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Jun 10, 2010 22:22:01 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 10, 2010 22:22:01 GMT -5
(( Part 1 "Tag 'em and Bag 'em" link)) She’d woken to the feel of the ship touching down on Muunilist, her form tensing as she attempted to press her senses out beyond the walls of the ship. Her dreams hadn’t been pleasant…well, they were rarely ever pleasant, but these had been worse than normal: dreams of the other Hounds being tracked and killed or captured because of her. Now, it was true that the so-called team wasn’t much of a ‘team’ in the strictest sense of the term, but they knew and enjoyed each other’s company well enough to consider each other friends and try to meet up when they could. The fact that she woke up feeling like a traitor to them had her deeply troubled. For a moment she lay there, eyes open and staring at the wall, mulling over the dream. It wasn’t that she had given the information to the Empire easily, far from it, but it was simply the fact that she had given it at all (even in her dreams) that had her worried. Why? Surely she would have forced them to kill her rather than give them anything with which to allow them to find the others. As the first active field member, and the second member of the group she had a responsibility to keep the others safe because she would be the first one anyone went after for information short of the General himself…and he was no easy man to get to. The thought gnawed at her angrily for a bit longer before she pushed it down and locked it away with everything else that bothered her. Sitting up, she sighed and tapped lightly on Sender’s chassis, the little avian having powered down nestled in the curl of her and already holding that folded silk cloth in his compartment. With her motion, those red optics faded into existence before he looked around the sterile room, then up at her. His partner looked grim, the angles of her face sharper than he’d seen in a long time. Time to go, Sender.…Rah...A subtle shake of her head silenced him as she pulled on those (nearly forgotten) thin shoes Rizzen had left for her and settled in against the wall, sitting up and watching the door through deep red eyes. It was a bit strange to her, actually, how calm she felt about being handed over to the Empire. This wasn’t to say that she was okay with it, oh no…she was far from okay with this…but she was calm about it. Being anything else wouldn’t help her, only allow them to break her more swiftly. Even with the troubling dream still eating away at the back of her mind, Rahja seemed to be the very image of grim acceptance as she waited for her captor (she still didn’t know his name…not that she particularly cared) to come and deal with her. Oh how he’d have to deal with her…she hoped, for his sake, that he would be in his full armor or have something new up his sleeve when he came to get her, because with Sender on this side of the door she wasn’t about to play nice with those binders. While trained only to beginning padawan level, Rahja was incredibly wily when she wished to be. Years and practice had given her an edge that most didn’t expect, and this came in handy when getting out of situations like this…with binders involved. Telekinetics wasn’t a forte for her, but she knew enough and was handy enough in the skill that she’d worked locks with it before. Locks like those of her cell door were complex and difficult…things she couldn’t manipulate easily without wearing herself out, if she could do so at all, but the locks of binders and small cases or drawers…even low security doors…those things she could unlock with a bit of time. She had Shelk to thank for giving her the idea to work on that skill, and now, faced with possibly being turned over to the Empire…it was about the only choice left to her. There was just one…tiny…unfortunate…problem. Well…two, really. Wash and his partner. That falleen wasn’t a fool. For once the Empire had done something intelligent and hired someone who knew what they were doing. He was going to be a problem…a big problem…in her getting away. It didn’t help that his familiar was, from what Sender said, a slicer extraordinaire. With the information he’d given her, and the information she’d gotten on her own from watching Wash and fighting the falleen, chances of escape were…negligible. Still, she had to try. For her own safety and the safety of the others she had to try something. The sound of motion outside had those thoughts pausing as she watched the window out of her door through narrowed eyes.
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 13, 2010 20:26:19 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 13, 2010 20:26:19 GMT -5
Rizzen had just finished flying through the approved approach corridor given to him by the Sith. He felt the light sink of the landing gear as they accepted the weight of the ship and the whole of it settled into stillness. His hands moved smoothly over the controls, putting everything into a standby state. He didn't shut the ship down. No, he wanted to be sure that he was fully capable of leaving on a moment's notice. It always paid to be prepared for any contingency. Once everything was in order, he stood, looking to Wash and holding out an arm.
Wash bound up off the console and then onto the arm, curling up around Rizzen's shoulders as he moved off down the hall. This was the most important and potentially dangerous portion of the operation...moreso that the actual capture. There were many variables here...and he was dealing with a caged and cornered Vornskr now. If she hadn't been planning on a way to escape, he'd have lowered his opinion of her. After all...he would have been doing the same thing if he was in her situation.
Walking in front of the door he turned, seeing her there, staring at him with those narrowed, crimson eyes. Bowing his head a bit to her, he hit the intercom. "We have arrived on Muunilist, as you no doubt know. As per our agreement, Ms. Kel, I am here to secure your Familiar and ensure that he and your personal effects are safe from Sith confiscation."
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Jun 13, 2010 21:29:58 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 13, 2010 21:29:58 GMT -5
And there he was…blasted reptile.
Now, Rah didn’t hold any ill will toward the man (alright so that was a lie, though at least she understood his situation even if she didn’t agree) but she certainly wasn’t pleased to see that green face of his. As he spoke one black brow arched gracefully up at him before she nodded slightly in understanding.
And, as expected, he is here and is already in possession of my items. How do you intend to retrieve him this time?
Sender shifted uneasily on her shoulder for a moment, careful of his sharp talons against her nearly unprotected shoulder. Rah, on the other hand, remained perfectly still. Upright and solid was her posture, an image of cool patience…little more than a living statue as she waited for his reply. Yes, she knew quite well that they had landed, and while she was certain he was here to gather Sender as per their agreement, she had made no promises of not attempting to get away in return. Crimson eyes searched his face for a long moment before she stood and moved toward the door, nearly upsetting Sender's balance and causing him to grip her shoulder just a bit harder, pricking her skin.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 13, 2010 22:10:31 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 13, 2010 22:10:31 GMT -5
He watched her movements, her body language, every minute detail, with cautious reserve and attention to detail. The arch of that brow, the calm, almost icy neutrality of her features told him enough. She did indeed intend to cause mischief and to make life difficult for him, if she could. He did not intend to give her that opportunity.
Raising a hand, he pointed down to the bin that was there between them. "By first having your reaffirmation that the protocol and override that you placed him in previously is still in effect, as well as his standing order to relinquish himself to Wash's custody. After that, you may place him in the bin to be moved onto this side, where Wash can take him to his room and keep them both quiet and safe within."
Wash was shifting uneasily on Rizzen's shoulders. The Sith were in the hangar, waiting for them to lower the ramp and either bring them the woman or come up and get her themselves. He didn't like it, having Sender so close to the danger that they faced. At Rizzen's words he nodded emphatically. "We can still play though...we just gotta be quiet so we don't disturb anybody, right Cap'n."
Rizzen paused to look over at Wash. "If you must."
Looking back to her, he shrugged. "Your welcome party is already waiting inside the hangar. It would be best if we finished this quickly and ensure the safety of Sender and your items. Patience is not one of their virtues, from what I understand."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 13, 2010 22:52:10 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 13, 2010 22:52:10 GMT -5
Rah raised that eyebrow once more and shrugged slightly.
Most likely, yes…supposedly it has a countdown, but since I’ve never had to use it before I can’t say for certain if it’s still in effect or not. I doubt he’ll cause you too many problems though…at this point it would be detrimental to myself as well as him. Bird, will you PLEASE stop digging your talons into my shoulder?
Sender gave an audible sigh at her remark and sidled down her arm as she held it out toward the box. Even now she was clammed up tight as anything, and it was back to ‘bird’. As she pulled the box open, the woman gave a quite huff in reply to his statement and closed it behind Sender before looking back up at him through the window.
Of course it isn’t. Did you expect them to be patient little angels? I'm not sure who in their ranks you may have interacted with, but if you have any other notions of them beside being impatient backstabbers, you are sorely mistaken.
She folded her arms as Sender was heard pecking and moving about inside the bin, eager to be out again. His muffled voice inside sounded odd to her ears as he protested her decisions, Rizzen’s actions, and voiced his distaste for the Empire. With a sharp rap on the bin door with her knuckles to silence him.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 14, 2010 22:25:05 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 14, 2010 22:25:05 GMT -5
"My words were for your partner's benefit. I agreed to their contract, but rest assured it was hardly with my eyes closed. For the moment, they have upheld their end of the agreement and, therefore, I will uphold mine." He reached out, sliding down that door so that Sender could exit the bin. "Wash, got take Sender to your room. Make sure the door is sealed against entry. And make sure that he knows the file that you haven't had a chance to encrypt yet. Make it very clear to him that he is not to look within it, because it would be unfortunate if the Republic managed to get ahold of the coordinates and security codes of our patrons after we left the system."
Wash blinked up at him, confused on this for a minute, holding that violet gaze with his own mechanical one as he tried to comprehend and compute exactly what Rizzen was talking about...then those photoreceptors widened and he nodded. "ooooh...yeah...okay, Boss. I gotcha. Come on Sender!"
Wash bounded down off Rizzen's shoulder and began to scamper down the hall toward his room. After the two left, Rizzen turned his back to her door and moved to his own room, entering it and pulling those cuffs out again. Returning to her door, he'd slide those within and close his end, looking to her through the plasteel. "I understand, Ms. Kel, that you have no reason to trust me. Given the situation, it is fully expected. However, I do hope that you will accept that I do not take pleasure in fulfilling this task. I have a great respect for you as a warrior and an equal. I do not enjoy this...but I think you understand the need, at times, to override personal feelings in order to ensure the completion of the mission. Sometimes, one's honor is all they can count on in this galaxy."
That was the crux of the matter. He had given himself to this mission, staked his honor and integrity on it and he would not, could not, alter that point. So long as the contract was fulfilled on both sides, he would do everything within his power to complete the contract and his bond. It could be no other way. He would not be the one to default upon it.
It did not, however, mean that once the contract was complete...that he had fulfilled all of his obligations, that leverage and leeway could not be be found in order to assuage his personal feelings on the matter as well.
"If you would...please take those, stand midway between the bed and the door and put them on securely."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 0:46:45 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 15, 2010 0:46:45 GMT -5
Finally let free of the bin, Sender all but exploded out and into the air…it was difficult to do, but somehow he managed to ignore the desire to dive bomb the Falleen’s head as he hovered there. The instructions given to Wash had both familiars puzzling over everything that was tactically WRONG about what he said. Rahja, on the other hand, was all but dieing of laughter inside her cell, leaning against the doorframe, her head down and her body racked with the shaking of silent laughter and snickering every once in a while when she couldn’t contain herself. She wasn’t quite sure just what had her laughing so hard…perhaps it was the obvious confusion of the two familiars as their processors slammed time and again against the brick wall of logic? Or, perhaps it was just because she found the statement so very amusing…refreshing even…coming from her captor.
When Wash finally spoke his understanding, she couldn’t help but laugh harder, actually chuckling a bit and having to take several deep breaths to get hold of herself. Oh but it was good to laugh under these circumstances. As the two left and Rizzen spoke again, dropping the binders into the container, she finally managed to look up. Her features still held some of the amusement she felt. Though it was mostly in her eyes, a light smirk still graced her features as she listened. Slowly her expression became more serious and she nodded quietly.
I understand, my surprisingly noble captor, that sometimes one must do what it takes to survive in the galaxy…even if it means doing what they would prefer not to. I don’t count on my honor…as far as I know I no longer have any, haven’t in years…but I do understand necessity. Right now it is necessary for you to complete this so that you don’t find yourself in the…”good graces”…of the Empire, because that would put you where I am right now.
With that she graced him with a rarity…a genuine (if slight) smile, as well as a nod. Her understanding didn’t mean that she was going to just roll over and allow him to stroll her out, however. As she had just said, she understood necessity. Necessity dictated that she escape, if at all possible, and keep herself from being in a position to possibly divulge information on those she worked with and worked for. Necessity dictated that she attempt to keep herself alive, whole and sane (well, as sane as she could be considered anyway)…and allowing him to trot her out to the waiting Imperial troops would not allow her to remain that way. Despite the fact that she didn’t wish to harm this man’s reputation with the Empire and put him in danger because of it, it was necessary for her to do just that. Taking the binders from inside the container, she stood back as he asked, already probing the cold metal through the force and getting a ‘feel’ for the locking mechanisms as she began attaching them to her ankles and then her wrists before tugging her hands in opposite directions to show that there was no escape for her….yet.
I hope that will suffice? There isn’t much more I can do to convince you if it doesn’t.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 18:45:21 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 15, 2010 18:45:21 GMT -5
"I highly doubt that I would find myself in this same situation, Ms. Kel. I am currently turning one of the few people I would consider capable of apprehending me over to them. So, unless this is a very awkward and cumbersome attempt at getting you into a job interview, I think I am quite safe." He smirked at that...knowing that was about as likely as him turning into a warm-blooded creature. He watched as she put those binders on. His violet eyes took in the task with a critical gaze until she got to the point where she tested them for him. They seemed secure, for now. He wasn't certain that they would be that way forever, however, so it was best to finish things quickly. Unlocking the door, he would step within, his movements very careful and precise. That respect he held for her, after all, made him cautious and unwilling to take chances.
He'd move to her, hands moving over her wrists, tightening them down before moving around behind her. He would move his heel between hers to limit her ability to move as his hands slid down. He was careful, the actions neutral and unsuggestive as he kept control of her hips and knelt in order to make sure those cuffs on her ankles were secured as well. Satisfied, he'd step away and stand once more. His hand came to rest gently on the nape of her neck to guide her. "Walk forward, turn left and travel down the hall. You will see the airlock on your right."
Wash, meanwhile, bounded his way to the room, cycling the door open so that they could enter. He'd wait there, at the door, until the other Familiar passed through. He then closed and secured the door before circling around a bit. "So...do you want to play with something? Ooo...I got a bouncy ball...it's as big as my head! It's great! Oh, but you gotta know where that file is, right? Gotta show you that. It was really fun. When we got here, Rizzen went out and talked with the Sith soldiers and he had me sneak in. I put a back door into their system. They really should have worked on making their security better. It wasn't hard at all. Cap'n figured it best if we have a backup...just in case the guys weren't on the level, you know? We didn't need it...but I guess he thinks you could. with some of the stuff I pulled off of it." While he was talking, he was jacking into their computer systems, tunneling the security systems to allow access to just that one file before pulling away and allowing Sender to jack in.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 20:09:39 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 15, 2010 20:09:39 GMT -5
Again she arched one brow lightly at his words and smirked slightly, shrugging just a bit.
While that would be an interesting idea, I doubt just as much as I'm sure you do that it is the case. Besides…they don’t pay as well as my current employers, nor do they have the same benefits. Empire medical and dental plans are horrible from what I understand. Besides, I think the only reasons they want me are because I’ve continuously declined their gracious offers of work and then of ‘hospitality.’
She flashed him a wicked little grin, giving the distinct impression that the Empire had, in fact, approached her previously with offers of work. Whether this was truly the case or not was anyone’s guess…only she and the Empire knew the truth, and the Empire was about as likely to tell Rizzen as she was.
In essence…they’re simply sore losers.
By this time Rizzen had entered the cell, pacing toward her and tightening the cuffs more appropriately around her wrists before moving behind her and checking the cuffs around her ankles. Seemingly appeased, he stood and she tensed visibly at the feel of his hand at the nape of her neck. Odd, really, how he could move about her, move HER, and generally touch her almost anywhere without her twitching a muscle, but the moment his hand came to rest against her neck her whole body was tensed and ready to fight if given the opportunity. Twitching one shoulder in an attempt to ‘nicely’ give him the hint that she didn’t appreciate his hand where it was, she listened quietly to his directions. Nodding once, she moved cooperatively, if a bit slowly…she wasn’t in any hurry, after all, and given the restriction the binders gave her movement it wasn’t as if it was unexpected for her to move more slowly. Of course, there were other reasons for her slow movement…her concentration working on the locks to the cuffs around her ankles first…
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Sender had followed Wash down the hall and into his room, settling down on one of the shelves once again and watching the little mink bound around. When he started off on a bouncy ball, the older familiar nearly stopped him, anxious to get the files Rizzen had…not so discretely…mentioned. Luckily for Wash he’d come around to that line of thinking sooner than later, and yet again he was spared from having his fun-bubble burst. Quietly he listened to just how they’d come about the information and a subtle (though grudging) feeling of gratitude settled over him. Maybe this falleen wasn’t QUITE the villain after all. As Wash moved to allow him access to the jack, he pulled out the cord from his chassis compartment and snapped it in carefully, downloading the file into his system’s memory banks.
Rizzen hmm?…Well, now I don't have to go around calling him ‘captain’. That would have been rather awkward...
He gave a little 'sigh' as he pulled out the wire once more. At least now he had a name that was less likely to be an alias and more likely to be the real thing. With that, he tagged the previous information he'd received from the ship with the new name and the surreptitiously taken vid-files he'd created of the man.
-----
About half way down the hall, she felt the first lock click open, followed shortly by the second one. Oh how she was thanking those timed trials…no doubt that even as she’d felt the latches loosen around her ankles, he’d heard the soft snap of them. With a press of the force, one cuff swung open and she turned to face him even as the other did, letting the chain rattle and the cuffs clank against the floor as she hopped backward, away from him. One hand moved to catch hold of that linking chain to use it as a weapon in her favor, pulling it toward her swiftly. If he caught hold of it she would have even more limited options than she did already.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 21:45:58 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 15, 2010 21:45:58 GMT -5
"Yeah, but he's always been my Cap'n. Just doesn't seem right to call the Boss by his name though...I mean...kinda seems disrespectful." Wash had gone up under his bunk now, pulling out that previously mentioned ball. Pouncing on it, he rolled over on it, winding up on his back and kicking it up into the air. Getting back onto his feet, he'd bound after it as it bounced around the room and off the walls and shelves.
"Of course...a Republic soldier would be worried about payment and benefits instead of the honor and satisfaction of fighting a worthy battle." He chided her, but lightly and gently, no real venom to his voice, just teasing as any pleasant rivals would. "Though, I am glad that I am right about you...you are smart enough to know better than to take such an offer by them."
At the reaction she had to his touch, his hand lifted. It moved lower, going to about mid-back. That touch and proximity was important...it gave him that fraction of a second warning if (or when) she did attempt something. He could do well enough with the lower touch, though it lowered his ability to quickly apprehend any attempts that she made to get away. It would make things more interesting now, but he could deal with that. He was not unprepared.
He was never unprepared.
Rizzen was about to comment on the slow, ponderous movements of her gait as she walked along. He knew she was bound, but also knew that it wasn't THAT bad. He was about to say something when he heard the soft, metallic sounds of those anklets loosening as she made her move. She was facing him now, pulling that chain into her hands to use as an impromptu weapon. He had to hand it to her...that was certainly ingenious. He hadn't expected one to use the Force in that way...and the fact that she'd managed to release those locks without having a hand on them pointed in no other direction. He slid back, out of the reach of her and her new weapon, his hand slipping into his jacket and pulling out a blaster, keeping it close, at his hip, and simply turning the barrel up as it cleared the holster. He would pump three shots, aimed at her waist and lower as the stun blasts radiated out.
The best way to face any battle was to position yourself in the manner most advantageous...like a well-played game of Pazaak. At this juncture of the denouement, he wasn't about to take chances.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 23:04:24 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 15, 2010 23:04:24 GMT -5
She had ignored his teasing. Of all people she didn’t find it funny…if anything his words only showed how little he actually knew about her or how she thought…what did or didn’t drive her. The fact that he’d moved his hand had her easing slightly, thankful that he’d gotten the idea. The further along they’d gone the more she felt his suspicion rising and so she’d acted swiftly. Seeing that blaster, the woman watched those stun rings spread swiftly toward her…but she was also prepared. The ripples of the force had her moving before the second shot ever happened, flicking that chain about and up to let it and the ankle cuffs absorb or deflect nearly half of the first ring before she slid her body to the side so she was parallel to the wall, allowing the remaining rings to slip past her before moving back into her previous position. It was unfortunate that the ring had still grazed her thighs, leaving an uncomfortable line of numbness across them; it would slow her down in the long run, but there was nothing she could do about it...at least she wasn't completely disabled. Keeping away from him, for now, was her best choice…she didn’t know how many rounds that blaster could get off, and she wasn’t about to press her luck by trying to rush him while her wrists were still bound. Speaking of bound, she swiftly began working at one of the locks that bound her wrists with the force.
Inside Wash’s room, Sender listened to what Wash had to say, giving a slight upward motion of his wings in his way of shrugging. Nothing seemed more natural to him than calling Rahja, ‘Rah’ or some form of her name…only occasionally did he ever use her call of ‘Reaver’ and 02 just made him think of his scrapped older brother. Watching as his younger cousin bounced the ball around he clicked his talons against the shelf he was sitting on before he couldn’t resist it any longer. Swooping down from on high, he caught the thing before it had a chance to even get half way back to Wash. An audible rush from his thrusters and he shot straight up into a short loop before letting it go for Wash to chase around a bit. As he settled down on the shelf again, he cocked his head to the side, hearing the echoes of commotion down the hall and gave an inward smile…ah, that must have been Rahja…only she could create such a fuss.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 16, 2010 9:57:47 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 16, 2010 9:57:47 GMT -5
To say that he wasn't impressed would be a lie. He was very impressed. He knew that she was not a fully trained Jedi, but she used the talent that she had to an exceptional degree. She should have been down on the ground, but he found her there, still facing him with that chain in hand. He allowed himself a small, private smile, his head dipping slightly in respectful reverence for a professional equal. Then he spoke, "I am sorry."
There was a good rule of thumb that he tended to follow when dealing with an armed opponent. Depending on the situation, he would move away from a knife or other blade. When facing a blaster or ranged weapon, the best course of action was to move forward and engage. You can't outrun a projectile, after all. His only critique upon her actions was that she should have came at him, bound or not. It was a gamble, however, since she knew his ability at hand to hand and she was hobbled.
She could not, however, dodge his shots forever. With that in mind, he kept firing. Tracking her movements and pumping stun after stun in her direction. He had every confidence that she would stumble and fail before his power cell lost its charge.
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Jun 16, 2010 14:34:13 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 16, 2010 14:34:13 GMT -5
((for the sake of this being even MORE interesting, I think Miss Kel here is going to stay conscious for this. “Depending on the design of a stunning device and the biologic makeup of the target, various physiologic effects could occur upon being stunned. Some victims of a stun blast would remain conscious afterward, keenly aware of their surroundings but unable to move any limbs.” ~wookiee))
“I am sorry.”
She shook her head slightly, knowing already how this was going to end…she didn’t even need the force for that and honestly, part of her…the jedi in her perhaps…accepted and welcomed the capture. Odd to think that part of this stubborn woman would welcome being captured and handed over after the trouble she’d taken to attempt an escape, but that was the truth of it. Just like she didn’t want her comrades put into danger because of her actions, she also didn’t want him to be put into danger because of them. Had she been a jedi, she might have been able to accomplish both tasks, but…well that wasn’t an option, and for some reason unknown to her, the force allowed this situation to settle as ‘right’ to her. With those thoughts, those feelings, in her mind, she watched him calmly.
Don’t be…
“…We both know how this needs to end,” was the rest of her thought, but she didn’t feel the need to say it aloud. As that one wrist cuff snapped and came undone she pulled her hand free just as he began firing again, the spreads coming swiftly. It wasn’t her intent to dodge them all…not this time around. Now with a better grip on that chain, she intended to use it like a whip. Coming around the first bolt, the ring skimmed along her side as she kept her arm out of its range. Two more rings grazed against her as she worked her way through them in a zig-zag pattern down the narrow hall toward him, bolstering her speed with the force to keep them grazing her instead of hitting her full on. Her hip and left side were both numb as she just barely got within range of him, and the feeling was spreading. At this point she had two options…try to knock the blaster from his hand, or simply give him another bruise to remember her by. With a resigned growl, she saw the flash of the new stun bolt (knowing she couldn’t dodge it) and grudgingly gave in to the will of the Force…that didn’t mean that she couldn’t take a parting shot, however. With a swift upward motion of her free hand she started the motion of the chain before jerking that hand down again to get the cuffs moving enough to snap upward, another swift upward flick of her wrist sent a ripple along the chain that evened the motion out and launched them directly at his face as she allowed inertia to take over.
His stun blast had hit her, however…directly in the stomach and lower chest. With a groan she dropped to her knees, her body finally giving in. That jaw tightened against the feeling for a moment before she slumped down the rest of the way. Red eyes could only watch passively from that point, her sight shifting in and out of focus as she half glared at the wall and floor, her breaths coming short waves that still clearly showed her agitation. If she could have growled at him, she likely would have, as it was she was lucky she was still awake. A deep breath was taken and she finally lost that defiant glare at the floor, resigned to her fate. All she could do now was wait, and hope that Sender would be able to get someone down here swiftly enough.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 16, 2010 20:01:06 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 16, 2010 20:01:06 GMT -5
There were several reasons why Rizzen preferred going hand to hand with opponents rather than at range, even though he'd been well-versed on dueling and the like with his noble upbringing. Jedi, for example, were notoriously difficult to take at range unless you were using just the right weapons and, even then, you best bet was with the element of surprise. Weapons could jam, malfunction, or otherwise fail. Weapons could be lost. Unless you faced amputation, your limbs would not get lost. Your limbs would not jam or otherwise malfunction. Despite the dangers of a lightsaber, if a well-trained practitioner of Teras Kasi got in close with a Force User, they could at least manage even odds and perhaps even have things a bit in their favor.
Besides...it was far more satisfying, expecially when dealing with someone like this, who was fighting so valiantly despite having the situation stacked against her so. It truly was admirable, giving him one more reason to dislike the necessity of turning her over. Reflex had him bringing his other arm up, the cuff managing to slam against his forearm solidly and with bruising force as she made that last-ditch assault before the bolt took her and finally brought her down.
Oh, it stung, but his pain wasn't what he was worried about as he saw her crumpling. He dipped, dropping to a knee, arms going beneath hers to catch her before she got past her knees, her weight held by him as he kept her from slamming down on the flooring. Shifting her weight to one hand, he holstered the blaster and then moved to scoop her up. Pushing to his feet, he'd have her cradled gingerly in his arms, one behind her knees, the other behind her shoulders, her head naturally coming to rest against his shoulder. He spoke quietly, his words a resigned sigh. "Would that I could choose any other option, Rahja Kel. They are undeserving of one of such worth as of you. Unfit enemies...forced to cower and rely on their better to face you. I will do all that I can to ensure your friend manages to contact your people and effect rescue as swiftly as possible. You have my word."
He just hoped he could be fast enough.
Shifting the hand beneath her shoulders a bit, he'd manage to key his comm set. "Wash, I've got my hands full...I need to carry Ms. Kel to the hand off. Please queue the airlock door to cycle open."
Wash piped up at hearing his comm system crackle. Having heard the commotion and the rapid rate of fire, he'd been somewhat worried...evidenced by the fact that he'd been circling around nonstop, only pausing shortly to wring his paws together. He wanted to help....but knew he had to listen to the Boss' orders. So hearing Rizzen's voice again was soothing. "You got it, Cap'n..."
While he waited for the lock to open and ramp to drop, Rizzen released her last shackle, kicking it back down the hall. He then exited the airlock, walking down the ramp. There was a Sith Colonel there with his aide, as well as a dozen troopers fanned out, weapons at the ready. Violet eyes took them all in carefully as he made his way to the ground and crossed over to the waiting group.
The Colonel spoke up, eyeing the Falleen and his "cargo". "Not the way I expected to see you bring her in, Mandalorian."
"I told you prior to landing, Colonel Peshmeer, that there was a very good chance that she'd attempt to affect escape upon arrival. It was the most vulnerable moment. My predictions were correct." Rizzen had left his comm set on, his own audio muted but with his mic gain up so that it could easily pick up his words and those of the Sith around him. Sender, in turn, would hear this as Wash jacked into the ship computer and let the audio play in their room on low.
"Indeed you did. I have to say...we underestimated your abilities. You are quite skilled, for a mercenary." Stunned or not, she'd be able to feel Rizzen bristle slightly at that. "You really should consider the offer to work for us."
"Tempting though you make it sound, I am Mando'ade...and will always be. We do not tie ourselves down so..." He trailed off with a shrug, the last word muttered so softly only the Chiss in his arms would hear it. "...foolishly."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 16, 2010 20:54:00 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 16, 2010 20:54:00 GMT -5
He’d caught her, surprisingly…but…was it really so surprising? No, she supposed not. Rahja was swiftly learning that what may have seemed unusual for any other hunter to do came naturally to him. As he lifted her and carefully cradled her to him she was lost somewhere between fear, a bruised pride, and…well she wasn’t entirely sure what it was at this point. This was something past professional admiration, though that had certainly helped, and the fact that he had been willing to keep Sender and her personal effect safe had also certainly helped…it was just something about HIM that kept her feeling…off. Despite herself and her desire to be angry at him…furious at him for all of this…she couldn’t be. She understood what it was like to be a mercenary and she had a pretty good notion about what his honor meant to him. A slight heat crept into her face, shading the tops of those cheeks a dull lavender color for a few moments as she listened to him, her eyes gazing unseeingly at his opposite shoulder and part of the skin of his throat.
Undeserving were they? That made little sense to her…they were just following what suited their military’s best interest. That’s all anyone ever did…serve their best interest. Even her…now, anyway. If she could have tensed those muscles of hers, she would have. As it was her eyes shut tight for a moment as she struggled to keep herself neutral. The only thing that helped was the fact that he was speaking to Wash, the Familiar responding in kind.
--Thank you. I don’t care about what happens to me, honestly, but I can’t have them finding everyone else…I can’t have their blood on my hands too.--
As he waited for the airlock to open she’d spoken to him in the only way possible for her at the moment, those thoughts brushing against his mind quietly. When he’d exited and headed down the ramp, her eyes slid to the side, looking at those gathered there as best she could. Perhaps it would have been better had she been unconscious…Rahja wasn’t impervious to fear as she tried to make others believe, and seeing them only made the situation that much more real. That flash of fear had her heart racing again and her breath accelerating before she managed to bury the emotion again and calm herself. The way Rizzen bristled had her mentally perking up, instantly alert for what it was that may have cause him to become thus…and that was when she came back to the conversation from her probing out through the force to glean as much information as she could from the troops around them. Narrowing her eyes, she huffed allowing his anger mold her fear into the same emotion. Anger was typically better for her anyway…she’d rather feel anger than fear.
A slight movement of Rizzen as he came to a halt had that Colonel in her sights and she lashed out at him mentally, even as she glared daggers at him. Like a cornered animal, she reacted first and thought second in this case. Her mind had just turned from the Colonel to wrap around the trigger of the blaster she could see hanging from his belt when she thought better of her actions. Trigger happy Imperials would shoot at the first sound of blaster fire. Not only would she be the target of those blaster rounds, but the falleen as well…and that just wouldn’t do. Besides, his last muttered word had caught her attention and she lifted her eyes to look at him as best she could…not that she could see much more than his jawline right now anyway. Sighing she grumbled internally a moment before returning her glare to the Colonel.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 16, 2010 22:10:23 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 16, 2010 22:10:23 GMT -5
He couldn't respond to her words...those mental thoughts that brushed against his own. It was...unexpected...his own barriers bristling in reflex like the jaws of a rancor ready to bite down and rend. They stopped, however...and he relaxed. He allowed himself calm and ease. He even allowed himself to lower them...to allow the brush of her presence in...at least to that uppermost, superficial layer. Enemies of circumstance they might be...but he did not consider her one. That, at least, was made very clear to her.
The Colonel winced, knees buckling at the unexpected assault upon his mind. "Get the wench, she's still conscious!" The troopers reacted accordingly, blasters coming up. Rizzen's reaction was to drop her legs, letting them come down to the ground, the arm about her shoulders slipping farther under her arm to keep her up. His other hand was at his belt and back in a moment, A small cylinder in hand as his thumb slid the trigger to a pressure activation.
"Do kindly keep your men from pointing blasters at me, Colonel...I don't tend to like it very much. As per our contract, I will not be turning over the principle until I have verification that the necessary payment has been rendered. Failure to abide by the terms will negate our agreement and result in grievous repercussions." He gave the Sith before him a thin-lipped smile, seemingly unperturbed by the baker's dozen of barrels that were pointed at himself and Rahja. "You also provided me with the dossier upon the principle, so I would have expected you to be properly prepared for transport and handling of her."
He'd let his pheremones kick up then, wrapping around her tightly to calm her, to ease her down and attempt to get her to relax. He'd press them enough to try and and get her to sleep and fall unconscious. If she kept lashing out like that, she'd only get herself beaten sooner and harsher. He'd prefer that she be kept in as good of a condition as possible for as long as possible for when her people could come.
The Colonel looked livid, but he looked at Rizzen, saw the implacable calm there as he held that thermal detonator...and finally waved his men to stand down while his other hand held his head. Reluctantly, the Sith dropped down their barrels. The aide looked behind them where several medical personnel were walking along with a gurney and another came with a data pad, dressed in a severe suit.
The suited man would hold up the datapad, showing a HoloNet accounting transfer. "If you would just input the transfer number for the receiving account, Sir." Rizzen, disarming that detonator and replacing it, would do that. "Transfer complete."
Wash piped up with an affirmative over his head set. Only then would Rizzen stop carefully holding Rahja against his side to help keep her boneless form up. He moved, scooping her up once more and gently draping her upon the gurney. He brushed the hair from her face, looking at her for a long moment before he could no longer do so. His thoughts would radiate out, if she was still conscious enough to receive them. -I have a feeling that I will see you again, Rahja Kel. Until then...stay strong.-
Only then did he step away, allowing the Sith delegation to walk away. They'd strapped her down, ankles and wrists, then bands across her thighs, waist, chest, and forehead. They left through the hangar entrance and he would turn away, about to enter the ship, but pausing. "Wash, lock down the ship. I'll be back soon...I need a drink before we leave."
He was having a bad feeling about this...
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 17, 2010 3:13:24 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 17, 2010 3:13:24 GMT -5
It happened faster than she’d expected, and the Colonel’s reaction to her ‘friendly’ little ‘love tap’ (read as “not so” before friendly and “b**ch-slap”) to the mind was also rather unexpected. She could have done worse but she just wasn’t feeling up to it…yet. Weak minded fool that the Colonel obviously was, he’d ordered his men to fire anyway, as if he hadn’t known she was a force user, and anyone in their right mind could SEE she was still conscious…red eyes don’t tend to go unnoticed. Oh but these men WERE idiots, weren’t they? Rizzen had reacted swiftly, dropping her legs and pulling out a detonator. Had she the ability to even move her head, she would have glared at the idiot sith officer…but other than that, she had already decided to be a good little prisoner until her captor was long gone. This decision was only solidified by his calming pheromones. As habit dictated, the more calm she felt the more wrong it felt and the more she fought against them, but it was a fight she wasn’t wining. Not easily anyway. Her eyelids drooped, fluttering every once in a while as she struggled until finally she stopped resisting. The rest of the interaction was lost on her, those blue features a calm neutral, for the most part, but with sleep Rah dreamt. Despite the fact that she’d not gone deep enough to have natural dreams, that didn’t keep the force from giving her those not-so-pleasant possibilities that she’d seen before on the ship. As they strapped her down, her eyes flicked beneath her lids, her breathing irregular and halting, until at last she seemed to be freed from whatever it was she was experiencing and fell still once again. She would awake, later, feeling drained and heavy in a cell much like the one Rizzen had kept her in. There was just one difference, however…one, frightening, difference. The Sith had gotten smart. While there hadn’t been any protection against her minor abilities in the hangar, there certainly was here. Try as she might, she was deaf to the force in that room and it terrified her and weighed her down, left her feeling empty and utterly alone. As time dragged by, she fell into old habits…meditation, mainly, though it didn’t feel how it should have. Pacing, was another old stand by…in fact, she had just stopped pacing to go meditate when a group of armed troopers entered her cell to bind her up. Only once she was deemed ‘safe’ did the Colonel from before enter… ------------------------- During the whole altercation, Sender had been fidgeting. While not running about in circles like his counterpart, he most certainly wasn’t still. Wing covers retracted and shut, talons tapped along the shelf he was perched on, his head swiveled about as if better trying to hear just what was going on outside and then it fell silent. With that silence he went perfectly still, a grey and black statue amidst Wash’s collection of trinkets. The only thing showing him as an active droid were the red points of light that were his photoreceptors beneath his visor, and even those had dimmed as he almost automatically put himself into a recon mode. Beneath that visor stats scrolled endlessly. Motion detection, audio feed, his own status, the layout of the ship’s interior all layered over the short range x-ray vision he was using to watch the happenings outside. Finally that head swiveled around to Wash as he replied to his partner before bounding over to the ship’s jack in the wall and patch in. When the new audio filtered into the room, he shifted about a moment before gliding over to the bed and settling it down on it silently. He would have been lying to himself if he didn’t admit that he was extremely concerned about Rahja…he was always concerned about her, even on simple missions, and even though he knew she was quite capable of taking care of herself under typical circumstances. This, however, was neither a simple mission, nor typical circumstances. As he listened to the happenings outside, his head was fixated on the wall in the direction of where they were as he attempted to see through several layers of ship to little effect. How…how could he have just LET her be taken like that?! FOR CREDITS?! He didn’t understand Rahja’s mentality on it either; they’d talked about the whole thing last night and, though she’d tried to explain it to him, the programming he had was just…not helping. You just didn’t hand someone over to a group of people you knew were going to torture them! Once again he tried to wrap his processors around the idea of necessity being more important than morality, but…it just wasn’t RIGHT. Standing again, he’d pace around in a little circle before settling down once more…only to get up and do the same thing. Finally he shook his head and shut down all but his basic systems and started filtering through the file Wash had given him for pertinent information, a side window popping up as he started copying what was necessary into a document to be sent to the Hound HQ as soon as they were off this planet…he didn’t trust sending any transmissions while on it. ------------------- The Flustered Fleebog. Not the most outstanding name, certainly, but it was one of the best dives in High Port city. Not exactly ‘high class’ but, it was well kept with good food, a good selection of alcohol, and good service, not to mention better than average entertainment. It tended to be a favorite haunt of Imperials and those that associated with them. It was here, amongst the din of off duty soldiers, gaming, and music that two women sat, sipping casually at their drinks, at a table near the front windows. It was a beautiful day outside, after all, and after tracking down an elusive chiss only to have a rather handsome falleen take their prize…well, they wanted nothing more than to enjoy a good drink in the sun. Once again dressed in matching outfits, Bothan and Arkanian alike were far more clothed than last time. Why, if they didn’t have the mark, had they bothered to make the trip all the way to Muunilinst? Simple really…they were looking for another job with the Empire. They paid fairly well, provided you got there first, but the thing about this last job was that they’d been insurance. It seemed the falleen had been the primary they’d hired to go and apprehend the little bint, and it was likely a good thing he had been. They were good, some of the best, but even the high and mighty arkanian beauty wasn’t sure they were that good. They’d stuck around during the fight, lurking in the corners as the rest of the patrons panicked and rushed to get out. What they’d witnessed during that confusion had them both chattering over it the entire flight back to this place as if they had just seen a good pit fight. Adjusting her black and silver synth-leather coat, the arkanian sat back in her seat, crossing one jean covered leg over the other. Watching the flow of patrons in and out of the bar, one man caught her attention. Sitting up again, she leaned forward and tapped her companion on the arm, motioning with a slight tilt of her head toward the falleen who’d just entered. The Bothan woman pulled a compact out of her leather jacket and flipped it open, combing over some of the fur along her almost feline face absentmindedly as she tilted the mirror in the direction her companion and gestured before she picked up her glass and settled back into her seat again. Well…this was an interesting turn of events indeed…
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Jun 17, 2010 12:06:20 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 17, 2010 12:06:20 GMT -5
Rizzen entered the Fleebog, pausing for a moment at the door. It was his custom, after all. The lights were slightly dimmer in the place than they were outside with the daylight. He didn't want to be fighting at any sort of disadvantage if such an altercation should occur. Best to give himself the chance to adapt prior to. Also, he preferred being able get a look at the people there inside. Violet eyes gazed around the room in a quick, calculated sweep. That experience reading body language allowed him to pick up, more often than not, if someone was paying more attention to him than normal. There was invariably some scrutiny. Depending on what situation he was in, people wanted to know who was at the door. It may have been for nefarious purposes, to know if they needed to run or attack. In other situations, people wanted to gauge class and means and so inspected newcomers for social standing.
Anything that caught his attention was looked at more. A gaze might be returned and held to see what the reaction was or he might see if there were any subtle movements in the shoulders that suggested someone was reaching for something concealed. Without the Force to so kindly tell you every time someone was focused on you, one had to learn to use their own wiles and perception. With Rizzen, it simply came with his doctrine of always being as prepared as possible for whatever situation he was in.
Four people focused on him when he walked in. One was the bartender, quickly discounted, but remembered for when he needed questions. The second was the server, going around to check drinks. She wasn't of import. The third was shifty-looking Rodian who started a bit at his arrival. That earned him another look, but Rizzen saw the bug-eyed man relax as he realized that he didn't recognize the Falleen.
The last was a rather exquisite example of Arkanian beauty who eyed him as he entered. He was prepared to return an interested, if benign, smile and exchange when he noticed two things. First, she was with another, a Bothan, that was dressed to match. Second, he saw the mirrored side of that compact, seeing the Bothan's face and, thanks to their close proximity to the door, the fact that she was looking through it at him and not herself.
Rizzen considered himself to be good at remembering things. It had been ingrained from his upbringing and education on Falleen and only been reinforced during his time as a Mando'ade. It wasn't a difficult stretch to remember two striking women who wore matching outfits, especially with so little time between the mission on Foerost and his arrival here. It was a big galaxy. The chances of running into two similar circumstances (granted, they had more clothing this time) was inconceivable. Moreso as he remembered them very clearly thanks to their close proximity there in the club, no matter how brief.
Rizzen didn't subscribe to coincidence.
Flashing an attractive, if predatory, smile, he made his way towards them, pumping out enought pheremones as he went to put a bantha into heat. He wanted them off-balance and prone to mistakes...he wanted them eating out of his hand. He wanted this because he wanted answers. More specifically, he wanted confirmation of the answers he already had a strong assumption about.
With serpentine grace, he slid into the seat at their table opposite them. "Mmm...ladies... I hope you don't mind a little company? There's some celebrating to do..."
He still had not turned off his communications set.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 17, 2010 19:02:46 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 17, 2010 19:02:46 GMT -5
That white haired beauty had noticed his eyes wander the room, taking another look at the jumpy rodian in the corner before his eyes came to rest on them. Without a thought, she dipped her head shyly at his smile and giggled behind her hand, blushing and playing coy. Frell, he’d noticed them noticing him…oh well. He WAS attractive though…and despite herself and the trouble this could cause, she found her heart racing. Meenara casually snapped her compact shut and stowed it away even before he started moving toward them. Eying Yeraiha’s actions, she turned to look over her shoulder in the direction of the man she already guessed was headed their way. For a moment she blinked at him before turning swiftly back around and brushing at some of the fur along the back of her head and neck as if primping herself up. It wasn’t horribly far from the truth. While yes, she certainly found the man…exotic, if not attractive, she also realized this could mean trouble.
As he slid into the free seat at their table and spoke in that smooth, cool, voice both women blushed, Yeraiha’s pale skin shading a bright rose color while Meenara’s was far more easily hidden beneath the silky golden brown fur that touched the sides of her face and cheeks. “No, not at all…you’re quite welcome to join us, right Nara? You don’t mind do you?” The Bothan simply shook her head slightly and turned her glass around once before picking it up and taking a sip of the clear liquid within.
“No, I don’t mind…but…” she paused there, lowering her glass and looking over at the falleen, black eyes taking in the elegant, if predatory, features of his face for a moment, “what’s the celebration for?”
Yeraiha almost seemed insulted by her friend’s question, giving the other woman a stern look and a slight huff. “Nara, come on, can’t you be polite for once? He’s only just barely sat down, hasn’t even had a chance to get something to drink and we don’t even know his name…what right do we have prying like that. I'm really very sorry about her…she’s always like this.” The arkanian had turned from looking at her friend to watching Rizzen through bright, ice-blue, eyes as she apologized, while Meenara’s jaw slackened for a moment before shutting it and giving an annoyed sigh and a slight roll of her eyes.
“I WAS being polite…” she mumbled moodily, and settled one elbow on the table, leaning on that arm and turning her glass with the other hand.
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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".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 17, 2010 19:35:33 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 17, 2010 19:35:33 GMT -5
Subtly, Rizzen shifted the chemical cocktail of those pheremones, twisting a vein of calm into them to disarm them further and make them more receptive to where his line of question was eventually going. The two were quite a pair, but it seemed there was a sense of division there that wasn't belied by their coordinating outfits. Reaching out with one hand, he brushed his hand over Meenara's, the one that held her glass. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, he shook his head. "I was not offended...Nara, was it? I know you didn't mean anything by it...and I am more than happy to let you know why I feel the need for celebration."
He paused for a moment as the server came over. She sidled up close to him, her voice almost sing-song as she leaned in closer, asking him if there was anything...anything at all... that she could do for him. He ordered a simple drink for himself before looking at the two women. "Could you both use some fresh drinks? Hmm, indeed, it looks that way." He'd gesture to their drinks, making sure the woman was going to get their drinks too. Once she'd gone, he'd turn back, flashing a grin to Yeraiha before taking her wrist lightly in his hand. That claw on his thumb traced small circles ever so lightly against the sensitive inside of that pale wrist.
"As for the reason...I've just completed a most lucrative business venture...some very difficult, sensitive work. So, all the excitement and enjoyment of this evening is courtesy of the good Empire's coffers."
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