Dusty Dustbowl

[Catherine Romanov]

Ahh Tatooine, the desert dustbowl of a planet. A dry sandy planet that was brown all over and had sand, rocky mountains and more sand. It was pretty incredulous to think that it was once a green world with world-spanning jungles and large oceans full of marine life. But after the ancient Rakata ravaged the planet and now with its two suns, the planet had been reduced to a nothing more than a desolate desert wasteland.

Catherine was seated in the bowels of Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina. For what, she had no karking clue. She was swirling a glass of Sarlaac's Kicker absentmindedly in her hands. It was a popular drink here in Chalmun's, and she just had to try it. It then dawned on her. She was here to meet someone. But who, that she could not recall. Oh well, as for that, only time will tell.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

It had been days since Amora was able to sit in one spot for more than five minutes without thinking she was being watched. Her paranoia was being built on the foundation of trying to rob a rather observant man with goons of hire in the market. Normally something as simple as just an attempted robbery wouldn't cause a man to crave the head of the thief, but he was clearly an exception. It wasn't as if her actions were directed at him as a personal attack, he was just an obvious outsider in the nation of outlaws- an easy target she thought.

Though she was sure he had fled the area by then the thought of the slight possibility he might still be looking for her gnawed at her sanity. Why would he waste his time? She was nothing compared to the violent people that took residence there. Still, she worried.

The sounds of Amora's boots hitting the dried soil fell into a rhythm as she followed her all-so-familiar path to the cantina. As usual she kept the hood of her thin cloak pulled securely over the mass of hair that cascaded from her head. The mess wasn't at its worst but it wasn't exactly something she wanted to show off either, only allowing what couldn't be tucked into the hood to be shown. Once her eyes caught sight of the tavern her pace began to speed up just a bit, she couldn't wait to dive into the sweet embrace of ale.

As always the thief was greeted with the wonderful sounds of drunken arguments and laughter. The combination of that and the alcohol always put a warm feeling in her stomach, making her feel truly at home. Excited feet led her to the bar where she knew she would find a drink to... obtain.

Though she did have enough to pay for the drink, she really didn't want to. Why would she waste her credits on something she could just as easily take from someone else? She wouldn't. The cloaked thief practically skipped her way around the bar looking for the perfect opportunity to snatch someone else's mug. A rather oblivious-looking couple caught her eye. The male of the pair had his eyes set on the woman he was with, and his gaze wasn't shifting a bit. It'd be the easiest drink she ever earned.

As swiftly as she could manage, Amora walked past the pair and slid her arm behind the man before gripping onto the mug with her long fingers. It had barely been touched and would serve her well as her first drink for the day. Quickly she moved the mug in front of her body and held onto with both hands. The last thing she wanted was to spill the one thing she had craved for two days.

Not feeling the need to slip away into the crowd she took her seat on one of the empty stools that surrounded the bar, but made sure it wasn't directly beside anyone. The last thing she wanted was to strike up a conversation with someone she didn't know.

[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

A hooded figure appeared at the door. She recognised the slight figure to be that of a young woman. That certainly piqued her attention. Catherine noted the woman's apprehensive and stealthy behaviour, watching her slink about, slipping in and out around the crowd. She disappeared from view for a brief moment, but promptly reappeared with a drink in hand. She muttered to herself. "A thief, huh. Interesting. Seen plenty of these types before."

With nothing else to keep her interest on, she kept her eyes on the girl as she navigated through the crowd, cradling the stolen drink in her hands. The girl settled in an empty seat two seats away from her. Catherine kept her eyes on the hooded girl, eyes brimming with curiosity, not attempting to hide her intention of looking at her at all.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

The seat she had chosen was not at all comfortable, it forced her to shift several times before she was settled enough to relax. The mug she had picked up was now resting on the bar top as she thief adjusted her clothing. Amora lifted the thin hood of her cloak and slid it off her hair. Her fingers found their way to the mess as she began to comb it out in a careless manner. She would have just left it alone had it not been bothering her by getting in her face.

Too many times before her hair had slipped out from under its hiding place and into her ale as she leaned over the bar for what ever purpose, she wasn't going to let that happen again. It only took her a moment to comb it out enough for her to feel comfortable and move it all over her left shoulder, the black locks falling nearly to her abdomen.

Once she was fully situated she wrapped her hand around the cool mug and lifted it to her lips. Slowly she tilted it back, not wanting to make a fool of herself by spilling it all over her clothes. The bitter liquid cascaded over her tongue and down her throat, leaving a trail of warmth behind it. Immediately after she lowered the mug to breathe her taste buds began to dance and beg for more. Of course, she wasn't about to let them down. Amora only allowed herself one short breath before bringing the drink to her lips again.

For a moment she found herself lost in the sweet embrace of the beverage, unaware of anything happening around her. It would have stayed that way too if an awful burning in the side of her head hadn't interrupted her. The burning sensation was caused by the paranoia of being watched, and that's what she tried to tell herself that is was. Just her being paranoid. There was no reason to look, she didn't want to look.

She had to look. As discreetly as she could she tried to find a way to glace over to see if someone was staring at her without looking too suspicious. The thief casually swept some of her hair behind her left ear so that it wouldn't obstruct her peripheral vision. Her eye caught the glimpse of someone sitting two spots down from her. Ignoring her attempt at trying to look without actually looking, Amora turned her head to meet the staring gaze of the woman.

Her own eyes narrowed a bit and her face set in a frustrated look. Why was she staring? It wasn't as if it was her the thief had taken from. "Can I help you?" she practically growled.


[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

The hooded girl removed her hood revealing a mess of raven-coloured hair. She proceeded to adjust her hair before starting on her beverage. What a sight that was. Catherine had never quite seen anyone drink ale like that. Something that had always been a straightforward task for her turned out into quite a spectacle for her indeed. She looked she was in a trance. Maybe, just maybe that ale had a special ingredient in it, most notably, spice. Suddenly aware, the girl spun around, growling if she could be of assistance.

Catherine smiled in return, crossing her legs before leaning forward and replying "You seem like a mighty fine character. Just who are you? Might you be the contact? You certainly look interesting enough to be the one."

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

The attitude in her voice wasn't intentional, and she regretted it once the words hit her own ears. Amora really didn't want or need to cause trouble with someone who could possibly kill her without even trying. If the sharpness in her tone were to offend the woman she wouldn't have any real way to defend herself outside of running or wildly swinging her fists around. She knew that, yet she never seemed to watch her tone.

The way the woman's eyes were trailing over the thief made her uncomfortable. It took everything she had not to let her nervousness show, but when she spoke the words didn't help. Amora's eyes widened when she said she seemed like a "mighty fine character." Her immediate thoughts consisted of the woman possibly being on the look out for slaves, something the girl was definitely not going to let happen to her. Her eyes narrowed again and she gritted her teeth before responding, "Interesting?! What do I look like to you? And what the-"

Amora cut herself off before she could say anything that might get her in trouble. The girl took a deep breath and another long drink of her ale before turning her attention back to the stranger, "I have no idea who you're looking for, but it isn't me. I'm just here for a drink."

Her tone was flat due to her attempt to keep the attitude out of it. What sort of contact could the woman be talking about anyway? It wasn't like there were many worth while people in the area, most were just dangerously scummy mercenaries for hire- or thieves.


[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

Catherine gave the girl another smile. This was more of a empathetic one, than the one filled with curiosity earlier on. She hopped over to the seat beside the girl, lifting her drink and setting it down on the counter in its new position. Cath introduced herself, pointing at herself, "I'm Catherine, you can call me Cath for short. And you are?" She did a air-pistol gesture, before proceeding to blow off imaginary smoke. She then offered the girl her drink "Interested? I'm not a fan of this. Sarlaac's Kicker can kiss a steaming pile of bantha poodoo."

Previous signs of curiosity in her eyes were replaced with ones of warmth and understanding. She said "So you're not my contact I guess. There's no need to be afraid, I'm no baddie nor am I a meanie.This is Mos Eisley, a wretched hive of scum and villany. What could a young girl like you be doing in a place like this, unharmed to say the least." Catherine shifted into a more comfortable seating position, allowing space for the heavy blaster holster she always carried on her hip. She continued "Don't you have any family or friends? I know what its like to be alone, I had been travelling all alone all by me loneself until I met my new found family, the Mandalorians.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

The woman who had been staring at Amora was getting stranger by the second. The thief was almost completely sure she was drunk. She went on to introduce herself as Catherine, wanting an introduction from the girl in return but came up empty then offered her drink. Amora knew her own expression had to be exploding with confusion, why would any stranger willingly give up their drink to another unless they had some sort of ulterior motive? They wouldn't.

The thief eyed the drink then shook her head slightly, the thought that it might be drugged crossed her mind and there was no way she'd be willing to take the chance. Cath was proving her initial thought that she might be a slaver, which made Amora even more uncomfortable. Her eyes would dart around them in an almost repetitious manner to plan out her escape if things went sour.

When her assumptions that the thief was alone arose Amora couldn't help but be a bit irritated. Wasn't it obvious she had the city running through her veins? "I'm unharmed because I've been here my entire life. With my family. I'm not alone," the seriousness in her voice was intentional. She wanted the potential slaver to know for a fact that people would come looking for her, that it wouldn't be easy to sweep her away without a trace. Even if that wasn't completely true.

All she really had left was her mother. A woman who couldn't do much more than bribe people not to hurt her, but that wasn't information Cath needed to know. Amora brought her mug to her lips again and finished off the last bit of the bitter ale and pushed the empty glass away from her on the bar. She wasn't satisfied and she wanted more to drink, but there wasn't much she could do when there was a woman whose eyes were glued on her.

[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

Catherine noticed the apprehensiveness of the girl. She must have many dark secrets hiding in her. It was not her job to pry, and she certainly wasn't going to...yet. She replied "So you have a family? Do you even know what that means? I don't think you do." With a flick of her hair, Catherine continued, "If you have a family, why would you be out here drinking alone?" "Oh and if were thinking that I am a slaver, you couldn't be further from the truth.

She crossed her arms and said I'm no slaver, never was a slaver, and don't intend to ever be one. I do bounty hunting from time-to-time yes, but only on high-value targets. I wouldn't consider you be one. So how about ease up on the tension now, aye?" And with that, Catherine waved the bartender over with a brief wave, and ordered another mug of ale for girl.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

Amora had never really considered drinking with her mother, she probably would refuse it anyway. Rayana was one for alcohol, she preferred to stay on her toes and be able to run away with stumbling over at any given moment. Besides, the thief enjoyed drinking alone. There would be no one there to try and convince her to actually buy her own booze or to distract her while she listened in on conversations. It was always good to know what was happening around the area, and the cantina was a perfect place to pick up on a rumor here and there.

The thief's confusion of the woman continued to grow when it seemed like she had just flat out read her mind. How could she possibly tell what she was thinking of her? Maybe she got it often.. if she went around looking at other people like that it was very possible that this wasn't the first time she had been accused.

A bounty hunter eh? What sort of contact would she be expecting to meet then? One with credits for sure... the thought rang in her head. She couldn't help it. Any time the chance or thought of a change to rid someone of their belongings came up she got the overwhelming feeling that she needed to make it happen.

A smile crept its way onto her lips when the woman bought her another drink. Now she was speaking her language, "Ah there ya go, next time open with that." As her drink was placed in front of her and she grabbed onto the cold glass her brain played back what Cath had said, "You never know, I could be worth something. Maybe I'm a target for some huge organization out there and you just haven't heard it yet," her tone was more playful this time, but still a little irked. Why did she just assume Amora wasn't worth anything? That was quite offensive to the thief.

[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

Catherine shot a curious glance back at the girl, looking her up and down. Curiousness turned into doubt. "You, worth something? ... unless you've some special ability or something, there's no way you could be a high-profile target."

She crossed and uncrossed her legs before continuing "Besides I've hunted or have been involved in many high-profile targets hunts in the past, and they all have the same characteristics more-or-less. You moreover display none." "You wouldn't want to be seen in public as well, no self-preserving target would do that, not even low-valued ones, unless they were extremely confident in their abilities to defend themselves." There are plenty of bounty hunters out there, and none of them are as friendly as me.

Catherine waggled her finger at the girl as she said "You've got a lot to learn, if you want to survive." She proceeded to lean over, whispering "Plus, if you were indeed a high-value target, trust me , we would no longer be sitting here talking, you would have other hunters on you that moment you entered the cantina.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

Amora scoffed at the girl before bringing the full mug of ale to her lips and taking a few hardy chugs before setting it back down. To her the sarcasm in her voice before was obvious, but apparently it wasn't. "I was only kidding. If I actually was anyone's target I wouldn't hint at it anyway." The thief eyed the woman for a moment. She let her gaze trial to the weapon she kept holstered on her side.

"So why are you here? You don't live here and I'm sure there aren't many people worth your time here. You said something about a contact, but are you sure they told you to meet them on this awful planet?"

The thief waved her hand holding the mug of ale around her indicating the area. There were more than enough disgusting men and desperate women draping themselves all over each other in every corner of the building. More than one small fight broke out just while the two women had been talking and four people had already been escorted out of the building. She had to admit that things seemed to be a bit worse that day than they did most others, but it proved her point. The entire planet was the same way. The Hutt Cartel caused a number of problems and it was next to impossible to keep anything worth value considering their awful thief problem.

[member="Catherine Maxwell"]

 

[Catherine Romanov]

Yep. Catherine nodded in reply to the question posed by the girl. "I was told to meet someone here in this karked up cantina. But it seems like I have apparently been stood up. Oh well, the job prospects are not really looking very interesting anyway. There's nothing weird about this place, it's where this sort of people hang out." She did another pistol gesture, before firing it at the girl's face, imitating a pistol sound. "If those scum get a little to close for comfort, a blaster to the face usually scares them away. Besides, being a Mando, this is nothing." With a firm gesture, she indicated for the barkeep to pour another mug of ale for the girl. "So what are you up to usually? Apart from slinking around, and pilfering items. Ever looked to get off this dustbowl of a planet?"

Job or not, Catherine cared no longer, now she had something else to keep her occupied.

[member="Amora Jade"]

 

[Amora Jade]

When Cath did her pistol motion again Amora couldn't help but flinch and look at her strangely. This woman was like no other she had come in contact with. Most of them weren't near as confident about talking to a stranger, but then again she really never talked to any.

She knew how to speak her language too, more ale and the thief was a happy girl. It took a lot of effort not to chug the entire mug all at once, she wanted to so badly but she needed to keep her wits about her. Her face grew hot at the mention of her stealing. Damn.

"Didn't realize you saw that," she cleared her throat and sat up straight before continuing, "I uh... well... That's what I do. I drink, and I make my living by.. pilfering things."

Amora took a few long gulps of the bitter ale then looked back at Cath, "I never thought about leaving, this is my home. This is where I belong and I'm comfortable." The thief was sure she didn't need to leave. Besides, the thought of hurling through space at impossible speeds made her uncomfortable.

[member="Catherine Maxwell"]