Bounty

Seros - Part III

Julwei followed Inquisitor Jyn down the cramped streets of Bar Tannis. The serenade of idle conversation filled the air. The thud of heavy boots marked every step. Seawater spilled over the sides of the wooden walkways. At points, the streets were so narrow that Julwei could stretch her arms and brush a wall on either side. Lizardfolk, mekanica, and anyone taller than the average sabali mainlander had to duck to pass some bridges, though Julwei and the inquisitor cleared with room to spare.

The crowds parted for the pair of them. Julwei was all too aware of the heads that followed, the way they narrowed their eyes and their mouths turned to a slight frown. Julwei rested her hand on her gun, ready for the crowd to turn, but the inquisitor seemed not to notice at all.

The streets widened as they approached the old city. Wooden walkways turned to paved stone streets. Weeds grew in the cracks. Small gardens capped large houses, staggered to allow for uninterrupted views of the sea and town below. Intermittent lampposts with ornate designs dotted the streets. Kingdom flags waved from flagpoles. Even the constant fog that encased the city thinned, offering a view of the clear blue sky above, though it was not long until Inquisitor Jyn led Julwei down the winding path back to the other coast.

They walked in silence. The shallow well of conversation dried long before they left The Joy.

Large metal vessels cast a shadow over docks. Unlike the transportation center, the northern shipyard was reserved for the kingdom's fleet, or any company ship able to pay, though it was no less crowded. Groups of soldiers loitered in clumps of blue, sure to straighten their shoulders as the inquisitor walked by. Relief spread across their faces when she walked past without a word. Engineers tended to the ships in distress. Julwei feared the inquisitor would force her onto another ship, away from her passage to Mian, though her fears were quickly quelled when the inquisitor stopped outside a warehouse.

Half of the building stood on struts over waist deep water, where a pair of heavy framed mekanica stood, cleaning barnacles off the side. A group of men lowered crates into rowboats. Painted on the side of the warehouse was the faded red logo of the WMS trading company.

A boy no older than twelve watched the pair approach. He slipped away before Julwei or the inquisitor could say a word, his shaggy blond hair disappearing through the wide warehouse doors. A moment later, a barrel chested man appeared, scratching his beard. He eyed the inquisitor, then Julwei, eyes flicking to the weapons on their hips. He slid the door closed.

"Yeah?"

"You are Mr. Nuim, yes? The foreman here?"

"Barry."

"Well, Barry, I am Inquisitor Karina Jyn. This is my companion, Julwei."

"We're closed today."

"We are not buying."

"Huh." Barry crossed his arms. "P.A. cleared this shipment already."

"I'm only asking questions."

"No offense, Inquisitor, but I don't have the time. I'm a week behind shipments. Half my crew's out, and we're down a mek. Whatever you need, P.A.'s got all the paperwork. We're current. We're legal. Not sure how you think I can help."

"You misunderstand. I think I can help you."

Barry scratched his chin again. He mumbled to himself for a moment then nodded. "How?"

"I've heard about the disappearances here. I want to stop whatever beast is causing it." Inquisitor Jyn smiled at him warmly. "I also know a thing or two about mekanica. I'm no engineer, but I'd be happy to take a look."

"Alright, alright. One moment." Barry slipped back inside the warehouse, sliding the large metal door shut behind him. A high pitch whistle cut through the fog of noise.