Closing In

[Farren Sefu]

The Sixth Brother had instructed his pilot to land in the main Mos Eisley Spaceport, then return to an orbital position and await further instructions. He didn’t want the lingering presence of the remodeled Clone Wars-era ship to draw too much unwanted attention, as it was common knowledge that most had been retrofit to suit the Empire’s purpose. While he was proud of the rank he held in the Imperial hierarchy, stealth was his friend at this moment. Any Jedi sympathizers who spotted that ship would no doubt try to raise an alarm to their hiding ally. From there, he walked from the hanger to the nearest cantina, keeping one eye on his companions to ensure they didn’t get separated.

“Tell me, Inquisitor, what brings us to this seedy location?” Captain Delora asked as they approached the door. “It’s hardly a subtle place. A Jedi would stick out like a gundark in a noona pen.”

“A traditional Jedi, yes, Miss Margo,” he replied, intentially not using her rank or surname to avoid any would-be eavesdroppers. “However, imagine yourself in their shoes. You’re on the run, a criminal just for being alive. You’d need a place to lie low while still scraping up enough credits to survive. Dives like this are the perfect place for scum and villainy of that sort to mingle, and when everyone is a fugitive, no one bats an eye. I can feel a lingering presence, as well. The Jedi we hunt is here, or was recently. The bartender will likely have seen him. I do believe that Miss Calla will also support my theory, having read the report she so loyally clings to. Correct?” His tone indicated that he was waiting for Captain Midanyl to reply in support of his hunch.

Aayla Etel'dalam

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

Callie was already looking for the faces mentioned in her report when she noticed the silence she had left in the conversation. “Hmm? Oh, yeah,” she said, pulling her hair out of the hood she was wearing, letting it fall down her shoulders. “Three troopers were killed here recently. There was a Jedi here, with a woman. They believe she could also be a Force sensitive, but no one could confirm. At the very least, she’ll know where the saber wielder is,” she said, eyeing the building up and down. “I think the Jedi is long, long gone. But his little friend? I'm sure she's here and trying to remain as unsuspecting as possible.”

[Farren Sefu]

“Exactly,” the Third Brother replied, knowingly. “This particular bar is known for its, let’s call it neutrality. Many dissidents and trouble makers come through its doors looking for a safe haven, and the bar owner is happy to oblige. While most of these rebels should be reported to the local garrison for questioning, the locals in this bar have rap sheets of their own to hide from the Empire, rebel or not, so they tend to not get involved. Usually, they are left alone because the odd fugitive or out-spoken drunk is of no consequence to the Empire as a whole. Today, we will use that sympathy against them to get what we are looking for. Follow my lead.” He walked through the doors and was instantly greeted by loud music and the smell of alcohol and cheap food. The noise was enough that they could speak at normal volume without being overheard by the patrons.

“Now wait just a second!” Margo interjected. “You mean to tell me that there are known terrorists and fugitives coming in and out of this place, and they are just left alone to wander the galaxy? That’s unacce-“ she was cut off as the Inquisitor raised a hand at her, then turned and subtly jabbed his head in the direction of the bar tender, who was also the owner. He was an older human male, mid-fifties by the look of him, and if his three missing fingers on his left hand were any indication, his clients were not always the most savory.

“Hello, there.” Third Brother said to him. He held up three clawed fingers, to which the bartender nodded and produced three short glasses of the house spirit, sliding one to each of his new customers.

“Greetings, stranger. You’re clearly not from around here. What can I do you for?” Asked the old man, as he wiped off the counter where a few drops had spilled.

“You don’t miss much, sir,” Third Brother replied. “My name is Oringo Akar and I heard a rumor that a long lost friend of mine was in here a few months back. I’ve been, well let’s just say unavailable until now, or else I would have been here sooner. I’m not sure what name she’s using these days, but she’s a Togruta. Orange skin, white markings. I’ve been meaning to catch up with her for a long time. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.” Margo was wary about what she was watching, but couldn’t help but be shocked by the Inquisitors sudden change of demeanor. He was being kind, almost gentle to this man, and if she didn’t know better, she would have believed him to be genuine. Her face must not have gone unnoticed, because the bartender was quick to wrinkle his nose at her.

“I don’t like your friend here. What’s her connection?” he asked, his hands resting at the edge of his side of the bar, as if reaching for something.

“I’ll have you know I am-“ she began, but again was cut off as the Third Brother spoke.

“Yeah, I don’t like her either. But regrettably, she’s someone my friend owes a lot of money to and I can’t be rid of her until we find her. She gets paid, I get a reunion, and everyone goes home happy. You can see why I’m desperate.”

The bartender relaxed a small bit, raising his left hand to rub his chin. “And what about her?” Pointing at Calla.

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

“Who, me? I’m just friend hoping for the reunion of a lifetime,” she smiled, almost seductively, linking her arm with the Inquisitor beside her. She didn’t want to miss the opportunity to make him internally squirm.

Before her life with the Empire, she worked for her local police. These sort of dive bars were almost her home away from home; the unsavory people within them were almost distant family. And she knew how to work a person to get what she needed. Whether that meant a friendly smile, a kiss on the cheek, or a punch in the face was up to the individual. And she taught her team the same methods - which lead to a high success rate.

“Have you seen her? She’s hard to miss, but with this place as busy as it is, I’m sure you see a lot of interesting people.”

[Farren Sefu]

The bartender nodded at the explanations he was given and looked back the Shistavanen. “Well, you’re in luck, partner. I think I know just who you’re talking about. I have a regular customer who matches that description. Goes by the name Abeela Mizuar. She lives here in Mos Eisley, on the very outskirts of the city, west side. If memory serves, she’s right across from an antique dealer. Lots of Clone Wars stuff in there. Not sure why they’re considered to be antiques, but the Empire is sure in a hurry to get rid of them. Anyway, I hope that helps.” He turned his back to serve a pair of Rodians before looking back at them.

“Indeed, it does, sir. Thank you very much.” The Third Brother reached into his cloak and pulled out some credit chips, more than the cost of the drinks, and tossed them on the counter, brushing off Calla in the process. “Keep the change,” he said, downing his drink in one shot. He stood to leave and headed towards the door.

“Yes. Thank you,” Margo said, confused but at the same time impressed by the Inquisitor’s methods in this instance. She also stood and followed the Inquisitor out. “I can’t believe that worked,” she said when they were out of ear shot.

“And that, Captain, is why I am in charge. Stick around long enough, and I may just be able to teach you a thing or two and make you a fine officer. Now, let us depart. We will need to acquire a civilian transport.” He looked around and spied a second hand speeder vender nearby. “Captain Midanyl, so secure us a ride from that establishment. Captain Delora and I shall wait here.”

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

“Thank you so much.. Have a good day,” she smiled, turning and following the others out, the smile instantly leaving her face. It was a start. A good start. But only the start. Walking out into the light, she fixed her hair to fall over her shoulders so her hood didn’t fit so awkwardly.

“I take it you want this done cleanly? I’ll do my best. Consider it done,” she said, making her way across the street. She needed something fast, defendable, but also something that would fit three people and a spare. After roaming and finding some suitable speeders, she approached their keeper.

Callie smiled at him, crossing her hands behind her back, wrapping her fingers around the handle of her blaster - just in case. “I’m in need of a speeder. A four passenger, with high speed. Something that won't fall apart. Can you help?”

[Farren Sefu]

The Advozec vendor popped his head up and smiled broadly at the young woman. “Ah, yes, my dear. I believe I have just the thing. I have a lovely X-34 speeder that was recently delivered to me from its old owner who...didn’t need it anymore. It’s in great condition, I might add. It’s designed to be a two-seater, but extra humanoid passengers could sit on the back ledge with their feet behind the actual seats easily enough, so long as you don’t go so fast they fall off. For that, I could part with for, say, 8,500 credits. Think of that as my ‘friends and family discount.’ I don’t want to break your wallet with the price tag of the actual 4-seater I have. I’m doing you a favor, love.” The vendor smiled at her with a look that said he knew exactly what he was doing, and was used to getting his way with his customers.

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

She giggled the kind of giggle that would let anyone who heard it know that they had stepped in the wrong direction. "So sweet of you~ But I want to spend money on what I asked for. Nothing more, nothing less. So if you want to offer me that 4 seater at that reasonable price, I'd be happy to let you live." She flashed a winning smile at him, swaying her hips to the side - all the while, tossing him a look that dared him to make another ridiculous offer.

[Farren Sefu]

The vendor let out a nervous chuckle, but he wasn’t about to back down from a chump. “Alright, honey. Let’s not get hasty here. I do have a nice Rian-327 speeder. Like new condition, with a little dust around the corners. Nothing serious. It can be yours today for, say, 10,500 credits. That’s the best deal I’d give anyone. What do you say?” He was rubbing his hands together nervously, but was determined to make this deal and benefit from it.

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

"Hasty? No, never. I don't want to rush you! I know you're the perfect vendor to get me exactly what I want. And for that - I'll pay what's reasonable." Callie's smile became more friendly and less threatening at that point. "I'm glad to see we're off on a better foot. Let's go see it. If it's as good as you say, maybe you'll get the price you ask for."

The price he asked for wasn't of any consequence to her - it didn't take any money from her personal pocket. But she needed to make sure that this vehicle would fulfill every requirement it needed to, and she wouldn't leave without the perfect match. The last thing she needed was that big, smelly dog outside ripping her arms off because the brakes didn't work.

[Farren Sefu]

The dealer swallowed hard. "Very well, follow me."

He led Calla through his shop to the parking area in the back, where several different models of speeders were stored. Some looked relatively new, others needed a lot of care. In a middle area sat the Rian-327 he mentioned, with seating for up to 5.

"As I mentioned, this beauty can be yours for 10,500. Do we have a deal?"

[Aayla Etel'dalam]

She smiled brightly at him as she walked around, inspecting it. Not necessarily without its minor imperfections, but it was in perfect working order. And it had the right amount of seating - and then some. She was grateful he had decided not to mess around. She didn't need another headache.

"This is perfect. We have a deal. Keep the change," she quipped, tossing a satchel of credits at him. She didn't know exactly how much was in there, but she knew it was closer to 12,000. "The rest is for your discretion."

[Farren Sefu]

The Asvozec excitedly accepted the credits and in turn handed Calla the lock codes to power the speeder. “Thank you for your business!” He cried as he hurried off to help the next customer.

Outside, the Inquisitor was pacing back and forth. When he spotted Calla with the speeder, he smiled. “I see you have managed to acquire us adequate transportation. Well done, Miss Midanyl. Now, we must hurry if we are to find the Togruta accomplice.” He sat in the passenger seat, and allowed Calla to drive.

Margo nodded at the choice of vehicle, and wordlessly sat in the back seat.