Open Jakku Jedi Bargain Bin Sale

[Amos McCord]

"Fifteen!" shouted the same man as earlier, re-submitting his bid now that an official auction was underway for the Zygerrian dancer. Amos should've figured that the Hutts would jump on the chance to make more credits, but it still came as a surprise to him when the Zygerrian dancer was put up for auction as well... although knowing the Hutts, they tended to view their "property" as both expendable and a means to an end; that end being entertainment, or else more credits. Only a slight flaring of the nostrils- in what could easily be interpreted as interest- betrayed his true feelings on the vile practice of humanoid trafficking.

The Ranger glanced around the room, noting the dozens of slave collars in attendance; of course his focus was on the underage Jedi being auctioned off, but the whole institution was vile and corrupt. He couldn't save everyone here. In fact, Amos was beginning to wonder if he could rescue anyone here. A bid on the Zygerrian dancer was well within his means, but would threaten to draw unwelcome attention his direction. He'd made it this far by blending in with the rabble, and something told him that the cold stare of Preef Callo- or, perhaps, the Rodian's legendary Peacemaker- would be turned his direction if he made a move on the dancer.

Instead, the Ranger began crafting brief profiles on the major players in attendance; having already seen the auction descending into squabbles once before, perhaps there was a way he could subtly sow more discord amongst the patrons...

(OOC note: profiles in order of appearance, contingent on this thread. Full names are included for reference, but aren't known to Amos unless stated aloud.)

Spoiler: Baghra Desilijic

A younger Hutt, by the looks of things, desperately trying to gain relevance by trying to sell a young girl as a Jedi Master. Appears to be related to the other Hutt in the room, although the extent of their rivalry is yet to be determined. Doesn't seem as quick to anger as most of her species. Owner of this place, gains the most if the Jedi's price is inflated.

@Malon

Spoiler: Preef Callo

Nothing but a whispered name in many parts of the galaxy, the infamous Rodian was not, in fact, dead. Despite signs of his age, the gunslinger is still quite capable of commanding a room. Has already undermined the auction twice; first by questioning the legitimacy of the girl's identity, and then by switching focus to the Zygerrian dancer, but his reputation as another Hutt's enforcer allows him to get away with such slights.

@Eccles

Spoiler: Aaisha Varr

Having brought a rich gift, she clearly knows how to deal with Hutts, but nonetheless took a risk in attempting to curry favor with Baghra by publicly standing up to Preef. Some posturing and competition was to be expected amongst the bidders, but if the Morganian could be drawn into more conflict with Preef...

@Altaris

Spoiler: Laren Veno

A mandalorian who seems to be aligned with Preef, given the physical proximity of the two. Clearly an enforcer, and making no signs to hide it. Seems to take his job seriously... perhaps too seriously.

@Scoobert

Spoiler: Liana Mason

Allegedly a Jedi, potentially out of his price range, and most certainly a captive going to the highest bidder. Mental state is (understandably) shaken. Definitely a Padawan, unless the Order is now knighting young girls, but if she's a Padawan, where is her Master?

@LadyRen

Spoiler: Skelgok Desilijic

Older than Baghra, and one of two serious bidders in the room from the looks of things. Had brought a gift for the host in the form of another humanoid. By virtue of being a Hutt, he is second in the room in terms of influence; but Hutts are always looking to usurp their competition, blood ties be damned... could possibly look to embarrass the host on her own turf if given the right nudge.

@Xorism

Spoiler: Zira Suvan

Another poor soul caught up in the Hutt's wide-spanning web of forced servitude, the sight of a Zygerrian slave nonetheless is uncommon to say the least. Her handler is a mean-looking Trandoshan, meaning that any opportunity to interact with the dancer will include scrutiny. The presence of a handler implies that she might not owe allegiance to Baghra... although the Hutt certainly feels comfortable auctioning her off nonetheless.

@Sreeya

Spoiler: Ivarr Six Fingers

The other serious bidder in the room, Ivarr had been in the room even before Amos had arrived. Self-proclaimed member of a group called the Kougine Lohba- an elite force of guards, if Amos' memory served, meaning that where the warrior woman went, so too did others of her skill. Not afraid to bid against a Hutt.

@Black Noise

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok's pride got the better of him when he heard the witch upstart-basically-a-slave-herself try to cheekily outbid him for the Sith Slayer. He decided that two could play at that game, especially if they could bid on others.

<1.5 million for the Jedi....>

The amused Hutt side eyed the Deucalian.

<if you include the witch> @Black Noise

@Malon @Altaris @Eccles @Scoobert @LadyRen @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ivarr Bone Breaker]

’The Witch’? At that, Ivarr burst into thick, sick laughter. Though her body didn’t move a muscle beneath her armor, her voice could be heard through her helmet. Bow caster still in her hands, she turned her head ever so slightly in Baghra’s direction. Her movement with her head, the subtle hints of her body, her question to him was clear.

‘At your command, he dies’

Of course, laughing along side Ivarr, the rest of her clan laughed as well. Nearly two dozen warriors scattered about the palace room, and a hundred total in the building. They had been called here as a clan, after all, and it seemed they too found the joke ‘funny.’

 

[Sehra Iron-Bearer]

"It stinks in here."

What did she expect, standing on the edge of a crowd of criminals that associated themselves with the Hutts? At least the Hutts could afford expensive perfumes for them and their favorites, but the musk of body order from those who'd filed in for the bidding still permeated through the flowery scents.

Of course, Sehra didn't actually express this sentiment out loud. The only indication was the occasional twitch of her nose, and she otherwise stood like a towering statue among the other members of the Kougine Lohba. An iron rod hung at her hip, a bowcaster was placed similarly in her hands, and she let her eyes wander around the room, stopping every once and a while to appreciate the cat's (@Sreeya) dancing.

She was almost spacing out, her eyes wandering ceaselessly, but Ivarr's changing body language caught her eyes. She snapped back to attention, shifting under her armor, and followed Ivarr's gaze over toward Baghra. Her clan members were laughing around her, and once the laughter died down, a powerful stream of air pushed out from Sehra's nose - amusement.

She was poised and ready to fight. She could already feel the blood rushing to her skin. All she needed was a signal.

tag: @Black Noise

 

[Preef Callo]

THEME​

There was only so much that Preef Callo could tolerate. The old rodian stepped forward, blocking the girl from view for most of the room, and while no one had seemed to have noticed his peacemaker was already firmly in his hand. "Enough," he commanded in the same tone of voice that he had once -as member of The Collective and leader of the Crymorah Syndicate- had casually murdered a Supreme Mogul and Lordas worth much more than the present Desilijic members. Nor'baal appreciated that, but his whelps clearly did not.

"This auction is mine now," he motioned for the Mandalorian to have his back. "You either have your credits with you, or I will kill you." Nothing in his manner would suggest that he wouldn't do just that. Nor'baal had his heir and the others could only grow to challenge his will one day.

He waited for anyone to challenge him. "I said this girl wasn't a Jedi Master," he seemed to regard Ivarr directly now, having clearly expected more of one of Nor'baal's personal enforcers, "and you still make a mockery of the cartel?" One and a half million credits? The nerve they have to pay three times the amount for a simple girl than the Bounty Hunter's Guild had posted for the Sith Empress Andruil! These things directly undermined the Desilijic' name and Nor'baal's authority.

"No one leaves until I see their credits on the floor." Or did they want to test the legendary gunslinger's skill with a blaster?

 

[Ivarr Bone Breaker]

Ivarr and her men straightened up as Preef took the stage. None of them dared to point a gun in his direction, rather, they began to level their weapons at the crowd to make sure no one even thought about threatening Preef Callo. In truth, Ivarr couldn't even look Preef in the eye as he directly addressed her. It was shameful that she did not even fully realize the money she was throwing around, and shameful that she put too much faith in the Hutt's knowledge and simply took their word.

But this was good, she had overcommitted the clan. While her resources were limited, Nor'baal had gifted her a blank check to use as needed with the knowledge that it would be paid back. Was this really where her money needed to go? No, of course not. A cooler head was necessary here, that much was for sure. Despite the threats, Preef had that cooler head. Raising a hand, she snapped her fingers and issued commands.

"You heard him! The words of Preef Callo are the words of the Supreme! Empty your kriffing pockets! Search the guests!" Her clansmen and women, armed and armored to the teeth, took to following their chief's commands. Anyone who did not comply would be singled out to Preef and Ivarr for appropriate discipline. Particularly, Ivarr sent her trusted warrior Sehra (@lizziie ) and two men to go check on one guy that seemed to be taking notes. (@SlagathorTheUnknown) Who took notes at a slave auction?

@all

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Well that certainly escalated. The Hutt was in no mood to show off his superior fighting ability, honed from years of watching holovids, so that option was out. Instead Skelgok rolled his eyes as he pulled a small roll of 30,000 credits into his grimy hands.

Slowly he released them onto the floor in front of him, as asked.

<Alas who carries credits these days? Just asking to be mugged by a thug.>

Skelgok typically didn't wear clothing so it was a bit harder to 'empty his pockets' although that was nothing a little fiber couldn't fix, he supposed.

@Malon @Altaris @Eccles @Scoobert @LadyRen @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Sehra Iron-Bearer]

Sehra made her way over toward @Amos McCord who, as Ivarr had noticed, seemed to be spending quite a bit of time observing various members around the room. "What's got him so interested?" She really hadn't noticed him until now, since he was blending into the crowd, but if Ivarr thought he was worth checking out, she would go check him out. You never knew who was here with ulterior motives. "Well, pretty much everyone." You never knew who was here to cause trouble, more like.

"You, receding hairline," Sehra stopped in front of the man and, with one hand on the iron rod on her hip, looked down at him. "Turn your pockets inside out." He'd called a bit out not a few minutes ago, and she so dearly hoped he didn't have shit to show for it.

If the man tried to shrink away, change the topic, or even hesitated to do as she said, the two guards next to her would step forward to search him themselves. If he ran, well, she'd let things play out.

tags: @Black Noise @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Amos McCord]

Amos McCord had been looking forward to seeing how Baghra responded to Preef's power play within her palace, but he found himself being approached by an Orcolan who looked like the Emryc Thorne regimen followed her. She didn't even need the two other guards with her; anybody who thought that they could best the woman in hand-to-hand combat would soon be lacking even more brain cells.

Amos swallowed once, feeling sweat begin to collect on his... receding... hairline. Ouch. The Ranger made sure that he kept his hands where the woman could see them, and made no sudden movements as he said the first words he'd spoken since arriving. "My right pocket is empty, and there is an E-2000 blaster pistol in a holster on my right side" he began, figuring it was best to be upfront; this was also important because of the movements he would have to take next. "In my left pocket are some credits, my speeder keys, and my commlink." Nothing that would betray his allegiance as a Ranger; as one might expect on Jakku, the speeder was nothing to write home about. The commlink, like many carried by those outside the law, was a burner; Amos knew the numbers for the Ranger outpost by heart.

As long as the orcolan let him, he would keep his right hand motionless while slowly reaching into his left pocket to produce the aforementioned items. "Guess I've got some lint in there, too" he half joked. He had on him a little over 10,000 credits that would do no good with the price for the Zygerrian going higher than that before he'd even had a chance to bid.

This done, the undercover Ranger glanced back at the woman. "We good?"

@lizziie

 

[Sehra Iron-Bearer]

Sehra looked down at the nervous man, her nostrils flaring as she glared down at him. She said nothing as he slowly described what was on him - a blaster, credits, speeder keys, and a comlink - speaking only with her eyes as she narrowed them bit by bit. She wanted a reason to bash his head in, and he might feel a waiting predator in her piercing gaze.

His blaster was generic. His speeder keys - nothing special. She couldn't suspect him of anything for having a comlink. But he said he had credits, and she felt entitled to know how many, thanks to Preef's declaration. He hadn't been the one to shout out the fifteen thousand credit bid, but she had it in her head that he had, since it'd come from somewhere over in this direction.

"How many?" she grunted, jerking her head toward his left side. "You heard what Callo said."

She didn't like him. He looked like one of those shady businessmen that got into the syndicates after being fired on bribery charges. Her fingers tapped one by one on the length of the iron rod at her side, itching to give his unbeaten face a scar. Shady businessmen like him, she thought, were always the types to think they could get away with things they couldn't.

tag: @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Baghra Desilijic]

Everyone in the room was tense and on edge except for Baghra, whose eyes swelled to bulbous sizes in tandem with her annoyance. Preef spoke with her father's voice, so she couldn't exactly stop him, but she had heard enough of the old Rodian's antics from her father to not cower when she saw something so familiar.

Yes, he was right. The girl was a Padawan, not a Master—though the behavior of the Masters of late would certainly make the distinction harder to bridge. Baghra had been banking on that, and as far as the young Hutt whelp was concerned, if the fools gathered here were dumb enough to pay the price, who should stop her?

She noted that Preef only chose to step in once his own bidding was challenged.

And yet she didn't even note that much aloud. Now that the Rodian was actually doing his job, she was curious who actually had the credits on them and who was blowing smoke up her unusually large and bulbous ass. She wasn't shocked to find out her great uncle was among them. But she took particular interest in the sweating man at the back of the room whom the searchers were currently focused on.

«I believe my father's hitman told you to put your credits on the floor,» the giant Hutt intoned. It made her want to gag, taking Preef's side, but once was a Hutt was curious, there was little to deter them. «Not bore us with an inventory list.»

Then to the Jedi girl still chained to her throne, Baghra said more quickly. «Quite the show tonight, huh, girl? Pay attention. Not many Jedi get to see this.»

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Eccles @Xorism @Sreeya @Altaris @Black Noise @LadyRen

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren had his orders, Preef wanted everyone's credits out on the ground. The Mandalorian whipped out his blaster pistol and began point around at any and all patrons here not serving Callo's orders. This was all getting fairly chaotic, but it could be handled fairly easily. A few blaster bolts by the quickdraw gunslingers and the room would undeniably be there's, even though after a few words from the Rodian, it already was.

"Hurry up, drop em all and you'll get out alive. So long as we don't change our minds." Laren called out as he walked through a small portion of the crowd, keeping a close distance with Preef so he could fire on any attacks being made his way. While also making sure everyone had their credits out. He'd look over and see a few eyeing one man in particular, and a couple others holding him up metaphorically.

Laren would walk up and place his blaster pistol under the chin up the man aiming up, "You're gonna do as the Orc says, because that's what Callo says. It'd be wise to not disrespect the Hutt's orders as well. I hear they're more capable than you think." His voice intimidating through the helmet's voice modifier. If the man would resist at all, he'd be punished accordingly.

@lizziie @SlagathorTheUnknown @Eccles @Xorism @Malon @others

 

[Liana Mason]

Despair.

Lia felt so empty knowing that Ciri hadn't made it. She didn't know what to do, Ezra and Kierand had been swallowed by the sand and if those creatures had rescued then, too, she felt like they'd been sold at a different auction. She felt guilty, blaming herself for not having been able to save them and for maybe the first actual time in her life she found it heard to stay positive...or even hold on to any optimistic thoughts.

Maybe it was all just a nightmare after all? It all definitely looked...unreal.

She was seemingly adressed a few times but didn't manage to say a word. She just blankly stared at them, nauseous from the smell and the thick air and being sold like cattle. There was a Zygerian dancer and she tried to catch the woman's eyes a couple of times, also feeling bad for her and knowing that she didn't do any of this deliberately and that she was also just someone's property...just like she herself would be soon. Could the two potentially help one another?(@Sreeya)

Her heart felt heavy and everything started weighing her down while she at least tried to stay on her feet. She noticed that a warrior like woman (@Black Noise) seemed very interested in her and admittedly, as intimidating as she looked, she somehow felt like ending up with her might not be as bad as landing at the Rodian or the Hutts, but there was also this business man in the back that only observed the scenery so far and as her gaze flicked over, it seemed like she could spot some warmth and perhaps even worry in the middle-aged man's gaze (@SlagathorTheUnknown). He was probably a criminal, just like the rest and yet he seemed different. No one else was just waiting and analyzing the room...the rest seemed keen on getting a good bargain...

There was a sudden commotion in the room and that was when her dark blue eyes finally lightened up a little, studying the scene motionlessly while she didn't even understand what was going on. Perhaps a fight would give her the chance to flee? She was so confused, felt so alone, not even knowing who'd end up 'buying' her and what this would mean to her, but as chaos broke out, her dim orbs flashed back to life. As the female Hutt's booming voice turned to her again, reciprocated her gaze, her expressions difficult to read, but she finally had an idea now that her mind was slightly clearing up for the moment.

"I know someone who would pay much more...I'm good friends with Ezra Thorne and there is not a single soul in this room that would pay as much as the Thornes...", she told her in Basic, her voice still shaky and weak, her throat dry and only for her to hear, but she was assuming she had seen the broadcast from the moving day. Lia had been seen with him! Criminals wanted nothing more but money, right? Maybe this whole auction didn't even need to proceed. Still, even saying his name hurt her severely as his fate was uncertain and so she was blinking away the tears, hoping she would consider her words. The ISC were allied with the Jedi so maybe this was finally a silver lining on the dark horizon Jakku had posed. (@Malon)

@therest

 

[Amos McCord]

Amos could only deal with one thing at a time, as much as he might otherwise wish to vanish into thin air and forget this whole ordeal. First was the man holding a blaster pistol under his chin. Fear for his life, and anger at the bullying tactics of those shaking him down, surged through the Ranger, although he was careful not to let it seep into his tone. "Your Eminence will see that I have followed the instructions" he said, raising his voice and addressing the Hutt, while gesturing to the pile of credits and lint on the table, which the Orcolan had demanded he'd count. (@Scoobert @Malon)

Next was the aforementioned Orcolan woman. The Ranger grunted, deciding that he'd try to push his luck; wasn't he supposed to be a slimy criminal right now? "More than ten (thousand)." he said, simply; a casual glance at the credits would show this to be true. "But what fun is an auction if everyone knows upfront how many credits everyone else has? Better to enforce payment when the merchandise is won, and I wouldn't dream of insulting our most generous host by bidding less than what I'm capable of providing." (@lizziie) A similar shakedown of the man claiming to have 15,000 credits that he'd bid earlier on the Zygerrian had not gone in the man's favor.

Amos' eyes flicked back towards the Jedi, and the Zygerrian slave dancer. "And speaking of auction; where were we?" he asked the Rodian. (@Eccles) Perhaps he could win one of the auctions now that enthusiasm for the event had most likely waned; nothing like waving blasters around and roughing up your patrons to get them to close their pocketbooks...

@Xorism @Altaris @LadyRen @others

 

[Preef Callo]

THEME​

Preef couldn´t believe it. Skelgok Desilijic -who had bid 1.5 million- only carried thirty thousand. Some random human was being smart and kept talking back to the point at where he decided to adres the old rodian directly while the so-called Jedi Master tried to plead on her own behalf to Bagh'ra.

Did they not understand that when Preef Callo said that it was his auction now, that he meant it?

He raised his peacemaker to the man that had randomly tried to address him directly (@SlagathorTheUnknown) and fired one heavy bolt into the man's gut. That would show everyone that he meant business, surely.

"Ivarr," the old rodian sneered at Nor'baal's enforcer, who for too long had participated in this farce. "Take Skelgok to one of Baghra's cells," the legendary gunslinger motioned towards the small amount of credits the Hutt had dropped to back up his bid of 1.5 million. "He will be released once he brings me the remaining 1.47 million credits." If he couldn't get his lackeys to deliver the remaining amount by the time Preef had enough of Jakku and wanted to leave Baghra's palace, well, then Nor'baal would be short a cousin.

Then he turned towards Baghra and the kid who had just tried to convince the Hutt to sell her to Emryc Thorne. Preef was one of the few people in the galaxy that knew who Emryc really was.. so he raised his blaster towards the girl, too. "One more word from you," he said in that tone of voice that meant he was just itching to pull the trigger again. "and the Mandalorian over there will kill you," he made sure she would be able to see Laren and that he could overhear his will.


_______________________________
OOC: Sorry @SlagathorTheUnknown, that's one heavy blaster bolt to the gut. I'm not opposed to you surviving, but then it'll be in Preef's custody.

 

[Ivarr Bone Breaker]

To say that the Kougine Lohba didn't flinch when Preef fired would be an understatement. As every warrior in her clan viciously resisted their instinct to turn their blasters towards Preef. But they dared not do so, this was his auction now, if a man was shot by Preef then that was his law. After he sneered her way, Ivarr reacted. She didn't need to be told twice. Snapping her fingers, she addressed her men, "Arvid, Dag, Sehra, with me, let's go."

At that, she moved over towards Skelgok and wordlessly had her men place their hands on his arms. They would not yank or drag the Hutt, unless he so desired to resist, rather they would move him with at least a small modicum of respect towards the cell block. She made sure, additionally, that a little under two dozen guards stayed in the room. They would know from Ivarr's speech that they were Preef's to command until Ivarr said differently.

Not that Preef needed guards, he demonstrated that very clearly.

@Xorism @Malon @lizziie @Eccles

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok watched the Rodian pistol whip the auction with interest. Clearly thr Hutt had underestimated the gunslinger but never again. His own guards were inches away from leveling their deadly axes towards Ivarr's spooky face, if not for his timely intervention. (@Black Noise )
<Halt! There shall be no need for that.> Skelgok waved back his guards and in doing so avoided being manhandled. He'd comply with the demand if not to save his pride but to save his life also.

A nice cell away from the grumpy enforcer sounded nice about now, and in the mean time he knew just how to get those credits as painful as it would be to make that deal. Of course, there was a new matter that would be on his mind for some time.

@Malon @Altaris @Eccles @Scoobert @LadyRen @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren would ease his weapon off of the guy as he noticed the blaster bolt in the man's body was placed by Preef himself. Can't argue with the boss man, it had to be done he supposed. Standing straight he would walk over with his Red Dead swagger and take look at the young Jedi. Here little quip about the Thornes was entertaining. She thought she had a say in the matter. She was property now, and she wouldn't get the chance to speak anymore.

Preef gave her the only warning to keep her mouth shut, if she disobeys, Laren wouldn't have a problem giving her a taste of plasma. "I'll pop a shot in you for each letter in the words you speak.." He said as he looked the little Jedi (@LadyRen ) He was strapped to the teeth in gear. Blaster pistols, and a lightsaber being part of his arsenal was enough to take on anyone here. His armor sure to protect him from shots for long enough to eliminate the enemy, and with the Syndicate money he'll be racking in on Preefs payroll, beskar would be up next.

There was a time when Laren would've been a traditional Mandalorian, but he had been left in the dark by the others and when all else seemed lost, he was given a chance by Preef. Now although it was newfounded, his loyalties lied where the money was. And that money was with Preef, so anything he demanded or asked for, it would be done so long as the Mando can help it.

@Eccles @SlagathorTheUnknown @lizziie @Xorism @Malon @others

 

[Liana Mason]

In the midst of the commotion there was a sudden shot that immediately shocked her, making her flinch as she just stared at the Rodian in horror. The color immediately faded from her face again as she just stared at the Rodian and then at the other armored man. Was that a Mandalorian working for the Cartel? She had no clue, but what she did know now was that her idea had obviously been stupid.

She hadn't assumed anyone would hear, but now that they were directly threatening her, panic was kicking in strongly again. The tears she had blinked back now stole in her eyes before the first already began to roll across her cheek. She had no idea how this would end, but she was so terribly afraid that she started shaking again, however not even letting out the slightest sound as the other Hutt got transported away. As quickly as hope had flared up, it immediately died again, leaving her silent and obedient yet utterly hopeless. She doubted someone from the Order would find her here unless Ezra and Kieran would make it out alive, but she still didn't even want to consider what had happened to them...

@Scoobert @Eccles @therest

 

[Sehra Iron-Bearer]

"Hey bucket-head - two's company, three's a crowd" - that's what Sehra wanted to growl out as soon as Laren waltzed his way over and shoved the barrel of his gun in Amos' face, effectively taking over a situation she had completely under control. But things happened way too quickly for her to react. Amos tried to de-escalate, and then suddenly there was the shrill sound of blaster fire, and the man had a smoking hole in his gut.

Thankfully, Ivarr pulled her away from the situation, so she didn't have to deal with it. The half-Orcolan woman shot Laren a glare from under her helmet as she turned away to help escort the naughty hutt (@Xorism) out of the room.

/ exit thread