In a pub with the 'pubs. [Gandalf/O]

[0bserver]

Coruscant.

The gleaming, planet-sized anthill, bristling with life and activity 24 hours 5 days a week. The capital of the Republic, and the brightest jewel in its crown. A home for billions of people who make a living, struggle for survival, make deals, sell things, produce stuff, etcetera. Yeaaah... So many words of descriptions, it's boring to read the tourist booklet.

But in truth, it was a nice place to visit, and anyone who calls themselves a republic citizen should visit here at least once. Or more than once, like Nika. The Twi'lek went here more often than most. A space-farer, a bounty hunter, a free bird. She chose her direction as she pleased.

And now the direction she chose was ... a pub! Yeah, the twi'lek was just passing through. Had to fly a guy from some backwater planet to here for some quick money to spend. Whatever she had left to spend, since most of her earnings the girl sent to Naboo. Her family was there, and she missed them. And helped out whenever she could. Like a good girl.

But the rest she left for herself? Hah! Nika could spend it in one night if in the right mood. And drinks would usually get her in the right mood. And right now, she was at the barstand, requesting some of the strongest drinks they had. The place was dark despite it was day, only colored lights of projectors passing by the patrons' faces, and tasteless, but 'dancy' music playing on the background. Nowhere to hurry to, just relax, and...

- Oh c'mon Max! I really really want that drink!

- Sorry Nika, I can't. You know how rowdy you get if you take strong drinks, and I don't want you stirring up trouble. Like last time.

The twi'lek was arguing with the barman, who seemed to have known her, and who was notoriously hesitant about giving her any 'strong' shots. He seemed concerned, the two being friends and all, and that concern was pissing the green girl off right now.

- Dude! You're ruining the fun for me!

- Sorry, no can do. It's for your own good.

They had been quarreling like that for a while now, and Nika was about to give up. Finally sighing, and ordering some 'light' drink, she grumbled and hit the table with her fist. She was not happy at all.

- Jerk.

- Thank me later, k?

Complaining and whining to herself, the unhappy twi'lek took her drink as it was delivered, and slowly walked towards one of the tables, constantly looking around, almost seeking something, eyes darting left and right. She still wanted to get that drink, despite the annoying barman's efforts.

There's more than one way to skin a cat...

[Res]

It had been awhile since Seria had a evening off. It had been one of those days and all she wanted to do is get a couple drinks in her favorite pub and then go home and watch 'All My Droids' on the holonet. She had it recorded for her and it was getting good. She was still in her uniform, which she didn't pay any attention to.

Walking I was she looked around noticing a green Twi'lek arguing with Max. Smirking, she had seen that numerous times over the years she had been coming to the pub. Seria always got looks when she wore her uniform to the pub. She knew if she went home she would just lay on the couch all night and not do anything else. Noticing the Twi'lek grab the drink in a frustrated manner she made her way to the bar.

"Hey Max, ill have my usual. What was that all about?"

The young Captain said taking the drink. "Oh, she's upset because she wanted a stronger drink." The Republic Officer chuckled slightly and turned to the the direction the Twi'lek went. She was now seating at booth on the opposite side of the bar. Tossing a couple credits on the bar Knesos slide off the stood and made her way over to the green woman.

"May I join you, all the other tables are taken?"

[0bserver]

Well this sucked.

Or, at least that was Nika's thought, as she fell lazily into a chair, the yellow-ish drink in her glass. Not very interested in it, she still took a sip, and cringed in disgust mixed with disappointment. Jeez, this thing tasted like juice! She barely even felt the tinge of alcohol in in it. Heck, even beer packed more punch!

- Why does that guy has to treat me like I'm underage or something? It was only once, and completely an accident... Ugh... next time I'll go to another pub. - she complained to herself, knowing full well there was nobody in here to listen to her whining. At least... until someone else came along...

It was... a pair of feminine hips. Clad in a standard republic uniform. Coming with a lovely-sounding voice, asking if she could sit here. The twi'lek slowly rose her eyes, to get a look at the rest of the body... Only to see that it was a ... well, some sort of officer. Nika never understood much in the fancy insignia.

- Uh... sure I guess. Not like I own the place or anything. - she shrugged, eyes about to drift away somewhere again and wallow in disappointment and laziness, until... they froze on the woman's drink. It packed way more punch than the one Nika's did, she knew it from personal experience. In an instant, an idea was formed, and her bored expression changed into a friendly grin.

- A 'pub in a pub, well what do you know. - she joked a bit to set up the mood, and shot the barkeep another stare - he seemed to be busy with other clients already. Maybe this one can help me unwind a bit... For my cunning plan muahahah.

- Say, can ya do me a lil' favor? If you bring me the same drink you have, I'll pay for us both. I have money to spend today. And that douche of a barkeep thinks he can be my moral guardian or something... So... we have a deal? - she asked, almost not doubting this one would agree.

Why not? It was a free drink, after all.

[Res]

The Captain takes the seat and sips on her drink. She might be slightly tom-boyish but she loved her fruity drinks. It was good, taking one more sip Seria looked up at the Twi'lek and smiled.

"Besides the free drinks, what else do I get out of this?"

Knesos knew she could fish more out of this deal. She might be a respected Republic Officer but she was a interrogator and knew how to get stuff she wanted. Also now one could resist her smile not even Kaz. He was off on a job at the moment but he would be back in a couple day. She never though she would be in a relationship with someone let alone a Bounty Hunter.

"Anyways what does Max have against you? I maybe in my uniform but I am off duty."

The blonde woman said glancing at the door as a Nikto and a Rodian walked through the door. This wasn't a typical bar that a Officer would be seen at but she had be introduced to it by Kaz. So she liked to come by ever so often.

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- Huh? What else?

Nika blinked, looking at the republic officer with a mix of disbelief and ridicule, the phrase 'Are you kiddin' me?' written all over her face. Seriously, aside from free drinks, what else did she want? Money? Yeah right, keep waiting. Free drink was generous enough in the twi'lek books.

- Uhh... how about my eternal gratitude? Because a free drink is about enough. Greediness is a sin, ya know. - she pouted, leaning back on her chair, eyes lazily scanning through the female officer. Why did she show up around here in her uniform? To show off or something? Most... no, all the 'pubs the twi'lek knew came around such places in civilian outfits.

- And I figured you're off-duty. There's a republic guard by the door who bounces any soldier who decides to slack here instead of going on patrol. A douche with a porter syndrome too. Heck, I heard he told a major to get lost once. Still, aren't you afraid you'll stain your uniform? - Nika asked curiously after sharing the latest bit of a gossip with the greedy republic officer. If only to rub her the right way and get on 'friendlier terms'. She still wanted that drink. Ah, but the last question was a legit one too.

- I drank too much once and acted indecently, and ever since then Max refuses me any drinks that pack more punch than this bantha piss. - she nodded towards the yellowish liquid in her own glass. - So c'mooon, be a paly and buy me one. I drank 5 times as much before I went haywire back in that day... I'd buy you one if I were in your position. - the green twi'lek continued to mooch and press the subject, hoping for some sort of result.

It's just a frikkin drink, how hard can it be for you to buy it?

[Res]

Seria was taken aback when the Twi'lek accused her of being greedy. Well, ok it was kinda of greedy but she was trying for some information. By the look of the female, she knew some people that the Republic was looking for. Taking a sip of her drink she thought for a few more moments. Listening to the green Twi'lek speak.

Looking over her shoulder she saw the guard that was standing by the door. She knew the Sergeant, he was once assigned to the building that Seria works at. He had a disciplinary issues and so he was shoved on guard duty. Then when Nika said that he had turned away a Major, she knew that the Sergent probably had had some not so pleasant tasks to preform. Though it all depended on who the Major was.

"I know the guard, he was station at the building I work at. I don't doubt the Major wasn't too happy."

Knesos sat there for a few minutes thinking about the offer. It was a good one, should she take it. She was an intelligent person, very intelligent though she had trouble making decisions. Mauling over the choice for a little more she made up her mind she would by her a drink. Just one and then she was by the rest for the night.

"Ok, I will get it. Under one condition, you pay for my drinks for the rest of the night. If I buy this one for you, Deal?"

The Captain knew it was a deal already. Though she need to make sure that it was a acknowledgment from Nika before she went forth and procured the drinks.

[0bserver]

A wide grin appeared on the twi'lek's face when the republic lady finally agreed to comply and buy her that blasted drink. Because really, this ... this begging was getting a bit tiresome. Nika did not like to beg, and there was nothing horribly difficult in her request either! She opened her mouth, about to agree, but then...

- Hey! Hey wait just one goddamn blasted second here. ALL the drinks for the night? Tch, who are you taking me for, some fat moneybag who likes to tip pretty women? I said one drink, not all the drinks for the night. You bring me one drink, I pay for one of yours. It's fair. And I am kinda tired of bargaining over this. It's my final offer. I'm sure I'll find someone else out there who's more agreeable.

The twi'lek was getting a bit pissed. So much trouble over what sounded like a minor favor! She crossed her arms in front of herself, staring back at the republic officer, looking straight in the eyes - yeah, she was not afraid of eye contact. Gee, who would've thought such a sleazy con-artist would be hiding behind that cute face. 'Drinks for the night' - my foot. Hmpf! - Nika thought with irritation, waiting for this woman, who she didn't even know the name of!

- If all of the 'pubs are as shrewd as you are, I'll be rooting for the Sithies.

That was a joke. Or... at least, was meant to come across as one.

[Res]

She could tell the Twi'lek was getting a little upset at her by the remark she made. Seria knew that she wouldn't get the green Twi'lek to pay for all the drinks. The Captain was really testing how for the woman could be pushed before loosing her temper. By the look of things it wasn't very far, though Knesos hoped the drink would calm her down. Smiling she got up.

"Names Seria."

Knesos said just before she walked over to the bar. After negotiating with Max for nearly five minutes he reluctantly gave in and gave the Officer the two drinks. Making her way back with the drinks her hips swayed and she could tell that she was being checked out. Setting the drinks down before sliding into the seat.

"Hope it's to your liking. One of my favorite drinks."

The blonde woman said glancing around the bar. She had hear the little 'joke' the other woman had quipped but Seria was ignoring it. People had their opinions and that was a subject not to touch in a bar setting.

[0bserver]

Finally!

Nika threw her arms in the air as a gesture of victory, when the stubborn and sleazy republic officer lady finally went to buy her that good for nothing drink. And the twi'lek's mood rose up considerably, her leaning on her chair, a satisfied smirk across her face. So this trip to the pub wasn't a waste of time after all.

It took long enough to convince Max, of course. Seriously, that guy should've went into clergy instead of working around here! There was nothing worse than being served drinks by a patron saint. At last, the woman returned, earning another smirk from the twi'lek - she noticed how the officer moved, and a few glares thrown her way.

- Looking to charm someone, are we? Thanks. - she chuckled, before taking her drink from the woman, looking at it with a hungry stare. Yeah, this was waaay more like it. Not that yellow piss, but instead a drink of a royal red color, heck, just the smell could blow you away! Nika took a sip, and shuddered, feeling the tinge of the flavor cover her tongue.

- Mmm... much better. And don't worry, I always keep my end of the bargain. This drink costs 55 credits, right? Here's 110 for your trouble. - she said, digging in her purse, before passing the money to Seria. A deal was a deal, after all.

- Oh, and name's Nika by the way. Nika Jadeonar. I'm a mercenary. Maybe you heard of me? - the twi'lek introduced herself and laughed a bit at the last part. She was just a part-time merc and bounty-hunter. She doubted anyone here knew who she was. Side from Max, maybe.

- And you're... some sort of officer, ya? How's the war going?

Nika didn't really care much about the war... But hey, it was a way of starting a conversation...

[Res]

Seria sat there she finished off the first drink she had then poured the ice into the second one. She loved her drinks to be as cold as possible. Taking a sip she saw Nika slide the money her direction. She wasn't planning on taking the money. How would it look, a Republic Officer taking money from a Mercenary. Sliding the money back across to the Twi'lek.

"Keep it, plus I was just testing you. I wanted know how far you could be pushed before loosing your temper."

Seria chuckled a little at watt she said to convey that she was an easy person to get along with. She looked up again.

"No, im not trying to pick up anyone. I'm with someone. Also nice to meet you Nika."

Knesos added as she took a good gulp from her drink. She was enjoying the talk but the Twi'lek asked her a question that she didn't think she could answer truthfully. Should she tell this woman that she barely knew she was a interrogator for the Republic Army. She had to think of a good quick cover up for it.

"I am a Captain, and as for my job that is classified. Sorry."

[0bserver]

- Um... huh?

Ok, this was unexpected. The first moment, this republic officer makes it hard to go and buy a lousy drink, and the next one - she refuses to take her money! What's wrong with her? - the twi'lek thought, just staring at Seria for a couple of moments. Who could blame her? This was just so... random. Still, you needed not to tell Nika twice, she dragged the money back to herself, and shrugged.

- Well, suit yourself. Can't say I didn't hold my word. And... Testing me? What is this a quiz or something? - she said jokingly, this time taking a bigger sip of her drink, and shaking her head wildly for a second - the images went blurry for a reason. She leaned forward, elbows on the table, a complacent grin never leaving her face. This was a nice evening indeed - she basically got her drink for... free? Yes! I like this gal already. - Nika noted to herself, before continuing with her words:

- And... uh, classified? Yeaaah... War must not be going too well if you're not even allowed to talk about how it goes. Or was that about your job? Eeeeh... you confuse me! - the twi'lek flailed her arms in the air, before falling back to her sit. She did sound like a brash and loud type before, but... yeah, there was a reason why Max did not want to sell her any. These reasons were becoming more apparent, as Nika reached for her glass again.

- But yeah, don't sweat it sis. - she said, drinking a bit again, in between words; - I mean... Republic warred with sithies for ... how often in its history? It was ALWAYS losing at the beginning, but then kicking butt near the end. Trust me, just when them sithies will get complacent... WHAMO! But eh...heh. Not that I care much. - Nika stopped herself from talking too much. Her thoughts were getting dizzy from so much thoughts anyway. Eyes moved lazily to the left, then to the right, looking behind Seria's back, as if searching for someone...

- So... if you're with someone... where's your man?

There wasn't anyone around dressed like she was this lady's company... Was there?

[Res]

Seria sat there sipping on her drink. She saw that the Twi'lek was downing her drink quickly. It was like she hadn't had anything to drink in days. Though the woman wasn't going to judge. At time Seria could put them away, though only her family knew that. She displayed that power at Remingtons funeral.

"Its just what I do with all the new people I meet. It's nothing personal."

Seria leaned back in her chair and relaxed a bit. She liked the bar she was in, it was somewhat quiet and not too crowed most of the day. Unlike today it was packed more than normal, also she wasn't the only Republic Officer in the pub. She noticed a First Lieutenant and a couple non commissioned personnel standing at the bar. Turning to the green female she answered her inquiry.

"That was about my job. If what I do got out in a place like this I would be putting myself in danger. And as for the war, it's there. Not much to say."

Knesos replied as she took another drink. It was odd that this woman would ask who Seria was seeing. It would seem weird that Knesos would flaunt what she had while with Kaz. Though haven't the bounty hunter as a partner gave her confidence in her appearance.

"He is on a job at the moment. I rather not say who he is. Protection for me and him."

Seria was getting herself in weird situations when she had to cover up what she did and who she was dating. Only a couple people she worked with knew who Kaz was but they could be trusted.

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The twi'lek lied back on her chair, casually sipping her drink through the straw, eyes focused on the red liquid being pumped into her mouth for a little while. The female in front of her... republic captain, she... She doesn't talk much, does she now? - Nika thought to herself. For a brief while, the conversation just bumped into a dead end.

- You don't talk much do you? I've seen a lot of 'pubs in such places, and they are always up for small talk. Even officers. And you're all 'classified, classified, classified'. You're a spy or something? - she made a half-delirious guess, and put the drink on the table. It was kinda boring to talk to someone who didn't tell her much in turn... Maybe she could fix that.

- I remember I was giving a ride to some sithie wannabe back in their space, he wore some sort of insignia as well. Bragged my ear off. They took this world, they took that world, they invaded the Outer Rim. Blah blah blah. - Nika said, remembering a hilarious situation that happened to her rather recently.

- So I said in turn that taking over a bunch of barely-inhabited worlds with a handful of reps as a garrison is not exactly an achievement. Last thing I heard, none of the Mid Rim joined that little joint, did they? You should've seen his face, he prolly took offense, and didn't talk to me for the rest of the flight. But hey, if he has a problem with truth - that's his problem. Am I right, right? - the twi'lek laughed, and would've nudged the human with a shoulder, if there wasn't a table in between them. The conversation unfolding was interrupted, however, with a waiter approaching the two ladies, seeing that, aside from drinks, they didn't order much.

- Excuse me, miladies, would you like to order something with those drinks of yours? Err... - the waiter stuttered and blushed a bit, noticing that while he was turned to Seria, the twi'lek was shamelessly oggling his rear. He turned to her instead, and passed the menus to read. Nika looked through it, a particular dish catching her attention.

- Tell me, cutie, what's this ... "Clrglorsk 'N'taaah"? - she barely managed to pronounce the name. It looked ... surreal on the picture, like a bright salad, but ... not salad at the same time.

- Oh, it's a special dish that originates from...

- BRING IT! - Nika demanded, the man feverishly scribbling it down, and turning to take the order from Seria again. Once he would be done with it, he would leave, but not before Nika landed a slap across his behind, chuckling to herself, turning the hazy stare towards her new 'friend' after.

- So.... uh, where were we again?

[Res]

Seria sat watching the Twi'lek down her drink. Now I know why Max didnt want her to drink The blonds haired woman thought as she took a small sip of her drink. It was nice to sip on a nice drink and have someone to talk to.

The Captain was getting kinda sick of hearing about the war and everything related to it. She heard that all day, and she didn't want to hear it when she was off duty. She knew wearing the uniform would have been a bad idea. She wanted to tell Nika to stop talking about the war and everything. Getting kinda annoyed, Knesos started to tap her leg win her right hand. Then the waiter arrived and Seria looked up and waited for the Twi'lek to order.

"Ill have my usual Clive, thanks"

Watching Nika smack Clive on the rear as he walked away. All Seria could do was chuckle. She didn't know what much more she could do, she wasn't the womans keeper. But if things got out of hand she knew she would be able to handle it. Then she found her opening. Nika had forgotten what she was talking about and it was time to attack.

"You where telling me about yourself."

[0bserver]

- Oh...huh? I was... right.

At this point, the more sips of the red drink Nika was taking in, the more 'goldfish' her memory was becoming. So... she didn't suspect any sort of ill intent or deceit from the republic officer, eager to tell her anything... Or, at least, anything she could remember...

- So yah... I'm Nika, and Imma bounty hunter. I like flying ships, drinking, adventure... Blah! I can't make a summary like that. If you need to know something - ask... - the twi'lek said with a shrug, and returned to her own drinking, her glass becoming empty with a steady phase. And every once in a while Nika shot greedy glares towards Seria's drink, the woman was barely touching it! That's not the way to go, or... at least, the hazy woman didn't think so...

Nika's periodic, and loud exclamations, however, managed to attract some attention. From one of the far tables, placed in a shady corner, several pairs of eyes were watching the two women... Or one woman, in particular. The twi'lek. There were three men watching them. Space-farers, by the looks of their outfits. They kept whispering in between themselves for a bit. A republic officer was, maybe, dangerous to tangle with, but a drunk alien? Easy catch. Or, it seemed that way. One of the men stood up, walking towards the table where both women sat.

The guy had the air of a hotshot pilot around him. A confident smirk on his face, a worn flightsuit with just a touch of exotics - several weird amulets strapped to shoulder-plate, a blaster on his hip, the worn handle telling that it had been used a lot. A scar across the cheek, and a twig in his teeth. The word 'adventure' almost stapled on his forehead.

- Hiya ladies! - he said, putting two fingers to his temple, and away, in a cheeky way of salute. - What do such beautiful birds do at the table, all alone, without company? Must be boring. May I have the honor of inviting you two at our table over there? Me and these fine gents would love to make an acquaintance... - he said, trying to sound 'chivalrous', while shooting a glance over the Twi'lek and Seria, his glare fixating on her chest for a little bit. Nika was already wavering, in her sit. A confident smirk appeared on the spacer's face.

- Drinks on us.

[Res]

Seria sat there smirking at the fact that after only one drink Nika was smashed. Boy she is a light weight. I thought my brother Wol was. The Captain thought to herself as she took a sip from her glass. Knesos was working on her second one and she had to admit she was starting to get a little fuzzy.

Noticing her new friend was now preoccupied with a group of pilots in the corner. That wasn't something that Seria wanted to deal with. After a flew moment one of the shady gentleman got up and made his way over to their table. Seria sat there silent has the man approached them.

The pirate spoke, his charm spilled out like water from a faucet. It was surely working on Nika but due to the training that Seria had received it wasn't working on her. Plus she was spoken for, this gent was lucky that Kaz wasn't present at this moment it would be a different picture. Picking up certain cues from the man he knew that he wasn't wanting just company while drinking. Seria knew she had to speak up because the Twi'lek wasn't going to.

"Thank you for the gracious offer but we just order some food. But you still could buy us those drinks, I know my friend here wouldn't pass up a free drink. Plus how would it look for a high ranking Republic Officer socializing with a lonely pirate like yourselves."

Seria said has she looked over at the green Twi'lek, by appearance looked to nearly pounce on the man.