Introduction:
Brondar embarked on a long and parched journey as he bid farewell to his space station home. Aware that he needed to earn a living, he was determined not to tether himself to an organization that would curtail his freedom. Instead, he set his sights on a career as an independent mercenary, fully aware that such opportunities were scarce on more civilized planets. His only hope lay in the outer rim.
The Twin Suns:
Seated in the cockpit, Brondar contemplated his military days as the blue light of hyperspace bathed his surroundings. He couldn't help but miss those times, although he had grown weary of the strict hierarchy. Despite holding the rank of Sergeant, which placed him higher in the pecking order, he often found himself powerless to counter the foolish decisions of certain Lieutenants. But this wasn't about reminiscing.
With a cheerful tone, "Wrench," his trusty BA-10 Astromech droid, announced their imminent exit from hyperspace. It wasn't long before "Hopper" emerged from the charging dock, the small droid's legs tapping happily as he hopped onto Brondar's lap. Hopper inquired about their destination, to which Brondar replied, "Tatooine, Hopper... Are you excited to see something new?" Hopper expressed his enthusiasm with a nod, settling comfortably on the dwarf's leg.
Exiting hyperspace, Brondar beheld the majestic twin suns, a sight he had never witnessed before. Adjacent to the twin suns was Tatooine, a light brown, dusty planet. "Bloody diamond, that looks as dry as jerky," he muttered, marking the beginning of his descent onto the arid planet.
However, Brondar's anticipation was marred by a warning from his ship's system: a sandstorm with a duration of one rotation was approaching Mos Eisley. "Well, it seems like we had perfect timing to get here," he remarked to himself as he continued the landing process. Radioing the local flight controller, he requested permission to land and was assigned Docking Bay 35, with a reminder not to dawdle due to the impending sandstorm. "Copy that, Docking Bay 35, no dawdling," Brondar replied.
The view was awe-inspiring. To the west, the twin suns cast their light upon the city's shallow alleys and streets, while to the east, an ominous sandstorm loomed on the horizon. "Dirty steel, this is really bad," Brondar muttered to Wrench. "Well, make it storm-safe as much as you can, and lock it from the inside once I leave with Hopper. I'll stay in a cantina to eat and maybe find a job. I'll contact you when I'm done," he instructed Wrench, who responded with a concerned "affirmative."
Brondar touched down in the assigned docking bay and was promptly greeted by a human named Mark as he disembarked. "Nice to meet you. How much?" Brondar inquired, to which the human replied, "50 Credits per day, pay in advance or daily, I don't care. Any other services except for parking will cost extra." Brondar nodded and added, "You keep the bay clear of Jawas, and I'll add an extra 25 credits per day." Mark grinned and accepted the arrangement.
As Brondar's ship sealed shut, the only source of illumination inside was Wrench, who peered out of the cockpit as Brondar and Hopper exited the docking bay, both equipped with full-body armor and Brondar carrying a pistol.
Hunger and Thirst:
Navigating through the desolate and empty alleys, reminiscent of a ghost town, Brondar felt the sting of sand against his face as the wind picked up. The dry air quickly parched his nose, prompting him to don his helmet as protection from the swirling dust. The gusty wind slowed his progress toward the town center, initiating a challenging journey through the city in search of signs pointing him to the nearest cantina. His efforts were rewarded when he arrived at a cantina named the "Black Melon Cantina." This establishment was unique for allowing droids and being a known hub for mercenaries seeking work.
As Brondar entered through the door, a chorus of urgent voices erupted from the patrons and staff alike, all imploring, "HURRY, GET INSIDE!" Their urgency stemmed from the impending sandstorm that threatened to engulf the area. Inside, the cantina offered a respite from the desolate outdoors. It radiated a warm and inviting ambiance, skillfully combining rustic and futuristic aesthetics. The lively music from the jukebox contributed to the lively atmosphere.
Hopper beeped happily, taking a seat beside Brondar, as he perused the menu. A droid server promptly approached, inquiring about his beverage preference. Brondar responded, "One beer, please," and continued to scan the menu for tantalizing and satisfying meal options.
@LadyRen