Fortune-Hunter's Delight [DotR Prequel]

[Rev]

Zekk's eyes took in the hostility that slowly grew within his companion. The sense of endangerment began to grow in the pit of his stomach before she even released her rage, but by the time he could react it was too late. The first shot caused a flinch to take over his body as he half expected it to come his way. Turning his gaze met a smoldering GE-3 and his eyes widened, that unit was worth more than either of them had ever seen; he was sure of it.

"What the he-..!"

His voice erupted out of him much like her rage only to be silenced by that cold grip of her sharp talons. His natural reaction was to fight against her strength; but, something deep down urged him against it. A durasteel claw forcing forward against his flesh plunged the idea deeper into his mind and instead he backpedaled until his back hit the wall with an audible thud. As the second shot cried out at his side this time it gauged no reaction from the smuggler. His view of the droid showcased the precision and power of her blaster which completely destroyed anything left of value the droid had in it. Then came the burning sensation at his side as the tip of her weapon pressed against his ribcage, his body recoiled but the hot tip kept its mark causing him to grit his teeth as he stared with defiance into his 'captors' eyes. Her own words wouldn't sink in as he instead pushed back against her, but not in the hostile manner which she commanded.

"I will have my revenge." He spat the words at her with a hatred that she could never feel. Even as he glanced at her lost limb the pain which coursed through his body meant nothing in comparison to the ease he felt his mind would at destroying the Hutt. "...he doesn't know what is coming for him. My dea-..."

The constant knocking of Beedo cut him off combined with her continuation of what was expected of him now. His face remained expressionless, that cold undertone she wore so elegantly taking form on his own face as she 'showed' him what needed to be done. Little did she know this was his plan all along, had he killed before? No. This would be his first, and he would enjoy every second of it knowing the man had a hand in Roorba's entourage. Her expressing his innocence meant nothing as she already showed him his guilt in affiliation. As she released him his left hand would come to his throat and stroke the flesh all the while feeling the growing stubble. He remained silent, but reached to the ground picking up his blaster a part of him wanting to turn it on the woman.

Reaching to the console the door would hiss open and his view would be met by the small dug who eyes looked back in shock at what he was staring at. Zekk stood pointing the heavy blaster of his own at the dug's center mass watching the creature back up all too slowly. Taking one step towards the alien Beedo stopped dead in his tracks before looking down the empty hallway, first right then left. With a motion of the pistol as if to say come here Zekk this time took one step backwards.

"You are a fool, spacerat. If you do not think Roorba will know about this you ar-.."

"Move."

Zekk's voice cut the dug off right where it was headed. The sound held no volatility to it, but it did stress control. The dug would slowly walk into the room, his eyes never leaving the human as he expected the spacer to be alone. Deciding to change his plan of threats he took the route of persuasion.

"I can pay you!" He let out an awkward chuckle as his 'arms' spread out in an inviting manner. "Do you really think Shifty contracted your friend? That was Roorba who paid the contract... Shifty merely took his 'cut.' A nominal 70%... He doesn't even plan on paying her! I can get you it all!" He laughed with a devious tone that was riddled with truth. Taking a step towards his droid Beedo's eyes seemed to show the sadness a parent would hold from losing a child, his mind distracted from his persuasion and Zekk took that moment to make his own deal.

"Roorba. Where is he? Tell me and I'll let you live, plus the credits."

The dug took a moment to respond as his hands ran over the droid, his back to both Diva and Zekk now. Looking over his shoulder he narrowed his eyes on Zekk before spitting an answer at him.

"You rat! You think you can stop Roorba the Hutt!?" He would laugh before jumping around to face Zekk who still had his blaster trained on the alien. "Fine! His yacht just left for Corellia.. resupply on sp-"

Zekk's blaster would scream out with power that only a heavy blaster cold contain. The room lit up with a green flash for the half a second which made him think of a thunderbolt upon it going off. His whole arm recoiled backwards as his teeth clenched. Letting the blaster fall back to his holster the room silent for the first time in minutes. Walking over to the downed dug he stared at the smolder where the scum's heart should be before kneeling next to the much smaller being. Giving a quick search he gripped a datapad from his pants pocket and quickly hooked it up to his wrist attachment which leached all the data from it. Standing up he gave Beedo one final look, one that lasted longer than he expected as a sense of guilt rushed over him. Huffing in a deep breath he took in the stench of death and he closed his eyes; he wouldn't forget the face of his first kill.

Turning on his heel his eyes opened to shoot Diva a look unlike he had yet. Part of him felt betrayed by the woman for her actions only seconds before, but part of it was the pain of killing someone.. something that perhaps didn't deserve it. Turning his view from her to the lit doorway his feet carried him towards the still open exit. He tossed the woman the stolen datapad without giving her a second look. What Beedo had mentioned of her contract was true; Roorba had set it up and the payment was far greater to whomever enacted it. Shifty had no doubt gouged a heavy portion of her pay from the deal, but Beedo was the broker of it all. Standing in the still empty hall his view copied was Beedo's had; looking either way. Taking a right, back the way he had come from his mind went to one thought entirely.. One place entirely.

Corellia.

 

[Diva]

A pistol in each hand, Diva was forced to cradle her arms to akwardly receive the datapad. This was more refelxive than reflecting and interest, as she only glanced briefly before tossing it aside.

What? You think I don't know where my money comes from?

By the time she finished speaking, Zekk was out the door.

Oh no you DON'T!

Her instincts kicked in. He had made this a game of survival now, and was gambling with her life. Every last shred of her patience disolved in a moment and she sprang after him. Holstering her left blaster, her long athletic legs easily cleared the distance between them. Diva hooked her right arm onto the door frame and lunged with her left. That metal claw of hers snatched up a thick wad of his shirt and jacket collar, and though she didn't intend it, her nails likely opened a few shallow streaks down the back of his neck. Twisting and yanking with her whole body she reversed his revenge fueled momentum and hauled him back into the apartment and down to the floor, which would unfortunately bring him right on top of his fresh first kill. Diva, off balance from throwing her weight into it, stumbled into the room and collided with the cabinet she previously used for cover, shaking a few bottles liquor loose, 2 of which shattered on the ground. The pungent aroma spilling forth would tell anyone the liquid now spreading across the floor was not cheap. As she recovered her left hand slammed into the control pannel, splintering the screen, but effectively forcing the door to snap shut with a nervous hiss, and her right brought it's blaster to bear on Zekk's crumpled form on the floor. Still aparently unsatisfied, she let out a ferocious and blood curdling howl, every bit of which was directed to Zekk.

STAY DOWN!!!!!!!!!!

A warning shot loosed from her blaster and and sent singed feathers exploding from a coushin near Zekk's head.

YOU LISTEN! You LISTEN to ME, and DON"T MOVE! Can you handle that? HUH?

Her breath came in heavy pants, and her eyes no longer looked sentient, but truly wild. After a moment of silence she seemed satisfied with his level of stillness and went on.

I GET IT, your unbeleivable dunce. You mean kriffin business, but guess what? You ain't getting revenge if your DEAD, and right now I'm the only one in this room who seems to want you alive, let alone have any IDEA how to get what you want, so I get to talk now and YOU LISTEN, you sucidal little scrap-rat! Are you ready to do that? ARE YOU? ANSWER ME!
...and so help me if you move one muscle other than your tongue you smart ass little gadget monkey I will pull this trigger and send you straight to your poor little baby brother... I will NOT die for your fools errrand. GOT IT? SITHSPIT man I am trying to HELP you....GOT IT?

She jabbed the gun in his face, making it perfectly clear there was only one answer she was willing to accept.

 

[Rev]

As the spacer's feet carried him into the hallway he heard the muffled words of Diva leak into the hall. The words almost got him to turn and investigate, but instead he began to reach for a cigarra; padding his pockets as he was lost in thought. Feeling the pack and reaching for his treasure his ears were ambushed by the woman just as her 'hand' gripped his flesh. His only response was to roll with the attack as he again felt flesh peel from his body. Being swung and somehow lifted by the smaller framed woman was enough shock to allow it to happen; the rage pitted inside him had it not been a blindside wouldn't have allowed it.

Hitting Beedo's body with a somewhat cushioned thud he laid against the dead bartender for a moment allowing the moment to reveal itself to him as he basked in what was once a luxury apartment. Hadn't it been for a smoldering droid and dead body underneath him he may have found it peaceful, but as quickly as his dream had procured it was stripped away at the familiar sound of the Theelin's blaster. Gritting his teeth as the surge of pain coursed his spine his curiosity went to the jacket he wore wondering just what condition she had put it in. As her words echoed throughout the room his locked eyes set upon her own lost focus as fluttering feathers rained down around them like a soft snowstorm. Again letting the setting run its course he stood still and listened to the wild woman.

Her words burned with a rage unlike any he had seen and he couldn't understand why. Hours before they were complete strangers and a stroke of cheated luck or misfortune depending on the viewpoint drew them together. As her rant continued his own thoughts trailed off to the why she cared so much, perhaps she was still a slave to the Hutt's even though she failed to know it. Or perhaps she still had a hand in their dirty work; moments before her admittance to knowing just where her work.. her contracts had come from slipped his mind. Her final exclamations of 'aid' would be met with a blaster to his own face. His eyes stared down the barrel of the gun and again his mind procured a reaction. Oh how he wanted to smack the weapon aside with his hand and enact a trip as she was foolish enough to draw too close. Yet even in his suicidal trance he knew the risk far outweighed the reward and something told him the wound to his back was far worse than he or she even thought. A pool of his own blood both littering the lavish apartment and Beedo as he still sat atop the Dug. As much as he hated this woman he was beginning to respect her, despite her... madness.

Trying to play it cool he reached straight to his cigarra pocket and pulled out one of the familiar items.

"..okay. You have my attention, circus brat."

His fingers would twirl the cigarra between them from pinky through index finger until both it and his thumb gripped the trickery and extended out to her in patronage. A painful smile would form on his face but not before he grabbed one of his own.

 

[Diva]

"..okay. You have my attention, circus brat."


Ha! Cute scrap-for-brains. Real cute. I promise I won't underestimate how much piss you can muster again; but no thanks... She waved aside his offer of a cigarra with a rather scathing point even Zekk couldn't ignore ... you go ahead but I'm not leaving any more evidence behind....

In an instant Diva went to work as if nothing had happened, highlighting her mercurial instinct as more frightening than any single violent outburst. She moved with a definite and practiced sense of purpose, leaping over the two boddies in front of her and charging striaght for what appeared to be a weird little Dug sized bed. Throwing a warry look to Zekk she holstered her gun, replacing it with a vibroknife and began going to town on the pillows.

First of all, know this: Roorba probably doesn't even know the names or faces of the twi'lek and the lizard face that killed your kid brother, let alone his or yours. Obviously you can't seem to hear reason there, but if you must get your precious revenge, rule number 1 is, don't be dead. *pillowcase rips* You just killed someone. Congradulations. He was maybe three degrees from your target so I bet you feel really importatnt, right? * rip* But you are on camera in a Hutt held club, asking about Roorba in front of this guy.

She began beating two large, freshly skinned pillowcases in the air infront of her, clearing them of remaining feathers.

I promise you Shifty knows, by the way. Furthermore, you made me, some random barfly for all you know, accesory to this, and now you find out I've been on payroll too.

A pause. Diva stared Zekk straight in the eye to be certian he was listening instead of getting that childish little glazed look when he was too busy thinking of some clever revenge fantasy to pay attention. She could always tell. She may be young, and full of her own special brand of madness, but she had seen more than enough int this galaxy to ear a little respect when she knew it was coming to her.

If I were any other creature on this filthhole of a moon, I would have shot you dead and turned your useless body in for a couple of credits. A reward just for showing loyalty. That's Hutt power. That's what your dealing with. They own whoever/whatever they want, with dozens of actual mercenaries and trained assasins, and law enforcement at their disposal, and...well... look at you. The only reason I'm not turning you in, god knows I need the money, is because I want it to be perfectly clear: They do not. own. me.

One of the emptied pillowcases, now a makeshift sack was thrown at his feet.

Second of all, your only shot at keeping your trail clear right now is to make this disaster look like someone didn't clearly just hack into a Hutt informant's room, jack his datapad, and kill him in cold blood; which couldn't be more obvious. Idiot.

Besides, it's important to enjoy the little things on the way...

Diva's made her intensions perfectly clear after that. Shaking her own pillowcase open her mood again took a left turn, and her eyes began to glow like a child in a candy store. The corner of her magenta lips twisted into a wicked grin as she casually batted a rather expensive looking vase onto the floor. She leapt back to the liquor cabinet, actually tiwrling gracefully as she landed, and began rooting through. Low "mmm"s and "ooh!"s as she shifted through Beedo's impressive collection. Loading the finest in her pillowcase, she methodically dropped a few others to add efffect to the crime scene. Once the cabinet was covered she moved on to flinging open every drawer she passed, begining to making a thorough mess of the flat, as well as tossing everything shiny or electronic into her goody bag. Before long she tossed a rather flashy looking garment made of thick fabric towards Zekk.

...and here...you should probably wrap up your neck. She sheepishly stretched her metal digits and studied them as one might ex[ect her to do with press ons. I am sorry about that... this thing is pretty new.

@Rev

 

[Rev]

Her remark of evidence caused him to belt out a surge of laughter, almost mockingly. Shaking his head he sparked the 'nutrient' and took a short pull from the product and blew the smoke this time in her direction. He'd previously been sure to avoid the smoke from hitting her all together, but since their 'dance' he could only feel that same burden of revenge weighing him down. He'd take her ignorance for a ride at the remark as he pushed off the Dug and got to his feet.

"If you think this is my first time getting close to the Hutt or his men, then I'm giving you more credit than you're owed, starlet."

Walking over to the destroyed console he ran his hands over the burnt control and let out a sigh of discontent. Anything they could've done to hide their trail from that device was locked down. She may have thought shooting it hid their tracks, if only a little; but he'd pulled hundreds of 'encrypted' files from what most would deem junk in his time. Drawing another taste from the rankweed he closed his eyes and took in another lecture from the gymnast. Part of him thought about recording the speech while another part just smiled at the idea; giving it a long thought his imagination began to wander as he pictured the purple woman in front of a crowd trying to sell something or encourage growth out of the crowd as they cheered on. Then he felt her eyes upon him and heard the soft clump of cloth smacking at his heels.

"...the lizard is dead, has been for years."

He patted the blaster that was holstered on his thigh behind muffled words as the cigarra still was between his lips. The larger than life weapon wore with years of existence had a dull shine to it than often drew looks from cantina goers and spacers alike. He'd stripped it from the Trandoshan's body and made some personal modifications to the heavy blaster to make it more his own. Letting her comment about the Hutt's not owning her settle within the tense air he'd look over his shoulder at her his thought returning.

They own you, you just don't know it.

If she could read thoughts he'd probably of gotten himself killed in that moment, but they both knew he was more than ready to eat a blaster for nothing short of suicide at this point. Driving a balled up fist into the broken console he reached to his narcotic and extracted the cigarra and finally exhaled the smoke. An idea popping into his head he walked over to the droid and began looking over the scrap heap's carcass.

"I'd be surprised if they knew it was me. You only just learned my name, and nothing on me inherently belongs to me..."

He reached into the chest cavity and felt for a rod, finally gripping the mechanism he gave it a twist and the plate popped open to reveal a dull glowing ball of energy. His eyes lit up just as hers did; a kid in a candy store. The energy core was worth more than some speeders, but if she thought to sell the 'jewel' of the room she'd be mistaken; his hands quickly going to work on the material. Giving her a peak as he heard and smelt the bottle of whiskey hitting the floor he'd smile. He did have to admit, she knew what she was doing; even if it was different from his own style. As he found himself staring at the woman once again he was met again with a cloth, this one a makeshift bandage.. at least to Diva. Looking it over in his hand he wrapped it around his neck like a scarf and went back to work on the droid.

Dropping the cigarra on the floor of the apartment he used his open free hand to reach deeper into that cavity and feel around the backside of the glowing ball of energy. It was in that moment her apology pierced the air and he found himself peaking around the metallic 'being.' His eyes had a shock to them as he was more than surprised to hear the words come from her. Part of him thought she'd kill him by the time she finished destroying the abode, but this turned his thoughts inside out. Unsure of what to say his two hands continued to work and it was doing that which sparked the normally stable energy core. His body and room would go from a calm yellow to a glowing red which pulsed with intensity.

"Uh-oh..."

Pulling his hands away he backed up from the droid and looked around the room for any sort of escape. Turning his eyes took in the destroyed console and locked tight door and in a panic he slammed his balled hands against the door in hopes of it opening; nothing. Stopping in place his mind raced as he attempted to calculate how long it would be before that droid went up like a poorly maintained Podracer. Screaming out his answer he looked at Diva hoping she knew what to do.

"30 seconds and Roorba will be the least of our worries!"

 

[Diva]

(ooc: Diva punched the door console too hard accidently, didn't shoot it, same difference though. Also...wow. I hate you.)

Diva could feel him grumbling around behind her. The urge to stare him down was burried under her enthusiasm for loot; that and the knowledge that if she had to see that pompus look in his eye and face the fact that he had missed the point of everything she said, again, she would undoubtedly kill him on the spot. There was plenty else to do. She had just finished rolling up a gorgeous oil painting, expertly sliced from it's frame when the tell tale sound of disaster sent a prickley shock down her spine. "uh-oh"

It hadn't occured to her that he could have an expression more problematic than his smug, self righteous one. She was wrong. This was suddenly one of those rare situations where the picture told the whole story. First, she saw the bright red glow emenating from the pile of droid parts. In her experience that never once meant anything good. Then she watched Zekk frantically search the room and pound on the door. He reminded her of a clown. She would have laughed if her life wasn't in mortal danger.

"30 seconds and Roorba will be the least of our worries"

Nice.

That was it, all she had time for, to squeeze all her frustration, rage, shaming, and fear into that one venoums bit of sarcasm; and she did. Wide orange eyes flitted around the room, depserate for a solution. 3-4 seconds passed in what seemed like 3-4 hours worth of tension before Diva's panicked gaze fell to the ceiling. Somehow, under several layers of Beedo's decorative fabrics, she saw salvation. The tiny little blinking sensor that was the unit's fire alarm. Diva had lived in this sort of row housing before; much cheaper, but same layout. She remembered that party. Alot of drugs, and a small indoor garbage pail fire seem like what they needed. The alarm was triggered, authorities automatically called... and all doors automatically opened. It was the best and only plan she had.

22 seconds left. With the slightest groan of remorse for what she had to do, Diva plunged into her loot sack. Another 2 seconds later she produced a bottle, and judging by her expression it had been one she was dearly looking forward to; 300 proof, was prominently displayed on the label next to the image of some gayly dancing Zeltronians. It was sealed, but another full second was wasted as she quite clearly considered having a taste first. No. No. Maybe? Damnit, no. Her form may have seemed strange to Zekk, but throwing a bottle of liquid was in-fact a complicated matter, and when Diva let go it flew straight as an arrow toward the tiny blue light obscured by layers of translucent textiles. With speed that would stun a jedi her hand, after releasing the bottle, zipped past her hip, her blaster seeming to appear as if by magic. 16 seconds.

DUCK!

Her eyes were on Zekk as she made the shot and started running in the same beat. Just as the bottle cracked against the ceiling a plasma bolt split it in the middle. The liquor caught instantely, and the opulent fabric took to flame almost as easily. In under 2 seconds, half the ceiling was on fire and Diva was running towards the door, her half filled pillowcase of swag slung over one shoulder. 12 seconds

Go left, I think I know a... bwwwAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! BWWAAAAAAAAAAH! BWWAAAAAAAAH!

Blaring alarms overwhelmed the apartment and made further communication impossible. Sprinkelers in the apratment began laying down a heavy sheet of fire retardent powder. Then the door flew open. 10 seconds. Diva skidded into the hall on the heavy pads of her broad feet. She could see the door down the hall that read "To Docking" and turned back to give Zekk a sincerely pleading look. mouthing the words "come on". Diva knew she could out run him easily, but she still needed him. She had the plan, but the whole building would be pouring out in a panic once that thing went off, and she couldn't hope to hotwire a speeder and the dock security door fast enough. At least, not alone.

7 seconds.

 

[Rev]

((Oops, I can change/edit it if you'd like. I must've misread. That isn't the first time I've heard that one..))

Those 30 seconds might as well have been hours to the young man as he stared blankly around the room in a distraught panic. The combination of his first official kill hitting his mind and the situation had him lost in the moment. Each of the seconds passing by without hesitation from the last as Diva roamed about the room forming her own plan and acting on it. The difference between the woman raised to fend for herself and the man that was left to care for his younger sibling and failing showing itself in that short period. His sight took in the bottle of liquor floating through the air before her words tore him from 'shell shock.'

"DUCK!"

Like a dark shadow suddenly illuminated he watched as the ceiling exploded into an inferno; it was truly a sight to behold. Standing in place for a little longer than one would in the given situation he took a step backwards before it turned into peddling and finally a turn and full on sprint. His focus was on Diva's backside which quickly turned into a silhouette of dark space when the doorway hissed open and he was met with bright light. There was barely enough quiet to hear her plea before the alarm took over the room with its screaming cry. Looking up at the turning glow of a hazard light it didn't change the already glowing red setting, but the powder which coated his person was more than enough to make him want out the room even more. Turning left his eyes took in the view in a blur of white, his eyes still adjusting to the new climate. With no hesitation he felt something run up his spine and a soft whisper come over himself almost sounding like the Theelin to his front right.

7 Seconds.

Taking one long stride he was to her immediate left and wrapped his arms around her in a makeshift hug before tackling her against the wall. He'd pin her against an open indentation where a holovid was set up and playing something about a new Cantina within the building. As he held her in place the entire building shook with a rage unlike anything he'd felt. It might as well of been the roar of a Rancor combined with a heavy quake as his knees buckled against the eruption which was mere feet from the two. Peeking out from their hiding spot his eyes looked over the hallway which was littered with debris while fire cascaded along the walls and ceiling. Had they made another two steps down the passage they'd both of been vaporized or sent to the ground level of Nar Shaddaa. Looking over the shattered windows he wasn't sure what told him to stop, but they were both fortunate it took over him. Wind would find its way into the walkway with a howl from passing speeders, some slowing to peak into the wreckage while most continued down their fast lanes by. Finally releasing Diva from his grip he took a step away from her before trotting down the hallway to the still locked, but heavily battered door.

Taking a knee next to a small port below the data input he plugged his wrist attachment in with a cord which extended from the device. Hammering away at the keys he peaked at the corner to see that the life on the device was running short and this may in fact be his one and only chance at getting them out of the building. Taking in a deep breath his mind was focused on the task at hand, but deep down he felt that itch for another Cigarra; an itch he somehow ignored. Typing in a few commands the attachment beeped at him in failure.

"Com'mon you..."

His voice would trail off as he continued to go to work. Realizing it had been the first time he'd spoke in what felt like minutes he shook the thought away and instead typed in a different series of commands which resulted in a loud ping and a hiss from the doorway as it opened with lightning speed. It was a situational open and a counter opened on the datascreen signifying they only had 5 seconds before the door would reseal due to the hazard on the level. Unplugging the device he quickly moved through the door which slammed shut just as hard as it had opened anything left on the otherside would be there until authorities arrived, or worse.

The view on the other side of the door was much like the hall they had come from only mirrored. This one however had a large sign pointing to their right now reading "DOCKING BAY-7." Giving Diva a look he began to dust himself off, the heavy gunk from the fire extinguisher not being an easy task to rid himself of but one he'd attempt no less. Running a hand through his raven black hair it'd get caught a quarter the way through only to have them comb out a hardened chunk of the chemical. Taking a step in the docking bays direction he'd shoot the purple woman a look of innocence as he brought the nicotine which he had been longing for to his mouth.

"...well that could've gone smoother."

 

[Diva]

Before she could understand what was happening, Diva was suddenly trapped in the suprisingly strong embarace of Zekk Coron. That shock was replaced by the force of her head ricocheting off the wall of the hallway, wich was in turn completely forgotten when a bright flash and scalding hot burst of air rushed over her. A second later, the cool breeze of night air brought her back to her senses, or most of them anyhow, her ears were ringing. As suddenly as they came, the safety of Zekk's lifesaving arms was taken and she scrambled, dazed, out of the tiny alcove. There was a a whole in the wall around her...or rather there was some wall left near the open view of Nar Shaddaa's undercity. Where was Zekk? There. She shook of the confusion and sprang after him, her long dancer's legs easily catching up. He was already at work on the door she had hoped he'd find, and she could hear, oh thank the stars she could hear, him mumble under his breath as he worked. Somewhere, deep in her subconcious, aa slient note was written to remind her that this goofy little geek had just saved her life, albiet moments after she saved his. Still, Diva doesnt forget. It wasn't until this moment she realized that she had been consistently cursing out loud since the explosion. She went silient, just as the door to the docks flew open. Diva was completely following Zekk's lead at this point and was happy when he stopped. The stillness was needed, and in it, she found his eyes. In the course of a few hours they had formed an amazingly complicated relationship, and were now fleeing an explosion. She couldn't help but laugh. dropping the bag of goodies she forgot she was holding, her stomach seemed to cave as she doubled over with full cathartic chortling.

HOLY KRIFFIN' HELL! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Holy....Hahahahahahaa....Oh sithspit... WOW! HAHAHAHAHAhahahahahaa! I can't....breath...Hahaahaa... ooooooh

Eventually, this quelled enough for her to think clearly again, and she shot back up like a faw when she hears a twig snap. Docking bay 7, right. She turned on her partner.

Kriff Zekk! what are you doing? We gotta go!

Diva snatched the last half of his cigarra right out of his mouth and took a huge drag through grinning purple lips. After returning it to Zekk she heaved her loot sack over her shoulder and sprinted past him to the docking bay. By some miracle of malfunctioning technology in the building, the door was alread oscilating, and firing sparks, so when diva kicked the panel it snapped open, and stayed that way long enough for them to enter. There wasn't much attached to the slum that looked reliable, but Diva managed to immediately run to the side of what must have been a nearly brand new luxury model speeder. Her eyes grew wide and she thrust greedy finger at it like a kid in a candy store.

That one Zekk, Get us that one...

 

[Rev]

The ringing in the young human's ears didn't seem to stop until he had gotten through the doorway, and as that annoying whine disappeared all he could take in was laughter. Looking to Diva her body language told him she was laughing much louder than he could hear her doing as it sounded like she was in the 'next room.' Smiling at her outburst he found himself coming to a chuckle before outright laughing as well. As his laughter carried on her question and command snapped him to the same sobriety she found herself on, but not before his cigarra was snatched from his grip. His own hand would half-heartedly stretch out to snag it back but all too quickly withdraw as he was sure she needed the same hit that got him through their most recent experience.

"I was waiting for you!"

He smiled and followed in her direction towards the docking bay. His heart raced quicker than his mind did for once as her pace was slightly quicker than he was used to her. Shunning himself for making a comment of waiting on the more athletic circus-performer he could only shake his head in her footsteps. That was when his eyes took in the doorway which seemed to malfunction in a way unlike he'd ever seen. Bringing his forearm forward as he looked past his flesh he watched the woman draw back and boot the console with a prowess only she could carry which stopped him in his tracks. Realizing that it somehow worked he pushed off his back foot to find himself on the other side of the doorway only to hear it jam back shut; the gears grinding against one another with sounds only a dying machine could make. Turning backwards to look over the doorway his feet continued pedaling backwards; his eyes looking over her handiwork. It was her words that again broke his trance brought on by her astonishing act.

"That one Zekk, Get us that one..."

Facing her direction his gaze took in a beautiful air speeder that no doubt someone paid an incredible sum for. Walking alongside the white metallic craft his fingertips brushed across the side of its beauty. A brush that left trails of black soot behind from the explosion and had him quickly scrubbing away the blemish with his sleeve. Looking over the craft for a little longer than a local terrorist and probably arsonist should it was as if he were capturing the image and moment for a later time.

"...now honey! I'm not sure we can afford this model..."

He'd shoot her a cocky smirk as he knelt next to the passenger door and began to work on the lock. Pulling a small tool from his belt out he jammed it into the lock and began jostling it around for a few seconds. Realizing this wasn't an ordinary speeder one could close their eyes to steal his face went from blissful to serious until it finally 'popped.' Opening the door he hit the unlock on the pad which caused the alarm to come to life with a pausing beep. Shouting over the annoyance he held the door for her before pointing to the seat like a would-be chauffeur.

"My lady..."

He let out a short laugh before closing the door behind her and running around the vehicle to get into the driver seat. Stretching out that cord once more he plugged it into the center terminal and waited for it to do its work, something which of course didn't happen due to the model. Giving Diva an awkward glance that smile of defeat showed itself once more to her.

"Ummm, one second..."

Starting to manually put in the commands necessary to bypass the security the alarm would finally stop its chiming. Looking up from the device he stared out the front windscreen to see a rather large Quarrian and an entourage of various species walking towards them; the owner no doubt. Looking back down to the device his fingers somehow worked quicker than they already had been and the speeder roared to life then fell quiet; a preference to the luxury models. Looking again to the now charging Quarrian he hit the throttle and shot down the docking ramp as they finally exited the building and found themselves floating in the heavy Nar Shaddaa traffic. Relaxing into his seat as best he could his finger found its way to his ear pocket and wiggled in hopes of mending that ringing sound. Having luck with his right ear he gave Diva another glance before nodding at the sack of stolen goods.

"..so, get anything worthwhile?"

 

[Diva]

Wheeeeeeeee!

Diva melted into the plush leather seat and squeeled with uncommon delight as they sped away from the flaming apartment row, and the flaber ghasted Quarren. There was nothing coquettish or cute about it though, it was more reminiscent of a child discovering the joy of burning insects with a lens. It occured to her to look behind them for signs of persuit, things they may have overlooked, as her mind flooded with questions about the circumstances of the ordeal. All of that was quickly wiped away as a chain of two more explosions tore through the walls of the building in adjacent apartments. Her laughter was rapturous and wicked.

Did you see that?!

It would be quite some time before the any emergency response arrived, this was Nar Shaddaa after all...

"..so, get anything worthwhile?"

Not much, since I barely had 30 seconds to look, gizmo, but lets see...

If she sounded actually irritated at all it was only a hint of lingering dissapointment when she imagined what had been left behind; but she was smiling ear to ear. Diva couldn't possibly be mad at Zekk in this moment. Any reason for animosity between them had literally been blown away, and even Diva had to admit this guy knew how to party. She sparked a Cigarra before rumuging through her makeshift sack, which, by the sound of it, was filled with little else but bottles. Eventually Diva produced her rolled up painting and set it delicately in her lap, then followed suit with 2-3 handfulls of other small trinkets.

Well...booze, but like, better booze than I bet either of us have ever held.....seriously nice, Ooooh! holowatch, like three of 'em...Dugs, right? This painting is a Batwi Anoor, which probably doesn't mean much to you, but it's amazing. Umm.. purse of credits..holoshots?..with fake ID....OH SHAD! I grabbed his panic kit!

She errupted in another fit of laughter as she rifled through a series of strange documents in huttese, extra cash and a hold out blaster...then she paused when she came to a small box. After a few moments of quiet consideration, she plopped it into Zekk's lap, her mood somehwat diminished.

Here. It's a holo reciever. I'm pretty sure it's the secure line Beedo uses... used to reach Roorba's people.

Diva sighed in resignation and curled up with her cigarra on the rich leather seat.

Turn right...we're going to the Crater Arms.

 

[Rev]

To Zekk's own surprise he welcomed Diva's childlike scream of joy. He hadn't heard something like it in several years; sounds that reminded him of his long dead sibling. Flashing her a look he smiled but stayed silent, his attention instead going back to the 'road.' The the explosion rang out, which almost caused him to flinch in anticipation, but instead he laughed and looked back to see the chaos the two seemed to be leaving a trail of. It was the first time all night his thoughts were clear and he simply enjoyed himself. Huffing at her own comment about the time she had to collect goods he peaked at her bag as she rummaged through it, waiting for any goodies to show themselves. So much so he had to jerk the wheel to avoid slamming into the back of a docking speeder; a movement that only came because the luxury of the vehicle beeped at him in warning.

"I don't know, I've had my share of booze."

It was as if he was deep in thought trying to put his finger on a concoction that he hadn't had. His mind was blank, but he was sure there was more than a few that neither of them had tried.

"...I may not have paid for it, but I'm sure I've had it."

He smiled and laughed to himself as he looked at the watches and painting she held adoringly. The deviant in him wanted to request the painting for his own, but he bit his lip and looked at the horizon before turning into a gap between the flowing rush of traffic. Smirking at her comment of panic kit he leaned over to look at the fake identification. The picture and name brought him to laughter yet again, but his eyes focused on the fine details of the false document. Letting the image instill itself within his mind for as long as he could he turned away from it started in the direction of the Cantina which she named.

"I'm not sure it'll be much use to me.. I don't think they'll answer to a voice they don't recognize."

His voice contained a bit of disappointment to it as he slid it into his vest's right side pocket and activated the autopilot at long last. It wouldn't take long before they would be pulling in front of the Crater Arms where an Ithorian would greet them with a cautious look on his face. The Valet.

"Gr-greetings..."

Zekk gave the fish creature as long a look as he did the identification. Something didn't feel quite right about this being, but seeing that the vehicle was neither his own or Diva's he merely nodded his head to the being. Motioning for him to take the control he walked alongside Diva and into the loud establishment. Each step brought with it a louder impact of bass to his chest, it was as if they were going into a nightclub. This time he'd shoot her a glare that screamed Why? As they slipped past the bouncer he looked around at the army of patrons that went about the bar and dance floor. If he had thought Shifty's was busy this place put it to shame. Moving about the room meant bumping and grinding into complete strangers, a feeling he was accustom to, but one he didn't openly welcome. As he took a step towards the bar he was cut off by yet another female Twi'lek, one that brought a question with her look.

"A private lounge has opened if you would like... 200 credits for the next half hour."

A part of him wanted to cast the offer aside, but instead he found himself handing the woman a credit chip and following her to the second floor of the building. The room would overlook the entire dance floor and be complete with a sound proof sealed doorway. Upon entering he looked around the room and sat at the elongated table, his eyes shifting from various monitors that showcased different parts of the club. The music that played came through a speaker somewhere within the room and he couldn't help but begin to play with his wrist attachment. Through it all something didn't feel right to him, but this was Diva's realm, she knew more about the business than he could hope to fathom. Letting a sarcastic comment fly from his mouth he waited to gauge her reaction.

"...some club!"

 

[Diva]

Diva was on her way to an employee door when her companion got seduced away by a familiar vacant eyed, scantily clad green woman. Ugh, men. Clutchinng her goodybag close, she elbowed her way back through the crowd and followed Zekk upstairs. It was a miracle she could walk straight at the rate her eyes were rolling. Though these rooms provided a sense of superiority, Diva took no comfort in their new suroundings. To her they felt more like a prison, and she had seen some ugly business take place in such soundproof walls.

"...some club!"

It's not bad.. I had a set here earlier tonight.

The stoned Twi'lek curled up in Zekk's, lazily teasing him with her unusually long lekku, when Diva yanked her off, and shoved her unapologetically toward the door.

Alright Shen -Wi, I just came to grab my gear, so...if you don't mind....

She sat on the table in a huff: Gods that woman was a waste. Nothing grosser than a dancer who can't handle her moonspice. Shen-Wi could barely manage a protest, and it was clear she had a harder time walking without Diva's momentum behind her. With a half hearte lewd gesture for a goodbye, she stumbled out. Regarding an obviously dissapointed Zekk, Diva shambled together half an explanation...

You're better off, trust me. That spice-brained tramp is like screwing a protocol droid, if you want a hooker I can show you where the real fun...

Diiivaaa!

The bellowing chortle of a Besalisk cut her off, as a monsterous female in a luxurious suit, flanked by a hunter droid with a carbine in hand emerged through the door on the oposite side of the room. Her grin was wide, as were all four arms, in a broad welcome.

I didn't get to tell you how wonderful you were tonight, as always...You really must let me talk to my friends in the record industry-

Nah, Lexx, you know I've got some other stuff on the burner.

Yes, so I hear my talented little songstress! HAHA!

Diva flashed Zekk a desperate look as she was engulfed in a four armed bear hug, her face smooshed against Lexx's bulging waddle. The droid was glaring at Zekk with emotionless suspicion. Her enourmous head peering over Diva's great purple tuft of hair, Lexx too leveled a gaze on Zekk.

Soo. I hear you have been at Shifty's this evening...that horned weasel... is that where this comes from?

As she released Diva, a massive hand waved toward's Zekk, who was no doubt as confused as anyone could be.

He's...alright Lexx, really. Actually, I was hoping we could get him on the carrier with me in the morning. He's heading to Corellia too... right Zekk?

All eyes fell on Zekk, Diva's accompanied by a special smile reserved for when she had thoroughly outdone herself.

 

[Rev]

As they entered the room he didn't expect the Twi'lek to keep so close to him. In truth he was disgusted by their kind beyond their looks. The strongest memory he had of one was the gruff mercenary that started the chase resulting in his siblings death. Her straddling his lap in a way made him as uncomfortable as Diva, but he let it play out for the simple fact that his energy level had gone out the door between blood loss and light body trauma from the concussive impact of the explosion. In that thought he reached to the 'scarf' around his neck and realized it was blood soaked, his own reaction further explaining the various looks he received upon entering the packed establishment. Then the Twi'lek was ripped away from him and he could only send Diva a thankful smile, finally free from the stranger's intrusion. Diva's quick explanation nearly brought him to laughter as she thought he wanted the woman's company.

"Diiivaaa!"

The powerful cry of the four armed beast immediately got Zekk's attention as he reached for his blaster pistol. As he did so the droid would train its blaster on him a little tighter. Letting his grip off the weapon the droid lowered its weapon simultaneously. As Zekk stared down the machine and the Besalisk, a part of him wanted to laugh at the outfit she wore as it didn't quite fit the huge form, but somehow he managed to contain himself. Looking away from the 'party' his eyes locked on one of the monitors where he saw the Quarren from before wandering the club. Staying silent he ignored the two's exchange and simply nodded at their comments and questions as his attention was now completely elsewhere. It was then he heard his name..

"...right Zekk?"

He quickly looked at Diva then to the stranger and tried his best to fake a smile, slowly getting to his feet and giving that nod of approval.

"Corellia, right!"

An awkward grin formed on his face as he peeked back at the holovid to see an entourage of men with the Quarren just outside their door. Before he could open his mouth the bay door behind them hissed open and he turned to face the rather intimidating group. Backing away from them his eyes shifted from corner to corner, trying to find some sort of an escape. Before he could even assess the situation a human standing next to the ring leader raised an ion blaster and took out Lexx's droid with a powerful shot to the chest. The vibrations of the weapon slapping them all in the chest despite its near silence. The group of 5 would step into the room and a Gamorean pig would smack the console as the door hissed shut behind them.

"What do we have here?"

The human's voice cut the tense air as he looked about the room. His blaster would holster and he'd pull the head seat out for the Quarren to snag as his men gathered around to complete their ring, each of them keeping an eye on a member before them; 3 of the 5 having their blasters trained on one of the 'guilty' parties. The only two now without were the human and the Quarren.

[Huttese] "A pack of thieves... too foolish to realize my speeder had a tracking device in it. Not to mention the Ithorian..." [Huttese]

He motioned to the same fish creature they'd seen out front now staring them down with a blaster pistol in his hand to the Quarren's immediate left.

[Huttese] "...is on my pay roll." [Huttese]

The Ithorian would smile the best the creature could before whispering something into the Quarren's ear. This would queue the pack leader to face Lexx and bow his head as if giving some sort of respect to her.

[Huttese] "Apologies for your droid, I wasn't aware you and it were not with these two..." [Huttese]

His eyes would focus on Zekk then Diva, but not before one of the henchmen in the back would fire a shot into the behemoth's chest; a stun shot. The giant would fall in a heap next to her disabled droid before she even had a chance to express a thought or word. This allowed the groups full attention to fall onto the two guilty members confined to as Diva had put it 'their cell.' Another whisper would come to the Quarren's ear from the Ithorian and the two would chuckle before his gaze deadlocked on Diva.

[Huttese] "...what's your story, passenger?" [Huttese]

 

[Diva]

Diva's heart dropped as she watched the only powerful person on Nar Shaddaa she actually trusted hit the ground with a thud that shook the room. She wanted to scream. Another twisted turn of fate in her moment to moment struggle just to live. But she didn't believe in fate, and she couldn't scream; she was already grinding her teeth to mask the most intense pain she coulld remember feeling since...well, two weeks ago actually. Ion blasts were notoriously scattered, and Diva had been standing between Lexx and her Droid. Her left hand was deep in a baggy overcoat pocket, twisted in fabric in a futile attempt to swadle itself. The right clutched at her left forearm, desperate to still the violent twitching. It felt like one might imagine a dental cavity being split open, and pure sugar syrup poured in, but ongoing, rooted in a limb, and tenfold. Rendered helpless by pain, and trapped by more men than she could've hoped to overwhelm with both hands, Diva collapsed into the nearest chair.

[Huttese] "...what's your story, passenger?" [Huttese]

She stared hopelessly across the table at Zekk, who she could now see had grown much paler than she remembered. An eternity seemed to pass. She only had one angle to play. They barely knew each other, and it seemed that either would save their own hide given the chance. Hidden by the table, her cybernetic fist opened, then closed again, one finger at a time. It wasn't destroyed, thanks be to any god listening, but it wasn't going to be much help for the next few minutes, and it was also still firing hot waves of pain all through her arm. The Quarren slapped the table impatiently.

[Huttese] "Speak up, Theelin whore!" [Huttese]

There was something about the combination of searing pain and burning rage that sharpened Diva's focus. Clarity drawn from a gift she didn't know she had allowed a quick assesment of her suroundings... The Rodian in the back targeting Zekk had a DD-4, nothing special, and he had forgotten to take it off stun after dropping Lexx. The Gamorrean, not suprisingly, had a loose grip on his Blastech FT-77, a clumsy heavy blaster well known for having more kickback than that posture could handle; and furthermore, Diva could tell his bead on her was lazy and off by about a decimeter. The Ithorian was smug as all get out and packing a really nice surosub sporting pistol, which he clearly could handle. However, as he looked back and forth between Diva and Zekk, he kept shifting his aim to whomever he was watching. The human had dropped the Ion blaster on it's sling and was now toying menacingly with a vibroknife; and of course the quarren was leaning over the table with his hands infront of him. Finally, on the floor, next to Diva's chair and the collapsed forms of Lexx and the security droid, was the droid's over-priced, but extremely well made blastech "marauder" carbine. Twisting all her anger and pain to her aid, she suddenly shot forward in her seat, manic, and with tears in her eyes began to plead with her captor

He's crazy!.....you have to help me... Bombs! He's got dozens of them! PLEASE! Oh god.. He saw my set and kidnapped me from my boyfriends apartment....He made me get him in here for revenge or something... he's totally strapped, and the bag, the BAG! he made me carry it, its full of detonators... be careful please....PLEASE Don't let him kill me!

The sheer force of her outburst was enough to give the men pause. It was also enough for her to slip a foot under the carbine, and under cover of panicked flailing, work it into her lap beneathe the table. The excrutiating pain that had doubled her over, was also doubling as an excelletn excuse to keep her hands out of site. Her left arm couldn't quite move, but she ran her right fingers over the body of the gun. switch to automatic. switch off stun. No more playing around.

Diva's pillowcase of plunder was resting on the floor next to Zekk. The Quarren glared at her hard, but all he had to look out was an unkempt Theelin, tears streaming down her face, doubled over in pain, and apparently recoilling from the pale car- theif sitting across from her. The threat hanging in the air was also too dangerous for him to ignore .

[Huttese] "Gen-du, check the bag. Neither of you move an inch or you're cooked" [Huttese]

The human approached Zekk an crouched next to him to search the pillowcase, flanked by the Rodain. Unable to break her fascade, Diva could only stare at her companion in terror, hoping that somehow she could communicate how helpful it would be if he did something stupid. Gen-du opened the sack nervously with his vibroknife, and was the first of the men to get a clear view of it's real contents

"What the..."

 

[Rev]

Zekk's eyes went from Quarren to Diva and back to Quarren. His body was picking up a rhythm as he awaited a response, in truth unsure how his 'partner in crime' would answer his question. As the air held still he couldn't help but feel more eyes fall upon him as it appeared his guilt was growing. He could feel his nerves pulsing at the center of his stomach, yet he still remained relaxed in the seat; like a teenager waiting for the bell to ring at the end of class or an elderly waiting at a bus stop. His normally personality driven face held nothing as he simply waited, those eyes shifting back and forth, back and forth. Then it happened: she snapped.

His teeth immediately clenched at her words, she was turning on him as Zekk was sure she had done countless times before. Saving her own skin to get out of a situation that she more or less started this time. His thoughts went back to her pointing out the speeder and practically begging for it, as he was deep in memory he could feel her words echoing off the walls, nearly slapping him in the face with each curse. Stopping his cradling eyes he focused on one person and one person only, Diva Tumi.

"YOU LI-..!"

His feet picked him up from where he sat as he stood and nearly jumped across the table at her. It was safe to say his reaction was as natural and true as any could be; but it was the sudden sounds of weapons being fixed on him even tighter that stopped him in his tracks. Raising his hands slowly he stuck them out at his side as if to say nothing was coming of it. Deadlocking his gaze on Diva he felt something radiating from her he should have expected now that his emotions were in a way put to rest. If her reaction hadn't paused them, he'd probably be dead or incapacitated on the floor in that moment; it was then he suspected this could be a ruse... It took everything within him to not grin with chagrin at her con as he peered back to the Quarren he was now eyeballing him with the same intensity he had given the woman.

[Huttese] "Gen-du, check the bag. Neither of you move an inch or you're cooked" [Huttese]

That pulling sensation in his gut only got tougher when he heard those words and breaking his deadlock with the alien he switched yet again to his only comrade and was shocked to see the same terror on her face that he knew his own was surely expressing. Huffing in a deep breath of the uneasy air his day dreaming mind went elsewhere; another memory...

---------------------------------------------

"Come one come all to the greatest show you'll ever dare see!"

The energetic voice bolstered from the speaker as a much younger Zekk shook his head. Looking over at Dav the younger of the two's feet kicked excitedly over the ledge of a walkway as both their eyes took in the megascreen's presentation. Dav looked at Zekk and shot him a friendly smile before patting the spot next to him as if to say: "Get over here!" He no doubt answered the beckoning and plopped down next to the shorter Coron.

"I don't know what you see in this.. It's all fake! It's just a show."

The boy huffed back without saying a word. Deep down Zekk remembered him saying something, but it had been so long he forgot what exactly. In truth he forgot the sound of his siblings voice, but he'd never forget the face.. the body language.. the personality. That and the memory of wanting to go, they had errands to take care of, and sitting around watching a circus act on the big screen surely wasn't going to feed their stomachs. Then he was nudged by Dav who pointed at the screen with excitement only a child could contain.

"Here she is folks! The galaxies SPRINGING, SINGING, SHARP SHOOTING, little VIOLET VIXEN!"

The screen went black before flashing with light, purple flashes exploding around the screen as the speaks burst with applause; then there she was, a much younger Diva Tumi. Holding in her hand a rather unique blaster, but what set her apart aside from the purple skin was the leather band strapped around her face; a blind fold. Targets would propel themselves from various areas of the room and the young lady would shoot them long before they hit the ground. Even in that moment Zekk remembered watching the act in amazement despite believing it was some sort of act or facade. Turning his head to gauge his brothers reaction the boy wasn't there...

---------------------------------------------

His eyes took in Diva and he half smiled, the memory bringing with it some sort of salvation he guessed but in it he had a short glimpse of the one person he dearly missed. Turning his head away he looked at the knelt creature who rummaged through the bag and took a risk, tested Diva Tumi's circus skills.

"What the..."

His hands during the day dream had gone from at length from his sides to crossed at his chest, and not a being in the pack had said a word about his new position. His right hand gripped metal and his thumb primed the weapon as he exclaimed in excitement what was about to happen.

"BANG!"

Out of his peripheral he could see the Rodian and Human flinch in shock, the others at the head of the table doing much of the same. Everyone's gaze seemed to fall on him and he grinned in comedic relief only to extract the grenade from his pocket to the shock and awe of the entire posse. This time the weapon would mimic the very sound his voice implemented. A burst of white light and deafening noise escaping from Zekk's very center as the flash grenade exploded within his hand. It sent shockwaves not just through the room, but up his arm into his chest and deep into the chair as his body fell limp, incapacitated.

 

[Diva]

Spoiler

How long had Zekk been floating in darkness? Impossible to tell. The first thing he would feel was the somehow unfamiliar sensation of gravity. He had weight again...then there were questions. Where was he, who..? Then something reached out to him...a sound. Music, pulling him out of the void. Some cool refreshing liquid touched his skin. The light came next...painful at first, then welcoming...then...a voice...sweet and feminine, angelic...

Zekk...Zekk... open your eyes...Zekk, you little shit, you've been out for 20 minutes, get up!

Suddenly it would all come back to him.

Diva dipped her whole hand into the tall glass of sweet dark ale beside her on the table, and once again flicked the heavy droplets onto her friend's face as he began to squirm on the floor below. Her large pad like feet dangled freely over him, and every now and again she reminded him with a little kick.

Come on dumbass... I got you a drink, and we....we can NOT stay here. ... Lexx is worried you'll blow the whole planet up...

She snickered and snorted, sucking the remaining ale off her fingers, and wiping it on her coat next to a new stain that looked supiciously like blood. Resting in her lap was a large 8 stringed quettarra, which she had been consistenly plucking a melody out on with her still slightly twitch left hand. Her lit cigarra had been tucked under the top two strings of on the neck, and she removed it with her "clean" hand and took a big gleeful puff, blowing an enormous smoke cloud in Zekk's face.

"BANG!"

Diva erupted in gruff, hearty chuckles. Never in her life had she run into someone that might actually be as crazy as she was when backed into a corner. That she got. It didn't hurt that they were both now here, very much alive, and the men were...well.

Lexx reentered, still groggy, and stumbled a bit as she had to avoid her security droid, who was dragging number 2 of 5 corpses out of the room. every body was riddled with what was, without question, far more blaster burns than necessary, with noticabley excellent grouping. A pile of blasters and wallets had found its way to the table, and Diva was now singing again as she played; which thankfully seemed to sooth the no longer chipper Besalisk woman. As soon as an instrumental section seemed to kick inn, Lexx lit a very fat cigar, and grumbled.

Is he...?

Yeah, he looks like he'll be fine. I left a cigarra on his chest, that oughta perk him right up ...

Diva...this... my child, you know..

Of course...as soon as h'es up, we'll jump ship.... Don't think I'll forget everything Lexx...you...you've been...not shitty to me..

This illicited a chuckle from Lexx, who gave Diva another giant hug, but only with three hands to be warry of her instrument, and the fourth giant mitt tousled the Theelin's tall violet tuft of hair. Then, she turned and went on her way; grabbing the last body herself as easily and casually as if it were just an old coat. The two were left alone once more.

Can you hear me yet scuzzwad? Corellia awaits! we've both got our own bigger fish to fry... and half an hour to catch our ride.

She took a big swig of ale, a deep puff of her cigarra, and continued playing again, waiting for Zekk to pull himslf together, though in truth she didn't seem very concerened about time, yet. A few minutes of downtime with her quettara and a drink was just what the doctor ordered.

 

[Rev]

Zekk's mind had been in a far off distant place, resting in silence for the first time in a long time. Though as suddenly as the flashbang had put him to sleep, the droplets of cold alcohol woke him from it. The voice that followed was distant, foreign, and almost celestial. What it was saying he had no idea, only that it was sweet sounding, like a mother nursing a child. Narrowing his eyes as he leaned forward to take in the silhouetted figure the bright light behind her was as blinding as the twin suns of Tattooine. Relenting after a few seconds his head nestled back against the kinetic energy floorboards with a thud and the hell of reality came to life around him. The voice changed to an all too familiar one, Diva Tumi, and the bright lights dimmed to subtle purples and blues of the suite. Her voice may have been recognizable, but the words still were not. Giving his head a shake the pounding sensation of a migraine showed itself causing him to reach to his ears which were sticky with dried up blood. Extending his own voice out in what he thought was a whisper but instead came out as a shout he posed a question.

"HOW LONG WAS I OUT?"

As his voice beckoned he felt more sticky ale hit his face which sent a chill up his spine that caused him to sit up with haste. Running his tongue across his lips he tasted the hops on his flesh which allowed a grin to show itself before he gripped his temple in a combination of frustration and pain at his previous decision. The realization that his whole body was sore beyond anything he'd ever been through him rushed his wandering mind and he made note to never do such a stupid thing again. Barely reacting to her loud shout of mimicry he nodded to himself before standing, still in a bit of a dazed coma from the sudden awakening he reached to the table and used it for a bit of balance. His other hand reached across his body and took hold of the drink and brought it to his lips, whether or not it was hers he didn't care to find the answer to.

As Lexx and Diva exchanged looks and words the sounds of their voices began to grow in his ears and he was satisfied to know he didn't completely deafen himself. It was then the word he craved escaped Diva's lips and he looked down at the floor to see a rather beat up Cigarra waiting for his fingers to take hold of it. Bending down he put it between his fingers and quickly sparked it followed by a long pull which almost killed half of it. Giving a glance to the two again he could see the giant take hold of Diva with a powerful hug which Zekk was glad to not be receiving; his organs aching at the sight. He took the moment to lean over the table and snag a wallet and begin rummaging through it with no real intent behind it. Pulling out a few items he threw the lot of it back down on the table discerning that the good stuff had already been taken out.

"Can you hear me yet scuzzwad? Corellia awaits! we've both got our own bigger fish to fry... and half an hour to catch our ride."

Following her lead he too took another puff off the cigarra and pulled a seat over to relax into it. Staring at the instrument and her moving lips he was a bit infatuated with this woman in the moment. Huffing in a deep breath of the stale club air that was now mixed with two clouds of smoke he closed his eyes and wished he had a hat to pull over his eyes. He was specifically looking to go to Bela Vistal, unsure of her plans he blurted out a thought.

"Why don't we take my ship? I'm headed to Bela Vistal..."

His hands cast out in front of him both thumbs touching as they formed "L's" before breaking as if to showcase something. His head still hanging low and eyes closed tight.

"Luxury city... tourists... money to be taken."

Opening his eyes he looked at her for a second, still a bit entrenched by her charm with the quettara.

"...or I can drop you off at Coronet."

He let out a soft chuckle before closing his eyes and settling back into his makeshift meditation. Part of him contemplated taking whatever ride she had planned simply to cover his tracks, but he'd need to collect some profit for his ship along with some of the contents on board.