The Desert Job

[westarhunter]

The sun on this world was relentless, beating down with what seemed more like three suns than one. Trudging through the sand-dunes on the backwater planet of Argavat was a solitary figure, whose simple home weave poncho and sand mask giving little clue that one of the most dangerous bounty hunters in the galaxy was prowling the dunes. Jahantar Terus was a senior council member of the Mining Guild, a position which had made him incredibly rich and given him a long list of enemies, some of whom had decided that they wanted to settle their grievances the old-fashioned way.

The large bounty suited Jango just fine, but what had really driven him to accept the job was the challenge. By moving to Argavat it was obvious that Terus knew that someone had put a hit out and he had paid for the very best protection to try and keep himself alive. A large force of well-paid mercenaries guarded Terus' outer compound, backed up by security droids and a web of sensors that could detect and shoot down any intruding individual, let alone any ship or speeder foolish enough to approach. For the past few days he'd probed the compound for weaknesses and so far had come up frustratingly empty. Sooner or later that would change, there was always a way in.

But now the air was beginning to darken with an approaching sandstorm, a useful cover perhaps for an attempt on the compound, but he needed a rest. Sweat was pouring down the inside of the fabric veil he wore and he stopped for a moment to take a swig of water. This world felt far too hot, too much time on Kamino having softened him perhaps, if so this job was exactly what he needed to maintain his edge. What didn't kill you made you stronger, although some more kriffing cover would be a plus.

Moving into the town and through the dust filled streets like a shadow, Jango slipped in through the door of the town’s main cantina, making his way over to a corner from where he could see all of the exits and settling himself down to watch and wait. If he was lucky some of Terus security might drop by for a drink and a try with some of the hookers that the owner kept out back. That was his way in, he'd put credits on it.

At least his rugged looks and homespun garb didn't scream outsider, blending well with the other Humans, Ugnaughts, Weequay and Trandoshans who'd been brought here as indentured labourers and finally freed when the mines ran dry. Perhaps some of them might be tempted to rob a stranger on his own, but even though Jango was without his armour, the comforting weight of his Westar blasters hidden against his side was insurance against any trouble, should anyone here be foolish enough to start. It would be their funeral.