Into a Galaxy at War (Bounty Hunter Edition)

As Spike and Mako stepped off the shuttle to the Imperial Fleet, Spike said, "Finally away from the stink of those swamps. Should we take a look around the fleet, see if we can get some supplies?"

Mako nodded, "That would be a good idea, you can never be too prepared, especially with Blood's cheating."

As they walked around the fleet, Spike saw what looked like a pet store, but it wasn't dogs and cats they were selling, it looked more like large beasts that could be used as an attack or hunting animal. The clerk said to Spike, "Ah, you look like one of those bounty hunters. If you are, feel free to look around! I sell some of the galaxy's greatest beasts. Whether you're looking for a hunting partner or a bodyguard who doesn't complain about their pay, this is the place for you!"

Spike looked around the crates and saw two animals that piqued his interest and asked, "What about these two?"

The seller smiled, "Good choices, those are a Panuncian and an Anubian Baskurr, both native to far off planets, so we don't get them in stock very often. Sadly, people don't seem to recognize the potential these two have as hunting partners. Panuncians are incredibly fast, but what makes them truly spectacular is their self-duplication ability."

Spike was intrigued, "Self-duplication? Are you saying that this Panuncian can create clones of itself?"

The seller nodded, "That's exactly what I'm saying. The Anubian Baskurr is still a good choice, they have a better sense of hearing than Panuncians, so they'll be able to hear some things that Panuncians can't. They're also capable of seeing through even the most advanced cloaking devices."

Spike thought for a moment, they both seemed like great animals, but it was hard to choose. He checked how many credits he had before asking, "How much are each of these two?"

The seller smiled, seeing that Spike was interested, "For first-time customers, I do a special deal. Normally they'd cost 25,000 credits each, but as a new customer, you can buy them for only 6250 credits each."

Spike thought about it, he had plenty of credits to spare, and decided, "I'll take them both, which is 12,500 credits. Do we have a deal?"

The seller unlocked the cages the two animals were in after Spike handed over the credits. The animals both came up to Spike and smelled him before sitting obediently.

Mako liked the Anubian Baskurr and said, "What a good boy, hey, can I name him?"

Spike nodded, "Sure, go ahead."

Mako smiled and thought for a moment, "What about Fang?"

The newly named Fang licked Mako's cheek, approving of his new name. Spike smiled, "I think Fang is a good name. As for the Panuncian, I think I'll name him Scar." petting the Panuncian, rubbing him behind the ear.

The seller smiled, "Well, it looks like you've got loyal hunting partners for life! Here are all the supplies they'll need, no charge."

After they got their new hunting partners, Spike realized that he should be able to find Thorax and Gabby here if they'd finished Korriban, and he knew Starlight was already here, since she had gotten on the same shuttle he had used in order to get to the Imperial Fleet.

Thorax saw Spike and waved to him, "Spike! Over here!"

Spike turned to where Thorax's voice came from and walked over to the cantina. "So, you guys are here too. Who's bright idea was it to turn this game into a Sword Art Online ripoff?"

Gabby shrugged as she drank her drink, "Hell if I know, this whole thing is just plain irresponsible. And we're not the only kids in Canterlot City who bought these things. I've seen plenty of kids from school playing too."

As Spike's Panuncian sat by his side, Starlight backed up nervously, "What the hell is that thing?"

Spike petted Scar's head and said, "He's one of my new hunting partners, his name's Scar."

Thorax chuckled, "Well, you've certainly gotten a head start over the rest of us."

Spike laughed back, "I guess so. So, are you guys heading to Dromund Kaas too?"

Spike friends all nodded and said, "Yep."

Spike thought for a moment before saying, "What if we take the Black Talon flashpoint together?"

Starlight nodded, "That's not a bad idea, we could get a bit more experience. But before we leave the fleet, we should check out our class trainers to see if there are any new skills we can learn."

Spike agreed, "Yeah, plus we should choose our advanced classes." before heading to the Bounty Hunter trainer. He saw two men who called him over.

The skinnier man asked him, "You look like you've got a good trigger finger, but what do you do with your other hand, style your hair?"

Spike rolled his eyes, "I normally use it to knock teeth out of smartasses."

The other man said, "Ignore him, he's always like this. Still, heavy armor may be tough to wear, but it'll save your life if you can get used to it."

After Spike trained with the two men, he decided to go with the Mercenary advanced class, and went to buy a second gun. Suddenly, his holo-communicator beeped and he answered it to see his parents and Twilight on the other end, "What the!? Mom, dad, Twilight? How'd you get in touch with me?"

Twilight answered him, "We've been watching your progress by hooking your NRG system up to the TV's HDMI input. I have to say, I wish you picked a Republic class after seeing you cut that guy's head off."

Spike gagged remembering that, "Don't remind me. Still, how did you make it so you can talk to me?"

Night Light said, "The system came with a communication device. We wanted to tell you that we bought you some Cartel Coins. Apparently, it's an in-game money that can be used to buy special items. We were able to get you 14,500 Cartel Coins. Use them wisely, and come back to us safe and sound when you can."

Spike smiled, "Thanks, dad. Is there anything about this fiasco in the news?"

Twilight Velvet nodded, "Yes, it's all over the news, parents are trying to sue the company, but there were disclaimers that rid them of liability. Just be careful, and try not to make us want to puke again."

Spike nodded before saying, "I will mom, I love you guys." before hanging up. "I better get to the Black Talon to meet up with the others."

And so Spike has made it off Hutta and joined forces with his friends. And to his surprise, he is able to communicate with his family outside of the game. With the Cartel Coins his parents added to his account, he will be able to buy new equiptment to make his quest easier. But will that be enough?