Chapter Text
‘Sometimes making good with one’s past indiscretions is good for the ole soul. No matter how hard the steps to be taken might need to be.’
"We have the coordinates for you Sir.” The clone voice over the comms stated.
“They’re accurate this time around?” Cody sounded tired, dubious even, having already wasted enough time on this… well. It was a mission. Even if he was on it by himself in a small size ship trying to remain as far away from any imperial radars.
“Yes… we are most certain these are the ones that matter Commander.” The clone wasn’t feeling it either clearly. But this was a needled in an infinite size of a haystack to be searched so accuracy wasn’t exactly key.
“The last two turned out to be wrong. The locations long since wiped out by the Empire with no signs of life to be found.” Cody recapped his findings. Not that he had not already reported in after each mission location. It was their way of doing things to keep tabs on their people spread around the galaxy pulling various ops.
“I hear you Sir. But just like we figured out it would work like, the rigged tech we have on the base isn’t as accurate as we would like it to be. We would need some kind of genius to fine tune it for sure.”
Cody was reminded of one specific genius at that moment perfect for the job. Alas it could not be helped now.
“i know. And I appreciate the effort all of you have done.” Cody could not have been more proud of all the vod’e working at his side for their cause.
“Sending the new coordinates now.” The console beeped loudly with the intel appearing on the screen. “I just hope this third time is the charm eh.”
“Well, guess I just have to find out when I get there won’t I.” Cody sighed heavily.
Not that he was blaming his men for not being able to pinpoint the missing needle, the location which he needed to find so badly. Rather the fact that he felt the urgency for this mission and needed it to be a success. It was vital for his own continued mental health if nothing more. And so to complete this one mission was a must.
“Bets of luck to you, Sir!"
“Thanks! I’ll sure be needing it!”
Cody punched in the new coordinates into the nav console. Pushing the two levers forward and without any hiccups the ship entered hyperspace and towards the new destination. Cody only hoping this was not another wild goose chase after all.
*
Cody walked into the closest tavern on the main street of the slumbering town. The sandy planet making his eyes tear up as the dry heat not something he was used to. The cloak and mask he was wearing really not as good as a cover compared to his armour. But armour was not a choice for this op.
Stepping into the bar Cody glanced around seeing the few patrons sitting there. Each in their own separate corners none of them talking to the other. It was as if something or someone had scared them and that usually meant the Empire. Cody too might have been in danger while on the planet but it also meant he might just be on the right track as well.
Cody walked right into the bar and motioned for the barkeeper. Placing a few credits on the counter. Standing there like a man with a purpose. And he totally was.
“I am looking for someone.”
“Aren’t we all sweetheart!” The barkeep snidely commented to the newcomer.
But Cody wasn’t fazed. He was used to such banter. “Someone who doesn’t want to be found. Walks in the shadows. Simply goes unnoticed.”
The barkeep stared at the hooded man clearly fitting said description himself. “Well, we’ve got plenty of those here. Especially these days.” Letting out a hardy chuckle.
Cody grew impatient though. He was pressed for time and if the imperials were indeed on the planet Cody was in danger every moment the longer he stayed. But Cody was keeping his calm being the trained soldier he still was.
“I am looking for someone in particular. Someone shall we say, possessing special skills.” Placing a few more credits on the table and a small piece of technology as well. A faded holo image on a small view screen.
The barkeep looked at the offering and then glanced around the bar. As if making sure they weren’t being observed.
They then leaned closer to Cody and in hushed tones stated. “I know of what or rather whom you speak of. But, they won’t be easy to find. As you said they are like ghosts hiding in plain sight.”
“You have seen one of these… ghosts?” Cody’s voice was coarse and low and it wasn’t because of the sand around them either.
“Let’s just say, that I ain’t afraid of no ghost. As most of them turn out to be living beings just the same. Just like the rest of us. Only more skilled at hiding.” It was a rather coy remark to make for sure but Cody knew they were talking about the same thing now.
Cody gulped as he did not even dare to hope this time was the real charm. “You… You’ve seen this… ghost?”
“I would bet good credits on that this is the one you are looking for.” The barkeep sounded more serious now only reacting to the mood Cody was in.
Cody was silent for a spell. All the thoughts running rampant in his mind at the moment. No amount of military training nor experience could have prepared him for this. Cody was so close now. Finally on the right track. Or so it seemed.
“You have… some idea where I can find… this one particular ghost?”
“I have.” The barkeep made the effort of glancing around again. As if there were hostiles around and behind each and ever nook and cranny. They quickly made a few markings on a piece of paper laying about on the counter before indiscreetly moving it toward Cody. “I think this is the place you should start your search at. At least that is the place I guided them to around the time they were here looking for work.”