The Cost of Arrogance

[Radiwalker]

Word had spread of a smuggler who had made a very interesting acquisition, one that even drew the attention of Vindict, who usually did not trouble himself with such small menaces. This smuggler, however, was something else. He was renowned for his ability to evade bounty hunters and imperial troops. Some said he had managed to smuggle jedi right under the nose of the Empress, of course those were only false stories told by the usual cantina creeps. Such reputation, of course, didn't come lightly, for there was a big bounty on his head. Nevertheless, that was not what interested the crusader.

Most recently rumors were spread that the smuggler had acquired an HK assassin droid. Which model exactly was unknown, but just the type of the droid had interested the gladiator, for he believed such a droid would fit his needs perfectly. Of course, he was not about to spread word that he was going after a small time criminal just to get his hands on a droid, even if a fine one. So, he had called upon his new apprentice - Ari, who would accompany him and thus allow him to cover up the acquisition of the droid as a training mission for the acolyte.

In the message to his apprentice Vindict had described the mission as a hunt. For the battle that would commence at the end would be easy enough to win, but it was finding the smuggler that would prove problematic. Such figures were hard to seed out, so the pair would have to be smart about their approach to this mission and instead of spreading chaos and bringing fear, they would have to work from the shadows, they would have to be silent and deadly, for only then would they be able to track down the famed smuggler.

Vindict was waiting for the arrival of his apprentice inside his own famed ship. He had set the coordinates of their first destination into the navi computer and was just a button away from taking off and beginning the mission.

 

[Kenico]

Ari had decided to embark on this mission in his cloak and without his armor. He had his head wrapped still and he stepped aboard his Master's ship. Ari saw his master waiting for him at the top of the ramp. He had the temptation to fall to a bended knee only to be stopped by his masters voice saying he was annoyed by this action. He simply bowed his head with respect and hastened aboard. As he did, he heard the ramp hiss close and the ship leaving the ground. He pulled his wrappings off and revealed his yellow eyes and his grayish hair. He stood there and looked as his master walked towards the Cockpit.

"So, My Master, where is our target?"

 

[Radiwalker]

"If we knew that, he'd be dead." Vindict spoke in response as he sat in the pilot seat and took off. He would usually close the door leading to the cockpit, but this time he did not do so. "We're going to Nar Shaddaa, where the rumors of this smuggler originated. We'll pick up his trail from there and track him down. I suspect we will encounter some trouble along the way, but remember our mission, we're not off to kill thugs... we're off to kill a very specific thug." the ship entered hyperspace and the familiar blue lines of light engulfed it completely. It was only a matter of time before they reached Nar Shaddaa...

 

[Kenico]

The Sith Acolyte sat at a seat behind but to the right of his master. He bowed his head in meditation before asking his next question.

"Would you like me to deal with this slime or do you want that privilege to be yours?"

 

[Radiwalker]

"That would depend on the situation." Vindict did not care who received this kill. He did not care who received any kill. All he cared for was the battle itself and achieving victory. Of course, there were those whom he wanted to kill himself, but that was only because it would bring him pleasure, for he would have waited a long time to taste their blood. The smuggler they were after was no such man, he was simply an enemy, who was in the possession of an asset Vindict desired. His death was of little meaning to the crusader, but would further both his and his apprentice's standings in the order, so it was mostly a bonus to the actual benefit of the mission.

The ship emerged from hyperspace and the gladiator flew it to one of the landing pads. He led the way off the ship and noticed that the docking master was at first hasting towards them, but after recognizing the armor and robes, which depicted the pair as sith, he hesitated. Vindict paid for the landing pad, for he had no interest in harming the economy.

"Where do you recon we should start our search?" whilst Vindict had a plan for the mission he wanted to allow his apprentice an opportunity to show his merit and make some suggestions. Perhaps there was something the acolyte could learn, or perhaps he would just provide the crusader with an excuse to hit him. Either way, Vindict felt somewhat obliged by his role of master to involve his apprentice in the process of the mission and a mission as mundane as this one is supposed to be offered perfect opportunity for that.

 

[Kenico]

"I would stick to the shadows my Lord. Id try to avoid bringing attention to my self and hire spies throughout The area. Let the locals, who know the area more than us, do all the dirty work and once we have this rat cornered, we deal with him ourselves..."

Ari waited for his masters response as he observed the skies of this strange world to him...

 

[Radiwalker]

"Engage all our spies in finding one lowly smuggler?" Vindict wondered whether they'd be hanged, burned, or chocked to death for such insolence. "Furthermore, we do not know if he is here. This is simply where the rumors for his successes originated." Vindict's voice was raising in strength and annoyance. "If you show signs of not paying attention to my words again..." the crusader decided threats meant too little, so instead he extended his hand and sent a powerful lightning towards his apprentice. Regardless of whether the attack had been successful, or repelled the crusader would continue. "Next time I will take the flesh off your body."

Vindict had taken up an apprentice, that didn't mean he'd have to deal with his foolish behavior. The gladiator had a lot more important things to do than explain every little detail to an acolyte, he decided he was through with the teaching, from hence forth he would teach by example. If the acolyte learned - good, if not, he'd die soon enough and rid his master and the Empire of his foolishness. Without another word Vindict set off towards the nearest cantina. That was the kind of place in which rumors started.

 

[Kenico]

Ari took the Jolt as a lesson. It burned his skin but he took the lesson well. He followed his Master to the Cantina and kept his mouth shut. He preferred this kind of teaching. at least this one did not bore him with long lectures that got him nowhere...now he was impressed.

So, My Master, I am assuming that were here to listen to the local gossip?

 

[Radiwalker]

"Go inside and order a drink, act like you belong and don't mind what anyone does. Just be prepared to fight, should the need arise." The crusader doubted there'd be need for bloodshed and he preferred it that way, for he disliked drawing unwanted attention, especially since they were chasing a target, who could be alerted by the vaguest perceivable threat.

Vindict would wait for his apprentice to go into the cantina, after which he would step into a dark alley and hide his signature in the force as well as his physical presence. It would take him several moments, throughout which the acolyte would be on his own, but then the gladiator would walk in as well, although unseen. Ever Ari shouldn't be able to see, or sense his master. Vindict could send him a telepathic message to explain what he was doing but he preferred not to. He wanted to see what the acolyte would do when left on his own for a moment. After which he would proceed with his plan regarding the mission.

 

[Kenico]

Ari listened and obeyed, he took a deep breath and removed his wrappings to look less threatening. The Last thing he needed was to look threatening enough that someone starts something with him. He walked in and turned on his charm. A massive grin spread across his face and he walked into the cantina with confidence. He took a stool at the bar and eyed the female bartender...He allowed a sly grin to manifest around him.

"Strongest booze you got Sweetheart" Ari announce with a Correllian Accent, He had paid attention to a lot of Accolytes on Korriban from all over the Imperium. He had grown quite fond of the silly accent of the Corellians, and seeing them notorious for being arrogant was perfect for a cover. Ari winked to sell the cover as the Woman looked him over.

"Arent you a tad young for alcohol sir?"

Ari grinned, "Arent you a tad old to be that good looking?" He made her blush and look at him with that "Are you serious?" face. Ari pulled a fake ID out and presented it to her. After looking it over, she nodded to see the forgery checked out. She poured him their strongest brew and he sipped on it, attempting to imbibe as little as the filth as possible. He looked around the bar to see if his Master was with him. Alas his Master had blended into the darkend chambers, both physically and in the Force. Ari Just sat there and put on the act...

 

[Radiwalker]

Ari seemed to be playing his part fairly well. He had not drawn attention to himself by either being too threatening, or too withdrawn and humble. If Vindict did not know better, he'd say the acolyte had found his place. Nevertheless, the crusader had his own part to play in this small game. He moved around the tables, unseen and unheard. He listened into conversations, but nobody was talking about the smuggler, there was nothing he could pick up on. So, it was time to change the game a little.

The crusader retreated to one of the corners with a free table and removed his helmet, after which he sat down. He used the force to crush the lighting around the table, thus making it darker, after which he finally removed his concealment, both of them. Some eyes had looked in his direction, but quickly looked away after catching his gaze. Even the barmaid didn't dare approach him and complain about the destroyed inventory, but the cantina had quieted down, a more sinister scene was being set.

The crusader sent a telepathic message to his apprentice. "No one must understand we are working together. Follow my lead." He waited a few moments, to make sure everyone was waiting to see what he would do and then he smirked. "Is there no scum here looking to earn some credits?" Nobody spoke in return. "I'm in need of a good and secure transport, do you worthless rats have nothing to offer?" Vindict was trying to spin the conversation around so that someone would mention the smuggler, then people would slowly open up, but they seemed too frightened to address one such as him, that is why the acolyte's intervention was required.

 

[Kenico]

Ari Grinned, but only publicly. Unfortunately, he knew what his Master had in mind but unfortunately he didn't know what to say. He just simply decided to roll the dice and receive punishment later...

"I could be of Service!" Ari Stood up with his drink. He stood there with Swagger of a Merc, "I do have the fastest ship in these parts!"

Ari wasn't a psychologist, but any Sith worth his salt knew the greatest weakness a smuggler has was their ego...especially about their Ship!

I trust that bait was sufficient Master?

 

[Radiwalker]

The eyes of all the thugs in the cantina shifted from the sinister dark figure towards the cocky kid at the bar. Some laughed, others whispered to one another a fair few grunted, but only one spoke out. "Bah, you have nothing, kid!" a man on table of the speaking thug tried to grab him and stop him, but couldn't. "I bet half the ships at the docks are faster than yours and even if they weren't there is one ship and one pilot you could never outrun." the thug stood up and moved towards the kid in almost a threatening manner. The thugs was a blue-skinned twi-lek with red eyes, quite muscular, with a diagonal scar running across his nose. "And who is this pilot you speak of?" Vindict rejoined the conversation, once again silencing the cantina and drawing all eyes to himself. "I can take you to him, for the right price."

Vindic's grin grew, his plan was coming about. He stood up and waved to the twi'lek to follow him. On their way out of the cantina the twi'lek smirked at the kid next to the bar and whispered. "No place for rookies here, kido." Vindict, however, wasn't too keen on leaving his apprentice stranded, so he sent another telepathic message to Ari. "Get to the ship before us, I'll take this fool round a longer path. Hide somewhere on board. We don't want our plans exposed."

 

[Kenico]

Ari Grinned on the inside but kept a scowl for the show...

"Well see!"

Ari stormed off out another entrance. He wrapped his head again and climbed to the rooftops. using the Force as his ally, He force sped and Jumped to get to his destination, all the while sticking to the Shadows so as not to be noticed. He came across a rather large gap between buildings and jumped it, landing without making a single noise. He continued to make his way back to the ship and landed with grace and silence in front of his masters ship. He scrambled aboard and locked himself in a compartment. He took deep breaths as he awaited his master...

I am aboard Master...I shall await You and our guest...

 

[Radiwalker]

Vindict climbed on board the ship, closely followed by the thug, who suddenly stopped at the bottom of the ramp. "Are you afraid?" Vindict's voice was serious, not mocking. "Should I be?" the thug responded in a casual cocky manner, although it was clear he wasn't feeling comfortable. "Yes." the crusader cut off as he proceeded into his ship. He knew the thug would be too greedy not to follow, having seen the size of the ship, he assumed it belonged to someone wealthy and then it hit him... why would such a person require help from a smuggler, or pirate, or any other. A cold shiver ran down his spine and he thought of running away, but the ramp closed behind him.

"Good." Vindict spoke out as he observed the trembling twi'lek. "Now you understand what kind of situation you are in. Nevertheless fear not, I shall gain nothing from you death. So long as you prove to be valuable and lead me to the person you spoke of, your life shall not be in danger." A more ruthless lie had never escaped the crusader's lips. He had no intention of leaving this thug alive. He was going to kill him as well as the other one as soon as he made sure he was the one he needed. "Now, if you'd like to take control of the ship and fly it to your friend, as I cannot operate such a machine and I got in a bit of a quarrel with my last pilot." The twi'lek was completely speechless. He knew not who this man was, nor what he wanted. All he knew was that he had been given an opportunity to fly a fine vessel and, what was more, he was promised his life as long as he fulfilled his end of the bargain. If he were lucky, he might get paid, or even employed.

But before he could take control over the ship, something hit him in the back of the head. Vindict had crept up behind the twi'lek and hit him hard to knock him out. "Come out, my apprentice. It is time for you to have your fun. Take this piece of scum into any room you like and interrogate him by any means necessary, but do not kill him. Once you get the required information out of him, I will step in. We will have further use of him after that." The crusader had waited only long enough to make sure that the thug knew the location of the smuggler. He had used the fear as a stimulant against lies and the greed as a stimulant against scaring the thug off. His plan had worked so far and the next step was to extract the required information out of the thug, for he did not trust him to give it freely... for all he knew the thug could lead the sith into a trap... it would be bold, but not uncommon.

 

[Kenico]

Ari stepped from his shadows and lifted the man up with Force Pull. He looked at him and frowned.

"In my experience Master, Torture is for Sadists and Thugs...its like cutting a delicate Fruit open with a lightsaber...messy, and all the victim will do is say what you want them to say...perfect to try and get a damn good reason to invade an area, but not so good at getting actually information...However..."

Ari's grin formed over him, "If you have some rope and a couple of chairs...I think I have a way of making him talk"

 

[Radiwalker]

"Use whatever you need from the ship. But damage anything and you'll suffer." Vindict spoke with a resonant voice. "Be quick about what you do, time is not a commodity to be wasted." while the apprentice was at his thing the crusader would meditate, waiting for the information he required. He trusted the acolyte would extract it from their victim, yet if he did not there would be repercussions.

 

[Kenico]

"The thing is Master..." Ari noticed him leaving, "Im gonna need another body for this little trick..."

It was a few hours later as the thug was waking up, He found himself tied to a chair...sitting on the edge of the Ship's boarding ramp. Sheer terror spiked through his blood as he realized the predicament he was in...He suddenly turned to see Another individual tied to a chair. They both suddenly felt kicks from the backs of each others chairs...

"Wakey wakey boys!" Ari lymericked out with glee, "Now, about that Pilot you bragged about?"

"I-I aint talking punk! I-I-I Was just bragging around!"

Ari did a false gasp followed by a few clicks with his tounge, "Too bad, I was really going to enjoy the little game we were about to play..."

"G-Game?!"

"Why Yes! Take a look over the ramp...be careful though..." The Twi'lek looked over the ramp. To his horror, they were almost a kilometer from the ground, "...Its a helluva long way down! Now..." Ari slapped his hands together and kicked the chairs again, "...we are going to play, 'Who Talks First'! Now The original game goes you take two idiots you want to interrogate, put em on a Gunship, fly up as high as you can, and whoever talks first..." Ari Kicks the Chairs a little harder, "Doesn't take a dive!"

The Twi'lek began to sweat almost blood as Ari explained the rules of the game...he was trying to gulp but nothing was swallowing. Ari could sense his fear, so did his Master, and though Ari couldn't say anything for his Master...He was enjoying this.

"So?" Ari began kicking the Twi'leks Chair harder with ever pass, intentionally trying to kick the Twi'lek off the Ramp First, "Who will talk first?"

The Twi'lek was now starting to whimper, terrorized that he was about to take a kilometer long dive and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it, all the while the guy next to him was as quiet as a church mouse. Ari eyed the other guy and began taunting him especially, making the guy shake a bit each time. It was now almost 5 minutes and Ari was loosing his patience He began to kick harder and harder on each seat, Scaring the Twi'lek even more.

"Whelp...If you boys wont talk..." Ari made one huge jolt from his leg. The Twi'lek began to whimper and sweat (plus tearing) as the kick was made. He heard a scream but it wasn't his own, He turned to see the other guy go down the ramp and off into the open air. The Twi'lek shrieked in Terror and wrestled in his bonds...

"ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! I'll tell you where he is!"

"Theres a good boy!"

Ari grabbed the back of the Chair and dragged him back up into the Ship, just as His master was coming out of his room to check on the commotion...

"Well Master, I think our little friend is willing to talk now! Ask him anything you want. And he better be honest..." Ari did a playful kick, but it still scared the thug, "Or hes gonna take a dive like his buddy back there!"

Ari stood waiting to see what the Twi'lek and his Master would do...

 

[Radiwalker]

Ari had certainly taken his time with the interrogation, something that didn't please Vindict, who was not one to waste time on missions that he regarded as trivial. The acolyte had, at least, achieved the desired result, so the mission could move to the next stage. "Where?" a simple question asking for a simple answer, there was no need to waste words, or time, for that matter. "C.." the thug was weary and still terrified, merely moments ago he had thought he'd be rich and now he was on the verge of death. "Speak!" the crusader commanded with a raising tone. He was growing tired of this mundane situation. "Coruscant... level 1132... he is known to operate from there, please don't kill me!"

Upon gaining the required information Vindcit turned around and entered the cockpit. He set a course for Coruscant and contemplated on how they could make use of the thug. It didn't take him long to realize that someone who was scared enough to beg for his life wouldn't serve well in a situation that required discreetness. One of the crusader's lightsaber flew off his waist and straight for the prisoner. Upon reaching him, the weapon activated and the orange beam pierced through his torso, allowing him to scream only for a brief moment. "Prepare yourself, apprentice, there is more work to be done."

 

[Kenico]

"I shall, My Master..."

Ari Grinned as he discarded the Dead Twi'lek from the Ship, "I know you're not much for apologies Master but my Apologies nonetheless. however, count your blessings cause Torturing would have left the interior of the Ship in a bloody mess, got us no information, and would have take 3 days TOTAL to get any useful information out of him!"

Ari Chuckled after that last bit. He hated torture, not because it was inhumane, but of its impracticality. He sealed the Ship and entered his quarters to meditate...