CHAPTER 3
The Deal
When Poe finally was able to cut himself free from the restraints, he quickly bolted down the stairs and made his way through the cantina. The rest of Black Squadron had left. Most likely they assumed that he was going to be tied up for a while and that they would meet back at their hotel.
Boy were they not wrong about him being tied up. He cursed thinking about how stupid he was. He needed to stay focused.
Ah, but you were focused Dameron… just a little too much.
He made his way through the crowded cantina and stumbled out into the alley, almost knocking over a trash bin in the process. He pushed past an idling group of off duty New Republic Pilots.
"Hey, watch it pal!" one of them hissed as Poe knocked into his shoulder. Poe ignored him and continue to rush away from the cantina and into the dark alleyway.
He stuck to the shadows, avoiding calling attention to himself. He scanned the people he passed, keeping an eye out for that blonde woman and anyone who appeared to be linked to the First Order.
He eventually was able to catch the attention of a passing transport cruiser and swiftly hopped inside. After instructing the driver where to take him the cruiser sped upwards into the sky before leveling and merging onto the busy thoroughfare.
As the driver navigated him back to his hotel, weaving in and out of traffic, Poe scanned each of the passing cruisers. His eye caught the flash of bright red in a passing cruiser and his pulse quickened. He urged the driver to speed up and catch up to a cruiser that was just a few cars ahead. The driver nodded and revved the throttle. When they finally caught up with the speeder Poe sat forward to get a better look at the driver. His heart sank to his stomach when he saw that it wasn't her.
The bartender had to have been long gone by now. Poe shook his head in disbelief as he thought of how sly she was. He was mildly annoyed that she swiped one of his favorite watches, but he had to give her credit where credit was due. She played him like a fiddle, and boy did he sing.
When the driver arrived at his hotel, Poe paid the driver, instructed him to keep the change, and swiftly headed upstairs. The four of them occupied a suite that was within the industrial district in Hosinian Prime. Their suite had four rooms that were all connected by a central common area. When he arrived in their suite, everything was silent, and the main lights were turned off. The only light source was a faint red light that blinked slowly from BB-8 in the corner, indicating that he was in power save mode.
As Poe stepped into the common area, he could hear loud snoring coming from the couch. He looked down and saw that the sound was coming from Snap, who was lying face down on the settee. His head was tilted to the side and resting on a throw pillow while his arm hung off the front, his knuckles lightly dragging on the ground. Poe looked to Kare and Jess' rooms and saw that both doors were closed.
Walking past a sleeping Snap, Poe went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. The fluorescents the fridge bathed him in a bright blue light as he scanned the contents inside. "There you are my beautiful," he mumbled as he pulled out a small bottle of fire whiskey.
He quickly twisted off the top and brought the bottle to his lips, taking a long pull of the intense liquid, groaning as the alcohol burned his throat. Swallowing hard, he turned and kicked the door to the fridge closed behind him with the heel of his boot. He cradled the bottle in his hands as he stumbled into his room, closing the door shut behind him with a bang. He wanted to drink and forget the entire night. But no matter how much alcohol he consumed, his lips still burned from her touch.
When Poe staggered out of his room the following morning, he saw that Kare was already in the small kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee. Her eyes were smudged from the remnants of the previous night's makeup and her short blonde hair stood straight up, wild and tussled from sleep. The door to Jess' room was still shut.
Snap had shifted slightly and was now laying on his back on the couch in the common room, one leg bent, and his arm resting over his eyes. "When did the sun become so flippin' bright?" Snap groaned as he rolled onto his side facing the back of the couch, protecting himself from the bright light of the morning.
Poe suggested that they all go downstairs and get some breakfast. Kare agreed while Snap grunted in response. He looked down to BB-8. "How about you buddy?"
"BEET DEET!" chimed BB-8 enthusiastically.
"Sounds good. Let me just see if Jess is awake," Poe replied as he walked to her door. When he knocked, asking if she wanted to join them for breakfast, all he heard was a muddled groan. When he knocked a second time he heard a loud thump against the door. Poe figured that she had thrown the nearest pillow against the wall to shut them up. Deciding that it was best to leave her alone to recuperate, the three of them, and BB-8, went downstairs to eat.
After gorging themselves on eggs, buttered toast, breakfast sausages, and gallons of coffee, Kare announced that she was going to go back upstairs to her room. "I've had enough excitement for the day," she grumbled as she turned to head back to the elevator.
As Snap was about to follow, Kare held up her hand and stopped him. "No, Snap. Only thing I want right now is to be alone and take a nice long bath. I don't plan on coming up for air for at least a couple hours and I don't need you there distracting me," she huffed. Without waiting for his reply, Kare turned on her heels and went towards the elevators.
As Kare walked away Poe put his hand on Snap's shoulder. "Guess it's just you and me pal."
"BREE WWRRP!"
"And you too Beebee-ate," Poe added as he looked down at the droid. "Let's get some fresh air." Snap needed to walk off his hangover, and Poe had other plans. He needed to figure out who knew they were here and why they wanted him tied up.
"So, explain to me again how you ended up tied up in that chair?" Snap asked for the third time during their walk after finishing breakfast.
"I've already told you twice Snap," Poe grumbled, quickening his step. Snap was not the fastest in their group and it made Poe feel slightly better seeing him struggle to keep up with his demanding pace.
"I know!" Snap huffed as he lumbered after him. "And it's such a great story that I just need to hear it again."
"I'm done talking about it," Poe clipped.
"BREEEEEEEEET, BREET, BREET, BREET!"
Poe stopped and looked down at BB-8 in contempt. "Oh, so you think this is funny too?"
BB-8 rolled back and forth. Poe had come to see this was his way of nodding.
"Okay guys. Just laugh it up. Just completely forget the fact that I was held hostage last night," Poe fumed.
Noting the rising anger Poe was displaying, Snap gentled. "Are you sure you just didn't piss her off?" Snap suggested. "Sometimes what comes off as charming can come off as a bit cocky."
Cocky. Arrogant. A Show Off. Impulsive.
The bartender's voice echoed in his head. He clenched his jaw as he felt his body begin to rise to attention. He thought of how she snatched his watch, right before she gave him what had to have been the best kiss of his god damn life.
Noticing him stiffen, Snap put his hand on his shoulder. "Hey, man. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be an asshole." Snap stopped and put his hand against his head, wincing. "Ugh, my head feels like it is going to explode right now. I have to find humor in something otherwise all I'm going to focus on is my own personal pain."
When Poe didn't speak up Snap exhaled and continued. "Okay. So, someone paid that lady some credits to get you vulnerable. I guess the most important question is who."
"That's what we're here to find out." Poe confirmed, weaving them through the crowded marketplace.
"I thought we were here to walk off my hangover," Snap whined.
"We are." Poe said as he walked up to a vendor. "But who says we can't kill two birds with one stone?"
Poe led them to the local outdoor marketplace just outside of the capital center. It was conveniently nestled between the state building and the underground. Hosinian Prime was a city that attracted a lot of attention and was a meeting ground for all the neighboring systems. Many different cultures left their mark, not just on international relations, but also upon the city's identity. The city was a multicultural hub that united millions of people. It's because of this multicultural identity that Hosinian Prime was known for their local markets. Hundreds of cultural restaurants, food carts, and cantinas offered a plethora of culinary choices, while those who were hungry for something else enjoyed the various live music, art galleries, and local vendors peddling their exotic wares.
It was also here at the market where the criminals who frolicked nightly in the underworld kept their day jobs.
The three of them casually migrated towards a market stall. The space was filled with various trinkets for sale. On display were jewelry that appealed to various taste levels, droid replacement parts, blasters, and even a tauntaun skull. Ignoring the items for sale, Poe walked to what appeared to be the transaction counter.
Poe banged on the counter. "Fusho! Are you in there?" he yelled to the back of the stall.
They stood in the sun, waiting for someone to come out from the back. After a few minutes, Snap looked to Poe before looking down at BB-8.
"WOOT BREET BRRRP?" BB-8 chimed.
Snap shrugged before clearing his throat. "Um, Poe. I think no one is—"
"Poe Dameron," boomed a deep guttural voice.
From the shadows a massive slug-like creature moved towards them. His body moved in rhythmic waves as his muscles contracted. His skin was tough, and slightly cracked from the lack of decent moisture in the air that his kind needed. His large mouth was downturned and slightly parted as he breathed heavily with the exertion.
Hutts dominated much of the organized crime in the galaxy. Hutts were known to dabble in smuggling, gambling, bounty hunting, and even slavery. While most crime lords lived opulent lives as they took in the bounties from the various exploits, others worked in the shadows of the underbellies of the cities. Masquerading as street merchants, these Hutts were the lieutenants. They headed a crew of their own foot soldiers but ultimately reported directly to their boss.
Fusho Tingi was one of these lieutenants that reported directly to Grakkus the Hutt. Even though he was based on the planet Nar Shaddaa, Grakkus had numerous lieutenants based throughout the galaxy that controlled an extensive network of bounty hunters and spice smugglers. It just so happened that one of the sons of Grakkus' was working in Hosinian Prime.
And Poe had a favor to collect.
Poe smiled and held out his arms in welcome. "Fusho Tingi. Good to see you—"
"Choy? Do u naga Poe Dameron." Fusho spat out in Huttese.
Feigning shock, Poe huffed. "What do I want? Is that a way to greet a friend?"
"You no friend Poe Dameron," Fusho spoke, switching to common.
"You know Fusho, I am hurt. If I wasn't a friend, then why did I help your father escape from Megalox?" Poe asked.
Not too long-ago Poe visited Megalox Beta, a prison city that was regarded as a dumping ground for some of the worst criminals in the galaxy. Poe and the rest of Black Squadron were sent to Megalox by General Organa to retrieve information for Lor San Tekka, in the hopes that the old explorer had information related to the whereabouts of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. In exchange for information, Poe agreed to break Grakkus out of prison and escort him to safety. He kept tabs on Grakkus' whereabouts afterwards and did opt to not turn him over to prison authorities once he got the information he needed. He knew that it was always best to have the upper hand when working with Hutts.
"You did it for yourself." Fusho remarked dryly. "Personal gain." He looked down at him, crossing his stunted arms over his large chest in indifference.
"Again, I am offended Fusho." He said in mock astonishment. "You should know me better than that!" When Fusho continued to look down upon him unflinching Poe conceded. "Okay, okay... fine. Yes, I needed information from him." He pointed his finger towards him. "But you and I both know that I could have gotten that information without making a deal. I always know that it is wise to have the debt of a Hutt."
Fusho spat on the ground before wagging his finger. "That is his debt to pay. Not mine."
"Look," Poe pleaded. "All I want is some information."
Fusho's mouth curled upwards into a greasy grin. "You want to know who paid that chik youngee at the Red Veil to tie you up like a rotisserie chicken."
Snap choked, and Poe looked over his shoulder back at him. Snap cleared his throat. "Sorry. Something must have gotten caught in my throat." He held his hand over his mouth. Poe could see the barest hint of a smile.
Poe narrowed his eyes before turning his attention back at Fusho. "Word travels fast around here," he said stiffly.
Fusho took one long inquisitive look at Poe before holding out his arms. "You know what Dameron… I am feeling generous. I'll tell you what you want to know."
Poe raised his eyebrows in shock. "Well isn't that—"
"For a small favor," Fusho added quietly.
"—nice," Poe finished. He shook his head. He should have seen this coming. You never get something for nothing. "What is it that you want Fusho?" he questioned.
"There is an item of great interest to me at the Temple ruins," Fusho began. "Retrieve it for me and I will tell you what you want to know," he finished simply.
"Why don't you go yourself?" Poe asked.
Fusho shrugged. "Eh, I have a shop to run. Besides, this is something that requires your special talents."
"Special?" Poe raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, you know, you're young, limber, full of energy. You are perfect for the job." Fusho moved closer to them and leaned forward, holding his arm out beckoning them to come closer. His voice lowered. "There is an old temple outside of the city to the west of here. At this temple you will find a lake. I need you to retrieve a rare flower that sits high up on the cliff that borders the far side of the lake."
"Aww, getting romantic on me there Fusho?" Poe goaded. "Who's the lucky girl?"
Ignoring his jest, Fusho continued. "This flower produces the rarest pollen in the galaxy that is harvested into the strongest drug on the market today."
Poe shook his head in disbelief. "Wait. Are you talking about Nova Dust?"
Fusho nodded. "Get that flower for me Poe Dameron and I will tell you who is looking for you."
Poe eyed him for a few moments, contemplating his bargain. "To the west you say?" Poe asked.
Fusho nodded. "Best to go at sundown. The flower shines brightest at dusk and it'll be easier for you to spot."
Poe listened as Fusho gave him directions to the location. When Poe felt confident that he knew where to go he said his goodbye. As he turned, something shiny hanging on display by the counter caught Poe's eye and caused him to pause. He reached his hand out and touched the familiar item.
"Nice watch. When did you get it?" He inquired.
Fusho leaned forward to eye it. "Ah that? Yes, it's is a very nice time piece. Just got it this morning," he bragged. "You interested in purchasing? I can make you nice offer," he beckoned.
Poe shook his head, placing the watch back on the rack. "No thanks. Just interested in the woman who sold it to you."
Fusho's large mouth curled into that greasy smile once more before his head fell back and he let out a deep guttural laugh. "Ha! Not one but two cheekas got the best of you." He held up his short gelatinous arm out and wagged his finger. "Losing your touch eh Poe Dameron?" he mocked.
Ignoring the jab Poe turned and walked away. He called over his shoulder. "I'll get you your flower. You just make sure you are ready to give me my information," he barked. As Fusho laughed and slithered back into the shadows on his stall, Poe turned his head towards Snap. "You ready to go for a swim?"
Snap held up his hands and shook his head vehemently. "Oh no. You're on your own Black leader. You know I can't swim."
Poe looked down to BB-8. "How about you buddy?"
"WHEEEO."
"Oh, come on buddy… don't abandon me too," he begged.
"WRRRRRR BEEP BREOP."
Poe shook his head. "How do you know you're not waterproof if you don't try?" he urged.
BB-8 remained motionless as Poe saw his ocular lens zooming in on him. Poe shrugged. "Fine. Be that way you two." Poe started walking back towards their hotel. "I'll just drop you guys off at the room and then head back out on my own."
After a few steps, Snap broke the silence. "I do have one question for you though."
"Shoot," Poe called over his shoulder.
Snap grinned. "Who is this other woman?"