Following Guli Gena's guidance, Amir focused the Force on a specific region of his brain, allowing its energy to flow in a steady rhythm and
Following Guli Gena's guidance, Amir focused the Force on a specific region of his brain, allowing its energy to flow in a steady rhythm and deepen his connection in that area.
"Well? Do you feel like your mind is entering a strange realm?" Guli Gena asked.
Amir continued concentrating. After a few attempts, he felt something unusual—though not quite the vivid experience Guli Gena had described.
"There's something… but not as distinct as you said." Amir paused, but deep down, he didn't intend to let Guli Gena use the Force to search for Lango again.
First, he had too many doubts—about the sense of being watched she'd mentioned, and the fact that the Empire was actively hunting him. These things made him cautious about her using the Force again.
Second, the ability itself was far too unpredictable. It was unlikely to pinpoint Lango's exact location. Maybe it could reveal a few clues, but nothing decisive.
So Amir resolved to learn it himself, though the results so far were minimal.
According to Guli Gena's own experience, the ability was faint at first—but she had already sensed vague premonitions early in her training, unlike Amir.
Still, he decided to keep practicing. Meanwhile, he'd investigate local leads in this star system.
After loading the equipment onto Harke's ship, Amir boarded the Traveler.
He asked Harke for a few systems where intel might be gathered, then set off.
This region of the galaxy was notoriously distrustful of outsiders. Any unregistered ship would face thorough inspections.
It was a security measure against the Empire or other threatening forces. And recently, tensions had risen—the Empire seemed to be preparing for military activity.
Still, every system had a few planets or cities where authorities turned a blind eye—places teeming with bounty hunters, pirates, and fugitives.
Amir decided to head for one of those.
Once in hyperspace, the trip was quick.
Soon he found himself above a dusty yellow planet.
Locking in coordinates, the Traveler entered the atmosphere, descending toward a small oasis nestled in the stony desert.
After landing at the port, Amir slung his pack over his shoulder and walked into the remote town.
Though unimpressive on the surface, this was one of the most active hubs for underworld activity in the entire sector—a good place to gather intel.
And the best place for information was always the cantina.
He made his way toward the town center, where a large domed building stood out among the modest structures. Its rounded rooftops and smooth, sand-colored walls gave it a distinctive look.
Pulling the edge of his hood lower, Amir quietly entered.
Every visit to a cantina reminded him of the galaxy's sheer diversity.
The place was filled with species he'd never seen before.
Alongside the regional oddities were more common sentients: Humans, Ishi Tib, Rodians, Twi'leks—all mingling together.
The interior stood in stark contrast to the rough exterior.
The white stone flooring and smooth slab tables gave the disheveled patrons an oddly clean appearance.
Amir headed straight for the bar and ordered a fruit juice.
Glancing at his wrist device, he considered modifying the spider drone to add an audio surveillance function. In small cantinas, it was easy to eavesdrop—but here, with the wide open space, he'd need help to pick up useful conversations.
A server approached.
"Can I help you with anything?" asked a dark-skinned Human wearing a distinctive black-and-red headscarf.
"I'm looking for some information," Amir replied, surprised by the offer. The fact they welcomed such requests hinted that information brokering might be part of the operation.
"Right this way," the server said, clearly familiar with this kind of business. He gestured for Amir to follow him into the back.
Grabbing his drink, Amir followed him into a private room.
There, seated calmly, was a Togruta woman.
Like Ahsoka's species, she had long montrals and striped red-and-white lekku. Her forehead bore hanging decorations—teeth, bits of metal, and other trinkets.
"I'm Greeta Berri, owner of this place," she said, motioning for Amir to sit.
"Amir. I'm hoping you can help me find some information."
"Then you came to the right place. I have the latest and most complete intel in this entire sector," Greeta said with a smile.
Amir took a sip of his juice and looked around. He noticed no guards or security systems.
Instead, his gaze settled on the teeth hanging from her forehead.
"I've heard the finest Togruta warriors hunt akul and wear their teeth as trophies."
Greeta chuckled, gently touching one of the fangs. "Yes, that was a long time ago. But this one is still my pride."
She didn't need bodyguards—she was the bodyguard.
"You seem to know a bit about us," she noted, referring to her species.
"I have a Togruta friend."
"Our people rarely leave their tribes. We prefer to live together in community."
"But that doesn't include you, does it?"
Greeta laughed. "I do enjoy traveling. But who wouldn't want to live in peace with their people on a prosperous world?"
Most Togruta were born on Shili, a grassland planet scarred by war. During the Clone Wars, their people had been enslaved on a massive scale.
"Of course. That's my dream too," Amir said honestly. Visiting exotic worlds for leisure was one thing; wandering them to survive was something else entirely.
"I like you," Greeta said, grinning. "But that doesn't mean you get a discount."
"Business is business," Amir replied, smiling back.
"I want records of ships that passed through here between two days ago and yesterday," he said, expanding the time window by a day.
"That's still a lot. This isn't a famous system, but even counting just the big freighters, tens of thousands pass through daily."
"The one I'm after either came from Coruscant or was heading there."
Greeta sat up straighter and glanced at a staff member by the doorway. The door was quietly shut.
She thought for a moment. "The Faruk Sector isn't as peaceful as it looks. I suspect the Empire is about to make a move."
"That's no secret. Anyone with a half-decent intel network knows something's coming."
"And recently, military transport ships from Coruscant have been secretly delivering... 'things' out here."
She placed heavy emphasis on the word.
"If you're thinking of targeting the Empire, don't. Too many fools have tried to steal from them lately. I don't want you to be another one."
"I'm not after loot," Amir said. "I'm looking for someone. A friend of mine disappeared out here."
-
-
-
📢 A Galaxy Far, Far Away Just Got Closer! 📢
Star Wars: Relics of the Past now has 30 chapters ahead available exclusively on Patreon! ✨🚀
Step into a saga of ancient secrets, Jedi legacies, and galactic conflict—early access is ready for all true fans of the Force. 🌌⚔️
🔗 Join here: www.patreon.com/c/MrMagnus
👤 Patreon name: SrMagnus
Thank you for your support. And remember... the Force will be with you, always. 🌠