Very Slavery. Much Bad. (Open) (Orvax IV)

[Ash]

Slavery... Such a disgusting thing that shouldn't even exist, yet here it was. Not only that, but this entire planet was dedicated to the trade. It seemed like most people had no problems with what was going on, but that was to be expected seeing that, most likely, they were slave traders.

But at least one person on this blasted planet wasn't a slave trader, and wasn't a slave (in at least name only). This solo man walked down one of the main, crowded streets, idly observing the passing of credits and slaves. On the inside, he wanted to help, but on the outside, he looked just like any other man, looking at the goods.

Phantom, as he was more often called than not, blended in nicely. He had contacts in, turning his very dark eyes to a lighter brown color. His clothing was simple: a fancy looking blue tunic, with a light jacket over it, grey slacks, and comfortable, expensive looking shoes. A stun baton was visible on his belt, as well as a set or two of stun cuffs. To anyone, he looked just like another slave trader.

Who knows, he may end up purchasing one of these slaves, if only to try to help them out in some small way. He wasn't going to keep them at all, but rather grant freedom: freedom which he didn't have himself. His eyes narrowed at this thought, ever so slightly, at least until he caught sight of something happening up ahead of him, off to one side of the very wide street.

He could make out two figures, surrounded by more, and as he got closer, he could see that it was a human mother and her child, who didn't look more than five or six. Closer still, two figures grabbed the mother, and another one, the child. The child was ripped out of her mother's arm, and passed to a very large human man, who seemed to be a guard, judging by his armor and armament. The girl was bawling, but no one paid heed as a Toydarian handed credits over to a Duros. The mother had tears streaming down her face, but she didn't make much movement, but just stood there, crying silently as her daughter was carried off.

Phantom turned away from the spectacle, along with the small crowd that happened to be watching. A Chagrian nudged Phantom, getting his attention, and when the human looked at the blue skinned alien, the Chagrian nodded his head over to where the child was just sold off.

Doesn't that bring a tear to your eye? Nothing is more beautiful than the sound of a child's scream and the transfer of credits.

Honestly, I prefer the sound of credits. The screaming gives me a headache.

Fair enough. A good owner will teach her not to yell soon enough. Now its my turn to get a new pet. Take care, friend.

Phantom nodded to the man as he walked away, Phantom went off in a different direction, checking his watch as he did so. He didn't register the time as his mind was still reviewing what he just witnessed. He felt his heart beat faster, and his anger start to pick up, but he willed both to vanish, and seconds later, he regained his composure. He ran a hand though his hair, expelling a breath, and checked his watch again, finally registering the time. He had a little bit of time left before he had to make his way to where one of the major slave traders were going to appear and start selling.

[Krowbar]

The Typhoon touched down onto the deck next to the vast market, its blaring engines of no concern to the surrounding crowd. The small craft had begun to falter, forcing itself into landing at the unfamiliar planet. The small hatch creaked open only moments later as Blitz stepped onto the foreign ground. Daylight broke against the sterile white outline of his helmet as the beskar clad figure began examining his craft.


Quick examination of his surroundings showed the true face of their culture as young men and women were chained and dragged up to a public platform. He was sickened at the mere prospect, but who was he to question? He had not only held captive but taken lives for his own benefit. A quick, deserving end, he thought, although these people were tortured, enslaved and beaten daily. They were bought and traded like objects, their true worth far more than that of their captors. As he watched, a teenage boy, around the age of eighteen managed to break free of his restraints, attacking his Toydarian "owner" with a murderous resolve. The winged scum yelped for help several times before the boy was quickly pulled back and beaten nearly within an inch of his life. Blitz leaned back against the ship as he watched from under the dark visor. "Men get help. Animals get put down." he thought as he looked on with minor disgust.


He returned to the task of repairing The Typhoon for only moments before a Neimoidian approached him, quickly stealing his attention.

"Greetings! You'll be late for the beginning of the trade if you do not hurry, which I do assume to be your purpose here. I have a small gathering of my own for auction should you be interested, which I assure you to be of the highest quality! You do, in fact, seem to be quite well equipped for such a venture!"

The humanoid's smug glare shifted as Blitz turned to face him, hand on his blade as he motioned to the rolling engine behind him.

"Do you have one of these?"

"Well, I'm afraid my wares do not constitute of-

"Then I'm afraid I don't need your damn wares, now leave me the hell alone you greedy bastard."

The Neimoidian turned away with a rather perturbed stare as he made his way through the gathering crowd. Rows of captives were soon formed in the streets as he watched from above, curious to their demise.

[Ash]

Phantom's wandering brought him closer and closer to his intended target. Already, he was able to see the growing crowd for the day's main event. Sure, there were smaller venders selling their wares, this large stage would allow sellers to show off their slaves to a great number of people, increasing their profit.

Of course, this didn't happen very often, so of course there was a big turn out. People were already standing near the stage so they can either get an easy spot to buy something or just to watch... or to attend to their masters.

With what little time Phantom had, he headed towards the buildings near the stage, and slipped into a back alley, setting off at a brisk pace. He was doing a bit of scouting, finding an easy escape if it truly came down to it. Of course, it shouldn't.

As the time counted closer until the start of the big auction, Phantom casually walked back up the main street. He doubled back quite far, so it wasn't unusual to see someone walk down these alleys. In fact, he made it to where the stage was just as the Auction was starting.

Ah, I see you're here for the auction as well.[/b]

Phantom closed his eyes for a second, holding back the sigh he wished to let out, as he turned to the Chagrian who he met earlier, and put on a small smile.

Indeed. I would say a good portion of the planet is here.

I would agree, friend. I hope I am ab-

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES. PLEASE HAVE ALL POSSIBLE PAYMENT READY

That's my line. Good luck on your catch.

With that, Phantom walked away from the man, pushing further into the crowed and closer to the stage.

[Krowbar]

While he didn't think it possible, the crowds managed to grow thicker as the auction began. The sharp mix between the wealthy, well clad and grunged meat stock made for a rather strange sight as they filed through the platforms. With a grunt he set off into the mob, barely able to find his way through the crowd without losing his bearings. The toils of his search were in vain as it seemed the entire city was for the sole purpose of slave trade. "Don't people need to eat.." he murmured after passing through aisles of small booths. He pondered his options, as attempting to take off with a shaky repulsor was very risky, yet he saw no end to the mass carnage around him that became his new hell.


He stood momentarily, watching the ongoing auction as the poor souls met their new fates. His progress had yielded little, consisting of mainly small vendors for the occasion. He would simply have to settle down here for the day ... Or however long it would take. His choice of cuisine was, as always, horrendous. He could only pray that the bars and apartments could be better, after all there was little room to the reverse. This hellish excursion was certainly not the break of monotony he had previously desired. As he gazed out the small drenched window he couldn't help but wonder at the life they led at the feet of their masters.


He stared down at his drink, pondering his next move as he watched the endless procession before him. Trying to get off this damn planet in his current state was a risk he hoped not to be forced to take. It was unclear whether or not he could find what he needed throughout the congested streets, much less have the credits to afford it. Of course, dirtier tactics could be employed, although that brought its own set of risks. On the contrary, his life had been based on risk and reward for as long as he could remember. This just may become one of those days.

[Ash]

So the auction was proceeding without many issues. After one slave man tried to run away and was gunned down, and the majority of the crowed didn't even bat an eye at it. The once owner of the man was obviously furious at this, but anyone would be with a loss of money, which was what all that slave meant.

Phantom was one of the people who didn't bat an eye. Why would he when he himself was a hardened killer. He didn't even worry about the next bunch of slaves being sold off. Once or twice, he put in a bid, but it was just for show. He had no intentions of buying a slave, at least at the moment.

Ladies and gentlemen, due to a schedule issue, some of our sellers will be selling earlier than planned. Please be sure to stay throughout the auction. Now I present our next seller!!

From side stage came a older looking man, who had grey hair and a bulging stomach. What really threw Phantom off, however, was the beskar'gam the man wore. He didn't have a helmet anywhere on him, which was unusual for most Mandalorians, so Phantom was somewhat skeptical, but how he held himself, despite his belly, showed he was a military man, so he may have truely been a Mando, at least previously. Without a doubt, however, this man was Phantom's target.

Ladies and gentlemen, sadly, this fine day I have but a few slaves. I can, guarantee, however, that you will not be disappointed.

For a few minutes, he went on a small rant about how came across some of these slaves, and started to sell them off, one at a time. Phantom had to admit some were sold for a good price, and they seemed up-played for how they looked.

This is the last I have for today, unfortunately. GET OUT HERE WOMAN!

From the same side stage walked an obviously young woman, probably not even out of her teens. She had what looked like white, or very pale, skin, white hair, and he could just make out her ears, which had a point to them. He wouldn't have been able to make them out if it wasn't for his cybernetic enhancements to his eyes. He also wouldn't have been able to see the color of her eyes, which were a very unusual.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a very particular Arkanian Offshoot. Bred for medical and analytical work, as well as for her beauty, she was obtained shortly before we arrived. An extremely rare genetic mutation in her caused her eyes to turn red, and from where she was obtained, there were words spoken that she knows secrets that could finally bring down the Republic. I don't care much myself as long as I make a nice profit. Now lets start her at, oh-

He didn't even finish before people started spewing out numbers, which quickly reached into the tens of thousands of credits. Now the secrets about the Republic enticed him, but it was not something he was interested in personally, but it was also not something he wanted to have floating around. So he started betting... and betting... and betting. Eventually he was the winner, at a cost of quite a bit of credits.

So he walked right up on the stage to greet the Mandalorian man, and claim his prize. He had his hands in his pockets as he walked, only to take them out as he shook the mans hand, and clasp him on his shoulder. Thanks to a little slide of hand, the Mandalorian now had a small tracking device under his should armor. Phantom had no intention of killing in broad daylight, at least without his mask.

Congratulations, friend. I don't know all her secrets, but I am sure that you will figure them out.

Thank you, sir. I look forward to her in more than one way.

Phantom took the small control from the man, obviously for the collar the woman, who had a very sad face on, was wearing. Phantom merely nodded his head to her, and she was fallowing him down and off the stage. Phantom's work here was done, at least for the moment.

[Krowbar]

The auction proceeded slowly but surely. Blitz soon found the cause for the mass profit in the industry. Flashbacks glided across his mind of his homeland. It had been too long. He dreamed, vowed to return in a greater state than he left - financially and zealously. So far he had barely managed to stay afloat, and had been converted into more of a killing machine than he had left. It felt as if he could see his father standing right in front of him, speaking to the large crowd encircling him - but he could. He knocked his chair to the floor as he stood, staring at the figure on the stage only 30 meters from him.


His face morphed to a scowl as the beskar'gam clad man turned to face his direction, revealing a figure he had never before witnessed. The grey-haired, overweight man before him was unfit to wear the beskar his donned. He growled silently at the abomination, watching him pull his "wares" one by one across the stage.
"You bastard..."

If it were not for his situation he felt he would have gunned him down on the spot. The young woman he soon ended his sale upon marveled him strangely. Her pale skin reminded him much of his own, soon finding himself making his way back through the mass crowd.


If he were any the wiser, he would have possibly suspected the man that dropped enough credits to purchase her, but he was clearly a professional, one for which nothing would be revealed, not the slightest detail of his character. He was disgusted by the comradery the dealers shared in their stock's transfer, but such was the nature of the exchange of credits. Curiosity overtook him as he approached the man on his way down from the platform.


"So buddy, what do you have in mind for your new purchase?"

[Ash]

Phantom was nearly taken by surprise from this new Mandalorian visitor. The way he held himself, and how he spoke showed that he quite possibly wasn't in the best mood ever. Phantom set a look of surprise on his face, did a double take to the man he bought this girl from, who was walking off the other side of the stage, then back at this new Mandalorian.

My plans here are my own. I am very sorry you couldn't buy this one, but maybe your kin who just left will make you a deal next time if you introduce yourself.

Unless this is a scam.

Phantom knew this was an easy way for some of the dirtier slavers to make money. They would team up with each other, sell for a profit, then kill the new owners shortly after, taking back the slaves for themselves. Phantom moved over half a food, half blocking the woman standing behind him. She had a her head down, but one could tell, by how still she was, that she was listening in on the conversation and trying not to be obvious about it.

I hope you aren't getting any funny ideas... We'll be going now. I have a ship to get back to, friend.

[Krowbar]

He was little surprised by the man's response as he subtlety glanced at the fat fop behind him. What did surprise him was the details of the young woman upon closer inspection. The described "Rebels secrets" in particular, although he quickly dismissed them as a sale tactic.

"I assure you he sure as hell is not of my brethren."


He scanned the man carefully from under his dark visor for any sign of hostility, which he seemed quick to mention. Or at least, he was quite protective of his new prize. The auction behind him roared on, the crowd unceasing as they continued. The large beskar clad man passed relatively close to them as he made his way around the block. Blitz weighed his odds before turning back to Phantom.

"Well then, before you do might I ask if you happen to have any spare parts laying around by chance? For a price, of course."

[Ash]

Phantom was about to head off again before the man decided to turn back around and talk to him once again. He wished he could see the Mandalorians eyes, and know what he was thinking, but for the moment, it seemed as if he simply needed some help. Perhaps something would work out nicely.

I personally don't, but I am sure the slaver does. I don't know much about your honor bound way of life, but he seems to get under your skin, or so it seems to me.

Phantom took a second to check his watch, then looked off into the sky for a second, thinking, or at least acting like he was. Then he looked back at the Mandalorian.

I have a friend who could help you... liberate some parts from this ship, if you wanted to. That's the best offer I got.

The woman standing behind Phantom had a small smile tug on her lips, away from everyones view, as if she was glad that the fat Mandalorian's ship would be attacked. Phantom, however, simply looked at the man's mask, waiting for an answer he hoped was yes.

[Krowbar]

Blitz watched the man keenly as he spoke. The same one who had shared the seeming comradeship with the one he purchased the girl from now turned on him within a moments notice. A bit fishy, in retrospect. What the hell did he have to lose? Or to gain, a better question. He didn't seem to be going anywhere regardless, and of all people, he couldn't have chosen a more opportune target. With a glance back at his ship he checked his gear and weighed his options. He had his blaster and his blade. Why not? It was the first thing he considered, although Phantom's offer made it all the sweeter if it was to be legit. After all he had walked into much worse in the past.

"Alright then. What did you have in mind particularly?"

[Ash]

Phantom withheld smiling, not that it was that hard to do. This little assassination mission of his was going to go much smoother... maybe. With him stealthing, and this Mandalorian taking the heat, it would go smoother, and allow much of the heat to be taken off. Phantom checked his watch again.

Its not what I have planned. I'm not a fighter, as you can tell. Ill get into contact with my friend and have him meet you around the stage around sunset. Work for you?

(short, i know, but work makes me loose muse.)

[Krowbar]

Blitz let out a deep inaudible grunt as he listened. If he was going to spend another two hours on this damn planet he would have gotten started already. Nonetheless, he felt a strange urge to take the wait. No one rolls their dice in pairs, perhaps there was reason for this. With another glance, the few numbering Tsurr security force seemed merely concerned with the inner circle of the trade, after all they weren't port authority. Then again the bastard's ship was a bit large for his taste, and most likely secured. Or perhaps it was his usual cocky behavior besting him.

"... Fair enough."

He offered the man his solid gauntlet before returning to his own craft. The young child seemingly "inspecting" it booked his trip the other direction the moment he spotted Blitz. He may have found the moment sickly, minutely entertaining if he hadn't supposed the kid to have most likely stolen or looted. Regardless, he deftly unlocked his KC-'134 from under the hatch as he laid back onto the paneling. If things went to hell tonight it may be more convenient to have it on hand than not. For all he knew he probably was walking into a setup.


((Yep.]]

[andas009]

(OOC: Just going to jump in here, if you guys don't mind)  

  Zen tugged at his jacket as he walked into the alleyway where his 'contact' was. He cursed as more people running by nearly tripped him, no doubt on their way to that blasted slave auction. Zen had no love for slavery, but his species were merchants of every type, and he guessed that some of his people might even be up there, on the stage, but it wasn't his concern. He was going to sell the weapons, then blast off and leave this rock for good and high-tail it back to Nar Shaddaa. Having a load of disrupter rifles in your hold wasn't a good thing if your ship got randomly searched by the authorities. 

 Finally, he saw the cloaked man, whom his associate had called 'Tril'. He popped his hood up, and walked over to him, glancing behind his shoulder to see if anyone had followed. Now about a foot away from the figure he could make it out to be an aging Twi'lek, and he wondered for a moment what a man such as him needed 27 Grade-A disrupter rifles for, unless he was representing someone else. Approaching the figure, he tapped on his shoulder, and whispered into the figure's ear, 

"Are you the one called 'tril'?"  

"Ah, so your the one with the Rifles." 

"Yea, there in the cargo hold, Docking Bay 2-" 

"Pity, you seem like a nice man. Your under arrest!" 

The only thing Zen did when he saw the man start to reach for the blaster pistol, was run as fast as he could toward the edge of the alley. Quickly he lept to the right, hearing the blaster bolts whizz past him. He blended in well with the crowd, and looked for a place to hide. That ship looked good, and he ran for it....

[Ash]

Phantom hesitated for a moment; something anyone would do if a Mandalorian reached out to them with a gauntlet, but after a moment he took it and shook the man's hand, before watching him leave.

As soon as the armored man left his sight, Phantom let out a sigh, then started walking, towing the woman behind him. A few minutes later, he came to a smaller, obscured apartment that didn't look very healthy. This was the place where he was staying for the past few days, as well as for tonight.

When he and the woman were inside, he locked the door, engaging the magnetic lock he brought with him. As soon as he was done, he tossed the remote he had onto the small table, took off his jacket, which he threw on the bed, and sat down in a chair, sighing as he did so. The woman just kinda stood there, hands folded and face down. Phantom simply looked at her, eyes half closed.

Sit down and relax. I'm not going to do anything to you.

The girl looked around for a minute, a confused look on her face, then she sat on the bed. She seemed amazed that she was shown any kindness, especially from someone who just took ownership of her.

You aren't going to make me do anything? Aren't you a slaver like those Mandalorians?

Phantom shook his head slightly, but wasn't surprised at this girl's anxiousness. He spun his chair around, facing the woman finally, and taking her in. Her clothes, if they were called that, were worn out and in clear need of replacement. Her near nonexistent shoes were barely holding together. She was due for nourishment and a good shower, but Phantom could see a strong light behind her ruby eyes. The slaver said she was 'obtained' shortly before he came here, but Phantom could tell that this woman went through some long term abuse, just as he had once before.

No, im not a slaver. I do other work, but unfortunately I can't let you go run around, at least for now, so im going to pay you to work for and with me. now, do you have a name?

Um... yes... Its Shina... Please to meet you.

Yea.

The woman, Shina, gave a shaky, shy, questionable smile, which Phantom returned his own, small one. He checked his watch, and realized that it was about time to get ready for tonight's adventure.

[Krowbar]

Blitz laid back against the cargo hull walls of his proud little cruiser. At least it was, before it deposited him onto this hellish little rock. On top of circumstances, rations were rather low for his taste. Nonetheless, he dug into his supply. He finished his less than desirable meal, blaster and helmet across his lap as he reclined against the crate. All that was left to do was wait. Damn he hated it. Wasted time was dead time, dead time was burnt money, burnt money was discarded opportunity. He pulled the slate black balaclava over his face, its minuscule slot revealing his solid black eyes set into their white skinned, checkered frames. Part of him wondered how long the trade ensued. Possibly for days, contemplating the fact so many travelled so far for the occasion. Which, being the case in most gatherings, surprised him he had not spotted a drop of whiskey. The more he pondered the worse it left him until he decided to drop the topic from his mind entirely. Soon he began to pick up on some commotion outside, away from the thick murmur of the crowds. Sure enough, the bay door began to rattle. He sweeped the blaster from his lap, gliding to his feet in aim at the intruder as the door slid open.


"Evenin' light paws,"

He quickly remarked at the alleged thief as he looked him over.


((Score one for posting on the way out the door to you know where.))

[andas009]

Zen had opened the bay door to find a man, a Mandalorian by the looks of it, pointing a blaster to his head. The remark startled him, but he tried not to show it. Attempting to reason with the Mandalorian, and hoping he wouldn't kill him in cold blood for stop running guns for his people, he let out the words in his most persuasive voice possible. 

"Hey, take it easy! I mean no harm, but unless you want the authorities to arrest you to, i suggest you find me a nice little hiding spot!" 

Outside, Zen heard the commotion of the guards checking the ship next to them, gesturing for the Mandalorian to listen, and slowly began to reach for his blaster just in-case. 


(OOC: Know it's short, but i don't know how to really make it longer under the circumstances.) 

[Krowbar]

Blitz studied the Amaran cautiously, quite unsure how to take him.

"Well hell then, I'd imagine they'd appreciate my helping stop you in that case."

On second thought, he had had enough run ins with the law. Enough translating into one. No matter the circumstances, the bastards always seemed to turn the tide against him in some form. In some ways he pitied Zen for being forced to deal with them, whatever he may have done. The broad cargo bay offered a vast array of locations to make a four year old child to a ninja feel secure, although time was to be of the essence as the stoic approaching voices seemed to confirm his story. Regardless, he could deal with the man's situation after their departure. For housing him in his ship, even in his current state, they may attempt to charge with aiding fugitive, or otherwise with conspiring. He nodded his head towards the large, inconspicuous crate that laid centered in the bay as he spoke crudely with a sigh.

"Damned if I do, damned if I don't. Go cram your ass in the box."


He moved to position himself in a way to cover both the mysteriously empty crate and the doorway, just to be safe. Scooping his helmet off from the floor and back onto his skull, he listened intently as the men approached.

[andas009]

After those words came out of the Mandalorians mouth, relief flooded over Zen as he hurriedly slammed himself into the box. After tucking himself in a corner, he tried to breathe as quiet as possible, hearing the Mandalorian and the guards converse outside. Atleast it appeared as if the guards didn't want to check most of the crates, but he did hear them open a few. After hearing what he thought was the footsteps going down the bay doors, presumably the guards, he took a big gamble and knocked on the crate door. 

"Are they gone?"  Zen asked in a high-pitched nervous voice. 

[Krowbar]

Once again, he found and relived his hatred of the law. From the moment of the encounter the men were obviously weary of him. Through the constant tense, and at points heated arguments he finally managed to quickly, and legally, kick them out of his cruiser with a smug grin. Somewhat thankful he wasn't forced to waste any unnecessary bolts, he made his way back to the crate, booting the lid off half carelessly with a bit of ruckus.

"So kid, what've you gotten yourself into?"

[andas009]

Zen flinched back when the top of the crate broke open, fearing it was one of the guards. When he realized that it was the Mandalorian, he quickly answered the question. 

"It's a long story, let's just say a business meeting went sour. I didn't have time to fire back after he revealed he wasn't exactly my client. So, here i am! Don't worry, I'm no enemy of your people, i even use-"  



Zen abruptly cut off, making sure not to reveal the fact that he wasn't in Mandalorian Service anymore.  

"I mean, i even run weapons for them sometimes. My cargo here, though, was completely unrelated i assure you. Perhaps something having to do with the slave trade. By the way, the name's Zen." 

Zen reached his hand over to the Mandalorian, offering him a handshake.