PART II - A Slight Complication

Apparently, the conversation in the train brought them closer. Not all of them, since Eddie and Jarrus still preferred each other's company. However, Prauf noticed that Cal was more open and friendly towards him in the days after. He was far from being talkative, but certainly more willing to share more about himself.

On a particularly late lunch break one afternoon, Cal had walked over with a tray of dry food towards the shed where Prauf usually sat during his downtime. It offered shelter from the harsh sunlight, and privacy as it was far from the food distribution point.

The boy stopped in front of him, gesturing with his head at the ground next to him, "Can I join?"

Pleasantly surprised, Prauf shrugged, "Sure."

Cal set cross-legged next to him, placing his tray gently on the ground in front. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just eating and staring down at the scrapyard from the vantage point.

Cal was the first to ask, "So you've been on Bracca for long?"

Not looking away from the view, Prauf replied, "Yeah. Like I said, I've worked as an engineer years back. Spent almost ten years on this planet."

"Hmm."

Prauf glanced at him, "You're young, Cal. Have you ever thought of leaving?"

Cal seemed to be thinking, because he didn't answer immediately, "Yeah, maybe. In the future perhaps. Not so soon though."

Curiosity got the better of him and he said, "Where?"

"Not sure," Cal chuckled, "Just thought I'd like to see other planets… explore the galaxy."

It was interesting, thought Prauf, hearing the dreams of youths. Then again, when he was younger, he did feel the excitement of traversing to planets he'd never set foot on. Putting into perspective how small and insignificant one was in comparison with the vastness of the galaxy. Just the thought of it was eye-opening and thrilling at the same time.

That was why Prauf could relate instantly to the boy's aspirations. To be caught up in a war at such a young age was unfortunate enough. It tended to take away the freedom and carefree nature children should be allowed to have. He'd seen it happen to countless families. So even though this was one of the first times he had a proper conversation with Cal, some part of Prauf really hoped that Cal's dream would come through one day. After observing him for the past three years, Prauf felt that he could confidently declare that the kid was hardworking, honest and good-hearted. If anyone deserved to have his wish answered, it'll be this kid.

"You've worked here for a couple years already," Prauf started, "Probably wouldn't take long before you can get a one way ticket out of the scrapyard."

"Well, Tabbers owes me a favour, so technically I could ask him…" Cal trailed off, not really paying attention to Prauf.

Prauf shifted on the ground to look at Cal, "Wait, Tabbers? You mean the security guy who checks us before and after each shift to make sure we didn't steal anything?"

Now, it should be noted that Tabbers had an extremely intimidating stature, not to mention that he was a Barabel, a species with long sharp claws and teeth, which made him look even more dangerous. Scrappers usually kept their distance from him unless absolutely necessary, so it made Prauf puzzled how the kid managed to get on his good side.

"Yes, him. Happened to be passing him on the upper platforms when the safety railing he was holding on to gave away. Caught him before he fell. Was at the right place at the right time." Cal said before adding with a little smirk, "I don't suppose Tabbers is too common a name to be mistaken."

Prauf grunted, shoving him playfully with his elbow, "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Cal. Didn't peg you as the type to joke around."

To which Cal raised an eyebrow, "Few people know me well. And those who do...don't hang around very long."

He wondered if there was a deeper meaning to Cal's words, Prauf didn't dare to ask, so he decided to lighten the air.

"Ever considered that it could be because you always choose to spend time alone? You don't share much about yourself."

"Okay, you're right. But I find it hard to trust someone, see? Call it a personal experience, if you will."

"If that's the case, then why were you so quick to tell me about your hopes?"

Cal didn't reply, not immediately. The boy looked away, determinedly observing the empty tray on the ground. "I see you around frequently, even though we never talked much. Your presence felt trustworthy… and safe. Guess I like you, probably."

Prauf smiled kindly, "I'd take that as a compliment, pal."

The Abednedo marked this as the day when Cal let his guard down a little around him. As for himself, Prauf realised he was becoming more and more protective of the kid. This lunch break they shared together also became the first of many more to come.

-Line Break-

Due to their busy schedule, their lunch breaks rarely coincided. It was how things worked at the scrapyards. Mealtimes were only done in between jobs, so that it didn't disrupt the workflow. Therefore, it wasn't until two weeks later before they happened to meet while collecting their lunch food.

Prauf spotted Cal in the queue, roughly ten people behind him. He nodded, asking a silent question as soon as the boy looked up.

Cal understood and dipped his head, letting him know that he would be glad for some company during the break, and Prauf waited at the side until Cal was done with loading his tray.

It was a heavy downpour outside. Wind and rain hit down hard on them as they left the crowded rest area. Both of them pulled up the hood of the standard issue poncho and clutched their food trays close to their chest to avoid the rain. Prauf led the way, running up the ladders and leaping over gaps in the metal plating ground, occasionally looking back to see if Cal was still following him. He needn't have worried at all, seeing how the boy was light on his feet and the agility of a… well, Prauf supposed having grown up in such landscapes made a person much fitter as the body adapted to what was required in such conditions.

Finally, they stopped under a secluded dark shed on the wreckage that the scrappers were dismantling. Sitting in the middle of the shed which was raised slightly higher to avoid the puddles, Cal picked up a slightly damp piece of bread from his tray and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Busy week, huh?" Prauf commented, "How're you holding up?"

"Same as always. Kind of becoming a routine." said Cal, closing his eyes and chewing slowly. "What's it like for you?"

Settling into a more comfortable position, Prauf sighed, "mainly cutting and heavy lifting using the machines."

Cal suddenly opened his eyes to look at him, as though he'd just thought of something. "Can I ask you something? Been wanting to ask for some time already, but never got the chance."

Prauf detected a mix of curiosity and caution laced in his tone and wondered what was coming.

"Anything, Cal," he replied.

The boy sat up straighter. "Remember a couple of weeks ago when we were chatting on the transport train with Eddie and Jarrus?"

Of course, he remembered that day. It was the first time he'd a hint of Cal's past, and probably also the first time they'd spoken properly since Cal joined the scrapper guild. Nevertheless, he could not speculate why the kid wanted him to recall that moment. Everything else had been rather… uneventful.

Still puzzled, Prauf said uncertainly, "Yeah?"

"They were discussing bounty hunters and the huge amount of credits a person could receive from a single job."

"Yeah." Prauf said again.

"It made me wonder," said Cal slowly, "Did you ever consider being one of them?"

Of all the questions Prauf might have been expecting, this was not even close. It was almost anticlimactic, with the leading questions just to arrive at this supposedly big question. Surprised, he fumbled with his words.

"Uh… well, there are quite a few criminals on the wanted list by the Empire; Those that wreak havoc in the streets, kidnap children to sell for money. I wouldn't mind being a bounty hunter, you know? Capturing these criminals and bringing them to justice and getting paid heaps for it. One or two a month would be enough to live comfortably. So in answer to your question, then yes, I wouldn't mind being a bounty hunter." Then as an afterthought, Prauf added, "wouldn't stay long in that business though."

"Interesting way to see it." Cal said, then in an almost neutral tone, he asked, "would that extend to the Jedi? I heard they earn good money."

"Maybe." Prauf shrugged, "The Jedi are not all that good that they paint themselves to be. They're too caught up in politics to be able to operate as the peacekeepers they pledged to be. Sometimes, their council decisions are… shady. It's not so much about the money, but I can't deny they do make good money if caught."

Cal stared resolutely at a puddle by his boots, absent-mindedly poking at it with his index finger, forming ripples. His expression was completely unreadable.

After a long while, the boy said quietly, "I guess you could see it that way," then continued in a stronger tone, "but I did know quite a few Jedi in the past who are genuinely selfless. Many of them didn't deserve to die. To be hunted down and eradicated by the Empire in cold blood is cruel and inhumane."

Prauf swivelled around to check their surroundings. Speaking about such things after the Empire claimed victory was reckless and could get them both caught.

"Not here, Cal." Prauf warned, "The Empire also punishes those who are affiliated to the Jedi."

Cal leaned forward, looking like he wanted to say more. Prauf couldn't decide if that was brave or foolish.

So he cut in first, "Look, maybe I don't have many encounters with them to judge. But you misunderstand me. The most successful and famous bounty hunters are those without morals. It's the name of the job, isn't it? To do whatever just for the credits? That's how I know I'm not cut out for it. In my books, it's wrong to condemn an innocent man just for money. But the few on the Empire's list who are also criminals? I think that's fair game."

Looking satisfied, Cal hunched, letting out a low whistle, tilting his head a fraction. "That makes sense."

Nearly half an hour had passed while they were talking, and if they wanted to avoid being reprimanded for the lateness, they'd better start their journey back. Both of them pulled up the hood of their poncho again, picked up their empty food tray, and jogged back into the rain.

Prauf ran into Eddie a couple days later. Perhaps by coincidence, the latter had been assigned to help out on the heavy cutting close to where Prauf was working. The bulky man Prauf met on the train about a month ago was a lot more animated that he'd recalled, lifting the cutter as though it was weightless, and pressed it against the metal sheet, slicing through the material like butter. Prauf snapped on his safety goggles as sparks flew off from the grinding metal and switched on his own cutter.

Having been Eddie's colleague for years, Prauf observed the man to be temperamental and compulsive. Especially when he'd expected a certain response or reaction from someone, but it didn't happen as planned. When things were routine and smooth-sailing, Eddie usually thrived in content. Change up his schedule a little, and he would grumble consistently at the new modification, even if it was superior to the former.

For Prauf, maintaining a good work relationship with his colleagues was straightforward and simple. Observing the person and understanding which buttons can be pushed, and which should not be pushed under any circumstances was imperative to building rapport that may come in handy when one was in a tight situation. In short, it was easy for Prauf to keep on Eddie's good side.

He doesn't have to enjoy conversing with Eddie, who preferred to share his thoughts rather than listen to what others may have to say. But he could at least avoid it from becoming sour.

So when Eddie turned off his cutter for a short break and walked over to Prauf and clapped a hand on his shoulder with a joyful, "Hey, man!" Prauf respectfully lowered his cutter and switched it to standby.

"Nice to see you around, Ed." Prauf said cheerily, pulling off the safety goggles and wiping off the beads of perspiration that had formed on his forehead.

Unusual, Prauf thought. Eddie was rarely this bouncy and excited.

"You're in for a lucky day, friend." Eddie said, speaking enthusiastically. "I've brought some good news."

Prauf raised his eyebrows. This probably explained the good mood. "Yeah? What about?"

"I'll explain later," Eddie said impatiently. "Watch this first."

From his trouser pocket, he fished out a holoscreen and tapped to open up a video. It was a low-quality recording, blurry and pixelated, but enough for Prauf to make up what was on screen.

It showed a large cruiser floating in space, much like the one that they were currently dismantling in the scrapyard. Watching closely, Prauf recognised the cruiser as a star destroyer from its uncanny wedge-shaped structure. Flashes of orange illuminated the surface of the ship, getting more frequent over time as small explosions broke out from within.

Confused as to why Eddie wanted him to see this, Prauf looked up from the screen and turned to Eddie with a question at the tip of his tongue.

But Eddie merely jerked the holoscreen at his face and said, "Just watch."

Prauf turned his attention back to the recording in time to see a huge explosion from around the midsection of the cruiser. The explosion was so powerful that it sent a shockwave outwards, ripping the ship in half and engulfing the area in puffs of red flames. The recording shook violently, making it hard for Prauf to discern the ship, before cutting off completely.

Eddie was now grinning at him, as though he expected a similar reaction. Registering Prauf's perplexed expression, he asked, "Don't you get it?"

"I'm not sure what you mean." Prauf said, "It's just an old recording of a star destroyer explo -"

"No, not the explosion." Eddie huffed, rewinding the recording and playing it again just before the carrier was destroyed.

Prauf looked more closely and noticed something he'd missed previously. It was easy to overlook as the ship shattered into smithereens in the background. But now that Eddie had pointed out the moment specifically, he saw it. A tiny escape pod, almost a blurry speck in contrast to the other debris hurling away from the explosion, could be seen streaking away from the wreckage.

"A survivor." Prauf murmured.

Eddie's eyes lit up again as he said in a hushed tone, "Not just any survivor. That pod was launched from a Venator-class star destroyer. Or should I be more specific...that is the Venator-class star destroyer that we're cutting up right now."

"Okay," Prauf said, "I assume that recording was taken from Bracca then?"

He got some rapid nods in return. "Correct, but that's not the point, my friend," Eddie said, "There isn't another planet around nearby. So if the star destroyer crashed in Bracca, I'd bet everything that that escape pod landed here too."

"Right. Are you looking for the survivors in the pod then?"

"Not just me, Prauf." Eddie said intently, "You are, too."

Thanks for the reviews so far! The final part to this fic should be up in a week or so.