Ask Tatooine A Dusty Rescue

[Jon Antilles]

Anchorhead, Tatooine​

The Galaxy was not a safe place for a Force sensitive these days, the cumulative effect of actions and reactions by Jedi and Sith alike had turned many a world against them. Tatooine had never been a particularly safe place to grow up in the firs place, add the Force and the growing distrust of those blessed with its powers into the mix and Jon could only imagine how frightening it must be for a child discovering their powers.

One of his contacts had sent him an encoded message about a young girl in Anchorhead who he suspected to be Force sensitive. For now word hadn't gotten out, but Jon knew it was only a matter of time and things could get real bad real quick once that happened. So he had rushed to Tatooine, and circumstances had resulted in him not arriving alone. One of the older padawans was with him, and though Jon would have been just as happy to be here on his own, he would not say no to the additional help. Specially when a child's life was on the line.

As they walked out of the spaceport on Anchorhead, Jon spoke softly to Zayn. "Remember, we're keeping our heads down. We wanna draw as little attention as possible, and maybe we'll get out of this without much hassle." He wasn't sure if he was saying it convince the padawan or himself, but they were deep in Consortium territory, and he had no desire to have to get into trouble with the authorities. Nodding to the docking master as he paid the fees to park their ship for a couple of days, he lead them out of the spaceport and with familiarity born out of prior visits, began leading the way to where his contact waited.

"This way."

@Altaris

 

[Zayn Talis]

Despite Zayn’s often flippant and carefree attitude, the Corellian Padawan was surprisingly focused as he and Jon rushed to Tattooine. The Padawan had been assigned to assist the half-Annfyn Jedi in his journey to the desert planet, and he couldn’t help the way that the circumstances of the girl they were sent to locate raced through his mind. It didn’t seem like so long ago that Zayn had been in the same position - discovering and coming to terms with the Force abilities that he manifested. At the time, the Corellian had been surrounded by a loving family that was nothing short of supportive - and encouraged him to seek out the people best suited to helping him understand his abilities. It was support that helped the Corellian get to where he was today, and he couldn’t imagine having to navigate through that period of his life alone - especially in a place where the very nature of what they were was growingly viewed with disdain.

Zayn had arrived on Tatooine in more casual attire than he usual wore on Jedi missions - fitting with the Knights instructions to keep a low profile. He wore a pair of ripped jeans and a dark-green, v-neck shirt that flaunted some of the tattoos on his arms and neck. He wore a few bracelets and a chrono on his wrists, while his hair was styled in its usual sidefade. “Low profile, got it. Don’t got to worry ‘bout me, boss.” Zayn walked close to Jon as they navigated out of the spaceport, hazel eyes drifting across the busy streets of Anchorhead as civilians milled about. The suns were already high in the sky, and Zayn could feel the oppressive heat baring down on him already.

While the settlement had once languished compared to busy spaceports like Mos Eisley, Anchorhead had flourished since the planet joined the ISC - an influx of population and funding for new and advanced infrastructure contributing greatly to its success. While Zayn was seeing it all for the first time, Jon would immediately notice the difference - from the streets that seemed busier than ever and filled the bazaar, to the new construction that had started to replace the oldest and most dilapidated portions of the settlement. The smell of shisha and spiced filled Zayn’s nostrils, and both of them would be able to hear the music from a nearby band as they strolled ahead.

Every so often, the pair of ISC security droids could be seen patrolling the busiest streets. While it was no secret that the underworld continued to exist on planets like Tattooine and regional leaders held an immense amount of sway, the Consortium’s sovereignty was clearly visible within the major population centers.

Zayn continued to follow Jon as their path eventually took them towards a seedy cantina on the far side of the settlement - music and sounds of revelry from those inside already audible to both of the Jedi as they approached. “Think this is the place,” He said quietly to Jon, glancing over at the Knight as they began to walk towards the entrance. “Think this contact of yours is feeling generous enough to treat a pair of thirsty travelers?” He grinned.

@Wit

 

[Jon Antilles]

Jon smiled absentmindedly at Zayn's comment as the stepped into the cantina and he looked around, his attention obviously on seeking out his contact. "You don't want what she'd offer," he replied as he finally noticed something and began walking once more, "it'll probably leave you wishing you were dead." While he didn't elaborate, Zayn would not be wrong if he assumed that Jon was speaking from experience.

He would lead the padawan almost all the way to the back, to the dampest corner of the cantina, where a Hutt was occupying almost the entirely of a booth all by herself. "Laudna," the knight greeted the Hutt as he pulled up a chair from a nearby table and took a seat across from her, "I see you've kept yourself busy." The comment was mirrored by a glance to the wide array of bottles and glasses that littered the table, most closer to empty than full.

The Hutt chuckled, though there didn't seem to be genuine mirth behind the sound. Jon didn't miss that, and could see that she seemed worried, more so than usual. "What's wrong?" He asked, any thought of introducing Zayn momentarily forgotten. The Hutt though had not forgotten the padawan, and gave him a questioning glance, unsure if she cold speak openly.

"It's fine, this is Zayn. He's a padawan."

The Hutt's expression did change at that, and her gaze snapped back to Jon. "Padawan? What happened to never letting the Council tie you down with one?"

Jon seemingly ignored the question, instead finding a glass that looked mostly clean, and pouring himself a drink. "I said he's a padawan, not my padawan. Now," he took a sip of the drink, and grimaced as he returned the glass to the table, pushing it away, "are you going to tell me what's wrong, or are you about to start bitching about the Council again?"

The Hutt grunted, annoyed, and gave Zayn one last look before she gestured for Jon to lean in. "Word got out, everyone knows about your girl. Their farm was hit last night, word on the street is that it was the raiders."

@Altaris

 

[Zayn Talis]

Zayn blinked a few times, glancing over to regard Jon after he stated that whatever their contact had to offer was damn-near lethal. There was a slightly distant look on the Padawan’s face as he stared ahead, clearly deep in thought. After a moment or two, he gave a vague shrug. “I’d try it.” He said plainly. Clearly Jon had survived his own experiences, so it couldn’t be that bad, right? Even if it was, the Corellian sure-as-shit wasn’t gonna bitch out.

He casually tucked his hands into his pockets, strolling deeper into the cantina crowd with Jon. While the Knight clearly knew where he was going, Zayn allowed his hazel gaze to drift across his surroundings for a long moment. He couldn’t help the way that his eyes lingered on a twi’lek dancer that passed by, head turning to follow the woman for a moment before snapping back ahead. It was then that he finally set eyes on their apparent contact - slightly surprised to see a Hutt occupying the booth.

The Corellian Padawan crossed his arms over his chest, observing in silence as Jon and Laudna exchanged pleasantries. The moment that attention turned to himself, though, Zayn offered the Hutt a smile. He didn’t miss the fact that she was suspicious/annoyed at his very presence, but he didn’t seem entirely fazed. “Nice to meet you too, beautiful.” He said with no lack of charm.

Zayn made the mistake of taking after Jon - snagging a glass from the table and pouring himself a drink. The moment the alcohol hit his lips, the Padawan couldn’t help but grimance as if he’d just been kicked between the legs. Nevertheless, he swallowed down the mouthful and kept the glass cradled between his arms - listening as the Knight and Hutt spoke.

His eyes immediately narrowed when it was revealed the farm was attacked. “And the girl? Any sign of her since?" He asked, glancing between the two of them.

@Wit