It was sad to part ways with Tribabi, but it was necessary to get back to business. Azav had updated the crew on an upcoming mission and they were headed back to Zogan to get their briefing before getting to work. As they left the atmosphere on Tribabi everyone felt a sense of loss knowing they were going to miss the planet. Even though they had only been there for a few days everyone was attached in their own ways. It wasn’t clear through Azav’s expressionless face what he was feeling, but Michael sensed even he was feeling down about their departure. They reached the space gate and came out on the other side near Zogan. The planet’s lushness was visible from space and they flew in back to their secluded base. Azav parked his ship in the empty patch and everyone got off the ship one by one. “It’s here! It’s here!” yelled Tiki in excitement running up to her drone landed in the empty patch near the trail to the waterfall. “How much did that thing cost you?” asked Ellop.
“It doesn’t matter how much it cost me because I love it,” said Tiki avoiding the question.
“Alright, alright, we have all the time in the galaxy to admire our new possessions, but first everyone down to the planning room so we can discuss our next mission,” said Azav.
“Aw, c’mon we just got back,” complained Ellop.
“Indeed, you just got back from several days of leisure and rest, so you should be ready to get back to work,” said Azav.
“Fine,” said Ellop like a moody teenager.
Everyone walked down to the planning room where Azav went over their next job. “We have a bounty. His real name is unknown, but he goes by the alias ‘Titan’ and has been on the run from authorities since before the founding of the Intergalactic Council. Seriously, that’s not a joke, he’s been escaping justice for 215 intergalactic years. We got a tip he was hanging out with pirates and criminals in the appropriately named Bay of Crooks and has been bumping shoulders with some people who want him gone. They want him gone so bad they were willing to leave a tip to law enforcement giving the coordinates of their hideout where they engage in everything outlawed in the galaxy,” said Azav.
“So, wait, law enforcement know about the guy, they know where he is why don’t they just go arrest him themselves?” asked Ellop.
“I’m glad you asked. Here’s where we come in. Due to the bureaucratic nightmare it would be to file the arrests of all the criminals hiding out in the Bay of Crooks someone at an overwhelmed police department has sent us this bounty so we can focus on the guy they really want behind bars,” said Azav.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“So, let me get this straight, the police don’t want to have to arrest people doing illegal things so they send us to go get the one guy they really want in prison?” asked Ellop.
“Precisely,” said Azav.
“Police,” said Ellop in a sarcastic tone.
“One more thing. When we’re there we can’t attract too much suspicion that we are there bounty hunting. Since everyone is a criminal they will naturally assume we’re there for them and they may get hostile. Worse, if they were to uncover who we are actually there for they may learn of the colossal payout and try to take our bounty from us. For this mission to be a success we can’t let anyone there know our true intentions of being there,” said Azav.
“And when we find the guy what’s the plan? Surely we can’t kidnap him in broad daylight without people taking notice,” said Sheerya.
“You’re absolutely correct Sheerya. We have to lure Titan right to us. It is vital we collect as much intel on Titan as possible before attempting to arrest him. When Titan is located we will closely monitor him to find track his daily routine and to find out what could be used to lure him into our trap,” said Azav.
The crew looked at Azav determined to have the mission a success like the last one. “Does everyone understand?” asked Azav.
Everyone nodded. “Excellent, now, before we arrive at the Bay of Crooks we will be making one quick shopping trip for new apparel and new weaponry. It is critical nobody suspect a thing, so we’re headed to the market,” said Azav.
The crew boarded Azav’s ship and arrived at the clothing market in a nearby town on Zogan. “Remember, criminals have no style,” reminded Azav as the crew stepped off his ship. It wasn’t long until everyone had picked out clothes that looked like they had been running from the law. Leather jackets and torn pants, clothes with open stitching or with metal spikes were also popular choices. The crew now looking like a thrift store biker gang made their way to purchasing some new weapons. If there’s one thing criminals love it’s guns that are showy. With the crew holding their new arms they were ready to embark on their mission to the Bay of Crooks.