Open Beyond the Mural

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Vako had a way with words that made Cas smile behind her visor. Still, whatever juice these cubs were pumped with could keep them docile indefinitely. The fact remained that, despite the seller’s supposed confidence, the buyers’ would only buy if the price was right. Unless the actual buyer is an idiot, of course.

Cas wasn’t here to barter so much as to bodyguard but she felt it wise for her counterpart to heed wisdom in his own way if he did not want to get ripped off. Vako tried anything? Something else would be getting ripped off. She could have made that clearer but Laren’s brother had sone so for her.

Rakiss had just said it all and now Cas was smiling at him. If Vako was worried about one negotiator he now had two to be worried about. Sure, he could turn away in a heartbeat, but did he want to sell these nexu as much as Laren wanted to buy them? Who wanted more? She looked at Laren just then. Nope...he’s not having it either…

So Cas just stood there with her arms crossed and a hip held out. Hell, if they wanted to, the three of them could rain fire and lightning down on these Syndicate goons and leave no trace behind. It wouldn’t have been the first time that the hunter found herself hunted. Still, she was all for fair game and didn't want the nexu killed in the crossfire. Eh, who am I kidding? I wanna see whether Laren hugs these cubs or not.

“Look,” Cas jumped in right after Laren. There already was a bit of dialogue for Vako to consider but she hoped that hers would be the butter on the bread. “You just got an offer. We’re willing to haggle. But unless you came here to not sell nexu then you should consider our concerns about not buying faulty product. It sounds fair enough to drop the price point . . . ” Forefinger and thumb pinched toward one another. “ . . . Just a smidgen?”

@Scoobert @Morse @Alejandrø77

 

[Vako Yizok]

Was it any wonder why they always lost?

Why the legendary warriors known as Mandalorians rambled of an ancient and proud history of galactic conquest that turned to ash in the same the breath?

This wasn't the first time Vako had people attempt to strong arm him, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. It came with the territory, and though the Mandalorians were outnumbered, only a fool would think them outmatched. And even though no one was reaching for a weapon, Vako didn't need to guess that no one there was a quick on the draw as Mandalorian, let alone three.

He tucked his lips under his teeth, hidden, but not entirely by his trunk. The white tattoo twitched slightly as he listened to each one babble.

"Behold the Mighty Negotiators of Mandalore." He thought as he let each one prattle, moving his eyes from the large faceless self indulgent monolgue, to the misguided master of etiquette. and finally to their eloquent assessor.

"They're worse then than the Weequay." Vako thought to himself as he fluttered backward, rifle slung behind him.

These Mandalorians had made a series of serious misjudgments about Vako right away. They'd insulted the product. Bad business. That was insult to Vako, their vendor and host. They'd suggested Vako had poor hospitality and manners. A second insult. And the final... worst of all....?

It did not matter. Vako moved to the cage, the thugs standing by. Vako had watched well what the juice did. The most recent of them sedated would not be any where close to capable. It would move about, but they were hardly able to extend their claws for several hours.

Vako opened the top, and reached down. With both hands he grabbed hold of that most recently sedated cub. It was large in the Toydarian's hands, but it did almost nothing. It floundered a bit, its many eyes rolling. It was almost like a human baby in its movements.

Vako hefted it up and put it in the hands of the monologuer, the Rakiss Vano, his eyes locked with a tense brow that reinforced a grievous distaste for how the Mandalorians did business.

But if there was one thing that Vako was beyond confident in... it was his product.

"You're hunters." Vako spoke "Feel it's weight. It's bones. It's muscles. The calcium deposits in its teeth." Vako did not brake his stare. "They're better fed than they are in the wild. And when those sedatives where off they'll rend the flesh of any creature they get their claws on within reach."

Vako let the Mandalorian get the measure of the creature, and that one was smaller than the others. As sturdy and strong as the day the born.

"Fifty Five Thousand." Vako offered, his face stern. "Anything less, and our discussion moves toward services rendered."

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Alejandrø77

 

[Rakiss Vano]

Rakiss felt at ease in this situation, and now having one of the cubs placed in his hands, he smirked as he took his helmet off to get a good view.

“Let’s see here hmmm.... little guys teeth seem good, he’s a runt but I see no issue with muscle... relaxed quite a bit but that’s due to the drugs I would guess.”

As Rakiss kept turning the cub he smirked slightly looking at the eyes of the young cub. The he would slightly compress its sides, it wasn’t fully developed as expected since of its young age. He set it down a moment later and watched it try to stand but to little success, and then he spoke.

“Yes your right we are hunters, they do seem well fed but do you let them give chase or it it hand fed? here.... The scar on my face wasn’t from this Cubs kind but me and one of the others have seen our fair share of exotic predators they need to keep that predator mindset..... you want 55,000?... hmmm.”

He then motioned the others to come look at the small one on the floor as Rakiss was in a knee close to it. He then looked back to Vako as he stood and met his gaze.

“Tell you what.... taking into consideration they are drugged out of their minds I’ll say 50,000 credits... seems fair if you ask me. Before ya back track on us remember I’ve never seen these things move freely outside of these drugs. Plus I don’t even know who has these before you got them. We don’t have to like one another it’s just deal making here right?”

Rakiss moved passed Vako moving to the cage, Rakiss said this as he tapped on his left arm bracer screen to ready credits to where ever they needed to go, “The way I see it you making 200,000 easy credits sounds good.”

A guard moved slightly in his way as if to guard the other cubs, “I don’t think you all that smart... your boss just passed us one. You expect me to not look at the others? Just move out of the way...”

The guard moved as he came to the cage, as Rakiss looked at the others staring at them looking for anything they would do, “Like you said we are hunters... and how I love to hunt. So what’s it gonna be?” The room was quiet and he looked back to Vako leaning on a close crate helmet in hand, and head tilted waiting.

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Morse

 

[Laren Vano]

This was interesting. The cub was definitely still strong but not comprehending anything going on around him. This was surely a cub that could come to be a fierce hunting animal.

“Tell you what. My brother seems to like your price so I’ll trust his judgment. A high price to be sure. 200,000 credits.” Laren was pacing slowly as he looked to the animals, then his helmet lifted to where the visor met the eyes of the Toydarian before him.

“Now let us make this a final deal.”

Laren lifted the cub from the ground to allow Cas a better look. Then handing the Nexu off to her he turned to the Toydarian and walked up slowly as if he were a cowboy in old west.

“Open your account and I’ll send some credits over the line. I don’t carry the physical weight of 200,000 credits everywhere with me. Hope you understand.”

Laren had his bracer up and an amount of 200,000 on his screen waiting to press the send button. Of course the thugs were still a threat and the Mando was prepared for an unexpected attack on him. But if it didn’t come that was even better.

@Die Shize @Alejandrø77 @Morse

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

At Rakiss’ gesture, Cas cued up to take a look at the nexu cub for herself. Meanwhile she appreciated Rakiss’ bartering methods. If Vako was going to turn away from five thousand credits less than his selling point then the Mandalorians had no business buying from the fool.

Finally, the cub came to her for a turn. Cas held it in her hands to feel its flesh and fur, bone and muscle, and gaze upon its languid eyes. “It’s adorable!” The comment got the better of her. She cleared her throat and promptly passed the cub away.

It was just as well. Depending on how receptive the selling party was to these negotiated rates things could get dicey. With hands free, then, Cas instead wrapped them around the rifle in her hands but kept it low. She wanted to remind everyone what her role was here in these deals to be made and that if some Toydarian and his goons did not honor their end then she was going to kill them all.

@Scoobert @Morse @Alejandrø77

 

[Vako Yizok]

These Mandalorians were a difficult breed to deal with. Every actions and word out of their mouth appeared to be a sort of carnal threat display. It was like they were a less evolved group of people, in spite of having some of the most deadly technology the universe had ever seen. They were shoving passed Vako's associates, handling the whole product without asking permission, and dictating terms... all on Vako's ship.

When did the day come when the Five Syndicates were looked on as easily toppled bullies in a sector far away? They were once masters of their own domain, capable of seizing planets through force and subversion. Now they were getting hard handled by upstarts, usurpers, galactic governments, and rogues like this.

But Vako had faith in the Syndicates. While other empires and nations had risen and fallen the Syndicates had stood for centuries, and would as long as their was a profit to be made.

Vako was serious in his terms but opted for a different approach.

"Perhaps we got off a wrong the foot." Vako started, moving a bit away from the large Mandalorian. He did did move towards a weapon, and began speaking a bit with his hands. "But as you love to hunt, there is something to be said for it."

Vako's three digit fingers pointed forward and gestured to the Mandalorians. "I could go to 50,000, if you were willing to demonstrate said ability as a hunter." Vako cocked his head and fluttered looking down on to the ground in a sort of fluttering pace. "There is a man on Onderon that the Black Sun will be placing a 10,000 Credit bounty on. Dead, nothing alive. A wealthy broker who embezzled from the wrong people and thinks he got away with it." Vako then brought his eyes back to the Mandalorians. "You take care of this man, I'll give you your 50,000 credit price. That's four Nexu, and we're offering you an 10,000 credit addition to a simple bounty."

This was not a trick of deceit or an attempt to get one over the Mandalorians. Vako was simply caught trying to defuse the situation that could easily turn into blasters being pulled and a headache that he simply did not need. But this balance would be a worthwhile point. They used they're talents, Vako used his. They got 20,000 credits for a 10,000 credit bounty. The Nexu price was reasonable, and all would be well. But Vako went one step further to sweetening the point.

"I'll let you take two of the Nexu now up front." Vako looked to the smaller Mandalorian who had mentioned accounts. "Once I have confirmation you transferred 100,000 credits to the account." Vako brought up his own holoreader from his belt that displayed the account to send to.

@Scoobert @Alejandrø77 @Die Shize

 

[Rakiss Vano]

Rakiss took in the information he and the others were given and thought for a moment, Rakiss then took the next moment to transfer the first 100,000 credits. His silence was proof he had been more serious at this moment. Then he proceeds to hold up his helmet to face Vako.

“This symbolizes generation of the galaxy’s best hunters, killers, bounty hunters, and if I may add force weirder killers. To want a test of that to some would be a disrespect to the ones that came before and the ones who hunt now..... but lucky for you I love the hunt and as such see it as a pleasure to find prey in the galaxy.”

Rakiss lowered the helmet and looked to Vako face to face. But Vako was right things could have been smoother so he fell back to his more civilized behavior. He still needed to maintain his composure after all, his clan would not look at it with great taste if he come off unjustly.

Perhaps we did get off on the wrong foot... allow me to apologize on our behalf. Now that transaction should have gone through. So I’ll take the small one near the others and another from the cage, if one of the others want to pick it that’s up to you and it won’t matter to me. As for the target please by all means send me whatever information you have and I’m sure we can take care of this no problem.”

Rakiss looks to the others walking toward then and taking hold of the small cub that had been taken out. “what do you two think?”

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Morse

 

[Laren Vano]

Rakiss had good initiative. Laren always admired that of his brother, straight to the point. It was best for these encounters. Especially when they’re high stakes. The Mando decided to let the talking be done by his brother as he has shown to be more effective.

Laren gave an assuring nod. This was going to be a simple ‘go in, shoot bad guy, bring head, get paid’ type of deal. Which it usually came to this. No one wants to lose money or product so it’s common. Laren expects as much.

He turned to Cas after giving his answer. And told her to grab another fur baby,

“Another Nexu, and we’ll be on our way. We’ve got work to do.”

Then when the cat was in Mando custody, he had an idea. Oh what an idea it was. Laren wanted to have the four, and only has two. They don’t know for sure if the thugs will flake when the Mandos left. So he came with this idea and stopped to share it.

“We’ll do this. On one condition. We will need to have you come with us. We want to make sure you don’t flake, and this is the best way to do so. Now what do ya say?”

@Die Shize @Morse @Alejandrø77

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

40,000… 50,000… 35,555… Just pick a number… Cas rolled her eyes behind her visor. This wasn’t exactly her deal so she wasn’t terribly concerned with fair price and bargain margins beyond a helpful tip to a friend in need. Anything else was time taken too long. Vako, no doubt, just had to go and haggle that much more with some silly offer for a ‘hunt’.

Well, Cas was not one to turn down a hunt any more than her contemporaries were. She was, after all, a bounty hunter. Truth be told, though, all she felt like doing right now was taking a nexu cub into her arms and stroking it in her lap until they both fell asleep. Awww! Just look at those paws!

Still, 10,000 creds was 10,000 creds—made easier when wanted dead. ‘Dead’ was always less complicated than ‘alive’. At Rakiss’ question of what she thought, Cas shrugged.

“I think I’m not here for the nexu but the reward.” Forefinger rubbed between thumb. “That means I claim majority share of this bounty or you and your bro can find yourselves another third.”

To be fair, Laren did let Cas pick out the next nexu. She contained her glee lest her manly Mandos think less of her. She stooped to pick up the cub she had first tested behind the cage. The darling critter was still asleep, almost snoring, its bundle of flesh and fur settling snugly in armored arms. Ohhh you little cutie!

At Laren’s words, Cas trained her visor his way as though someone had just robbed the thoughts from her head. “Agreed.” She nodded toward Vako. “We’ll need someone to navigate us toward the target, after all, and sounds like you boys know more about him than we do.”

She looked between the thugs. “Don’t worry, we don't bite…” Neither does a nexu...right?

@Scoobert @Alejandrø77 @Morse

 

[Vako Yizok]

"Common ground at last."

Vako had had a feeling that it would take something more aggressive to entice these Mandalorians, and they all were very interested when it came to something or someone to track down and put to the sword. They were not alone in their sort of bloodlust. Mandalorians were just usually lone wolf about it, doing things for honor and pride. In Vako's world such things were mostly done for money and power, not for any kind of glory. Glory seeking in the Syndicates got you killed. A comfortable life was far longer and more enjoyable than one that made you famous.

"Chak'tuna wana." Vako spoke in hutteese with a smirk, his native tongue 'a shiny day.' Then he spoke back in the language they'd all understand. "That's perfectly agreeable to me."

Vako let them continue their handling of the cubs and looked over to one of his thugs. He seemed mostly unconcerned with what was going on, and Vako knew that the thoughts in his head were not worth the words it would take to explain them. He just left the goon there. He'd get his pay and that was all that mattered.

"Tell you what. We meet you on the planet, I'll guide you into the target personally, and have the rest of your Nexu and bounty on a landspeeder nearby. You make the kill, make it quiet enough that no one comes looking around after, I confirm it, we do our handoff and go our separate ways. You're heavy four Nexu at a good price, I'm heavy on credits and avoid a headache."

Vako smirked. There was something to be said for the straightfoward nature of these Mandalorians. Perhaps he could get to like them after all.

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Alejandrø77

 

[Rakiss Vano]

The first half of the transaction was already done, now for the fun before this could all be over. Rakiss smirked and still held a cub in his hands and looked to Vako.

“I believe we have made ourselves a plan, I’ll be ready for our meet point, once there we can plan our course of action for this target. You get what you want and we get the same. Win win to me heheh anyway it’s been a pleasure so far, I hope we can can continue to get along, your not all that bad...”

Rakiss then looked to others and said “Ok looks like we got our job, I’ll meet you two at the meet point that will be given to us. You hold onto one cub and I’ll keep this one on my person, just so we have them in two different safe areas within our ships. Do anything else you need and let’s be off ok?”

Rakiss then started to walk a bit away from the group looking at the nexu once again. He never had anything of beastly nature to call his own..... beside his brother Laren, but his younger half didn’t count in that matter to his amusement. He gave a small sigh and thought.

What will be your name? He thought and gave himself a moment of silence to think.... after a few moments it came to him one work in his native language that would mark this animal as part of the pack “Jaro...” in mandoan meaning Death wish that resonates with Rakiss anyone who came for his people had one, like wise this little one would grow to the same loyalty to the mandalorian people for he who treats one well revives that in return, and he had a good feeling about this cub.

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Morse

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren liked the plan placed into action. He gets a kill, a cheaper offer, and all four Nexu. This was definitely a win. At least for now. The bounty would be light work for the trio. And not to mention that The thugs will be down with them.

Now all that was left to do was see the coordinates, info, and then set out to the kill. He knew Rakiss was ready from his response. Now he awaited the answer of Cas and they would be on their way.

Laren looked to the left cubs in the cage. He would be back for them soon enough. He had time to think of names for his fur babies. He would find the perfect ones in due time. For now he had mission. Kill target, get deal confirmed. Simple. Easy? Eh. He’ll see how it plans out.

The Mando walked to the Toydarian and stuck out a hand to confirm the deal. He believed in the shaking of hands. Whether the Toydarian did or not didn’t matter. If they flaked after this shake there’s be hell to pay. If they followed through, well business as usual he supposed. Time will tell.

@Die Shize @Morse @Alejandrø77

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

A shiny day indeed. Cas thought at the little flying weasel’s expression of Huttese. Though “A good day” sounds basic enough but whatever. She followed Vako’s gaze toward a thug who appeared to be rather challenged when it came to the facilities that formed thoughts. That would be good and bad; good because easy to influence, bad because he was to be their guide.

“Deal,” Cas conveyed simply so that everyone heard her share of the agreement. There were deals to be made and they had just made one. Whatever happened next, well, happened. As far as she was concerned she was not short any credits, would actually gain credits after taking out some di’kut, and was looking forward to playing with some cuddly nexu.

Her visor went to one such creature in particular, the same one from before and before before. What shall I name you, little guy? She had confirmed that much upon her earlier inspection; boy had a member on him and would be a catch for his fellow mates come adulthood. If he lives that long…

The name would have to wait as would that nexu. For now, the three Mandalorians had a di’kut to kill, as well as a thug to at some point trail along with and hope he did not pass out after getting his first thought.

Not one to stand on ceremony, Cas neglected to shake hands and simply turned around and walked away. It was time to go so there she went.

@Scoobert @Morse @Alejandrø77

 

[Vako Yizok]

Vako shook the hand of any that was offered, its was customary. His species was not physically strong, and while customarily amongst his people deals would be struck with a slap on the palm, he opted for the secondary method, a digging of his claws into the others palm. Such acts displayed that while the Toydarians may not be physically strong, they were cunning and had adaptations around it.

A good sign? Well it was hard to say whether anyone there truly liked each others company yet. A sign of respect? That would either be established or dashed with whatever followed. The best of all worlds was that some money had been exchanged thus far and there was some sort of a deal going forward. No blaster fire had yet been exchanged and everyone was mostly civil.

The Mandalorians had come off as reasonable and that was all that mattered at that moment. What was to come would tell whether or not they would have future dealings. Vako did not rule it out. He would never presume to be in control of a group of Mandalorians, just as they would likely never claim to have a full grasp on one born and bread of the Syndicates. But mutually beneficial arrangements could be found even for the most unlikely of organisms.

"Then I will meet you on the planet in one day's time. I will transmit you the coordinates, and we will proceed." Vako smirked. "I assure you I am most anxious to see if the legends of Mandalorians are true."




Continued in of Hutts and Hunters

@Scoobert @Die Shize @Alejandrø77