Coldblooded Connection

[Paradox]

Shadowfax Station
Currently Orbiting Mimban

Shadowfax Station was a typical hive of scum and villainy but a mobile one. The station moved every standard month or so, usually conducting some shady business deals before vanishing. The authorities of Shadowfax didn't like to attract the wrong type of visitors such as Jedi, Sith, or any form of 'real' authority. So now the station was currently orbiting the mostly unexplored planet of Mimban. A sweltering jungle planet that held dangerous predators of both the sentient and feral nature. After all, unexplored planets had plenty of opportunity for smugglers, fugitives, and of course...pirates.

Locke was had arrived a few hours ago. The Midnight Special had docked and her entire crew had departed, spreading throughout the station. The dark skinned man had been searching for a myth for the past three years and now he finally had a solid lead. Supposedly there was a man with some information on Locke's target. It took some doing but they had finally found the location of the seedy station. Now that they had arrived, they began a stealthy search before their quarry realized they were on the trail. Luck would be on their side when the entire crew, Jawas and all, would find the man they sought quite by accident when they headed to the Whimpering Krayt Cantina for a rest before resuming their search.

Turns out the owner was one Hazaan Mythus; a one-eyed, one-armed Quarren. Locke nodded and his crew spread out, slowly forcing the other patrons to leave the bar. By the time he found Locke with his cybernetic eye and realized what was happening, it was too late. The cantina was empty of everyone who wasn't a part of the pirate's crew. He drew a blaster with his robotic hand but it went flying. Locke smiled at the man, his blaster smoking, and signaled for Urun and Inarria to go watch the entrance. As they stepped outside to prevent others from entering he walked over to the bar and sat down. "Hello there, Hazaan. I've been looking for you. Now I want information; we can do this the easy way or the fun way. Your choice. So...drinks or blood?"

 

[Darkwasp]

The docking arm of Shadowfax Station swing quickly into place. The metal couplings spun and whirled as the searched for the perfect seal between the station and its newest visitor. Finally the couplings stopped, locking their positions and emitting a bright green light to alert the occupants that a proper seal had been completed and that atmosphere was flowing between the two vessels.

”Bam! On the first try.” The caramel skinned woman with the wild curly hair yelled with her arms raised in the air in victory.

”Warned you not to take that bet.” an attractive woman with short black hair, who sat smugly at the ship’s communications array, stated.

”That’s Bantha ***t, Alex! No one can do that without Autopilot. ANA did you assist Bahati Rehn?” A handsome blonde haired gentleman complained. He looked up at the ship’s ceiling as he waited for his answer.

"Negative, Donavon Wildstar.” the Miss Fortune’s A.I. replied.

”Hah! Pay up!” Bahati ordered, holding her empty palm in Donavon’s direction.

The man slapped a credit chit in the exotic smuggler’s hand angrily. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back heavily in his chair. The grumpy look on his face didn’t last long, however. Eventually a smile crept in, as he glanced around at the others.

”At least I know I made the right choice for our Captain.” he said, before busting out in a hardy laugh.

”I’m pretty sure I did the choosin’.” Bahati said, rising from her seat, and rustling the man’s hair as she passed. Donavon face returned to its grumpy form, as he tried desperately to fix any damage that she had done to his perfect hair. ”ANA, lockup after I leave. I don’t want any of these hooligans spendin’ ma money while I’m doin’ business.”

"Affirmative.” ANA replied.

”Hey?!” Alex protested.

”Oh, I’ll be right back. It won’t take long.” Bahati assure them as she began to exit the cockpit. ”Besides it’ll give Xixx time to fix up Miss Fotune a little more.” she continued, looking back at the purple haired woman who had remained silent the entire time. Bahati still couldn’t figure the woman out. She couldn’t put her finger on what species the woman, Xixx, was. Heck. She didn’t even know if Xixx was a living being or not.

"Silent Retribution” ANA corrected.

”It is a better name.” Donavon agreed.

Bahati released a growl and closed the cockpit door behind her. Those inside could have sworn it closed faster than normal. As if the beautiful smuggler had somehow figured out a way to slam a sliding door.

---

Bahati’s full, curly hair bounced freely, as she slinked down the corridor of the Shadowfax Spacestation. Her almond shaped eyes gazed about at the various vendors that had set up shop in the mysterious venue. While there were quite a few interesting things onboard the station, she wasn’t sure that the multitude of merchants was worth the 10 grand that she had spent to get Shadowfax’s location; and that was with the excessive flirting that she had done to lower the exorbitant price. The contact had however mentioned that someone on the station could move the 10 million credit crown that she and Lara had stolen over 12 years ago; if that was true, than the price was well worth it. She had a crew to feed and a ship to get up to snuff now, and that money would go a long way toward covering a lot of their bills and expenses for the next couple of years. All she had to do was get to the Wimpering Krayt Cantina.

As she approached the aberrant bar, she noticed a plethora of disgruntled patrons stomping away from the establishment. A well manicured eyebrow arched high on her head. There was something interesting happening at the Wimpering Krayt; she just hope whatever was happening hadn’t scared away her source. The exotic smuggler placed a hand gently on her new MK-IX blaster, and continued on. She was never one to back down from trouble, and this time would be no different.

She squinted at the two people guarding the door to the establishment. Something about them looked familiar. Pausing in front of the Rodian and the woman, she looked back and forth between the two of them.

”What exactly is goin’ on here?” Bahati queried, not quite placing the two yet.

 

[Paradox]

"Well look what the Rancor dragged in," said the Rodian in black armor. His large eyes watched her every move, one hand rested on a blaster and the over on a vibroblade. "It's the smuggler that Locke thought was worth so much trouble back on that beach. How has my selfish ice queen been since I last saw her?"

Inarria punched Urun in his right kidney, causing him to catch his breath and curse. She turned to the other woman with a smile causing her her silver locks to fall around her face. "Bahati, wasn't it? It's good to see you again. Far too much testosterone on this crew, as you can see. So it's always nice to meet another woman in the life. Just ignore Urun the Pouting over there. If he wasn't being infuriating, he wouldn't be nearly as attractive though."

"But he still loses to my Slassk," said the Arkanian beauty with a wink. "So what brings you to this lovely little port?"

"If you fancy a drink I suggest finding some other cesspool bar around the station; just look for one where they don't piss in the still. This one here is...closed for renovations." Urun said interrupting. He made sure he stood directly in front of the door, crossing his arms pointedly. He looked over to Inarria. "So you two can gossip or go get drinks, but Locke is busy dealing with a squid's delicate sensibilities. But I'm on bouncer duty and personally I hope we get moving soon. Been too long since we were in a proper firefight."

"As much as I hate to agree with Bug-Eyes here, he is right. The captain would like to keep this matter out of the public's eye. What brings you here anyways? Not exactly a vacation destination." Said Inarria with a smile.

 

[Darkwasp]

The beach! That’s right. She had met these two on that beautiful beach on Dressel. Bahati’s mind travelled back to the gorgeousness of that beach. She had nearly forgotten about her plans to reestablish a smuggler’s… or pirate’s port on that wonderful beach. She had spent so much time fixing up Miss Fortune and getting to know her new crew, that little else had eked its way into her busy brain.

Bahati smiled between Urun and Inarria, and was rather pleased that the Rodian thought of her as the ‘Ice Queen’. Whether good or bad, the exotic smuggler enjoyed leaving a distinct impression. As she listened to Inarria speak, she gracefully moved toward Urun, reaching to place her left hand gently on his shoulder. It was actually a move to accomplish two things; to put the Rodian at ease, and to prevent him from easily drawing his vibroblade.

”Hello Urun.” she said seductively. ”Hi Inarria.” she continued, finally remembering the woman’s name. ”Don’t mind me. I’m just here to see Hazaan.”

Bahati frowned, as she recalled that Hazaan was a Quarren; a particularly squid headed species that could have been what Urun was referring to. Whatever Locke was doing with Hazaan couldn’t be good, especially if he’d cleared the cantina and placed to guards out front. A look of concern fell across the caramels smuggler’s features.

”No. no. no. I have to get in there. I’ve got to speak with Hazaan before Locke. I have a particularly expensive item that I need him to move for me., and he can’t do that from a hospital or a grave… And don’t try ta stop me. Ya don’t mess with a woman’s credits.” Bahati announced, looking back and forth between them.

 

[Paradox]

"Wait," said Urun with a bit of a snort. He coughed and tried maintain his composure, but was having difficulty. "You think...Hazaan-Hazaan the Spotter, can move a hot item for you? Ha-hmm, excuse me. But who in the galaxy told you or anyway implied that tentacle face in there could do that? Oh, hahaha, this it too-ow! Neesha toola rimna!"

As Urun cursed in his native tongue after Inarria punched him again, she turned back to Bahati with a smile. "Sorry about him. He has no manners or social skills. But once again the lovable bastard is right. Why would you think Hazaan could move anything for you? Let alone act as a fence? He's just a spotter for a group of Trandoshan blood sport hunters based out of Shadowfax. Word is he finds a suitable target, normally someone new to the station, and then drugs them. That we or Locke is aware of he has no other underworld connections. But...he did seem in an awful hurry to find the Quarren after he got some news a week ago. So here we are and there they are in there. Maybe he is more than a spotter, who knows?"

"Regardless we can't let anyone in." Urun said as he gingerly took the smuggler's hand of his shoulder pointedly. In the silence that followed the statement one would hear what sounded like a blow landing on flesh and a sharp, but dulled yell of pain. The former bounty hunter tilted his head with a smile, "Captain's orders."

 

[Darkwasp]

The Rodian’s charming wise-cracking act had quickly begun to wear thin on Bahati. Her warm exotic eyes turned cold and her relaxed hand squeezed the grip of her new gun. The muscles in her jaw clenched, as she reviewed his words. Her mind summarizing the rash of words into a simple ‘You’re stupid.’; nobody called her stupid. She could eliminate them both right now; one shot to the Rodian’s head; one shot to Inarria’s shoulder, to prevent her from fully drawing her weapon, and then one to her head. She’d get away with the mess, and get what she wanted… to speak with Hazaan. She’d only have to explain herself after she and Locke exited the bar, but only if they left at the same time. She’d probably leave first, as the Captain would probably still busy beating the information out of the Quarren.

She snapped from her imagined assassination when Inarria punched Urun. Her head moved to Inarria, her eyes were still cold and her smile was forced. It was obvious that the mocha skinned smuggler was angered, and was merely trying to stay polite. Bahati moved to answer the woman’s question, but the Rodian interrupted her as he moved her hand. Her cold eye flashed an evil glare in his direction before she returned to face the woman.

”Inarria, could ya be a dear and let Captain Locke know I’m here, and that I need to speak to Hazaan before he can’t talk anymore?” she requested in the most polite voice that she could currently muster. ”And Urun? If you ever insult me again, and then proceed to touch me; your friends will be collecting what’s left of your head with a sponge. You only get one warning.” she spat, through a smile that seemed more dangerous than pleasant.

 

[Paradox]

"Inarria, could ya be a dear and let Captain Locke know I’m here, and that I need to speak to Hazaan before he can’t talk anymore?” Bahati seemed to be mustering up all of her politeness and the silver haired woman got the distinct impression she had been fantasizing about killing them. She knew because she often did the same around Urun and his brash personality. But she was obviously furious and who could blame her.

"Sure, just please stop thinking about killing me. You can fantasize about killing that Thrunk over there all you want though." Inarria said with a smile and wink, despite the Rodian complaining about her previous statement, she continued. "I'll go tell him you're here. I'm sure he will be happy to see you, well, maybe. He's a strange fellow. Also please restrain from shooting him. He's an ass, but he's our ass. You can hardly blame him for his nature. He's like a rancor or a slug! Hehe."

She turned with a flow of hair and entered the bar, closing the door swiftly behind her. She turned to Urun smiling, but it was a viper's smile. Full of venom and unspoken threats as she spoke sickeningly sweet. "And Urun? If you ever insult me again, and then proceed to touch me; your friends will be collecting what’s left of your head with a sponge. You only get one warning.”

"I'm shaking in my baby rancor skin boots over here." Urun said with a smile. He like this woman; a lot. She reminded him of a female version of himself. A sarcastic, subtle as sin, smooth as silk, badass who didn't take crap from anyone. She was also a bot of a loner liked he used to be. If either one had been about to continue their conversation they would be interrupted by Inarria popping her head out with a smile cast towards the other woman before casting a glare and a scowl towards Urun.

"Go on in, he's waiting for you." She said with a wink.

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati’s eyes studied the woman, as she spoke. Arkanians were so exotic to her. Nearly everything about them was the opposite of her own demeanor and form. It would be a pity to have to off such a lovely work of art.

”Sorry. I could only assume that you’d try to help your friend after I blew his head off. It wasn’t personal.” she called out to Inarria, as the woman ducked into the bar. ”Ya should be.” she responded to Urun, before she was interrupted by Inarria returning and allowing her to enter.

”Aww! Looks like your precious Captain’s Orders have been amended.” Bahati said, taunting Urun with a mock pouty face. ”Thanks, Inarria.” she acknowledged with a smile.

The striking smuggler brushed past the Rodian, as she made her entrance; making sure to deliver a rough shoulder as she went. The inside of the Cantina was dim, as usual, and surprisingly modest in its design. She had figured that anyone with a permanent establishment on Shadowfax would have more lavish accommodations. She looked over to the dark skinned Captain, as he stood looming over the one eyed, one armed Quarren. The Locke’s hair was slightly disheveled and he was breathing heavily. Hazaan on the other hand looked quite worse for wear; his face was bloody and his only functioning arm looked as though it may have been broken.

”Hey, Captain.” Bahati greeted suggestively, as she sank deeply into her right hip. It was a pose that never failed. It would always pull onlookers’ eyes to examine her curvaceous body, instead of the weapon that her hand currently rested on. She smiled happily at Locke before moving deeper into the Cantina.

”Hazaan, my good man. Before ya continue with your beatin’, perhaps ya’d be so kind as to tell me were I can find someone to help me get rid of a particularly expensive item. It seems not even the Hutts will touch it directly. I need a man… and I have, on good authority, heard that ya may know someone that can help. Just give me the information, and I’ll let ya resume your pummelin’.” she queried, as she found a dry section of the bar to hop onto, and take a seat.

 

[Paradox]

”Hey, Captain.” Bahati greeted suggestively, as she sank deeply into her right hip. It was move that Locke was certain had been the death of many men. He always found it unfair women could distract marks more easily than he did, then again he never had trouble with a bit of seduction. Still he looked at her not her hips. He wasn't particularly in the mood or at least he seemed that way. He fixed his hair as she smiled happily at Locke before moving deeper into the Cantina.

"Bahati, Ms. Rehn, this is a surprise but as you can see I am quite busy at the moment." He took of his headband and his hair fell free. He went about fixing his chestnut hair, as she made her way further into the cantina and looked between the two men. As she found a seat, when she wasn't looking, the pirate took a quick look at Hazaan who nodded slightly.

”Hazaan, my good man. Before ya continue with your beatin’, perhaps ya’d be so kind as to tell me were I can find someone to help me get rid of a particularly expensive item. It seems not even the Hutts will touch it directly. I need a man… and I have, on good authority, heard that ya may know someone that can help. Just give me the information, and I’ll let ya resume your pummelin’.” She queried happily as if barging in on what this looked to be was something she did often. And Locke believed she actually did. This seemed like something the strange woman would do. She knew what she wanted and how to get it. He would give her that. But nothing else. Right now he was playing a high stakes game and for all he knew she was an opposing player.

"You're sah kriffing kind lady," spat the Quarren with a very heavy accent as he held his side with his robotic hand, laying on the ground. "But I have nah idea what you're alluding tah. Sah speak plain or get the hell out and let mah get back to mah beating. I'd rather deal with this pirate harh than play kiddie games. I'm nah fence. Take your cheap knockoffs somewhere else. I'm busy and I don't know nothing, no how."

 

[Darkwasp]

”Oh. Captain, you’re always busy.” she retorted, returning her focus back to the Quarren lying on the ground.

Bahati continued to smile, as the trapped cantina owner began to speak. Her eyes began the long stare into deep thought and her tongue poked and prodded at the fleshy insides of her cheek. A quick huff escaped her full lips, before she hopped back down from the bar top. The mocha skinned smuggler quickly palmed an expensive looking bottle that one of the – now vacated – patrons had left, and began pouring it on the counter top. She grabbed the next closest bottle, which happened to be a nice Corellian cognac, and continued to douse the bar in liquid.

”You’re right. This place is useless. I mean. What use do I have of some rundown dive and its worm owner? Word is that ya know someone or someone who knows someone on this Kriffin’ floatin’ rock that can sell my crown… but if ya don’t… your right. I’m done with this kiddy game.” she commented in an almost insanely joyful voice.

The floor was beginning to run with pools of comingling alcohol. She let the empty bottles crash to the ground, creating shards of deadly shrapnel for those who didn’t watch their step. She produced a small lighter from one of the pouches in her belt as she moved behind the bar to gain access to more liquor. She looked back between the two men with a more serious look.

”How soon do you think the Fire Marshalls can get here?” she shrugged and resumed her mission of coating the entire cantina with the contents of Hazaan’s bar.

 

[Paradox]

Bahati continued to smile, as Hazaan began to speak. She watched the man as he spoke and then huffed as she hopped back down from the bar top. The smuggler quickly palmed an expensive looking bottle that one of the patrons had left, and began pouring it on the counter top. She grabbed the next closest bottle, which happened to be a nice Corellian cognac, and continued to douse the bar in liquid. "You’re right. This place is useless. I mean. What use do I have of some rundown dive and its worm owner? Word is that ya know someone or someone who knows someone on this Kriffin’ floatin’ rock that can sell my crown… but if ya don’t… your right. I’m done with this kiddy game.”

"Oi there! Whoa! Some of 'os bottles are bottles are worth more than yah ship!" The Quarren barked angrily; though his bark was worse than his bite in the condition he was in.

The floor was beginning to run with pools of commingling alcohol. She let the empty bottles crash to the ground, creating shards of deadly shrapnel for those who didn’t watch their step. She produced a small lighter from one of the pouches in her belt as she moved behind the bar to gain access to more liquor. She looked back between the two men with a more serious look. ”How soon do you think the Fire Marshalls can get here?”

"Dammit Locke," said Hazaan as he suddenly lost his accent but seemed to be smiling. "You didn't mention she was as crazy as you were! Just look at the mess she's making. Besides if she was an agent of his, she would have just killed me already. You say you know her and her reputation, I didn't believe you then but now? You two are a match made in hell! Hahaha."

"I tried to tell you not to play games with her." Locke held out a hand to fallen man.

The Quarren reset his 'broken' arm which was really just relocated, he repaired his robotic arm which had just been loose, and wiped the 'blood' off of his face. He let Locke help him to his feet and showed his 'bloody' hand to her. "A fine paste made from tomatoes. Not very tasty but mildly convincing in this light and especially if one expected blood. Now we can start again. I am Hazaan, spotter and information broker. Any friend of Locke's is a friend of mine."

 

[Darkwasp]

A look of confusion fell across the exotic smuggler’s face, as she looked back and forth between the two men. The bottle in her left hand continued to empty its contents while she stared at the men; in an attempt to put two and two together. Looking down at the spilling liquor, Bahati quickly righted the bottle and shoved her lighter back into its pouch.

”Wait. Ya two know each other? Geez!” she said, looking down at the mess she’d created.

She quickly grabbed a towel from behind the bar and attempted to clean up. The white cotton towel quickly became saturated, which meant the thief was more just pushing the liquid around than cleaning it up. She looked up at the Quarren with an apologetic look on her face. She dropped the useless towel and clutched at her curly locks, as she examined all of the damage she had already caused.

”Geez, Locke!” she repeated. ”I’m sure Locke can find a way to pay you back for all of this.” she pleaded to Hazaan. ”I mean; Geez!” she said for the third time. ”I almost blew the guy’s leg off, so he’d have somethin’ to match his arm. I’m glad I decided ta burn his cantina down instead.” she admitted to Locke.

Bahati glanced about the bar quickly. She needed something to calm her nerves. Grabbing the bottle that she had previously been holding, she filled the nearest glass and emptied it down her throat; in nearly one motion. Looking up at the two, she smiled and shook her head in disbelief.

”You’re gonna be the death of me, Captain.” she said with nervous laughter.

 

[Paradox]

"Maybe," said Locke with a sly smile and a wink. "But isn't that part of the fun? I tried to tell him not to but he wanted to make sure you weren't one of the myth's agents before he went and gave me what I came here for. He's very paranoid but I suppose I can't blame him. He is about to break a deal with not one, but two dangerous groups of people. So don't be to hard on poor squid-beard."

Hazaan just looked pointedly at Locke and shook his head. He turned to the woman and asked, "So you really are here just to fence an item? Well while I'm not a fence, you were right. I do know one. Not a fence, the fence; the original. You might have even heard of him but maybe, like most everyone else, thought he was just a story. Fence himself is real. And I might have a way to get in contact with him; directly. Sounds impossible but the Trandoshans I spot prey for? They had a quantum communicator. Said they took it off of one of his agents that happened to cross...and then killed him."

"And if you're worried about my spotting, don't be." Said the Quarren as he held up his hands as if surrendering. "Me and Locke had quite the con going with those heartless killers. I only tagged criminals with bounties, no innocents. I would dose them up with a knockout drink that also had a tracker inside. When the hunters kidnapped, hunted, and then killed them on the nearby planet I went down and used the tracker to find their bodies. Then I'd go claim the bounties and split it with this pirate here. Smart no? It was all his idea, I just had the connections. But back to the topic, what are you trying to move?"

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati smiled a knowing smile at Locke, as he joked. She nodded as the Captain explained the Spotter’s intent. The Quarren was about to break two previous arrange, in an attempt to help Locke, she didn’t know if that spoke more to the Captain’s charms or the Spotter’s duplicity. She’d put money on the latter. Hazaan would most likely continue working with Locke closely in order to be protected from the organizations that he was betraying; only to do the same to Locke when the time arose. She hated people like herself; always out to get ahead, no matter who they stepped on along the way.

Her attractive brown eyes studied the Spotter as he spoke. He spoke of a man known as ‘The Fence’ a particularly well connected individual who could manage to get his grubby hands on any information or item… for the right price. It was a child’s story that her father used to tell her when she was little. They were mostly just cautionary tales about keeping any items or information that was important, close to the vest. Once they were passed into someone else’s hands, they became fair game for the rest of the villains of the galaxy.

”He?” Bahati responded. ”How do ya know The Fence is a man? Sound’s like a woman’s MO ta me.” she questioned, with a teasing smile.

She sauntered back around the bar towards the two men, her hips maintaining their exaggerated sway. She paused at something that Hazaan said. Her eyes darted to the Quarren, and her brow knitted.

”Oh, I’m not worried about ya Spottin’ me. I probably take things a little more personally then those big faceless conglomerates do. To them, ya’d just be a fly to swat when tha opportunity arose. Me? I’d hunt ya down to the ends of the galaxy and make sure ya pay for crossin’ me.” she said, maintaining her flirtatious grin.

She closed in on Locke, and reached out to put a gentle hand on his chest. Her eyes locked into his; holding a hint of admiration behind the shimmering orbs. She attempted to lean in closely, so that the two were only a breath away.

”Why, Locke?! Ya sly, thievin’ dog. You’ve been stealin’ bounties from those hard workin’ hunters all of this time?” she leaned in a little closer; her lips threatening to brush lightly against the Pirate Captain’s, but before they could she pulled away in response to the Quarren’s question.

Taking a few steps closer to Hazaan, she produced a small datapad. Her fingers lightly tapped at the screen, bringing up an image of the crown jewels. The crown wasn’t from any well known planet; if it was it would be worth a lot more, but the jewels and craftsmanship were near flawless. She should the image to the Spotter with her eyebrows raised high on her head. She surely wasn’t going to travel around with the real thing on her person. Especially not in some place as shady as Shadowfax.

”The Hutts won’t touch it. They say it’s still too well known to sell, and if they have to melt it, the value would drop significantly.” she said, looking at the picture with Hazaan.

 

[Paradox]

”He?” Bahati asked with a teasing smile. In all honesty she probably didn't care who, what gender, or what color Fence was. She had something to move but she did like to play the flirt and sarcastic figure; which made Locke smile. ”How do ya know The Fence is a man? Sound’s like a woman’s MO ta me.”

"Because I've had dealings with him before. He at least appears to be a man and sounds like one, but you may well be correct. No one has ever met him or her in person. Though," said Lock with his own little smirk and a wink as he watched her saunter over. He of course knew the game and did it himself, but it still didn't help that she played her part so well. "I could only imagine you as Fence if the figure was actually a woman."

”Oh, I’m not worried about ya Spottin’ me. I probably take things a little more personally then those big faceless conglomerates do. To them, ya’d just be a fly to swat when tha opportunity arose. Me? I’d hunt ya down to the ends of the galaxy and make sure ya pay for crossin’ me.” she said, maintaining her flirtatious grin after she turned to face Hazaan in answer to his speech about his role here. After she finished, she closed in on Locke, and reached out to put a gentle hand on his chest. Her eyes locked into his and attempted to lean in closely, so that the two were only a breath away. She leaned in a little closer; her lips threatening to brush lightly against the Pirate Captain’s, ”Why, Locke?! Ya sly, thievin’ dog. You’ve been stealin’ bounties from those hard workin’ hunters all of this time?”

"Well I do have some very...expensive tastes and trying to form a coalition of smugglers, pirates, and all around ne'er-do-wells isn't exactly cheap dear Bahati." He said softly with just the hint of a smile and a mischievous gleam in his eye.

As Hazaan asked what she was trying to move, she produced a small datapad. Her fingers lightly tapped at the screen, bringing up an image of the crown jewels. The crown wasn’t from any well known planet; if it was it would be worth a lot more, but the jewels and craftsmanship were near flawless. She looked at the image with the Quarren, ”The Hutts won’t touch it. They say it’s still too well known to sell, and if they have to melt it, the value would drop significantly.”

"It would indeed," whistled the Spotter with a smile. "There's no doubt in my mind that Fence could move what even the Hutts can't. He's one of the masters of the galaxy's underworld. He can deffinently move it for you and make you a fair deal. But there's a reason Locke came to me about a rumor. It used to be you could contact him directly at hubs, then they were all destroyed for some unknown reason. Then you had to go through agents to contact him. Now in the past three years he has all but vanished, well vanished even more. He has gotten rid of most of the agents who know how to get in touch with him except the four horseman. The one who was killed by the hunters was a dead man anyways."

"My guess is Fence is already aware of his last burned agent's death and has dispatched a wetwork team. If you can beat them to the hunter's fortress on the planet below, steal the quantum communicator, you might just both get your answers." The Quarren said addressing both of them. "Just becareful. Something's going on. It's the reason Fence has withdrawn even further than the shadow he used to be. Something, or someone, has a myth like Fence spooked. Be careful Locke. If you go through with this you might just end up a game you don't know the rules to. You too Ms. Rehn."

 

[Darkwasp]

The exotic smuggler listened to Hazaan carefully, glancing at Locke occasionally to judge his reaction as much as to keep tabs on his position in the room. There was still so much she was learning about the Captain. And though she liked him, giving trust too soon in their industry resulted in premature loss of limb, or worse; death. Assured that Captain Locke wasn’t about to try anything ill-advised she focused her attention on the remainder of the Quarren’s story.

Her thoughts travelled to why Fence would feel the need to retreat further into obscurity? Had he… or she, crossed someone exceedingly dangerous and vengeful? Was Fence trying to scale back his operation? Or perhaps Fence was just looking to retire without leaving any traces that he ever even existed. She looked back and forth between the men in an attempt to gauge their ideas and concerns. Shoving her datapad back in her satchel, she looked down and smiled at the Quarren.

”Well I guess we’re in luck, my dear Hazaan. ‘Cause I don’t need ta know that rules, ‘cause I make the rules.” she responded confident wink and smile. ”Whelp. It looks like you’ll get what you’ve been wishin’ for all of this time, Locke. We get ta work together.” she said, with her smile becoming noticeably brighter.

 

[Paradox]

”Well I guess we’re in luck, my dear Hazaan. ‘Cause I don’t need ta know that rules, ‘cause I make the rules,” she responded confident wink and smile. Locke just shook his head with a smile as she continued. ”Whelp. It looks like you’ll get what you’ve been wishin’ for all of this time, Locke. We get ta work together.”

Bahati's smile grew noticeably brighter as she said this. Locke smiled in turn and was about to reply when the bar exploded. The three in the room either dropped to the ground, dove for cover, or were blown back as booze and debris rained around the room. Urun and Inarria burst through the front door guns drawn as people panicked on the streets outside. Through the smoke, crunching over shattered glass and splintered wood, came four men armed with rifles. They were all wearing nondescript black armor and clothing with masks or helmets covering their faces. The one that appeared the leader looked around and turned to Hazaan who slowly moved out of cover along with Locke. The pirate turned to the Quarren, "So...who are your friends Hazaan?"

"Remember when I said I broke two deals? I didn't mean the hunters and Fence, I'd never break a deal with him. No. I broke a deal with a Cartel member who also very much wants that quantum communicator. He seems to really want to find Fence, though I don't know why. I'm assuming these are his men." Hazaan whispered to his four allies in the room.

The thug grabbed an expensive bottle of Corellian Whiskey that had survived the explosion. And promptly dropped it before turning to the Spotter casually. "Mr. Hazaan, you know why we're here. You don't break a deal with our boss. You could have had a piece of what he was building but now you're just going to be another footnote. Miraan says hello."

The thug drew and shot a bolt between Hazaan's eyes in one swift motion as the room erupted into a firefight. Locke yelled angrily at the death of his friend and fired a quick flurry of shots that felled one of the thugs as everyone else in the room took cover.

 

[Darkwasp]

A powerful concussion blast forced Bahati to the ground; sending her skidding across the room and protecting her from the deadly shrapnel that quickly followed. Jagged pieces of wall and glass from the bar mirror passed mere inches from her body, as she collided with one of the various tables strewn about the room. Her head was throbbing and there was a high-pitched whining in her ears. She looked about to see Locke and Hazaan talking, but the ringing in her ears wouldn’t allow her to understand what they were saying. Whatever it was they were saying didn’t last long; a bolt Hazaan right between the eyes, insuring that he’d be no further use to anyone.

Captain Locke responded with drawing his DeathHammer and opening fire. She looked in the direction in which he was firing to see a group of armored men returning fire. Bahati quickly shimmied around the table, in hopes that the men had not yet seen her. Deadly streaks of plasma filled the air, as she pulled her MK-IX from its holster. Goodness! What was with this guy?! Every time she was around Locke, she was being shot at by some crazed lunatic.

She reached around the table and skillfully squeezed the trigger. The blue-green bolt of energy launched from her barrel, plowing into the corner of the bar, several feet from the nearest intruder; blasting a huge chunk free from the well constructed bar-top. Bahati swore loudly. Her pounding head had affected her aim, not to mention the annoying thing jabbing her in her hip. Reaching for the annoyance, she produced the small lighter that she had shoved in her pocket. A mischievous smile appeared on her face. She flipped the top open, ignited the flame, and slid the lighter toward the alcohol soaked area.

The bronzium object slid, spinning multiple times, before the friction of one of the spins closed the top; extinguishing the flame. ”Oh you’ve gotta be Kriffin’ kiddin’ me?!” Bahati screamed.

The smuggler’s face turned deadly serious, as she moved her heavy plasma blaster around the table. She took several shots; one, two, three. The second shot connected with the lighter, shattering its bronzium casing and igniting the alcohol around it. Flames erupted across the alcohol drenched bar, threatening to engulf the intruders if they remained in place.

 

[Paradox]

The booze ignited in a small explosion that immediately killed one of the thugs via a small piece of shrapnel from Bahati's lighter. It was more luck than anything that it had went through the gap in the armor of his throat and into his brain. Another of the intruders was lit on fire and panicked. As he moved out of cover, waving his arms wildly as a towering inferno, Inarria and Urun cut him down with a multitude of shots. Meanwhile Locke had been sneaking up on the leader from the left as he blind fired towards the other three. By the time he noticed the pirate, it was too late. He shot his gun from his hands, slammed his head against the table he was hiding behind, and stabbed him to hit through his stomach to seal his fate as well as prevent his escape.

Locke's eyes were cold and his face a mask of stone as he stared down at the dying man who was writhing in pain as he tried to stop the bleeding. He knew who these men worked for. He had had dealings with Miraan before but never seen his face; he wasn't sure anyone had. Why was he after Fence? Was he the one that Fence could be worried about? He didn't have time to think further on the subject as the dying man spat angrily, "You think...this is over!?! It's just beginning Locke...you owe Miraan...he'll probably understand why you offed us...but no one...no one...breaks a deal with him. He'll get in touch with you...and you know exactly...what you'll do..."

"Maybe," said Locke as the man died. He pulled his saber from the corpse with a sickening, sucking sound and turned to his crew. "Go secure the streets with the others and get in touch with the ship. Tell them to prep for the shuttle for launch, it's smaller and less likely to be picked up. Qur will stay here with the twins and take care of...Hazaan. He deserves that much. I'll be going to the Trandoshan's fortress alone. By myself I can sneak in and out in no time. I don't want us caught in the middle of Fence's wetwork team, the hunters, and Miraan's men. And no arguing; that's an order."

They both nodded silently and went about their assigned duties as Locke went of to the Quarren's body. He closed his eyes, set his arms crossed, and took the fallen friend's knife from the boot he kept it hidden in. It was a rusty old vibroknife but it had meant a lot to the pair when they had began their friendship five years ago. He stood and turned to the smuggler, a bit of sadness in his eyes as well as genuine concern, "I'm sorry you got involved. I always seem to get you shot at when you're around me, eh?"

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati watched in amazement as a shard from the lighter took out one of the assailants. She glanced around at the others, to see if anyone else had gotten a glimpse of her awesome shot. A dejected look feel upon her face, as she released that Locke and his crew were too busy to notice the miracle that was Bahati. The gloomy look didn’t last long however. One of the armored men caught fire; screaming and flailing wildly. A large smile of self-satisfaction grew on the smuggler’s face.

”Stop, drop, and roll!” she hollered at the man engulfed in brilliant flames.

The man did drop, but it wasn’t because he had listened to Bahati’s instructions. Urun had peppered the man with holes and his dead body fell to the floor; his corpse still burning brightly. The other armored individuals fell just as quickly with Locke pinning one to a table. Her ears were just starting to clear from the incessant ringing when the man vegan to speak.

”Why do they always get so chatty when they’re about to die?” she questioned, looking around at the group. ”You figure it’d be the best time to reflect on your life.” she shrugged, not really caring about the answer.

”…I'll be going to the Trandoshan's fortress alone.”

”We’ll be going to the Trandoshan’s fortress alone.” Bahati immediately called out to his crew after him.

”By myself I can sneak in and out in no time.”

”Yes. By ourselves we can sneak in and out in no time.” she corrected, pointing back and forth between Locke and herself. Bahati didn’t wait for the Captain to comment on her corrections. She immediately retrieved a small comlink from her pocket, and began speaking loudly into it. ”Okay, guys. I’m goin’ on a little vacation with the Captain here. Donavon’s in charge until I get back.”

There was a bunch of loud grumbling and complaining coming from the other end of the communication, but Bahati immediately switched it off. She turned to Locke with her arms folded beneath her breasts, and a sly smile.

”So… What’s the plan? And who exactly is Miraan?” she queried.