Marn Geanit Barrik II couldn't remember a time when he hadn't dealt in weaponry. Even in the memories he retained from his early youth, his father's words rang clear about which piece of equipment would do the best in which situation, and who he should or shouldn't sell said items to.
His reputation had spread wide across the galaxy, and more than one bounty hunter with under-the-table deals came to him with orders and requests—which made him the perfect contact.
"Now this one," he said softly to a his latest customer, a woman in a mask, as he pointed to one of his latest stock, "will shoot accurately from 250 sects. However," his voice lowered even more, "if you want true accuracy," he reached under the table and pulled out a blaster at least three feet long. "This is what you'd be looking for." The mercenary pondered the gun for a moment before shaking her head.
"No, I don't want a blaster. I want a crystal."
"A focusing crystal?" He smiled, placing the undoubtedly illegal weapon behind the counter once again. "I have them in every shape, size and color you'd like." In seconds he'd spread some material onto the table, as well as the contents of a bag that had appeared in his hand.
Crystals and rare gems spilled out, more than one undoubtedly worth a small fortune, but she simply scoffed.
"I need one for a light saber." The man froze immediately and looked up, fear now showing in his eyes. "Er…That would be the ONLY kind I do not have," he reached for the crystals warily as she took her mask off, to reveal mid-length, light-brown hair, and two grey-green, sparkling eyes.
His mouth dropped open in surprise. "Rita?" She couldn't help but chuckle loudly at the look on his face. "Do you think that anyone besides a Jedi would ask for such an object?" She smiled and reached across the counter to pick up a random crystal, studying it with mild curiosity.
"Heh, I guess," the man scratched his salt-and-pepper head, before his face twisted into annoyance and anger. "Don't you ever scare me like that again!" Something in his tone made her look up, the crystal dropped and forgotten.
"Marn, who else has been asking for one of these?" She asked softly but firmly.
He shook his head and leaned forward. "I've heard tales of dark people asking for your little secret around the Galaxy. Not many live to tell about their encounters, but as most rumors go, I'd say there were a maximum of five attacks…if they're to be believed at all."
She sighed and looked down, realizing the implications that this held. "Are they to be believed?" she asked.
He sighed again, looked down and nodded his head. "From what I've heard, and who I've heard from--yes." Silence settled on the room for several seconds before Rita spoke again
"This is disturbing news, and I will take it up with the council, but that is not why I've come today."
"Well then," he stood strait and smiled, although she could tell his new attitude was mostly forced. "What information do you need this time?"
She pulled back from the counter herself, although her voice didn't raise above a low mummer. "We've heard rumors about slave trade recently, in some newly discovered outlying systems. We need to know if those rumors are true."
Marn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You Jedi...never stop by for just a happy visit anymore do you?"
"I'm afraid not," she shrugged. "But you have my word, that in the future, I will 'stop by' for nothing more than simple hello, and maybe even a purchase that has nothing to do with information."
"Yeah, sure," he shook his head, sarcasm lacing his words. "Everything has to do with information." With another shake of his head, he looked back at her. Then he sighed, as if resigning himself, and nodded.
"You can believe them, but not even I would have the courage to tell you who or where."
"Not even if I made it worth your while?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "What do you have in crystals again?"
Sighing, he took the little cloth out again and spread it out. Then he disappeared behind the counter yet again, reappearing with three crystals that would look unique only to the trained eye.
"Here are your Jedi crystals, and I want double their normal price."
She shook her head. "We guard those caves so well, I do not know how you get them at all."
"That, I can tell you," he replied. "How many Jedi have gone missing lately? At least one," he pointed to the blue crystal. "I wouldn't begin to guess how someone got this off of any Jedi if they weren't dead. However, if you want these off of the black market, this will be your last chance."
"What about these?" she asked. "No Jedi wields a red blade..."
"Those two," he stood strait, "I didn't even ask. That information is to dangerous to carry around."
"I see," she put a finger to her lips. "How about I make you a deal. I'll buy these two," she pointed to the red ones, "save this one for me," she gestured to the other one, and then looked up. "And I'll pay triple."
He looked surprised. "Plus an extra 2000 for the information."
She raised an eyebrow. "That dangerous?" He looked away, refusing to meet her eyes, but she could feel the fear emanating from within him.
"Very well," she pulled out several bags, full of various purified precious metals and laid them on the counter.
"All I can tell you...is to look near the Bates system."
"That is a good standard day's travel past Alderaan," she said with surprise, although her face could have been carved from stone. "I thought it held no systems capable of sustaining long periods of humanoid life."
The merchant nodded and continued. "If you trust me, look there. The operation is run by a high-ranking official and business man. I don't know who. That's all I know."
She knew he was telling the truth before he had even finished speaking. "Thank you," she bowed, and placed the two red crystals in a pouch on her belt. "I will go and discuss this with the council before I put your information to the test. If you have any need of assistance–"
"Call you," he waved his hand. "Yeah, I know. And then I'll die before you even get here."
She smiled warmly at him. "You are a friend of a Jedi, despite your dealings. If you would like I could arrange for someone to come and stay with you–"
"And paint myself a literal target? I think not," he scoffed.
A look of sadness touched at her eyes, although her smile never dimmed. "Then I bid you farewell," she bowed again as she slipped the mask on her face and ducked out of his humble store.
"Indeed," he sighed, and gathered his newly aquired wealth. Why were Jedi such a pain to deal with?
- - -
Once in the street, she slouched into a slow gait, hoping to look like another random bounty hunter, and headed for the outskirts of the city. She had one more stop to visit before concluding her business on the planet.
It has come to my attention that my timeline is a little off ahem, so if anyone knows where I could find information (links or books), I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you again to everyone reading this!