[SoNE VI] Ord Mantell - Just Another Horror (part 2)

[goatman461]

During their investigation of Fett's possible involvement in the recycling plant murders, Goatm notices a familiar look in his colleague's eyes. Officer VeR has started staring off in the distance again and Goatm knew it was only a matter of time before he started muttering to himself about war. The janitor did not look like the type interested in the philosophical discussion so Goatm decides to continue their conversation elsewhere.

“... Still, you can have no objection for my colleague taking a closer look here. I would like to have a word with you in the meantime."

Goatm and the janitor make their way back to the plant's entrance.

"I don't want to keep you from your work, where were you headed when we ran into you?"

"No work here anymore, at least for the time being. I was headed to my shop back home; you’re welcome to join me if you have more questions.”

“That’d be great. I’m sorry to hear you lost your job. Any prospects for something new?”

The janitor laughs. “Don’t worry; I’m not without a job. Very few people on Ord Mantell are ever without work to do. We’ve got a lot of service jobs available around the tourist hubs and plenty of scrap to sort through for the entrepreneurial types.”

“It must be harder though without the steady work the recycling plant brought. And your boss seemed to be an alright guy, setting up shop in the area as he did.”

“With all due respect officer, that man was a fool. This whole planet is a recycling plant. Do you think that we’re disregarding anything of value out here? There’s an entire industry of individuals picking through this ‘junk’ and putting it to good use in our shops. This planet is a working man’s paradise. No shortage of materials, no limit on what we can create, and no government leaching off our efforts.”

The janitor’s words take Goatm back to his time mining asteroids in the Outer Rim. There was a certain freedom out there that many “civilized” folks can’t understand. Was there government? No. Were there rules? You bet your greasy tauntaun there were rules. Unspoken rules. Take a man’s equipment, you die. Welch on a bet, you die. Act a fool in port, you die. Those rules had real consequences (for all but the craftiest, but even Goatm knew when not push his luck). Places like these have governments of individuals, consciences of communities, and laws based on thousands of years of hard fought customs.

“I think I know what you mean about the economy here, but if your boss’s plant was so unnecessary, why’d somebody want him dead?”

“Since when do terrorist need a reason for blowing something up?”

“Well, deranged as they are, they usually have some attenuated connection between their cause and the targets they choose. Let’s say it wasn't the Rebels; who else wanted your boss dead and why kill his family, too?”

The janitor carefully considers Goatm’s question as they move onto the street outside the factory.

“Bossman was an off-worlder, had plants and manufacturing interests all over. Maybe he made enemies there. I do know that the killers weren't from around here. I suppose it could be a tourist, but they don’t usually stray far from the casinos.”

“Why not a local? I know this place is pretty violent.”

“Yeah, it can be violent here, but it’s usually for a reason. Those that just go around killing for fun usually get shot in the back sooner or later. Nobody wants to live around scum like that. But give a man a reason to kill you and you won’t live long. Very efficient justice system here.”

“Couldn't somebody find a reason for killing your boss?”

“Not enough to kill him the way they did. I’ll admit that the bossman had it coming, but not like that.”

“How so?”

“The man didn’t understand what it meant to live on Ord Mantell. He came here wanting to make a difference, to save us from our despair, give us jobs, government, police, taxes, ‘safety.’ He didn’t understand that we didn’t want his help, that we didn’t need to live the way he did, that we could be happy the way we were. Heck, the fool wouldn’t even carry a blaster. He was either suicidal or so arrogant that he thought it was everybody else's job to protect him. But this attitude of his would only get him killed if he mouthed off to the wrong guy or walked down the wrong alley, which he didn't do. No, this definitely wasn't local.”

Goatm considers the janitor’s assessment as they turn down an alley to the janitor’s home. He has a small hut next to a scrap pile. His wife is inside putting their child to bed.

“Up ahead of you is real wealth, officer. A good roof on top of four sturdy walls, a relatively safe part of town, and a thriving business on the side. No taxman in my pocket and no policeman’s boot on my neck. I hope you can find your way back to the factory. It’s getting dark now and these streets can be tricky.”

“I’m well aware. Don’t worry; I can be pretty tricky myself. Know where a guy can get disintegrators around here?”

“Sure, the back entrance to a Hutt supplier is close by. There’s been a lot of activity there lately. Be careful.”

“Will do. Thank you for your time. You've been a lot of help.”

Goatm leaves the janitor and makes his way to a familiar franchise. This’ll be his first visit in uniform so he’ll have to be prudent; not a trait Goatm likes to entertain. Crooked Imperial officers are nothing new to the Hutts, but dropping in unannounced in uniform is frowned upon.

Up ahead, Goatm sees the guard and the entrance …

[soNE VI] Ord Mantell - 3 by

goatman461, on Flickr

but he is interrupted by a transmission from Officer VeR.

“Agent An, report back to the recycling plant. The datapad used in the murder is from a supplier on Bothawui. I’m going to leave a contingent here in case Fett is still around but I’d like us to go check out this supplier to see if Fett has returned.”

Goatm turns around. “On my way.”

“Where are you anyway?”

... to be continued

Edited October 30, 2014 by goatman461

[Aland1916]

Great junkyard with great story. And aquazone helmet!!!

[MKJoshA]

This captures the feel of Ord Mantell perfectly! When I think of Ord Mantell this is what I envision.