Spread Your Love Like a Fever

[Arcangel]

Taris
Undercity District 315
​

An armored figure sat on a filthy stool, staring at the nervous looking Rodian cook who sweated under the attention. The reason for his anxiety wasn't hard to tell. The armored figure was armed to the teeth. A pair of GN-808 Carbines were strapped into shoulder holsters under the figure's arms, a quad set of spare powerpacks for each of the guns lining the figures armored chest. A pair of Eddemian SA-21 blaster pistols hung loosely in quickdraw holsters, a trio of blasterpacks for each lining the belt from which they hung. Holstered behind the back across the lower back was a MD-12, with six spare powerpacks lining the back of the belt. Additionally, two cortosis alloy vibrosword handles jutted up over the shoulders of the figure. With all the scary guns, one would be hard pressed to notice the repulserboots on the armored figures feet, or the pair of MK3s on their belt. The nervous Rodian approached, fidgeting as he deposited a steaming bowl of food and a semi cold fizzy drink before backing away in a hurry. With a slight nod, the armored figure reached up and removed the helmet covering its head, to reveal...

An attractive young woman with olive skin, long brunette tresses tied up in a tight updo. Hunching over the bowl of stir fried noodles and bantha steak, Aryn began shoveling the food into her mouth with a pair of chopsticks in her gauntleted hand, slurping down greasy noodles and savoring the cheap yet flavorful meal. Washing the meal down with the yellow citrus soda, Aryn chugged the liquid down glancing to the side as she did so. Out of the corner of her eye she could see a pair of Twi'lek prostitutes whisper and giggling, glancing at her every so often. Rolling her eyes, she set the soda down and wiped her mouth and face clean with the thin napkin the establishments proprietor had provided. Meal finished Aryn, currently on the planet incognito under the name of Tara Thull, looked around for her contact.

@SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

((Taris, Undercity District 315))

Having finished my bowl of bantha fried rice, I sipped slowly from my cup of lavender leaf tea. Holding the delicate porcelain in two hands, I brought it to my lips, pushing my tan colored shemagh down slightly to partake of the liquid. My eyes enjoyed the flaunting of the the street merchandise, their exposed flesh giving me good reason to invest my attention. Always need a reason to be somewhere. Having finished my dinner, they fulfilled that purpose in spades.

In my peripheral however, was the armed, olive skinned, beauty. Young, serious, and from the tenseness over her brow, very used to being in control. An authoritative figure, an officer, used to giving orders and having men scurry under her direction. Much like the contact I had been sent to Taris to meet. If by chance my assumptions were off, given the bulge under her arms, she was seriously worth keeping an eye on. Even if they weren't semi-autos she was packing, the flesh content would be worthy of some close inspection as far as I was concerned.

Removing my eyes from the Twi'lek girls, I placed the tea cup beside the empty bowl, picking up the chopsticks. Shifting them at '45 degree angles on the table, I slid my uneaten egg roll to the bottom of the sticks. Placing three strips of lettuce in the center, I lifted my shemagh, ensuring it covered my face. Symbol of the Mandalorian Dominion. Pleased, I allowed one hand to lift my tea cup, the other pressing over the smooth handle of the DP-09, holstered at the waist for ease of quick draw, concealed under my brown hooded cloak.

Shifting in my seat a bit, I tried to get better situated in the modular combat vest under my cloak. Despite the light weight, I found it took more getting used to than I had anticipated. My combat knife was sheathed upside down over my left breast, and I used it to shift the chest plate to a more comfortable position. Underneath my blade were two molle pouches holding spare cells for the DP-09. Behind my left hip, carried low on the vest was a flash bang. The 'banger' was pressing into my back and it would take more than lavender tea to bring back my zen.

At least I got to wear jeans.

The hood was behind my neck, shemagh serving to conceal my identity. The only observable features were my hair and eyes; once the excitement started, however, there would be so much visual and auditory stimulation passersby would no doubt only remember the sand-colored scarf. Regardless, I would toss the hood up by then; I wasn't a fan of taking unnecessary chances.

Now was the hard part, the waiting. My eyes periodically scanned the olive skinned woman, searching every few moments for a sign that she had read the 'tea leaves' on my table. Assuming, she was my girl.
@Arclight
@SithFTW

 

[SithFTW]

A closed fist, protected by the gauntlet of Bull Reek Amour, slammed into the side of a Nagai man's head. Once, and then once more. After two powerful strikes, the poor fella was too dazed to put up any more of a fight.

"Make me late again, and I'll gut you like a beast."

Adkae hated this hellhole. No one seemed to have any respect or intelligence on this planet, and without his Mandalorian Armour, people seemed to think he was just some cheap mercenary. Adkae refused to tolerate the stupid questions and witty comments of the locals. Not that their words were particularly clever, after all, these people were dumb enough to taunt a man who was quite clearly armed to his teeth.

On his back, was Adkae's long range rifle. His baby. This was of course accompanied by his close quarter rifle. Normally, Adkae wouldn't carry both of his rifles, as they weren't exactly light, but with his regular armor and jet pack, Adkae was going for more of a 'tanky' approach rather then his normal movement based fighting style. Along with his 'tanky-ness', Adkae is bringing along a new toy. Such a weapon of course needs ammunition, and so strapped to his chest are an assortment of grenades, including three thermal detonators, one EMP grenade, two acid based grenades, and two flashbang style grenades. These explosives are hooked to his chest, four in either side.

Adkae roamed down the street among the thousands of street vendors that that operated in the city. His gaze swept left to right, searching for his contact. Then, he saw her. There was no doubt about it. The woman was armed to the teeth and held the confidence of a Mandalorian. Slowly he approached her, before silently taking a seat next to her. The presence of another person ready for a fight clearly made the Vendor even more uncomfortable.

 

[Arcangel]

Glancing once again to the Twi'lek women, Aryn let her eyes linger on them for a moment longer than might be appropriate, drinking in the bare blue flesh illuminated by dim undercity lights. A warm flutter and flush of the cheeks as one of them caught her looking, giggling to her companion once more. Averting her eyes quickly to the stain streaked table, her eyes caught a familiar symbol, the symbol of the Dominion. Eyes widening for the briefest moment, her eyes flicked to the man who's food was so neatly arranged. A sandy toned shemagh covered his face, and a quick glance revealed a few more things about the man. A blast vest, partially concealed by the mans clothing, yet bulging in a way as to be discernible. Eyes moving down, it wasn't difficult to figure what the man's hand rested on, a blaster of some sort. Bringing her eyes back to a neutral position, Aryn sucked up the last dregs of her soda through a previously neglected straw, the remaining liquid popping annoyingly at the bottom of the glass with the suction.

It was at that moment that another figure sat down in the seat opposite the mystery man. A quick side eye revealed a heavily armed and armored man, clearly ready for a fight. These had to be her contacts, but there was only one way to be sure. Reaching out daintily for the uneaten egg roll, plucking it up with gloved fingers, Aryn examined it for a moment, the crispy rolled exterior hiding scrumptious morsels within. "Nice night for a party, boys." She stated in a calm, even voice, the code phrase. They would know the response phrase if they were her contacts. And if not, well, then there would likely be a party indeed. Taking a bite out of the eggroll, the crunchy snack delivered everything it had promised, and Aryn savored the salty sweet flavor as she awaited a response.

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

A mercenary, armored head to toe approached warily. Standing over six foot and with the shoulders to manage his mini arsenal, the man was ready for war. Confidently he sat down across from me. As if on cue, the olive skinned operator picked up my egg roll and examined it with a predator's eye.

"Nice night for a party, boys."

I watched, both amused and a bit dismayed as she bit into my egg roll. "Girls just wanna have fun," I responded, unable to take my eyes off her finishing my dinner. The entire trip planet side I had wondered who came up with the code phrase; now the puzzle was complete. A bad girl.

Pulling my tactical gloves out I placed them on the table. Before putting them on however, I picked up the chopsticks and nimbly lifted a piece of lettuce from the table. Offering it towards the tank of a man across from me, I shrugged. "Vegetarian I assume?"

@SithFTW
@Arclight

 

[SithFTW]

As Adkae sat, another man whom he assumed was with them had approached.

"Nice night for a party, boys."

"Girls just want to have fun."

In all honesty, Adkae thought code phrases were kinda stupid. Sure, they were fairly effective tools to identify allies, but Adkae just felt stupid repeating the stupid phrases he was always given. With a sigh, Adkae took off his helmet and spoke.

"But boys just want to get drunk."Adkae grumbled with his eyes cast down. He quite obviously resented the code phrase. He promptly turned his attention to his new Companions' food with a look of disgust plastered across his face. Maybe he was just overly careful, but Adkae didn't trust street vendors, he wouldn't be suprised if one of the two other Mandalorians started vomiting.

When the other man offered him some of the lettuce, Adkae quickly raised his hand and shook his head no. "I'd rather not give myself diarrhea before an eventful night." He joked.

 

[Arcangel]

As her two fellow operators repeated their code phrases, Aryn grinned. Just a few more formalities and they could get down to the nights business. With a final chomp and chewing hastily, Aryn swallowed down the last of the egg roll, looking around thoughtfully as she realized her drink was empty. Signalling the street vendor and pointing to her drink, she wiped her mouth and gloved fingers one last time with the now stained napkin.

Looking at the two other soldiers, she clasped her hands together loosely, elbows on the table. "Boys, you can call me Tara for this evenings festivities." There was something liberating about going under an assumed name, as if none of her actions or words were hers, leaving her feeling almost giddy. "Tonight's affair is a simple one, we are members of The Skulls, a local swoop gang who has recently come into power here on Taris." The streets were of course abuzz with questions as to The Skulls rise. The lowly street gang seemed to have stumbled into some sort of foreign aid, suddenly well armed and funded by a mysterious benefactor.

Aryn continued to speak candidly, the bustling noise of the busy Taris street more than enough to cover the sounds of her voice from any but the most determined eavesdropper. "The leaders of several local gangs are meeting at the neighboring establishment." Glancing to the open doorway that led into the nightclub next to the street vendor, Aryn blushed and averted her eyes as the holo-panel advertising the club pictured a nearly naked woman undulating to the faint music that leaked out of the doorway. "Representing The Skulls, we establish contact and demand their subservience."

Perking up as another glass of citrus soda arrived in front of her, she snatched it up and took a long pull from the straw before returning her attention to the two operators. "Any questions?"

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Taris

Seeing her reaction from the club sign, made me smile inwardly. This "Tara," had showed her first vulnerability of the night. Hardened soldier, no doubt full of pride for her advanced training. An officer, used to speaking a word and receiving obedience. Cleared for deniable operations, obviously unquestionably loyal and completely devoted to her military service. Blushing at the sign of a skin club? So devoted to her service that the woman had not known a man, more than a momentary event with a fellow soldier during officer training school? Or perhaps she preferred the feminine species and was embarrassed of the crude neon display? Or enjoyed men but was so full throttle women's power that she couldn't bear it's sight?

"While lacking military training, the street soldiers we encounter tonight will be extremely territorial, and accustomed to squeezing a trigger to establish their boundaries." I smiled, even as the words left my mouth. "There's only one way tonight will end." Eyes rolling over my commanding officer and the Mando'ade tank sitting across from me, I finished my thought. "Girls just wanna have fun right?"

Despite my attempt to lift the team's morale prior to the mission, I began to wonder if maybe I should've worn heavier armor for tonight's 'clubbing.'

@Arclight
@SithFTW

 

[SithFTW]

Adkae divided his attention between his companions and his rifle. Sure, he needed the basics of the mission, but wasn't every mission pretty much the same? Go in, shoot some stuff, go out. Nearly every mission followed this three simple steps, with occasional wild cards thrown in between. He at least paid enough attention to hear about the 'Skulls', whom they were supposed to be representing.

The other man started talking about how the other gangs will jump right into a fight. Considering the fact that they were going to be significantly outnumbered, Adkae felt like explosives were going to be very useful. However explosions tend to have negative effects...

"Where do we draw the line for Collateral Damages?" He questioned the woman who had called herself Tara. He had re-directed his attention from his rifle to the launcher he had brought along.

@Arclight @Mirdala Priest

 

[Arcangel]

Hoping nobody had seen her brief moment of weakness, Aryn listened intently, sucking down the sweet carbonated liquid as she did so. The contrast might have made Aryn laugh if she had realized it, a heavily armed and armored woman preparing for possible slaughter, while drinking a soft drink. The shemagh shrouded operator voiced the thoughts that had been on her mind since receiving their orders. There was little chance this mission would go without violence. The man repeated the code phrase, and Aryn flashed him a happy grin. "Thats right!"

Glancing at the man who didn't seem to be paying much attention, she watched as he brought attention to the kessing gauss launcher that he was carrying. "Uhhh, well we are Skulls, so no concern for collateral damages. Minus us of course. So watch where you fire that thing." Chewing her lip thoughtfully, Aryn eyed the weapon again. She wouldn't mind getting her hands on one. Bringing her focus back to the two men before her, she wiped her hands off a final time and then stood up. "Well, time to get started... Oh! right, tie your comm systems into mine, and names, need something to call you two." With that, she grabbed her helmet off the table and brought it down over her head, where it connected to the neck seal and hissed slightly as the helmet was integrated into the rest of the suit. "Time to party!"

Turning and walking into the skin bar, the trio would be greeted by a dim club, loud music coming through over speakers as a DJ controlled the mood of the room. Raised tables scattered throughout the room were danced on by nude or nearly nude men and women of a multitude of species. The place was crowded, and seemed to function as a mix between strip club and dance club, as the crowds were split between individuals lusting after the dancers, and large groups dancing on the dancefloor itself. Aryn's eyes drank it all in, lingering on the dancers. She felt flush, and had to force her attention back to the mission at hand. Ever since that party on Mandalore she had been easily distracted by such things. Shaking her head slightly, the trio made their way towards the back room where the gangsters would be meeting. "Maybe you should be the mouth on this one. We look more like bodyguard detail." Speaking to shemagh as she referred to herself and the other heavily armored soldier.

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Taris, Nightclub

Tara had exhibited a calm authority, a no nonsense presence, and I couldn't help but feel a growing respect for the woman. Tonight was going to go bad, I could feel it in my gut. The third man in our team, although quiet, showed sincerity and was standing like a rock amidst the danger before us. We would be outgunned, walking into unknown territory, and facing certain violence. I hadn't known these two for more than fifteen minutes, but I was honored to bleed with them this night.

"Jinx," I responded, referring to my cal sign for this operation. Tapping the comlink on my left forearm, I sync'd my throat mic to Tara's signal and inhaled deeply. My eyes moved across the dancers, amidst the crowd of pleasure seekers, and fixated on the doors leading to the back room. Stepping forward, I stalled near the frame.

"When everyone's ready, give me a tap." Through the music I couldn't hear the team running their kit checks, but we had all received similar training, and it comforted me knowing we were entering this mess with our t's crossed and i's dotted. Moments later I felt a squeeze on my left shoulder. Go time.

Resting my hands on the doors, I pressed my weight forward and strode in as they swung open. Immediately the music began to fade behind me and after a few steps in, two broad men in suits stepped forward with hands raised.

"Jinx, representing the Skulls," I said, head cocked to the side. I hoped the cocky stance would portray more confidence than I felt right now. One man eyed my security detail while the other turned around, speaking to someone in the room I couldn't see. Seconds ticked by and I licked my lips, feigning impatience. Both men stepped to the side, allowing my team entrance.

A long table stretched before us. Single floor was occupied, second floor seemed devoid of movement. Three groups had taken positions around the room, three men seated around the table: a twi'lek woman on the left, a human wearing a very expensive suit in the center, and a zabrak sporting a well-worn leather crash suit. Given the suits of the guards at the door, it was a fair guess the man in the center was hosting this meet. Two men and a woman stood behind the twi'lek, two suited bodyguards behind the human, and four bikers behind the zabrak.

"Your organization is elusive," the man in the suit commented with a smile. "Good to finally make the aquintance." He waved his hand towards the table. "Please, have a seat, join us. We were just speaking of the future."

Standing where I was, I shook my head and pulled the shemagh around my neck, returning the smile. "Fellas," I started, attempting to mask my thick Sundari accent. "I don't wanna give the wrong impression. We didn't come to negotiate."

"Oh?" He commented, more amused than concerned.

"Patch over to the Skulls," I said, smile fading. "Or there's gonna be a war."

Leaning back in his seat, Suit locked eyes with me. I could hear the zabrak biker growl something in his language off to my right. Smile still in place, a cloud came over Suit's face as he once again rested his hands on the table. "You listen to me you contemptuous little prick," he said almost gritting his teeth through the smile. "My family has ran Taris for generations. We have negotiated a profitable peace among every organized outfit in the city. I don't give a kriff who funds your merry band of nobody's. On the streets, presence gains respect. You" he said spitting on the polished wooden floor, "are worth less than the whores working my street."

Nodding my head as though I understood, I forced a grin. "Good talk."

Suit, having put me in my place and saved face among all present in the room, began tapping his finger on the table. "Still here?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

Turning to my team, my grin disappeared and I motioned towards the door. They hesitated momentarily, but turned and made way for the exit. As the door guards opened the double doors and my teammates were with arms reach of them, I spun on my heels. We may have been outgunned, but we had regained the element of surprise. Left hand throwing my cloak open, my right and grasped the handle of my DP-09. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Quick drawing the weapon I fired one round from the hip, extended my arms, elbows slightly bent to absorb recoil, leveled the iron sights, and squeezed off a second shot, half a second after the first. The hip shot hit Suit just under his left armpit, the second burned a hole just above his clavicle, knocking him backwards out of his chair.

Motion erupted around the room and I could only hope Tara and Tank were clearing the doormen from our 'six.'
@Arclight @SithFTW

 

[SithFTW]

The large man nodded slightly before fiddling with his Coms momentarily. Due to the unfamiliarity of the Bull Reek armor and its devices, Adkae took a little long her then normal to hook things up. He got it though, then locked his helmet back into place on his head.

"Bull" Adkae responded when the woman asked for a name. He had honestly forgot his calsign, so he'd shamelessly stolen the name of the armor he was using.

As the Trio entered the dance club, the loud, rhythmic music offended Adkae's ears. The quiet man wasn't fond of the constant booming of the speakers and the roar of the people on the dance floor. He was glad they were simply passing through to the back. He felt himself let out a sigh of relief as the music faded.

Two large men stopped them and Jinx handled things like a pro. If Adkae hadn't know any better, he might've believed that the other man actually was some pompous gangster.

Just like that, they were in.

The groups began talking, and Adkae stood to the side as a bodyguard should. He was enthralled by the way Jinx had walked in and practically demanded everyone's attention. The man in the Suit, who seemed to be running things, wasn't too happy about Jinx's boldness. Adkae found himself resisting the urge to laugh. This Mob Boss wouldn't be acting so tough if the trio were wearing their Beskar'gam.

They turned to leave, and Adkae's wild side kicked in. While Jinx shot the man at the end of the table, Adkae charged one of the two guards at the door. The other man was larger, but Adkae's armor would provide a significant advantage.

The guard swung a meaty fist, hitting the side of Adkae's helm. Adkae however didn't hesitate to swap blows. Only, the guard wasn't wearing a helmet. Adkae spiked gauntlet ripped through the man's cheek, catching his flesh like a fish on a line. Adkae's free hand reached up behind the dazed man's head and pulled him downwards while simultaneously driving his knee upwards. Adkae's knee slammed into the man's jaw, tearing Adkae's gauntlets free from his face and knocking the pour sap unconscious.

Adkae turned slowly to face the others in the room, specifically the bikers. His eyes glanced back at the unconscious guard, then back to the criminals across the room. Adkae promptly decided he wanted to make a point.

Void of any hesitation, Adkae pointed his rifle down at the unconscious guard and fired two bursts.

@Arclight @Mirdala Priest

 

[Arcangel]

Nodding upon receiving their call signs for the mission, Aryn allowed Jinx to take the lead, the frontman for the party. Playing the part of the mouth, he would be calling the shots from now on. Something about that relieved Aryn, she wasn't used to being in charge. She was just a soldier. Well, maybe more than a soldier. A commando, highly trained, confident in her abilities, on and off the field. Well on the field anyways, she never figured out the whole confidence outside of operations thing. It was funny to her in a way, during operations, with the armor on, briefing the team, anything to do with the job and she was rock solid. Put her in a social situation and she was a shy, nervous mess. Except when she had enough alcohol in her, as she had discovered at Arasuum's Palace.

Squeezing Jinx's arm as they neared the door, signalling that it was go time, and maybe to calm any nerves he might be having, she had to admire his bravery in coming so unarmored and unarmed. She wasn't sure she would feel so confident without the beskar'gam, iron skin, fitted firmly around her body. Even the aruetii armor was a slight comfort.

Keeping in stride behind Jinx, even with Bull, the trio entered the meeting room. Aryn's eyes went wide with recognition as Jinx pulled his shemagh free. He seemed so familiar. She knew that she had met him before, and the memory nagged insistently at the back of her mind. Keep your mind on the mission. Forcing her attention back to the task at hand, it seemed that Suit wasn't interested. With a slight hand signal, Jinx signaled the door. Hesitating, Aryn decided to trust that he had a plan, turning and proceeding out of the wide double door with Bull. Click. The signal. It was time to act. Her mind went blank.

Reaching to her side, Aryn grabbed the suited guard by the wrist and pulled down, hard. Even as she pulled the man off balance, her left hand grasped the Sunspear pistol on her left hip. With a smooth draw and a sudden jab, the muzzle of the weapon was jammed into the suit's collar bone. A concealed flash and muffled blast showed themselves between the pistol and the man's body, before he crumpled to the ground in a heap. Continuing her motion, she stepped over his body and behind the doorframe, leveling her pistol into the room and identifying targets as she moved. Clearing Jinx out of her line of fire, Aryn sighted on the Twi'lek's two guards, starting left to right. Two flashes and streaks of plasma impacted the first bodyguard in the chest, followed by two more to the second guard. The final shot, aimed to cripple instead of kill, streaked out to slam into the stunned Twi'lek's shoulder, the heavy bolt blowing a ragged but not life threatening wound into the gun arm of the woman.

Dropping the smoking pistol to the floor, Aryn reached behind her, gripping the shotgun barrel with one hand and pulling it around. Pistol grip slapping into her palm, she brought the weapon to bear on the room. But the gangsters, who had been slow to react to the sudden onslaught, were now springing to action. Guns were drawn and blaster bolts flew, one slamming into Aryn's right pauldron. Luckily the armor held, though her aim had been disrupted momentarily.

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Feeling my team handle the threat behind me, I began moving forward. Iron sights resting on the startled bodyguard in the suit, I squeezed off a round center mass, shifting my core and drawing a bead on the second well dressed man in the process of taking cover behind the table. Bending low I rolled onto my back, cradling my elbows with my knees. Iron sights leveled on the man as he pulled a blaster from his suit coat, I released a round center mass, rolling onto my side as plasma flew overhead.

Realizing that it was friendly fire, I watched as the Twi'leks bodyguard took two rounds in the chest. Regaining my footing, I pulled the flash bang from behind my hip, tossed the safety pin, and lobbed it towards the bikers. We had the element of surprise and I wanted to keep it. Without my helmet, I wasn't sure how well I could adapt at this distance. Closing my eyes against the flash, my ears exploded with the concussion, and had I not trained with the grenade for almost two decades, my knees would have probably buckled. Deaf, but still in the game, my arms shot towards the enforcer farthest to the right. Squeezing the trigger, the recoil snapped up and I allowed the weapon to drop level again before completing the double tap.

Disorientated, the three remaining bikers were groping for their weapons, still trying to get it together after the 'banger.'
"Bull," I said into my throat mic. I couldn't hear my voice, but I saw myself pointing towards the three thugs in leather crash suits. I hoped he did as well.
@Arclight @SithFTW

 

[SithFTW]

Everything went down quickly. His companions had done an ex job of assessing threats and taking them down according to their importance. Adkae was particularly impressed with the duel style shooting performed by Jinx. Adkae himself was an excellent marksman, however he considered much larger weapons than the pistol Jinx was using. Adkae found it somewhat fun to watch the fancy showmanship that accompanied the use of the smaller firearm.

When Jinx had thrown the flash bang, Adkae's eyes had still been trained on the bikers. The sudden flash caused him to raise his hand up, but the helmet had saved him from any lasting affects from the grenade.

"Bull" Adkae heard from his coms.

He glanced to see Jinx pointing at the bikers. The men were scrambling, the flashbang and the sudden attack had quite clearly taken them by surprise, and now they were easy targets. Adkae nodded to show he understood, as he assumed Jinx would even be able to hear him.

He dropped his rifle, witch was caught by the sling over his shoulder. His hands moved to the launcher, which was preloaded with your standard thermal detonator, just modified to be fired from the launcher.


Pointing the barrel in the general direction of the bikers, Adkae pulled the trigger. The explosive rocketed out of the launcher, zipping past the first two bikers and hitting the ground and the third man's feet. It blew on impact, leaving one man dead without his legs, and the other two lying face down with heavy burns and small slivers of the table that had
Split off in the blast.

 

[Arcangel]

Recovering from the shot to the shoulder, Aryn began to level the scatterblaster once again when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught Jinx pulling a grenade. Eyes snapping to the weapon she identified it as a flashbang as it was thrown. Quickly ducking back around the corner, a bright flash erupted from the doorway. The doorway protected her eyes, but did not completely protect her hearing. While not completely deafened, a loud ringing filled them, almost covering Jinx's call for Bull. Turning back to the room as Bull pulled the gauss launcher, Aryn panicked. The range was too close. Jinx wasn't wearing heavy armor.

Without thinking, Aryn rushed into the room. Grabbing Jinx by the shoulder, she gave a sharp yank. As he stumbled backwards she would wrap her arms around him and bring him to the ground, spinning so that her own armored back would be facing the detonation. Hitting the ground, slamming down on top of Jinx, the grenade exploded a moment after. As the inferno consumed the gangsters, heat licked at her heals, and shrapnel peppered her armored back. Her world erupted in pain as bits of shrapnel penetrated her body glove in multiple places.

Laying still for a moment, consumed by agony, Aryn groaned and shifted on top of Jinx. Turning her head, her eyes took in the chaos and violence that they had inflicted upon the gangsters. The only living being in the room besides the undercover Mandalorians was the Twi'lek woman, who lay on the floor grimacing and crying as she clutched what remained of her shoulder. With her own grimace of pain, Aryn brough her knees forward and pushed up, hissing as burning pain spiked in her right shoulder and just below her left buttock. Settling back, leaving her straddling Jinx as sweat broke out on her forehead, she looked down upon the familiar face, assessing whether the man was injured by the blast. The face seemed all too recognizable from the angle, and suddenly a flash of memory was jogged in her pain wracked mind. A memory of a dirty alleyway, lust, and... cake?

Shaking her head, she hissed once again in pain before speaking. "You all right Jinx? Bull?"

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

The familiar numbness that followed a banger had pressure building in my head, expressing itself as heat pushing against the inside of my skull screaming for release. This fog left my nostrils afire, and the concussion causing my peripheral to wave erratically. Muscle memory controlled my double tap, but my senses had taken a beating and confusion dominated any conscience deliberation. Feeling myself taking a knee, I reached up, tapped my throat mic and heard nothing leave my lips, as though it never happened. Pushing myself back to my feet, feeling alone and disconnected, the weight of the pistol in my hand the only sensation registering, I experienced myself stepping forward more than actually feeling the motion. Eyes on fire, the next sensation was feeling the tears slipping over my face as the cloud of smoke drifted around me.

An object flew by me, into my target group, disappearing behind the movement of their bodies, bringing the 'now' into focus. Unsure and uncaring I felt training take over as my elbows extended of their own accord, the blur of my sidearm following my eyes, seeking my next target. Suddenly I was thrown backwards, my feet leaving me and my back feeling the break of an unmovable surface. A solid darkness overshadowed my vision and I felt it's fierce embrace envelop my body. Air rushed from the room, followed by a concussion wave, sending an electric sensation through my legs and up my spine. Darkness.

Situational awareness shattered, I laid there, unable to feel my body. Spine tingling, I tried to move my hand, feeling nothing. Although my eyes were open, there was only the darkness. Had it finally happened? Had my manda left my body; was this it? Unable to move, silent darkness until my conscious self faded from memory? Like a mando'ike <child> silently waiting for my Buir's <father's> instruction, I calmly awaited what would come next. Slowly, the tingling worked it's way up my spine, ending at the base of my neck. The weight over my body began to lift, and as the shadow pulled back, I saw smoke and debris had filled the room. My ears pulsed and a dry burn filled my throat. Where I was and the severity of the situation began filtering through the disorientation, reality pulling my conscious mind back to my core. An armored soldier stared down at me through an expressionless full faced tactical helmet. Tara.

Faintly I heard a hiss from under the helmet, her movement causing pain. As she called for a sit rep, I slid out from under her. Remaining on the ground in a sitting position, I slid my gloved hands under my body armor; pulling them out, no blood. Running them down my legs, they came back clean. Getting my feet under me, I reached under her arms helping her to a standing position.

"I'm good, let's check you out," the sound of my own voice startling me.

She hissed again as I pulled her to her feet. Patting her down from neck to ankles, hands pressing into the unprotected soft parts of her armor. No wonder.

"You're hit," I whispered. Shrapnel behind her right shoulder and left shebs <buttock> cheek. The shoulder had missed anything worth spilling, but from it's angle was most likely pressing against bone. It would hurt like Haran, but wasn't threatening. Her leg was leaking and of concern.

"Hold still."

Looking over at Bull, I pointed to my eyes and then the door. Whatever had happened I was sure it woke up the neighborhood. We'd have authorities on us within a 10 minute window, tops.

Pulling my combat knife free, I carefully cut the body glove around the wound. It's location was near a nerve cluster; I didn't want to mess with the metallic razor and risk permanent damage, but the bleeding needed to be stopped.

"Inhale deep," I forewarned, "and hold the breath." Without waiting to see if she listened, I pulled my glove off and pushed my fingers in the wound slightly, getting a two finger grip on the shrapnel. She squirmed in pain; I pulled the object free, not wanting to go too fast and cause more damage but needing to get it out before the pain was unbearable.

Tossing the metal on the ground, I grabbed the corner of my cloak. Shoving the blade through the material I sawed partially through, tearing the last bit off with my hands. "I'm fresh outta antiseptic," I warned, "sorry." Balling up the cloth, I hesitated. "And sorry for this," I said shoving the 'plug' into her wound. Yanking the shemagh from around my neck, I wrapped it around her upper thigh, cinching it over the wound. Double knotting, I cinched again making sure the knot was sealed over the bleeding point.

My voice was low, for her ears only.

"Keep this kinda behavior up," I said rising to my feet and making sure she was steady. "They'll make you Captain before your next birthday."

Vor entye. The words almost made it to my lips before mission priority set me straight.
"Thank you," I managed in Basic.
@Arclight @SithFTW

 

[SithFTW]

The Woman had rushed in, using herself as a human shield to protect Jinx. Honestly, Adkae hadn't even considered the fact that Jinx wasn't wearing heavy Armour. He was used to being alone, Adkae wasn't accustomed to worrying about others. Thus he's carelessly fired the launcher.

Just like that, Jinx took control; working to help his savior. He briefly glanced at Adkae, then to the door. Adkae understood.

His hands returned to his rifle as he exited the room back into the club. It was still crowded, but people were screaming and yelling as they desperately charged out the doors to safety. Deep down, Adkae felt an urge to open fire on the people. He could cut them down with his rifle, or litterally blow them to pieces...

He pushed the dark thoughts aside, returning to reality just as some of the club security came into view. Two men, both armed with blaster rifles emerged from the surging crowd. Adkae took aim and fired at one. The burst of blaster bolts burned though the guard's chest. The remaining guard ducked down behind the club's bar, while Adkae moved behind one of the many stages.

The two began to swap fire. Another pair of guards entered the room, forcing Adkae to stay down. It was challenging enough to keep the three club guards from flanking him or entering the room his comrades were. It seemed like as soon as Adkae got one man to retreat back, another guard would try and rush forwards.

 

[Arcangel]

Watching as Jinx, the question of what his real name was burning in her mind, checked himself for injuries, Aryn glanced around the room and spotted her scatterblaster laying by her knee. Reaching out to grab it with her right hand, her shoulder erupted in agony. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she retrieved the weapon, transferring it her left hand and letting the right hang limply. By then, Jinx had finished his injury assessment, and turned his attention to her. Failing to suppress another hiss of pain as the commando hauled her to her feet, Aryn stood still as Jinx patted her down for signs of injury, though it was a struggle to hold weight on her left leg.

"Yeah no shit." Responding through gritted teeth as Jinx informed her she was injured. Looking down at the man as he told her to hold still, pulling a knife as he knelt, Aryn turned away, focusing her attention once again on the room to distract herself from the pain. The pain and the fact that the man was currently in the process of baring her rear to the world, though his focus would likely be more on the wound itself. Giving the room a more thorough once over, she noticed that one of the men who had been blasted by the thermal detonator was still alive, if just barely. The burned man seemed to scrabble at the ground around him in slow motion, his movements screaming of desperation and pain. Before she could form a thought on the observation however, it was time for field medicine.

Sucking in a deep breath as instructed, she clenched her teeth tight. A slight grunt and whimper escaped her sealed mouth, and tears beginning to form in her eyes and a sheen of sweat breaking out on her forehead as Jinx fished out the shrapnel. Even the toughest warrior would have a hard time not outwardly showing signs of pain while someone was fiddling around next to a nerve cluster. "Antiseptic can wait 'till the safehouse." Forcing the words out and attempting to hide any trace of the agony she was in from leaking into them. "Do what you have to do." The words followed by a silent pained cry as the cloth wad was shoved into the wound. She was shaking, and if her face was visible, it would appear drained of color. But she was alive. Suffering through the uncomfortable jostling as Jinx tied off the bandage, she didn't have words for the man left in her by the time he was finished. Nodding simply, she had never really considered the idea of promotion. As far as she was concerned, she was no leader.

The sounds of more blaster bolts sounded from outside the room. It was time to leave. But first they had to mop up. Testing her legs ability to hold weight, she found its function adequate for a limping stride. Wincing with every step, she made her way first to the dying man, leveling the scatterblaster at his back and pulling the trigger, putting the poor bodyguard out of his misery. Turning to the Twi'lek gang boss, Aryn slowly hobbled over, and the woman's crying reached a new pitch as she tried to slide away, holding her wound while pushing on the floor with her feet. "Y-y-you ain't Skulls!" She cried accusingly. "T-t-too good t-t-to be gangers!"

The woman had clearly seen through their ruse after witnessing the Mandalorians in action. While she may not know who they actually were, she would do no good as a messenger. Too smart for her own good. Cocking her head at the woman for a second, she contemplated mercy. For a split second. Shaking her head, Aryn raised the scatterblaster and fired. Dropping the gun where she stood, she knew there was no way it could be traced back to Mandalore, having bought it on the Taris blackmarket the previous day.

"C'mon Jinx." Having made her way back over to the man, leaving the Twi'lek's corpse behind her. "Gonna need a hand getting out of here." Putting her left arm around his shoulders, right arm hanging uselessly by her side, she would let him help take the weight off her injured leg. They would make better time this way than having her hobble around.

@Mirdala Priest @SithFTW

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Kneeling, I picked up my sidearm and holstered it at my hip, snug against my ribs. Watching her 'clean up,' added another layer to her complete dedication to the job. The man was a mercy kill as far as I was concerned. The woman was the right call. Others may perceive it as cold, but tactically speaking, righteous. Besides, it's not like anyone in this room would've been voted citizen of the year anyway. Job done, and we were all alive. Now the trick was getting out of here and staying that way.

Limping back, she placed her left arm around my neck and I wrapped my right around her waist, for support. As we exited the room and rounded out into the main dance floor, a blaster bolt hit the wall a couple meters to our left. Bull was putting down fire, but due to being outgunned, the amount of incoming bolts were keeping his head down. Grabbing the nearest table with my left hand, I overturned it.

"Down," I said to Tara. Using both hands to help lower her, I felt the heat of plasma hit the wall an inch or two above me. Making myself small, I drew my sidearm and slowly peered past the table. The crowd had beat feet and the main floor was looking sparse as far as I could tell. We needed to get outta this club and use the crowd as our cover for escape. If we get pinned down and can't integrate with the civilians outside, we would find ourselves in a shoot out with Taris law enforcement.

Bull was being true to his name, solid and keeping a steady rate of fire on our assailants, deterring them from too much movement.

Maybe it's time to give him his china shop.

I tapped my throat mic. "We can't get pinned down. Bull you have the explosives, make us an exit."

@Arclight
@SithFTW