Ask Onderon What the Hound?! (Part 1)

[The Storyteller]

[fancybox2]

Spoiler: Thematic Music, OOC

The Jungle Room Cantina, Onderon
Nightfall

There was nothing unique about the day, nothing special. There were no special guests or any special attractions for the events this evening, but yet, the Jungle Room Cantina was a hot spot and attracted all sorts of beings. They were famous for their drinks, famous for their atmosphere and famous for their hospitality. Tonight was no exception to that rule.

It was a busy night as ever, beings from all over the Inner Rim and beyond were present within these 4 walls, people were joyous and were swapping tales of all kinds; it seemed that here in the Jungle Room people forgot about the galaxy at large and all of its events. This was a place one went to simply forget, and to get lost within the crowds.

On the surface this was nothing more than a reputable business, a safe haven for the weary to satisfy their endless thirst. This was a cantina offering the finest of selections the Inner Rim had to offer, it didn’t matter what you were drinking they likely had the beverage for you and here if you asked for your favorite beverage with a twist, well they certainly made sure it wasn’t the beverage you were use to, no, if you asked for a twist they took that beverage and customized it with their own mixes that complimented your drink – it would also give you a familiar and comforting feeling, but it also made you rethink your favorite drink – but never ask them what they did, because they’ll never tell you, it was their own signature touch.

People came here to celebrate their lives, their friends, their events, their family, people came here simply to celebrate the fact that they were drinking and hanging out in the Cantina; live bands, interesting shows, this was no hole in the wall establishment; a local legend crafted and maintained by a Gran known as two-eyes; a rather odd nickname given that he had all three of his eyes, but he was always known as it and no one knew why but no one even asked why it was just another mystery of the Jungle Room, and that is where this night began.

The Jungle Room didn’t just have a mysterious twist for galaxy favorite beverages, the story of the barkeep and owner, the stories and deals created here in the cantina, no there was one additional secret, though not a common secret and it only catered to the special patrons and only if you asked the right questions. Beneath the surface this place held a lucrative casino beyond the walls, lucrative but not legal. This was a secret to the commoners, but not the Sector Rangers and local law enforcement agency. No, they’d been very familiar with the true prosperity of this place, but they could never establish the grounds to shut it down. Onderon’s own police couldn’t do a thing which is why they contacted the Sector Rangers.

The Casino knew how to cater to the patrons, and the Sector Rangers knew how to get in and be considered patrons. This was a job that didn’t happen overnight, this took a long time and a lot of a collaborative effort – some never thought the day would come, but the day had come. Sector Rangers had arrived and were getting ready to act, but they needed to act on their own accord and not with the immediate assistance of Onderon’s own police – this would bring on too much attention and could undermine the whole thing; this needed a delicate touch so to speak.

Rangers Poet Severino and Zad Ruzed have been dispatched to Onderon to meet with an informant named Vako Yizok who is said to possess some critical information that would allow the Rangers to aid local law enforcement with concluding this file.

Except there is still one more secret lying in the Jungle Room for the Rangers to find…

[/fancybox2]
@Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize @Morse

Spoiler: OOC Information for Thread

And now my friends, I turn the thread over to you. There is no predetermined outcome but I do request that you find the kath hound operation and find something to lead the trail to Taanab; but other than that there is no pre-determined outcome; maybe you'll be successful in ceasing the operation, maybe you won't, maybe you'll make a deal, maybe you'll fight and maybe there will be no fighting. The point is, you are free (like any good story) to evolve the thread however you see fit.

Further there is no pre-determined posting order. Do as you see fit, I will not interject myself at any point during this thread. This is the only Storyteller post I am doing.

Remember, the risk is only as big as you set it. Don't be afraid to use dice to add some randomness; this is for fun and not currently for a specific asset so don't stress and just enjoy yourselves! I'll be watching and look forward to the evolution!
-Zigara-

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

The Jungle Room Cantina had Zad at “famous for their drinks”. He had waltzed into the joint in not his trademark attire of black and grey with some white and red but a casual blue dress suit with a white shirt, open collar and no tie and thank you very much.

“What’s this?” Zad asked the bartender.

“It’s a cocktail. You asked for a cocktail.”

“No, I asked you to give me a refreshing drink…” Zad blinked at the ‘glass’. It was some kinda hybrid between ‘wine glass’ and ‘cereal bowl’. The liquid looked like lemonade and there was some kind of pineapple leaves growing out the top. “I wasn’t expecting a kriffing rainforest. You could fall in love with a Gigorant in there!”

“You want a beer, go to the cantina.” Bartender shrugged.

Zad looked left, looked right. “I thought this was a cantina?”

The bartender rolled his eyes. “It’s the Jungle Room Cantina.”

Zad was in danger of blinking his own eyes out of his head. He simply paid the tab, took his ‘jungle drink’ and sipped its overly sweet something something before twisting his lips and checking his watch. His partner, if not already lost in this jungle, would be arriving any moment now.

Zad Ruzed had never met Poet Severino but the two had met the same report on one illegal casino before the four walls of one illustrious cantina. They wouldn’t be alone; an ‘informant’ was to meet them in order to help get the Rangers inside, seal the deal and close the case. For now, Zad had half a mind to seal the deal and close the case on whatever the hell this ‘cocktail’ was...

@Forsythe Crowholde @Morse

 

[Vako Yizok]

Vako had been on Onderon too long. The wells were drying up, and the moving pieces of the galaxy were catching up even there. Running to the Inner Rim had been an easy decision some time ago. When things got too hot in Hutt space, it was best to get out of there for somewhere that didn't know you. A place that had rules that were a little less heavy handed, and easier to float a cut too. That was the life of those in the Syndicate, do well for a while, move on. Climb a rung of the ladder one at a time until you found yourself sitting in a nice chair with a thousand scumbags that look just like you used to do your bidding.

Vako was not sitting in that chair, but his reputation was allowing him to gather up the scum bags. They'd chased down a lucrative trade on Onderon to wait out the Preef Callo storm... but the storm wasn't slowing down... it was just getting worse. But things were getting hot on Onderon, and that meant big moves and a quick getaway in the aftermath. As long as the Syndicates got their cut and territory was acknowledged all was well.

Vako knew the establishment well, he'd been on Onderon a while. He'd been a party to the business down below... but that business, was now in the way. Was it in his way? Was it in the way of the Syndicates? Did it really matter? Something was about to happen and that was just the way of the galaxy.

The Toydarian had come in behind six armed bruising thugs, the nastiest group of Weequay, Rodians, and Aqualish you'd ever expect to find. A little out of place in that establishment, but credits still spent. And Vako had paid them early with a little extra for recent good works. The thugs didn't mind... the thugs never minded... free money and a night out was what they lived for.

But that was for two reasons, and those reasons were plain. One so that they'd make a ruckus so that Vako would be of lesser notice in the bar... and two so he was not alone in a bad situation.

The Toydarian fluttered through the room away from the bruisers who took up a booth further away. His thugs took seats at a table... Vako took a seat at a small booth.

A pretty near-human came to take his order. He spoke in Hutteese, his native tongue.

"Nak'tuka a chutza awa." He said glaringly, putting his arm up on the side of the booth.

The server left, and came back quickly with a drink. It was a bitter green with a blue peppered rim in a large cylinder that had a handle on either side. His nostrils flared as his trunk stiffened smelling the drink.

He nodded at the girl and waived her away. He was taking an honest second to himself. While he knew why he was there... there was music playing and for a moment he was able to forget most of things, take a sip of the cold cup and let it all slip away.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize

 

[Poet Severino]

As much as Poet disliked cantinas – and even more so, casinos (it was a "Don't kriffing ask" thing; apparently he had a slight addiction in the past) – the Ranger knew that frequenting places like this was not something he couldn't really help. It all culminated into the ever obvious it's all part of the job excuse, and it sort of made things bearable to be honest, given that he wouldn't trade his job for anything in the known galaxy.

Alright, there were exactly eleven things he could wish for something else, but those were something to ponder over for another time.

The half-Morellian had never met Ranger Ruzed nor any other of his colleagues who were on active duty save for one lively (and a little terrifying...?) Sakas Zareen, and those he'd met on that one Ranger social he actually had fun attending. Being confined to desk duties just because he'd almost died chasing a criminal contributed to this, and it was easy to feel resentment– no, ire at his supervisor for all the paperwork he had to do.

Now was not the time to reflect on the past, though. He had been given work to do, and the least he could do was to not kark things up for his partner or something even worse. Namely, failing this mission they'd been given.

Poet, clad in casual clothing to better blend in with the crowd sidled on a seat by the bar, green eyes zeroing in on the fancy-looking drink the Twi'lek beside him was nursing then to the jungle of a drink Ranger Ruzed was holding. The half-Morellian thought the first concoction looked like someone puked it out, though, and yet he found himself asking the bartender for that same lurid drink.

"Kora."

The poor bloke tilted his head in confusion, halfway through wiping a glass as he shifted to look at the frowning Ranger incognito. The half-Morellian didn't let him speak, instead pointing at the Twi'lek's drink and rudely demanding, "I'll have what he's drinking. Thank you."

...okay, he really should've dropped the gratitude while trying to sound brusque. Was it his fault his mother raised him to be polite, though?

"You better hurry or I'll knock your teeth off," he continued with an added, "thanks again."

Gods kriffing damn it.

@Die Shize @Morse

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Zad sat staring above the bar nursing his rainforest while watching the holo. Grav-ball was playing, no teams he cared for, but it was a nice distraction especially since it reminded him of the casino one wall away. When commercials came on he sighed and turned on his stool to face the floor.

Patrons came in and out, chatting and giggling; this girl on that guy’s arm, this Twi’lek and that Zeltron intertwining into a rainbow, and amid it all was the clink-clank of glass and droid. He saw formal hats and hats that should not be on heads, dress jackets and leather jackets, lusting youths and leisurely elderly, and a group of six thugs led by a Toydarian. With or without an image, “Vako Yizok” was as Toydarian a name as they came, and the evidence was there.

Content to watch and wait for now, Zad allowed his questionable contemporaries to take their seats and turned back to the bar. The game had come back on. The score was 3-0. He didn’t really care. A newcomer took a seat beside him. This guy Zad did recognize. He had since committed the face in his head after reviewing the Sector Ranger file of one Poet Severino.

Before Zad had a chance to shake hands, however, Poet got particularly aggressive with the bartender. “Woah, friendo,” the older Ranger piped up with a dismissive wave. They didn’t need to cause a scene. “Without his teeth our bartender can’t tend the bar now can he?” He smiled at the end of that; a smile that was for all three parties. It was a smile that matched his portrait as he subtly slid a badge across the counter toward his companion.

Spoiler

“Zad. Zad Ruzed.” Zad nodded just in case his name was not clear. Then he casually gestured toward the booth yonder. “And that right there is our informant.”

@Forsythe Crowholde @Morse

 

[Poet Severino]

Already miffed by his own clashing rudeness and politeness, Poet's glare did not even tone down in the slightest as he tilted his head to look at Ranger Ruzed. The old guy was clearly a looker even without the winning smile on his face, and the half-Morellian couldn't decide if he should flash his own badge in return or flip the older Ranger off.

Poet would have opted for the former but he supposed that Old Handsome Guy showing his badge was more than enough for the whole night for the both of them. He had an inkling that Ranger Ruzed must have already seen the younger man's file in the Sector Rangers' entry anyway.

Nothing stopped him from letting out a smartass quip, though.

"Not that he can't get a set of dentures or something," the surly Ranger commented with a snort. With another glare at the bartender he took the drink he ordered with another brusque "thank you" at the poor sod.

On top of showing his badge Ranger Ruzed seemed to find it prudent to mention his name as well. Poet turned on his seat, now facing the crowd of patrons as he leaned back on the bar, expression neutral as his gaze followed the direction Zad gestured towards. A lone Toydarian occupying a booth. Huh. Might as well get this started unless they wanted to sit around for a bit longer. Poet had a schedule to follow, and while his mother had the patience of a saint the half-Morellian did not – he'd like to keep things the way he planned, thank you very much.

And taking Mum out on a date after this job was of the utter importance.

At least being reminded of his own mother did it's magic in stopping him from making a snarky retort to the older Ranger's introduction. Something along the lines of "Did you honestly think I can't read?" and all that jazz.

"Poet Severino." He took a sip of his drink and hauled himself up on his feet. "Nice of 'em to actually show up. How about we get this show on the road, Ranger Ruzed– can I just call you Zad? Thanks. So, uh..."

Poet shrugged before approaching the Toydarian, mindul of his colleague and the bar patrons around them. Coming to a stop by the informant's booth, the half-Morellian gave Vazo Yuzok a half-assed salute paired up with his usual frown.

"Yo. Feeling lonely here, aren't we?"

@Die Shize @Morse

 

[Vako Yizok]

The music suited the environment well, as well as his thugs that were clustered at their table. They were not precisely making a scene, but they were certainly among the louder of the patrons that were there. It was a uplifting and tasteful, and not entirely suiting Vako's present state of mind. Some could say what he was doing was a sort of treachery, meeting with the enemy. Those that drove the unending wrench into Syndicate plans and hunted them down when they got the free moment.

For Vako the situation was a bit different. Was he being directed to this? Was he doing it all his own to get ahead? Was it a bit of both? Neither? Who could really say. All that mattered was that Vako was about to meet with some of the 'Republic's Finest' and that could leave a bad taste in many peoples mouths.

But that did not matter to Vako so much. He'd met many unsavory people in his time, and he was on the wrong side of many of them. Presently he was a bit uncomfortable with the situations going on in the Syndicate with Preef, and did not mind staying away from it.

When Vako was approached by what looked like humans... he knew they were who he was to meet. Human-esque species ruled everything outside of Hutt space. The Sith looked human, the Republic was ruled by mostly humans. Every other sector ranger he'd come across was a human looking creature. They travelled in pairs, if not packs, and there was one aspect of human species nature that he just couldn't wait for.

The imposing air of smug superiority.

All human like species acted like they were better than everything else. He knew in this case it wasn't just going to be the fact that he was in the Syndicates... it was going to be no different than when he worked with Mandalorians or even the Jedi... They just act like they're doing you a favor or that they're better than you at every turn.

Vako eyed up the casually dressed Ranger that approached. He wasn't exactly standing out, but Vako wanted him to keep his voice lower before he was in the booth.

Vako gestured forward with his three digit hand.

"Ga'mua trak'tra'naway" Vako spoke once more in Hutteese. "If it's no one's, it's yours." A common phrase in Hutt space, that could be applied to an empty seat, an unmarried person, or most commonly... unattended property.

Vako took particular note of the older Ranger's... rainforest... he looked both of them over again with a loose jaw.

"Fitting right in I see."

@Die Shize @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Just “Zad” worked, sure. Zad wasn’t really sure what compelled him to flash his badge to random folks out of the blue, Rangers or otherwise, not to mention mentioning his name anyway. Sometimes the guy just...did things...such as carrying his rainforest with him on the way to the Toydarian’s table, even though the drink was likely not going to get any more sips.

Since the table was a booth it seemed only right that both Rangers ought to sit side by side and opposite the friendly figure who had just gestured for them to sit. Zad indicated to Poet to climb into the booth first, got confused, tried to get in front of Poet, they bumped, he cleared his throat in apology and when all was said and done Poet took the window seat and Zad sat closer to the aisle.

At Vako's words, Zad straightened his jacket. “Gotta keep up appearances!” He took another sip against his better judgment. His lips twisted before his tongue did. “Like you and your six amigos sitting yonder. They your insurance policy in case this meeting goes south?” Another sip. Relenting, Zad pushed the jungle juice away and suddenly he could see more of Vako. "Assuming, that is, they know about this meeting."

@Forsythe Crowholde @Morse e

 

[Vako Yizok]

Vako blinked watching the awkwardness of the two Rangers before him. He'd come across their type before, but precisely on amicable terms. This being a meeting that was devoid of blaster fire and unpleasant phrasing, he opted to not be entirely inhospitable.

"They..." Vako started with a hard groaning sigh, watching two of start bickering loudly and knocking over a cup. They were now in the process of making a scene. "Are just some overworked underpaid and denizens of a cruel galaxy. But then aren't we all?"

Vako picked up his own cup, a less embarrassing brew and took his sip. His trunk tipped into the drink, which did not seem to bother him. He simply wiped his mouth and the tip of his trunk with his three fingered hand, ejecting a short jut of air that carried know droplets.

"As for the meeting... anyone with eyes is gonna know about it soon enough, so best start speaking quickly, Rangers." Vako noted the last word gruffly and with a certain tone that was hard to pick out even for himself. "What you want, what you need, and what it's worth to you."

@Die Shize @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Poet Severino]

The half-Morellian wished that his Huttese was so-so, but at least he'd gotten by memorizing some of thr language's more common phrases. Naturally, Poet's brows furrowed at the meaning behind the phrase, mentally pulling himself away from the more ethical thoughts his mind churned out. This was a cantina for kriff's sakes, and he was here with his partner for information and not some philosophical debate about people owning stuff or some shite.

Poet moved to sit at the invitation and indication, but Zad moved just as the younger Ranger did. The first bump was enough for the frontiersman to receive a dirty look from the half-Morellian. Poet was raised not to judge other people based on the way they acted or behaved, but it was getting increasingly difficult to not do so as Ranger Ruzed finally came to a decision himself with regards to the two Rangers' sitting arrangement.

He bit off a scathing "are you sure about this already?" and settled for finally sitting down. The scowl on his face remained, gaze unimpressed as he listened to the exchange.

At least something told him that the six yahoos sitting yonder remained the least of his concerns. Poet's concerns lay with his fellow Ranger, the latter's earlier antics giving the half-Morellian the impression that Old Handsome Guy was either a bumbling fool or a decent pretender at being an idiot.

Here's hoping it's the latter.

The dirty looks did not cease, however.

His attention shifted back to the Toydarian, the scowl on his face making way for a satisfied grin. Vako Yizok might have been a Syndicate member, but somehow it did not stop Poet from taking a liking to the guy. Forgoing idle talks and cutting straight to the point?

Before he knew it he was laughing heartily at Vako's straightforwardness. Out of appreciation, of course. Time was of the essence in his and Zad's mission, and people would really start taking interest in gutting anyone with a badge displaying their allegiance to law enforcement. And with Ranger Ruzed showing off his badge earlier, they really needed to act quickly and get the info they needed from the Toydarian.

"Straight to business, I see. Ii ne." Poet placed his drink on the table, leaning forward towards the Toydarian a little with a shark-like smirk. "One: We know for a fact that this place isn't just some nice place to get wasted on. Investigations came up with the discovery of a casino operating illegally 'round here. Two: Names. Who's involved, who's behind the operation, who do we go to so we could get in as new patrons or some shite. Three: You said so yourself, we're Rangers. You can have an idea what it's worth to us."

Poet shot Zad a look, not dirty this time, mind. "Got anything to add? Must've missed something I overlooked, you know."

The half-Morellian could play the role of incompetent Ranger. He trusted the results of the investigation, but he was an I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it kind of guy.
Maybe there was just this illegal casino, maybe there was something more to it. Who knew, really? He just wanted to wrap this up as his schedule demanded of him.

@Die Shize @Morse

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Zad took note of the six yahoos yonder. Their revelry had earned the ire of a server who was all but booed away from the table. That made the Ranger wonder. Why bring these idiots with you if you know that they’re idiots? Either Vako did not have much choice in the matter, meaning his escort was an executive order, or he wanted to put these two Rangers on edge. Zad, well, he tended to live on the edge, especially when it came to rainforest cocktails.

Catching a cold glare from his counterpart, Zad blinked it off (he tended to get those kinds of looks on a daily basis) while sharing his partner’s sentiments regarding the information broker’s straight-to-the-point as sharp as a blade’s edge. This was no time to share drinks (especially when it came to rainforest cocktails) but a counting clock to share intel—one way, granted.

As Ranger Severino took the lead on answering the need, the want and the worth, Zad sat back and sparked a cigarette. It tasted way better than the jungle juice.

“Excuse me,” spoke a passing server. She pointed at a sign. “Sorry, sir, but this is a ‘No Smoking’ zone.”

“Sorry.” Zad snuffed the butt out in the tray and tucked it away. He would save it for later. For now, Poet had saved him from the initial spiel so he came in on the tail end of his partner’s speech. Yeah, you missed showing me your badge. His own slide at the bar had been too subtle for anyone to notice unless they literally had leaned their head over. Zad just...liked badges? A look Vako’s way. And you overlooked the ‘No Smoking’ zone.

“Who’s involved is one thing, but we also wanna know what’s involved. A lot of ways to gamble out there, from sabacc to pazaak, life to death, and the stakes are higher in some games than in others.” He considered taking another sip just then but thought better of it.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Morse

 

[Vako Yizok]

As the two Ranger's angled up their approach, a not entirely unified front but one that was properly stand offish, Vako took a generous drink. The liquid swirled and a bit of the blue peppering wound up on his tusk. His tongue slithered out of his mouth and gripped it in while he listened, and he considered his answer.

Still Vako couldn't help but chuckle and smirk. They were getting right to the point, that was good, good for Vako anyway. They seemed appropriately cautious in the situation as well. It was a wonder that they hadn't pulled Vako outside for questioning or attempted to take him out of his own turf. This was however a good start so far. Now it was to determine where it went.

"One." Vako echoed the young Ranger before him. "There are no such things as facts a fluid situation, and that's where we find ourselves now." He held up a second finger on his right hand. "Two, names don't mean much in a world where everyone is pretending to be someone else, like yourselves." Vako held up his final finger on that hand. "And three. as Rangers, I imagine everything on such a salary is worth what you'd consider 'lots.'"

Vako wasn't mocking him, if he was he'd have openly stated that the young Ranger seemed newer to field work. While it was a possibility, he was more giving them a glean into the world in which the Toydarian had eaten and breathed from the moment he started flapping his wings.

The Toydarian studied the older ranger for a moment, tapped his finger twice and continued. "I can tell you with certainty that down there that life and death are certainly the most popular ways to gamble, and it's not always with sentient lives either. Good trading to be done too, very good business is always done with... proper businessmen."

He leaned back slightly, very comfortable there now that he was really beginning to speak, "It was once run by the Hutt's... once... things are changing now though. I suspect this has strings being pulled somewhere else, but I'm no investigator. I do know that the 'Two-Eyes' myth isn't really a myth though. Who he answers to... well you'd have to get inside and see for yourself."

Vako coyly smiled. "But how do you do that?"


@Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize

 

[Poet Severino]

Spending quite a while doing paperwork surprisingly never did wonders to Poet's skills regarding field work. He held no embarrassment for it, only anger towards certain higher-ups, and he chose not to be offended as Vako Yizok mirrored his approach. At least the Toydarian didn't seem to be mocking him, but one never knew when working with hardened thugs.

Nah. Thug wasn't an appropriate word to describe the informant before the two Rangers.

The half-Morellian ignored a passing server's reminder to Zad. He nodded once at his colleagues follow-up, and tilted his head in curiosity as the Toydarian continued with his responses. Trading, huh... what did he expect from criminals, really? They'd dabble with pretty much everything and Mr Yizok here just gave the younger Ranger a glimpse of what the latter had already seen for the whole duration of his time with the Sector Rangers. Still not comparable with what Zad nor any other senior Rangers might have seen, but enough to–

Strings being pulled somewhere else, mentions of someone called 'Two-Eyes' – probably the Gran overseeing the cantina – and the mystery as to who he answered to. Poet adopted a puzzled look, appearing as a new recruit Vako Yizok might have tagged him as. Drink forgotten, he shifted his focus to Zad and quietly asked with every bit of an air a brash rookie possessed,

"Guy speaks too much instead of giving answers."

Had to keep appearances that he was a new blood, after all. Grinning a little, he looked back at the Toydarian with a question of his own. If the guy was going to keep asking instead of answering, Poet would show him that he could play that game himself.

"We do have to get inside," he mused, still grinning a bit. "Question is, how are you going to do that?"

@Morse @Die Shize

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Fluid situation? Zad subtly sighed at Vako’s words, like a man blowing cigarette smoke without a cigarette to smoke. Hopefully not as fluid as jungle juice to my left here.

As far as names not meaning much, they actually meant quite a bit; a name was something to go off even if it was a nickname, a moniker, an alias or a whatsuch, and any important player had at least one of such. As for number three, well, Vako was right about that: the Rangers got paid peas and not beans. Whatever that means…

Number four had brokered a bit more information from the information broker. As slippery as any Toydarian, this one’s tongue had not flicked forth any concrete details about what life and death games were taking place, but ‘life and death’ had said enough. Not only with sentient lives, eh? Zad drummed his fingers. Wonder if they sometimes pull droids to pieces while laughing about it, then.

The older Ranger noticed the informant’s posture shift into a more comfortable one as though he was beginning to own this conversation. That would soon have to shift. He mentioned ‘Two-Eyes’. There we go. A name to know. Zad smiled at that then at Poet who had read his mind.

“A person can say a lot without saying anything, partner,” he responded in as much measured vague as the two Rangers’ counterpart. O if only Zad had a cigarette to flick ash from in that moment.

Poet cut right to the chase just then. Zad could have butted in but his words would have vanished into thin air like smoke. No, his partner had just served the bread and butter after Vako had served the salt and bread, so he would wait and watch. Whatever that meant...

@Forsythe Crowholde @Morse

 

[Vako Yizok]

The Rangers were not moving much. It was a pair of peoples playing hard to please. That was not a terrible surprise, they were both on opposite sides of the law and they knew it. In this precise moment they were looking to similar goals, mutual benefit, but that did not mean that as soon as the deed was done that they weren't going to wind up with blasters pointed at each other again. Still there was no point in taking unneeded risks without some compensation.

Vako was not so dense that he would lead them on and walk out on pride over miscommunications. He drove forward ever towards opportunity.

"I'll get you in." Vako looked at two thugs that were standing near the other end of the bar. Both were pretty serious looking and not something that anyone would want to play around with. They were armed with pistols and appeared to be at least somewhat vigilant. "I'll get you in right through the front door." Vako blinked and looked back. "The guards'll be doing a shift change momentarily, and when they do they won't be checking credentials quite as closely."

He took a good drink from the cup and rubbed his lips together, and looked down. "But that all depends on what your intentions are down there." Vako stated, and looked back up. "Short term, long term. I'm getting the impression you aren't authorized to hand over any credits, so I'll take an offer in trade or service in its absence."

Vako tapped the claw on his second digit twice on the table. In a moment Vako would be the only one taking a risk, so he was all ears on how they'd even that proposition out.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize

 

[Poet Severino]

An almost sagely nod at Zad's response to his quip, and Poet added what passed as a friendly pat to the older Ranger's shoulder. Old Handsome Guy didn't talk much as well, and it took every ounce of the half-Morellian's patience not to repeat the words aimed at his colleague instead. Was it a strategy? Was it Zad's way of subtly telling the younger Ranger, "you got this, squirt"? Or was he just being lazy?

The first two were much nicer options compared to the third, so Poet stuck to those.

Their informant, on the other hand, continued to be an interesting fellow in the younger Ranger's eyes. And he was now starting to give answers as well. Poet's gaze remained on Vako's face while the latter gestured and talked. The half-Morellian maintained a neutral expression at the offer to get the two Rangers in and past security. That was expected, and the prospect of being betrayed before he and Zad could even step into the casino.

There was no reason to trust the Toydarian. There was also no reason to distrust him, given his identity as an informant currently.

"You can say long term. There's a business that needs to be... shut down, y'know," he told Vako with a wave of one hand. "As for that authorization, well, assume that your impression is correct."

Poet wasn't one to pay criminals for their help, and while it went against his better judgement there were certain things that needed to be done, weren't they?

"Though, I won't go as far as to say that no one needs to know. So!" Another pat to Zad's shoulder, this one with more force than the first. "My partner here has an offer for you. Don't ya, Zad?"

Shooting the older Ranger a shite-eating grin, Poet gazed between the Toydarian and his colleague.

@Die Shize @Morse

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Ooooh… Zad winced as though having just taken another sip of his fruit cocktail. Poet had gone for the hard hitter by broadcasting to their informant that the Rangers were here to outright shut down an ‘operation’. Vako might not give ten turds either way but he just as much might send some coded messages to his quote-unquote ‘friends’ that the Rangers weren’t here to play so much as punish. Oh well. We’re in it now.

Truth be told, the younger Ranger could have waited for the older Ranger to answer the Toydarian (silence was sometimes an acceptable response) but it was what it was. So, as Poet patted him on the shoulder yet again, Zad cocked a brow like you-tryna-get-frisky-or? and quickly moved on.

“It’s no secret that SR’s not making bank these days,” the older Ranger paused to flick his fingers as though a cigarette ought to have been between them. “But this investigation was not compiled overnight. We’re prepared to pay you for your services, Vako, in good old fashioned credits.” The Ranger offered a figure just then that should be hospitable but, considering the nature of the infobroker, just might get haggled.

“Barring credits, you’d have to let us know what you want as far as trade or other services go.” Zad offered a lone shoulder in a half-shrug. “As buddy boy beside me has elaborated upon, we’re a bit pressed for urgency. And, as you have expanded upon with this momentary shift change, we’re a bit pressed for time. So, uh, the sooner we close negotiations, well, the better for all parties involved, no?” A gesture toward Vako’s thugs just then who likely would not last much longer before turning the cantina into a fight club.

@Morse @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Vako Yizok]

Taking in the likeness of the two before him, Vako considered the option before him. Credits paid would be small, but direct profit to him none the less. This would be helpful to his reputation at least. And given the nature of the expediency that was also why Vako had his small insurance policy sitting at the table not far away.

Vako was not just small dealing with the Syndicates. The average member was someone no one had heard of and no one who could handle little more than a blaster and an order to shoot. Vako was standing a bit taller than that moniker these days and he did mind the necessity of showing it once in a while.

"The only thing I need in return is it shut down completely." Vako said plainly. "You handle two eyes and anyone there that has a say in anything are dealt with properly... and not in a bribe his way out of jail free card." Vako noted. "This ends with him in prison or in the dirt."

Vako looked over. "I don't know if you've got police on call or if you're walking in there alone... but I'm sure those galactic citizens there wouldn't mind lending a hand." Vako gestured towards the table of thugs that he had set down at the table. But they were his people and Vako's interests in this were in removing an issue of his own.

"Beyond that, it's a matter of timing... and that timing could be right now." Vako took a drink and waited for the answer.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize

 

[Poet Severino]

Poet glanced at Zad, the half-Morellian's grin turning into a sly smile as his gaze shifted back to Vako. So, the Toydarian shared the Rangers' interest in having the hidden operation behind the Jungle Cantina shut down. Was the illegal casino some sort of competition, perhaps, handled by a rival gang or syndicate? The younger Ranger cared little to none – his duty came first, and anything else were just minor details he would have to address once things were all said and done.

"Consider it done," he told the informant, voice low. "We're given this job – the least my partner and I can do is to see this thing through."

The half-Morellian kept things vague about the perpetrators' arrest. Capturing criminals alive had always been a priority, but when an encounter ends in a firefight chances of cuffing the scoundrels alive became slim. Who knew what was going to happen with this one?

As for the local cops...

Well, having this side of Onderon's local police come barging in would undermine what the Rangers' have worked for. This operation needed to be handled carefully – they couldn't afford having the perpetrators behind the casino's operation getting alerted by the presence of local lawmen and plot their escape.

Poet had faith that Zad was more than capable of handling things and fighting his way through any opposition that might come their way. Old Handsome Dude had years of experience under his belt, after all. The half-Morellian, on the other hand, could be considered a rookie by some but he sure had some tricks up his sleeve to count on. And considering that the Toydarian and his small group of 'galactic citizens' offered a helping hand...

"Don't worry about the local cops. Well, here's hoping we aren't waiting for anything else," said the younger Ranger with a neutral expression, one brow cocked as he hauled himself up on his feet. Poet grabbed his previously forgotten drink, flicked the straw to one side, and finished the whole thing in one go. Mildly disgusting, now that he'd gotten a full taste of the mess of a liquor.

Leaning down, the half-Morellian added, half-joking and -serious, "Here's hoping those galactic citizens won't try anything funny behind these foreign lawmen's back at the end of all these shite, yeah?"

And Poet already considered that scenario. It was just a matter of time to see if said backstabbing would become a reality throughout the whole op.

He'd spare an eye, so to speak.

@Die Shize @Morse

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Zad did not miss a blink as Vako exchanged his needs and wants. So, the Toydarian wanted the local business shut down completely, which meant taking out the competition. Usually that meant someone else jumping in to start things up all over again. The profit for the Sector Rangers? Keeping tabs on that ‘someone else’ more closely than their predecessor.

Poet spoke his partner’s mind. Whether Vako was just angling for bigger bank by playing multiple sides against one another, or had a much more vested interest in who came out the winner, was cake and pie for the law. This would not be the first time that the legal party had an informant to play off and on and with and, for that matter, they might just have a much more valuable one in the long run.

Zad Ruzed, well, he was much more versed with this kind of dirty business than others. Was Poet? If not then he would be soon enough.

As the younger made his grand gesture of finishing his drink, Zad blinked once or twice at his own, attempted to reach for it, thought better of it, left the jungle gym where it was as he stood up beside his partner.

“Here’s hoping we don’t need any galactic citizens to begin with.” The older Ranger slipped an unlit cigarette between his lips. “If we do then we’ll call you first, friendo,” he nodded toward Vako. “For now just get us in.”

@Morse @Forsythe Crowholde