Star Words: Episode II, Part 6

One of the most fairy tale-like aspects of Star Wars is its inclusion of characters from every rank and status, from the highest of the high (galactic rulers and all-powerful Jedi Masters) to the lowest of the low (slaves, kind-hearted simpletons). And that includes the "wretched hives of scum and villainy" like Mos Eisley spaceport, Jabba's palace...or a seedy nightclub in the lower levels of Coruscant.

Zam Wesell only appears in a few scenes before being betrayed by Jango, but she leaves quite an impression. She manages two assassination attempts, both very nearly successful, foiled only because of decoys and Jedi bodyguards. And she leads those two Jedi on a merry chase through the city before they finally catch up with her. It's interesting to envision the life of someone who uses her considerable talents for purely selfish purposes, in direct contrast to most of our main characters. And when they question her, demanding to know who hired her, she offers this retort:

"It's just a job."

What kind of mindset must a person have to call the murder of another person "just a job"? It's not the same kind of villainy as Nute Gunray, who demanded the assassination to satisfy his lust for vengeance; nor Dooku, who arranges the job in a bid to gain more power. It's very pragmatic. She does the work; she gets the money. All it takes is the casual taking of someone else's life.

And then we see a perfect example of someone reaping the fruits of what they sow. Zam, about to reveal Jango's identity, gets a poison dart in the neck. Why? Because Jango, too, is pragmatic. Zam might have been a useful partner, but he's got to look out for himself. There's no loyalty or compassion among their kind, not if it comes into conflict with one's own personal interest. Sorry, Zam. If the positions were switched, you probably would have done the same.

Next, some wistful words from Padmé...