|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 4, 2008 14:59:14 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 4, 2008 14:59:14 GMT -5
Italia and her motley crew had FINALLY arrived on Saleucami, the Ghost Star slowly coming to rest on an out of the way landing platform. The giant trees and muggy atmosphere making it difficult to see far. Caldera City was strewn about them in a haphazard manner but the jungle like atmosphere gave it an almost calming appearance. Leaning back in her seat, Italia glanced over at Daryn, giving him a quirky smile.
Not bad at all fly boy. Thanks for gettin' us here in one piece.
She stated with a genuine smile now.
Okay, so Daryn, you keep the ship ready for take off, I've a feeling we'll need a fast get away. Cuir, you and Owen are with me, we're gonna do some recon first. I have no idea where this bugger could be.
She instructed, looking at each for their reactions.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 5, 2008 22:18:38 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 5, 2008 22:18:38 GMT -5
As Italia explained everything, Cuir opened the slot where his sword was held and placed it into the sheath on his back. He made sure his armor was on right giving him all the necessary range of motion. He would need the protection, yes, but if he was fast enough, he wouldn't need to worry about getting hit at all. You couldn't hurt what you couldn't hit.
His throwing knives were in his bandolier strapped across his chest reaching his right gauntlet forward he made a fist and a 6-inch blade shot out with a shlick-noise. He opened his hand and the blade slid back into place. Everything in the armor seemed to be in working order.
Finally he threw his tan desert robe over his outfit to hide most of the armor and weaponry. It would be best if most of the locals didn't know that a couple of bounty hunters, two of them mandalorians, were running around their city.
Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur, stated Cuir in Mando'a, he stood up straight, ready for action, "Ready when you are."
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 10, 2008 15:41:33 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 10, 2008 15:41:33 GMT -5
Once they'd settled down, light as a feather, Daryn began the power down sequence and putting all the systems back into standby...not shutting it down, because she was the only one with the codes to get it back to where it should be...but to conserve power and be ready to go should they need to get out of here in a hurry. Leaning back, he swiveled the chair around and crossed his arms behind his head, giving her that grin in return and winking.
"Told you I was good, darlin', and worth every credit you are spending."
Shrugging at her next words, he gave a sigh.
"If you say so, but I don't like the idea of being benched. I'm not all great and Mandalorian...but I'm a bounty hunter too...and good at it. But, if you hurry back, I'll show you what else I'm good at...."
He flashed another teasing, flirtatious grin and then spun back around. There still was that sensor array to look at....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 10, 2008 15:53:12 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 10, 2008 15:53:12 GMT -5
She chuckled as she listened to Cuir's statement, tossing her rusty red cloak over her own armor.
Oya!
She replied, before turning to Daryn.
Don't worry, I'm not trying to ruffle feathers here...I'm just trying to make sure we get out of here in one piece. I don't trust this place much, especially when it comes to my ship. So, I'm sorry for asking you to be a guard dog, but...that and like I said before, I think we'll be needing a quick get away and you're our best shot at that.
She stated with a mild shrug as she slipped her blaster into it's holster and her daggers into their slots in her boot and on her left arm.
Keep a good eye on her Daryn, I'm counting on you.
With that she nodded to the others to follow her out of the ship.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 18, 2008 18:55:04 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 18, 2008 18:55:04 GMT -5
Cuir flicked a glance over to Daryn after his comment then back to Italia. Well he was pretty certain that at some point, this could get really interesting back on board this ship. Of course three guys and only one woman onboard. Of course he was slightly amused by the fact that Daryn was still trying as hard as he was to get Lia in bed with him.
Cuir shrugged and let Italia take the lead. He had been to this planet before, but that was over fifty years ago, before that whole incident that brought him here. Any contacts that he might have had would no doubt be long gone, or not remember him. Well either way it didn't really matter.
"Our best bet would probably be to hit up a couple of cantinas in the area. No doubt any Besalisks in the area would stick out pretty well considering the races that typically live here," said Cuir, "Last time I was here it was mostly Wroonian, Twi'lek and Weequay around here."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 18, 2008 20:19:26 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 18, 2008 20:19:26 GMT -5
Italia nodded slightly and smiled slightly at Cuir. He was right that the races here were mostly those three, but the planet had diversified somewhat, and one could find more of other races more often...however, Besalisks were not among those that preferred to visit this planet for no particular reason.
There has to be a reason why he's here....I mean beside the fact that he's running from the military.
She said thoughtfully, as she walked along one of the streets, glancing at the various buildings they passed along the way.
I don't think there's anything of interest to him here though...maybe the Twileks as slaves, but....from what I know he wasn't in the slave trade.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 0:45:26 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 0:45:26 GMT -5
Cuir shrugged under the armor, "No reason why he couldn't change his mind. It's surprising what some beings will do when they're desperate and on the run."
He looked around at the area they were in. The city had changed little in the fifty years since he'd been here. There were people of differing backgrounds and while it was still made up of the majority of the races he had already mentioned, a large smattering of other races were also represented well.
It was a good thing, it'd mean that two humans wouldn't stand out as much. But a four-armed Besalisk, that was a different story.
"Well, if I was wanted by the military and had osik for brains, I'd probably hole up in some inn, and bury myself in my bottle. Unless he decided to hide out in one of the colonies farther out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 0:55:31 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 0:55:31 GMT -5
She shrugged slightly and looked over at him, pausing slightly in her walk.
So where to first? The cantina idea is still a good one, but from what I've heard, he's not one to....
She paused and stared across the street at a shop where the door was just closing. Could they really be so lucky? Italia grabbed Cuir's cloak and pulled him closer to where she was as she slipped into the shadows and started walking through them in the direction of the shop on the other side of the street. The longer they could stay hidden the better.
You might not believe this, but....I think we just got lucky hun.
She muttered to him, flashing Cuir a bright smile.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 1:48:01 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 1:48:01 GMT -5
He glanced in the direction to which she was referring. However, he was only quick enough to see the door close behind whoever was in there. Sometimes he wished his enhancements had included infrared vision. Sure his vision was excellent, but it would be incredibly useful to see through solid objects once in a while.
"You sure?" asked Cuir, not doubting but curious, "I've never been on a hunt where things were this easy."
He close his hand into a fist letting the blade within shoot out. He would be unable to use his sword in a place like that. He listened hard trying to discern any noises from within and see what was going on inside. While he could make out voices he couldn't discern any words.
"I hear some voices with in, but I can't make out anything," whispered Cuir, "I say you first, I it's him just whistle. It'd be less suspicious then if two cloaked persons wander in."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 2:05:07 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 2:05:07 GMT -5
She chuckled slightly and nodded.
Fortunately, I tend to be rather lucky when it comes to hunts like this. It's odd actually.
Italia stated and smiled before she opened walked across the street and into the shop. The doorbell rang as she entered and blinked a few times allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim light within. Looking around, she found herself in a small...spice shop? Was this some kind of joke? Everything a druggy would possibly want was in this shop. Blinking again, she shook her head and wandered down one of the isles in search of the hushed voices. As she got nearer, she interested herself in a glass bowl that doubled as a pipe. God she hated this job some times. It reminded her too much of some of the men who had worked with her on the Ghost Star before.
Peeking her head around the shelf, she looked for the only marking she needed to see...a moon shaped birthmark on his first upper right arm. Nothing. Cursing mentally, she exited the shop and sighed, happy for the fresh air. Walking back over to Cuir, she shook her head slightly, the beads in her hair clinking softly together.
No good. The mark I told you about...the one on his arm....it wasn't there. That and the voice was too different from the sound bite they sent me. Looks like we'll have to keep looking.
She said with a slight cough. The smoke inside the shop certainly hadn't helped her lungs any.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 2:21:01 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 2:21:01 GMT -5
Cuir gave her an innocent look as she wandered back outside. He had gotten a whiff of the shop and had been instantly aware of what kind of shop if actually was. It sucked how being able to smell stuff like that, only a hundred times stronger. Well at least he wouldn't have to worry about getting tipsy off of it.
"What's wrong, cyr'ika?" asked Cuir his tone mock-serious, "You didn't want to buy some death sticks?"
He shrugged, "Well since he's not a drinker apparently, let's check a few of the inns. Might be a good idea to slice into the records back at Customs. he might be able to change his name but he can't change his race."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 2:34:02 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 2:34:02 GMT -5
She glared up at him and coughed again. God she hated smoke of any kind, but especially drug smoke.
No, I decided to come back out here and rethink my life.
Italia countered snippily before she coughed once again and shook her head. Now was NOT the time to have a coughing fit. Huffing slightly, she leaned against the wall and folded her arms across her chest.
Yes, I suppose that would be the best idea...better than searching the entire damn city anyway. Next shop I see a Besalisk walk into, you're going in...not me Mr. I-can-handle-anything.
She added running a hand through her short auburn hair. Sighing, she closed her eyes for a moment, thinking.
If he is into the slave trade, we should also check the dealers and the twi'lek parts of town. Also, there's a fairly big weapons trader near by...he might be there.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 2:44:10 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 2:44:10 GMT -5
Cuir snorted, "Aww, you're getting us a Twi'lek? I didn't things were that lacking between us, but I appreciate the gesture. Maybe we can get a pretty blue one."
He nodded in agreement with her as he thought about it more, "We should also check any speeder dealers or rentals, in case he decided to take a trip to any of the outlying colonies."
Probably, less than an hour onplanet and Cuir was already starting to hate this place. Not that he had been so fond of it the last time he was here. Of course last time he was here he wasn't hunting anything.
Cuir gave her a small smile, "Well look at the bright side, at least he wasn't smart enough to head back to Ojom. We could have tons of fun looking for him there."
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 2:47:24 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 19, 2008 2:47:24 GMT -5
Meanwhile, Daryn found himself underneath the command console of her ship. He'd managed to cut power to it without affecting the rest of the ships systems. It took a bit of rewiring and a few power shunts, but it was worth while. Italia wanted to be able to leave at a moment's notice, after all...but he really wanted to get this done too.
Parts of the sensor array was splayed out across the floor. He'd taken out the whole control system for it and had stripped it down so it could be rebuilt. It wasn't bad...but it had a whole lot more potential. He hated to keep things at factory spec. There was simply so much more that could be done.
He'd shrugged off that jacket, throwing it over the back of the co-pilot's chair. He was currently up under the console, rewiring the connections to improve feedback.
"Well, if I get stuck babysitting...I'm at least going to do something useful. Maybe I should add this to my hiring fee?"
He mused over the idea good-naturedly as he continued.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 3:10:05 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 3:10:05 GMT -5
She nodded to Cuir and sighed slightly. Pulling out her com-link, she brought up the code for the Ghost Star.
Hey, you any good at hacking fly boy? We could use some info from customs if you can get it for us.
She said, hoping he was still around. Little did she know he was directly beneath the control console.
Cuir, see if you can get anything useful out of that data console over there, hmm? The one for the inn we just passed.
She stated, nodding in the direction of the previously mentioned inn.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 3:35:00 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 3:35:00 GMT -5
Cuir headed over to the data console and began working his magic. He only had limited ability in slicing into computer systems, but fortunately he was a fast learner, and it seemed apparent that the people in charge had no aptitude for computer security. He was inside the system with in minutes, looking through manifests and any signs of their thusfar elusive quarry.
So far only two Besalisks had checked into here within the last month, and while no doubt one of them was their look alike, the other had to be the target. Unfortunately he seemed to have checked out within the last few days. It seemed as if he had moved on although where to Cuir would be unable to say.
Logging off the console he headed back over to Lia, "It seems he was here recently in the last few days, but he checked out a few days ago. Tell Daryn to check and see if any Besalisks have left the planet in the last couple of days."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 14:11:15 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 14:11:15 GMT -5
She nodded slightly to Cuir and relayed the question to Daryn, before waiting for his reply. As they waited, Italia rested her head back against the wall of the building she was leaning against.
By the way, no...we are NOT getting a Twi'lek, thank you very much. But now I know what race to keep you away from just in case things do get bad.
She stated, sticking her tongue out slightly at him, her nose scrunching up slightly. Honestly, normally she wouldn't have cared who did whom, but with Cuir it was different now...she very much DID care who he did or didn't do. Chuckling slightly, Italia could hardly believe that she was actually thinking such things.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 14:58:18 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 14:58:18 GMT -5
Cuir sighed patiently, "Well, I guess maybe I can still hope for one for my birthday."
He shrugged then leaned on the wall next to Italia. Things were certainly becoming interesting between them, although he thought he sensed a hint of jealousy in Italia's tone, but he shook it off. She knew he was only joking, hopefully. Of course if she didn't he might be in a little bit of trouble later. Ticking off a Mando woman wasn't usually the smartest of ideas.
Well he'd worry about it later. Right now he wouldn't to find that di'kut Besalisk, before the stupid thing escaped off planet. Knowing how long it took them to get to this planet, he really didn't want to have to spend anymore time stuck on that ship with Daryn if he could avoid it.
"Well after we get Daryn's reply, the next move is your decision," stated Cuir simply, "This is your hunt after all. Although he may be the kind of Besalisk who is looking for a good time and we all know where that would mean."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 15:12:33 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 15:12:33 GMT -5
She nodded slightly and lifted her head again, green eyes blinking over at him.
Yeah, I had the same thought. I guess we'd best be going hmm? Last time I was here the guys on the Ghost Star were all talking about how there was one place above the rest, and known for selling out it's girls...I suppose we should check there first.
With that, Italia headed in the direction of the red light district...well...not actually, it was really just the area between the more twi'lek part of the city and the multicultural part, but for all the different 'shops' that were there it might as well have been a red light district. Nudging Cuir in the correct direction, she took the lead once more. It wasn't more than a five minute walk, but it felt like eternity to Lia since she hated places like this. She'd never been a fan of slavery, but to be a slave in THIS kind of life...it just disgusted her. Perhaps it was un-Mandolorian of her to think that way, after all if you weren't strong enough to keep your freedom you either died or were enslaved, but she detested this kind of treatment of anyone unless they deserved it.
As they entered the dingy part of the city, various girls held out hands from between bars, touching any man they could, their different colored skins contrasting against the reds and creams of the wooden poles that held them from their freedom. One particular girl, a blue twi'lek, managed to get hold of Cuir's arm, and she stood up against the poles, smiling seductively at him.
|
|
|
|
|
Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
|
|
last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2008 15:48:19 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 15:48:19 GMT -5
Cuir followed Italia into the city's red-light district. Looking around he saw the debased forms of slavery that took place here. He despised slavery, especially the forms of imprisonment and torture that slaves sometimes had to endure. It reminded him of his own childhood too much. He clenched one of his hands into a fist in anger.
An attractive blue Twi'lek snapped him out of his reverie as she grabbed a hold of his arm and smiled at him. He was almost tempted to snap the wooden bars and break her and her cellmates out. But then he'd blow their cover.
Fortunately he knew some Twi'leki, and perhaps she could help them find their quarry.
He addressed her in her native tongue, ["I have a deal for you. How would you like to be free?"]
She smiled coyly, probably getting the wrong impression, ["Anything to help you."]
Cuir shook his head, ["No, nothing like that. We need a guide, and you probably know your way around better than anyone. Do you speak Basic?"]
Her eyes twinkled slightly, hope hidden behind her mask of affected interest. She nodded her head.
Cuir grinned slightly, "Good. Give me a sec."
He looked back at Italia, "I think we've got someone who can help us. If that's okay with you."
He headed over to the slaveowner, "How much for the blue one over there?"
The slave owner, a pudgy Toydarian grinned a toothless grin, "Oh, you like? Well she is a rare one, and extremely talented at what she does. You must have a keen eye."
Cuir's face was deadpan, "Yeah, me and my partner over there, have unique interests, if you catch my drift."
The Toydarian's grin grew even wider, "Well if that's the case, she's easily worth 10,000 credits."
Cuir glared laser bolts at the Toydarian, making the flying bug's grin falter, "Uh, how about 5,000 credits?"
Cuir sneered, "How about I give you 1,000 credits, and you get to keep your wings? No slave collar or chains, and I swear to Xendor, if she's got an active transmitter still in her I'll be back to blow your brains out."
"D-d-deal," stammered the Toydarian.
Cuir paid the alien and watched as he opened the cage, releasing the Lutian Twi'lek. She looked at Cuir and then Italia, confusion evident on her face. No doubt she didn't expect Cuir to actually keep his word.
Cuir nodded towards Italia, while speaking to the Twi'lek, "Come on, you're with us."
|
|
|
|