Silencing Sunset (Invite)

[Neutrino]

Prologue/ Parallel Thread: Chasing Dawn

The buzzing of the busy market filled the inside of Anami's head like a snoring snorlax. She shook, confused and wondering how she had gotten there. Looking around, Anami could see the beautiful Falleen woman that she was sure had brought her there. But Anami couldn't think of a why or when she had come to be in this strange place at what seemed to be mid-morning.

Again, something about evil pheromones popped into her head.

If Anami was beginning to realize she was being controlled, then the Falleen was losing that control.

"Yes, we had some issues." The Falleen woman was saying to a group of Zeltrons, Humans, Trandoshans and Rodians, "The issue being all of our men are complete idiots and most are dead now, I'm sure. We need some more muscle. I'll look for those who need work and go from there. No, they don't need to know what we're doing. They just need to know they are hired muscle and they work for me. We can be more selective about who to keep on board after we get off this damn planet. It's got too many wannabe heroes. C'mon now! Let's go! Make sure all the cargo is stored away. I want to leave Coruscant as soon as possible."

The Falleen woman grabbed Anami's hand. "Come with me now sweety."

Anami was led through the bustling crowd toward a booth where an old Human male was looking at a datapad.

"I need some big strong guys."

The old man looked up at the Falleen and then back down at his datapad. After scrolling through it for a bit he looked back up at her. "Blocks 234 through 355, take your pick." He held out his hand and she dropped some credits into it.

Then Anami was being led down a long line squared off areas with people standing about, apparently waiting to be hired. The Falleen woman stopped at a squared off area marked by a sign saying '298'.

"Alright you ruffians," she shouted out, "I need ten strong guys to board my ship with me and my crew in five minutes. The job is muscle escort work. We plan on making a trip to Hutt space. No stops. 250 credits now. 300 credits when we get there. Who's with me?"

Anami's mind was suddenly clearing fast. Her heart started to race as she realized the predicament she was in. She glanced up at the Falleen woman who was focusing on the new hired help that was approaching them. The Falleen seemed completely unaware that her pheromones were either wearing off or having no more effect.

Anami's mind was racing, scrambling in an attempt to evaluate her options. Her eyes turned to the men for hire.

 

[OpFor]

Bra'dok exited the hull of the freighter and his senses were immediately assaulted.

"My, how many creatures!" Bra'dok exclaimed excitedly in his head as he surveyed the massive hangar bay. There were short ones and tall ones. Big and small, some even had many multiples of limbs, eyes and heads! And oh how colorful!

The Mustafarian proceeded down the ramp and stopped to stare at a passing being.

"What are you staring at, freak." Was all the Ithorian said as it passed.

Bra'dok stood puzzled. "Freak?" He thought to himself. "Surely he cant accuse." But then he realized how he really did stand out. Literally. At just over seven feet and nearly 150 kilograms he was inadvertently imposing. It didn't help that he had on his miners uniform, which was completely normal to him, but being fashioned from lava flea hide native to his home world and further reinforced to resist the extreme heat and protect him gave the appearance of battle armor. It draped his body, and its hood was pulled to the rear of his skull. Its texture was of dried and stiff leather, mailable but unbelievably durable. Capable of absorbing a blaster bolt. As was his skin, but he hadn't tested that theory. Yet.

Bra'dok's skin tone and clothing colors was that favored by most if not all Mustafarians. Deep earthen brown and crimson comprised his clothing, and his complexion was a brown dark auburn and had the texture of jerky.

He continued into the crowd taking in the sights and smells. Loving every second of it. It was a little chilly for him, but a small price to pay for the sensual feast. Never in all his dreams had he imagined the universe being so diverse. He saw a sign that read 'WORK SEEKERS' and had an arrow indicating the direction for those seeking work so he altered his trajectory and made his way easily though the crowd. Passing creatures gave him scowling looks and a wide berth. He heard many mumble, something about 'merc', but he paid it no mind.

After several minuets of crowd negotiation he found himself in a largely populated chamber with many sentience's milling about. Presumable for work. As Bra'dok contemplated his next move something about ruffians, strong guys, a measure of distance and a credit amount was broadcast behind him and he soon found himself swept in a tide of bodies rushing the source of the announcement. Bra'dok soon found himself standing face to face with a green humanoid female. Presumably the one who gave the announcement. And by some cosmic chance, his physical stature, position and how the rest of the group formed up, for better or worse he gave the illusion of leading the crowd to his rear.

 

[Neutrino]

Anami's eyes widened as she saw one of the largest mercenaries to ever stand before her. He was at the front of the crowd that was yelling for work.

"You ten," The Falleen woman said pointing out ten of the largest work seekers, "Ye will all do. Follow me." One of those she had just hired was the largest, dangerous looking mercenary who smelled slightly of burning... something.

The Falleen woman turned on her heel and walked quickly toward what appeared to be a large docking station.

Anami began to panic. She began to pull away from the Falleen woman, who's grip on her arm suddenly, and painfully, became vice-like. "No deary, you stay with me."

Suddenly these words made sense and Anami didn't think about the pain in her arm. She was happy just to be walking with this beautiful, green creature. A slow, stupid smile spread across Anami's face.

"See, that's better now."

And they continued toward the many ships.

 

[OpFor]

The green female gestured toward himself and nine other beings to follow.

"My look at my luck, I haven't even been here for an hour and I'm already hire for work! This is so exciting!" Bra'dok thought as he took a massive step forward with the rest of the new help in tow of his wake. Following closely to the green creature and her companions. They left the hollow that one procures work in and entered a bay lined with many ships of shape and variety.

"I think today is going to be a good day." The Mustafarian said in his native tongue as they continued onwards, startling a few passerbyers with his surprisingly tenor, yet rasping voice despite the size.

 

[Neutrino]

The Falleen woman had them all stop at the entrance of a small, beat up looking cargo ship. There was a Zeltron male waiting for her. "I'll go fetch these blokes' credits, you go prepare for launch." Ordered the Falleen.

After the Zeltron had taken off, the Falleen woman turned to the Mustafarian, shoving Anami at him, "Here, hold her for a sec. And hold her tight." She was about to go into the ship, but then she stopped, "Actually, since you're a big guy, I think you can handle her as your assignment. This whole job, you stay with her, ok?"

 

[OpFor]

The tiny humanoid female was shoved into Bra'doks grasp and he instinctively collapsed his hands around her shoulders, taking great care not to harm the female. Her head only reached his abdomen and taking even greater care lifted her with ease to his chest. She was at least two feet off the ground. Bra'dok turned around and looked at the nine other aliens that were following him and they stared blankly at him as if waiting orders.

"I guess we are transporting and protecting this one." The Mustafarian stated aloud in oddly accented basic. "Let our bodies guard and earn their pay." He finished gleefully at the notion of such a noble and honorable profession. He was a body guard.

He loped into the slightly used ship, taking care not to bump the little one and entered the craft.

 

[Neutrino]

Anami wasn't entirely sure what was happening. She still felt like she was floating, but the pheromones, with the absence of the Falleen woman, should be losing their effect.

Then, with some little bit of horror, she realized she was being held by a giant merc. "Excuse me sir, I would like it very much if you put me down." She looked around and saw that she was inside a ship now, but the door that led out onto the docks was still open.

All chances of escape were not yet lost.

 

[OpFor]

Bra'dok entered the craft closely followed by nine of his new associates. The cargo container was cramped but high enough so he did not have to stoop. They filed in and found seats at various containers and unpopulated spots through the cabin. Before Bra'dok could find a suitable place to set the creature in his hands down, a male Zeltron boarded the ramp and entered. He keyed in a code for the ships door and it began sliding closed. He then proceeded to hand out sums of credits to greedily awaiting hands and claws. Bra'dok sat the tiny female down and accepted his funds.

"They must trust us to complete our tasks for paying us up front." Brad'dok thought to himself. "How admirable."

 

[Neutrino]

Anami was absolutely bewildered.

She had been awake for far too long and her mind felt slippery. She wondered if it was because she was so tired, or if it was because she had been over exposed to alien pheromones. Her stomach made a loud growling noise, reminding her that she had not eaten in a very long time.

The male Zeltron gave her a strange look before making an announcement to the newest crew members. "You all make yourselves at home. This is where you sleep," he waved his hands around the cargo room. "That way's the 'fresher, and that way's where the grub is." He pointed to either ends of the ship. "No fighting amongst yourselves, at least don't get too outta control, or we'll kick you out to drift, dead, in space."

Then he came over to Anami, "For some reason you're the captain's favorite pet. So you don't have to stay in the cage like the others. So Princess, do you need anything?"

Anami shook her head.

"Whatever then Princess." The Zeltron left.

Anami rushed over to the main door that led out onto the docks when suddenly there was a deafening noise. The ship beneath her rocked violently and she stumbled, bracing herself against a tied down crate.

They were lifting off.

She pushed herself to the door's keypad. She had no idea what to do and just mashed buttons to no effect. The ship lurched again and she found herself, as did several of the new hired help, sitting on the floor.

 

[OpFor]

As the ship began to launch, Bra'dok became enthralled at the unfolding scene. This was the second time he had ever been on a ship in launch. In fact it was the second time he had ever been on a space worthy craft. He approached a bulkhead window and gazed out. Completely unaware of the tiny female who jumped up and rushed towards the door, attempting to escape.

"Wonderful, absolutely wonderful." Bra'dok whispered to himself as the ship left the upper atmosphere, weightlessness kicked in then the artificial gravity took over. Bra'dok braced himself with his hands as he took the stars in. He smiled faintly as his eyes glossed over in deep thought. This was going to be a good trip.

 

[Neutrino]

Anami saw, to her horror, that stars were passing along slowly on the other side of a bulkhead window. She was stuck on this ship until it landed. She would have to make due and think of a plan until then.

Sleeplessness was taking its toll on her and she knew she needed rest. The cargo hold seemed big enough that somewhere might be a somewhat enclosed corner for her to curl up in. She began to explore her options.

There was a darkened area that might be suitable, so she went toward it. But when the cage came in sight, she stopped short. Women of different species were clinging to the bars, sleeping, or huddled with their faces hidden in their knees.

Anami's breath was caught in her throat. She realized that she was one of them. And yet she was not.

The women who were watching, followed her with their eyes as she sat down with her back to a crate. They were silent and staring. Anami decided this is where she would sleep.

 

[OpFor]

Several minuets passed as Bra'dok uninterruptedly gazed out of the window. Tearing his focus from the depths of space his mind reacquired an old objective. The girl. He turned to find the majority of the occupants had settle in there respective places. Some were commingling while others chose to sleep. The female in his charge was nowhere to bee seen. The Mustafarian walked around the hold, weaved back and forth between cargo containers and stopped. He was standing face to face with a bared cage. Holding many different types of females. They all inadvertently backed away from the bars and pressed their backs against the rear of the cage with looks of.. surprise?

"Don't worry, I'm just big but not harmful." Bra'dok exclaimed aloud with a smile, forgetting to translate the comment into basic. It may have been from the loud, rasping sentence or the fact when a Mustafarian smiles, it looks more like a grimace, exposing the rows of sharp and serrated teeth at his disposal. Developed through thousands of years of eating the tough lava flea meat favored of his home world.

The cage of females yelped and looked away shaking. Bra'dok just shrugged and pondered the awkward seating arrangements aboard the vessel. He turned to his right and he half tripped over an obstacle to his feat.

"Oh." Was all escaped his mouth as he stared down at his principle.

 

[Neutrino]

Anami was awakened by some noise that set her heart racing, she jumped up and away from the source of the disturbance. She took a few deep breathes, trying to calm her heart. She couldn't blame it though. She was so on edge her body would try and pump adrenaline into her system at any surprise.

"Sorry," she said trying to smile, "I was just trying to sleep."

Anami recognized this largest of mercs as being the one assigned to her. Was this giant better than a cage? She had yet to decide.

The awkwardness of the situation wasn't lost on her, even in her tired state. She decided what she was trained to do though, be polite and introduce herself.

"Please excuse my rudeness, I am Anami Nuin." She bowed to him stiffly. "I am sorry to say that this is not the most pleasant of circumstances to be meeting you."

 

[OpFor]

The Mustafarian extended his massive hand, remembering how humans like this gesture of greeting. The shaking of the hands.

"Bra'dok." He stated in basic. Attempting to enunciate clearly as he used his non extended arm to point at himself, as if communicating with a very young child. He threw on his gruesome smile again, hoping for a better reaction.

 

[Neutrino]

Curiously, Anami took his hand. She then recognized his species as he attempted a smile. "What is a Mustafarian doing here?" She asked politely.

 

[OpFor]

Gratified that the little one did not cower encouraged Bra'dok.

"Work and adventure." He grunted in basic as he retrieved his hand from her grasp. Pleased at the successful communication he turned abruptly and found a seat on a relatively smaller container facing the Anami. He waited.

 

[Neutrino]

Anami pursed her lips. What kind of person could he be if he took adventure and work like this? Formal politeness was probably, mostly lost on this Bra'dok so she sat on the ground, eying him cautiously. "I have to go to sleep now. Ok?"

She desperately needed it.

 

[OpFor]

The Anami informed him of her sleeping habits and he just stared blankly back at her. Studying her features and as if satisfied with her condition he stood and left the area for the more populated region of the ship. Preferable a window.

 

[Neutrino]

As she watched Bra'dok go off somewhere else, Anami laid down. As soon as her cheek rested against the cargo hold's cold, hard floor, she was soothed. And then she was asleep. Hopefully, she wouldn't sleep too long.

A figure stood before Anami. She could not make out who it was. There was a bright light beyond, blinding her. The sound of a crowd could be heard cheering and booing. And then the crowd was screaming. Anami looked at her hands and they were covered in blood. The crowd was screaming for more blood. The figure before her ignited a glowing hot sword. The sound was unmistakably that of a lightsaber. With the light of the saber, Anami could see the skin of the figure. It was a familiar green that she just couldn't place at that moment. The saber's humming song of death buzzed in Anami's head.

Anami woke to the sound of hissing. Disoriented and startled, she looked around wildly until she saw the source. It was the cage of women. They spoke in whispers and hissed at her. Hate and fear evident in their eyes. "What are you doing here?" One very thin female Zabrak whispered to her with a scowl.

"I am here as you are. I have been-"

"Lies! If you were like us then you would be in this cage!" The Zabrak seethed. "Go away you wretched spy!"

"Please, I do not wish to distress you. I do not know why they have not put me-"

"There you are my pet," came the familiar voice of the Falleen woman. "I have been looking all over for you."

The Zabrak spat at the feet of the Falleen. The Falleen kicked her cage, laughing. "Come away from these fowl creatures. You will see them again soon enough." She took Anami by the arm. It was probably the first time they had met without the influence of pheromones, so Anami resisted at once. She pushed away and backed toward the cage.

"You're insane! Let us go and leave us alone!" Anami was surprised to hear her voice say such impolite things. She was not so practiced in hearing much emotion come out of her mouth.

The Falleen laughed even more. "You're a little stronger than I thought, for one so tiny anyway. You'll do better than most will think. You're a special prize indeed." The Falleen frowned, "You look terrible now though. And that's half your value. Let's get you fixed up for the sale. Come on." The Falleen went to grab Anami again.

Anami stepped back further, slapping the green hands away. Suddenly the Zabrak's arms flew threw the bars of the cage behind Anami and wrapped themselves around Anami's throat. "I'll kill you!" She was screaming gleefully. "I'll kill you all!"

Anami clawed at the rough, bone-like hands that pinned her to the cold metal bars.

The Fallen punched the Zabrak in the face with a crunching noise and Anami escaped when the grip on her loosened, only to be caught by the Falleen. Anami was coughing violently.

"Now you listen here Princess," The Falleen was saying while shaking her by the shoulders violently, "Either you play dress up of your own free will or I make you a stupid idiot who would be happy to do it for me! Now c'mon," The Falleen shoved Anami off toward the "refresher end" of the craft, "I'm losing my patience."

Anami almost hit the floor, but she caught herself and kept walking.

It's not so bad, Anami thought, not yet.

 

[OpFor]

Bra'dok stood hunched over and perfectly still at the bulkheads window. He embraced the sights of stars flying past, and it felt almost if his soul was communing with the vast darkness. He felt at peace. Suddenly he snapped out of his trance due to a tap on his exoskeleton where his rib cage would have been. He turned to face the source of the disturbance. The creature that stood before him was one of the nine newly hired hands that was himself. Standing roughly 1-1/2 meters and terrible fat. It had a stout snout, and plate armor on. Another guard of the bodies.

"Greetings." Bra'dok said aloud in basic as he pushed his elbows into his hips and spread his arms to the side, palms open and facing the creature as is a common Mustafarian greeting. "And.. What is your name?" He directed his question to the newcomer.

The creature stared blankly at him for a second before replying. "Me Gore Splitter. You big." It replied with snorting sounds.

"And surely, you are to friend. In spirit that is." Replied Bra'dok. The newcomer cocked its head with difficulty to the side due to the thickness of its neck. It seemed puzzled by his words. "Big here-" Bra'dok pointed to its chest "-not here." As he used his hand to measure the height of the fat critter. It nodded profusely, as if understanding and made high pitched squealing noises. It seemed pleased.

"You here, nice." It guttered, as its hand withdrew into a satchel on its side and extracted a bone carving of a symbol unknown to Bra'dok. The creature extended its hand and the Mustafarian grasped it.

"Thank you friend, but I have nothing in return for you." Bra'dok replied.

The creature just shook its head violently and said "OK, you OK." and left quickly as if embarrassed.

Bra'dok examined the bone carving closely. It resembled a U shape connecting into the rear of a K shape. He sighed appreciatively and pocketed his new prized possession. He had made his first otherworldly friend. A Gamorrean at that. And unknowingly gained the respect of the nine other brutes that looked to him even more as leadership. Turning back to the window and its entrancing scape, he rested his forehead on the cold metal and began to hum an old Mustafarian work hym.