Being Bahama

Scared of a Stormtrooper

One of the perks I enjoy as a trader who doesn’t take sides in the war is the ability to go where I please and, generally speaking, not have to worry about who has control over that particular area.  Rebels and Imperials alike are happy to buy my goods and very few bother to inquire whether I’ve taken up sides or not.  I am, after all, just a simple tailor.

The sight of stormtroopers has never really bothered me.  In fact, I’ve been known to smile and nod to the regulars in Theed.  Why not?  They have credits to spend on clothing the same as everyone else.

But the other day, catching a glimpse of that familiar white armor out of the corner of my eye suddenly caused a wave of panic to wash over me.  The pistol!

 Now I had no real need to worry.  The pistol was safely hidden back at my house in the potted plant where I’d left it.  But the fact that something as familiar as a stormtrooper had suddenly caused me panic made me think.

I have no desire to live in fear of any faction.  It’s good for my business and my stress level to remain that simple tailor who sells to all without discrimination.  I’m a little angry with this man for having burdened me with this silly pistol and all the baggage that has come with it.  I’m a little angry with myself for not having had the courage to refuse it in the first place.

When he contacted me again to ask whether I’d purchased armor as he’d suggested, I explained that no, I hadn’t and I didn’t plan to in the future.  I told him in no uncertain terms that I had no desire to live in fear.  He asked about my past and i stood firm in my refusal to give him any more information about myself.

I saw him in the Theed cantina shortly after our conversation.  He sat alone in a dark corner.  I avoided looking in his direction and didn’t let on that I’d seen him.  Outside the cantina, I ducked behind a pillar and spied on him for a bit.

I still don’t have a clue what prompted his interest in me in the first place.  I don’t know why he’d be concerned about me having weapons and armor or even more perplexing, why he’d fake it if he’s not.  I honestly don’t know if he means me harm, is trying to protect me somehow or if I’m just a pawn in some mind game he’s concocted to stave off boredom.

It’s tempting to simply cut off communication with him.  Everything to do with him seems to lead to danger or the threat of it.  And he remains distant no matter how hard I try to be friendly.

But I’m not sure it’s wise to walk away just yet.  They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer…. so which ever he is, I suppose it’s best to just play along for now.