Collision Course

[Mara]

(((Discussion thread found here.)))


He could hear the Hutt's booming laughter up above him. Probably laughing at an antic of one of his slave girls. Other hangers-on and throne room groupies joining in along with him for fear of looking weak in the giant worm's presence. Standing off to the side would be the bounty hunter, watching everything but not participating, waiting for payment or perhaps another assignment.
The giant armored human with the carefree attitude, something that had unnerved the captive, because it seemed the guy was enjoying himself too much. But what had bothered him the most during the trip had been the droid, the endless nattering droid, who was likely standing by his partner, doing more of the same.

The young man wasn't exactly sure where he was, just somewhere in the dungeon-like basement of the hulking being's palace. Only a couple days had passed since his whole world had turned upside down. Flavio Artaga had been having the time of his life, partying it up with his friends on Umgul, dancing and drinking and all around being a rowdy privileged son of a rich father. But then the bounty hunter had come in firing in all directions, and in the chaos had grabbed him. He had been too shocked to fight back, and now here he was, tied up in some Hutt's closet.

In reaction, he jerked at his bonds for the millionth time, once again finding out they were secured tightly. He sighed and slumped back against the cold stone behind him. Instead of attempting futile escape, he started thinking over again about why he was even here, awaiting... something.
What, he wasn't quite sure. The Hutt's goons were feeding him, so keeping him alive seemed to be a priority, at the moment. Maybe they wanted hefty ransom from his father. But if that had been the case, Flavio knew he wouldn't have seen even a night in this awful place and dismissed the idea once again. The heir of BlasTech felt all alone, and the fear was creeping in.


* * * *


Across the city, a distinguished-looking Falleen was addressing his troops within a nondescript prefab building that blended in with the landscape and looked just like all the rest of its neighbors on the street. Here lay a newly minted cell of the Exchange and given charge of this enterprise was Fre Zalq, a lifer who had finally earned this new responsibility. Of course, it kept him away from home for longer intervals, but his wife had long grown used to his absences. Absences explained away by his cover,  but very real, job of diplomat and aristocrat. Pirega hadn't any idea what her husband did in his spare time and never would if he had any say in it.

Before him was a team of eight individuals, hired guns and mercenaries who had been contracted for a very important mission. Since the operation on Tatooine was still fairly new, Zalq had needed to go with some outside help; a strong contingent of Exchange agents had yet to be assigned to this location. But if all went well with his current assignment, not only would a commendation be in order for the older and robust Falleen, but his superior would have enough faith in Tatooine to send more members to strengthen the enterprise and bring it up to par with the others.

"Now... you all understand why you are here?" Dark eyes scanned those arrayed in front of him and then a clawed finger pointed at the small holo display. Upon learning of the Hutt's new prize and informing his chief, Zalq had been tasked with breaking into Greegar's stronghold and taking the boy for themselves. A successful retrieval would give the fledgling group influence and if all went well, a direct line to arm themselves with the latest weaponry and technology from BlasTech. "We will infiltrate here..." And he proceeded to explain the plan to those gathered there, beings he would be leading into the Hutt's nest soon.


* * * *


[...from the Healing Touch]

At the shuttle's hatchway, Jedi Knight Xierra Zalq took a moment to pull the hood over her head, tucking in her hair. Tatooine was a sandy, dusty, windy planet, and she wanted to guard against such irritants. She and her companions had decided to dress rather commonly, lightsabers hidden under layers; as well, their transport held no insignia from the Order or the Republic. For this mission to go off without a hitch, they needed to blend in, attracting little to no attention for themselves as they went about their business. The Falleen had switched out her usual Jedi attire for a lighter material to guard against her reptilian body overheating in the blaze of the twin suns. Her Trandoshan counterpart had taken similar measures, as well as the human but not to the same extent.

The Jedi trio were here on bequest of the the Republic Chancellor. Apparently she was worried about the kidnapping of a CEO's son by the Hutts. She wanted to send a message to the cartel by dispatching Jedi to get the boy back, instead of just the usual channels of hostage negotiation or ransom payment. And though Xierra had broken off into the sect of the Blades, she still registered the authority of the Republic, even if she did not believe in its and the Jedi's position on the war, and had accepted this mission. And the ongoing war had played a great part in her decision; after the awful debacle at Gargon, this rescue assignment seemed just what she needed to de-stress and recuperate. Something low-key and away from the front lines where she could feel useful without the stress of battle.

With a deep breath to brace herself, she stepped slowly down the ramp and out into the full force of Tatooine's suns. Xierra took a moment to let herself acclimate to her surroundings, as much as she could, before going a few more paces from the shuttle. They had landed at one of the minor spaceports, as close as they could get to their destination without arousing too much suspicion. She, Master Balkk, and Knight Stark had discussed plans during the journey over, but now that they were actually here, they would have to finalize their strategy for getting the young Artaga out, taking into account the unpredictable nature of the planet and their targets.

[Valcor]

    "Haha this is awesome!" Shorza said with a wide grin as he lightly tossed a handful of credits up and down in his palm, a large computer screen flashing in front of him.  "Getting paid this much just to watch some cameras? This Hutt must be in some real trouble huh Hex?" the red Zabrak child said over his shoulder to his large imposing droid companion.  Hex made no move to respond, feeling much more on edge about this job than his small child charge.  The droid found it odd as well that a Hutt would hire a child like Shorza.  It was not that the boy was unqualified to do the job, more than qualified actually, but it was just this Hutt seemed to have more security around him than any Hex had been around, and it put the robot on edge.  At least the security room was connected to the main chamber, relaxing the droid a bit as he knew that most of the occupants of the next room were trained killers and at least for the moment, were on the boy's side.

    Shorza slowly flipped through the security cameras, thumbing the controls for the security functions lightly as he did.  The child sat as lazily as one could imagine.  His feet were propped up on the table in front of him, food littered the ground around him, and the child wore next to no clothing save for a pair of briefs.  If he was going to sit around all day, at least he was going to be comfortable.  That's the way the child thought, and no one seemed to care so far.  Slowly the boy stretched his red and black arms out to his sides, letting the air under his back as he arched it before leaning back down into the chair once more.  "Hex can you go grab me some more water?" The boy asked without turning his head as he slowly flipped through security cameras once more.

    Slowly the droid obeyed, heading out into the main chamber to find the boy what he requested.  Hex was not naturally an inquisitive droid, but the cluster of mercenaries around a hole drew his attention. Quickly the droid peered over the crowed only to find a single young man only a few years older than Shorza chained to the wall.  While this did not surprise the droid, he did make a note of it, as he recalled no mention of a prisoner when given the job.  For some reason this gave the droid an uneasy feeling as he continued towards the drinks.

[Kaelan]

Nightmares again. Or maybe he should call them premonitions? That’s how Master Kha’si used to call them. The Jedi Master always told her Padawan not to be scared of them, to just ease into it to understand the message it was trying to get through. Easier said than done. Even now, as a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Kaelan had trouble understanding them. The sounds were too fast for him to actually listen, like when a speeder passes you by as fast as it can. The images were easier, at least most of the time. They varied more than the noisy background, sometimes they were dark, others bright, sometimes he could only make out the shapes, while others were clear. One thing was for sure though, they had never been anything but annoying. They didn’t share any useful information, like his Master claimed in the past, and even if they did, it made less sense to Kaelan than a thin Hutt.

This wasn’t his first mission, and it wouldn’t be the last if he had anything to say about it, but he still treated it with the importance that these things deserved. He had gone over the data the Republic was able to obtain at least a dozen times, and memorized most of the necessary map, as was common in military operations. His equipment was ready and each piece had been double-checked. The attire he normally used would probably stand out too much, even if it was just white and blue, and actually very simple. But anyway, he decided to keep the “brown look” by wearing light armor on top of usual Jedi robes, which would protect him from the hellish heat, help him in a fight, and, make him look dashing. All of equal importance, as I am sure you know. This armor, which was only a slightly brighter tone of brown than the robes, covered his entire upper body up to the neck, the hands, the forearms, shoulders, as well as the feet and up to his knees. The robes covered his legs, and its hood emerged from under the armor, resting on his back.

Kaelan had meditated all he could before arriving, as well as they occasional nap, to save his strength of course. He hadn’t personally met the other Jedi before, and they almost didn’t talk about anything other than the mission during the trip, so that didn’t change much. He had a pack on his back, which carried all sorts of useful stuff, but most importantly, water, lots of it. Not bringing all of the crucial liquid he could carry on this misson, was like not taking a coat to Hoth. Kaelan emerged from the vessel and walked up to his fellow Jedi, filling his lungs with the warm air –“Ever been here before?”- He said while looking around.

[Juzt]

Simo half listened to the Falleen drone on endlessly in the background. The Rodian was tall and wiry. His six feet seven inch frame was folded in to a chair his long legs with their tired looking boots were crossed and lying on a desk top. His eyes were half closed and he looked almost asleep, with his long coat wrapped around him like it was a blanket. He gave the impression that if a bomb went off, he would not be fazed and would still be contentedly folded up in his chair.

Simo was thirty, and had spent most of his adult and indeed childhood involved in crime in some ways. From his days as a runner for the gangs on Rodia, to more recent jobs for the Hutts and independent bounty hunting. He had never really worked for the exchange before, but in the end to him one job was much like the next. He shot people up, got paid or if things went badly wrong escaped with his life. His large red multifaceted eyes scanned the in his view pathetic collection of pistol jockeys. He wondered how many would come back, then realised he did not really care. There was no one Simo really liked certainly not the Falleen leading this sorry group. He had been the Falleen once except on the Hutt side, caring about getting Kudos off his employers. However, he had very quickly realised that being under the thumb of a boss was dangerous. True the rewards were higher but in the end you were to convenient and easy to get rid of by their whim, as he had found out to his cost. If he could he would get out as quickly as possible. Though it was nice to be back into work after the tribulations with the Pirate group Spearpoint. There was still a score to settle with one of their former leaders.

Simo, he yawned loudly and obviously, and smiled inwardly. It was time to see how much he could or could not manipulate this guy.

[Thaddeus]

Balkk was dressed as he always was in the plain robes of the Order, no ornamentation or little bit of personal flair could be found upon them. Even the belt which held his lightsaber was austere and his lightsaber hilt itself, plain leather encasing the metal, only added to his monkish appearance. He knew little of his fellow Jedi; they were very new to the Order… or at least new in Balkk’s mind for the Trandoshan Jedi could recall the knighthood ceremonies for most of the High Council. Nor had he talked much during the journey, preferring instead to meditate although when he was directly asked a question he had responded with his usual taciturn manner.

In meditation he could sense the lack of balance in each of his companions, the Falleen had fought at Gargon it was easy to understand how anyone could be unbalanced by the events on that planet, but the Knight Kaelan had not been there. But Balkk was not perturbed he trusted in the Force, no matter the odds or the foes – or the allies – he would follow the Force. Under his breath he murmured in a low growl,

“The Force guidesss the willing, and dragssss the unwilling.”

Tatooine again Balkk thought as he reached out in the Force to sense the planet. It was becoming like an old friend, a more suspicious being may have wondered at all the events which constantly drew them back to the one planet but as always Balkk simply trusted in the Force. He was the last to disembark, carrying nothing except his robes and saber – certainly the heat would not worry him at least. He had to duck while in the shuttle, and having meditated most of the way, was glad to stretch out to his full height. He loomed behind his companions and at the question from Kaelan with a nod answered,

“Yessss.”

It simply did not occur to Balkk to offer any more elucidation about his time here, he was asked a question and he had answered it, to say anymore would be to waste time and energy. The objective of the mission was simple: rescue the boy and show the Hutts that even their power had limits. The latter part was the reason for three Jedi when merely one could have rescued the young Flavio Artaga.

Under the blistering heat of the twin suns Balkk stood unmoving, the only sign of life the slow and steady breathing and his two great yellow eyes which flicked from each Jedi. Some may have offered a plan to move forward but this was Balkk, singular in more ways than one was this Trandoshan Jedi Knight.

[Krowbar]

Silently Blitz leaned into the grey column behind him with an inaudible groan. Although no one could tell it, he was actually paying attention to every detail he heard. The entire thing didn't sound very promising. Working with an unfamiliar group was dangerous enough, but he hated dealing with hostages. If worse came to worst, he hoped not to have to put a bolt in the kid to save his own skin, even though he'd likely be worse off for doing it. It didn't matter at this point. He was running out of work when he got contracted for this nonsense. People don't seem to hold a grudge like they used to, so resorting to charity work like this was the only option.

But Tatooine itself? Not great, but he's been stuck on less pleasant hell holes for quite a while, so a little sandstorm is closer to a vacation than an inconvenience. His head craned up slightly at the Falleen, with the grey outlining of his armor blending in with the column behind him. This op had him a little more on edge than most, and he was just waiting for his chance to get out of dodge. His red beskar'gam shuffled slightly as he stood upright, drawing his focus back to the diagram in front of them. He immediately started placing his bets as to where the intricate plan would inevitably in his mind fail. Still, he'd had contact with the Hutt's before and knew he could be going up against anything. A quick glance around the other seven men brought a feeling of uneasiness. He knew he needed to be the last man in depending on how quickly things went down. Typically he would volunteer to put up over watch or something of the sort, but I didn't look like that was an option. He'd just have to roll the dice once again.

[Iceology]

The Hutt was disgusting. A slimy conglomeration of flesh and oddly worm like appearance. It was a wonder that they'd become such a power in the galaxy but the up side was that they paid well and he wasn't about to lose a contract because of appearance. No, no Icarus wouldn't want anyone judging him by his own appearance so he might as well have kept his opinion to himself. Regardless, he was just happy that the young heir's capture went off without a hitch even with all the blaster fire rampaging everything around them. Of course, he didn't have much time to speak with the boy but something told him he wouldn't want to. Usually when someone was taken against their will they didn't have anything to nice to share with their captors. At least, most of them. He'd met quite a few crazy miscreants in his life and knowing how their brain worked they'd probably thank him.

Unfortunately this place was just as crazy. The stronghold wasn't the nicest accommodation by any means but the main room was at least a bit more cared for. Maybe it was just the fact that all the people inside made it look cleaner or more presentable. The slave girls were also a welcome distraction, however he made a point of not looking at them to long lest anyone get any ideas about him. Thankfully his visor protected his expressions from those wanting to pry. Not only that but it kept out the disgusting smells, from the stronghold as well as any other filthy place he'd hope to enter anytime soon. His ID scanner was also an idle distraction, each person heading past it instantly lighting up his visor. Somehow he could take a wild guess that if the place looked like squalor, the people probably were too. These people however paid and that was all he needed to know.

They weren't much for fun however, it seemed to be that whatever the Hutt wanted everyone else wanted the same thing. A bunch of followers too fearful to go their own way. It wasn't surprising, the Hutt's practically breed fear like it was livestock. That didn't stop Icarus from bringing plenty of weapons however. Each one glinting with the freshly shined look that he so desired from them. His light saber was tucked away within his boot, both blasters in their holsters on his back and side respectively. He'd even taken the time to get some more...exciting tech off of Nar Shaddaaa. Though the products were iffy, it was no doubt that they would work well. Companies didn't have to follow protocol in the lower sectors after all, so all of the best things could be found there if one was willing to pay out for it.

Hopefully this score would refund him the money he had lost on all the supplies. So far, he'd managed to procure a Corellian Trickster Decoy, CryoBan Grenades, Stun Grenades, Fire Grenades, Regular Grenades, sleep grenades, breach grenades and shock grenades. He'd even managed to attain an SFX Smoke generator. Even though it was used for entertainment purposes, it didn't mean they could suit his needs as well. The many items lined his body on a long belt that looped over one shoulder and around the waist on the other side. It was covered front to back by them and no doubt if anyone paid close attention to him they'd notice how much he actually had. Truth be told he didn't trust the Hutt's as far as he could throw them. He probably couldn't even pick them up for that matter. If they ended up betraying him, he'd want to be prepared. If not, he'd be able to blow them all back into the desert before he died.

No, it was more likely they wouldn't betray the hired help so easily when they had so much to gain from keeping them. They wouldn't screw him over on his cut regardless. Now all he had to do was wait and try to keep his sanity with the company he had. Not like it was much. His CL Service droid had insisted on coming in with him and wouldn't shut its mouth. At this point, Icarus had done a decent job of tuning it out but eventually it's words came back in to focus again.

"You see these other bounty hunters boss? These guys are the real deal, why can't you be more like them! I mean, they look like serious business. I bet they get the high contracts and meet women you could only dream of! I know you can't d-"

"Shut up, Ratchet." Icarus said vehemently, obviously sick of the robots taunting. He'd gotten used to it by now but this was no place to be discrediting him, not now.

[Mara]

Her fellow Jedi soon joined her outside the shuttle, into the dusty heat of Tatooine's twin suns. She was ready to get this mission started, but the human--Knight Stark--broke the silence with an idle question. Though the three of them had discussed their plans for executing the rescue of the Artaga teen, they had spoken little else to each other. So what Xierra had at first as an unnecessary distraction, she then took as a welcome tension-breaker. The long flight from Coruscant to deep in outer rim space had made them all a little uptight.

After Balkk answered succinctly in the affirmative, Xierra glanced back at Stark. She shook her head. "I have not." In fact, she had never even been near this sector of the galaxy before. Unless one counted the relative nearness of the planet Falleen where she had been born, as told her by her Jedi caretakers as a child. The reptilian humanoid had been all over the galaxy throughout her career, but had never had the opportunity to step down on Tatooine. And she was beginning to be quite glad that she hadn't had the chance until now. It was quite the barren landscape, not the kind of place she would ever choose to visit. Xierra preferred a different climate altogether, something more humid and tropical with a vast array of shady flora to cool underneath.

But the time for chitchat was over. "Shall we be on our way, then?" she said, stepping away and heading to the spaceport's exit. Her dark eyes began scanning for an appropriate market stall, as the other two fell in behind her. Since the Hutt's stronghold was outside the city, and any kind of approach would be seen from a distance, they could not merely just walk up to the back door and sneak in. Though the others had briefly argued the merits of renting a landspeeder, the Jedi had eventually decided the best method would be to engage the use of local pack animals and appear as long-distance travelers. Blend into the landscape.

Eventually Xierra found was she was looking for, and after a bit of negotiating while her companions waited off to the site, she traded in a pile of credits for three eopies and a quick lesson in eopie riding. They were strange-looking animals, almost frail-like--especially one considered the bulk of the Trandoshan Jedi--but the Rodian seller assured her they were all of sturdy stock. She led the beasts over to the others, making sure Balkk got the biggest one, and they made their way to the outskirts of town, on the side that faced closest to the location of the Hutt's palatial headquarters. Then they all mounted up, she having a bit of difficultly in doing so, having never been astride anything like this before, and started off into the desert.


* * * * *


Fre's information net had gathered some very vital information about Greegar's stronghold on Tatooine. It was fortunate for them that the Hutt didn't spend all his time at his desert palace but instead commuted back and forth to his various locations, depending on his needs and whims at the time. For down around the back, almost shielded by sandy rocks and dunes, was a decommissioned air vent. The vent connected to a tunnel system underneath the building. He and his team would infiltrate there and make their way to the dungeon area where their target was likely being kept.

However, that was the extent of his source's knowledge. Once they all got through, they were on their own as far as navigating the vast lower level of the palace. Fre and his team could be up against anything, though if the disused vent was any indication, they should not come across any trouble until they were closer to the guarded areas. After making their way through any host of abandoned and dusty implements and systems. But he was confident in the hired mercenaries and had already almost given himself the victory on this mission. It was in the bag.

He shut down the holoprojector and looked over the men gathered around him. "If there are no questions, we will be on our way. Be in the hangar in five." The Falleen nodded at them and then walked past them, out of the room. In the corner were a few cases of weapons, in case any of the mercenaries needed to supplement their own personal arsenal. Rifles, pistols, grenades, tons of ammo clips. Anything one might need to infiltrate a Hutt stronghold, grab a hostage, and make it out alive.

The Falleen himself had already stashed his gear down in the hangar in one of the landspeeders resting there: a grenade belt and a light-weight but powerful blaster rifle. Fre had orderedthe special vehicles just for this occasion, equipping them with extra shielding and armor, as well as state-of-the-art jamming equipment. Even if the assault team was spotted by one of the Hutt's lookouts, they wouldn't be able to quickly send out an alert or shoot them down.

Once the others joined him, he slid behind the wheel of the lead 'speeder, instructing the man driving the second one to follow him. The hangar door creaked slowly open, and then they were on their way. Traveling sedately through town, hidden behind their tinted screens. But once they were free of obstacles and had the open desert in their sights, Fre gunned his landspeeder, and they raced forward, a tiny speck in the distance their destination. He couldn't help but grin.


* * * * *


Up in Greegar's throne room, a party was in full swing. A band was playing up-tempo music, scantily clad females were dancing erotically around. Some of the visitors and guards were joining in, while others remained cautious and wary. The Hutt sat up on his dias, chortling and smiling, his large folds jiggling. He couldn't believe his good fortune in having snatched up the BlasTech kid. A few more days he would let the father and the Republic sweat until they realized it was hopeless. And then he could begin to squeeze and squeeze... and BlasTech and all its technology would be his. All his.   Greegar's laugh boomed across the hall, echoing.

Down a level and on the other side of the cavernous palace, Flavio sat in his cell. Wondering what the Hutt had planned. Why he was their prisoner. If he would ever be rescued. When he would get food again. His head slumped down against his chest. The boy who had always had everything at his fingertips was now lacking every comfort. And he didn't like it at all. Nor did he like how he was feeling. Scared. Dejected. Alone. Flavio wanted to be tough for his captors, defiant, but it was getting harder by the hour. He actually thought he might cry.

[Krowbar]

With a roll of his shoulders, Blitz stood up and trailed the Falleen into the hangar.  Intrigued as to where Fre was heading, his focus was broken by the dozens of weapons crates piled in the corner. He'd stocked up prior, but topped up on power cells and detonators regardless.  Despite the cache of metal wealth before him, he resisted the urge to load up with the most valuable arms.  However much of a free gold mine it was, dead weight on an op can get you killed. 

  Locking the last magazine into his belt, he refocused his attention on the Falleen loading up into the speeder. 
Not often the client was willing to get something done themselves.  As the others passed by he subconsciously muttered his thoughts.
"Either he really gives a damn about this op or thinks he can execute us himself." Five minutes later he found himself clambering into the lead vehicle. Taking shotgun, he drew his karambit, instinctively grinding it against his beskar'gam. The blade made a low snarl as it ground against the same spot of armor that housed thousands of scratches from honing the blade's edge. He eyed every man that entered the craft, from human to Rodian and everything in between.  With Fre on board, this was sure to be interesting, but that didn't make him like infiltrating through a retired air vent any more. It was good for one thing, and that was a kill zone. He doubted the Hutts had no knowledge of the entrance, and even if they did, now or at some point it was likely stocked to the brim with lethal traps and devices.

  Didn't matter at this point.  He layed back and watched the scenery fly by as he pondered how many of these grunts would still be breathing in forty eight hours.
 

[Valcor]

    The low thumping of music penetrated Shorza's focus.  It was all the young Zabrak could do to keep himself from getting a migraine.  Weren't kids his age supposed to enjoy this kind of music? Shorza wasn't sure, he didn't really know many people his age involved with galactic crime syndicates like he was, but he did know that if he had to stay around the main hall much longer, he would lose his mind.  Just when Shorza did not think his frustration could get any greater, in burst a twi'lek and some mercenary she had wrapped herself around.  Clearly the pair were intoxicated and searching for somewhere private, but the room they managed to find in their stupidity happened to be the security office.  Shorza cried out in surprise before he saw just who disturbed him, "Gah-aaww c'mon."  Despite the sounds, and looks of disgust, being shot their way, the pair seemed far to distracted with each other to notice the other occupant of their newest love den.

    The red Zabrak face palmed in exasperation before turning and grabbing his scattered clothes, not that he figured his new friends would notice him in his underwear if they were made of credits.  Actually, Shorza took that thought back, the mercenary could probably sniff out a credit a mile away.  Shorza laughed at his own humor before another pound of the bass outside sent his mood back down the toilet.  Just as the Zabrak child had dressed himself back in his cargo pants, tank top, and boots, his faithful companion returned with the water he requested.  Apparently 2 tons of thudding metal was what it took to catch the attention of the two lovers on the ground, as they untangled themselves as quickly as they could to scramble back from the imposing figure of Hex.  Despite how goofy the hulking Hex holding a small glass of water as delicately as he could manage looked to Shorza,  the other two occupants did not find the sight so humorous.  The Twi'lek dancer cried out, somehow still manage to slur even that while the mercenary tried his best to look tough with only one of his arms in the sleeve of his shirt.  

    The confused look Hex gave Shorza after looking over the pair made the young Zabrak chuckle a bit. "Breeding, amiright Hex?" Shorza said rolling his eyes as he swept up his goggles and security monitor pad.  "C'mon Hex, I can't thi-" Shorza tried to say before the macho mercenary threw a drunken punch at Hex.  Despite landing surprisingly squarely on Hex's head, all the strike managed to do was make the red skinned child laugh, rather loudly.  Hex tilted his head to one side in curiosity before glancing over at Shorza for guidance on what to do.  No creature had been foolish, or apparently drunk, enough before to actually attack Hex physically, and it caught the robot off-guard.  Shorza simply shook his head and shrugged before taking his glass of water from his companion.

    Before another strike could land, Hex reached out and grabbed his assailant, his massive gauntlet encasing the entire chest of the unfortunate mercenary to the screams of the Twi'lek.  After detaining the drunkard Hex once again looked to his laughing charge for guidance.  Something about Hex dealing with organics just tickled Shorza, as he was now bent over and crying with laughter.  His only response to Hex's request for direction was a lazy wave of the hand, letting Hex know he could deal with the problem in his own way.  The droid then shrugged slightly before lifting up his massive free hand and flicking the organic in the head, knocking the fool out cold.  This only caused more screams and laughter to erupt from the small room as Shorza fell onto his back and the Twi'elk shrieked.  "C'mon Hex, le-hehe-lets go before I pop an artery." Shorza barely managed to get out between fits of laughter as he got back to his feet.  

    The pair then made their way out of the main hall and into the winding maze like hallways of the compound away from the thumping music for Shorza to relax.  "Did you see her face Hex? haha She was all ~Gah!~" Shorza said to his companion as they walked along, trying his best to imitate the terrified dancer before wiping a tear away from his eye.  "She probably won't be able to use closets for weeks!"  This time Shorza rested one hand on his companions arm as he doubled over in laughter.  Hex only lowered his head slightly, having never meant to frighten the girl so much, he only wanted to protect Shorza.  Well at least he did that much so far.  Despite all that had happened in such a short time frame, something about that prisoner in that pit wouldn't leave the droid's mind.  It was odd.  At least Shorza was far from the action... for now.  "I guess we can post up here big guy.  Seems like a nice uh... hallway?"  The snarky, accented voice of the young boy said as its source slumped down against a wall.  It seemed as though everyone in this compound was completely unaware of how much of a powder keg they were except for Hex, the mute droid.

[Juzt]

Simo eventually kicked away his chair and stood up. His long body unfolded like an accordion, his longs legs propelled him towards the arms table in long easy steps. His red eyes surveyed the assortment of arms. Much of it was junk as far as he was concerned. Shiny brand new. He had a deep mistrust of new weapons and armour, he liked them to look a bit tatty and show a few dents here and there. If that was the case you knew they had been through a fight and worked. He however pocketed a few grenades. The deep pockets of his tattered old coat contained Force knew what. He had no need of the rest anyway, he kept a blaster at his hip. It was old, probably older than he was, its metal was tarnished and the grip was worn but it was in perfect working order. He looked at some of the mercs around him young callow youths with bright and shiny new everything. They would learn fast or die.

He followed the crowd out in no particular hurry, at the front was Fre and not far behind was what looked like someone in mandalorian armour. It had been a long time since he dealt with a Mandalorian, tough uncomplicated fighters he remembered. There had been one who led spearpoint, he had respected if not liked him. Then again Simo disliked everyone. Unconcerned he went into the craft he was one of the last to enter. With a swirl of his coat and heavy sigh he sat down opposite Blitz, though he did not know his name yet. He yawned dramatically, and brought the collar of his coat up around his neck. He stretched his long legs out not caring they were in the way of anyone moving up and down the craft. He closed his eyes and happily took a little nap, his head lazily bumped against the shoulder of the person next to him, and he started to snore softly.

When a Rodian snored it was some how more irritating it came out of his tapier like mouth and snout in an irritating whining sound. He day dreamed of Rodia and the city of Yusk and wondered if a certain attractive female ran the the local crime there. Those had been the days, adventure and fights by the day and a young Simo plying shy courtship to a crime boss. Anyone who knew him would have been surprised he felt fondly of anything or anyone, but those had been the best days of his life.

[Mara]

The three Jedi sat still astride their eopies, the unbearable heat of twin suns pressing against them. Xierra pulled her hood forward and down, trying for as much shade as possible against the blazing light. Though she had prepared and dressed for the oppressive climate, going with lighter attire in both color and material, it was still hard to keep from boiling her reptilian blood. A Falleen, she could not sweat to regulate her temperature like some species. But she drew on the Force and persevered through the discomfort; this was not the time to show weakness. Soon, they would be within the palace and its cooling duracrete walls.

Still a few kilometers from the Hutt stronghold, they had stopped atop a dune to strategize and go over their plan, making adjustments for what they saw in their macrobinoculars and what they sensed through the Force up ahead. There were no visible guards on the perimeter of the building, but that did not mean the Hutt hadn't set up security cams to closely watch over his domain. They discussed the best ways to infiltrate and rescue the kidnapped teenager. But they were in a draw as to how to proceed, whether to approach at the front door, using their guise as lost travelers and talking their way inside. Or whether to find a break in surveillance or defense and break in. In the end, though, they compromised: Stark and Balkk would skirt around to the back to find an egress while Xierra would try to persuade a guard to admit her, acting as distraction while the other Jedi found the boy. Afterwards, they would meet up and get out of there.

Plan settled, Xierra nodded at the other and then urged her eopie forward in a vector that would take her right up to the front gate, while Balkk and Stark swung wide, making for the back of the palace, hoping to arrive  unnoticed. She however, wanted to make her presence known and did not bother to sneak up on the stronghold. The less she could do to make any guards suspicious about her appearance the better. Xierra kept her animal at a steady but slow pace, needing to give her partners as much a head start as possible. And hopefully this whole mission would go off without a hitch, and the Falleen could get off this dusty hell of a planet and back somewhere more comfortable.

Approaching the entrance, she leaned over the neck of her animal, portraying a weariness that it was not hard to fake. She had to do all she could to make the ruse work. Hutts were generally not the hospitable type, especially to strangers wandering out alone. Which is why it was a bonus that she was a Jedi and had control of the Force. Reining in her eopie, she glanced up at the wall,  looking for a way to announce herself. Seeing nothing, she was about to try knocking when something round shot out of hidden panel and jabbered at her in a language she didn't understand. Praying she got the intent correct, she answered, "Just a weary traveler looking for a place to rest for an hour or two." Xierra made sure to keep her head down, hiding her face in shadow. The robotic eye spit something more at her and then disappeared back into the wall.

A moment later, the large door began sliding open, revealing a Klatooinian standing within the dimness. Xierra silently thanked the Force; a weak mind that she could touch was a blessing. This would be easier than she had hoped for. "We are not a hostel. Be on your way," grunted the ugly humanoid. Throwing as much disappointment in her voice as possible, "Please, sir, I am exhausted. I don't know if I could make it another meter out there in that sand. If you could just let me inside for a few minutes. And if you could bring me some water, I would be grateful." She nudged the being with the Force, making her ideas to appear to be his own. And soon he was admitting her inside, calling aside a fellow guard to show her the way while took her eopie away himself. Hiding a smile, the Jedi was led inside the Hutt's stronghold. The first step was completed; now if only Balkk and Stark would having the same level of success.


* * * * *


Obviously it would have been more advantageous and stealthy for the Exchange strike team to have traveled under the cover of darkness. Hiding their arrival when the twin suns disappeared. But Fre had decided smartly that the Hutt's security would be at its highest then, expecting attacks during the night. So he had decided they would go in the heat of the day, when everyone was relaxed and not expecting any kind of breach at all. And even if they were spotted from a distance, he had taken the necessary precautions against guards making trouble for them. This would be easy; he and his team would sneak in, find the kid, grab him, and leave without Greegar being the wiser. And then the Exchange would show the Hutts that Tatooine was no longer solely theirs.

He brought his speeder as close as he dared to the outcrop of rocks blocking the vent that would be their entrance into the stronghold.  Fre needed the vehicle nearby for their escape and did not want to subject it to the suns' rays; a camouflage wrap as well would keep it away from glancing eyes. Once inside, no one would even know they had been there until too late. Shutting them down, the Fallen and his team piled out of their speeders, weapons bristling. Quickly they jogged through the sand over to the spot, finding it exactly where his intelligence had shown it would be. Fre breathed a secret sigh of relief, happy that something was finally going his way. Setting up this cell had been a chore, despite the honor he had been bestowed.

No time to waste, he silently gestured for a team member to step forward and pry it open. The Falleen kept his dark eyes darting around, but he saw no evidence that they had been spotted. No alarms or rushing guards. In fact, it was quiet, excepting for the being working on the vent. They were the only ones to be seen. Fre shrugged and turned his attention back to the opening, staying alert for anything, knowing that they could still be on a hidden holocam somewhere.  But he couldn't shrug off the feeling that they were being watched... and not by someone in a security room. Too late to dwell on it; the vent was open, and they started crawling in one by one.