The next morning, Vhetin steered his ship towards the center of the sprawling industrial complex built deep in Coruscant's offworld industry sector. As soon as he crossed the perimeter of the property, two ships – which looked as if they were made from a massive a collection of razor blades – swooped in and flanked Void with a telltale scream of ion engines.
"You are trespassing on private property," came the raspy, growling voice of a Nikto over the ship's comm. "State your purpose here or we'll slag you into oblivion."
Vhetin keyed the blue comm button and replied, "I'm here on business. I'm an old acquaintance of Sekha's and I'd like to meet with her."
"Sekha has plenty of males to keep her occupied," the Nikto pilot growled. "Turn around and leave."
"Not that kind of acquaintance. I used to work for her."
"As I said, she-"
"As a bounty hunter," Vhetin snapped. "I need information from her."
"Too bad. Reverse your course and-" The Nikto broke off on the comm and Vhetin tightened his grip on the flight yoke, wary in case the two fighters pulled back to fire. Sekha's territory was notoriously rowdy, and it was entirely possible the hostile ships would try to blast Void out of the sky just for fun. But when the pilot's voice came back, there was a hint of disgruntled respect in it.
"Proceed to landing pad Desh," he growled. "You've been cleared for access."
"Copy that." Vhetin signed off the comm and angled his ship towards the designated landing zone. After a moment, the fighters peeled away and disappeared to the east. Vhetin was glad to see them go; an armed escort was a little too conspicuous for his taste. All he needed was the information Sekha could give. Anything more just drew attention to him and his mission.
The door to the cockpit hissed open and Jay entered, taking her customary seat in the copilot's chair. She ran a hand through her hair and yawned. "Good morning. Where exactly are we?"
"Are you rested up?" he asked. "That was a pretty intense fight last night."
"I'm fine. Why?"
"We're heading into dangerous territory. Bloody Dawn headquarters."
"Okay..." She sounded confused.
"Sekha's base is a haven for illegal commerce," he told her. "It's one of the most dangerous areas on the planet, at least in the upper city. You'll want to keep your nose in your own business, or you're likely to get it shot off."
"Noted, I guess. But who is this Sekha character? I've never heard of her."
"That's the way she wants it." Vhetin tapped a command and a hologram of a beautiful Twi'lek woman sprang to life above the command console. He kept his gaze on the viewport, allowing Jay to peruse the holographic readout. "On the outside, Sekha is a prominent upper-class Coruscant playgirl. She comes from a wealthy old money family on Serenno, where she officially holds title and land as a Countess. She moved to Coruscant after her family was assassinated for supporting the Separatists in the Clone Wars."
"And what about off the record? What business does she have with Kassh?"
"Off the record," Vhetin explained, "Sekha's the head of a huge criminal organization called Bloody Dawn, which she built after she inherited the family fortune. She's one of Prince Xizor's biggest competitors in virtually all the vices: spice, smuggling, stolen goods, prostitution, and so on. But she also dabbles in areas that even Xizor won't touch."
"Such as?"
"Political assassinations, military-grade weapons trafficking, kidnapping, intergalactic terrorism, take your pick. The only reason she isn't on top of the entire criminal game is that the Empire is currently trying to weed her out of the Coruscant underworld. They know she's the head of the system but don't have any conclusive proof, so they're putting all their assets into taking her out. She's had to lay relatively low for the past few years."
"And she'll have information on Kassh?"
"She was the first one Kassh went to for help when Jabba posted the first bounty on his head almost two decades ago. He's relied on her many times in the past, and it stands to reason that he would have done so again."
"And what makes you think she'll tell you anything?"
It was a good question, but Vhetin had little concern for that eventuality. "I used to work as a full-time bounty hunter under her employ for a year or so. She likes Kassh, but she likes me more."
"I take it you and she were…" she let the insinuation hang.
His response was characteristically curt. "No."
"I'm not judging, just—"
"I was her personal hitman," he said. "Nothing more."
She raised her hands in surrender. "All right, all right. I'm backing down."
She pondered over this newest information as Void set down gently on the landing pad, kicking up clouds of dust as it settled down onto its support struts. Sekha sounded like the best source of information they could get. But she was also cunning and treacherous. Would she really do anything to take out a competitor? She and Vhetin were technically working for Prince Xizor and Jabba the Hutt, both rivals to her organization, and hunting down a former associate of hers. They seemed to be playing all the wrong cards right from the beginning.
Vhetin let the ship's engines cool for a moment, then powered them down and lowered the exit ramp. He stood from the pilot's seat and gestured for her to follow.
"Sekha probably won't try anything to harm us," he said. "But just keep your head down and your mouth shut around these people. The less we reveal to her or her minions, the better off we'll be."
"From all you've said," Jay decided to point out, "she doesn't sound trustworthy enough to rely on her intel."
"She let us land, didn't she?" he replied. "That means she wants something."
"And if she wants your head?"
He shrugged, hefting his saber pike and hooking it against his jetpack. "It wouldn't be the first time. Probably won't be the last, either."
"That's a great comfort."
They headed out onto the landing pad, where a group of heavily-armed Twi'leks were waiting for them. All were armored and sported identical malevolent scowls. "You will follow us to the security station," one of them said in thickly accented Basic. "You make trouble, we shoot you. Understand?"
Vhetin nodded and he and Jay fell into step behind the alien mercenaries. As they passed through a large door into the industrial center, Vhetin slowed slightly to speak to his partner as they walked.
The interior of the industrial compound was deceptively opulent compared to its grimy, slate-gray exterior. A short interior hall led out into a much larger inner atrium, decorated with expensive flowing fountains and even an interior park complete with trees, bushes, and a small pond. The walls were draped with tapestries and fancy artwork, and most of the locals — guards included — sported expensive clothing and even more expensive jewelry. Jay had never seen such blatant flaunting of wealth.
Beings of all kinds were hurrying about their business, some carrying lethal-looking weapons but most sporting briefcases and wearing fancy-looking suits. Everywhere she looked — on the walls, the tiled floor, and displayed in holographic form — she saw a segmented emblem of a sun and the words Reenactment Cooperative.
"The Reenactment Cooperative is the cover business for Bloody Dawn," Vhetin murmured as they walked. "Supposedly, they're an environmental protection organization. They specialize in the disposal of noxious industrial waste as well as the mass sterilization of hyper-toxic spills. It's a profitable business these days, especially on Coruscant."
"Pollution's only gotten worse since the Empire took over," Jay agreed. "Industrialization tends to do that."
"And it's created an opportunity the criminal underworld hasn't squandered. The Cooperative uses its business to lengthen its influence across the galaxy. Starts slow, with basic extortion and racketeering from Cooperative environmentalists. You can imagine how it works after the Cooperative takes control."
"I can see why that would be so successful. I imagine this place doesn't do much business with poor communities. They seem to cater to a more upper-echelon clientele."
"And it's served Sekha very well. She's easily the wealthiest criminal figure in the galaxy, and has more credits than Prince Xizor and Jabba the Hutt combined."
They passed by the indoor park and headed towards a guarded security station marked with a door that said Employees Only. Three of the dour-looking Twi'leks passed immediately through the door. The final one turned to them and folded his arms across his armored chest. His tattooed lekku twitched erratically in irritation.
"You will disarm here before an audience with Sekha will be permitted," he growled. "Conceal any weapons from us and you will immediately be shot. Understand?"
Vhetin nodded, then casually nudged Jay in the side to make her copy him. She didn't exactly like the thought of relinquishing her only weapon in such an obviously hostile place. She hadn't made it this far by trusting her fate to others — or at least not by trusting non-Mandalorians. So as Vhetin began removing his missile-equipped jetpack and handing over his blasters, she inconspicuously pulled her jacket down over her pistol's holster.
Her partner somehow saw the motion despite his back being turned to her; he seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to noticing things going on around him. It was as if he had eyes in the back of his head. He leaned slightly toward her while the grumpy guard checked over his gear for any hidden explosives.
"Give them your weapon." The hunter's voice was almost too quiet to hear.
"But-"
"Give them your weapon," he repeated. His tone left no room for argument.
She sighed and pulled her pistol from its holster, handing it butt-first to the Twi'lek guard. The guard took her weapon with a noncommittal grunt and stored it inside the armored security outpost. Once finally convinced they posed no significant threat — and after scanning them a third time, just to be sure — the blue-skinned guard finally motioned them to follow him once more.
So much for fighting our way out, Jay thought as they passed further into the compound, away from their gear. Now we're completely defenseless.
"Remember what I said," Vhetin murmured. "Keep your head down and your mouth shut. I don't mean to sound rude, but speak only when you're spoken to. Sekha is dangerous."
Jay detected a hint of worry in his voice, which made her worry all the more in turn. But she nodded and reluctantly agreed to follow his instructions. He knew more than she did about Sekha, and it would be foolish to disregard his advice here, in the metaphorical rancor's den.
The guard led them down a long hallway with black doors on either side, until they reached a huge reinforced durasteel door. The Twi'lek punched in a security code with sharp, jerky movements as if afraid of what lay on the other side of the barrier. Then the door opened with a loud rumble and a screech of metal.
Within was a room dominated by huge transparisteel windows overlooking a great panorama of Coruscant's cityscape, where the dawn was just beginning to paint the sky a glowing red-orange. Long crimson curtains and draperies covered the entire room and the walls were decorated in various shades of red. The floor was tiled with extravagant Munnillista ceramics for a few feet before being replaced with rich scarlet carpeting. The floor led down to a lowered spot in the center of the room dominated by a single long, luxurious reclining couch covered in exotic animal furs.
Lying back on the couch, attended by servants and majordomos, was a barely-dressed Twi'lek woman with light beige skin; a rare color among her people. She had a soft, beautiful face with a dark red flower tattoo over her left eye, as well as several intricately tattooed designs across her exposed arms and stomach. She was attended by several servants – also scantily-clad Twi'leks – bearing platters of food or drink.
The woman on the couch murmured something to one of the servants as she reached for a delicate crystal glass of dark, green-hued wine. The server blushed and covered her mouth with one hand. But her giggle died as the armed guard approached the couch and bowed before the pale-skinned Twi'lek.
The humorous glint in the reclining woman's eyes vanished for a split second, replaced by an ice-cold stare that sent a shiver through Jay's body even from across the room. There was no denying it; this was Sekha.
"Honored guests," the guard intoned, turning to face the bounty hunters. "May I present her glorious eminence, Grand Countess Sekha'haji of Serenno."
Vhetin took three steps forward and clasped his hands behind his back, almost as if he were standing at attention. Jay followed at a more sedate pace, fighting to stop herself from hiding in her partner's armored shadow.
Sekha's elegant face stretched into a much warmer smile at the sight of the bounty hunters, her eyes lighting up with playful humor when she saw Vhetin standing before her. She murmured something to the serving girls surrounding her, then gestured for the servants to leave. The young women scurried away with more hushed giggles, disappearing into hidden doors in the walls. After moments, they had vanished and they were alone with the crime lord.
"Well, well," Sekha's voice was almost a purr. She swung her long legs around onto the floor and stood to her full height. Her motions were smooth and graceful as the steps of a skilled dancer. Jay had a feeling Sekha had trained in such arts over the course of her career. The woman was clearly used to using her looks to get what she wanted; the indications of a talented seductress were written across her every movement.
"You may leave, Uitani," she murmured to the guard still kneeling at her feet.
The guard looked uncertain only for a moment, but bowed again and quickly moved out of the room and out of sight. The huge reinforced door boomed shut behind him, leaving Jay and Vhetin trapped alone with the criminal kingpin. Or maybe it was queenpin, since Sekha was female. Jay didn't know.
The alien woman surveyed Vhetin with a single raised eyebrow as she swaggered toward him, the pronounced sway in her hips making the scarlet drapes hanging from her belt flutter back and forth.
"When I saw your ship approaching my facility," she murmured, "I was so happy to know that you were coming back to our little piece of heaven. It's been so long since you've been a guest of the Cooperative. Have you come for work?"
"In a manner of speaking," Vhetin said calmly, "I'm already working a job. It led me here."
"Oh? I hope you haven't taken the contract for my head." Sekha pouted, biting her lower lip. "I do so enjoy wearing handcuffs, but I don't think it would be quite the same if you put them on."
"You can relax. I'm not here for you."
"Then why exactly do you need me?" She smiled, wrapping her arms around Vhetin's neck and pressing her body close to his. Jay raised an eyebrow, interested to see how Vhetin would react to such an intimate move.
"I'm here for information," he replied, seemingly unfazed. If he had a reaction to Sekha's flirty, seductive attitude, he didn't show it. Of course, the identity-concealing full body combat armor didn't hurt matters; he could have been blushing as red as a torq beet and no one would be the wiser.
Sekha's coy smile stretched into a full-fledged grin. "About?"
"Kassh."
Her smile faltered for only a moment, but Jay caught it all the same; the short rush of disbelief and anger that crossed her features, then almost instantly vanished. The Twi'lek quickly regained her composure and pressed a brief peck of a kiss to the front of Vhetin's battle helmet. She giggled, then turned away and swaggered back to her couch.
"I like you, Cin," she said, trailing her delicate fingers across one of the furs draped over the luxurious reclining seat. "But I'm sorry. I can't help you."
Vhetin took a step forward and folded his arms across his chest. "Can't or won't?"
"Can't," Sekha repeated, a bit of steel entering her voice. "I don't know where Kassh is, if that's what you want to know."
"Respectfully," the Mandalorian said, "I call bullshit. At any point in the day you know exactly where each of your competitors is working, who they're working with, and usually what they had for lunch as well."
Sekha smiled and returned to her previous position on the couch, tossing one of her head-tails playfully over her shoulder as she folded her legs and stretched out on her back. "Cute. But I'm telling you the truth. I don't know where Kassh is, where he's going, or what he's thinking. And I don't really care what he had for lunch."
"I need to find him. And you're the only one in the galaxy he trusts."
"And why would I violate that 'trust' to help you bring him in again?" She frowned with mock-thoughtfulness. "That doesn't sound like me."
Jay thought that sounded exactly like her. From what she could already tell about the crime lord, Sekha was outwardly seductive and dangerously playful. But beneath that facade was a cunning and devious mind more than capable of running a massive criminal consortium like Bloody Dawn. Jay didn't trust her in the least; she didn't even enjoy being in the same room with her.
"I happen to know that Midnight Ultraviolet is moving in on your territory," Vhetin said, "making deals with your underlings and hoping to turn a profit by converting your contacts to serve Kassh's interests. I know that no matter how much you trust Kassh, you don't trust him enough to look the other way while he steals from you. And I know that the last thing you want is more competitors."
Sekha's smile didn't falter, but her gaze turned positively frosty. It was a stunning change compared to the alluring temptress she'd been only moments before. She lay back on the couch and played with the tip of one lekku absently, staring up at the celling.
"All right," she said eventually. All trace of playfulness had vanished, replaced by a cold, no-nonsense tone that reminded Jay of her commanders in the navy. "You called my bluff. What do you want to know?"
Vhetin took a single step forward, pressing his advantage. "Any information regarding Kassh: where he is, who he's working with, what his plans are. I need financial records, personnel files, and maps. I intend to bring him in for good this time."
"Of course," she said quietly. She crossed her legs the other way and continued, "But we still have a problem, you and I. Even if I do want Kassh gone, I am still a functioning businesswoman. I have something you want, but what do you have to offer for it?"
Vhetin didn't answer, clearly not expecting that response. He just stood still as a post, staring at her with both his fists clenched tight. Sekha saw his discomfort and smirked in haughty triumph. "Ah. So you have nothing to give me in return. If that's the case, I'm afraid I can't help you."
A thoughtful look suddenly crossed her beautiful features and two of her fingers touched her chin. "Unless..."
She turned her gaze back to Vhetin, then clapped her hands together.
"All right, I will help you. But you have to help me first."
"How?" Vhetin asked, his voice tight with equal parts caution and skepticism.
She smiled. "I happen to have a bounty for you to track down. Bring in the target, and I might be able to supply you with all the information you want."
"And why should I work for you again? You tried to kill me on my last job."
"As I recall," the Twi'lek said with a knowing smile, "all I did was pull a knife on you. You, however, broke two of my ribs and my forearm. I have the scars to prove it, if you'd like to see them. But come now, Cin, let's not bring up old quarrels."
She gestured to a holopanel on the far wall. "The information you need is on that terminal. I trust you'll find the contract adequate, considering what you're asking in return."
Vhetin glanced at the holopanel, back to Sekha, then back to the panel. He obviously didn't like this development, but he headed for the info panel regardless. He tapped in a few commands to bring up the contract info and carefully scanned the document displayed there.
Jay didn't know whether to follow and read over her partner's shoulder or wait for him to transfer the info to her datapad. So she just stood there, shifting her feet, uncomfortable and awkward in the midst of the opulently decorated room. Sekha, unfortunately, saw the motion and turned that cold gaze toward her for the first time.
"And who are you?"
Jay stared blankly, her heart plummeting in fear as she remembered Vhetin's earlier words: speak only when spoken to. She couldn't think of anything substantial to say. She could only gulp and squeak, "Vhetin's partner."
"Ah yes," Sekha's smile grew even wider, wide as a predatory razorfin shark. "I remember your face now. The mystery woman. You've caused quite a stir among the hunting community. Cin has never partnered with someone for long in the past."
She raised a skeptical eyebrow, looking Jay up and down from her position on her luxurious couch. "You don't look like much. I wonder what he sees in you."
Jay blushed and fell silent, but Sekha wasn't finished with her yet.
"Tell me," the crime lord said, cocking her head. Her lekku twitched as she did. "How many people have you killed?"
"Enough," Jay replied cautiously. "I was one of the top pilots in my squadron-"
Sekha waved her hand, dismissing the answer. "That doesn't count. Killing from the cockpit of a starfighter is nothing like having a gun in your hand. So answer my question correctly: have you ever stared into the eyes of the being you were about to kill, seen the terror, heard the sobbing and the pleading, then pressed a blaster to their head and pulled the trigger anyway? Have you ever killed in cold blood?"
Jay couldn't summon the strength to speak in the face of such a question. She was completely disarmed in this woman's presence, as if Sekha knew exactly how to make her feel as uncomfortable as possible. When she did find her voice, she shook her head and stammered, "N-no. I can't say I have."
"Then what hope do you have of succeeding as a bounty hunter, I wonder? I mean, if you've never even killed before-"
"You seem to have a lot of knowledge on the subject yourself," Jay blurted out. "Exactly how many beings have you killed?"
Her eyes snapped wide and it was all she could do to keep herself from clapping her hands over her mouth. Her heart was washed in ice and she was sure her knees started wobbling. Damn it! she thought. Now I've done it. Now Sekha's probably going to have us executed because of me and my big mouth.
But amazingly Sekha just laughed. She threw her head back and let out a deceptively light, girlish giggle. "Ah, so that's why he allows you along. You've got spirit, girl. That alone will get you far in this business. Maybe you'll be able to make it, after all."
Jay once again could find nothing to say. Sekha saw her shocked look and folded her arms over her chest with one last chuckle. "Don't look so shocked, sweet thing. I'm so used to people groveling or bursting into tears in my presence. It's been too long since someone's had the guts to stand up to me. It's… refreshing."
Jay fell silent again, and Sekha returned to studying her closely. As the silence stretched on, the couch situated in the depression in the room began to feel more and more like a throne, towering over all present. After a moment, the Twi'lek crime boss spoke again. Jay would have preferred she stay silent.
"Would you like to know a secret?"
"Um…"
"Yes or no, love."
Jay bit her lip. "Then… yes?"
Another giggle from the seductress. "I'm going to let you in on a little secret about your partner. He never does anything without reason. That makes him an effective hunter, but also very predictable. And because of that rather special personality, I think I know why he puts up with you."
If Vhetin was listening to the conversation, he didn't show it. He was too engrossed in the contract presented to him. Jay found herself wishing he would come and rescue her from this uncomfortable line of questioning.
"Really? Why?"
"It wasn't to help you. Vhetin isn't in the business of saving damsels in distress. If anything, it was to make himself feel better."
"What do you mean by that?"
Sekha smiled at her. "Come now. You know that a big, bad bounty hunter like Cin could pick up any hired thug he wants as a temporary partner, then toss them once the job is over. He doesn't need a partner. He never has. But he picked you for a reason.
"I think it was because you remind him of himself. Someone who's lost everything that makes them who they are, then is given a chance at a new life. But he wants you to use that chance differently than he did. He wants you to take that chance and twist it to your own gain before it's too late for you. Force knows it's too late for him."
"What does that mean?"
Sekha waved a hand. "Old hounds and new tricks, that sort of thing." She sighed and examined her neatly-manicured fingernails with feigned nonchalance. "Believe me. I've known many bounty hunters in my time. I've even met with Boba Fett on occasion. And I can tell you that Cin's hardly the Good Samaritan you may think him to be. Who knows? Maybe he even wants to get in your pants. I've seen stranger things."
"I'd rather think he works with me because I'm a good shot and a better pilot," Jay said. Her tone took on a distinctly colder note. "Not that he's just out for himself."
Sekha's eyes narrowed slightly, but not from any sense of ill will. "You know what? I like you."
The feeling is not mutual.
The Twi'lek stood and moved closer, scooping up a datachip from a nearby table as she approached. She was shorter than Jay, having to look up to meet her eyes. But the human woman still felt dwarfed by the Twi'lek's presence, as if Sekha towered over her regardless.
"If you ever find yourself tired of freelance hunting," Sekha murmured, slipping the chip into Jay's inner jacket pocket, "call this transmitter number. I'm sure I can find an opening for a full-time employee. It's ever so hard to find good assassins these days."
"Thanks," Jay said, wanting very much to back away from the other woman. This close, she smelled of djadsberry and expensive perfumes. "I think."
Sekha winked with a roguish smile, then turned back to Vhetin. The black-armored bounty hunter was still reading through the document on the holopanel, apparently oblivious to everything happening in the room behind him. Jay found herself resenting his laser focus.
"Well?" Sekha called. "Is it satisfactory?"
The Mandalorian didn't move from his position. But a second later he said, "That's not the word I'd use. This guy's a Class Six bounty; a dangerous barve. You want me to bring him in to trade for information?"
"Mm-hm."
"You know that tradition says that nothing higher than a Class Three is accepted for information barter."
Sekha placed her hands on her sides, canting her hips to an angle. "Ah, but you and I have never been ones for tradition, have we?"
Vhetin paused, then reluctantly nodded. "Fine. I'll bring this guy in. But I want ten thousand as well as the information."
"Are you crazy? Five thousand."
"Eight."
"Six and a half."
"Deal," Vhetin nodded and headed for the door without further argument. "I'll contact you by week's end at the most. He'll be in my custody by then."
"I'll be waiting," Sekha said, watching him leave. She headed back to her couch and threw Jay a gentle wave in farewell. Jay shuddered despite herself and quickly hopped into motion to follow her partner. The huge reinforced entry doors parted once more, clearly announcing that their audience with the crime lord was over. The armed Twi'leks that entered the room and gestured for them to follow also made matters clear.
"Do come back soon," Sekha called as they left. "The Cooperative's halls feel so very empty without you here, Cin."
"I'll be back," he replied. "Get your credit book ready."
Sekha giggled one last time, then the doors thudded shut and cut her off from sight. Vhetin didn't slow to talk to Jay or allow his partner to catch up. She had to jog to draw even with the hunter, then fell into step next to him. When she did, she threw a glance over her shoulder and whispered, "Wow."
"I told you. Sekha's cunning and treacherous."
"Somehow, hearing about it didn't do her justice." She nodded to the datachip he'd taken from the holopanel. "And what was all that about a Class Six bounty we have to hunt down?"
"Conventionally," he explained, "bounties are arranged into categorical classes from one to ten. One means they're not dangerous at all and the bounty's a cheap-ass milk run. Ten means they're extremely dangerous and that no bounty hunters are expected to return from the contract, no matter how good they are. Hunters like Boba Fett almost exclusively hunt Class Ten bounties."
"And this new guy is a Class Six?"
"Right."
Jay sighed and glanced over her shoulder again. The Twi'lek guards were following at a more sedate pace, glaring at them and ensuring the hunters left in a timely fashion. They were very clearly not wanted here any longer. She had no desire to stay any longer than necessary anyway.
"So who is he? The guy we're hunting now, I mean."
"I'll tell you when we get back to the ship. In the meantime, we need to grab our weapons and get the hell out of here."
"You sound as tense as I feel."
"I don't like it here. Brings back… bad memories."
"Of your time working with Sekha?"
He didn't answer right away. When he spoke, his voice was slow and cautious as if he was carefully measuring each word as he spoke. "I did some questionable things before I was a freelance hunter. There's a reason I won't formally sign on with any organization any more."
She didn't like the sound of that. "And here I thought you were just an independent spirit."
"I was. Once." He offered no clarification or further comment.
The conversation was clearly over, and Vhetin once again picked up his pace. Jay hung back for a moment, fished in her jacket pocket, and pulled out the datachip Sekha had given her. The little piece of tech glittered in the illumination of the overhead lamps. It felt heavier than it should, and Jay found her lip curling at the very sight of it.
After meeting with Sekha, she was sure she never wanted to work for any corrupt criminal kingpin, no matter how immoral and murderous the actual bounty was. She'd become a bounty hunter to punish the guilty and corrupt. But she wouldn't work for one murderer to bring another to justice.
So, as they passed a garbage incinerator – the sealed interior currently heated to over four thousand degrees – Jay pulled back the lid and tossed the chip inside. The lid slammed shut and she jogged after her partner and didn't look back.