The Renegade: Episode II: The Defector

Chapter 9: The Contractor

The Ring of Kafrene was busier than Coruscant ever was. Lenore was surprisingly overwhelmed.She had only been to two planets: Lothal and Coruscant. Without the safety of her unit, she didn't know how long she would last on her own. Even though she was worried she tried not to show it. It seemed it would only annoy Cassian and she didn't want to cause any problems before he had given her the contact's information.

The three of them walked off the ship and on to the docking bay. She saw the words 'Where good dreams go bad', graffitied onto the wall. She kept close to K-2 as they reached the streets. K-2 noticed Lenore's uneasiness and placed his arm on her shoulder. Cassian knew this was the time to part ways before K-2 got too attached to Lenore. He also knew the danger that laid ahead and wanted to spare her the chaos. She would have a tough enough time making her way after the Imperial forces.

"Alright. He's name is Deo Torne. You can get in contact with him at the catina in the 8 block district." Cassian turned and began to walk away.

"Wait! Where's the 8 Block?" She panicked.

"I don't have time to be your chauffeur. " He said coldly to her. "I thank you for your help. The crew you aided is alive because of you. And the information about the freighters I believe will lead to something pivotal for the rebellion. But this is where we part ways." He nodded and turned away again. Even K-2 seemed surprised at his abruptness.

"ANDOR!" She called after him once again. He stopped and turned his head slightly wondering if she had more intel from him. "May....the force be with you." She said shyly. She didn't believe in the force but she knew it was a common saying among the rebels. He turned completely around and glared at her.

"That means nothing coming from you." He said and walked off.

"Don't mind him. He's always cranky when he's hot on a trail."K-2 said. "Well I wish you luck, my fellow ex-imperial. Perhaps one day you'll tell jokes just as good as I do in dark situations to liven up the mood."

"Maybe. Thanks for the wookie joke." She smiled. K-2 tilted his head as though he felt she was stealing from him. "Don't worry, I'll give you credit." He looked reassured and hurried off after Andor. She had an overwhelming feeling in her stomach that told her the two were walking straight toward their demise.

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After wandering around for a few hours she figured out the city's layout. She found the 8-block, but she wasn't alone. She was being followed by a group of four Rodians. She had spotted them three blocks back and had made a few extra turns to see if they were indeed following. They were.

There were many Rodains on Lothal, most of them just vendors and farmers like the humans. Most of them spoke basic but Lenore had picked up some Rodese frases as many Lothalites had.

"Oona goota?" She turned and faced them. They were surprised that she spoke their language. She flashed her blaster."What a coincidence. So am I. Stop following me."

They exchanged looks and left. She smiled. So far she had managed pretty well outside the Imperial army. But she knew the road ahead wasn't going to be easy. Hopefully a few jobs with this Deo Thorne would help.

She entered the cantina. It was empty. She approached the bar.

"The bar is closed," the C5 droid tending bar said.

"I don't want to order." She said watching the five armed droid clean and shine the glassware. She thought of Brix back in Coruscant and missed his warm demeanor. He had set the standard for bartenders pretty high."I'm looking for Deo Thorne."