Hunter Quest

[Narri Emrour]

Narri sighed as she sipped at her coffee, rolling the beverage around her mouth a few moments before swallowing. She dearly wished for something stronger, preferably an ale or even a beer. But she was going to need her wits about her in a few moments, and even a small drink usually had substantial effects thanks to her small size. In front of her was one of the busy markets of Nar Shadda, teeming with hordes of people and stalls. Somewhere inside that mass, was the smugglers in charge of supplying exotic animals to the Hutts and other illicit groups.

Those smugglers were the key to her acquisition of her own little monster, a pet to do very fun things with. Specifically, Acklays, a crustacean predator she'd gotten interested in after a little cave jaunt with Halmo'de. Only trouble was, finding them was pretty difficult, and she soon discovered that only the pros knew anything. So here she sat, outside a small café in the underworld, waiting. What was she waiting for? The other Sith who apparently had similar interests and had offered to help her out real quick.

She'd been surprised at the offers, especially from two others she'd really never had dealings with. But Narri was more than happy to accept in this case. These dealings, they were never simple, and these procurers were usually pretty tight lipped about their sources. Well Narri wasn't going to be taking silence for an answer this time and more fists would be helpful jaw openers, in addition to the usual gear she'd brought along. Narri turned around briefly to check the clock on the wall, then swallowed the rest of her coffee. It was almost time, they'd be along soon, and then they could get started. Hopefully it would be soon, the way her Lekku tingled reminded her of rain, and lots of it. @Faded Truth @Xorism

 

[Gunner Stahl]

The R70 Dalyrake exited hyperspace, taming its drive down to a minimal as it just skidded on thrusters towards the Nar Shadaa spaceport. The customized ship docked into a hangar and came to a steady halt. This was a rather interesting and unusual request, though after Narri had been helpful in the past at Ilum, he didn't want to refuse an opportunity to build a good working relationship with the Sith Master. Afterall, he would soon apply for his Commander promotion and could likely use all the help he would get.

Besides, maybe obtaining a few of these critters for himself didn't sound like a bad idea; keep them stashed away at a secure location and then use them to interrogate or punish his enemies. The lieutenant was dressed in his customized battle armor, twin carbine blasters at his side as he exited the hangar and used a rental speeder bike to navigate through the busy streets. These crowded municipalities reminded him how much he hated the congested city life; he grew up in slums, and as he built a brighter future for himself, he couldn't imagine returning to this pit.

Strolling into the bar, he quietly took the seat to the right of the twi'lek Sith; a slight nudge brushed on her shoulder as he flagged down a service droid and ordered two shots of vodka for them. Yes, he saw the coffee, but this would be an amusing mission to say the least, and he felt she was a total bitch if she wasn't marginally buzzed. "Been waiting long for me?"

@Narsi

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

Sith Master Xornoth arrived in style aboard his new Allecto-class gunboat that thus far remained untested but would soon have a little fun with. Until then, however, he had promised to assist fellow Master Emrour in a little pet project of hers on Nar Shadda. Arriving in his custom Sith armor and usual equipment he did not plan to keep them waiting, he walked in shortly after the Lieutenant to join the pair.

"Master Emrour, you didn't mention wanting to bring the eye candy for this task, are you sure he won't get in the way?" he said with a chuckle referring to the Lieutenant - a light ribbing never hurt anyone after all.

 

[Narri Emrour]

Ah, there was the lieutenant now, striding towards her table through the crowds. Narri was surprised she hadn't seen him sooner, nothing the snazzy customized battle armor and unique weaponry. Stuff like that really stood out in a dive like this, especially the fact that it was of Sith make. Whatever, Narri immediately focused on the more important things, like the two shots that had just been placed down on their table. Oof, the temptation, it was strong, especially after just finishing that lame ass coffee, though she had their task to think of.

Ah what the heck, that's what backup was for wasn't it. And it would be rude to refuse a drink...right? Narri grinned and shook her head at Gunner, scooping up the small glass. In a gulp it was down the hatch, happily burning away at her insides as it went down. Vodka, Narri smacked her lips appreciatively and turned to the soldier. "Not too long, though that certainly just subtracted a couple minutes. Any idea where...oh" There was the last member of their little trifecta, Master Xornoth, also coming over to greet them. Like Gunner, he was also clad in some custom made armor of Sith make, causing Narri to look over her own attire dryly.

Yup, still just a dusty set of standard Outrider Scout Armor, a dime a dozen on any planet with smugglers on it. Really, she'd never seen the need for special unique gear when the common stuff worked fine. It just cost more, and sometimes made you a target as well. Narri herself made a point out of aiming at the gaudiest people on the battlefield. But this wasn't a battlefield, so it was a hand the Twi'lek raised in greeting to the other Sith. It was also to summon more shots, three this time. "Well a good day to you too Xornoth, glad to see you could join us. And yes, Mr Stahl IS rather gussied up isn't he? Though I don't think he's the only one now is hmm." She tossed a meaningful glance at the Sith's armor, before pulling up a chair for him. "Now, lets get down to business, are you both clear on what were looking for today?"
@Faded Truth

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner began to chuckle towards the statement made by Xornath, certainly the Kaleesh had an interesting sense of humor. "My looks have always gotten in the way, you'll just have to stay focused friend". He winked playfully towards the Sith. Indulging himself in a few more drinks during the course of conversation, Narri finally seemed to shift the focus onto the task at hand as she asked them blatantly whether they realized the purpose of this mission. "Of course, you want to capture one of those tarantula looking creatures right?" The officer was mostly here to lend support, he didn't grasp any deeper understanding of what the significance of these creatures were but merely assumed it was to help the Twi'lek's connection with the force.

@Narsi @Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

Tracking down an Acklay was not usually expected to be an easy feat, it certainly wouldn't be a cheap purchase if they went that route but he suspected that if that was indeed what Master Emrour was intending to do, she probably wouldn't have called for all this support.

"Well, you certainly wash up pretty well yourself, Narri. Perhaps later we'll get you out of that scout armor...and into something more you, my treat," he said with a slight wink. Turning to the Lieutenant he returned the smile "Of course, of course. Work before pleasure."

To business then.

"I'm aware of the beast you seek, but presumably we are here to arrange transportation once we have one in possession? you haven't exactly stated how you intend to do the latter either."

@Narsi @Faded Truth

 

[Narri Emrour]

Well, they knew the basics, and that was good enough. She'd feared that neither of them would even know what an Acklay was force forbid, though considering what she knew of the two that had been unlikely. For this though, more specifics would be good, it was time to fill them both in a little. "You are correct, we're here to learn more about the intermediary steps of acquiring some Acklays. They are exceedingly rare, and very valuable, thus these steps of acquisition are held very secret." Narri raised a hand and gestured to the busy market behind them.

"Somewhere in there, are a group of smugglers that call themselves the "Apex Hunters." Stupid, I know, but they specialize in the procurement of exotic animals LIKE Acklays. I have already contacted this group...and they told me to screw off because they don't work for Sith. Again, stupid, because they apparently don't mind working for the Hutts." Narri paused to shrug ever so slightly and finish the last of her drink. " Anyways, these "Apex Hunters" at least one of them are supposed to be manning a stall here." Narri looked between the two other Sith with a slight smile, slowly standing up from her chair. "I trust you don't need me to explain what we're here to do"

Narri would then lead the way forward out of the bar towards the throng, stopping halfway to look back at the others and speak again. "In case you do need me to explain it, we're going to beat the information out of them, and yes, I expect resistance. Look for a Kel Dor, apparently he's the leader."

@Faded Truth

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner fashioned quite the smirk, listening intently at Narri's direction before his attention shifted slightly towards the other Sith Master. "Sounds peachy to me, let's get started. How many of these damn critters do you want to keep?" He questioned, not knowing whether the Twi'lek wanted just one or a litter to keep herself busy at times."

He downed his drink, setting the empty glass with half-melted rocks on the bar counter before standing to his full armored height. He checked the ammunition packs of his twin blaster carbines before setting them back upon his hips as he strode out behind the duo. "Apex Hunters will meet their Apex Predators today.." He chuckled, lighting a cigarette as he exited in concert with the Sith.

@Narsi @Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

For whatever reason Narri sought to acquire one of these beasts, it didn't really matter to Xornoth. Although if there was going to be trouble, the trio would at least get to have some fun before their little hunt began. Some folks still believed that they could refuse the Sith Empire when asked, fewer still lived to continue to refuse. True they weren't asking for the Empire but still, we couldn't let a few idiots think they can get away with being disrespectful can we?

"Presumably, you'll need a few of these hunters to live? shame. Lead on then, let's go introduce ourselves again."

@Narsi @Faded Truth

 

[Narri Emrour]

Normally when striding into crowded areas, Narri found herself the target of lustful gazes and nasty thoughts, usually both. With a crowd like this though, she would've expected far worse. Thankfully she'd come prepared, with a featureless helm, and extra power packs for her blasters. Right away though, as she found herself pushing through the hordes, she wished she'd brought more. Like seriously, sure this was the busiest time of day, in one of the busiest areas, but she was sick of skirting FAT Rodians. Also, she'd already had to block three pickpocket attempts, singing the intrusive fingers with a flash of force fire.

Of course, that wasn't the only intrusion around her. Everywhere she turned, people were in her face with new weapons or gear, hawking specialty deals and prices. Presumably the others were suffering the same, their pricy armor maybe egging a few of them on even. She did her best to ignore them, peering about constantly for her real target. It was when she pushed a Bothan out of the way that she finally saw it, the distinctive mask and goggles of a Kel Dor standing next to a booth. Ah, there he was, she pointed him out to the others and begun shoving her way over.

Thankfully, there was no moment of recognition, thank you helmet, and the future victim stayed right where he was as she pushed her way closer. Looking up Narri paused for an incredulous moment, as she witnessed their groups emblem next to their name. It was a green smiley face...with horns. How...fitting? Whatever, all she really cared about was that the name was correct, which it was, still as stupid as ever. Also at the stall were two others, humans, both of them sitting down and talking behind the desk. All of them were armed, heavily, Narri able to spot what looked like a stack of grenades on the desk. Hmph, as if that would be enough for the three of them. Narri raised a hand and called out as she got near. "Would you all happen to be the Apex Hunters?"

Checking was useless at this point, there WAS a sign. But for what she intended, it would be good to eliminate any possible mistakes.

@Faded Truth

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

The Shadowguard followed the twi'lek Sith Master closely into the streets as she led them. Luckily enough, his armored presence was a bit more intimidating than the girl, sparing him from as many pickpocket attempts as Narri had to fend off. Arriving at the table with the seated guests, he remained silent for a few moments and merely observed the brief verbal exchange. Unlike the Sith however, he didn't wear a matching helm with his ebony armor, rather allowing the cybernetic eye and its glory do most of his aesthetic appeal. As Narri spoke to them, arms folded across his chest and he merely strolled to the side as if he was glancing at the side fares.

However, as there was a momentary pause between her question and no apparent lack of answer, he decided it would be best to apply some aggressive persuasion. The imperial soldier moved rapidly, almost too fast for these "Apex Hunters" to comprehend as his left arm wrapped around the neck of the man seated to the far left of Kel Dor. Hoisting his body upwards, he smashed his head against the wooden foundation pole behind them in one, singular motion. As the human slumped over unconscious in his grip, Gunner would then move for his carbine blaster on the right hip, drawing it out and pointing it quickly at the head of the remaining human seated besides their primary target. "Trust me, I can splash your brains across this table faster than you can even consider grabbing those grenades. Now answer the question.." He commanded boldly, voice dripping with venom and intimidation bravado.

@Narsi @Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

Xornoth stood out like a sore thumb and yet in the hustle and bustle of the market, people and aliens came and went around him trying to sell wares and produce to anyone who would take a second to glance in their direction. He paid good attention to keep track of his companions although the distance crept up as they wound their way through the busy streets.

After a short walk, he found the pair approaching their target finally although he himself did not directly move forward to join them rather instead he stood back and pretended to look busy while keeping a firm eye on the group before Narri and any who might join them out of the blue. From his perspective, anyone trying to sneak up on the pair would be well within his sight and would subsequently be punished for trying.

He waited.

@Narsi @Faded Truth

 

[Narri Emrour]

No response, the two humans merely looking at each other and then laughing as if they thought she were crazy. One of them took a moment to gesture up at the sign and roll his eyes. She could even sense an air of amusement from the Kel Dor, whose mask otherwise hid his thoughts. The laughter came to an abrupt stop however, as the armored private next to her leapt into action. In a flash, one of the humans was downed of head trauma and the other held at gunpoint. For her part, she went for the Kel Dor when he reacted, reaching for his weapons. A gesture of her hand and the alien's hands were pinned at his sides uselessly, suspended slightly in the air.

And then there was silence in the marketplace, they having instantly become the center of attention. Hmmm, Narri glanced around at them, glaring lightly under her helmet. Could be a problem if they didn't handle this fast, but they had a few minutes at least as long as no heroes stepped forth. She returned her focus to the Apex Hunters, who were apparently ready to speak now, the conscious human nodding frantically and stammering. "Y-YES this is...W-WE are the A-Apex Hunters."

"Good," Narri interrupted with a raised hand, "Wasn't so hard huh? Now shut up while I talk to someone more important." She then turned to the Kel Dor and, still holding him suspended, removed her helmet. Boom, instant recognition, the hunter jerking back and squirming more vigorously. "You!" He shouted in his masked voice, "That Sith who contacted us! We told-Ack" He broke off as Narri wrapped another tendril of the force around his throat and squeezed. "Yes, I KNOW what you told me, and I didn't care for it. Now its time to...."

What was he looking at? And why could she suddenly sense a strange sort of optimism from the hunting group? Actually, now that she looked, she could see another chair behind the desk, empty and yet pulled out as if someone had just been sitting in it. @Faded Truth

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner released the unconscious man from his grasp, tossing his body to the ground behind the others. Trigger finger danced patiently in anticipation of when he would have a chance to end this fiend's existence. For now he kept his blaster aimed at the second man's head while Narri continued in dialect with them. If any of them made an attempt at grabbing those grenades, there would be hell to pay. Slowly, his attention diverted for a brief moment towards his twi'lek companion as she ceased her words suddenly. Following her eyes, he soon looked at the chair that was pulled out and mutter, "Kriff" under neath his breath.

Instantaneously, he brought the butt of his carbine to pistol whip the second man in the back of the skull. Free hand going to wrap around the shoulder as he hoisted him upwards with blaster stuffed against his spine. "All right buddy, let's go find your friend.." He motioned towards Xornoth, as likely he wanted someone to keep watch over Narri in case Kel Dor attempted any funny business.

@Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

Xornoth continued to watch from a distance until something happened that would send Gunner off to the side. Whatever it was, Narri was now alone against the group which wasn't part of the original plan and thus Xornoth abandoned his position to back her up. Standing next to Narri, he could see the Kel Dor that she was interrogating and the small group of hunters who were waiting for something to happen.

While Narri choked the alien out, Xornoth walked up to him and gripped the breathing apparatus that allowed him to breathe and wiggled it gently. "I've always wanted to know what would happen if you lost one of these," he said with a mischievous smile.

Whatever surprise they had in store, Gunner would handle it otherwise the hunters would start dying one by one until they got what they came for.

@Narsi @Faded Truth

 

[Narri Emrour]

Narri smirked as she saw the onset of panic in the Kel Dors's eyes as Gunner went looking for the missing hunter. Heh, so much for the cavalry, not that one person was ever going to be worth something in this situation. Narri's smile widened as Xornoth walked up to join her and the Kel Dor's fear increased, especially when his mask was grabbed. "Well maybe we'll find out." She said, looking into the hidden eyes intently as she squeezed even tighter. "If he doesn't tell me what I want to know. And he knows VERY WELL what I want to know huh?" Her smile vanished and she leaned in close, reaching into her waist pockets and pulling out a data pad. She loosened her grip on the aliens hands and shoved the datapad into them, still keeping him carefully suspended. "Now, put everything into the datapad or else."

A short pause as the Kel Dor looked down at the device, and for a moment she actually thought he was going to do it. Then the force pulsed a warning as the masked being tossed it down and reached for his blasters again. Of course she didn't let him do that, using the force to lasso the man's arms down once again before he could even touch them. Instantly the man resorted to words, but the only the first few syllables made it out before Narri reasserted her grip on his throat and put that to a halt. "Well now," Narri stepped closer again, looking down at the broken piece of tech for a ponderous moment. Then she looked up, smiling once more. "I was rather hoping you might do something like that, makes this a lot more enjoyable for me."

Without any further ado, the Twi'lek reached forward with her hands and grabbed the Kel Dor's head. Then, she reached out with the force...and begun to push her way into his mind with a sharpened tendril of thoughts. She wasn't gentle either, and soon her victim was thrashing about in her grasp, screaming. Narri's smirk only widened as she redoubled her efforts to rip out everything she needed, tightening her hold to keep him in place. Really she had never been adept at this, never having put in the effort to get better, and thus causing internal damage each time. But right now that was a definite plus. @Faded Truth @Xorism

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner led the scoundrel farther away from his allies, down towards the originating point of their travels and the entrance to the tavern where he had the rendezvous with Narri and Xornath. The hunter thought he was clever perhaps, activating a silent ping off his comm-link to notify of the position he was being taken too. As they entered through a narrow corridor, Gunner felt the left side of his body being smashed by a running entity. Armored figure hurled to the side as he braced the contact against his back, attention shifting sharply towards the second hunter who had decided to ambush him.

Stupid....he thought to himself. With carbine blaster already drawn, all it took was a simple re-adjustment of his precision as he fired two bolts towards the chest of the man who had made physical contact with him. These "Apex hunters" may have been well trained, but against the likes of the Empire's Shadowguard, they were nothing. The second hunter attempted to fly, but the Imperial grabbed a lose wooden lid from the liquor crate laying nearby and flung it frisbee style towards the back of his target's knee. A loud oomphf was heard as he smacked upon the ground, only to be grabbed by the neck and hoisted into the air.

As Narri was using her telepathic interrogation skill, Gunner would return to the table and smacked the man he was holding prisoner into the chair at the side. Blaster pistol's muzzle nestled against the man's skull, attention shifting to his two comrades as he spoke. "I took care of the last one, how we doing here?"

@Narsi @Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

Xornoth released his grip on the Kel Dor to let Narri have her fun with him when the daft alien tried to pull a blaster on her and would now pay the price for his stupidity. There wasn't any real blame to be placed on him Xornoth supposed, they thought they were hot stuff but clearly they had not anticipated what would be coming for them today.

While Narri was busy with the leader, he moved between the Kel Dor and the rest of his gang in case they tried anything funny. His hand was resting gently on his lightsaber in plain sight of the others as he grinned, daring them to try and pull a blaster upon him but sadly they were terrified and unwilling to throw their lives away for their idiotic leader.

"Looks like not all the Apex hunters are as kriffed as this one huh?" The others would probably live if they shut their mouths and did as they were told, at least that was assuming Narri didn't decide she didn't need witnesses left lying around. Then they'd be screwed for sure.

@Narsi @Faded Truth

 

[Narri Emrour]

Narri released her grip and stepped back, finally dropping the force grip she'd held the other alien in. In response the Kel Dor simply collapsed into a heap, falling flat on his face at her feet. And there he lay, completely still save for the faint rise and fall of his chest, even when Narri nudged him with her foot. Narri raised an eyebrow and moved her foot over one of his hands, still receiving no reaction. A moment, two, and then she stomped down with all her strength, and the crunching of bone broke the silence. Still no reaction, none whatsoever, the Kel Dor just laid there and took it. Huh, well that was some serious mental incapacitation, probably a record in her case. Narri laughed and removed her foot, leaving a crumbled mess of bone and flesh in its wake, perfect.

Turning away, she took in the scene, both the cowering crowd and survivor. "Were done actually," She tapped her temple lightly, "Stupid fool had everything I needed, and now its mine. We can go." She cast her eyes about for a moment, considering what to do from here. Everyone was still looking at them, and that was a lot of witnesses, she didn't like that. However they WERE on Nar Shadda, and Narri could imagine potential repercussions if they just started slaughtering potential Cartel members. Narri shrugged and grabbed up her helmet, there was really only one option then. "Lets just get going then, we've got what we came for." She nodded towards the crowd, "Let them be, there's no guarantee we'd get them all anyway."

Narri started to walk away, pausing for a moment as she turned back, looking to Gunner. "Kill that one though, I'd at least like to limit the potential number of vengeful fools in the future." She would then resume walking away, waiting a moment for the two others to catch up, already planning with the new information she had at her disposal. The hordes of people parted easily before them, caution and worry present on almost every face.
@Faded Truth @Xorism

/exit thread

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner nodded at Narri's suggestion, "Sounds good". He said, quietly laced within a monotone voice. The surviving member shrieked with eyes wide open, turning around to face his soon to be murderer, "NO!" He yelled..to no avail though. The imperial pressed the trigger and his blaster tore brain and flesh asunder, splattering the man's skull across the table. Barrel still whistling with smoke, he holstered the weapon and continued on after his comrades. He taunted towards the crowd, wagging his right index finger in a silly manner. "Don't F___ with us.."

// Exit thread

@Xorism