Chapter Text
‘There is always someone nipping at the heals of those having been running away from their past.’
The tavern was dimly lit.
The patrons only a few seated sparsely across the area. The background filled with muzak and the low murmurs of the people talking. All and all, it was not unlike any other bar visited on any dusty planet anywhere in the galaxy.
A familiar place to be visiting when travelling for sure.
There were plenty of strangers having come through the place. The barkeep on shift having seen most of what the galaxy had to offer. Bounty hunters, runaways, criminals even, the lot. All of them grateful for a brief respite in the darkened corners of such an establishment as this one was.
And so, as yet another one emerged to the bar. Ordering their choice of drink, the barkeep thought nothing of it. Pouring the requested liquid into a mug and getting the credits for it in turn.
This stranger, like so many others before them, was hiding behind a mask of sorts. Clad in a large poncho like garment with a hood thrown over their head. Clearly, trying to keep their very identity as a secret.
Yep, nothing unusual there.
The stranger stood there, at the bar, sipping their drink in total silence.
Again, same old, same old.
Seemingly none too interested in their surroundings. But every now and again, as it was obvious at least to a honed eye such as the barkeep had having observed their patrons for so many years, and knowing what to look for.
And clearly, this stranger was on the look out for something or someone.
And so, after some time, the drink having been consumed the barkeep turned to the stranger. Only doing their job. But, the stranger having peeked the barkeeper’s curiosity, at least on some level. So.
“Care for a refill over there?”
The stranger did not look up from their now empty mug, but still holding onto it. Clearly deep in thought, as if assessing something.
The barkeep was getting a tad worried, as sometimes, not usually, but sometimes, these, loner types went berserk and started shooting off the place without much of an excuse or incentive.
And as a reminder, the one particular scar from years back on their shoulder made their presence known, with the sharp sting of it flashing through the spot for a fleeting moment.
But luckily, the stranger only sighed heavily, audible even through the helmet covering their face.
Placing the mug back on the counter, the stranger reached for something from their pocket, making the barkeep step back ever so slightly out of habit. Just in case.
“No, thank you.”
The stranger finally spoke, the sound of their voice distorted.
“But I would appreciate some, information.”
The stranger’s visor was directed at the barkeep’s eyes. And just as the barkeep was about to retort, several credits were placed on the counter, as incentive.
The barkeep looked at the amount, rather substantial for simply some information. But who were they to argue against earning something extra.
So, nodding only to the stranger, the barkeep picked the credits from the counter and simply asked what it was the stranger was after. Having perhaps some idea already, but just the same, playing the game.
“What is it you need?”
Just then, a handheld holo device blinked into life, with the image of a face on it.
“Have you seen this, person around here?”
The stranger had their visor of the helmet on the barkeep’s eyes. Feeling the intense glare on them despite the cover between them, as they then glanced at the faded blue image of the person in question.
Having the advantage of years in the business and acting a certain part. The part of the barkeep, the face unreadable with a fake smile plastered on their face for their patrons… Well, it wasn’t really hard to keep a straight face now even. Recognising the person in question without any doubt. Having seen them around the place several times in the past few weeks.
And so…
“If I have, seen this…person… then what is it worth? To me?”
The stranger glared at the barkeep for a moment longer, before pulling out several more credits from their pocket. Placing the credits onto the counter, not showing even a slightest shift in their demeanour, their stance cool and calm.
Clearly, this was an experienced hunter, this the barkeep knew for sure.
“Is that sufficient amount?”
The barkeep did a quick calculation of the offering and simply nodded. It was more than enough.
“Yeah, it is.”
Placing the credits into their own pocket then.
“The person you are looking for…” The barkeep looked at the stranger before turning to look for something to write on. “…is located in these coordinates. Here, in the outskirts of Mos Espa.”
The barkeep quickly scribbled down the address for the stranger on a piece of napkin they found at the bar. Because it wasn’t a big secret after all, the person having frequented the bar having made a reference as to where they were headed. Even priding in that fact for whatever reason.
And so, it was natural for the barkeep to assume the person still remained there, as they had only come by the bar the day before. And if sharing this, well, known secret for a few credits was something the barkeep did now? So what? Nobody said the galaxy was a safe place.
The stranger took the offered napkin and looked at it for a spell.
If they were surprised, they certainly did not let on. Simply folding the piece of intel and placing it in their pocket, the stranger nodded and then, without further words, left the tavern.
Without a simple thank you even. Not that the they really needed to. This wasn’t a best friends tavern. As even the familiar patrons simply grunted their hellos and welcomes and whatevers when coming and going. And the rest were strangers.
So, nothing out of the ordinary there either.
No, the stranger had asked and paid for their drink. And the intel and that was all which was needed for this, particular exchange. No other words nor explanations nor any heartfelt thanks were needed. Ever.
But still, this encounter, for whatever reason, left the barkeep wondering what the stranger’s business really was. Not that it was of any concern of theirs. After all, having gotten a fair compensation for sharing a piece of intel having passed their way earlier was a good bonus for sure.
Because it wasn’t really that much of a secret they had shared after all. And so, not feeling really bad about it either. Everyone got their share out of whatever opportunity thrown their way. That was the way of the galaxy.
After all, these bounty hunters?
Well, they were always on the look out for someone or something. And the same piece of information could have been shared by any other local basically. Well, most any other.
The barkeep simply went back to work, with their conscience all satisfied with their internal debate having ended.
Checking their stock, wiping the bar counter and taking in orders as a few new patrons arrived into the tavern just then.
Yup, this was like any other day in the small town of Mos Espa.
Which was beginning to feel a helluva lot bigger these days than it had been before.