Heroes & Prisoners | Rogue One

[002]

"I know where your Jedi is."
~

CASSIAN ANDOR looked at the girl with stifled curiosity. "How do you know I'm looking for a Jedi?"

A collection of sand blew towards the pair and Anya waited for it to pass. "Word travels fast around here, captain."

"It's Cassian," He said, unsure if he should give his name, especially in a place like this. "Cassian Andor."

"It's not safe to speak here, captain"-still calling him only by his title, he noted-"There are eyes everywhere." Cassian felt this was strange considering the market was yards away but he did as she said anyways.

Cassian felt the burn from the Sun return to his face as they walked out from the shading of his craft and he wondered how anyone could live here and survive the heat.

It didn't help that he was in full uniform, either, but it was nothing compared to the thick robes the woman was wrapped in. Initially, he had the impression the garments were protection from the Sun, but the other women in the market, while few, had nothing like it.  

While he did like to have security on the validity of his informants, Cassian was also ready to leave this irritating planet and return to Yavin 4. And leaving empty handed was not an option, especially this time.

As the sand began to sit, Cassian and the woman quickly approached an empty alleyway. Uncanningly quiet compared to the market.

"Where is this place?" His eyes wondered down the long strip of muddy sandstone.

"It's not important. Can you take me to your Base?" She clasped her hands together, anxious to avoid the question.

He narrowed his eyes on her. "It depends on if I can trust you." He proposed, "Can I?"

He didn't have to ask. "What do you want to know?" She began.

"Maybe start with your name. Considering I already gave you mine." Cassian said bluntly, feeling a hint of a smirk on his face.

Anya's cheeks flushed and she hoped he hadn't seen it. "Anya. Anya Navarre." She continued, "I live in Mos Espa, but I come from a moisture farm on the Eastern Hemisphere of the planet."

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Anya." The Captain said shortly, the first smile she's seen on him emerging.

"And you," Seeing him up close, Anya noticed how handsome his features were.

"I'm an intelligence officer for the Rebellion." Cassian said proudly.

A spark of hope flickered within Anya, perhaps he would be the one to help find Isaac.

All of a sudden, an abrupt noise from behind the wall caused both of them to cease their conversation. He watched as she placed a finger over mouth, motioning for him to quiet. It sounded like someone was coming.

After a moment, once the noise became but an echo, she turned back to Cassian.

"What was that?" The captain spoke too soon.  A man sauntered out of a door close by. He was headed in the other direction, but Cassian made eye contact with him and the stranger began walking towards him.

Anya stepped closer to Cassian. She was about to whisper something to him but was cut off by the man.

"You're one of them, aren't you?" He chuckled condescendingly. Anya could smell the stench of alcohol all over him. His face was dirty and his eyes were dark. She caught a glimpse of his robotic arm underneath his jacket and was taken off guard by his sudden lurch forward to Cassian. "A Rebel," He shouted dramatically. The man stumbled around, hardly able to stand up.