Manhattan Bay Scallop Chowder With Fennel

Name: Manhattan Bay Scallop Chowder With Fennel
Ingredients: 3 ounces bacon, diced, 4 slices; 1 large onion, diced; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper, more to taste; Pinch of fennel seeds; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 large fennel bulb, diced, fronds reserved; 1 fat garlic clove, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 quart Chicken broth; 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes; 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice; 3 tbsp Pernod or absinthe; 1 pound bay scallops; Oyster crackers, for serving, optional