Ask Tatooine New Talent

[Grace Zann]

Well, despite the man's insistence on not having an escort, they were assigned one anyhow. It was not unlike crime bosses to keep track of important acquisitions, and Grace was honestly no different.

Her ears would perk up as the man mentioned she surrendered herself, spinning a tale about how he was simply good with the ladies. Somehow she doubted that, and knew he was just thinking about the easiest way to end the conversation. To her satisfaction, the trandoshan looked quite displeased. <"Very well Selm... I hunter never reveals his tricks I see.">

Grace would take a long look around just as the man struck her lower back. The surprise was enough to make her jump slightly, selling the captured damsel look. The trandoshan guard would chuckle a bit, remarking <"Don't beat her down too hard Selm, Sal'rik wants her alive after all. Hehhehheh...">

Their small group would eventually reach the elevator, which looked expensive in it's own right. As the group walked in, the trandoshan would press a series of buttons that would send them up to the second floor.

The woman's heart would begin beating as she knew combat would draw near. Every second closer to Sal'rik was a second closer to a deadly encounter. She would look a little nervous, but knew deep down that things would end well...

The elevator would eventually reach the second level, revealing a room that was more dimly lit and more sparsely populated. The individuals who were there looked for more wealthy, and far more drunk. Their escort would point a clawed finger across the room to a closed door. "<Sal'rik's office is in there, he will be out in a brief moment to see you both.">

Grace would then give Tyr'din a determined look, and a slight nod.

@Bread

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

"Right, ill take it from here Phrak."

He would say as he slowly stepped out of the Elevator pushing Grace forwards more... cautiously, even he had adapted to the situation at hand now, but in order to convince Phrak that he had things under control he drew his Blaster Pistol with his right and kept it at a level behind Grace's back, only that Phrak didn't know who it was actually intended for.

"Get yourself one of them Twi'leki Girls, might show you a thing or two."

He joked before slowly but surely continueing on to stop infront of that large double door they were waiting infront for Sal'rik and surely enough that double door slowly creeked open but just in tandem and just before Phrak stepped back into the Elevator he stopped turning back to them and asked.

<"Wait a moment... Whats her name?">

Tyr'dins features hardened, this... was bad, his back turned to Phrak as much as she had his to him he looked down at her knowing full well this was about to blow up, before they could be caught with their Pants down he pushed Grace forwards not in the usual way but rather to give her a headstart.

"Go!"

He then whipped around, this wasn't completely along the plan but it was closer than he expected to get, he just hoped Grace was able to actually take Sal'rik and whatever was in that Room on her own.

<"Whats this? Growing soft Selm?">

Both of them had their Blasters still lowered but were both eager to raise them, in arms reach of one another the tension grew and Tyr'din didn't plan on getting shot today so he dashed forwards to apprehend his Opponent like a bullet impacting its target his body crushed into Phrak and a scuffle ensued, he had to buy time and not get killed whilst Grace did her work.

@Grace Zann

 

[Grace Zann]

As Grace was pushed forward for a head start, several thugs from around the room would draw their own blasters. The door of the office would swing wide-open to reveal a trandoshan in a red robe. This man was the big boss, Sal'rik himself. The woman did not charge directly as the man, but simply stood where she was pushed to.

The crime boss would squint his eyes, getting a clearer look at the woman before him. This was the one who matched the description he mentioned so often. This was Grace Zann. Rather than take cover for an impending gunfight, the woman would continue standing still. <"Come here so I could kill you myself Zann!? You saved me the trouble of paying assassins... After you're gone the hutt's will surly have me take your place! Hah hah!">

On that note, it was finally time. It was time for the woman to back up her words with actions...

[Theme Music]

Using the force, a device that was sheathed to her hip moments ago would fly to her hand. She would hold a cylindrical object forward with her right hand, and after a moment, a pair of yellow saber blades would spring to life. The room full of gangsters would be filled with shocked gasps, and follow with a large volley of blaster bolts.

The woman would maneuver the weapon like a rowboat's oar, back and forth, batting away each bolt that came her direction. After a few moments, dozens of blaster shots had been redirected back into the thugs who attacked her. Not even needing to physically strike with the blade.

Seeing that his security force had been quickly dispatched, Sal'rik would draw a heavy blaster pistol of his own! <"Filthy jedi!"> he would spit. In turn, Grace would extend her left arm, reaching out with the force. The crime bosses' hand would suddenly freeze, unable to pull down on his weapon's trigger. The woman would begin closing her open hand into a fist, slowly crushing the trandoshan's fingers.

"I am no Jedi, nor Sith."

@Bread

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

Tyr'din heard a familiar thrum, one that sent shivers down his Spine, it wasn't a Blaster, nor a Vibroblade, it was a goddamn Lightsaber! His eyes diverted for a moment almost in Tandem with Phrak, they both looked to what had just transpired albeit... both of them held eachother in a fierce struggle but that display... drew eyes.

As Grace defended herself in a graceful flurry of mesmerizing twirls and rows it went forth with such a fluidity that it almost looked like she projected an entire energy shield and as soon as the Blasters fired and impacted her Saber those self same shots were redirected into several directions, some redirecting right back to their owners, others... to the next best target.

Multiple of the Thugs were dispatched in a single refraction whilst others toppled to the floor clutching the holes in their chest groaning in agony, they wouldn't give her any trouble anytime soon.

<"You... "had" it with her?> Phrak asked in disbelief. Tyr'din must've bluffed right?

"I wish."

He would give back before both of them resumed their struggle, grasping the Trandoshan by the collar he pushed him back against the wall whilst his opposition let his Fist crush into Tyr'dins chest causing him to yelp and groan loudly, both of them gave eachother respect by not resorting to direct lethality but they very much fought dirty.

Tyr'din immedietly retailiated with a low blow by retracting his left fist and letting it soar from down low up between the Trandoshans legs where... as soon as it impacted you heard a loud "THUNK" as Tyr'din struck a firm unrelenting metal plate, this man was wearing a Cod Piece.

Letting out a loud shout of pain as he clutched his hand, that hurt, and it hurt alot to which his opponent could only chuckle as he pulled him by the edges of Tyr'dins jacket and threw him across the room.

"A codpiece... Really?!"

<"I always told you going low will get you nowhere.">

It was then that both of them drew their Blaster Pistol's as Tyr'din pushed him back and both fired simultanously each sending a violent shot at eachother, Tyr'dins soared over the Trandoshans right Shoulder, whilst the Trandoshans over Tyr'dins left it was a fierce Gunslingers Duel one which looked as if mirrors fought with eachother.

Meanwhile under Grace's ministrations Sal'rik was in complete agony as his hand was not only not responding to his commands but also slowly but surely being crushed.

@Grace Zann

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would continue closing in with her grip, crushing every muscle within the trandoshan's arm. The force could be stronger than any weapon made by sentient beings. The woman knew this, and so did many others in the galaxy. After a few moments of struggle, Sal'rik would finally manage to pull down.

A single blaster bolt would fly toward Grace, and it would slam into her left shoulder. The blast left a scorching black mark, and forced her to cease her grip. <"HA! It's time to meet your end Zann!"> The crime boss would aim his blaster once more, but as he did the woman would regain her composure.

She would raise her double-bladed lightsaber once again, and began to run across the room. Two shot would ring out, but each would be batted away by the yellow blade. Deciding to put an end to the madness, she would thrust forward, impaling the trandoshan. <"GAAAHHHH!.">

"No, this is my beginning." She would then drag the blade upward, leaving a massive slash mark across the man's upper torso. Sal'rik was dead. She only hoped Tyr'din was having similar success meanwhile.

@Bread

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

Slamming in firm, the heat and pain from the Shot breaking her concentration if only briefly, the thing that Tyr'din feared had come true, she got complacent and reaped the rewards for it though it was enough of a reminder for Grace to dispatch with the pleasantries as she went to work.

As Sal'rik fireed another time and shortly after a second both left only scorch marks across the walls as the speed at which Grace moved was hard for him to follow, panicked he tried to resettle his aim on her a third time but before he could he gasped as something hot thrust deep into his stomach, letting go of the Blaster as strength waned, and as Grace pulled her Saber upwards leaving behind a Sinister line of insection that left behind a menacing glow.

A final gasp escaped the Trandoshan Crime Boss's throat before Grace pulled the Saber out of him and just before he fell struck him another time, mayhaps it was fury or perhaps the heat of the moment but whilst she had aimed to just leave a slash she instead bisected his lower torso from his upper torso both parts toppling to the floor in a fierce display of violence.

<"Looks like she got hurt, Selm-">

That she did and it roused something inside the white haired man that changed the playing field, not letting Phrak even finish his words as his right heavy fist crushed into the side of the Trandoshians face with such a velocity it took him to the floor, a surprised and both frightened yelp came from him as the steam had changed, obligations changed.

Standing over Phrak he watched as in futility he tried to raise his Blaster at Tyr'din who in response stomped down harshly on the hand that held that blaster, a sinister and uncomfortable cracking resound as he did so, he broke his wrist which caused more than a whimper to follow but all that came afterwards was far from painful regards, the Trandoshan was laughing at him even though he knew he had lost.

<"Oh hoho... I see it now. Haha! Youre emotional, Albino. You think she'll replace her? Haha! Look at yourself. Nev-">

Before he could finish that sentence all one could hear was the sound of a Heavy Blaster firing and shortly afterwards it was clear what had transpired, Tyr'din had enough of the insults and more importantly of something of the Past that Phrak was bringing up, standing over the now lifeless body he looked into the Room where Grace had dealt with Sal'rik though Phraks words made him pause for a moment.

Contemplative he took a deep breath before breaking out into a mild jog after her and shortly after he came to a halt almost directly infront of her, as much as he didn't like to let on he asked regardless, his eyes firmly planted on the scorch mark on her shoulder, worry more than plain.

"Are you alright?"

@Grace Zann

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would smirk as she watched the trandoshan's body slump to the ground. There was satisfaction in slaying those who deserved it. It was a kind of justice to her. As she did this, the minor injury she recieved would be enough to get their escort off guard. The woman didn't exactly understand why they seemed to care so much, she had taken many blaster wounds, cuts, and bruises in her time.

The concerned an angry look on Tyr'din's face said it all though. By taking any damage at all, she had failed him. She reinforced the idea that she was weak. Very well. He could believe that if he so chose.

As the man asked after her condition, Grace would explain "The force keeps the pain away for now. I never learned to heal, so the wound will need some attention later."

She would roll back her shoulders stretching after the swift but deadly encounter. The casino floor below would no doubt erupt with chatter if they realized what went down upstairs... Though maybe she could make something good out of a bad situation.

Zann had the support of the hutts now, and the man she killed didn't... This gave her a grand idea. Something to where she would actually come out on top for once.

Making her way over to Sal'rik's body, she would ignite one side of her lightsaber. Carefully lifting the man's head with one hand, she would rend it from the creature's torso with her blade. Now she was in possession of the crime bosses severed head, and would swipe a keycard from his pocket... "Tyr'din, I have an idea." She would smirk.

The woman would return to the elevator, lightsaber in one hand with the head in her other. Using one finger she would press a button on the control panel that send the lift down. She would allow Tyr'din to follow her for the show if he wished...

After a couple moments, the doors would open to a crowd of shocked and cowering people. Grace would step out before dropping the head on the floor. She would talk loud to the crowd,

"Casino patrons of Mos Espa. I am Grace Zann. I came here to cut off a lying serpent's head. I succeeded. This man made many insidious claims about me, in an attempt to take what the Hutt Cartel gave me... I now posess Sal'rik's belongings, and the phyiscal deed to this establishment. Everyone here works for ME now, and if anyone has a problem with that, they can take it up with my lightsaber! Now go back to your drinks and spend your kriffing money!"

Grace wouldn't immediately notice how the crowd would react, but hoped the display would be enough to gain control without further conflict. There was no doubt some would want her dead for this, but maybe others would welcome the change.

@Bread

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

"Hey hey he-"

He hurried after her placing a brief hand on her shoulder, he didn't like her dismissiveness but at the same time had to bend to it, he had no claim to the things she did and frankly as much as he would like to protest it would earn him nothing.

"Yeah Force here Force there, you're hurt."

He rushed to the Balcony to take a look outside, he didn't know how much time they had and frankly he was already calculating escape routes, it was when Grace started beheading Sal'rik that he whipped around.

"Little late for trophy hunting dont you think?"

He gave back with venom in his words though somewhere deep down, he didn't mean it, he couldn't have even if he tried his best, though with her being the Head of this Operation he gave a frustrated shrug to the side.

"Im making sure, THAT does not happen again." He would point to where she was shot, he meant it and there was little debate on this.

Following her into the Elevator he waited just until the doors closed before he spoke, what she was thinking hadnt been tried in the last 100 years if he remembered correctly and whilst he respected the guts of this Woman this would also mean he will have to work overtime and he hasn't even asked for payment yet.

"Its been a long while since anyone has tried what you are thinking in Mos Espa. You'll have the Casino but you'll still have to earn the respect of Mos Espa's people. Think this through carefully, Grace."

He addressed her by her Name rather than her last which was both unusual and personal, perhaps what he said was meant to take root but regardless he also knew she would not be swayed in her moves and sure enough he was correct after she stepped out of the Elevator to make her announcement, steeling himself he took the moniker of that threatening Gunman on her Side to reinforce that She isn't here alone and those that knew him also knew that he picked sides carefully.

"Listen to her and nobody gets hurt, if you got a Problem with this Disposition, feel free to take it up with the Hutts. They'll be pleased to hear it im sure."

He gave as a extra method of Intimidation, boring the Hutts was a bad idea especially if what was being spoken about wasn't beneficial to business.

Murmurations began rising in the Casino, protests could be heard at first but things quietened down after a while, one Voice eventually cut through that silence, and it was no other than that of that elegant, suave afro-haired Bartender.

"I say, we raise a round in honor of the Zann-sino, Ladies. Put the music on, lets boogey."

And sure enough... they did, no sooner than called for Business continued as usual and one very on edge white haired man on Grace's side slowly began to relax, his head slowly turned to her as if this went better than expected, he was eyeing that singemark like it was the sole thing that drew attention to him.

"Name could use some work. I suppose you own a Casino now. Though without a Majordomo you'll be stuck here for now. And before you even suggest it, No. Im sticking with you."

@Grace Zann

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would listen to Tyr'din frantically try to disuade her from what she was about to do. Sure it was risky, but the reward would be far too great if she succeeded. "I know, I'm injured. I don't deny my failure there. Had I received more training, then maybe things would be different." She would look to the ground as she spoke, somewhat disappointed in her actions.

Even still, she would press on to the elevator, just as Tyr'din explained she would have to try to gain the people's trust. She didn't plan on taking the trandoshan's job, she honestly just wanted the casino and the credits it could bring. "Maybe you're right, but I don't plan on lording over the town like Sal'rik did. I just want his business. I am a business woman after all. I'm sure the mayor will be happy to hear about that."

Then would come her speech, to which the crowd would have mixed emotions. Thanks to the bartender however, the people would quickly return to what they were doing without much fuss. The young crime lord would smirk as everyone fell in line, and liked this new title 'sino'.

Grace would snicker a bit as the man refused to watch over the place, the thought had crossed her mind. Though she had an idea that was much more fitting for someone like him. "No, after that thing back at your garage you think I'd trust you with real estate?" She would joke. "You're a good shot with the blaster, and few others care about my well-being as much as you. I think you're better suited as a bodyguard. How does five thousand credits a week sound?"

@Tyr'din Selm

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

"The fault was mine. I should've been faster."

He gave back as she spoke of "her" failure, how could it be? She hired him to do his job, and her getting hurt during exactly that well, that didn't sit right with him and it was apparrent enough that it bothered him more than anything.

"You're one to speak, after walking into a Cantina practically cramming yourself into a Camtono infront of everyone, not exactly the smartest move either."

He would reminisce on the very reason they met in the first place and to remind her not all of her decisions were sound either but he did so with less serious tone in his voice, he didn't mind it, it added to her character, she had bite and he liked that, though he knew she would start presenting offers soon enough.

"Im flattered that you keep trying to pay me but you should know by now that if I wanted to do it exclusively for the Money I would've taken your offer and our business ended here."

If she permitted he would guide her off to the side, whilst speaking and if she came along he would make intentions to take a closer look at that burn, he wasn't exactly trained to treat such with great success but at the same time it was evident he cared.

"You can start asking questions if you like but that wont change much in my decision. As for Payment im sure you'll figure something out, one things for certain I wont be staying on Tatooine."

He then gestured to her with a thoughtful yet respectful gaze he chewed on the words springing into his mind, there was much to say but at the same time he knew how her mind was no use in lecturing someone set on their path about how foolish it could be.

"Besides, id be missing out on your Company and what else is cooking up in that skull of yours if I decided to take off now wouldn't I? That AND I get to stand by when the next poor fool tries to get into your knickers. Grace Zann, Thorned Rose of the Galaxy."

He made a valid point, whilst it was still a brief interaction the two had thus far, they did work together with more than striking success, it was as if turned together in tandem and that without conflict, crossing his Arms he looked out over the Casino whilst speaking to her a smirk forming on his lips.

"Speak your piece while you still can. Unless you prefer elsewhere."

He gave back with a serious look, words always did come easy to him but while he was lighthearted on the matter he wanted to know her angle on it, afterall she was the boss.

@Grace Zann

 

[Grace Zann]

To the woman's surprise, no matter how hard she pushed, the man refused pay. She supposed a trip off world would be a good start, as starship fuel wasn't cheap. She did owe him much more than that, but it would be some kind of a start. The woman would then smile and shake her head, "Ya know, you have an interesting sense of honor Tyr'din. It's something I can respect. If you don't want money for the job, then you'll have the next best thing... Power, at the very least I can promise that."

She would chuckle as the man mentioned her plans for the future, as he had no idea how correct he was. Grace had huge and lofty goals that would make even the other crime lords gasp at her audacity. She dreamt of a galaxy where the Zann Consortium controlled every single credit. All the money and power would be theirs, uncontested by the Jedi, Sith, or even the senate. They were dreams no one would ever think possible. But Grace, she would know.

"I'm sure you'll have some good times with me and my crew Tyr'din. One day you might just see use become the most influential power in the galaxy. That's the idea at least, someday."

She would take another long look around the busy casino floor, staring at it all with pride. This would be but a fraction of her power some day.

"Come with me then. Tyr'din, personal guard of Grace Zann. We have much work to do, and I have an auction to attend soon..."

@Bread

 

[Tyr'din Selm]

"Way to create rumours, Grace."

He rolled his eyes as he heard those words, did she bother thinking about how her words could be intepreted? Shaking his head he shared that final look around whilst walking with her, personal Guard? That didnt sound so bad, meant he had work to do, alot of it.

"Good times with you and the crew... Come on, Grace. You walked into that one."

He gave a firm snicker back before giving that suave Bartender a final mock salute on his way before gesturing ahead for Grace to lead, they were done here and the sooner they were gone the less likely it was they would get into further Trouble especially with the amount of hell they raised so far.

"Whatever the ambition is, you have my Support as it stands."

As the Doors to the Casino slowly closed behind the two of them, business continued as usual people went back to their usual debauchery but more importantly that self same Bartender began hanging up a new sign over his Bar and not just any, recalibrating it twice before it finally displayed what he wanted it to display, the Emblem of the Zann Consortium, and with the sound of a Speeder whirring to life and taking off... it was back to cleaning glasses and pouring drinks.

The Zann Consortium grew, and it wasn't planning to stop anytime soon.

[End Thread.]

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