Tomas watched patiently from shadows across the street as Zaron exited the cantina, and glanced around before proceeding to walk down the crowded streets of Atzerri. The planet's sun had just begun its descent no more than an hour ago and as a result the usual throng of shoppers, stall owners and even beggars were out in full force going about their business in the capitol's market. Once satisfied that he had given Zaron plenty of separation, Tomas began his pursuit of the wanted man. He wasn't going to let his target slip away again; this was the second ... no, third planet he had followed Zaron to since picking up the trail on Tadath. Each time he had been one step behind, with his prey either off planet on his way there by the time Tomas had discovered his next move.
Patience ..., Tomas thought to himself.
He's getting sloppy ... and slower with each move he makes. It's just a matter of time. It helped that the young hunter had had the luxury of piloting himself during this chase, where as it seemed Zaron had been forced to rely mostly on public transit and one chartered ship to get to their current location. Not only had it made it easier to trace his quarry, but the piloting skills Tomas picked up in the Navy had aided him considerably in narrowing the gap between hunter and prey.
The Navy was the past now, Tomas had to remind himself as an instance of nostalgia washed over him. Just as impersonal treatment and near anonymity had caused the pilot to drop out of the Imperial Naval Academy, personal issues had forced retirement from his most recent venture in the Vast Empire's Navy.
I'm my own man these days, Tomas thought, chastising himself for temporarily be distracted by memories of times that used to be.
Sidestepping an older woman who didn't appear to be paying attention, Tomas refocused his sights on Zoran who was just now emerging from the busy Trader's Plaza. He picked up his pace as he waded through the crowds of human and non-human beings knowing he'd have to close a bit of the distance if he was going to keep Zoran in sight.
As the pair traversed several more blocks, the crowds had slowly thinned out until only a handful of sentients spotted streets. Gone as well were the obnoxious signs attempting to lure tourists' credits from their pockets and they were replaced by a much seedier part of town. Tomas gave sidelong glances down decrepit alleyways, wary of what may lie in their shadows. Bounty hunters were looked at with great malice, killing and capturing those who have wronged some other being. Tomas did not view himself as a typical bounty hunter though, more of a lawman. This would undoubtedly restrict his job prospects down the road, and make certain tasks much more difficult than otherwise necessary. Not this time though ... Zaron was a poor soul, who had been found wanted for the murder of his brother.
What would compel any being to do such a thing? Tomas thought briefly, somewhat disgusted at the idea of such an act. He had been an only child growing up, but had had friends he would consider siblings and the thought of such betrayal revolted him.
Tomas observed his surroundings, and made a decision ... it was time to make his move. As Zaron rounded a corner, Tomas broke into a run, drawing his blaster as we went. Due to the fact that he was to bring Zaron in for trial, he had long ago set it to stun. Dropping to his knee, he fired and hit the unsuspecting man in the back. Tomas smirked as the few bystanders present watched emotionless as he cuffed his prey and propped him up as he plotted a low-key route of town to his waiting freighter and his ticket to fair chunk of credits.
[This message has been edited by
Tomas
(edited May 1, 2009
3:25:04 PM)]
