One Less Space Slug[Closed]

[Jace]

(Alright, so this says Jace, but is actually now Dutch's. He's aware of us doing this, it's to help the thread move on without ya'll rewriting anything.)

Niko had known this day would come. Life within the Cartel was turbulent at best, and in his time among the Hutts learned that it was just as predictable. The job had come through an anonymous source, and with it a gift of Boraa's Palace blueprints. It was curious to the Hapan, the job smelling of a usurper. That was normally enough of a lead for a hunt, but when it came to the Hutt Cartel it was more common to be power hungry than not. And so there he was, hurtling back to Nal Hutta with Shanti in tow and two outsiders. As soon as he heard the job, he knew the girl's hacking skills would be essential to it. He had seen the young girl hack high security interfaces as if she were opening a jar, something that was worth every bit of the share she demanded of their bounties. And in this case, they would likely needs her skills.

The other two were contracted outside the Cartel, not surprising given the nature of the mission. The Humani man had quite the list of references, renowned for his piloting skills even at a young age. What Niko was more concerned about was whether the boy would be able to handle himself when the shooting started. And there would be shooting. That was why the Cathar had been sought out. They would need at least one fighter among their group, and though Niko was a potent adversary, and Shanti's shot had gotten much better they were gonna need the extra muscle. En route from Nar Hekka where they had gathered, Mercutio had pinged him to let them know that they would be arriving on Nal Hutta soon.

The man stood with arms crossed in the galley as the others joined him to discuss their approach. With arms across his chest he waited. There were many ways to get to Boraa, it was more a matter of which path was the least suicidal. Every Hutt had their own veritable army at their disposal, legions of scum too stupid or poor to do more than be a Hutt's lackey. There would be blood that day, and the less of it that was their blood, the better. As they gathered into the galley, Niko's dark blue eyes would glance up.

"We will arrive soon. Admittedly, infiltration is not my specialty. Do we have a plan to get in?"

His words were to the point, no fluff needed. Were it just Niko on the hunt, he would have just smashed his way in, killing all in his way until he reached Boraa and turned the Hutt into paste. However it was clear from the blueprints that Boraa's Palace was laid out to repel such an approach. That was why the others had been contacted as well, for their particular talents. He just hoped that they were as good as their references had claimed, and that they didn't end up in the Hutt's beast den by the end of the day.

[Swamps]

It was an odd contract for Mercutio, he had been hired out as a pilot many a time before but never like this. He would be transporting three bounty hunters to Nal Hutta with the express purpose of murder, the killing of Boraa the Hutt. Mercutio had to admit, that unsettled him a little. He was by no means a killer but in the months before La Junta he had to be self-sufficient, and at least this particularly large paycheck didn't require him to pull the trigger himself.

It wasn't as if he was against killing the Hutt though, Boraa was a gluttonous cheat who sat upon a throne of racketeering, murder and debauchery. His criminal empire stoked the fires of addiction and lust in many people's hearts whilst stamping the hope and goodness out of just as many. He was a throbbing cancer in this part of the galaxy and the galaxy would be glad to see him dead. However this fact didn't stop Mercutio's anxiety. Killing a Hutt was a bold move and if this went awry...

Mercutio felt the ship judder beneath him and scolded himself, banishing all thought from his mind. His eyes and fingers danced across the ship's controls in a ballet of flickering lights and clicking switches and the ship righted itself. Reaching forward in his chair he tapped a dial, watching it's tiny red indicator swing round dancing between various increments. All was well.

The Humani leant back again, the old leathery seat creaking beneath him. In the distance he could see Nal Hutta, it's five moons circling the tiny planet lazily. It was odd, he thought, that such decadence and deceit should look so tranquil and inviting from afar. He had never visited the smog-drenched world himself but had heard many stories of its destroyed beauty, a natural wonder plagued and choked by industry and opulence. It sounded nothing short of horrible.

The cockpit in which he found himself was much more comfortable, beneath him a soft, old pilot's chair and around him the many mementos of travel. This wasn't his ship but he could tell it had seen many an outing, where on a planet you may leave a trail through the bushes or broken twigs behind you on a ship you left burns, scrapes and little souvenirs. On the dashboard of the cockpit sat a tiny figurine, a tacky and colourful Twi'lek girl with a wreath of flowers about her neck and a vision of happy exclamation painted across her face. A mysterious crack along the glass of the holodisplay, bottled up frustration finally released or a struggle for the ship. There was no way of telling but the ship was charming in that manner, a tiny flying riddle.

Of course riddle wasn't it's official classification, it was a Nella 342. A small freighter usually seen in outer-rim trading companies and organisations, this particular ship was unique however. Their contractors had lent it to him, stating that it would serve them well and after examining it's modifications personally Mercutio could vouch for them! It's engine had been butchered and reformed and it now looked like it could achieve at least twice the speed it had been able to beforehand. Smuggling compartments and hidey-holes had been installed in several key points around the ship as well along with a well-concealed laser cannon at the prow of the ship. It had truly earned it's moniker of Gemini.

Mercutio turned his gaze to Nal Hutta again, judging by the distance he guessed they were about twenty minutes out. He reached out, his finger hovering over the automatic button. He hated leaving any ship to it's own devices, preferring to accompany them as close to constantly as he could manage. He was always terrified of hearing the warning klaxons and sprinting up to the cockpit only to find an asteroid inches from it's surface or that some idiot had tried to roll the craft. Regardless of his nerves however, they needed to plan. They had a big day ahead of them and despite his anxieties he was thrilled, the mission they were to embark upon reminded him of many tales of daring and risk that he had both read and penned. It was all rather exciting.

Mercutio tapped the button and it flickered before glowing steadily, satisfied the ship was relatively safe he pulled his jacket from the back of his chair and left the cockpit. Pulling the colourful puzzle of a jacket around him he started towards the galley, feelings of exhilaration and concern writhing in his head.

[Faeruy]

Shanti had no idea how she had managed to get here. Not in the literal sense; that she had down pat. She had hopped aboard a ship travelling from Coruscant to Nar Hekka. Now she was on a ship bound for Nal Hutta; only this time she was supposed to be on board. She had to admit that it was really rather strange to riding any place other than the cargo hold.

But that wasn't what she meant; no, Shanti's confusion was in the grand scheme. After all, she was a young, fresh off of Nar Shaddaa bounty hunter with no reputation whatsoever. What she was doing on a mission with three older and much more experienced people was anybody's guess. She was clearly the odd one one out; the only female, the youngest, and the shortest. She just hoped they also didn't see how inexperienced she was. After all, they were bounty hunters. How easy would it be for any one of them to off her and take her share? She just had to be smarter than all of them.

It shouldn't be that difficult; after all she had been smart enough to talk her way onto this mission. In a way, it was ideally suited for her; she spoke Huttese more than passingly well, and she could slice into almost security system. She'd dealt with Hutts before; though none from Nal Hutta. And it paid obscenely well. She might have exaggerated her skills somewhat when dealing with the employer, but who didn't?

Most of the flight had been uneventful and boring, but now that they were approaching the planet, there were some definite things that needed to be worked out. Shanti headed towards the galley to find one of the bounty hunters already there. Niko. Clearly the oldest, and therefore the one taking charge. Shanti hoisted herself onto one of the counters and grabbed a nearby Manta pear.

"We could always slice our way inside." Shanti offered in response to Niko's question. She chomped noisily on the pear, and continued. "If we figure out where the security systems are, I'm pretty sure I can disable them pretty easily. I've dealt with what passes for Hutt tech before. Kid stuff." Her nonchalant shrug betrayed her youth and her arrogance. "Course, would have to find an external hub for it. That part won't be easy. It's probably guarded.'

[Archer]

Rabax could not wait for this bounty. He was excited that he was given the chance to kill another Hutt. The best part of it was that it was the leader of the Hutt Cartel they were going after which made Rabax even more excited. Ever since one of the Hutts tried to kill him Rabax held a deep hatred for the Cartel for that and many other reasons.

The only thing that Rabax didn't like was that he had to work with a team for this bounty. Ever since he became a bounty hunter he had always worked alone. He knew the bounty paid well however and decided to try something new for once.

He started to think about how hard it would be to actually kill Boraa. Rabax knew that all Hutts had many guards and even other bounty hunters. He hoped they could think of a plan to get in the palace, kill the Hutt, and get off the planet fast before something happened.

He walked over to the galley of the ship where the rest of the bounty hunter were. It was not long when Niko, the oldest of the group, asked what they were going to do. Rabax couldn't think of any idea so he just looked at the other bounty hunters, listening to their ideas.

[Dutch]

Niko nodded once as Shanti proposed her idea. Having worked with the girl before, he knew that her words reflected her talents. Despite her youth, he had never seen a woman take to a haptic interface like she could. He doubted though that Boraa's men would just let them sit there and hack their way to the Hutt. Shanti was quick, but blaster bolts were quicker. His eyes moved from the little red-head to Mercutio as he entered the galley, his patchwork coat earning a slight lift of Niko's eyebrow. The Humani were an odd lot indeed, the Hapan had met few but they all seemed to have oddities to them. What mattered to him wasn't his penchant for talking too much, it was that he would be able to get them to and from Nal Hutta without getting them all killed. And that his blaster could end a merc or two.

Rabax remained silent, to Niko's ire. He stared the Cathar right in the eyes for a moment with a bored expression, waiting to see if he had anything to contribute. When it was clear that he had nothing to add, Niko blinked slowly and turned his gaze when a familiar sound was heard. The clacking of nails on metal clicked as the vornskr hound Lorda sauntered into the galley. Smaller than average for his breed, but what Niko's companion lacked in size he more than made of for in ferocity. The hound's scarred visage was an intimidating sight to behold, with fangs barred and eye milky white. The vornskr growled as it passed Mercutio, a crack of its whip-like tail signifying its desire to hunt. Niko uncrossed his arms to hold his hand out, the fingers winding into the vornksr's thick fur as Lorda settled next to his master.

"Slicing would provide the easiest route. We need an alternative still."

He said bluntly. Niko strolled over to the opposite counter from the one he had been leaning on. His hand grabbed the handle of the impossibly large mace that leaned there, and hoisted it with one hand onto his back. A wave of his hand lead the clasps to click closed onto the weapon, securing it to his back. The man looked to Shanti for a brief moment, no words spoken, none needed. It had been some time travelling with the woman, and Niko did his best to keep their relationship professional, at least when on a job. He just hoped the cantankerous girl wouldn't get any wise ideas. That would be the day. Niko turned away and stared Mercutio down with his intense gaze.

"How much longer?"

Niko asked the pilot. The sooner they got to Nal Hutta, the sooner he could be done with this job. If it weren't for the credit load, he would not have taken the job to begin with. His specialty was in pursuing and hunting, not assault. The Hapan however was more than confident that they could pull it off. And if the Cathar or the Humani happened to die in the process, all it meant was a bigger payday for him and Shanti. First they had to kill Boraa though, no one was allowed to die before that.

[Faeruy]

Shanti continued to munch nonchalantly on her pear, seemingly unimpressed by her present company. The weird human in the patchwork coat, the Cathar, and of course Niko and Lorda. She knew the last two, and despite everything,continued to affect an insolent air where Niko was concerned. Safer that way, for herself most of all. She ignored the look he gave her. He might call himself many things where she was concerned, but the only thing she acknowledged for sure was that she was much more successful at earning credits by his side. She was still perpetually broke, but her small apartment on Nar Shaddaa was crammed to the gills. When she finished the pear, she tossed it towards the vronsk hound. He caught it, though Shanti didn't bother to see what he did with it afterwards. Wiping her hands on her pants she spoke again.

"Why don't you tell us, oh fearless leader? I'm here because I slice. You want an alternate plan, look at somebody else. Although..." She shot a warning glance at her primarily male companions. "I don't whore out, and I won't play bait. I'm not a chik yongee. You got me? Not unless I'm getting a bigger cut than I'm already getting. I'm not gonna go coddling up to some fat, greasy Hutt for the fun of it."

She turned to the so-far silent Cathar. "Hey, pussycat. I know why I'm here, and why he's here." She said, gesturing towards Niko. "And it's obvious why he's here." She nodded to the Humani pilot. "But why'd they hire you?" There were a number of uncharitable things she could say; disparaging his looks, his intelligence, his attitude. But they were hired for a reason, and though it meant each of them got a smaller take, clearly this was too big of a job for just her and Niko. They needed to work as a team, and Shanti was smart enough to realize that she would be better off if she didn't anger the Cathar too much, too soon.

Afterwards it wouldn't matter what she said; if they lived that long. But that would be later. For now, she had to make nice, in the best way she knew how. Which really wasn't saying much, but at least she would try and make the effort.

[Archer]

Rabax continued to watch everyone in silence. He disliked talking to others and planning which is why he always worked alone. He knows that he would never finish this bounty without help from the others so he waited for now.

Suddenly the slicer began to talk to him. Of course the other three have important roles in this but not Rabax. He was skilled with his blaster and they would need anything they can get to complete the bounty. He turned his head towards her now speaking.

"You'll see one we reach the planet and until then don't try to anger me," Rabax said. There were many ways he could of back up his threat like putting his hand on one of his blasters but decided against it. He would need to trust everyone on the ship and do his best not to shoot them when he is angered. However he knows that if he is called a "girl thingycat" again he might just lose his temper.

[Swamps]

"And it's obvious why he's here."

"Oh, yes: charm, good looks and fancy flying."

The Humani shot Shanti a cheeky smile before sauntering over to the bar, fingers trailing along its smooth surface as he neared its end. In its center several decanters were arranged, each containing liquids of bright and different hues. After giving each the eye he made his decision. In a fell swoop he removed a telescopic glass from his jacket and popped it open, quickly pouring an ample portion of clear liquid into it. A hefty swig later and his tongue began to sting in protest.

"Fote. That was - was not water."

Mercutio muttered, attempting to shake the drinks strength from his mouth. He didn't doubt his ability to fly drunk and in fact his continued existence was proof that he could so amicably. However, he had to be careful. After all it wasn't his ship to obliterate. That was the job of the Hutts.

He smiled a little as Shanti and the Cathar bantered back and forth, the cat-man's voice was brusque and threatening. Ironic, as apart from some scarring he looked rather cuddly. Muscular, but cuddly. Tentatively, he took another sip from his glass. It really wasn't that bad. It still burnt like Chosen Bantha Thunder but was fruity after that, kind even.

He suddenly became aware that Niko was talking to him. The tattooed man was certainly an interesting specimen and had a certain bluntness to his speech that Mercutio liked. What he did not like however, was his pet. He could see it now, the blasted thing. It was mala sort of the worst kind, having it on board. He could feel his face crease a little at the sight of it, mangy fur covering a skulking predator whose milky white eyes saw nothing but prey. Horrible creature.

"How long? Well, I'd say twenty minutes or so - depends where we land."

The Humani flourished his glass as he spoke, liquid sloshing about inside.

"And where we land depends on our method. You spoke of alternatives? I don't see many, lest you want to introduce a little deception. I can't speak for this lot but I'm a decent actor, I know how to put on a show. So... it could be an option?"

[Faeruy]

Shanti looked at the strange Humani up and down. At least he was talking. The other two were reticent to the point of catatonia. Even Niko wasn't talking much, then again, he never did. As for the Cathar, Shanti decided to dismiss him as an ignorant brute. Well, she supposed every group needed muscle, but it would help if it came with a few more brains alongside it. It was boring otherwise. This whole mission was turning out to be not very entertaining. Even if it was only twenty minutes until they touched down on planet, that was twenty minutes to long as far as she was concerned.

So she decided to entertain herself, with the only other person who seemed to have any ideas whatsoever. She liked his cheeky smile, and returned it in kind."What do you mean flyer? You like a holo-vid star or something? One who ferries killers on the side? And can you get me one of those while you're at it?" She asked, pointing to his glass. She wasn't normally one to drink before she attempted a bounty, but then again, she was still too new at this game for anything to be 'normal'.

"And what do you mean by where we land? Aren't we landing at the spaceport?" A worried look crossed her face, her green eyes going wide with surprise. She had assumed they would take the obvious route and land in port. But were they in fact going to land somewhere else? Like in the swamp? Shanti wasn't sure she was prepared for a trek in the wilderness.

Nature. She was always stuck in nature. Shanti hated nature.

They were nearing the planet for sure; it may still be a little ways out, but they were starting to feel the affects of Nal Hutta's gravity. If they didn't get their act together soon, then it was unlikely they would get out of the spaceport, let alone get anywhere near their target.