Excerpt: Logistical Needs - A Space Adventure in The Star Wars Galaxy

Chapter 1

I blame this whole situation on the Jedi.
Granted, it's unlikely that he had any deliberate influence on my current predicament, but nevertheless as another explosion jarred my, what I now suspected to be broken ribs, I couldn't help thinking momentarily of my last visit to Dantooine, and the serene face of Jedi Master Enson Dilm floated to the fore of my franticly scrabbling mind.

Despite what some people believe, Jedi can get angry. Now I've watched the vids and I even read a book on them once. I know they have that whole thing about shunning emotions and operating on an inner calm, but trust me on this: The Jedi can get just as pissed as any of us. Especially when your 4 days late with a delivery of theirs. And especially if the delivery doesn't match the order. Most of my runs to the academy on Dantooine have gone without a hitch, but 3 years ago I had to be escorted from the premises, for my own protection I might add, after one of them pulled his lightsaber on me. (I do not deny that my own temper had it's part to play leading upto this, but for the moment our topic of attention is the Jedi and that is where our focus shall remain for the time being).

Normally I only deal with the Dock Control Droid or Supplies Supervisor, but if there's a problem in any way, usually one of the Jedi are called to sort things out. Master Enson Dilm was the one called following my last delivery run to Dantooine. I had had some trouble with the nav comp and the route had taken my 17 parsecs wide of my intented route and a little too close to a planetoid. The violent, emergency exit from hyperspace had blown the main hyperdrive motivator and so I was forced to hobble the rest of the way on backup. To add insult to the 4 day delay, I also discovered that in addition to the hyperdrive motivator being damaged, my port landing strut had sheared. Had I known this before attempting to land in the loading dock I would have been able to compensate. Alas, I only discovered that I was 'landing with one leg' when the whole ship lurched to port and flattened 3 cargo crates, totaled a power loader and sent the Docking Controller Droid for an expensive repair job.
None of this, I'm sure you have already surmised, was my fault. Just to be clear.

Anyway, Master Enson appeared to discuss the situation. He was the classical Jedi Master. Clean, yet well worn robes, a close cut growth of dark, yet greying hair covering his head and chin. He moved with an calm grace and his voice was soft, clear and measured. I apologised for the damage (even though it was not my fault, I am a polite and courteous as we all should be) and we set about clearing up the paperwork in a pleasant, business like fashion. Just as we were about to tie up the legals the Supplies Supervisor reported that the cargo I had for them was incorrect. Instead of 4 crates of PT (Parts and Technical) I had 4 crates of foodstuffs. Delicate foodstuffs, that had not survived the violent pull from hyperspace and, to top it off, the produce was actually listed as illegal/restricted in the Dantooine Sector. I was technically smuggling.

Not my fault! Warehouse is responsible for checking and loading cargo. The crates were even marked as foodstuffs and their accompanying scans carried the appropriate warnings that they were restricted by certain governments (even had a galactic map with highlighted sectors).

Now we both know that Master Enson knew that there was no alternate motive behind my bringing that stuff to Dantooine. He saw that it was just an error in the process. Didn't stop him making a comment though.

“Don't you visually confirm your cargo?”, he asked?

“I don't have time to check every run. Besides, it's not as if I ever transport anything dangerous”, I replied. I felt a little annoyed at the slight on my proffesionalism. I also, annoyingly, was felling slightly on the defensive.

The Jedi Master held my gaze for a second and then cast his eyes over the full length of my ship. I wondered what he was thinking. Focusing on me once more he said, “Perhaps you should try a little harder in the future.” He said it with a not unkind smile. Then he nodded and turned to leave.

“Um...”, I said.

“I'll leave you to sort things out with Mr Solivun.” said the Jedi as he left, refering to the Supplies Supervisor. “We won't be pressing any charges, but the system police will have to be notified. I'll advise they simply escort you out of the sector. Thank you, as always, for your professional conduct.
And he was gone.

Perhaps you should try a little harder in the future!

So I did. And just look at where it had gotten me now.