Young Writers Society

"Don't be unrealistic," Tarkin scoffed. "We're in the middle of nowhere and that much money would need to be transferred in cash."

"Then I guess you will have to wait for your prisoner and hope I don't kill him in the meantime." He knew he was being difficult, but he could easily take his quarry's head and have the money from his original employer in a few days.

"Alternatively, I could call in reinforcements from nearby and have this done now." He had no such reinforcements; the nearest rebels were on Tatooine.

"Who, that kid?" He laughed. "You're bluffing."

"I have two superiors based here," he replied. "And they come with two troops each."

"They couldn't get here in an instant, which is all it would take to take this one's head and hang you up on one of those spikes." The massive vines that wrapped around the trees had thick, pointed thorns, some of which were easily two feet long if not more.

"Certainly. But you haven't done that yet, which makes me think you won't."

"I won't unless I need to. We haven't come to an agreement yet."

"How gentlemanly of you." That wouldn't serve him well in the long run, Tarkin expected. "Would you really prefer selling him to your employers over the Rebellion? At least we're actively working to take Dooku down. Whoever is paying you may very well be working for him, or at the very least be paying him to let them continue their business."

"The Empire is no friend to the spice trade. They want control. And I know for certain the people paying me have nothing to do with them." He eyed Tarkin carefully, ready to be done talking to him. The longer they sat there, the higher chance of something happening. "My hatred towards the count and his people is personal; if it wasn't for him I wouldn't care what the empire did to this galaxy. They're not much different than the republic was anyhow." Talking about Dooku had struck a nerve, just a bit.

Tarkin bristled. "The Republic had its faults, but it's preferable to being ruled by Dooku." He had his own reasons to hate the Empire and the Republic both, but the Empire had tortured him back when they were Separatists and later killed his son. That was more unforgivable than anything the Republic might be guilty of.

"Both are...or were, ruled by greedy old fools who cared nothing for the health and safety of their people." Dathomir, being in the outer rim and secluded, had been virtually unbothered by the Republic or Seperatists until Dooku and Grievous brought their forces there and ravaged the planet. It wasn't done for war either, but as revenge, and retaliation against the Sisters. Anyone who didn't escape after the first wave was simply wiped off the face of the planet

"Well, some of those greedy old fools are working to protect the galaxy from the Empire," Tarkin said stiffly.

"And what a brilliant job they're doing." He growled. He was losing patience.

"May I remind you that it is early in our endeavors? I don't see you doing much for the cause, so kindly keep your sarcasm."