Ben Kenobi

Anchorhead

Cam and Ryj arrive in Anchorhead, a bustling little town in the desert. Womp rats scurry everywhere. Speeders and swoop bikes go back and forth. Scoundrels both human and alien lurk outside establishments.

Cam parks the speeder on the dusty road, and she and Ryj step outside. The suns are at their highest, making everything look washed out. The air is thick with the scent of sand and oil.

Cam gets out and approaches a tall, dirty building labelled as the MARSHALL'S OFFICE.

Ryj joins her and looks doubtfully at the building. "This is the Marshall's office?"

"That's what the sign says."

"Look, just let me do the talking, okay? You tend to rub people the wrong way."

Cam laughs derisively. "I do?"

They walk inside the building into the dimly-lit, grimy office. A dusty PROTOCOL DROID stands motionless behind the counter. Its eyes glow and it comes to life as they enter.

"Welcome to the Marshall's Office," the Protocol Droid greets them in a monotone voice, its mechanical movements jerky yet precise. "I am CB-X7. How may I assist you?"

Ryj acts flustered. "Uh, we're looking for... we need to talk to..."

Cam sighs and steps forward, pushing Ryj out of the way. "You act like you've never seen a droid before." She turns to the droid. "We're here to see the Marshall. Is he here?"

"Do you have an appointment with Marshall Hoedaack?"

"No, but it's urgent."

"One moment."

The droid makes a clicking noise and its eyes flash. Cam looks up at the ceiling and sees a camera watching her.

"You may see the Marshall. Please step through the security gateway."

It motions towards a barrier. Cam cautiously steps through. It scans her body. It beeps when it find something.

"What is that item at your waist?" the droid asks.

Cam lifts up her clothing to reveal a wrench hanging on her belt. "Just a wrench."

"Place it on the desk. Then proceed through the second door on your right."

Cam lays down her wrench. Ryj starts to follow her, but the droid stops him.

"Only one of you may see the Marshall."

"I'm not leaving my sister!"

Cam looks back at him. "I'll be fine. Wait here."

Ryj reluctantly sits down. Cam walks on. She enters the private residence of the Marshall. It is cluttered and filled with paperwork and official looking placards.

Seated behind the desk, a figure looms in the dimly lit office. His name is MARSHALL MONTROSS HOEDAACK, and his rotund frame fills the chair with ease. A jovial expression dances across his face, but there is something lurking beneath it - a sharpness, a shrewdness that hints at a calculating mind. As he stands up to greet his visitor, he extends a hand with practiced charm, but there is a hint of suspicion in his eyes that belies his friendly façade.

"Marshall Hoedaack, at your service."

Cam shakes his hand quickly. She wipes her hand on her clothing afterwards, as if it felt slimy.

The Marshall doesn't notice. "And you are?"

"Cam Sunber. I live on a moisture farm a few clicks from here with my family."

"Moisture farmer? Salt of the earth people. You are so important to our community. Sit, tell me what brings you here."

Cam sits down and Hoedaack does likewise.