Fortune-Hunter's Delight [DotR Prequel]

[Rev]

Shifty's Retreat Casino, Nar Shaddaa
Outer Rim Territories, Y'Toub System
3 Years Prior to the Dawn of the Republic

Neon lights. It was the easiest way to describe the setting on Nar Shaddaa; as if the planet never slept. No matter the hour you could find someone or something roaming the dark streets of the Glorious Jewel's moon. It was during this late hour that Zekk Coron had found his way to the gambler's haven that doubled as an entertainment venue. It wasn't that he had anything to celebrate, in fact it was quite the opposite. He was trying to forget. Coming to the doorway a Weequay stood guard, his wrinkled face stared down at the young man with a judgement unknown to anyone who hadn't dealt with the kind. Jekk would take another pull from the liquid, it being his last before casting it aside. The sound of it hitting a receptacle with a clang before bouncing off the street was enough to pull the Weequay's attention aside if only for a glance.

"[Huttese] You pay to enter or you not get in, human. [Huttese]"

Zekk would feel about the pilot jacket, first the chest then the side pockets before a credit chip found its way to his hand. Giving the guard the same treatment he did the receptacle he gave it a high toss in the air and watched as it came down in the creature's hand.

"Keep the change, you earned it."

His shoulder would press into the leather skinned sentient with an impact filled smack as he worked his way past. Smirking at the mutters of discontent he'd push past a few patrons his eyes transfixed on a group of slot machines that blinked with the same life the entrance had. Various images filled his green eyes the constant stimulation almost lulling him into a trance; but he managed to take a seat at a rather colorful machine that had a Zelton trio on it. Sliding in a credit chip he began pulling the lever paying no attention to the rules or payouts as it was all in a language he never put the time in to learning. It was on his third pull a sound over the speakers began to fill the entire building as an announcement began. He'd let out an audible curse in basic his free left hand running over his jaw and cheeks as his finger's scratched at itchy stubble. The voice was that of a Rodian, yet another language he had barely learned to comprehend but this one was making some sense to him.

Zekk stopped what he was doing but his hand remained on the game's lever. His attention went to a nearby stage that he spotted the Rodian on; the being nicely dressed in a suit something that nearly brought the buzzed man to laughter. Never had he thought he'd take in such a sight, but to think he wouldn't on a planet like Nar Shaddaa was a mistake all his own. Cocking his head to the side he listened to the humanoid insects speech and got the idea it was some sort of comedian, but that quickly changed as the word "Entertainment" and "Next Act" were deciphered from the flurry of buzzes, chuckles, and 'words.' Then those in attendance began to cheer or gather around the stage as that act prepared to begin. Letting out a sigh his thoughts were elsewhere and dropping his shoulders he pulled the lever which made an announcement of its own. The machine lit up like a Corellian Fireworks show and the sounds that exploded out of it were just as comparable. Seconds dragged on as credit chips poured from the machine; his hands going to work finding places to store the currency then before he knew it a strikingly beautiful Twi'lek was at his side. Giving the female a look over he took in her blue figure who's smooth skin reflected those lights like a new starship off the line. She would bow her head to the day's biggest winner before exchanging an invite.

"A fine win, and the biggest of the day! Shifty, our organization's keeper would like to extend you an invitation to the Winner's Quarters. I'll gladly escort you if you wish to join."

She would close the invitation by offering him a smile that seemed to buckle some of the men's knees around them. Before Zekk had a chance to answer she would turn on her heel and begin a strut across the Casino, her hips swaying in a more mesmerizing fashion than even the lights and slots could conjure. Keeping his seat his eyes went from her moving hips to the stage a thought forcing its way into his mind despite everything that just happened. A thought that would escape his very lips.

"I need a drink."

 

[Diva]

Nalu!

The Twi'lek's shimmering blue hips swung to halt, much to the dismay those nearby, including the one whose voice had stopped them, truth be told. Nalu turned to offer Zekk a masterfully crafted smile, implying appology and politely requesting his patience all at once. If one paid close enough attention, however, one could catch a glimpse of Nalu's rare, and equally expressive eye roll as she turned her attention to a young, tall, and predominantly purple theelin, closing the distance between them with long determined strides. Diva Tumi was one of the privledged few who could elicit such an eye roll from Shifty's normally picturesque valet. To top it off, Diva was quite the shambly sight this evening. She had not taken the time to do her hair, which now added over a decimeter of dense violet frizz to her already long frame. A sleevless green turtleneck sweater with a gaping slash through the fabric on her left side, and the faded black overcoat was obviously not hers. She also seemed to be unconsiously hiding her left hand by fidgeting with the dumpy frock. Her right hand grabbed Nalu's wrist with wreckless familiarity as she intercepted the twi'lek halfway between the slots and the stage seating. Diva attempted to whisper but her temperment made it difficult.

Where the kriff is Shifty? I don't play here for the fabulous exposure Nalu, and don't give me any bantha shad, we know each other better than...

Something of her intimidating facade was suddenly lost however, as Diva caught sight of her best friend and mortal enemy spilling from the pockets of a nearby drifter. Credits. She struggled to keep her attention on Nalu, but couldn't prevent her orange eyes from drifting to Zekk every few seconds, just make sure she knew where he was. There were even two chips on the floor he hadn't seen yet, Ugh! It didn't help that Diva was hard up at the moment, more so than usual. She had just taken a huge step up in the Bounty Hunter game, but almost every cent from that stepping-stone-job was poured into the "left hand" she was still rather shy about. It didn't take much of a leap for her to realize that Mr. pennybags over by the slot machine was the fella Nalu was swishing those hypnotic hips for, meaning she was on her way to Winner's Quarters already. Perfect. Before Nalu could offer more than snort of protest, Diva overdramatically slung her right arm through Nalu's left, and threw a crass look around the room that equated to a giant middle finger, landing on Zekk. With a smile as phony as a Hutt business liscense she cleared her throat.

You coming spacer? I'll let you by my drinks..

I appologize, sir. please follow...us, and of course your drinks will be complementary in the Winner's Quarters.

Diva private relished the sound of hearing Nalu grit her teeth, as her hips kicked back into motion, now with a Theelin skipping along beside them.

 

[Rev]

The sound of his own voice barely escaped his lips when a shout came from where the stage entrance had been. Zekk's eyes immediately darted to the purple alien. Perking a brow at the Theelin it wasn't his first time seeing one, but it would be the first female of their species he'd encountered. Narrowing his eyes he couldn't help but take in the finer details of the foreign beauty. He noted the species horns, but that was quickly cast aside; it was the markings on the open slit that drew most of his attention. They were nearly invisible from the distance, but years of scavenging on Ord Mantell gave him the knowledge to look for the finer details in things; it meant all the difference. He turned his head as the woman spoke to the Twi'lek and closed his eyes, shutting down his optic sense for the moment and taking in the sounds around the Casino. As if to narrow his 'tuning' he listened for the woman's voice as she spoke to what turned out to be a friend. Just as he picked up her conversation it ended and he could 'feel' her piercing gaze cast over himself. Using his awkward position he pushed off his stool and got to his feet pretending he was merely moving from seated to standing when the attention came his way. Looking back at a Duros that had been watching the payout he gave the creature a nod before gesturing to the machine.

"[Huttese] That one is lucky, friend. [Huttese]"

Smacking the cashout button on the face of the slot it spit out his credit chip which was missing some of the original sum, but the machine more than paid it back. Slipping it into his front jacket pocket he took a step towards the bar when the two women's voices again took over his senses. Shooting Diva a smirk at her notion which was just as quickly shot down by Nalu he would take a step in the two's direction. As he did so they again turned away and began towards the Winner's Quarters. This time he didn't stop in his tracks, but instead shook his head another audible thought slipping through his lips.

"..Never tell me the outer rim has manners."

Muttering the thought earned him another glance, this time from a male Twi'lek standing only a couple of feet away. A smile would grow on the lekku headed sentient's face as they exchanged nods as if to agree with the young smuggler. Giving a push past a group of wildly dressed alien women he would step through an archway that separate the floor of the casino with the VIP lounge. The crowd significantly died out upon crossing that barrier; where that had been almost no place to stand now seemed to lack any groups of life. There were plenty of beings on this side, but the amount of space gave one all the space they needed to do as they pleased. Taking in a deep breath he again felt around his jacket and extracted a rankweed cigarra. It took almost no time at all to find its way to his lips and get sparked, the blue smoke floating into the air as its intoxicating scent filled the immediate area. Holding in a deep breath from the first drag he maintained his slow pace behind the two women and watched as a Devaronian approached the them. Expecting the man to stop he walked right past them and to Zekk just as the smoke exhaled through his nose, his eyes never leaving the horned creature.

"Greetings! What brings you to my Casino? Other than to take my money that is!"

The gruff voice of the Devaronian was notable in its scratchiness. He followed the question with a hard smack on the young man's left shoulder; the leather of the space jacket echoing with a smack through against he floor. Zekk brought the cigarra to his side, deep down thinking it was perhaps that very narcotic that affected the man across from him's voice. Nodding at the question his body leaned to the side to look past the horns of who he expected to be Shifty.

"Buying these fine women a drink and maybe lose a credit or two for your sake."

His lips would curl into a half smirk as he side stepped Shifty, returning a hard smack to his shoulder as he pushed by. A returned smile was shot back his way, Shifty's sharp teeth and crimson skin gave off the appearance of a demon; it was in that short moment that Zekk wondered how half one of the owner's horns had managed to break off. He let out a soft laugh to himself at the thought of a customer taking hold of it and somehow snapping it in two ran through his imagination. His feet finally stopped at the bar. He was greeted by a Dug who's voice carried the Hutt dialect with familiarity.

"[Huttese] What can I get for you? [Huttese]"

Looking over the repertoire of bottles he pointed at a rather large glass container, the back of his mind immediately regretting the decision; but it certainly wouldn't be the last bad decision he'd ever make.

"3 Boga nogas."

His eyes went over Nalu taking in what many would consider a perfect form and his eyes said it all as he cast it aside. It was the purple being he in the moment was fascinated with.

"...and a Knockback Nectar for the lady. A Merenzane Gold for myself."

A handful of credit chips would smack down on the counter following his order. He never in truth looked at the bartender for more than the greeting, his vision locked on Diva's person. As he so impolitely stared he caught a glimpse of a poster behind her, bearing her likeness. Her nimble frame blocked most of it so he couldn't put his finger on if 'they' were one in the same; but something told him they were. Seconds passed and all the drinks were splayed out before them; a Boga noga for each of them and the respective drinks for both himself and Diva. Gripping the shot he held it in the air. Giving a glance over at Shifty a short toast was sprung from the smuggler's mouth.

"For those that lost a horn, to those that have them, and for those that never got them."

His head nodded from Shifty, to Diva, to Nalu before the glass smacked down on the tabletop and the contents thrown back down his throat. The burning sensation that followed was unlike any drink he'd ever consumed; literal knockout power. Feeling the alcohol smack him like a freighter coming out of hyperspace his hand rested on the counter for a moment as he maintained a weak balance. It didn't take long for the feeling to fade, but it also wouldn't take long for its affects to settle in. Plus there was still the nonsense of another drink waiting for the two.

 

[Diva]

Ah, the Winner's Quarters. As the curtians parted Diva huffed in disgust. For all the lavish furnishings and spotless surfaces, this was without a doubt where the real slime of the galaxy was. Having grown up constantely gawked at, she was cursed by it, never able to truly ignore eyes on her; and this a devil's den if ever one could be found. Few of the "winners" present were unfamiliar with Diva, and she hid her irritation when she realized there was still a poster up. Yes, she knew she was being greedily devoured by several patron's present, and she noticed Shifty's stunned and anxious look shared with Nalu upon seeing her, and she noticed that Mr. Bigshot behind them was not watching the motion of Nalu's magnificent hips, but her. The quality of his look was different though, and somehow more unsettling. He wasn't objectifying her but assesing, sizing her up, studying. This, Diva knew, was much more dangerous. She burried her left hand deeper into a coat pocket, and with her right follwed suit in producing a cigarra of her own. It popped forth from a very shiny, obviously new cigarra case which seemed out of place against her worn clothing. Built in was a heated disk that lit a cigarra perfectly, and obviously provided Diva with enormous delight.

Nalu politely nudged her Boga Noga away with a radiant smile, suddenly aware she was competing for attention, which she was not used to. "Oh, sir, you are so very gracious, but while I am working, I shouldn't weaken my defenses."

ppppphhh... your defenses, Nalu couldn't stand up to a polite knock at the door... Diva attempted to nuzzle Nalu, but Nalu made it clear that this level of familiarity was clearly a step to far in this company, and immediately fled the bar with an open scowl, exchanging a series of course whispers with her Devorian boss on her way out. Without missing a beat. Diva put Nalu's shot down right on top of her own. Then waited, smirking, for Nalu's exit to address Shifty. He however, cut her off, in an obvious hurry to curtail her behavoir as much as possible.
So, Shifty, I was just asking Nalu where...

"I was unaware Ms. Tumi that we that your appropraite compensation had not yet cleared, and assure you Nalu was just leaving to adress it. The transfer should go through shortly." Making no attempt to match his expression or tone to the polite aquiessence of his language, Shifty went about his business.

Thouroughly satisfied with herself, diva pushed a cloud of blue green smoke through her own nose, and lulled her head to the side, finally offering Zekk her stern and unfriendly eyecontact. Diva's existence was often smothered in these conflicts of interest. She wanted his money, but her flirting had a very short limit, and being treated like a door prize was not something this former slave EVER tolerated. Asserting herself in the way only Diva could, she proceeded to correct the drink order.

Now...I don't know who "the lady" is but she's late... Her Cigarra held limply between her fingers she scooped up the Knockback Nectar and took a hard swallow of the noxious swill, before replacing it on the bar, and ashing in the remainder. Even Diva needed to draw a sharp breath to chase that oily stuff.

While we are waiting though, I will also take a Merenzane Gold... She punctuated her remarks with another theatrical drag of her cigarra, and made it clear whose tab it was on. Thank's...big winner.

The Dug, also no stranger to this particular theelin grumbled and threw Zekk a look to confirm and the drink, though something in his brow seemed to imply it was best for everyone for this newcommer to take the hit.

 

[Rev]

It was during his maintenance of the Boga Noga that he realized the Twi'lek had ignored his gesture. Staring across at the beauty his warm demeanor turned cold in the blink of an eye. He listened to the exchange between Diva and Nula and watched the alien slip away as suddenly as she had come and he naturally shook his head in disgust. Correcting his stance he brought his own cigarra back to his lips and took a long pull from it nearing the substance to the end of its life. Holding in the breath he simply soaked in the environment lost in his own thoughts for the moment.

Zekk's ears took in the conversation between boss and what he assumed to be an unpaid 'employee.' Noting the squabble he put the information in the back of his mind; for safe keeping. As his eyes looked over her various expressions, body language, and demeanor he knew she was not a woman who answered to wit or charm; something else drove her. As their eyes met he could feel the tension grow within their immediate area part of him wanted to look away but his own eyes returned that cold stare, burning fire meeting a jaded green for the first time. His thoughts were lost in the stare down as it had become, he had no wish to back down from what some would consider intimidation; he was too foolish for that. As she broke the eye contact to slam down the drink he simply smirked at her comment. Part of him wondered if she was seeking an apology, but another part of him thought she was pulling strings; trying to create a reaction. Putting the cigarra out of its misery he pulled it for its final time only to take advantage of the new 'ashtray' Diva had procured. Putting the butt in the glass while smashing it against the side his gaze went over the burn marks on the side of the fancy piece; no one of 'class' would wish to drink from it again thanks to their work.

"Bring the woman a bottle."

His left hand took hold of his own drink and slid it in front of her, his right producing the credits to pay for the bottle. His winnings were quickly depleting at the pace he was going, but that was never a thought he much cared for. As the Dug made his way across the bar and towards the back room to find a fresh bottle Zekk's head turned to face Diva, his elbow resting on the bartop while his right hand slid inside his jacket. The chest holstered scout pistol would be gripped by his dominant hand giving it a firm squeeze his finger rested on the trigger its barrel discreetly pointing at the Theelin's chest as his own body was square to her thanks to his positioning.

"It is not every day I get to spoil a slave, tell me to what do I owe the pleasure of being in the presence of the Little Violet Vixen?"

It was he who was pulling the strings now and it was then Zekk remembered where he had seen her face before. It was on Ord Mantell, the memory plunging into his mind with familiarity. He and his brother both sitting outside of Worlport Cantina as the many screens showed the young woman exhibit her skills. As his eyes narrowed with a hostility the memory of Dav expressing his feelings in that moment nearly brought his blood to a boil. This had nothing to do with Diva and everything to do with Zekk; it in part being the very reason he found himself on Nar Shaddaa. Alone.

 

[Diva]

This man had almost earned a genuine smile from Diva. A bottle of Merenzane Gold was not something she took lightly. So close, but then he threw it all away and then some. In a single breath he slapped Diva across the face with both of the two tittles she had longe since deemed unforgivable, then had the nerve to set a bead on her! She knew condecension and blasters like the purple spots on her own arms, and he had just pulled both on her. All down her spine she bristled like a Nexu at the end of a shock pike, her eyes lit like wild fire, and a low snarl escaped her lips. Tesnsion shot through her in a struggle to control herself: a battle often faught but rarely one. Fortunately, temperance had a new ally permanately fused to her left arm. Her shoulder's rolled once to bleed some fury out through her arms, and in that pause, she managed to salvage her wits.

Oh great, a fan..

Each word was forced through the narrow gap of clentched teeth in a truly murderous smile. Easy Diva. Breath in slowly. Breath out. Her eyes never left Zekk's, but the rest of her seemed to loosten up. To receive his glass, her left hand absent mindedly slid onto the bar, and her fingers wrapped around it producing a series of small 'clinking' sounds. The hand was gloved in black save for the crudely torn off tips of the fingers. This revealed the end of each finger to be dull white metal, and each with a chrome fingernail an extra centimeter or so long, all shaped like a tear drop meeting at a glisting point. Swtching tone very abrubtly, she could have seemed almost flirtive as she raised the glass and stretched her arms high, moving into and past the spacer squared off at the bar, pirouetting behind him with a faint but wicked giggle. As she lowerd her right hand she plucked the cigarra from her mouth, and tucked herself in against the man's right side and the bar. She growled her next few words into his ear as she landed, each syllable with more venom than the last.

..Then you oughta know better than to play quickdraw with me.

She punctuated her warning by flicking the rest of her smoke just past Zekk's nose and off the rim of the Knockback necter glass, where it spiraled into the air and dropped dead center into their designated ashtray. Her left hand rested the glass of Merenzane Gold on his right shoulder, and the two fingers not needed to hold it arched and rested their nails against the meat of his trapazoid, just enough to confirm that yes, they were in fact sharp. Her right hand snaked back under the bar toward the pistol on her right thigh, she leaned in, her teeth bared and ....WHAM!

::Huttese:: The full bottle of Merenzane Gold for Ms. Tumi, our welcome performer ::

Beedo, the Dug had returned in the knick of time; and judging by the placement and timing of his arrival it was no accident. The bottle split the air right between them, and with much more force than neccesary. Something about the way he said Diva's name made it clear this was not the first time he had stopped her from getting herself or someone else killed. Beedo lingered, insisting he be acknowleged the both of them, and his dark beady little eyes seemed to be searching them for some garauntee of civility.

 

[Rev]

Her comment brought a smile to his face, the first genuine one he had himself all night before he shot that gesture down with the same spat of poison her words held. The memory of his younger sibling losing his life over what wound up to be nothing was all this day ever brought him; and here he was drinking amongst those who shared alliances with the slimeballs that did him in; Hutt followers.

"Oh, I am no fan Diva Tumi. I recognized you from a holovid on Ord Mantell. My brother was a fan, he adored you."

His eyes still contained that coldness that brought his blaster to attention and he couldn't help but relish in the moment as the eyes of the former slave mirrored that hate back towards him. On any other day he wouldn't be one to press the buttons of a stranger, especially one who was making company with him; as bad as she was at it. But today was a constant reminder of his failure to his blood, his memory flashing back to the draining warmth of Dav as his soul, his connection to the Force slipped away. The memory would only last a second before being broken by the strong grasp of the metallic arm of Diva, a clasp that wouldn't change the spacer's facial expression only draw him closer to her. She would feel the barrel of his weapon pressing against her rib cage at the distance they stood his eyes finding a way to narrow even tighter just as his grip did on the hairline trigger; it being mere millimeters from firing. His lips would part and a raspier version of his voice would escape him.

"Do it."

Even his own harsh words surprised him in that moment. It was a blind bluff that would result in them both dying should she accept as his body weight would break that plane of firing. His instinct was to embrace the temptation of pulling the trigger but her blowing of the smoke to his face in a way sentenced him back to reality; back to sobriety. Perhaps it was the narcotics within the cigarra or perhaps it being the joy his brother had once gotten in their short hell together by seeing this woman perform he relaxed his finger and at that the bottle slammed against the table. Had it been any earlier the Dug may have gotten the woman killed; Zekk's whole body tensing behind the sound and with it her grip extinguishing. His gaze never broke to look at the Dug it insisting to stay on his new 'friend.' He would however speak to the alien while looking back into the woman's eyes, this time without the focus of a killer.

"[Huttese] Did you gift that bottle for this lovely performer? Or is that still on my tab, Dug? [Huttese]"

Zekk's words directed with passivity created venom at two of the words. His charm had gone out the door since entering the Winner's Circle; there was something about being in a place he knew he didn't belong that brought out a darker side of him. Beedo would offer no answer instead the bottle would make sound of sliding across countertop as the his 'hand' pushed it forward. The tension of the Theelin and human was beginning to draw some attention to their area now a group of strangers collecting not far and beginning their whispers and probably bets on where it would go from there.

It wasn't long after the exchange he could feel the trickle of blood flow escaping his flesh where the Theelin had gripped him. Turning away at long last his elbows rested against bartop his body leaned over the counter in a 'relaxed' position. His eyes stared forward now, lost in thought at memories of long ago his mind in a different place than his body resided. A slow but deep breath would enter his chest and he'd find his hand naturally reaching for another homemade cigarra. Holding it between his lips he didn't light the stimulant and instead soaked in the flavor the paper held before shooting a glance at her whip marks for a second time.

"Roorba the Hutt, heard of him?"

 

[Diva]

"Do it."
Now this was someone she could understand. Diva's weight shifted backward and her lips pursed, a softer orange scrutinized her drinking partner from under lavender eyelids. A Deathwish of all things was something she could respect. Pain was somethings she had been very intimate with, she could spot its sting a mile away, and this man's eyes were practically bleeding. Rather than gloat, she deigned to give him an empathic nod, a rare gift, as she put a little more space between them. As her left prosthetic fell gently off his shoulder, a fleck of red on each nail caught her eye. Self indulgence being a great vice of her she hummed prettily through a wide grin as she held her hand up for inspection. Diva had the hand for only a few days, and hadn't made use of her clever little special feature, which was apparently much sharper than she realized, not even intending to actually puncture the man's skin. No effort to disguise her surprise or pride was made, and while she had it close she took down half of the glisten golden liquor.

As she savored the Merenzane, swishing it gently around her mouth, she caught him peek at the gash in her sweater running from her left rib cage around the back, which exposed a very old scar from a knife fight.

My eye's are up here guy. she smirked

Diva's mood had taken a 180 once it seemed established noone was going to die...yet. And the Merenzane sure helped. She couldn't pretend to be ungrateful for someone as crazy as she was to help scare poor Beedo into comping them 100 credits. Poor Beedo, as far as bartenders went, Diva liked the little dug more than most. After finishing her first glass she tapped her glass on the counter infront of Zekk, with more than a little urgency implied.

Then he had to ruin it again. Kriff. Damn. Shad. KRIFF. Roorba? Her eyes rolled so hard she seemed unable to stop them. Her face scrunched up in the sort of pout only a 21 year old could truly achieve.

Sithspit...tell me he's not after me. Is that what your doing here? He sent you?

Diva couldn't help herself though. After a few days dry she was finally starting to feel the pleasant tingle of alchohol loosening her muscles. She gave him an exagerated once-over and smirked again, with playful mockery:

I'm insulted

 

[Rev]

Zekk watched as Diva's eyes went from a burning fire to a hardened gaze; it was a realization that perhaps the two truly were not so different. They were in no way cut from the same cloth, but resilience is what kept their blood flowing. Her nod wasn't returned, but his eyes shifted from hostility to express the newfound respect. It was quite unlike him to act as he was, but the day being an anniversary as it sits never seemed to make him act quite 'normal.'

His own eyes studied her facial expression which truly lacked the caveat she had long adorned. It brought a curiosity to the forefront of his mind, her face didn't hide that the limb was new. But, in truth she was the first he'd encountered to have a prosthetic in the place of their own ligament; a true 'cyborg.' Not allowing the thought to escape his lips this time it was her voice that again broke his trance. Having to look up from her past wounds he cursed himself for staring, it was an old habit he never seemed to be able to shake and greeted her comment with a half-grin. As he at long last went to break his own silence her glass smacked down in front of him with the same loudness the bottle had. Finally returning her nod he'd pick up the small vessel and bring it to his lips allowing the liquid's freshness to pierce his nostrils for a short moment before chugging it down. Returning the glass to the counter top with a tad more grace than the female it clanked down.

Her reaction to his question of Roorba was of course misinterpreted, nevertheless he let her antics fill the bar his eyes merely taking in the show. As she went on a bit of a 'tirade' his hand reached over and took the bottle only to pour a little more of the drink into the cup. It was after finishing the pour he turned to face her, extending the drink outward to her this time.

"You are without a doubt the finest entertainer this side of the Perlemian trade route."

His response came with a short laugh, but her look over and comment stopped him dead in his tracks as he looked himself up and down. A shrug would follow suit and the laugh would continue after that short break his head nodding to agree.

"I would be too; you are the Springing Singing Sharpshooter, as I remember, right?"

He'd let out another chuckle, the first real laugh he could remember in a long time as his lips puckered together only to whistle one of the few tunes he remembered growing up. It being some circus commercial acting as a media outlet for the show she was a part of. As his whistling faded he shook his head and looked at her a bit more seriously.

"That worm is the reason my brother is dead. Well part of the reason. I'm looking for a friend of his."

Threatening a Hutt and his entourage in this sector of space wasn't exactly the wisest of decisions. As his statement came to a close he could see Beedo backing away from the counter with a bit of hesitation. He'd look from Zekk to Shifty but not before grabbing a glass and pretending to polish it clean. Zekk's hand meanwhile clenching into a fist out of frustration, he'd been on Nar Shaddaa for two long years looking for information on that damn space slug and he finally felt he was getting close. The only information he got on Ord Mantell was to go to Coruscant, from there he was sent here and from here he learned he travels... lives on a space yacht under constant supervision. The nephew to one of the greater Hutts on Nal Hutta; certainly no worm to be trifled with.

 

[Diva]

shut your kriffin' mouth!

Diva managed to stay stone faced while he went on and on with circus jokes about a younger theeling that she had spent 5 years now trying to forget. That, however was his last miracle from Diva for the day. As it was, her patience during his whitleing had cost poor Beedo five neat scratches on his bar top when she cringed. Now her voice was a harsh, scolding whisper. Her eyes shot back and forth to assess the damage done from asking questions about Roorba. So far it seemed like Beedo was it, though he was obviously getting fed up and seeking Shifty's intervention. UGH!

First of all, I escaped the damn circus, and that kriffin' name 5 cycles ago. It ain't cute...

Her tone left no room for argument. There was no threat in it, as there had been before; not even anger persay, at least not directed at Zekk, but the message was crystal clear. Diva bit her lower lip and tried to act casual again, but it wasn't working. They needed to leave. Without appology, she dug a few credit chips out of his still over flowing pocket and tossed them on the bar. She pitched a pretty corny smile to Beedo that was truly intended for the rest of the bar, and spoke to him in Huttese. The choice of language and the hushed volume implied she was more asking his permission than giving instructions. She liked Beedo, and she knew damn well who he reported to.

::Huttese:: I got this, Beedo, thank you::

Conversely, her tone with Zekk was not a request. With as much stealth as she could muster she seized his arm with her right hand and tugged towards the door, speaking at a conversational voulme and coloring her tone a little flirty texture to conceal it's urgency.

Second, I think it's time you and I get outa here

She locked stares with him and hoped her eyes could convey the seriousness of the situation. For all of this however, she didn't forget to snatch the bottle of Merenzane off the counter with her left hand, clacking her metal nails against it reassuringly before heading towards the door. Intending to leave Shifty's behind them for this evening. On the way out of the Winner's Quarters she tossed the flustered Devorian a wink, now really showing how cheeky a performer she could be.

...Thanks for the transfer Boss! see you next month, and give Nalu my love...

One final look insisted Zekk follow her before she dissapeared through the velvet curtians

 

[Rev]

At every mention of the circus it seemed to jolt a reaction out of the Theelin, something that brought a hint of joy to the spacer's heart; but he was beginning to tell he was pushing his limit and decided it was time to let off. Giving her a glance his eyes said everything his lips refused to preach; if she was who she was he surely wouldn't be the last to make comment about her previous profession. Although something told him the next person to mention her previous employer would subject to her wrath. A thought that drew his hand to his neck to feel the dried blood against his otherwise smooth skin.

"For escaping it sure hold you back.. I don't know if you'll ever escape that name. Has a nice ring to it."

Feeling her hands pluck credits from his pockets he shot her yet another look before commenting on her thievery.

"..you sure you escaped that hell? Between Shifty not paying up and taking me for all I'm worth, you seem in the same starship."

He'd reveal a friendly smile as she made her exchange with Beedo and pulled him away from the bar. In truth he wanted to stay for a drink or two more; but being pulled away after his comments were perhaps the wise thing to be done. Replying to her comment with a nod he was a bit surprised at the change of events. Seconds before either one of them could have killed the other and now they were leaving together? When their eyes met the seriousness she had exuded from the start was only ever more apparent and he could only follow her lead. He was familiar with this sector, but obviously not as well as her.

"[Huttese] Until next time.. [Huttese]"

He flipped a credit chip in the air towards Shifty who caught it with little fight as he shook off the nonsense. If neither of the two came back he'd have a stress relieved but instead he smiled and shook his hand in goodbye before turning on his heel and walking towards Beedo. The two would exchange words before the Casino mogul would return to his office and out of contact from anyone he wished to ignore for the night.

Meanwhile Zekk pushed passed the curtain as well his eyes taking in the crowd of patrons once more. It seemed the number of interested parties had doubled since he had left this main floor. Following the woman they would go out the main entrance before he peered down the street, first left then right. He found it remarkable that the inside was jam packed but the outside was nothing more than a few stragglers roaming about with no real purpose. The night was still young as it was beginning to be considered "morning." Looking at Diva he made a suggestion before waiting for either a response or one of her own.

"My ship is at the spaceport.. It's not space ready, yet."

He paused longer than most would before letting the circumstances of his ship be known. It truly was nothing special. Nuts and bolts pieced together to make a fighter. He had hoped to trade it at some point for something larger or perhaps faster. Born from the salvages of Ord Mantell the orphan put it together in the years following his brother's passing in hopes of seeking vengeance on the ones that destroyed his family.

"Unless you have somewhere."

 

[Diva]

"For escaping it sure hold you back.. I don't know if you'll ever escape that name. Has a nice ring to it...you sure you escaped that hell? Between Shifty not paying up and taking me for all I'm worth, you seem in the same starship."

I don't give three damn kriffin' shad piles how it sounds, you've gotten away with it two more times than I like. You have no idea what I escaped from, and If I hear it again I'll leave more than your credits on a bar top.. please stop..

If anything could Diva's threat weight, it was the complete absence of a threat. As they elbowed their way through the noisy floor of Shifty's Retreat, Diva barely looked at the spacer at her heels. In fact, she seemed completely unconcerned with him, her eyes were straight ahead, and a great deal of effort was put into moving as quickly as possible without drawing attention.

As for all those credits you "won" from Shift'ys notoriously rigged slots... She was sure to shoot him a look on that one. Diva finished the thought as they errupted into the muggy Nar Shaddaa evening ...Consider the poultry amount I threw on the bar a stupid tax for asking about a Hutt in a Nar Shaddaa night club...

As she wandered into the middle of the open street, she sighed in light relief. That absurdly fancy cigera case of her's made a quick appearance and in a flash soft greenish smoke began flowing from her nose. She hummed a quick thre not melody that seemed to inspire some creative stretching while she double checked their new suroundings.

"My ship is at the spaceport.. It's not space ready, yet...Unless you have somewhere."

You'd think eyerolling was was a circus trick the way Diva seemed to have master it. Another cigera popped forth from the case, but this one Diva extended to Zekk, while she waggled a razor sharp finger nail at him in reprimand, that hand still holding a sloshing 3/4 bottle of Merenzane.

We are not getting a room space-rat, so get that idea out of your head.

Doing double duty, her left hand swiped the cigera from her lips on its way back to her side. He wasn't getting it. She leaned in.

Beedo works for Roorba. Directly. Sucks that your brother's dead....but your gonna end up the same if you keep that up.

 

[Rev]

Her short fuse was beginning to weigh down his more laid back approach to things. Doing his best to shut up for a bit he managed to bite down on his lip and merely hold in the countless tidbits he could express or lash out with. He meant no harm in them, but it was evident in her responses that others took her for what she was; a slave. At least within the Outer Rim; once a slave always a slave. That is if they remembered you and she happened to have a likeness and persona one who saw in her prime doesn't soon forget. As his mind focused on not talking back he could see her pulling away with each step she took. He found himself moving a bit faster than he normally would, her size gave her a bit more grace than his stocky spacer form ever could. Her comment about his winning by chance however stuck a nerve in him this time.

"Woah woah woah. I don't believe in luck there Tumi!"

His hand reached into his chest pocket before holding out a small holodisc; a 'slot scrambler.' It was a bit of the junk and scrap he had salvaged off Ord Mantell years prior. Never did he think coming in possession of an old Hutt Slut machine and a retired security computer would come in so handy. Having combined the two he was able to splice into the machine before going to it and it'd only take so long before the payout was his. Giving the disc a shake he stuffed it back into his inner coat pocket before zipping it shut knowing her slippery fingers might be after that one; it wouldn't be the first time.

Then to his surprise he was offered one of her smokes, as it extended a brow raised in suspicion. He knew it was safe, well he didn't but something told him he'd be okay 'trusting' this woman if only for a short while. Snatching it from her hand he brought the rolled narcotic to his lips and brought his wrist attachment to his face a small flame spouting from it seconds later to light it and his lungs took in a deep puff and held it in. Part of him expected her to ask for something for the simple gesture, but he pushed that thought out of his head not wanting to bring it up to fire her up or actually 'pay up.'

"You'd only be so lucky, darlin'," His reply would hold for a moment as his mind thought back to his not believing in luck comment only seconds prior. After it brought a half smile to his face he'd finish what he started. "aren't exactly my type."

Having finished the gesture at last the spacer's constantly racing brain began to wonder what exactly his type was. He might have come across to her as a charmer, but a woman in truth was a stranger to him. His mind focused on one thing and it only; Roorba the Hutt. Perhaps after that his neurons could relax, but until then the worm had a price to pay.

"Beedo works for Roorba. Directly. Sucks that your brother's dead....but your gonna end up the same if you keep that up."

The comment stopped Coron dead in his tracks. Beedo worked for Roorba. His hand brought the cigarra to his lips before clenching into a fist, his left hand already beating the right to the 'punch.' Taking in a deep breath to calm himself down his forearm raised and he looked over his wrist attachment the datalog within immediately pulling up as his fingers went to work on the small device. Dropping his arm from his view he stared at Diva whether or not she stopped didn't matter as his eyes then went up and down the street.

"I know a place. I have a friend that lives in the Murishani Apartments, we can stay there for a few hours. My ship should be done in the morning."

He was lying but his face wouldn't show it. His ship would indeed be done in the morning, a truth he'd tell to cover up the first hoax of the plan. It didn't matter if she came with or not, but his feet would be taking him in the direction they were headed only at the first fork in the road he was prepared to go left with or without her...

 

[Diva]

Huh.

Suddenly this space rat had become more than that. The parade of gadgets had left Diva flat out impressed. Let it never be said a circus trouper couldn't appreciate skill, especially when it was well beyond her. An envious little giggle escaped when he showed off that slot machine thingy, and she almost went after his wrist gadget to get a closer look. Disappointedwhen he put it away she finally lit her smoke.

Alright Gizmo, lead the way...

Diva shrugged and fell into step beside him. It dawned on her in that moment that she didn't have any idea who this handy little gadgeteer was.

As much as I like making up names for you space-rat, what the name I'm gonna read in the obituaries after your get close to Roorba?

 

[Rev]

His eyes lit up a bit at her own expression at seeing his gasgets at work. He rarely got to showcase them to anyone, let alone it be someone who had some appreciation for their capabilities. Much of his tech was dated, hell the wrist attachment was over a decade old, but some tinkering and programming got it back up to modern tech; to a point.

One day he might be able to get back into the "junking" business he thought as his feet carried him through an alleyway. As they walked the streets seemed to become more lavish, fancier goods and more expensive tech lighting the way with each step. Hearing her spark her own cigarra he took another long drag off his own letting the inebriant soak in for a moment before exhaling the unique color.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you have good taste."

He motioned the lit smoke in her direction before offering a smile to her. It was nice actually having someone to talk to for once. He was used to walking in solitude so the change in "scenery" was a welcomed change. It reminded him of his youth, another thought that reminded him to clench his free hand as he knew just where they were headed. As the view of the large complex came into sight he felt the nerves in his stomach turn into a pit; a mix of excitement and worry hitting him at that point. Her question didnt rid him of his uneasy feeling, but it did distract him if only for a second.

"Zekk." He paused unsure if offering his last name was customary or not but then figured it was only natural. "Coron."

The way the two names came off his tongue it almost sounded thought up or fake; but it was the truth as best he could tell. Her question was another rarity for the almost 23 year old. It wasnt common for barkeeps, merchants, and traders to ask your name in these sectors. As he entered the complex his memory bank was running through the last time he had said it and could only bring up blanks.

Approaching the elevator he hit the call button and within a few seconds the door hissed open with a chiming regularity. Motioning for Diva to enter he'd follow her in before hitting '74.' The lift would go into motion downward, an irregularity for walking in on the "main floor." The tower had been gigantic and moving down wasnt truly expected. Turning to face Diva his emerald eyes locked with hers.

"So how'd you get out?"

He was of course asking about the circus. Everyone knew it was filled with slaves that had no way of escaping. No money, no home, no real hope. Hell half the bunch didnt even have a family. Leaning against the wall of the lift he simply waited deep down expecting her to kill him, but he was genuinely interested in knowing. The soft jingle of music stopping any possibility of an awkward silence he pressed his 'luck' a little further.

"...I'm sure its one helluva story."

((Posted from my phone so sorry for any mistakes. Tried to spot any.))

 

[Diva]

There was a long pause before she answered. No one had every asked that question before, at least not so sincerely. A thousand lies ran through her mind in that time, but when she finally replied it was stoic and plain.

I murdered the two people holding me down.

That was the end of it. She had forgotten to ash in that time and promptly did so. Her brow pinched as the elevator began to decend. She eyed Zekk with suspicion for a moment, but seemed to let it go more quickly than expected. Instead, a different question formed in her head.

What about your brother? What's got you dumb enough to go slug hunting?

 

[Rev]

"I murdered the two people holding me down."

The words sat in limbo for what was only a few seconds but felt like a lifetime. Even the happy jingle the elevator blared into their ears wasnt enough to hinder the bluntness in her statement. He had asked for the answer and deep down expected death having to be part of her escape, but the cold chill that shot up the smugglers spine wasn't a feeling he'd ever be accustomed to.

Despite the blaster on his own hip he'd never had to kill before. The power and instinct was there, but he wasn't as cold as the Theelin across from him. He intended his first kill to be the worm she followed up her own answer with. What he did share with the permormer was that stoic look; almost of desperation but his eyes held the true emotion: shellshock.

"I.. We were on Ord Mantell. Must've been 5 years we were stuck there, but thats beside the point. We were scrappers every meal had a cost and we were kids with no real way of making creds. So we'd sneak onto the train and bail where we knew it was safe to scavenge whatever we could. It was just like any other day.."

The door again hissed open and a ding rang out to signify their floor. Walking out he stared down the long hallway littered with doors before taking a step into the maze.

"We got spotted by some other junkers. A Twi'lek and a Trandoshan. Things didn't go so well and they killed him. Dav's face still haunts me. He was barely old enough to understand it all and he was scared.. Hell I was scared. The Trandoshan got what was coming to him, the Twi'lek mentioned Roorba before slipping away."

He didn't care to mention the Wookiee Jedi that was a detail he kept for himself. That beast had a debt to pay all his own and Zekk again planned to collect on that as well. They came to a 'T' and would turn right as unit 7441 stopped him in his tracks. Turning to face the entrance he gave Diva a look that held some nerves to it. Next came the part that had him so nervous. Plugging in his wrist attachment to the datapad on the wall he hit in a few commands and it began splicing into the system. The feedback would readback failures on occasion before finally chiming with an acceptance. A customary hiss would open the door and they'd be greeted by a lavish apartment unlike any Zekk had seen before. The sight made him let out a short soft whistle of approval.

"...welcome home."

He'd mutter the statment under his breath before walking in and giving a quick look around. It was empty aside from the furniture and basics all househelds contained. Then came the 'metallic' voice of a protocol droid.

"Greetings!"

 

[Diva]

An empathetic hum rolled past her tightly pursed lips. He had every right to want revenge, but his perspective was out of proportion. If he kept blaming Roorba he'd meet a much more specific fate than his brother. How could she beat that into this dweebs skull? He might be useful to her someday, but only if hes alive.

That's rough Zekk, really, but a couple of junk rats leechin' scrap doesn't even....

She trailed off as Zekk started to fidget with his data-pad. One thing she couldn't teach herself to do without proper tutoring, but it looked sooo cool. Tutoring or not, however, she knew splicing when she saw it and she sure as shad could read the word "failure." Oh no. As the door slid open her right hand snapped to the blaster on her respective thigh. With all his single minded revenge fantsies, Diva was suddenly very concerned. When mixed with her awe at the lavish setting before them, this concern grew into anxious suspicion.

ZEKK! Who the hell's apartment is....

Greetings!

Cut off again, Diva immediately drew on the unsuspecting protocol droid. She recognized her mistake quickly, but the damage had been done. The droid chirped nervously and began marching towards a control pannel.

Oh my... You are not guests at all... I'm afraid I must notify the authorites immediately.

 

[Rev]

His eyes would have shot to her at her exclamation if it hadn't been for the droid surprising them both. Spotting the Theelin's blaster out of the corner of his eye relaxed him some at his own being drawn from the thigh holster and pointed at the protocol droid from his hip. His finger itched to pull the trigger as it made steps towards the console across the room to call the 'authorities' whatever that meant on Nar Shaddaa. Letting his mind go to work he simply blurted out the first thing that came to it, in a way blowing any cover story he had to keep Diva at bay.

"Roorba wouldn't be happy about that, rust bucket; we are guests afterall."

The droid would stop in its tracks to turn and look at the two for a second time. Putting its hands up in a fret the emotionless metal still found a way to express apology in its movements even without having a 'face.'

"My apologies! I did not know we were having guests. Is there anything I can get for either of the two of you."

With a shake of the head he felt the tension his blaster finger held release which caused him to holstere the pistol and let out an exhale. It was more than a relief to not have to draw attention to the room by unloading on the circuitry. Casting a glance at Diva he motioned down the hall where a doorway was on either side.

"Make yourself at home."

He bowed his head as any 'host' should and gave her a smirk of deviousness. Looking back to the droid his hand went back to the blaster as he plopped down on the sofa.

"Is anyone else here?"

"The Master is expected home at any time. I'm sure he will be happy to have guests!"

Getting up from his short lived seat he went over to the datapad and again began splicing the terminal, only this time he was changing the lock. Whomever it was when they got home wouldn't be able to get in without first being let in by himself or Diva.. or the droid. Looking back at the unit he couldn't help but smile and make his way to it, reaching behind its head he flipped a switch and the body went limp as it was powered down. As the room fell silent for the first time he heard a hard pound on the door.

[Huttese] "Blast! Let me in, my key isn't working GE-3!" [Huttese]

Taking a glance at the camera display on the terminal he nodded at the person that pounded at the door. An all too familiar Dug...

 

[Diva]

You idiot.

Each word was spat like hot acid. Her seething breath and eyes, now positively aglow with firey rage, elevated her presence to something like a dragon. Pure fury flooded from her pores, and the lavish setting was suddenly filled with it. Without hesitation, Diva pulled the trigger. a bolt of plasma tore through the exposed wiring at the base of the droid's skull, and the light behind it's ocular sensors flickered out before it even hit the cushion lined chair behind it with a muffled thud. She turned on Zekk with alarming speed and caught his throat between her cold metal fingers, driving him againt the wall with force that belied the real power of a gymnast's upper body. She fired again on the droid's carcas for good measure, sneaking a shot through a narrow opening under its arm and filling its chest cavity with sparks, than jabbed the warm blaster into her companion's side. Diva brought her body to bare against Zekk and placed a knee against his now holstered blaster, seperating it from his reach. She hissed in his ear, speaking very quickly and in a violent whisper.

You arrogant junkyard rat, do you feel these tin fingers? A Hutt took my old ones, just to remind me to stay on his good side. You're not gonna get your revenge from a sarlac's gut, while Roorba still doesn't even known you existed! Is that what your brother would want?!

Pulling back for just a moment, her burning pupils locked with his to let that much sink in. She continues a second later with no less scorn.

Now guess what? Your gonna open that door, you are gonna let him in here, you will close that door, and you are gonna kill Beedo. Innocent Beedo. Beedo the best kriffin bartender on this slime infested rock. Beedo who had NOTHING to do with your brother's death. You're gonna murder him in cold blood, because now, if you don't, we will both be tagged, and dead by morning. You want to go down this road so bad? Time to deliver smart ass...

:: muffled Huttese:: GE-3? Answer me you walking toaster....What was that sound? Do I hear voices? ::muffled Huttese::

Diva finally leapt off of Zekk and in two flying strides carried herself to a corner on the doorside of the room and Ducked behind a large bar cabinet. The vacancy left in her mechanical hand after releasing Zekk's neck was quickly filled by her second blaster. Though she could have easily hidden herself completely, there was little confidence that this chump could pull off what was neccessary to keep them alive, and she leaned out far enough to heep her seering glare fixed on Zekk as a reminder of his options. There was no other outcome. If Beedo left now, Roorba would hear about it. They would be found. If he saw them and lived, they would certianlly found. There was more to it. They would have to make it look ugly, destroy the place. Make it messy. But for now she had leveled enough on Zekk's head. Let's see if he could but his money where his mouth was.