Bounty (episode)

"Asajj Ventress, now without a clear purpose, finds herself joining a group of bounty hunters led by the young Boba Fett. On a foreign planet, they accept a risky but rewarding job that will push their abilities to the absolute limit, as well as test the fortitude of Asajj's character."

Asajj Ventress, her former existence now shattered, aimlessly wanders until she finds herself in a grimy spaceport tavern on Tatooine, seeking solace in alcoholic beverages. After she uses her lightsaber to reject the advances of a persistent patron, Bossk and Latts Razzi, two bounty hunters, invite her for a drink and propose a business deal. Oked, the man Ventress eliminated, was their partner for a job on Quarzite, and they need a replacement. They threaten to turn her in to the authorities if she declines, so Ventress, in need of funds, agrees to take Oked's place.

Ventress is introduced to the remaining members of the team: Dengar, C-21 Highsinger, and their leader, Boba Fett. Ventress immediately expresses her disapproval of Boba's youth and perceived lack of experience. Regardless, the group of six proceeds to an orbital elevator station positioned above Quarzite to meet their client, Major Rigosso, and receive the details of their mission. They have been hired to safeguard the contents of a large chest being transported to Quarzite's tyrannical ruler, Otua Blank, via the orbital station and a subtram. Due to the planet's atmospheric pressure, conventional spaceship delivery is impossible. A band of raiders seeks to steal the chest, hence the need for the bounty hunters' protection. With the details provided and the chest in their care, Rigosso and Boba's team begin their journey.

Soon after setting off, the raiders board the train while it's moving and launch an assault on the escort. During the ensuing conflict, Rigosso and the Quarzite guards are killed, and most of the bounty hunters are knocked off the train, leaving only Boba and Ventress to confront the raiders and their leader. In the struggle, Boba accidentally knocks over the chest, revealing its contents: a young woman named Pluma Sodi. She is being forced into marriage with Otua Blank, and the raiders' leader is her brother, Krismo, who has come to rescue her. Ventress intervenes, using her abilities to restrain Krismo. As the tram continues, Pluma pleads with Ventress, and her words about the injustice of being taken from her home seem to resonate with her. Ventress and Boba argue about their involvement in the mission and their share of the reward, leading to a heated confrontation where Ventress uses the Force to choke Boba.

The tram reaches its final stop, where Otua Blank eagerly awaits his prize. Ventress delivers the chest and collects the bounty before leaving. However, when Otua Blank opens the chest, he finds a bound, gagged, and furious Boba Fett instead of his intended bride. As the tram returns to the elevator station, Ventress releases Pluma into Krismo's care, charging an extra fee for her safe return. She then rejoins the other bounty hunters at their ship, delivers the bounty (minus her share), and departs, feeling more at peace and confident about her future.

The Director's Cut of this episode was featured on the Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Four DVD.

The comic Mandalorian Memories acts as a prequel to this episode, but it is considered part of the Legends continuity.