#errant venture

Dances without Purpose - Chapter 13 is up.

Which of these ships owned or used by a Star Wars Legends smuggler is your favorite?

The Wild Karrde, Talon Karrde’s Corellian Engineering Corporation Action VI Transport modified to be the headquarters of his smuggling and spy operation (Heir to the Empire)

The Pulsar Skate, a modified Baudo-class star yacht Mirax Terrik used for her smuggling operation (which she took over from her father Booster when he was arrested) and later to help the New Republic (X-Wing: Rogue Squadron)

The Lady Luck, Lando Calrissian’s yacht modified to include hidden laser cannons, a deflector shield generator, a scanner and transponder system for the use of aliases, and smuggling compartments, as well as luxury amenities such as a reflecting meditation pool and a crystal garden (Heir to the Empire)

The Jade’s Fire, Mara Jade’s heavily modified personal luxury yacht and the first ship Mara personally owned, free and clear (Ambush at Corellia)

The Errant Venture, an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer (formerly the Virulence) captured during a New Republic battle by smuggler Booster Terrik, who was allowed to keep it if it was decommissioned and the excess arms sold to the New Republic. It was later painted bright red (X-Wing: The Bacta War)

The Errant Venture was a privately owned and operated Imperial-II class Star Destroyer commanded by smuggler Booster Terrik. It was one of the only such Star Destroyers and was painted bright crimson red. Terrik acquired the Destroyer after stealing it during a battle and was allowed to retain it by the New Republic. It served as a mobile port and marketplace for shady deals as it roamed the galaxy, occasionally assisting in Republic operations.

Source: The New Jedi Order Edge of Victory I - Conquest (2001)

One of the complexities of Lightsabers Are Always Loaded is that Mara has a lot of people to meet over the 18 months or so covered by the story. Here she meets Iella Wessiri at a tough moment for both of them. 

“You understand why I am suspicious of your sudden appearance at the bridge.” Wessiri declared, no question in her tone.

I agreed that I understood but I offered no elaboration. What was I going to say after all? I was following a funny feeling in my stomach that there was somewhere I should be? That would go over well with an intelligence officer - which is what I was pretty sure she was.  This was the person outside of the fringe Mirax had mentioned needing to meet. That she’d been on the bridge and knew where Mirax was staying meant she was more than just a distant business connection.

“I get that you don’t trust me, but Booster does, and you’re about to fall over.” I pointed out.

“Mara’s okay, Iella,” Mirax broke in in a ragged whisper, voice thick with unshed tears, “She’s Luke Skywalker approved.”

Wessiri stepped back and contemplated me again for a moment.

“Luke Skywalker’s judgement calls might be the primary cause of all digestive issues faced by the NRI.” she muttered, shaking her head.

“Karrde could probably get them a good deal on antacids.” I replied, doing a terrible job hiding the smile that threatened at her concise evaluation of Skywalker.

“The Venture’s an old Imperial Star Destroyer,” Han said, shrugging. “Commissioned as the Virulence.”

“I know that,” Lando said. “Well, except I forgot its original name.”

“Whenever an ISD served as the flagship for a task force or fleet,” Han went on, “the commanding admiral would be aboard, with his own quarters and his own private hangar. Which was called the flag hangar.”

“Ah.” Lando nodded wisely. “So, Han, old buddy, how long has it been since your Academy education has come in useful?”

“Now,” Han said, “I’m going to shoot him.”