Ask Coruscant We're All Friends Here

[Thai Ves]

It was not often that Thai found herself alone wandering the streets of Coruscant. Though not a native of the planet, she had grown up here, and she knew that certain places were unwise for her to be. Despite knowing this, tonight was a bit different. She had gone to pick up a special bottle of wine from a supplier on one of the lower levels of Coruscant. It was an expensive purchase, but it was popular among a few of her wealthy regulars, and it paid off in the end. Though the source of it was...questionable and her supplier sketchy, he had always had honest dealings with her.

Due to some complications at her bar, Thai had gone to pick up the wine a lot later than she was used to. Her supplier had even advised her to come at a different time--he'd be free tomorrow--but she needed the bottle for tomorrow. So the Togruta woman was alone, walking the streets of lower Coruscant with nothing but a blaster on her thigh and a cloak thrown over her montrals. Her path was lit by yellow, flickering street-lamps and populated with the various sentients of the level. Shadows loomed over her as she walked; as did the eyes of a certain individual.

"Hey sweet-cheeks, you headed this way?"

A sleezy Twi'liek slid in next to the traveling Togruta and tried to slip his hand around her waist. Rightfully uncomfortable, Thai slapped his hand away and glared up at the man. "No, not at all." Thai quickly changed her path and veered off into the nearest side-street, hugging her bag closest to her body. She could feel his eyes follow her as she hurried away.

This was not what I wanted tonight. Thai pulled out her datapad and began to poke away at the device. She wasn't sure how to get back without using the main road. Distracted, Thai did not notice as several shady figure began to follow her. And by the time she did, she had wandered down the wrong road and ended up cornered by three armed thugs. Three thugs and the sleezy Twi'liek.

"Well, well, well, someone seems lost," smirked the Twi'liek. "I think we'd be willing to help you out of here, if you'd give us something in return." Blaster in hand, he gestured with it to her bag. "What's in the bag sweet-cheeks? Something expensive? Why don't'cha let us have it, hmm?"

"Fellas, fellas, we're all friends here-" Thai slowly raised in hands up in response to the four blasters aimed at her. "-we're all just trying to make a living. I'm hardly Mr. Moneybags." She lowered her hands in front of her. "Just let me-"

"That's enough outta you. Either empty your pockets, or...come with us if you have nothing else to offer."

Thai tensed up. This was not an ideal situation for her.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Coruscant. That's really all that needs to be said when you ask what Laren was doing here. It was a planet of many opportunities. There are bars, clubs, bars in clubs, and tattoo shops. All good places to go for some recreational fun. So the Mandalorian had began his way there. He had just finished dealing with the likes of a couple teens that were tossing their food of a bridge and onto flying ships. Before you ask, yes. The Unforced was one of those ships.

It was a quick fix, and Laren was able to make it to the lower levels in time to claim his reward for a bounty he had done. Just the usual 'Kill this guy for me cause I want him dead. Oh I'll pay ya too.' Anyhoo the job was easy and Laren dropped off the head to the contractor. Once the Mando had his credits he was on his way out. That was until he noticed some punk Twi harassing a Togruta. A female Togruta at that. Laren would be the first to tell ya, women are his forte.

"This'll be fun.."

Following where the dirty Twi was following, Laren noticed more thugs pop out and began to corner the Togruta. Now this was more of a problem. The Mando was ready for one attacker now there are four. Drawing his blaster he wouldn't wait for any of them to speak, the Mando was a 'shoot first ask later' kinda guy.

Blasting the three thugs and leaving the Twi open for discussion, Laren looked past the sleezer and asked the woman,

"You okay?"

Could Laren just shoot him as well? Sure, but where's the fun in that? He would much rather let the Togruta take this opportunity to kill the Twi and feel like she could defend herself. It was fun to see the women act like they didn't need the help.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

A not so ideal situation took a turn for the better when the Mandalorian showed up. The thugs were down in three shots, turning her and the Twi'liek's attention to the man. He was about the same height as the sleezy thug, but there was often nothing more intimidating than the Mandalorian armor.

"I-I just realized I've got the wrong woman! Uh, sorry sweets, I'll be going now!" The blue-skinned Twi'liek turned to run, but didn't get more than fifteen feet away before a blaster bullet shot through the man's leg. Thai stood with her blaster pistol drawn and still pointed at him for a moment longer, then shot again and hit him in the back of the head. She wasn't a very good shot.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Thai looked back at the Mandalorian stranger. "Not sure I would've been if you didn't show up, so thanks for that." The Togruta adjusted the bag across her body. "My name's Thai Ves. You got one?"

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Ruthless girl. Two shots, one to the leg the other to the dome. When Laren looked to see her face she seemed a lot better now. That was good. Couldn't imagine what the thugs had planned for her. She was quite attractive enough, they might've had a few more plans than whatever was in the bag. Lucky timing that Laren was outside to find her being harassed and followed. Most people would've ignored it, Laren might've too, but there was something different here. Though the Mando wouldn't be able to tell ya for the life of him.

"Good, and of course I have a name. If I didn't then that would be a pretty sad life to live don't ya think? The name's Laren. Laren Vano to be exact but you can call me Laren. Unless you had nicknames drawn up for strangers."

Laren's humor was not always the best but his way of speaking would allow for people to know when he's joking or not. Simple fluctuation in tone. This woman was clearly out of the regular area she's from. It was a bit obvious how she was scared of a few idiots.

"Where are you from? I can walk you back."

The Mandalorian extended his hand out to her. Whether she accepted it or not didn't phase him. Her safety is what mattered.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"I'm just off my usual path but I wouldn't mind the company," the Togruta reassured. "I own a lounge on the surface level so as long as you don't mind riding the lift?" She didn't hesitate for an answer before she began back the way she came. Now that she had a Mandalorian escort (and the thugs were dealt with), she wasn't worried about taking the main road.

"So what's a Mandalorian doing on Coruscant? You a bounty hunter?" She'd never encountered a Mandalorian before, but she knew that many of them found off their homeplanets did bounty hunter work. In general, bounty hunters were perhaps her least favorite types of customers because they so often caused trouble within her lounge. However, it wasn't uncommon that they would come to her seeking clues on items of their targets. To say the least, she tolerated them as clients.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

"The lift is fine."

Laren began to follow her back the way she had come. With him around the thugs and fools would think twice about actually trying something. Most of the time when a Mandalorian is in action, people run away with their tails tucked. Others are foolish to try to stand up to them. Rarely do Mandalorians lose a fight.

The woman named Thai would ask why he was on Coruscant, and of his profession. Would it matter after he just saved her? Then again he understood why she was in question of his actions. It made sense, if some stranger were to save Laren he would question why as well.

"Well, I finished up a job and brought the prize possession back to the owner. So yes, I hunt bounties but it's not my soul purpose in life. It's just a side gig I have until Mandalore is reclaimed. May I ask what made you want to own a lounge?"

It was a good job to have especially on Coruscant, but it's always good to get to know the owners. See if their establishment is worth visiting on a regular basis. Laren needed a good place on Coruscant. The Ironhorse back on Tatooine was the regular place but, someone is giving him the feeling to visit Coruscant a little more.. someTHING, something is telling him.. heh..

The pair reached the lift and Laren would wave his arm toward the lift as he would gesture a 'ladies first' to the Togrutan woman.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"Well, I didn't exactly have an epiphany one day and go, 'Oh I'd like to own a lounge!' " Thai stepped onto the lift and held out her hand for the Mandalorian to take so she could help him on. "I inherited it, though I enjoy what I do." Being fairly late, the lift itself was nearly empty minus one or two others. As they do, they kept to themselves. "It's called Clinks. You should stop by sometime of your own accord. I might let you drink on the house once or twice for helping me out back there."

The lift ride lasted several minutes, as they were headed to the surface of Coruscant. Thai was fortunate enough to live there, thanks to her father's work (and the money he'd come from Shili with). Clinks' customers varied from wealthy businessmen looking for a more lowkey place to take their lunch to lower-levels looking for a change of environment. It did well for its ambiance, and of course, for the side room.

The lift finally reached the surface, and Thai stepped off.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

A smart remark from the woman came to him as she was stepping onto the lift. Laren grinned at the humor behind her comment, and then noticed the hand stuck out to help him on. As if he really needed it. The Mandalorian laughed out loud light heartedly as he accepted the hand. Then he stepped onto the lift and was standing next to the woman. Not very often a woman could keep conversation going that wasn’t all about her or about the fact he was Mandalorian. So far he was enjoying this.

“Clinks, that’s a good name. How long has it been in your family? A place with a name like that.. I just might be coming frequently. Though.. the drinks won’t be my reason.”

The Mandalorian turned his attention to the Togrutan woman. Then unsealing his helmet and taking it off, tucking it under his arm. The face of the blonde hair, blue eyed man would be looking her in the face. His expression soft, and eyes gracefully looking into hers.

As the Mando was admiring her look, the lift had reached it’s destination. Then the woman stepped off. The night couldn’t end like this. Surely there was something he could say. Maybe tell her how beautiful she is? No that would be sleezy. Maybe grab her hand? No that would be rapey. The only thing his brain could think to say on such short notice was,

“Wait!… uh, would you mind if I checked that place out now? Kinda thirsty..”

Idiot.. Laren stepped off behind her and sent a hand to the back of his head as he lightly scratched in nervousness. Why was he nervous? He’s killed hundreds, people and beasts, so what was going on? Weird for sure.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"...though, the drinks won't be my reason..."

An amused smile appeared on her face at the comment. He surely wouldn't be alone in that reasoning. She liked to think that it was her skills as a mixologist that kept some of her customers coming back night after night, but she knew it wasn't. Her charming personality, perhaps? She held back a chuckle.

"I don't see why not. The bar is closed tonight for cleaning and restocking, so it shouldn't be an issue." It was the least she could do for him. He seemed harmless enough--as far as men could go--and she did feel obligated to repay him in some way for his help back there. She went the rest of their walk back to her lounge in near silence, breaking it only now and then to acknowledge a regular she recognized or to point out a particularly good eatery.

After fifteen minutes or so, they arrived at the bar. Thai led him to the alley entrance, pulled a key from her pocket, and then unlocked the door and entered inside. They walked straight into the kitchen, right by several boxes and crates which would be unpacked and put away tomorrow by her and her cook before they opened. She led Laren through the room and into the main room of the lounge. The lights in this room were turned off, but the ambient lighting from the aquarium walls and the bar back drop lit the area up enough to see just fine. Thai diverted left to the bar, placing the wine on one of the shelves and gesturing for Laren to sit down at one of the stools opposite of her.

The lounge was split into several areas, including a recessed lounge area in the center, with seating on one side and standing room on the other. The main entrance was locked up in front, and to Thai's left near the center of the room was a doorway blocked by heavy curtains. The lounge had a very obvious aquatic/tropical/paradise theme.

"So, any particular drinks you fancy?"

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Her amusement at his comment was enough to crack a smile on his face. She had a pretty laugh. When she told him that she was okay with taking him to the lounge even though it was closed, he was a little shocked but hid it. The Mandalorian looked at her and began to follow her as she made her way to the place, Clinks. Laren wanted to thank her so he would open his mouth and begin to let the words pour out.

"Sounds great! Thank you, after tonight we could both use a good drink."

The trip was a little bit of a walk, which was fine with Laren. He had placed his helmet back on his head just for the sake of keeping the appearance of the big bad Mando going for him. Plus, he was tired of holding it. It was so much easier to just wear the thing. The woman seemed to know a good few people that came by. Must be from seeing them at the lounge fairly often. Seemed she had a good thing going with the lounge, especially if she could spot the regulars by walking around and seeing them on the street.

When the pair took a turn down an alley, Laren noticed they were entering through the back. The first room they had entered was definitely the kitchen area. Some stuff was out and ready for the next day of work. It was different seeing the behind the scenes of a place like this. As the two would make their way into the main room, the Madalorian would take his helmet off again and set it on the counter. The room had the lights off, but yet it was illuminated by the likes of the aquariums around. It was quite beautiful to see.

"Wow.. this place is definitely a good spot."

Then she asked the Mandalorian what drink he favored. He was usually one for a good glass of Corellian, but tonight was a night of firsts so he would ask,

"What would you say is your favorite drink?"

Giving just enough time for her to answer and immediately following that answer with,

"Pour us a couple glasses.. least you could do is drink with your hero"

He smiled to her with his blue eyes locked on hers. Could he have been pushing his luck a little? Sure, but in the moment his response would only come off as a little flirty and genuine. At least that's how it was intended. While she would be working on the drinks he would admire not only her but the place he was in. It had a good vibe to it. Definitely worth helping the stranger.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

(mobile)

"I'm partial to Junipera," Thai answered. It was a strong Chandrilan alcohol with a slight fruity, slight peppery flavor. At his request she poured two glasses, one for him and one for her, into two sling glasses and placed his before him. She pulled a stool out from under the bar and sat opposite of him.

"This drink's from Chandrila. Have you ever been?" Though she had been born on Shili, once Thai arrived on Coruscant she'd never left. She really had no reason to ever leave Coruscant, minus curiosity perhaps. But between work and renovating Clinks and, well, more work, she didn't really have the time too either. "I've heard it's nice. I usually grab several bottles when the ships come in."

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Junipera, Laren never had this before. It was good to be branching out and trying new drinks. Could be said with trying a new approach with being here in the closed bar with the owner and having drinks with them. As the lounge owner, Thai, spoke to him over the drink and it's origins, Laren simply kept his eyes on her as she spoke. He was listening but at the same time he was focusing on her look, he wanted to remember her for down the road in life. When he snapped out of his trance the Mandalorian recalled what she was speaking about and responded,

"Chandrila? I can't say I have. I have also heard good stories of the planet. Business has just never taken me there before. Though, maybe pleasure can..?"

He leaned his head slightly forward to her as he asked the question. The subtle offer to take her there wasn't necessarily intended for the night but he was ok with anything as long as she was coming. They may have been strangers at the start of the night, but he hoped to get to know her fairly well by the end of it.

"That is.. if you're up for the adventure?"

Laren's smile was relaxed and his eyes comfortable. Bringing his drink up to his lips before taking a drink and setting it back down, he then leaned forward in his seat awaiting the answer to come from the Togrutan woman, Thai. Getting to know this woman was going to be fun, and seeing to a date on a planet that neither of the two had visited would be such a god way to start things off.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

Thai studied the man for a second, trying to gauge his intentions. He hadn't given her any red flags since she'd met him--and she was usually pretty good at sorting herself out of bad situations--so... why not.

"Mm.. you know what? Sure. I've never left Coruscant before." Thai took a sip of her drink. She wasn't sure how far Chandrila was, but she knew it was within the Core. Surely it wouldn't take them forever? She took another sip and looked back up at the blond-haired Laren. "When do we leave?"

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Well it seemed that his offer was being accepted. She was eager to see the outside worlds. Never leaving Coruscant is a hard thing to live with. She had never seen the jungles, or beaches, or anything of the sort. Laren was ready to change that for this lovely young woman. Though now she asked when they were to leave. The Mandalorian needed to rest before the trip could begin. Perhaps she was kind enough to offer her place as a place to sleep. Otherwise he would sleep in one of the bedrooms on his ship.

"Well Thai, as much as I would love to fly you to see Chandrilla, I need rest."

He sat in his seat taking a drink and setting it back down before he would make eye contact again. She had beautiful eyes, and to look away would be such a shame. There was something he felt about her that made her different than most women. Though he can't quite place his finger on it.

"Perhaps if we were to get a good sleep in at your place, we'd be rested enough to begin this journey?"

The question was out in the open now. No going back. Laren just hoped if the answer was no, that she'd let him down easy.

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"Perhaps if we were to get a good sleep in at your place, we'd be rested enough to begin this journey?"

Thai looked up at the man with her brow bone arched. It wasn't forward forward, but it was awfully forward. She would say, the man was quite good-looking, but she really hoped he didn't really think she might share a bed with a man who she had met only hours earlier. He really was still a stranger, after all. Cute, but a stranger.

"That would be fine. I have a spare room," Thai responded. She didn't try to sound oblivious to the question, but she was hoping to make it clear that he was maybe feeling the Junipera a little too much. "I'll show you there?"

Thai stood up and put away her finished glass, as well as the bottle. She would wait for him to join her, then lead him back into the kitchen. At the very back was a door, and after she unlocked it, slid open to reveal a dimly-lit staircase.

Thai's apartment was nice. Not incredibly fancy, but it was decorated nicely and was clean. She knocked briefly on a door immediately to their left, and when no response came, she continued into the apartment. Laren would be led to a small side room, an office of sorts, where Thai pulled a couch out into a bed.

"Bathroom's down the hall." She pointed to the door of the room. "At what time should I be ready?"

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

He knew she was not interested. It was good she wasn't. Laren always did like a challenge. So as the woman stood up to take him to the guest room, the Mandalorian followed. The answer to her question being a nod of the head as he smiled with hint of defeat. He was still thankful for the bed to sleep in.

Going through the kitchen area, he noticed the the stairwell and then eventually the door to the apartment. She was brave for letting a stranger sleep in her quarters. He wasn't interested in anything she had so stealing wasn't a worry. When she led him to the guest room he noticed the fold out bed. It was decent for what it was. Laren would sleep well no matter the place he would lay to rest.

"This is great. I really appreciate this."

When she continued to speak of the bathroom he looked over and took note of where it was. Might just have to try out the shower. Though that would be for later. The Mandalorian tossed his helm onto the bed and sprawled out onto it before answering the woman's question of when she should be ready for the trip.

"I would say noon tomorrow should be a good time. For now sleep sounds amazing. Thank you for the bed.. I appreciate you."

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"Alright, I'll meet you downstairs tomorrow then."

Thai studied Laren for a moment, something flashing in her eyes, before the Togruta gave him a smile and wished him a good night. She then returned to her own room, where she changed into more comfortable lounge wear and prepared herself for bed. She would be up and ready to leave far before noon.

The woman settled into bed and fell asleep after an hour or so.

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

The next morning, Thai arose quite early. Moving quietly as to not wake her guest, Thai dressed herself in loose pants, work boots, and a hardy jacket over a cropped turtle neck. If she were to be traveling, she'd want to wear something a little more suited to that.

Until noon, Thai went to work downstairs, unboxing supplies and doing maintenance in the kitchen.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

The nice Togrutan woman would leave to her quarters. Laren laid on the pull out sofa, and sink into his thoughts. Though, there weren't many thoughts going on in his head, he had mainly television static going on an endless loop. Eventually he would be able to shut his eyes sleep.

-----------

The next morning the Mandalorian woke up groggily tired as usual. He stood up and grabbed his helm. Once the helm was in hand, he made his way down the stairs, almost missing a step. Rubbing his eyes he would walk past Thai, who was working on getting her box problem situated. Then he'd say,

"Good morning.. do uh.. you want any help with that?"

Laren simply pointed at the remaining boxes of stuffs and looked at her with a look of 'ya look to need help my g'

@lizziie

 

[Thai Ves]

"Ah, I-" Thai paused to muscle one of the last boxes up onto a shelf she could barely reach. She stopped to catch her breath, then continued. "I'm almost done. If you could help me get the rest of these up on the shelf though...well, I'd appreciate it." Thai gestured to the two remaining boxes with a smile. She'd take help when she could get it when it came to these things. Restock was her least favorite day of the week.

After the boxes were put up, Thai would put a hand on the tired man's shoulder and ask if he'd want any coffee. Answer being yes or no, she'd immediately turned around to pour herself a glass (and him as well, if he wanted).

"So...Chandrilla?" She'd be lying if she tried to act as if she weren't looking forward to the trip. Especially alongside someone so easy on the eyes.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Ah yes, a damsel in distress. How fortunate. Laren would nod as he set his helmet on the counter and then grabbed a box and lifted it up onto the shelf. It was heavy, but Laren was strong enough to lift it, the next one was a bit heavier so when Laren went to grab it and lift he had a held his breath just a little with a bit of a strain. Then pressing it and setting it on the shelf. Easy as pie.

"There we go."

Laren turned to see she was asking if he wanted a coffee. This was a kind gesture. The hand on his shoulder was a bonus. He of course smiled and nodded to accept the offer. How could he not accept it? She would then spark up conversation with Chandrilla. Laren was excited to make it to the planet. He could see, she was excited as well.

"Yes, Chandrilla. We should be good to go here in a short while. Let's make sure we have everything we need for the trip. I don't want to need something and not have it."

Laren took a sip from the cup of joe the beautiful Togrutan woman had poured for him, and then smiled to her as he would listen to whatever reply she would shoot.

@lizziie