Start of the Hunt

[Val Reus]

​

The bounty hunter Val Reus has arrived to the The Eternity cantina not too long ago on the "Smuggler's Moon" Nar Shaddaa, he came in with his armor, had his weapons in arms reach, because Nar Shaddaa is still a very shaddy place. Val Reus came here for a few reasons: One to have a drink or two. Two, to look and see what's on the bounty boards. Imperial Hutta is more or less an anything goes zone. But that doesn't mean there are never bounties in the former Hutt Space to pursue. If there is any justice to be had, it's either the Imperial Hutta authority trying to keep order or the people within taking it into their own hands. Either actually delievering it with their own hands Posting bounties and then letting bounty hunters like Reus himself, to take care of things.

After Reus approached the the bounty boards, he can see lots of wanted posters of various figures. Plenty of diversity in species. But there was this one poster that stood out, a human named​

Volo Berilen. He had a steep price on his head, his bounty was put on him from his rivials in the spice trade. Intrigued, the ony problem is the bounty warns is that the guy has a large operation and that he's dangerous. Hmmm, Reus would ponder in thought.

@Danee @Painus @BlackJack

 

[Jack Graves]

His search was expensive work. Constant travel, food and drink.Even without the usual pleasantries and frivolities of civilization the sheer act of being alive was a monumental task in this universe. Everyone had to do their part. For Jack though stillness meant death. He couldn't afford to work a restaurant gig or sweep streets. He needed something that kept him on the go, a universal skill set.

As it turned out looking for people was just that skill set, the caveat was that most people didn't want to reunite with their family, most people wanted someone else dead. Jack was fine with that. It was a dangerous galaxy and in his pursuit he had picked up a thing or two in the art of kill or be killed. So far he had performed only the former, but this wasn't an industry that allowed failure. It was one of the reasons he was so particular in his choice of quarry. He had no desire to pick the most wanted, he didn't want to get rich, he just wanted to get paid.

Hutt Space was the place to be for bounties of every kind. As it were this bounty board actually did have a mother looking for her son. Unfortunately she was a bit below his usual price point, but he'd keep it in mind. As it were he was growing low on credits so just this once he perused the higher tier bounties.

As he thought most were for warlords, high ranking politicians, a few Sith here and there. Serious stuff and significantly above his pay grade and desire to get involved in. Doing hits like that got you a reputation, that wasn't something he would put on himself or his daughter when he found her.

One of the bounties caught his eye. A spice operation run by a guy named Volo. A tough job, but one that the Imperium would have no problem sweeping under the rug and no spicelord would see need to make reprisal for. Seemed like the perfect job if not for the fact that he was solo. As sure as his shot was, nobody took down a drug operation as large as this alone. Maybe if someone stole his speeder and killed his dog, but as they hadn't he was going to need some help.

Moving over to the bar to depart with a few credits more, the man decided to watch that listing. Waiting, he could check out potential allies or even competition. As it was, Jack was prepared to take a smattering of lesser paying jobs, but not until he at least gave this a chance. He figured while he was here he could talk to some information brokers about his kid, but that took serious coin and serious coin took serious work.

As the whiskey flowed down his parched throat, Jack's eyes didn't stir. Steady eyes. Steady hands. Those were the best tools in the business of kill or be killed.

@Danee @Painus

 

[Leandros Solus]

A glare here, a nod there. Leandros sauntered into the cantina in full regalia. Imperial Hutta was lawless; nobody would try and stop him if he wore his beskar’gam. Not with the reputation his people carried. Not with the blessing of Kad Ha’rangir guiding his actions. No, Leandros stood amidst a crowd of beings untouched by the glories of his gods. Still, there was respect due. To live in the anarchy and chaos of Nar Shaddaa is to live as one amongst countless millions laboring in thankless obscurity, manning huge factories that churn out endless streams of weapons, chemicals, or other vital goods. Others run with violent gangs in the dark of the alleys, living off their wits, guts, and firepower. Surviving in such squalid and unsanitary conditions produced a breed of dour, humorless individual accustomed to the bitter and violent life they live.

The Mandalorian pushed past a group of revelers and proceeded further into the bar. He was here for something, a challenge. The bounties this planet offered often gave him this challenge he sought. The rewards were often used to procure items that would facilitate his ongoing quest for violence. Such was his fate – to endlessly search for conflict, so that one day he may die. It was a simple life, but one that he cherished dearly.

He approached the bounty board, pondering over it for some time. Imperial officers, gangsters, merchants… No, none of these would do. His disappointment was almost palpable, were it not for the one near the bottom. Volo Berilen – spice trader. Dangerous. The reward? Enough. Leandros nodded a few times in approval, downloading the man’s bounty to his datapad. The logistics of the whole operation would be worked out later. Something this large was bound to be thrilling and worth his time. He noted the similarly-sized man (@Val Reus) next to him eying the same bounty, speaking up.

”A worthy choice, that one,” he said, his voice possessing the gentle, gruff confidence of a father figure more than that of a marauder. He turned from the man and headed towards the bar to read over the details of his target.

@Danee @BlackJack @Faster Than Light

 

[Henne Trea]

How Henne found herself on Nar Shaddaa was beyond her, she had woken up with the worst hangover ever a few days ago on a ship bound for the Smuggler's moon and well, now she was stuck on it, basically in the same position she had been on Corellia but on a completely alien world to her and had thus spent most of her days just wandering about whilst trying to find something to yank from someone who wasn't paying attention in hopes of being able to gather up the credits to purchase a ticket back to Corellia, where her life of simple crimes could begin once again.

Having managed to gather up a handful of credits she realized she'd have to get something to eat first and then try and get off of Nar Shaddaa, so, she had decided to hit up a Cantina to try and find some work, perhaps someone wanted a speeder stolen or something, that she could do, no matter the planet she was on. If anything, being on Nar Shaddaa made stealing vehicles a whole lot easier as, from her impression of the world so far, was that the law enforcement was more for show than anything else, hey, she didn't mind, meant that she'd have an easier time walking around without getting jumped by the law.

Finding herself in the cantina known as The Eternity she had just finished eating a light sandwich and had a glass of water. It wasn't the sturdiest of meals, but, it kept her from starving, so that in of itself was a plus. With a portion of her hunger sated and having her thirst quenched she looked around at the various people in establishment, spotting the bounty board she figured that she'd give it a look, never hurt to stay up to date on bounties anyway, who knew, perhaps she'd find herself there one day.

Heading over to the board she glanced at the names, images and job descriptions that were on the board, spotting a flickering image of a human called Volo she tilted her head slightly, apparently a spice trader of some sort. Watching as someone in rather distinct looking armor move up to the bounty as well she raised a brow and looked at him as he scanned the bounty and then spoke to the man next to him and then walked off. So, she wasn't the only one who was interested, eh? She put a hand on the man standing in front of the board and lightly pushed herself past him. (@Faster Than Light ) "'scuze me, Imma just..." she fetched a very old and worn datapad from her equally old and worn pilots jacket and brought it up in front of the board, syncing the bounty she had just glanced at and then nodded. "Sorry 'bout that." she said, not taking her eyes off of the board as she then stuffed the datapad back into her jacket and walked back to the bar.

Raising her hand and waving the bartender over she ordered a simple beer and brought out the datapad once again, bringing up the bounty and reading it through. Yeah, she could do this solo, though, a crew would help. Shame that most people she knew was either in jail, dead or back home on Corellia, well, they were most likely in jail or dead on Corellia too. She'd need a crew if she wanted this to go smoothly, as she didn't intend on becoming food to some beast or a slave to some creep. Remembering the armored man from earlier she glanced around, hoping that she'd catch sight of him as she hadn't seen where he had gone, and fortunately enough, she saw him not too far away from her, close enough for her to hear if he struck up conversation and yet far enough away so it didn't seem like she was eavesdropping.

@Painus @Faster Than Light @BlackJack

 

[Jack Graves]

Those that came to check the bounty could be described as 'diverse' though in this instance he wouldn't agree with the sentiment that that brought anything of particular note to the table. Between slick types trying to make a quick buck and the desperate there were only a handful that stood out to the man as particularly worthy.

One was the Mandolorian. While he hadn't grown fond of a particular warrior clan in his youth, anyone with half a brain stem knew a man decked out in beskar was the best friend in a firefight. Jack had heard this type of armor was illegal in imperial space, but given the deference most of the patrons were showing him, the bounty hunter figured that he wasn't too concerned about that particular breach of social contract.

Another was the fellow who arrived just before him. He had an air of confidence about him, he'd done this before though not enough to not be a little nervous about it. That kind of nervousness kept people alive and they often didn't know it till they bit the wrong end of a bullet. Jack might have struck up some small talk on the topic if that was in anyway like him at all.

Speaking of small, that was precisely why he liked the last subject of his search. This woman went about barely with any notice. Between invisibility and invincibility, Jack would take invisible every time. Those stealthy enough could topple empires without a scratch and no one would know, meanwhile the invincible would find their every effort counteracted by watchful foes. Sure they wouldn't die, but they couldn't do much beyond that.

No one else caught the man's eye though like always he looked out for a woman and a girl with hair of red and eyes of blue. Jack didn't think they'd be caught dead in Hutt space, not out of any moral quandary, but simply because she'd know someone would rat her out. This entire system was a rat colony. Nothing was made here, just copied, stolen, solicited, and bribed until it was entirely unrecognizable. Were it a person it would be so riddled with tattoos and piercings you could scarcely tell its original species, though it would certainly smell like a Hutt.

Ordering another whiskey he noted the woman he was interested in had sat near him. She'd lingered over the Volo listing with her datapad long enough for anyone even giving a cursory glance to note her interest in the hunt. Tapping the bar next to her with a single finger, the stoic man gave a glance to her datapad then to the listing with a single word,

"Volo?"

Not in his hunting gear currently, the man nonetheless looked imposing enough in other ways. A serious air, a focused eye, hands still and calm resting upon his jacket clearly ready to grab a knife or gun the moment he needed to. Jack never attempted to put forth a threatening presence, but it was one best described as a 'deterrent' to both martial and social engagement. He figured if he fired the first shot this little convo could lead to the two of them making a quick credit so he could get the information he needed to get off this rock and finally find his family.

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros took his helmet off and set it on the counter, rubbing a gloved hand across his shaved scalp. The pungent aroma of alcohol, drugs, and scum hung in the air, assailing his senses in greater force now that his face was bare. Thick, acrid smoke wafted up and floated lazily at the ceiling, forming a cloud over the patrons. He read over the details of the bounty now, taking care to note anything that stood out. The man, Volo Berilen, was more than just a spice trader. Rather, he was the head of a slaver gang operating on Ryloth, the Twi’lek homeworld. He was rumored to have quite the treasure trove that was free for the taking in addition to the bounty offering.

He kept scrolling through, reading the minutiae of the bounty, when the man next to him spoke up, just barely audible above the racket of the cantina. A single word, uttered as a question, but powerful enough to pique Leandros’ interest.

“Volo?”

The Mandalorian lifted his head lazily and looked at the man. He seemed around the same size as Leandros, perhaps marginally larger. He did not bear any identifying markers that would otherwise betray his allegiance. Probably another regular patron of the cantina, Leandros figured. Something about him seemed different, though. He was watching the bounty board, and his obvious interest in the bounty Leandros – and this small girl, evidently – chose betrayed some degree of his purpose. Was he another bounty hunter? Competition? An ally of the target? Now Leandros was curious.

He scoffed, holding up his datapad as he spoke, ”Don’t bother. The b’ami’r there,” he said, gesturing towards Henne, ”couldn’t take on all of Volo’s men. Not alone. It’s suicide.” He turned to face to two fully now, resting an elbow on the counter. He looked into the man’s (@Jack Graves) eyes as he continued, studying the man’s face, ”Besides, aruetii, you’d need an actual warrior with you to have any real shot at claiming the bounty.”

He kept his posture open and nonthreatening, resting his elbow on the counter and his hand on the top of his helmet. He never took his eyes off of the man’s in front of him.

@Danee @BlackJack @Faster Than Light

 

[Henne Trea]

Scrolling through the synced up information in her datapad she didn't notice the man she had sat near looking towards her until he tapped the counter beside her. With her lips against the opening to the beer bottle she had ordered she leaned her head back slightly and looked at him with a raised brow as he said the name of the bounty she was planning on going after. Putting the bottle down and swallowing the mouthful she shrugged slightly. "Hi Volo, I'm none of your business." She said and turned back to her Datapad and took another swig from her beer when from her side the armored up looking dude spoke up.

Her eyes shifted towards the man in fancy looking armor who had gestured towards her and rolled her eyes, what in the force was even a 'b'ami'r'? Probably some weird derogatory term, though she didn't mind, she had been called worse before, she thought at least, being rather unsure what the term meant.

Scrolling through the information she glanced over it again, picking up on the planet of Ryloth getting mentioned a few times, was he there? Ah shit, she'd have to spend credits to make credits? What kind of backwards logic was that? Though, judging by the fact that the armored man had mentioned Volo too, perhaps he was also going after it, and judging by his armor, he probably had a ship of his own, so, she could probably borrow that and get back to him when the bounty was done. But, he probably knew how to fight, so, she was back to step one, how to get off of Nar Shaddaa.

Then he took a verbal shot at her. "Excuse me? An actual warrior? Bitch all I need is a speeder and a blaster and I got this shit in the bag." she said and looked away from the datapad up to the self-proclaimed 'Actual' warrior. Who was he to say that she couldn't take this bounty on her own? She'd done heists on her own back on Corellia multiple times and she'd do it again if she had to. "You think you have a shot to take the price on yo own?" She asked with a raised brow as she looked between his helmet and his face.

@BlackJack @Faster Than Light @Painus

 

[Val Reus]

"Worthy choice..." Val Reus heard and glanced at the figure that was next to him that was wearing full beskar'gam, similarly sized as he turned away. That wouldn't go over very well in Imperial Republica or Old Sith Space, but Imperial Hutta being Imperial Hutta, all it would get is a curious glance and maybe a few odd looks. Unless someone wanted to kill one anyway, but Val Reus isn't here to start a fight. It's been quite awhile since he's seen another Mandalorian. Then not too long ago a woman pushed right by past him as he was looking at the bounty hunters board, interested evidently as well what what marks have came up. Reus didn't say anything back when she apologized It looks like that Volo's face is gathering quite a bit of attention, Reus say her focusing on his, then Reus looked with his proprietorial vision to see where she was going as he was reading more about the Volo bounty. Reading more about it, this guy has it all. Spice, slaves, bases on Ryloth, and apparently a treasure stash. That makes it all the more enticing and more rewarding as well. Then the Courscanti bounty hunter would look over where the others seemed to gather and then would start exchanging words. Discussing the bounty perhaps? Reus would stroll closer towards the group, enough to pick up what they are saying, but pulling up his datapad in hand to where he looks like he is causally in the background. And after eavesdropping, it looks like theyare discussing the bounty, the Mandalorian uttering words in between regular basic that he doesn't understand, and the woman seeming to get a llittle fiery.

Reus would then stroll on further over there towards the counter, shortly after Henne started speaking. "You guys don't happen to be talking about that Volo bounty, are ya'll?" Reus simply asked, they are talking about it but this is just to start up a discussion. Maybe though, just maybe there is a chance for rounding up a bit of a group to go after the bounty. No individual is going to be able to get the bounty, but a group might get it where one might fall. The only problem is greed. It's worth a shot. Once they confirm they are interested, he will make an offer that should work for everyone here.

 

[Jack Graves]

This bounty seemed to attract big attitudes. That was alright, Jack could adjust. He'd teamed up before on bigger marks and the key to success with some types was to open up the sunroof to fit in their ego. That being said, overconfidence wasn't the only thing to make room for. Baggage abounded from all sides and that included Graves'. The girl he spoke to had enough chips on her shoulder to sod a playground and it didn't take a genius to figure the Beskar clad behemoth might be compensating for something.

It was a motley lot and frankly, Jack didn't need the drama. He could just as easily pick up three simpler jobs. Safer, perhaps even quicker. There was no discernible reason for him to get involved, but here he was in the thick of it. He just let his face fade into facade. It's amazing how the facial features can coalesce into a form that resembles absolutely nothing. With enough apathy and muscular entropy a person looking could find no emotional resonance, no creases of thought, no indication of a readiness and willingness to act. It had gotten the bounty hunter out of a fair share of scrapes either by being disregarded or otherwise underestimated, but something told him it wasn't going to fly here. He was the one who fired the first conversational shot after all.

As the two lashed at each other the man of few and chosen words let a few slip between the pauses in their rapid fire chest puffing contest,

"I took a careful look at everyone who checked that notice." he took a final swig of whiskey mingled with ice. Burning and chilling altogether before continuing, "I can tell you we're going to need all kinds to do this... even a b’ami’r" giving a look to the Mandolorian, he was set to continue before the last piece of the puzzle fell into place.

Looking back to the young man, Jack saw a bit of himself in the youthful gaze. Poor lad, maybe he should warn him about what was going to happen to dull those blue eyes to gray. No, pain was the best teacher for these sort of thing and if this ramshackle was going to take down Volo they would all get their fair share of knowledge soon enough.

"I was, yes." looking back to his empty glass he felt a sudden loss, a poignant metaphor out of reach due to his overzealous sipping. No matter, "I was just saying the right group could get it done easy enough."

Looking to each of the assembled, the brash street rat, the proud Mandolorian, and the kid he let loose a single word that should get this mossy stone rolling,

"Interested?"

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros simply chuckled at the girl and her heated response, shaking his head slightly. ”Hah. Relax, child, I meant no disrespect.” He waved his free hand dismissively, tapping a few fingers twice against his helmet with the other one. She was fiery, that much was certain. He did not intend to offend, though his interactions with outsiders have been few and far between, admittedly. He smiled disarmingly in the hopes of easing the tension. He did not fear the girl, but she seemed rearing for a fight. That would draw unnecessary attention.

Unnecessary attention. The thought crossed his mind and he shook his head again. He was in full beskar’gam in Imperial space. He was practically a walking WANTED poster. The thought amused him.

He looked Henne in the eyes, his steely-blue piercing deep into hers. ”No, I do not think I could take on the entire gang on my own. That would be foolish.I enjoy my life.” At the end of his sentence, the man he noted earlier approached, querying the group about the bounty. Leandros flicked his eyes from the girl to him, studying his facial features. He seemed reasonably fit. Perhaps even battle-hardened, though his youthful face did seem deceptive. Something about the way he carried himself. Confident. Assured. Leandros lifted the datapad, waving it slightly as he continued, ” I was remarking to the girl here,” he gestured once again to Henne, ”That she may want to seek help in hunting this bounty.“

The bearded man at the bar with them interjected, suggesting that it would take more than one to claim the prize. Leandros turned his head and gave an imperceptible nod of his head, looking at the rest of the group. The right group, he said. Was this the right group? Leandros took a moment to assess the other three. A young girl, likely unblooded; a man with an air of authority, though also seemingly possessing an aloof nature; a man of quiet and dignified confidence. A motley group indeed, but looks were often deceiving. It was not the appearance of the warrior, but rather their skill in battle. He, of all people, knew that more than anyone. Mandalorians were fierce and proud of their martial heritage, and his clan – Solus – took that pride to an entirely new level. Foolhardy overconfidence, some would say. Leandros knew they were the favored children of Kad Ha’rangir. There were none other as worthy.

Finally, the man asked that most-pivotal question. One word, but powerful enough to join together some of the most unlikely together. Leandros stared into his eyes”An even split of the bounty. Shared carnage. I'll join you. Anything to leave this Imperial world.” He looked at the others and nodded. "I am- He stopped himself mid-sentence, thinking for a moment. There was no need to give these strangers power over him by offering up his true name. Instead he offered up something different. "Omen. Call me Omen, aruetii." It was tacky, but fitting enough.

@Danee @BlackJack @Faster Than Light

 

[Henne Trea]

Hearing the chuckle coming from the 'Actual' warrior really didn't help the situation in her mind, and getting called a child? That was even lower. She furrowed her brow in preparation for retaliation, verbally of course, but, as she was preparing to throw another verbal punch at him her attention was drawn to the man she had pushed in front of earlier as he walked up to the makeshift group of wannabe bounty hunters. When he asked whether or not they were going after the bounty she looked up at him with a raised brow. It seemed that she had found her crew, whether or not it was her crew or not was up to debate, but, she would claim this as hers for now, considering whatever she was a part of on Corellia that resembled a crew, well, was on Corellia. She glanced over between the group, from the self-proclaimed warrior, to the bearded man and then to the newcomer before returning to the Warrior again as he introduced himself as Omen Aruetii, what kind of a name was Ohman? She raised a brow and closed her datapad, placing it inside her worn jacket once again.

"Alright, you're Orange here now, and you?" She turned to the bearded man (@BlackJack), "You're Beard, you," she pointed at the man(@Faster Than Light) who had just shown up and asked them about the bounty. "You'll be baby, since you ain't got no beard." she said and looked between them. "And me? Well, either Boss or Dreadlocks I guess, your choice, though I personally prefer boss." She said with a smirk.

In her mind they would get through this without a single hitch, no worries whatsoever, but, she knew that there'd undoubtedly be trouble along the way, considering they were going to go after a drug lord, who undoubtedly had spent a whole lot of his fortune on defense and security, especially now since there was a rather hefty bounty out on his head. But hey, a quarter of that bounty was going to be hers, and that meant that she'd be able to get some new clothes and some other fancy things she had been dreaming of, but not only that, she'd finally be able to get back to Corellia. With her mind made up she looked over the group again.

"So, what can y'all do? Personally, I'm the best driver on all of Corellia, so, I'll be our driver and pilot there, there's also no vehicular security system I can't get through." She turned to the warrior she had nicknamed Orange. "What about you, Orange? Can you do punchy things with that or is it just for aesthetics?"

 

[Val Reus]

Val Reus widened his eyes turned towards [@Blackjack] as he spoke. The right group could get it done easy enough eh? That's very true. This would be too much for one person, but a capable group can get rid of a slaver gang. One of them looks like he knows what he's doing, the Mandalorian is a Mandalorian, and the woman seems pretty confident herself. This might work out. The Mandalorian gave his name, Omen. Reus chuckled and smirked when he was nicknamed 'baby' by the 'boss'. What a weird collection of characters. "Okay, 'boss'" he affirmed with a hint of snark. Looks like Henne is a pilot slash driver. Can she handle herself in a fight? But at the very least she better well be the best driver on all of Corellia, or she would be a letdown.

Val Reus knows what he can do and how he would contribute to a theoretical bounty hunting party. He's a capable fighter. Reus would chuckle slightly, there is something humorous about this lady. "I'm interested. Splitting the bounty is fine by me. I'm down to join." he let it be known he is in favour of teaming up to take down Volo for his bounty. Even with it being split four ways, it's still good profit. And these guys are good, he will have some good contacts. Reus would turn his head to Henne. "I can do many things, but foremost I'm a gunman." he said, confidently, nodding his head. He has no need to boast about his skills. With Omen onboard, Henne seemingly onboard as well, looks like they will be getting to Ryloth in no time.

@Danee @BlackJack @Painus

 

[Jack Graves]

Jack wasn't used to groups this...actually he supposed he could stop at the word "groups". Even before the bad times, Jack had been a fairly solitary sort. He liked country roads that took him home to the place he belonged and not much else. Azara opened up his world and at first it was wonderful, but like many stories involving a native species meeting something new, it did not end well. Now he had no home. It was gone, she was gone, the man in the mirror was almost unrecognizable. Jack Graves had nothing but his mission. Find his wife, save his daughter. Be a family again and finally go home. To a place he belongs.

Now, however, he had to make something of a ramshackle hovel. A place of stick and hay where bricks would better serve. While it did little to keep the wolves at bay it warmed what little was left of his soul. His fellow occupants were a man who called himself Omen, whether good or bad one couldn't say. He was apparently dubbed 'Beard' neither affectionately nor aggressively which as a man of necessary stoicism left himself in a rhetorical lurch. Affixed on hair the nicknames continued, Dreadlocks and Baby...amusing in theory though Jack was out of practice in the laughing game.

When it came down to his abilities, Jack had much to think on. While tracking was his primary purpose, he apparently wasn't the best. Years had passed by and still his quarry eluded him. Not that tracking would be much of a part of this, crime lords tended to live big and loud and presumably short if they had their way. So what he could do in a unique job like this was quite simple. As the attention came to him the notably bearded man said,

"Terms are good. I'm good at extracting information. Beard works, Jack works better"

He then took a time to go over his crew one last time. Regarding each of them with a word. To the proud Mandolorian who would no doubt be their sword and shield,

"Omen"

To the rapscallion who smelled of booze, cigs, and general danger,

"Dreadlocks"

And the fresh faced man who claimed that guns didn't kill people, he did,

"Baby"

Standing up he gestured to the door holding out the keys to his ship,

"Ryloth right?"