Kamda

Things were tense. The city had become difficult to live in, let alone work. Leah had been going to her work shifts as usual but there wasn't much to do. It was awkward being stuck around with Manny - he was lovely but sharing a tiny apartment with a man had so many downsides.

This day however, she decided to go and get breakfast elsewhere, so she was busy walking from her apartment to the cafe. Yep, a perfectly normal day....

Arriving at the Cafe she would have time to place her order, and look for a table to sit at. At that moment, however, is when her afternoon stopped being normal. Sitting in the chair opposite her was the man from that night, dressed inappropriately for a cafe as he sat and indicated the seat opposite him.

But.. before she had a chance to really think...

"Sit, please and don't make a scene. I will murder every single person in this room with a furious vengeance if you make me," he said, patting the table to indicate for her to sit.

Oh god....

Leah managed not to gulp, nodding and slid into the seat opposite the man.

"I recommend the soup, it's really good, which you totally don't expect from a place like this" she said rather quickly to cover up the nerves "also hi. Um. I didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

Didn't think, nor hope, nor...anything...

"You're not a Jedi."

"Which.. I know, that doesn't come as a surprise to you but for me it was a shock. You know, most people in your situation lie to me, but most don't convince me. Rare few that do are still lying but my people do some searching and reconfirm for my sensitive style. Now.. you are an enigma, at least, to my hunts. A true force sensitive who isn't a Jedi, isn't that a shock?" he laughed.

"Reminds me of me, really," another chuckle.

"It was a pretty big shock for me that you even thought I was one. I've been confused with a few things in life, but that was one I'd never heard" Leah decided to approach the topic in a friendly manner, giving the man a smile "I'm glad the situation is all cleared up. Does that mean I can ask your name without worrying?"

She paused, adding "reminds of you...so you were also a um...Force sensitive? That wasn't a Jedi. Well, I guess it's obvious you're not a Jedi, that's a bit silly to say."

"Now, don't get me wrong. I heard all the same stories. Heroes of the Republic, when I was growing up it was a real draw for me. Being a hero.." he shook his head. "Anyway, turns out that all the friends I made? Everyone who gravitated toward me? It was for a reason. I wasn't just good with words, but the force used me as a conduit and by that other living beings were attracted to me like flies to a zapper. Of course.. back then I just thought it was my charisma."

"Kinda funny.. looking back, ya know? How back then I was just someone who wanted to do what was best for everyone else. Then we'll.. I learned quite the harsh lesson."

That had Leahs attention. It felt like he was just reading her life.

"What happened?" she asked quietly, leaning forward, interested.

"I learned that even the people who you trust the most, love the most, can betray you so utterly as to destroy you," he said, grimly. "That everything we believe we know can be pulled from under our feet in an instant.""

"I'm sorry" Leah commented, looking down at the table "I...I know how you feel. Having the world pulled out from under you. I lost both of my parents when I was a child, have been surviving since."

It felt odd to have something in common with such a terrifying man, but she saw him in a different light. He was trying to survive like he is.

"And this all lead you to where you are now? Hunting Jedi?"

"Hunting Jedi," he confirmed, his mask looked toward her. What went on behind that mask seemed.. imperceptible.

"Because someone is telling you to?" Leah asked, tilting her head "the Empire right? I get that they need to be hunted for crimes, but it sounds like a lonely life. Out there going from planet to planet just to kill. Have you ever considered staying on one, building a home or a life?"

"I had, once, before all of this but.. that opportunity is gone now. I'm afraid," he replied.

"It's never gone" Leah shook her head "there's always opportunities. Planets that one can easily keep their head down and avoid notice. If one wants freedom, it's possible...although..." she trailed away, looking down at her hands.

My parents tried that and it didn't go well...

"I guess we're all kind of stuck for now right?" she chuckled softly, trying to keep a positive face as she peeked back up at the man.

"Running, hiding, alone on a forgotten planet. Does that not sound equally as lonely? Equally as unfortunate? My trade may be in death but it brings me excitement, it brings me to pleasant conversation like this one, and what better I get to see the galaxy. Unafraid of any, above all. Why choose to run and hide like a rat when I can stand tall and proud, towering over those who betrayed me?" he suggested.

"It depends who you are hiding with, doesn't it? If you travel alone, you're always alone. If you travel with someone you're not alone" Leah offered thoughtfully "although I'm kinda envious of seeing the galaxy. I'd love to see more of it one day."

There was a pause, before she added "did the Jedi betray you?"

"No," he said, measuring himself. "Unless you forget?" a quick smirk hidden in the tone of his voice. "As I said before I was never a Jedi, just like you. Yet I was caught in this mess all the same because of them."

"I didn't forget. Jedi touched many lives without ever being one, I was just curious. Is that how you learnt about...well, everything. The Force and stuff? I've been trying to piece together things ever since I met you in that house, and it's been difficult. Can't really talk openly about most things, right" Leah leaned on her hands, interested in the man. He really didn't seem scary like this.

Maybe how he was before was an act...or this could be an act. Maybe it's all an act, but it's good to learn at least

"I was taught by someone.. else," he said, vaguely. "Though you have been.. looking into this? You understand what that sounds like, to me? Dangerous words to speak, as you are aware. Yet you speak them to one of those charged with destroying those who seek such secrets..." he regarded her with a tilt of his head.

"I wanted to understand what it was that made you think I was something I wasn't. With a lot of things it's appearance, or skin colour, or eye colour, but you...spoke of something more. As for danger...you came to find me because I was like you, didn't you? I don't think you're here to kill me" Leah smiled "rather, you came because you found someone like-minded that you could talk to. Am I wrong?"