Sudden perplexed cries of pain and anger came from the entrance area of the grand hall, followed by blaster fire. Hondo turned to look, and in that moment, Lassa sprang.
She brought the lightsaber arcing down, but Hondo recovered in time to block it with his electrostaff. His eyes narrowed behind his goggles. “This is a fight you cannot win, my dear. You may have the laser sword, but you don’t have the Force.”
“Don’t need it.”
He swung the staff low, but she leaped up and it sliced only air. A second jump brought her onto the table, and she swung with the lightsaber. This time, he struck it hard and the impact jarred her injured shoulder. Gritting her teeth, Lassa kicked out and up, and the electrostaff flew from Hondo's hands.
"Not bad," Hondo admitted. He recovered the weapon and vaulted up to join her, shoving one of the sparking ends of the weapon like a spear. She parried, but let him drive her down the table, pretending to be unsure of her footing. A smile curved his thin mouth, and he feinted, dodging her blow and bringing the staff down. At the last second, Rhayme swerved and dove for a blaster someone had left behind. In one graceful movement, she grabbed it, fired at Hondo, and flung the lightsaber toward the doorway.
Ventress— don’t fail me...
"Not so fast!” Hondo warned as Lassa turned to fire on him. He struck her full in the chest with the end of the electrostaff and Lassa gasped, flailing helplessly as the jolts surged through her. She crumpled, gasping, and tumbled limply off the table, spasming on the ground.
He leaped lightly down and gazed at her. "A good effort, my dear. I’m impressed. You almost lived up to your—”
Rhayme lifted the blaster and aimed it directly at his chest, "—reputation,” Hondo finished.
"It’s set to kill,” she warned him. "Throw away the staff.”
"Surely we can work this out like two civilized pirates,” he protested, but did as she ordered.
Lassa got to her feet, still feeling the effects of the staff, but forcing herself not to show them. "On your knees, hands behind your head.”
Again, Hondo obeyed. "Come now. Captain Rhayme, let us not be hasty.”

- Kindred Spirits