parried the saber and it boomeranged back to Jache, who caught it mid jump. Jache landed almost on top of Mattman and locked up light sabers with the Starbanger. He pushed off and took half a step back before he lunged again and unleashed a combination of attacks with his blade. Mattman defended every powerful thrust with his double blades, then used the force to push Jache back a few meters. After being pushed back the warrior used his own mastery of the force, and sent a powerful scream into Mattman. After the scream Jache began to chuckle.
“You silly sith, what are you doing here? Trying to rescue your partner? You can have him, he is worthless now. We broke the weakling long ago.”
“I’m not here to save him fool. I came seeking vengeance! You will pay for what you have done with your life.” Mattman’s swung his saber at Jache and it erupted lightning. Jache held out his own saber and it began to completely adsorb the lightning emanating from Mattman. An evil grin came upon Jache’s face and he reflected the attack back, knocking Mattman to the ground. This technique caught Starbanger by surprise, he had never seen it before.
“You aren’t as powerful as you once were Mattman, I can sense doubt in you…”
Jache went on rambling about how he was more powerful. He gloated about the perfection of his plan to double cross the Hutt cartel, and get away with a fortune of credits. Mattman took the opportunity to look around the room, he saw an elaborate computer network set up in one corner. The images on the screen were unfamiliar to him, but he gathered from Jache’s rambling that it was slicing credits from the Hutts. Lots of credits, more than quadruple the hefty sum Mattman had lifted from the Nar Shadda casinos.

Then Mattman sensed another presence. In another corner of the room there was someone hiding. At first he thought it might be Phazer, but he soon was able to distinguish a separate life. It was hiding, but Mattman could not sense fear. Who ever was in here wanted to remain hidden. Jache became distracted by his own confidence long enough for Mattman to disappear again. As soon as he did Jache noticed he was gone, and became terribly angry.
“You puny little worm, get out here and fight me like a man. Or have you had enough? You always were the first one to run away when the shit hit the fan.”
Ghreen came tumbling out into the middle of the room, followed closely by Mattman.
“I see now why you are so powerful. You’ve had this snake keeping you topped off the whole time. Now that he is out in the open, how bout we have us a fair fight?” Mattman ignited his saber once again and charged it with lightning from his fingertips.
“It’s hardly fair.” Agent Ghreen gloated “the two of us against you alone will be a quick slaughter.”
“Perhaps, but I’m not alone.” Argued Mattman.
“If you are referring to the shivering sniper around the corner, we are not too worried about him. Poor kid couldn’t hit the broadside of a bantha as nervous as he is.” Ghreen’s cocky tone fueled the rage inside Mattman, but the Starbanger kept a completely calm and cool outward demeanor.
“Don’t you wish, the Lamperouge, is the least of your problems right now.” Mattman mocked the pair.
The two villains looked at each other and shrugged. Then, Azhi Dahaki came leaping in like some savage beast. He had torn two legs off Quinn’s dead body, and was swinging them around frantically. Using them as clubs he immediately knocked Ghreen down. Jache was also wounded by the initial blow, and began back pedaling as Azhi swung at him with the makeshift weapons again and again. Azhi stopped for a short moment to take a breath, then immediately resumed his ferocious assault on Jache. After fending of Azhi’s assault Jache used an incredibly powerful force push and threw Azhi into Mattman. Jache timed his counter perfectly because Mattman was a moment away from severing Ghreen’s head. Mattman and Azhi scrambled to there feet. The two were obviously on the ropes. Azhi didn’t have a proper weapon, had several injuries from the torturing, and Mattman’s body and mind were frail from the long lonely journey. Jache and Ghreen could sense their advantage, and went on the offensive.

After a long fight Jache had Azhi pinned down on the torture device. He began force choking him, intent on savoring the feel of the last bit if life fleeing from Azhi. Ghreen kept Mattman busy with a number of dirty tricks. He stayed one step ahead of the sith, and the kolto him and his droids were slinging around made in impossible for Mattman to make any progress.
As all this was happening Dredge and Newo had caught up with Phazer.
“You plan to bounce a shot off the crystal and hit Jache?” Asked dredge.
“You got a better idea?” Argued Phazer.
“I do,” Newo spoke up “that computer terminal down there is slicing credits away from the Hutts right? Lets take the mainframe and get away with all those sweet credits.”
Dredge looked into his lovers eyes and nodded. The two made their way down to the terminal and began disassembling the machine. Phazer could see that Jache was about to kill Azhi, he knew he had to do something. He lazed the target and took the shot.

Mattman noticed Jache was about to choke Azhi to death, and he jumped on Jache’s back, trying to break the hold on his friend. He had to turn his back to Ghreen to do so and the agent drew his vibroknives and buried them into the back of the Starbanger. Just as Mattman landed on Jache and Ghreen landed on Mattman, Phazer’s white hot sniper bolt blasted into the pile of bodies. Ghreen’s slender frame was split completely in two by the powerful blast. Mattman’s body took the rest of the energy created by the blast. Jache’s hold was broken, and Azhi gasped for air. He struggled to push the pile of bodies off him. Jache stumbled to the side, injured but mostly unharmed by the blast. Mattman fell to his knees, with Ghreens torso still hanging on the the knives protruding from his back. Azhi tried to pick up the Starbanger. Mattman opened his mouth. Among the blood and gore a few words slipped from his lips. Azhi had to lean close to understand what Mattman said. When he did he threw the lifeless body to the side and screamed. “Noooooo!”

He turned to Jache who was recovering in the corner. Azhi’s entire body appear as it it were in flames. His rage was incredible. The blood thirst that fueled him frightened Jache.
“Hey Azhi,” dredge hollered “look what I found.” While Dredge and Newo tinkered with the slicing computer they stumbled upon Azhi’s light sabers. Dredge threw the weapons in the air and they zinged into Azhi’s hands. The blades ignited immediately as Azhi grasped his weapons. Jache turned and ran through a tunnel opposite the one the Zergadins had entered. He wanted nothing to do with a bloodthirsty Dahaki. Azhi leaped after him, cutting off both arms and legs. He knew Jache would spend the rest of his short life in fear, and that fear would make Azhi even more powerful.

The Dahaki turned back to the Zergadin team. Dredge and Newo both were hot with passion as the rush of battle and riches were coursing through their veins. They embraced each other, kissing intensely. Phazer emerged from the corner. His face was white as a ghost.
“Did I just kill Mattman Starbanger?” Lamperouge wondered. He looked at Jache who was writhing on the floor, barely alive. Then he made eye contact with Azhi, his eyes were still flaming with hate.
“Azhi… I…” Phazer stumbled to find some words.
“It’s not your fault kid, I know what you were trying to do. At least you capped that Ghreen guy, I hated that fucker. Mattman shouldn’t have got in the way, he should have called for you to take the shot earlier. But don’t worry, I doubt this is the last we will hear from the Starbanger. His connection to the dark side of the force was deep, and connections like his are rarely ended when life ends. Now, if you nubs will please excuse me, I have a huttball championship to go win.”