Ask Nar Shaddaa Not a Safe Bet

[Cigo Duarn]

Xaa Hafven Safe House. Nar Shaddaa​

Another day, another few credits to be earned. Cigo never really enjoyed taking money from criminals to do their dirty work, but he always rationalized that he'd put the credits to better use than them anyway. At least it wouldn't be waisted on a cheap high like booze or spice, but fresh blasters cartridges....ah now there was a gift that kept on giving. Besides out of all the criminals organizations to take a job from the Zaa Fenn seemed to, at the time, be the most professional. Well as far as a collective group of scum and villainy could be.

The so called "job" was also right up his alley...no pun intended. The Zaa Fenn were gearing up for a major move against a rival family, the Xaa Hafven. His employers wanted the Xaa Hafven's arena and their plan to take it involved multiple moving parts as the arena was rather fortified. Unfortunately fortified in this case meant culturally, the arena was practically an institution in the underworld of Nar Shaddaa. That was why the job was going to require a bit more than just an assault on the arena. The Zaa Fenn had to make sure that the current clientele lost faith in the Xaa Hafven's ability to protect and operate the place. That was were Cigo came in. He just needed to destabilize the situation a bit before the hostile takeover could take place. So he and his partner were going to literally burn the trust in the Xaa Hafven, that being the physical cash bets that the Xaa Hafven had stored off site. A warehouse that Cigo currently stood across from, T-visored gaze fixed on. Another bonus of the job was that he was told to take as much of the money he could carry as well, most of which he assumed would be his pay for the job.

He stood in the shadows of an alley to get a simple read on the warehouse. The place couldn't scream "Obvious criminal storehouse for Illicit things," louder if it tried. Though the entire planet screamed that and nobody really cared so who was he to judge. He also figured they felt secure enough in their dominance of this particular area of the Smuggler's Moon to not really care who looked at the place. That confidence came in the form of a couple armed guards stationed outside the entrance to ward off any passers by. He could assume that security inside would be heavy as the amount of money stored here was the sum of almost every bet placed for the next days matches.

Cigo didn't think a full frontal assault would be too much of a pain. He was loaded with full kit, plus a bit extra in the form of some remote detatonators provided by his employers to accomplish another phase of the plan. That would come later though. For the moment he simply waited for his partner to show up. His cohort wasn't late, Cigo had simply arrived early to get a better read on what they'd be up against. Cigo could handle a firefight, but he was curious to see what his partners take on the mission would be, though he didn't have much faith that some random criminal would be some tactical genius.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Except Cigo’s partner in crime today did, in fact, happen to be someone that was more than just a brainless mook. He wasn’t adorned in any Sith armor today, opting to dress up closer to the attire that would identify him as Zaa Fenn. He lazily strolled up to stand next to the clunky Mando. He had a helmet on as well, doing his best to keep a low profile. Of course, that meant he was known within the Syndicates as ‘Spicelord’, gaining fame since his exploits at Kessel.

He stood next to Cigo, gazing out at the arena.

“Here’s what’s happening,” He said smoothly, pointing to a laboratory building a few blocks over, “That’s a quarantine zone for AMS infected zombies. We only need to nab one and release it into the arena. It’ll create a full blown panic and everyone will run - Xaa Hafven will lose face completely and the confusion creates the perfect cover for you to bust into the safe and clean it out. I’ll waltz in as the Zaa Fenn hero that contains the incident. The public will lose enough faith to where this entire arena will be lost to them without any structural damage.”

Emryc paused for a moment before he turned to look at the Mando, “Questions?”

@Topher Ridge

 

[Cigo Duarn]

Figured he'd get teamed up with some melomaniac bossy know it all. Though the guy didn't give off the typical lack of control that most of the criminals he'd been teamed up with before. Cigo would simply listen to the man's "plan". Once his cohort had finished he'd sigh. Now he wasn't on planet when the AMS outbreak had occurred. It sounded like hell on terra ferma from the reports he'd seen. He had no idea what the hell these zombies were capable off if let loose. It also sounded like Cigo would have to do all the work of actually cracking the safe and getting passed the safe houses security. On the plus side that meant Cigo wouldn't have to be around the man, who had already rubbed him the wrong way.

Cigo would finally turn to the man, "Zombie huh? I heard that whole thing was a right mess. Can I trust you to contain the karking thing if you let it loose? Don't think the Zaa Fenn will appreciate it if they have to cleanse the arena of a zombie infestation if it gets outta hand." He waited for what he would only assume to be condescending response and shrug. "Though if you can handle it, I can deal with the thugs in the safe house easily enough."

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc could tell the man was displeased with him just from his demeanor and shift in posture. Thankfully, he wasn’t here to make friends. As long as the guy could work with him and get the job done, they could both stand to profit in the end. Emryc heard his queries and nodded.

“Ensuring Zaa Fenn looks good is the desired outcome for us both,” He said before he handed the man one of the two comlinks they had been given for this mission, “Use that to keep in touch with me when we split up. I’ll bring the thing in from the cargo hold. I’ll need that path cleared so I can set it loose and have it stumble out into the arena.”

Emryc had no doubts about the Mando’s abilities and he didn’t question them aloud. If he was here, obviously he had proven himself. With that, he began to lead the way towards the quarantine facility. There were a few people milling about, and it was obvious that the zombies were securely located a level below. He considered his options before turning to the Mando.

“Think you can create a diversion? No explosions, but just enough to distract the people in the lobby so I can cut in and get below ground?”

@Topher Ridge

 

[Cigo Duarn]

It was a fair enough answer to placate Cigo. To be honest he still thought it was a bit hair brained, but if the poodo hit the fan, he figured the worst that would happen would be getting a follow up job to blast some zombies. So win win really. He took one final look at the safe house and then followed....uh whatever his name was. He took a look at the building and crossed his arms. No security to speak of, at least on the upper level. All he could see were a few doctors and and support staff as they went about their business.

If it was a distraction that was needed Cigo had a thought that would work. "Got it, give me about 2 minutes then make your move." Cigo would then just approach the building, as he walked he'd hunch over and put his arm over his abdomen and groan softly. He'd walk through the doors of the building and lurch forward groaning louder. "Hey...hey is this...earuggph....the AMS center.....I...I don't feel to good guys...." As he finished he'd lean against the wall and cough several times and moan. Needless to say even if it was the worst acting this side of the galaxy, people in the lobby either ran to grab help or swarmed over to Cigo even on the off chance he was infected. He was pelted with questions about his symptoms and how long he'd had them, every eye in the lobby on him as his helmet was removed to do a proper scan.

After a few minutes he'd spy Emryc slink inside and then out of sight. Just in time as well, since moments later the scan the main doctor was doing completed and she scrunched up her face at him. "Ummm...yeah you don't have AMS...you're clean." Cigo just laughed but then groaned and held his stomach again as he stood up. "Oh thank the hutts! Ugggh...guess I just had some bad mynock kebobs or something....avoid the street meat vendors down by the....ughh...eeeruuup....arena guys." With that he'd grab his helmet and push through the crowd of staff and head back outside, a real shit eating grin on his face the whole time. With that handled it was time to deal with the guards by the safe house and get the cargo bay cleared.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

The Mando’s acting was hysterical enough to where Emryc almost wanted to stand and watch with morbid curiosity. However, he quickly slipped away and used the Force to discreetly draw an ID badge that had been left on a counter to himself. He used it to take a repulsorlift down to the lower level.

Already he could hear growling and hissing as the zombies pounded against their containment cells. Emryc ignored the sounds, walking towards where a set of cargo speeders were parked. He peeked into one of them, making out two zombies trapped in the back. These were marked to be sent to another facility and it worked out perfectly for their plan.

Emryc came around the corner just in time to see the driver about to hop in. The man stared at him wide eyed and was about to say something. Emryc coiled the Force around his neck, watching the man’s eyes get wide as he clutched at his throat.

“You feel that?” Emryc said smoothly, “Yeah, I’m one of those guys. Which means you will do exactly as I say.”

The man nodded vigorously until Emryc released him. He stepped aside to let the man hop into the driver’s seat and he got in from the other side. Emryc ducked down so he couldn’t be seen, the man driving forward and following all protocols and checkpoints necessary to leave the building with zombies in the back. As instructed, he parked the vehicle once they were away from the lab.

“What now?”

Emryc didn’t answer, simply applying the Force again and this time finishing what he started. He swapped places and drove the vehicle towards the cargo hold of the arena building. He reached for his comlink to contact the Mando.

“Is cargo hold cleared for entry? I’m bringing presents.”

@Topher Ridge

 

[Cigo Duarn]

Cigo popped his helmet back on and headed back toward the arena. Now it was time to do less acting and more beating. Something that Cigo felt he was pretty good at. He discreetly made his way around the arena to the cargo bay. He stayed in cover behind some crates and used the shadows to his advantage. It was times like this he was thankful for his mothers teachings. She was always a proponent of matte finishes for beskar'gam. The matte paint didn't reflect light like unpainted or glossy paint that most Mando's preferred. He had agree as he was quite well hidden and could get an excellent look at what he was up against. Looked to be 3 armed guards keeping an eye on the bay. Other than that just various droids and workers milled about as they did their jobs.

He'd have to be quite here, any noise would bring more guards and that's not what they needed if this was going to work. Cigo flicked his arm and released the vibroknife he kept on his right bracer, easily catching it as it was something he'd done countless times. Time to earn those credits. He'd slink forward behind cover and make his way toward the closest guard. The mando would kneel down behind a crate, the di'kut of a guard smoking a deathstick as they sat on the opposite side of the container. With practiced ease Cigo pounced, he put his left hand over the niktos mouth while the other plunged the vibroknife into the beings neck. He pulled back and dragged the nikto behind the crate and slammed the guard on the ground before he yanked the curved knife loose. He moved along as the nikto bled out and exhaled his last spice filled breath.

The next guard met a similar end, with Cigo quickly emerging from the shadows with knife to pin the woman against the wall and jab the knife into her heart. A soft gasp was all that left her mouth and Cigo pulled the knife and pushed her into the shadows. Finally the last guard was a bit harder. They were clearly some kind of overseer and were directly behind a worker as they stacked crates onto a repulsorsled. So Cigo simply threw the knife into the overseers back. A pain yelp left the weequay's mouth, but Cigo was on him in an instant. He tackled the alien and pulled his knife free, while he turned the being over. A weak plea for his life was uttered as Cigo jabbed the knife several times into the weequay's chest. The overseer's eyes went dark, his last sight was the dark T shape of his murderer's helmet. Cigo glanced up at the worker who was stunned mouth agape at what the just saw. Cigo wiped his knife on his lastest kill's shirt and stood. The worker went for a comlink and Cigo's pistol was in his hand and pointed at the worker in an instant. He stared down the twi'lek and simply said, "Look you forget things everyday kid, make sure this is one of them. Get out of my sight." The shaking Twi just dropped the comlink and ran.

A moment later Emryc contacted the mando. "Yeah come to baby...uh...7. It's clear and should get you a straight shot inside."

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc pulled into the bay that had a clear path into the arena. He made sure to reverse in, knowing that there was a straight shot from here. He parked inside and hopped out, easily hoisting himself atop the vehicle. He walked above it till he got to the back, reaching down to unlock it from above. Emryc leaned back and used the Force to open the doors.

The two zombies rushed out in a frenzy, not spotting Emryc. They kept walking forward for a moment until they heard the sound of people in the distance. They set off at once, speeding through the hallways to run towards where the games were being held. Emryc pulled out his comlink again.

“They’re in. No one will be watching the safe now,” He spoke as he strode down the hallway, “Stay below ground and I’ll tell you when I’ve got it under control,” He put the comms away and eased into the role of a Zaa Fenn.

Emryc was out in the viewing area now where he could hear screaming and yelling. The zombies had bitten a few people, but that was needed to be able to really sell it. He joined in on the frantic running at first. It was clear that no security protocols were in place to curb the situation.

He made sure he was in a very visible area before drawing out a blaster. Emryc shoved people out of the way, using the Force to subtly make one of the zombies stumble and fall. He didn’t hesitate as he rushed up to it and shot it in the head. A glance up told him enough people had seen it.

“Get to safety!” He called out before rushing over to find the other one.

@Topher Ridge

 

[Cigo Duarn]

"Let's just hope this works, see ya on the other side," and with that Cigo pulled his rifle from his back to get to work. With a quick jog away from the vehicle and Emryc he'd make his way back toward the safe house. He could see the guards on comlinks chattering, no doubt, about what was going down at the arena as he approached. Before they could spot him he ducked into an alley on his left and waited a moment. It didn't take long for the guards to rush passed and back toward the arena, called to help with the situation over there...crazy plan was working.

Cigo exited the alley and jogged up the building. The mando eyed the door and sighed. Seemed the Xaa Hafven were a bit paranoid and had splurged on high grade locks for the doors. Though as Cigo examined the door closer he smiled. While they were high grade locks, they were just put on normal ass doors. He pulled one of his magnetic thermal detonators and primed it for 10 seconds. He attached it to the weakest point of the door with a satisfying "clunk" sound and backed away to safety. The door blew in a ball of pure thermal heat and pressure and he smirked as he saw that all that was left was molten slag where the door used to be.

He acted fast then and hopped through the opening and made sure to avoid the still red hot metal. A hallway stretched out before him with doors on either side and a T-junction at the end. No alarms had been sounded yet, but the explosion was going to draw some people. Time to do what he did best.

@Sreeya