Gerita asked for an extremely low price, practically a favor.
She said she wouldn't give Amir a discount, but she did so anyway.
More people like this should come more often.
After paying the agreed amount in rare metals, Amir received a detailed list of ships that had visited Coruscant, along with their owners.
Three ships were highlighted.
"These three ships belong to a notorious slave trader I know. They're the most likely suspects," Gerita said.
"Where are they heading?" Amir asked, looking at the unfamiliar planet names.
"The planet Shuwo. There are three mines there, near the core of the star system."
"It's rich in rare metals and has high production rates. The rulers place great importance on this place and have even stationed military bases around it."
"That's the most troublesome part. These people often have connections with the rulers," Amir sighed.
During the Republic era, the slave trade existed in a legal gray area. In the Outer Rim, slaves were treated as ordinary commodities.
The Empire had carried out genocidal campaigns against many planets by now, and physically strong species were directly enslaved by the Empire. The Wookiees, for example, were forced into large-scale labor.
Seeing the upper echelons of the Empire lead by example, slave traders had become increasingly brazen, even collaborating with underground factions. Some Imperial officers sold Imperial prisoners at high prices or purchased laborers for the Empire's mines at low costs, reaping enormous profits in the process.
Slave activities in the Faruk Star Zone were clearly backed by the military, meaning any operation there would require preparing to face the military head-on.
"Don't even think about a peaceful resolution. Some have tried, and now they're working in the mines," Gerita warned.
"First, we need to confirm which mine friend is in."
Amir glanced at the display on his left hand. Lango's signal had vanished—his communicator had likely been disabled.
"The others don't need it, but if Lango is still alive, I swear I'll plant a tracker in his forehead," Amir thought helplessly.
"If it's this planet, I can send a ship to assist you during your operation," Gerita offered.
Amir nodded. Although he had initially hoped to use Gerita to quietly deal with his rivals, her offer was a rare act of kindness from someone he'd just met.
Gerita then briefed Amir on the intelligence regarding the three mines.
"Thank you. I'll go investigate first. I'll contact you when it's time to act," Amir said, tapping his communicator.
The entire process had gone more smoothly than expected. The first stop had yielded detailed intel. Whether it was luck or the will of the Force, he couldn't say.
Anything that couldn't be explained was the Force—no questions asked.
Just as Amir stood up, the bar door swung open.
His attention was drawn to the entrance.
A Mandalorian walked in.
The silver-white helmet with its signature T-shaped black visor and the arsenal strapped to his body left no room for doubt—this was a Mandalorian.
Amir had seen him before in the arena, where they'd fought side by side. The battle had been too intense to confirm his identity at the time.
But now, there was no doubt.
This was the Mandalorian from the holoshow The Mandalorian.
That pure silver helmet was rare—and unmistakable.
The Mandalorian didn't seem interested in resting. He scanned the room slowly, searching for someone.
Eventually, he spotted Amir.
He paused momentarily but didn't approach. Instead, he kept surveying the room like a predator tracking prey.
Most of the tavern's patrons were watching him now.
Gerita sensed the tension and was about to stand up.
Amir called out, "Over here, Mandalorian."
The Mandalorian didn't move at first, but then he turned his helmet toward Amir—like a hunter eyeing a potential threat.
"We've met before, in the arena," Amir said, walking toward him.
"I've seen a lot of people," a youthful voice replied from within the helmet.
Amir realized the Mandalorian was probably only about twenty years old.
"But not many who shoot better than you," Amir said teasingly. It wasn't entirely untrue—he had only aimed for the enemy's hands, which was harder than it looked.
The Mandalorian straightened up slightly.
"We can have another go."
"Come have a drink first," Amir said, turning back toward Gerita. The Mandalorian hesitated, then followed.
They sat down at the table. Gerita let out a breath of relief. A man loaded with weapons like that in her bar was never a comforting sight. If anything went wrong, half the tavern would be in ruins.
The waiter brought over two drinks.
Amir glanced at the Mandalorian and smirked. "By the way, you can't drink with your helmet on, can you?"
"…"
"If you're here to fight, do it outside," Amir continued, seeing he didn't answer.
Gerita rested her arms on the table and said calmly, "Don't disturb my guests' meal."
"My target isn't here," the Mandalorian replied flatly—whether he meant it or was just backing down was unclear.
Amir took a sip. "You know what a straw is, right? I've got some on my ship. I'll give you a few—consider it a gift."
The Mandalorian shifted in his seat and said with slight irritation, "So, why did you call me over?"
"Just catching up with an old friend," Amir replied smoothly. But then he had another idea. "Speaking of which… you want a job?"
The Mandalorian, who had looked ready to walk away, leaned back in his seat again.
"Tell me about it."
Amir brightened. Having someone like him on the team would make the mission far easier.
He explained the situation.
"All I need is for you to provide cover if something goes wrong. If nothing happens, you don't have to lift a finger."
"What's the pay?"
"One thousand credits. In rare metals."
It wasn't much—barely a decent payout for Coruscant—but Amir was working with what he had.
"Deal."
Amir exhaled quietly. The man didn't even haggle. Outer Rim bounty hunters must really be struggling.
Or maybe it was just this Mandalorian.
"When do we leave?"
"Now."
--------------------
You can read +100 advance chapters on my Patreon
Patreon(.)com/izan24
TIER 1 you'll get +15 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 3 you'll get +60 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 4 you'll get +100 ADVANCE CHAPTERS