Ask One Jump Ahead

[Orrebus Neirum]

Orrebus watched as the hunter in front of him fell to the ground. "Might as well take him with us and help the tavern owners out." He wasn't quite sure what they'd do with a lifeless bounty hunter body. "Besides, maybe I can make some profits from this situation." Surely somebody will pay for him, right? If a potential profit was available, Orrebus figured he'd take it. He picked up the limp body, throwing it over his shoulder. "He should be out long enough to get back to the ship, at least. I've got a place I can lock him up." Orrebus began walking towards the door. "Now, let's get out of here. Try not to bump into anybody else," he said as he used his body to push open the door.

 

[Val Jafan]

"Uhh yeah, you got it pal. Thanks for having my back." Sheesh, that was a close one. As Val strolled out of the cantina, he looked around. So many people on the streets, in the alleyways. Sad trash, I'll never see any of you again. Turning to face Orrebus, Val enquired, "so what exactly will we do with this man? Do you have a plan?"

 

[Orrebus Neirum]

"I figure maybe I can sell him to somebody. Perhaps the Guild will pay to have him back, or maybe some slavers will take him. It's immoral, but money is money." Orrebus continued walking through the busy street. This city was as scum-filled as those that he had seen on Ord Mantell and Nar Shaddaa, so he had no doubt that Val would be fine. He became curious as to why Val would want to leave this place to go somewhere just as bad, if not worse. "I don't usually ask my customers questions, but why leave Ansion? Don't you have any friends or family around here?" Maybe he and Val had more in common than he thought, both growing up on their own and trying to make their way through the galaxy. "From what I've seen, most of Ansion isn't like this. I saw abundant plains and hills just a few klicks from here when I was landing. Why not start a farm or something?"

 

[Val Jafan]

"Yeah been there, tried that, buddy. I've tried everything. I can't get away from it. Unless I leave." Val stuffed his hands into his pockets. Maybe this guy was worth telling at least a little truth. "My life here has been awful. One dull day after another, with the only exception being those I get hurt on. So you get me outta here and I give you your money, capiche?"

 

[Orrebus Neirum]

"Understood." Orrebus quickly realized that this guy did not want to talk; or perhaps there was something else. Either way, Orrebus knew that he shouldn't continue this conversation any further. "The ships just a few dozen meters ahead... The big, clunky, red one. It's not the fastest, but it'll get us to Ord Mantell safely and comfortably." He continued walking towards the ship in silence, thinking about Val's change in attitude. Val had seem exceptionally polite when he asked for the job, but he had quickly changed his tone when it came to his reasons for leaving. He's definitely hiding something important...

 

[Val Jafan]

As Val followed Orrebus to the ship, he slipped out hurried glances, getting the feeling someone was watching him. "Discounting the fella we're carrying, is there any reason to feel like someone's following us? 'Cause I sure as drat do."