Cantina Tales Vol. 1

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject: Cantina Tales Vol. 1

(Lol, this was from May 2005 when Zyre had told me Glacia killed Iago for no reason duriing a faction point transfer)

It was a day much like every other in Mos Eisley. Smugglers, Bounty Hunters...you know, scum. I like sitting in a booth with a Tattooine Sunburn watching and listening. This particular day I was in my usual booth absently using mind tricks to keep away people that thought I was in the mood for conversation while I pondered my life, the choices I've made, and those I've yet to make. A name from another conversation reached my ear and in a blink I was standing next to the man who had spoken it. I knew this man.

"Zyre?"

"Shensen! How are you?" Zyre exclaimed.

"Good, good. How are you old friend?" I asked.

"Not well I'm afraid. Iago was attacked and almost killed." He said sadly.

"Who would attack Iago? He's and entertainer, not a fighter."

Zyre looked around uneasily before dropping his voice and leaning toward my ear.

"It was a Jedi." He whispered, again shooting nervous glances around him.

"Are you sure? A Jedi would not attack anyone without provocation. It is not in our --- their code."

"I'm positive. Came right from Iago himself and there were witnesses. It seems this person was trying to get in good with the imperials and looked up Iago for his particular contacts. Iago met with him in Theed and they completed their transaction." He paused for a sip of his drink. "It was then the...person, told him his prices were too high and proceeded to hack him up pretty bad. If it weren't for the Doctors and droids in the Med Center he'd be a stain on the plaza paving stones."

"That's troubling. Iago is a good friend. Do you happen to know this person's name?"

"It took a lot of bribes, but yeah. The name is Glacia. Dunno what her last name is - that's all we could get on her."

"That's enough I hope. I'll take care of it my friend. I would not mention it again though - for your own safety" I said, laying a hand on his shoulder.

Zyre nodded and went back to his drink and picked up where he left off with his associates. This was troubling indeed. A Jedi killing people in the streets? It was unheard of. The Jedi Code aside, the few Jedi that survived the purge were scattered across the galaxy and in hiding. It didn't make any sense. Well if she was not adhering to the Code then she must be a Sith regardless of who's side she says she's on. A part of me wanted to track her down myself and try to turn her back to the light, but I cannot risk exposure - especially to one such as her whom I cannot be sure I can trust to keep the secret. There are alternatives of course.

I contacted a BH named Mosuger. He's not well known and keeps a low profile, but he is always reliable. He knows what I am even though he never acknowledges it and it doesn't seem to matter much to him as long as the price is right and I'm not the one on the receiving end of the contract. He is probably the shortest Zabrak I've ever seen. He was told he'd never be anything but an entertainer on his world so he left and started collecting bounties. Despite his career choices I couldn't help but like him.

He met me the following day in the cantina of Nyms Stronghold. It was quiet there this time of day with just a few regulars coming to drink until their credits ran out. He came in and sauntered over to my table and made himself comfortable, taking my drink in the process I might add. He wasnt much for formality. He respected little other than the hunt and the worth of his opponents.

"So what do you need lizard?" He asked, cutting to the chase.

"Nice to see you again too Mo." I said with a grin he returned. "I need you to track down a woman named Glacia. If she is found I want her terminated. I'll offer the usual compensation, travel and expenses of course."

"I thought it might be something like that. I heard what happened to Iago. I like the guy. I'd consider doing it free of charge, but what little reputation I allow myself to have I would like to keep. Besides, I can't do it for you now. I'm in the middle of some big contract negotiations and I can't take time away from it now. I can make sure someone gets this done though. Leave it to me."

A Sullustan from the bar, one of the regulars judging by his clothes, staggered over to our table and promptly made some rude remarks about Mo's height followed by a belch. Mo's hand moved toward his carbine, but I he stopped after I made a slight motion not to.

"You forgot what you were about to say." I said to the drunk.

"I forgot what I was going to say" He replied.

"You need another drink."

"I need another drink." He said again, moving back to his stool.

Mo said nothing as I turned my attention back to our conversation.

"I trust you will get it done. Have the victor send me a holonet feed of the corpse, then I will transfer the reward."

Mo nodded, finished my drink and promptly left. I returned to my home on Dantooine and waited.

The following evening I received the holo-feed. I wired over the money as I looked over and over at the picture. I felt saddened that a Jedi had fallen so far in these dark times, and renewed sadness at the fall of the Jedi Order. A small part of me felt happy that she got what she deserved.

Sometimes I question my own actions and thoughts. I know I am gifted with the force, but there are no more Masters and I've not seen any Knights. No one to train me and teach me the true meaning in the Jedi Code. I am left to make up my own and do what is right...or perhaps what I think is right in the moment. Such confusing times for me. I thought my past was bad, now I question my future...
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