Ask Tatooine Trouble Under Twin Suns

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai was back where it all started. Tatooine, land of dunes and the twin suns. He had returned, via a indirect route, and many jumps to avoid bounty hunters as to catch something of a break from it all. He was tired of running and needed a break for a bit, back to his roots seemed as good a place as any. He was sure the orphanage he had guarded once wouldn't mind a old, familiar face.

In fact he had already been and the owner was overjoyed. Yet how little they knew about him now and what he had become.

Yet he did not stay, he instead opted for a place in Mos Eisley. A place he could lay low, and be ignored. Mostly. With his hood up, lightsaber hidden and make on he walked around, most were content with their own business. Some gave him strange looks in awe at his huge muscular frame and size, electing to move aside when he passed by. Those few who didn't and bumped into him were met with a glare and a look. A hidden something said within the Force and it was enough to move them as they shot off scared. Images and nightmares filling their brains.

He chuckled at the thought of it.

Soon enough and he entered into a bar, he knew he had to be more careful this time and as such settled for a less strong liquor. He didn't need another Mindor incident. Especially as he was wanted and a Sith. It was too much attention. Standing at the bar, he took a seat, feeling everything and everyone. The Force was not a gift and a curse to those who carried it, they could not escape others thoughts and feelings no matter if they tried and it was often a lonely existence.

He sometimes envied those not connected to it. To be free of the burden for even a day would be a blessing in disguise but he knew it was never to be. Instead he took another drink, contemplating what to do next. Then he felt something, and tuned his head. Something was about to happen but he wasn't sure what.

He looked at the door and saw a stranger enter. She appeared to be looking for something or someone, a human by the bar, male with blonde hair and a scar looked behind nervously.

"I don't want trouble. I have credits! You can have them all!"

He said before trying run. Trodai looked on with curiosity, awaiting to see what this was about and what fun might be had. The thrill of a chase and battle enthralled him. As a Warrior he wished it were him hunting but he didn't need the attention. But that said he did follow with his eyes to see what happened as the man darted into the kitchen. He followed behind, slowly, not gaining attention even as he saw whoever it was that were chasing pay no notice to security. Who were intent to not let her get to her quarry. At least for now.

@PurpleDelta @Hastur

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Ahh.. tatooine.. so many memories here! Where cremek had slew the dune seas krayt dragon, where he had betrayed and killed his mother and teacher, where he was betrayed in turn by the empire, where he will now forge anew a empire of his own! Cremeks plans for conquering concord dawn was going swimmingly, with several hidden loyal survivors have made themselves known and allied with his cuase, but that was inconsequential today, he had come here onto this sandy peice of shit to do one thing, misdirection, there was a price on his head, and while he had killed every bounty hunter that has come after him so far, it was getting annoying, but he had a.. freind.. who knew how to throw hunters off his trail, she was a annoying one, and hopelessly infatuated with the aspect of cremeks helmet, but she had a spy ring that could spread rumors like wildfire, and so he came, she would be a couple hours still, so cremek opted to Walk the rotten city while he waits..

He witnessed the most cute thing ever, a lad getting a shakedown, cremek just laughed at his attempts to defend himself!

@PurpleDelta @Akheron

 

[Rivia Durane]

Rivia had just finished going over the final systems check on her ship at the spaceport after having landed on Tatooine. She had just gotten paid for a small time bounty offworld. She double checked her armor and weapons, opting to leave the rifle behind for now, she wasn't planning on hunting. The pistols and her Kyuzo Petar were staying, however. She rarely ever parted with those. She attached her helmet to her belt and allowed her hair to flow down just past her shoulders freely. She keyed up the locks and alarm systems on her ship and headed out of the spaceport in the direction of the nearest cantina. Not much else worth visiting here without a plan in mind.

She kept a fairly vigilant watch on her surroundings as she went along, rather familiar with the reputation of the people who do regular business here. She'd do fine though, her upbringing on Florrum practically assuring she was in her element among the shadier types in the galaxy. She spotted a fellow with an odd helmet, but paid him no mind as she entered into the cantina, hearing some kind of commotion going on. As soon as she passes through the door someone runs into her, and as if on reflex, she shoulder checks them rather forcefully. "Seriously? Hanging out by the doorway? You looking to get hit?" She says curtly as she heads to the bar for a seat, ordering a quick shot of something strong whilr she contemplates what she actually wants to drink. Staying keenly aware of anyone who stares for too long.

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai continued observing, even as the guy ran by bashing into the woman at the door, and getting checked only to fall over himself. While the one who dived into the kitchen was quickly flung out, smashing into the newcomer. The Warrior laughed a bit, this was about to get interesting, even as the guy bumped her head into another patron next to her who took offense.

The offender tried to escape only to be dragged outside and beaten, mercilessly. Another day on Tatooine.

Meanwhile the other guy, a Quarren stared at Rivia, killer intent in his eyes.

"You looking for trouble? Bashing me!? I have the death sentence in five systems! And now I don't like you very much...apologise or I'm gonna split your skull."

Tricia looked on, intrigued as to how this would play out, he remained sitted. Awaiting her reaction, when he saw a familiar face. And felt it. He walked up and spoke, even as he observed.

"We meet again, we have got to stop making a habit of this."

He said jokingly.

"Looks like the fun is about to start. Any wager on the winner, my money is on her. But if this turns into anything like the last bar encounter, I am going to go crazy. I came to escape the bounties, not get another one. Not that I don't like a brawl mind you."

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

It was now cremek wandered in onto the commotion as well, the mandalorian turned and looked down at the man making threats to others, he was a small fry, even compared to Cremek, who was considered on the smaller side of a mandalorian, he just stared, stared and stared and stared, before lazily, he drew a revolver style slug thrower from out of its holster and clicked the hammer down. You see cremek was quite a powder keg.. and chaos was his art, so..

Boom.

Right through the poor man's knee without mercy.

"Don't talk the talk of you can't walk the walk.. if you will be able to walk at all after this."

@PurpleDelta @Akheron

 

[Rivia Durane]

Rivia looked at the Quarren unamusedly as he started shouting his threat. Her pistols were holstered in open view but she didn't even bother reaching for them. She crossed her arms with disdain pure on her face. "I'm guessing you got the charges from blindly crashing speeders or some other such nonsense since you clearly can't even watch where you're going. Go back to the pool squidhead." She grunted out her response and saw some movement in the corner of her eye. A weapon already? She sighed and sidestepped quietly as the weapon came up and the shot rang out. Turning her attention to the next person to involve themselves in delaying her getting a drink. She slowly scanned the forms of the two individuals with her eyes before shaking her head and taking a seat at the bar. "Jumping into someone else's problem right at the start can make people confused, best keep that thing pointed away from me, I do much more than spit ink like our fish friend." She said, already in a somewhat soured mood as she contemplated her drink. Watching her surroundings for other such nonsense to occur.

@Hastur @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai had observed enough, she looked none too happy so he would see if he could improve it. Approaching, cautiously so he didn't startle her or give her reason to react he gave a curt nod, stepping over the Quarren who now held his knees a was squealing in agony. Trodai did what any soul might have done in his situation, he snapped his neck and put him out of his misery.

A few minutes later and security came to take the body and dumb it somewhere. Feed it to the dunes most likely. It clearly was a dive bar that saw frequent incidents like this. A good place to lay low. He spoke to the strange woman, by her bearing he made her out a a warrior much like himself.

And her demeanour and attitude told him the same.

"Forgive the intrusion, but I couldn't help but notice you. You haave the bearing of a warrior, a fighter. Much like myself I guess in some ways. Perhaps I could improve your mood, nothing untoward. No tricks. You seem like you could use the company and a drink. I see you meet an acquaintance of mine. The Mandalorian right here. If I am permitted, can I get you another drink to settle the nerves and ease the tension of the room. Where are my manners, I am Trodai. And who might you be?"

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

"And assuming someone's intentions can achieve the same, no? I just wanted to shoot something, I didn't give a damn about his problem with you, his shouting was disturbing my peace, therefore by being a pest, he was creating a problem for me as well, so I shot him to solve said problem, Ba'gedet'ye!"

He gave a chuckle when he watch the light fade from the squid faced idiots eyes.

He then stepped up to the bar.
"chaavla sa shebs be'striili, eh?" He made a musing in mando'a. "not the best place to drink, but hey, it's got fun."

@Akheron @PurpleDelta

 

[Rivia Durane]

Rivia grunts as she examines the two who came up to her. She responds first to Cremek, who seems to be the most volatile of the two, figuring Trodai won't mind a moment of delay as she scans her surroundings briefly. She turns her head to Cremek, her naturally aggressive looking demeanor and features doing her no real favors here. "Is that right? Just keep that thing leveled away from me will you? That's the last thing I need, a fight right after I've showered for the day.." She muses in a low voice, almost like a low growl, as she conveys her annoyance with the idea of having to brawl before she even gets her drinks.she side eyes the Mando a little bit before making the decision to tie her hair up in a ponytail, convinced at this point its better to be ready for something to occur.

She finally turns to Trodai as she finishes what couldn't really be called a conversation with Cremek. "The place serves alcohol, that's enough for me." She says idly as she thinks for a moment. "You want to get me a drink? As much as I appreciate the gesture, the last person who said that tried to drug it as well, so dont mind if i keep a close eye on it." She says as she motions to the two pistol holsters at her hips, likely indicating the fate of the poor soul mentioned. "I am wearing armor and weapons, so I cant fathom why that squidhead really thought yelling at me from on his ass was a good idea. Fine, im game, ill drink with you, for a while at least. The names Rivia." Not sensing much in the way of ill will from Trodai she relaxes her guarded demeanor that she had when she first walked into the cantina. She does seem to keep checking the door every time someone new enters though, she doesnt seem nervous, but it is always a measured look, as if she is looking for something.

@Hastur @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai laughed, he understood all to well. He was much the same and checked his drinks, he had too with so many wanting him dead, such was the price of being who and what he was. A Sith. He nodded in understanding, and was cautious himself. He could feel her annoyance and suspicion within the Force, yet she had no reason for doubt. He had no desire to kill her although he could if he wanted.

Just as she could he had no doubt. Her display earnt some respect for she had no fear even from him. Where most left or gave a wide berth she did not care. And she showed a warrior mentality. The mandalorian also showed similar signs although Trodai could also feel a Darkness.

One that eclipsed his own. His was stronger, much stronger, a master perhaps he wondered? Only they usually showed such strength.

It was interesting. Questions that perhaps he could later for now Rivia had his attention.

"I understand, I know you think me to kind. But I would not poison you, if I wanted you dead I would do it to your face. Perhaps I am being a bit suspicious, but I respect another warrior, few understand our ways or what it means to put a fist to another up close and personal. The thrill of the hunt and I don't get many chances to see others much like myself in some ways. As for the Squidhead as you called him, probably thought since you were a woman you would be an easy mark.

He thought wrong. And don't mind our man do friend, I have worked with him before. His mysterious, strange even but I found him not bad this far at least. Not quite sure what to make of him, but he can fight" He chuckled a bit.

It was first the door swung open, a angered man came in, well dressed and rich looking along with another elder human. He spoke loud.

"Are there any here willing to help us. We need volunteers to help rid our shops of a gang of thugs! A big gang, we can't do it alone! They are extorting everyone around here and using the shops to sell spice. Soon they will come for this place. We will pay whatever you want and you can do what you like. We just want them gone!"

Trodai was intrigued, he looked at the young woman, Rivia he recalled and then the Mandolorian. An idea sprung to mind, a way see if she would make a good ally or not. And a way to unwind.

"What you think? You want to earn some credits while beating some people, I see no downside. If you're willing to do it with me, how about a even split. We can bleed these idiots dry and enjoy ourselves at the same time. Especially with our skills."

He waited for an answer.

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek raised his hand, volunteering.

"Credits? I'm down."

He gave a thumbs up.
Cremek decided to play the role of the mercenary, after all, that was more credits to funding the shadow collective, he spun the revolver and holstered it.
@PurpleDelta @Akheron

 

[Rivia Durane]

Rivia looked over at Trodai as he spoke and felt herself release a long winded sigh through her nose, mostly inaudible. There was a lot of talk about 'our way' but she has only just met this person. She wondered why they seemed so sure of her type, and why he didn't seem too far off the mark. It intrigued her, but it also garnered her cautious attention.

As Trodai mentions the Mando and the squidhead she gives a low grunt of acknowledgement but nothing more. What piques her attention is the man that entered the cantina looking to hire people to remove thugs from their shop. She wondered what kind of rabble would hit a shop so ineffectively that someone managed to get away to hire help. Surely third rate criminals, right? In any case, first thing on her mind was to scour her eyes over the bar, taking this interruption as an excuse to swipe two shots off the bartop while people were distracted. She downs them both not checking to see what kind of shot it was and finds her eyes watering and a grin creeping onto her face. Whoever these belonged to had decent taste, that was good.

She glanced over at Trodai. "You seem to know a lot about me, either that or you're making a lot of assumptions. Whatever the case, I've had an annoying run of it ever since i landed, i could use a little excitement, cut loose a bit. I'm game then, just don't get any funny ideas in the heat of battle eh? Even if you seem to know something about me, I don't know anything about you two yet. Let's not keep these backalley thugs waiting hm?" She stood and checked her gear over, spinning her blaster pistols over her fingers before holstering them. They were heavy Blasters, symmetrical and ideal for her dual wielding style. She cracked her knuckles and rolled her neck as she approached the man who came looking to hire muscle. "I don't come cheap, but if you were looking for cheap you'd probably have just hired a different band of thugs out of some alley hm? I'm relieved you have the sense to come to a cantina near the spaceport where more reliable types can trickle in on occasion, means you can pay." She snickers, and looks to see if Cremek and Trodai have followed her over here."Address and number of targets if you have that information, let's get this show on the road." She smirks, reaching down and unclasping her helmet off of her belt, sliding it over her head.

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai acknowledged Rivia, clearly he had gone about finding out more in the wrong way. He would need to be more careful and so he tried another approach. At least before they were interrupted by the offer of work. Although he didn't need the credits, it was better to keep up the act of his current persona to avoid any unnecessary attention unless necessary.

He didn't entirely trust her yet to know the truth about his real allegiances but he would soon see if she could be. The Mandolorian, he knew probably wouldn't care. Trodai had a slight smile under the mask, this would be a interesting experience.

He replied to Rivia, giving both a approving nod as he spoke.

"Mostly alot of good guesses and assumptions, you could say I am perceptive of others. I'm sorry if I'm wrong. It's one of my flaws you could say. I'm sorry you have had such a bad time so far, I didn't mean to cause any offence myself so apologise. Perhaps we can change that, I'll let you know anything you want about me. I won't do it again, Regardless let's see if we can improve the mood and what this is all about. I'm a mercenary myself. If the credits are good this should be fun."

As the helmet went on Rivia, who was suspicious of him. Trodai pondered the next steps. At one point she would likely discovered his gift of the Force and so he would need an explanation. A Force-User mercenary was as good a alias as any like so many before.

He listened as he too got up, gesturing for the two men with the offer to lead the way. They motioned for the unusual trio to follow them until the group were in a larger building in a better part of the city. Here they entered a large office structure where they would discuss the situation further.

"Firstly thank you for agreeing, we need all the help we can get out here in the dunes. I am Lothel Deran, this is my associate Wedge Carras. We help run a fairly large operation down here. We deal in ship parts and droids and have been been doing well at it for years. We had a arrangement but our associates have since gotten more bold. "

"And greedy. Most pay going for fear of retaliation, being extorted or worse dissappear. We have so far resisted but and would handle it ourselves but they brought in outside help. A dangerous swoop gang from Nar Shadda we hear, well paid mercenaries and hunters, like yourselves we can guess. Run by a smuggler, a Zabrak called N'val Mutor. We want them gone, permanently and are willing to pay whatever price you think is appropriate for your services." The other man said.

Wedge, Trodai recalled the name was.

Lothel spoke, his hair waving against his face. Trodai felt in the Force, they were not lying so far, but there was something. Something they were not saying. Something hidden. He kept quiet for now and would discuss it with the others when they left.

"You asked for a address, they have multiple locations in Mos Eisley and out in the Dune Sea, but their headquarters is in Gardulla The Elder's old palace. Far from Jabba's old place. They come in at night to attack our shipments. Here, and the numbers we think they have but it may be more. They also have droids and a couple gunships, heavy blasters...the works, so you might want to be careful."

He passed the address over to Rivia and Cremek, Trodai too allowing them to look it over and discuss the next step. They may not trust each other just yet but they needed to work together. The location appeared to be well guarded, it would not be easy. Multiple points were patrolled regularly. At intervals. And wasn't including the surveillance and the droids.

There were at least or dozen or more. Trodai looked at the other two and spoke.

"What you thinking. Is it possible? I think we can, but it will require a plan. Rivia, you have any suggestions? I have some ideas but let's see what you two think first." He said.

Of course he knew it was, with the Force on his side, the Darkness...but he wanted to see what Rivia would suggest. See her thought process approaching this particular problem.

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek gave a curt nod, he was in for the ride, the force was also on his side, and easy credits to boot Would be amazing.. he would look and ponder a moment, making a mental sketch of the patrol patterns looking for a way to launch a surprise attack.

@Akheron @PurpleDelta

 

[Rivia Durane]

"Hmm.. this is quite a lot of information. You employ scouts I'm guessing? Are we raiding it the three of us alone?"

She asks, knowing that they must have hired someone else to get this information. There was no way all of this would be easy to get on their own, they would have been caught in no time. She wondered why these two 'shop owners' would know the enemy had multiple bases and knew where they were. This kind of information made it easy to hire organized professionals to do the job, so she wondered why they'd settle on a small random team in a cantina... unless perhaps there was some secrets involved and they thought they could double cross them when the job was done?

She was intrigued by the job, and if they were being sincere, the offer to pay whatever price they named was definitely enticing. She knew something was up, something fishy had to be going on, the job reeked of it. Nonetheless though it could be seen as a good way to get more clout for her reputation as a Bounty hunter. Not all value lie in credits alone. If they were actually part of a bigger corporation, the word of mouth of her exploits if she was successful would be worth more than any credits they would pay her. Not to mention if the two she was doing this job with would turn out to be useful allies and perhaps even friends, it never hurt to have those.

Despite her misgivings, she decided that she would continue forward with this and see what happens.

"Ah well, it's too bad we can't just bomb the place from orbit." She laughed, clearly she was joking, as far as she knew, nobody here had access to that kind of firepower. "Yeah I think we can manage, but my rate just went up, this isn't your usual smash and grab. They have some serious hardware."
She looked at her two companions. "Either of you two carry explosives? I dont.. I uh.. me and explosives dont get along.. dont ask. Anyway, im rather suited to fighting in close, right quarters. It would be to our advantage if I slipped into the compound during our attack, if I stay out in the open to engage the gunships or the droids, not only will I have no explosives to deal with them, I also don't use very long range weapons either. All in all, I'm much deadlier the closer I am to the enemy. As for heavy blasters, well, I'm packing those too."

She motioned to both of her holsters, sure enough they were both heavy blaster pistols, and suited to dual wielding. She reached into her belt and drew out a pair of Kyuzo Petar and did a quick check over them before putting them back. The armor she was wearing had a repulsor unit built into it, which could do some damage if used in cramped spaces for sure. Her mag boots would help hold her in place for that if she was on a metallic surface.

"Best to attack at night. We won't be fooling the droids sensors with this of course, or the gunships if they have infrared or other night vision. If they even fly those at night. Im sure most of their security isn't used to being attacked, which means inevitably some of those security guards are going to be a little lax. Even more so at night. When their buddies are drinking and they're missing out on the fun. They'll be full of distractions, and even if they're not, it's a better chance of it at night than during the day. We don't know if their security packs night vision, but that's expensive for everyday goons to have on hand, so it probably isn't likely, especially if they're from Nar Shaddaa, where the cities shine at night, they would have had no need for night vision. A lot of this is speculation, but I believe there's enough logic involved to make it a favorable decision. I don't know what strengths the two of you have, but close quarters and flying are mine. I am also fairly alright at slicing if I do say so myself, and I speak hutteese and droid, either of those can come in handy."

She looked to her two companions, wondering what they thought, and she silently wondered if their new employers would offer any input on the points she brought up. All in all, she at least had a good tactical mind. She had to, to survive on the streets of Florrum like she had growing up.

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

The two employers nodded agreeing, although they were definitely hiding something. Trodai suspected and sensed that much, it was a easy deduction to make. Here on Caroline anything went and people often turned on others for profit. He spoke as Rivia detailed a plan and her skills, all were similar to his own.

"Agreed. A night strike would be better, as far as explosives go my skill with them is limited but I do have some...but I don't carry them really. I have no need. Usually at least. My skill also lies in close quarters but also in something a bit more...unusual. For my work I also use what some call the Force and Guerrilla warfare. Tactical and strategic strikes. It comes in very handy. If you desire firepower, in a sense you have it, the droids shouldn't hopefully be too much of a issue, at least for me. As for our friend here perhaps he has explosives, as a Mandororian I would assume you don't travel without it?"

He gave a brief demonstration, moving a jug. Much to the awe and surprise of the two who were hiring them, making them get a little bit nervous. Trodai turned to Cremek, as he asked the question, not really sure entirely what his skills were beyond what little he knew about him so far.

He assumed they were similar to his own and more.

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek would ponder a moment before deciding to play the part of just a normal gun for hire.

"Oh no, I tend to travel light, what you see is what you get, but I assure I'm very, very good at what I do."

He casually leaned on the counter of the cantina,but of course he didn't bother to mask himself in the slightest, after all, there was no need to, he far eclipsed the pureblood, and he wanted to establish without words that he was by far the greater predator here and had expectations for him.

@Akheron @PurpleDelta

 

[Rivia Durane]

Rivia raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Force, and the demonstration. A few things ran through her mind, but for better or for worse, she didn't remark on them. She was curious who Trodai had connections with and what business that might wind her up in, but she could use this to her advantage too. If she was deemed an asset by a force user, no doubt reputation and more work would follow. She chose to move on without further comment.

"Then we wait for nightfall, I'll be getting my rifle, just in case, then I suppose we will meet up at the target location? Best to exchange comm info now."

She would prepare to share her contact information with the others, which of course included enough information to let them know she was in fact with the Bounty Hunters Guild. She looked at the two prospective employers as she walked away to get her rifle, with her tone low enough to convey seriousness without coming across as outright threatening.

"Don't think about skipping payment, Im good with faces."

She gave one last sinister smirk on her way out to get the rest of her gear.

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded in agreement at the suggestion and Cremek's comments. Silently he understood the meaning conveyed and in the Force he could feel the power and Darkness coming from the man opposite. It was clear he was strong and had much training, a predator and hunter.

And so Trodai knew there was alot expected even despite his limited experience as a Acolyte.


He spoke in reply to Rivia and almost chuckled at her seriousness and subtle threat to the two. He was starting to like her already, definitely she took no nonsense.

"Agreed. There is something not quite right about this, best we be ready for the unexpected."

He looked at the information, cautious about the fact she worked for the Bounty Hunters Guild but optimistic she would not betray him or so he hoped. Afterall, he still had a bounty on his head. He spent the day our preparing, and as night fell he arrived nearby to the location for Rivia and Cremek to arrive. This would be a interesting experience of that much he knew.

@Hastur @PurpleDelta

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

It was now cremek arrived, he had a black cloak around him with a hood just as dark, the only thing showing was his visor.
He spoke very little.

"Now we wait.."
@Akheron @PurpleDelta