Chapters (57)
- Cover
- Doctor Aphra
- DRAMATIS PERSONAE
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- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Ante swiveled around in that giant chair and regarded me through the inky black pits he calls eyes. His head looked a bit like a humanoid skeleton that’s been left out in the sun too long, and his voice had a harsh, raspy quality.
When he spoke, the effect was always…disconcerting. To say the least.
APHRA:
Ah, greetings, Mr. Ante. It’s been a while, and now it’s time to up the ante—specifically my ante.
THE ANTE:
First, that’s “The Ante.” Secondly, it’s been a long, long time since you could afford my rates, Aphra, but now you’ve cleared your slate.
What are you looking for? And before you start…I stress I have a lot of information about some particularly elusive individuals.
APHRA:
I know. Anything worth knowing has passed through that big bald brain of yours.
We need to know about an individual called Commodex Tahn. This datachip has everything we’ve got.
Aphra hands the chip to The Ante.
APHRA (narration):
The Ante popped the chip into one of his gigantic computers—and a web of information popped up immediately. The Ante’s face lit up—he looked like me gazing upon all those beautiful ingots in the cave. We all have our true passions—and often those passions can be translated into weaknesses.
I always like to know what people’s weaknesses…er, passions are.
Even when they’re my friends.
Actually, especially when they’re my friends.
We hear the whir of something being run through a computer.
THE ANTE:
Hmm…Are you sure this is the right guy? He doesn’t seem particularly interesting.
APHRA:
No, he’s the one. Give me everything you’ve got.
THE ANTE:
The client is always right. Done.
Beeps and whistles as information is transferred. A holo activates.
APHRA:
Distinguished looking.
THE ANTE:
I suppose. There are no refunds.
APHRA:
Thanks for this, The Ante. Always a pleasure.
Aphra dumps a whole mess of credits on top of one of The Ante’s computers.
THE ANTE:
Aphra, you’ve just spent a lot of money to get information you could probably have found through official records…
APHRA:
I did. But you’re faster and far more discreet.
THE ANTE:
That I am. But I have to wonder: Who could possibly be interested in someone like this? Tahn was a military clerk in the Republic era, before leaving service and entering the rather dull family business upon the death of his father. Retired now for nearly twenty years.
APHRA:
What family business?
A few beeps, holo shifts.
THE ANTE:
See for yourself…
APHRA:
[reading the information]
Huh. Looks like they were morticians.
On Naboo.
SCENE 25
EXT. COMMODEX TAHN’S HOME. NABOO. NIGHT.
Atmosphere: The most serene evening you can imagine. Total, luxurious peace—which Aphra is about to destroy.
APHRA (narration):