Private On the Prowl

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Tatooine, Freetown

The Cantina was quiet.

Under normal circumstances that usually meant that it was peaceful day in Freetown formerly known as Mos Pelgo but to Lance, peace meant less credits in his pocket. He observed the desolate Cantina a spice stick stuck in the corner of his mouth. Elbows leaning against the table far away from the few patrons who occupied the area. With the Silver Jedi Order disbanding, it meant the clone unit who once served to take care of the Bryn'daul threat were out of the job. Kaminoans didn't want anything to do with the Sliver Clone Army which meant they were an army without a banner to rally behind. Thankfully the Slivers allowed the Clones to join them as they dispersed all over the Galaxy many followed them, but Lance decided to strike out on his own travelling the Outer Rim doing Bounty Hunting contracts.

He eventually landed on Tatooine, where he got a contract in taking out a minor Hutt. The contract was easy to fulfill, the Hutt in question was a cheapskate who relied on Clone War era Droids and as security. Yet Lance's actions eventually reached the ears of the mayor of Freetown who offered Lance a job as Sheriff. Lance was hesitant, wanting to work independent but the mayor paid well, and the townsfolk were desperate to keep their independence having won it from a Damiyo. The Clone continued to take a drag on his spice stick while the Duros Bartender: Helio Dos slid him a datapad. "Sheriff," he said wiping a dirty glass. "You got a message from the Mayor, he got a job for ya."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

Dreidi was visiting Tatooine once again, what drew her here was beyond her. The planet was not her ideal location, it was hot, a desert and it was impossible to wear her usual attire without completely melting and potentially dying due to heatstroke.

So, she tried a different style of outfit, something that would allow her to cope with the intense heat of the twin suns. She brought Grisial with her, the crystal fox was coping better than she was with the heat, the suns made his crystals glisten and sparkle. It was very pretty to see the prism sparkles and effects that he caused when wandering outside in the sunlight.

However, she needed to quench her thirst and Freetown was a nearby location that she was loosely visiting. Heading over to the cantina, Dreidi breathed in the cool air of the cantina deeply. It was pleasant as she wandered over to the bartender, she looked over the drinks that were offer.

"Something non-alcoholic please." Dreidi requested as she petted Grisial, leaning against the bar, looking around the place.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"From the mayor?" Lance asked taking a drag of his cigar before reading the datapad. "So basically, he wants to meet him in his office? Sounds like a waste when he can just call me."

"He said is pretty important," Helio said. "Better go, you know how the Mayor is."

Lance shook his head as a young woman sat next to him with a crystal at her feet. She was ordering something non-alcoholic while Helio gave a curt nod and started to make some non-alcoholic Jawa Juice. "Hey, you," Lance said noticing her Lightsaber. "You a Jedi? We don't get any Force Sensitives here, you from the Silvers?"

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

She paid the bartender and took a small gulp of the drink, refreshing herself. As she did, an older man approached her and she looked over to him. He instantly asked about her being a Jedi and where she was from.

"I am a Jedi. Not from the Silver Jedi Order." Dreidi stated, she didn't even know if they were still an active order since she had not seen them in a long time. Most Jedi she knew now were a part of the Galactic Alliance and the New Jedi Order, or came from a small enclave on a remote world, like Jakku.

As she spoke, Grisial rose from his curled position into a upright, sat position, looking up to the stranger. "Why are you asking?" Dreidi asked, unsure what to expect, some in the galaxy were not a fan of Jedi, seeing Force Users as the ones causing war and strife in the galaxy. She was hoping to avoid any issues.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"You just got vibe on you," Lance answered taking a brief swig of his beverage. "Like the I'm here to save everyone out of the goodness of my heart and that chit. Besides you're Lightsaber is dangling on your hip."

He chuckled pulling out a cigar and sticking it in his mouth. "I'm Lance," he said lighting his cigar and puffing out in the ceiling. "I'm the Sheriff of Freedom Town. It's my job to sniff out any strangers who pass by this humble abode."

The Jedi in question looked cute in a goth sort of way. Her getup reminded Lance of a cliched Pirate that seen in the Holotelevision though he kept that to himself. "So who are you?" Lance asked looking down at her companion. "What's your business around these parts? We don't get visitors unless they're raiders looking for an easy target. A couple shots by me usually deters them."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

"Not everyone who carries a Lightsaber is a Jedi." Dreidi pointed out, "seems like you are the one who saves everyone around here so clearly my skills aren't needed." She was waiting to see what he was seeking from her, the approach he had seemed like someone who was wanting something. Her experiences in the past also taught her that those who were asking about her being a Jedi were wanting a Jedi for one reason or another.

"Sniff out strangers? Sounds like a good way to scare off any visitors..." Dreidi commented, "I get needing to sniff out raiders or criminals but just anyone who isn't local seems a bit excessive, does it not?" She asked as Grisial just remained still and observed the two interacting. He was being cautious since he did not wish to upset the stranger and was not sure how trigger happy this sheriff might be.

She shrugged, "Dreidi." Giving a short answer, "not here for trouble, just exploring Tatooine and this town was nearby so I thought I would refresh here." Gesturing to her drink, "but I believe someone said you had to go report to the mayor. So might be best to not leave the man hanging?"

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"Normally I would just kill em all," Lance smiled continuing to bite on his cigar. "But things are a little complicated." Lance liked it when things were black and white. It was easier to make a quick decision which was always his blaster pistol. However, life is always filled with shades of grey much to Lance's frustration.

"We got a Damiyo who doesn't seem to get the message," Lance continued. "Freedom town used to be under his control but after the people rose up against the Damiyo with my help, he retreated to Mos Eisley swearing revenge."

Lance leaned closer to Dreidi. "Since then, the people have chosen me to be their sheriff," he continued. "And we've been wary of strangers even if they happen to be Jedi. This Damiyo is gonna strike with everything he's got, and as much as It pains to say it, I won't be enough to defend these good people so...."

He worked with Jedi in the past, they don't turn down a chance to defend the downtrodden. If Dreidi was as a Jedi as she said, she should jump at the opportunity. "Why don't you help me out?" Lance asked. "I don't if it's fate that bought you here or some chit, but we're gonna need some serious firepower. I can pay you if you desire?"

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

"Normally you just kill all the strangers?" Dreidi tilted her head, sure she had misunderstood what he was saying, there was no way this guy just killed those who were unfamiliar.

Seemed like a way to ensure a town turned into a ghost town within a few decades. Especially since that mentality would scare off even the most die hard locals.

He mentioned a Daimyo which seemed to be mean some sort of crime lord. Distasteful and blackmailing the town into submission was something that Dreidi did not like the sound of. She gazed over to this sheriff and shrugged her shoulders, "if you need a Jedi to help you then I can offer my services." Dreidi was not looking to be fighting or taking down criminal organisations but it seemed the Force had other ideas for how she could spend her day.

Shifting off the barstool, Dreidi shook her head, "I don't need any payments. That isn't why I help others in need." Dreidi remained firm in her tone as Grisial moved to his feet and stood beside her. "Taking me to meet this mayor of yours then or we heading off?" She decided to let him led the way since this was a situation she had little in the way of knowledge. She was merely going off faith and the Force that she was helping the right person in this situation and not assisting a town of criminals into killing an actual law abiding citizen.

But that seemed more unlikely the more she thought about it.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"I knew I can count on someone like you," Lance said. "The Jedi are always eager to lend a hand like I keep telling you Helio."

The bartender guffawed. "You know how things are these days Lance," he said resuming to cleaning his glass. "Folks are always looking for ways to benefit themselves."

"But not the Jedi," Lance said smiling. "I've constantly worked with them back in the day and lemme tell ya, these guys make a cynical man like me believe in miracles."

A bit cheesy but Lance always did respect the Jedi and stuck with them until they no longer needed, he and his brothers' services. "Jedi and I were as thick as thieves," Lance said before motioning Dreidi. "Come on Jedi let's get to the Mayor, I'm sure she'll talking my ear off on how I run things on this town."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

Dreidi tilted her head and watched this sheriff talk about her and the Jedi in ways she was not sure how she thought about. There was a lot of assumptions and stereotyping of Jedi that Dreidi was not in agreement about. While the Jedi were there to help people and ensure the safety and peace of everyone, they didn't just agree to help anyone.

As a Witch of Dathomir, even fewer of them were less inclined to assist others and were more insular types who sought to ensure the safety and peace of their own clans and the planet. This mindset wasn't one that Dreidi subscribed to as well as the fact that, she did not enjoy just being called Jedi. "My name is Dreidi. Don't need to just keep calling me Jedi." Dreidi stated firmly as she watched him and slowly followed him.

Grisial walked and once they left the cantina, his crystals glistened and sparkled in the intense sunlight.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"Of course, of course!" Lance said getting up but not before finishing his drink. Dreidi was straight and to the point. For a young woman, she definitely seen a lot of things in her life. Adjusting his belt, Lance exited the cantina heading straight for the Mayor's office. "So where you from Dreidi?" Lance asked as he walked through the small yet bustling crowd of people. "You look a lot different compared to the other Jedi I worked with back in the day."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

Dreidi followed his lead, "Dathomir." She stated simply, though she could call many places her home. There was Kashyyyk which was the world she was born on, Naboo was where she had been trained as a Jedi on and there Coruscant had been home for a few years. However, Dathomir was home for her now and it would be for the foreseeable future. She was still constructing her enclave there but she was going to be building a home that would teach both Witches and Jedi. Her attempt to bring some sort of peace and harmony to the two aspects of her life.

"Well, not every Jedi looks the same. I am sure not every sheriff looks the same either." Dreidi mentioned, she was not openly revealing she was a Dathomir Witch to someone whom she did not know the reaction of that fact would be. She was being careful and keeping her cards close to her chest as she move through the crowd with ease. "What makes you feel like I am different to other Jedi?"

Curious to see what his answer would be.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"I mean that's true," Lance shrugged. "Not all Jedi think alike, but they share the same hate for the Sith or anyone who dares harm the innocent." Jedi couldn't help themselves protecting the weak though methods varied depending on the Jedi.

He chuckled when Dreidi mentioned that she was from Dathomir. "Damn look at me," Lance said. "It seems that I can't get away from the witches of Dathomir. I kinda figured that you were one based off the tattoos, but the Lightsaber gave me pause."

Lance smirked. "I've travelled with a Dathomir witch before," he said. "Turns out some of them ain't bad folks. As for you, combining magick with the Force is something that's interesting to see. Never seen a Jedi Witch before but the question is: You think your order will accept such a hybrid? The Jedi have grown so much over the past centuries, but they still harbor prejudices against certain abilities."

He then shrugged. "Personally, I don't give a chit what powers and abilities you use," Lance said. "As long as you're serving the side of justice, you're cool in my book."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

She laughed, "who said I was a witch? Merely coming from Dathomir does not make one a witch." Dreidi pointed out, she was not keen on revealing all about her skills and life, "the Jedi have spellweavers and those with ties to much darker origins than the witches of Dathomir." There were those with stronger ties to the Sith and Dark Side of the Force than the Nightsisters, a branch of witches and not even a true representation of the coven as a whole.

"My family are Jedi, I choose to live on Dathomir due to the fact that I wish to instil more positive relations between the natives of Dathomir and the Jedi." Nothing that Dreidi was saying was false. She was just fairly choosing her phrases and the desires that she had.

Dreidi looked over to the sheriff, "all people hold prejudices, but as long as you preserve with good intentions to change the perspective of those prejudices then you will be able to make changes in people's mindsets." Dreidi stated, she was not sure how most Jedi viewed her ways but she did not fret over it since she was doing the best she could for the good of all.

No one could state she was acting in a manner unbefitting of a Jedi Knight.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"Let's just say there's a pattern," Lance shrugged chuckling. "Never knew that Jedi were connected to magick so much, I always got the impression that they despised it."

They approached the Mayor's house and Lance's eyes had narrowed on three Speeder Bikes parked near the entrance. "What's this?" Lance muttered. "I don't recognize those vehicles, they're definitely from another city."

The paint job on the bikes suggested that they were a gang of sorts. A symbol of a flaming Basilisk was on the front. Lance stared at Dreidi. "I don't like it," He said. "Could be gangsters trying to perform a shakedown, just be ready for anything."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

"Understanding other Force Cultures and learning how to respect them is important. We are Jedi, our jobs is to help others and maintain the peace." Dreidi stated firmly, "if we refuse to learn more about others, we are doomed to misinterpret things and miscommunicate our ideals and beliefs. Which will only lead to conflict and suffering." She refused to foster strained relationships between the Jedi and other Force cultures.

Noting the speeder bikes, Dreidi didn't think much since the bikes were likely one of the most common forms of transport on Tatooine since they were fast and compact enough that they didn't need much space to park. Which was a cost some would struggle to afford for a larger vehicle. Dreidi placed her hands on her hips, "maybe, could also be a casual group with an interest in art."

She wasn't confident in her answer mostly due to the fact that Tatooine tended to draw in a lot of criminals and smuggler types.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

"I appreciate the optimism Dreidi," Lance responded with a chuckle. "But that ain't how things work in the Outer Rim." For once, Lance hoped that Dreidi was right and that it was just artist but gangs in Tatooine love art and would gladly show off their colors to inhabitants as pride, intimidation or both. As soon as Lance opened the door to the Mayor's office, his fears were proven right.

"Listen Foor!" A dark-skinned human accompanied by a large Weequay male and a Twileak female growled to the Duros male. "If you don't give up Tanson soon, I'm going to get my friends and we'll be burning up this town."

"The hell you will," the group turned to see Lance and Dreidi as Lance placed his hand on 100 coffins. "I'm the Sherriff around these parts," Lance said. "You shaking down the Mayor? Well you and I are already off to a bad start."

"Lance!" Mayor Foor said. "Let's stand down, let's not get into a shootout."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

Dreidi entered the mayor's office after Lance and looked around, it seemed to be a scene out of a holoflick, and not necessary one she would considered was a good one. Her eyes flickered around the room, "who... or what, is Tanson?" Dreidi asked since it was clearly something important to the bikers and depending on what it was, Dreidi was inclined to give it back.

Better to just defuse the situation and provide them with what they want, than escalate the issue with unnecessary violence.

She raised her hands to show she was not reaching for any weapon at all, "let's figure out a way that everyone can be happy here. Just a civil conversation and see what the issues are here." Dreidi spoke in a calm, gentle tone, not wishing to create bigger scene than was absolutely necessary.

 

[Lancer "Deadlock" Inek]

Sheriff Outfit
100 Coffins
Deadeye

Lance and Foor exchanged uneasy glances when Dreidi questioned about Tanson. "I knew that guy was nothing but trouble," Lance thought. "Should've left him to the Tusken Raiders."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lance said curtly. "But I don't appreciate you or comrades being a little..... aggressive towards the Mayor."

The dark-skinned man spat bitterly on the floor. "So you're Deadlock eh?" He said. "The one who killed Balbor the Hutt? Who took out the Tatooine Pyke Syndicate? You got a price on your head."

"I bet it's high enough to feed a small planet," Lance smiled.

"It's enough to buy out a fracking star system!" The man responded. "I should kill you now but I got bigger fish to fry like Tanson."

He turned to Dreidi. "None of your business," he stated bluntly before locking eyes with the mayor. "I know he's here, If you don't bring him to me, I'm going to get my friends and we'll be burning this town!"

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Tatooine, Freetown
Outfit: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow
Tag: Lancer "Deadlock" Inek

She sighed since the conversation was not going anywhere productive. All she learned was that this sheriff who approached her had a high priced bounty on his head. Nothing that she hadn't heard of, many Jedi ended up with a massive bounty upon their heads. Placing her hands on her as Dreidi let out a frustrated sigh.

"Don't start a fight you can't win." Dreidi muttered, "lets skip the threatening and making demands, lets cut to the chase. This mayor is probably giving you no one and doing nothing you want because this sheriff is going to shoot you down as soon as you leave here for threatening his town. So, you are going to die, your gang is going to die and Tanson remains where he is."

"Or, you could apologise for threatening the innocent lives around here and we can figure out something that works out for both parties here." Dreidi figured she might as well try and act as a meditator and find what worked for both sides here since she had no clue why they wanted Tanson so much.