Ask Sucker Punch

[Indy Sati]

-Theme-​

When it came to being on the down-low, Indyana thought she did a pretty good job.

Her synthleather jacket paired nicely with worn work pants, a light white synthweave shirt and her usual boots. A familiar hat was perched over violet hair, and gold eyes peeked from under the brim. She was clearly packing heat on her hip, with a vibroknife stashed away. Her lightsaber, as always, was tucked in a hidden holster at the base of her spine. This was a temporary spot to patch up the ship, catch a meal and grab some supplies; however, credits were running a little lower than she would have liked, it would be tight.

In a dirty little side-view like Hollastin, she wasn't happy to be in Hutt space, but an artifact hunt was an artifact hunt, and she wasn't picky about where she would lay her head until she would find something else worth publishing about.

But meantime, that wasn't going to put food in her belly. And perhaps...

Though there was a feeling, buzzing in the back of her mind. Another sense of hers, almost a premonition. Once again, her life was gonna take a drastic turn... and she wasn't certain she was gonna like it or not. She began pacing from her ship, locking it with an absent hum. Whatever it was, it hopefully waited until after she got some food in her...

But by the Force, what could one eat in such a miserable little backend of the galaxy? And besides, she knew eventually she would have to make it back to Ajan Kloss, and take on some more responsibilities... but right now she really dreaded that prospect.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

"You said we had enough fuel." The man said with a groan as he walked right into a blue skinned woman. Byron had been preparing for a witty quip to whatever the droid was about to say but the sentient machine didn't say anything and instead watched the man collide with Indyana.

"Kark sorry." He said with a hand out just in case the stranger needed help balancing after he jostled her. Byron didn't regularly bump into people and much less attract. He also realized that he still had soot and grim covering his face and all over his clothes. Wherever he had contacted the Pantoran probably had some ash or soot on it from his recent predicament."You alright?"

~WwwwwIIIIIiirrrrrr~ The droid said and rolled a little forward. "oh uh, you wouldn't happen to know where to get a drink..." The BG astromech rolled against his leg, banging into it. "Ow...Alright and/or an oil bath." He gave a half-assed kick to the droid.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

She hadn't expected to be barreled into, but suddenly an elbow caused her to stumble sideways, and she grabbed at his hand, about to let out a muttered curse of her own, but she froze instead. She gazed at him blankly for a minute, then at their hands, and she blinked, releasing him. "Yeah, no worries," came her throaty response, brushing at one ash-printed spot of her own suit, then peering at him.

"I might... but you look like you've been through a couple house fires." Gold eyes blinked at him, but a friendly grin tilted on her lips, violet head tilted. "Just landed here myself, so 'fraid I know nothing. But if you see anything, I'm definitely game. I'm starved." She smirked at the peppy droid, giving them a wink. "Got your priorities straight too, I see. Alright."

A place like this, there were a half-dozen greasy spoons within easy reach, but the sight of most of them turned her off right away. Finally, there seemed a small place tucked away, but there seemed a bit of a crowd...

"Let's go there, it looks promising..." she paused, then glanced back at him, lips pursing slightly in thought.

"I'm sorry, didn't catch your name."

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

He smiled at her pointing out his tattered and worn appearance. "Not house fires..." He said as a matter of fact. There had been a lot of burning things after he had been forced to more or less crash land.

It seemed the woman was as new to the area as he was. The rolling astromech let out a pleased bleep at hearing Indy's agreement. Byron followed and looked at some of the signs and menus from a distance. He pointed out one or two at first but they seemed to more or less be variants of the same typical starport restaurants. Finally she pointed one out and he was trying to figure out what made it better than the others when the Pantoran asked his name. He raised his hand to offer a shake but then realized his palm was still probably pretty dirty.

"I'm Byron, Byron Ryker." He smiled and paused for a moment. "...it's strange. I feel like we've met before." His were's were true, even if he didn't realize that it was because he had felt her presence probably around one of the temples or the fact that she was a fellow jedi. Instead he was wondering if she was a gal he had met in college. What're the odds? He kind of hoped for that just because it seemed like a funny coincidence.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

"Oh?" She stared at his outfit... and then it dawned on her, and her mouth dropped open. "Oh... well kriff! I'm sorry to hear it. I'd offer a ride, but..." she grimaced, sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck. "Right now, things are a little tight... I'd hate to stuff you in the cargo bay or something just for a ride."

A massive understatement that her space was limited, really, but he didn't need to know that just yet. She took his hand without even flinching. A little grime never killed anyone... or if it did, did it really matter? "Pleasure, Byron," she grinned, "Indyana Sati."

Her grin widened as he mentioned feeling they met before; there was a niggling thought in her mind, as well, a hint of familiarity not in tone, but by name... but if her suspicions were correct, they would be confirmed soon enough. "Hmm, depends. Where would I look familiar?" Her tone was gently teasing but also curious, leading the way.

She frowned slightly as there was yelling within this supposed restaurant... but food was food. She began side-stepping some angry pedestrians, one swinging an arm out. She ducked, then glanced back at her companion.

"Seems a little rowdy; you mind that?"

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

He held up both hands at the offer. "I think I'll be alright. Might be a bit before I get off world though I'm thinking I'll have to get a replacement ship. " He didn't feel like the situation was dire enough for him to get stuffed into a cargo hold.

His hand gave her a firm shake with a smile to match. "hmmm..." He would shrug. "You didn't go to Corsucant university by chance? Ever been to Contruum?...." His mind looked towards more recent locations. "...Ajan Kloss?" Byron's eyes looked sideways in a failed attempt to discreetly gauge her reaction.

The man took steps to manuever around people and avoid bumping or jostling anyone. But there was plenty of traffic in the restaurant. Indy's words hit the nail on the head. Some people turned to look at what might have been the cause of burnt matter and got chuckles at seeing Byron's state.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

She looked visibly relieved that he didn't take up her tentative offer, she sighed, then chuckled as he started guessing. When he mentioned Ajan Kloss, she paused... then gave him a wink, lips twitching as if to constrain a laugh. You pick up fast, young man... but be careful. Her smile lingered on her lips, though, and she definitely chuckled aloud, one violet brow arched playfully. "Well, I did graduate Coruscant... but it's been quite a few years."

She was definitely in a good mood now; she ducked past one swinging arm as a particularly boisterous patron cheered something that had the crowd riled up ahead; she could barely see beyond the first couple heads, but whatever it was, it was being broadcast further down... perhaps even underground, if she could guess.

And probably definitely illegal.

Thankfully a couple spots seemed open by the bar; she slid in gratefully. She needed some food in her belly first, but there was an undeniable draw of curiosity about what was going on. A harried-looking Human male skittered towards them, grey hair halfway slicked back, rubbing greasy palms on a ragged apron.

"Two house noodles," she ordered, then glanced to Byron. "Hope you don't mind; it's been a long jaunt between hot meals that weren't prepackaged, and your friend," she nodded to the droid with a grin, "needs some local information for an oil bath better than half the grease-pools they probably leave around here."

He was free to order anything he wanted to drink, she would cover it this time. But she wasn't keen on anything too strong just yet; she still wanted to know what kept this crowd alternately cheering and booing so enthusiastically.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

Byron's face turned slightly more quizzical at the wink he received. "Hmmm..."The rest of the way they managed to eventually find some seats at the bar. Indy quickly ordered 'two house noodles'. Wait...should I assume that she ordered one for me? Or is it worse to assume they're both for her? But I'm so hungry... He was conflicted and so decided to go the least healthy route and instinctually add just a beer to the order. After his recent crash landing, a beer sounded like the only thing he needed for sure out of everything.

The orders would come up fairly quickly. Their turn around was pretty fast it seemed. Byron took his beer as soon as it was given to him and drank half of it like a man dying of thirst. A content smile on his face as he lowered it to the table. Looking over at the Pantoran he gave her a curious squinty look. "So what's your deal? Any particular reason for being out in this part of the galaxy?" He followed his question with a slower sip of his beer while the noodles were served in front of them. Byron wasn't sure still whether or not to take one for himself.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

She was in a good humor, actually. He didn't seem like such a bad guy... and considering he was willing to go along for food and company, she was willing to bet he hadn't met Jedi outside of Ajan Kloss. The moment their food arrived, however, she brushed those thoughts aside and, seeing him stare at one of the bowls, nudged one his way. "I can't eat both, you know," she grinned, violet eyebrows arching.

Ah, so that's why he was staring. She lowered her chopsticks, and she tilted her head, eyeing him in return. "Oh, I forgot to mention? Doctor Indyana Sati, archeologist, artifact hunter and keen to place said artifacts where they properly belong." She often gave lectures of history for what few artifacts the Jedi knew about... but few actually bothered listening, so she wouldn't start rambling now. Instead, she took another bite of noodles, waiting if he had any other questions.

But suddenly, there was a roar from the crowd around them, and one man stumbled back, shoving into another.

"I bet five credits, ya cretin, ya owe me at least my bet!" The other man shook him off, scowling, "not yet, Ketel, we need two more contestants, an' they haven' done the draw yet."

She just took another bite, observing. Whatever it was, it looked promising for an intervention; perhaps her companion would be as keen to be such a good guy as well, but she didn't know the situation yet well enough to step in. Besides, she wanted to finish eating first.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

He smiled as she responded with confidences. ""You seem like a tough gal that crushes calories. He said somewhat defensibly hoping to not upset the woman.

"Doctor?" He said at first, surprised by someone with such a title would be caught earlier amidst the space port riff raff. What are the odds

Before he was able to voice his inquire he could tell there information the Pantoran was withholding. Then again everyone held back all their information. Privacy was something everyone valued and some people tried to defend. He couldn't blame her for holding back.

As Indy's attention was drawn away from him, Byron looked over his shoulder to see what she was looking at. His glanced looked away from the two feuding individuals and back at Indy but Byron could tell just based on her facial feature she was interested in what the two other patrons said. "Wha-" He realized he still had a mouthful of noodles even as he said aloud his initial objection. Gulping down somewhat uncomfortably he continued. "What kind of bey ya go goin on?" He said with his slight attempt at slang to sound different than his educate upbringing had provided. Hopefully they would not be able to tell he was less than criminally inclined than most people.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

A broad smile touched her lips at his first comment, and she laughed, giving him an amused sideways glance. "Normally, yeah, but this time I've got company. It's not dire yet." She chuckled at his response, though, and took another mouthful of noodles before responding again. "Just call me Indy," she answered, smiling. "Far easier, and less of a mouthful."

One of the two men slid a glance Byron's way; his swarthy face cracked a grin, and then he nudged his companion. "Well now..." he drawled, scratching his chin absently. "Ket, whatcha think of this kid, eh? Looks decent sturdy to me."

His companion, however, was staring at Indy... she lofted a brow and he shook himself free, then glanced at Byron. "Oh! Yeh. Him. He might do. Interested in makin' some cred, kid?" he asked, leaning in to stare intently at Byron's face. The horrible smell of old whiskey and a lack of access to a shower made Indy lean back slightly, and scoot her bowl with her too. "We can bet... five to one, I think. Ever done shock-boxin', kid? Easy money, can getcha whatcha need."

Ketel, unlike his unnamed companion, kept glancing at Indy.

She wasn't gonna answer just yet, food first. But she was interested what her companion would have to say.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

Byron looked back at the man sizing him up. He glanced at the other man but the padawan could tell he had been staring at Indy. But the questions were directed towards Byron. "Depends." he said at first with reasonable suspicion. The smoky padawan recoil quite like his Pantoran counterpart but that was probably because he felt like he smelled bad anyways with hints of burnt hair and stress sweat from putting out literal fires.

At first Byron was leaning in the direction of declining the opportunity for gambling. But he was strapped for credits and shock boxing being an interest of his adding to the situation made him rethink taking the offer. His eyes glanced at Indy to see what she thought. She seemed patient to wait though her gaze told him she was paying attention. Byron would turn back to the intoxicated patron. "How much usually gets bet on these sorts of things?" He wanted to know if it was just going to be some low end fight that would end with him risking an assault charge on his record or if he wouldn't even have enough credits to bet in the first place. Do I really want to bet the Scarab? It's in bad shape Byron didn't have a lot of wealth to work with so betting what remained of his ship might be the only option depending on how things played out.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

Most Jedi would have cringed at the idea of betting or gambling... but if it was a means to an end to survive for the Light another day, was it really so bad? Ketel's companion, a human named Caleb, gave him a wide, toothy grin. "Smart guy, I see. Good. Well, kid, all bets go downstairs," he tilted his head, and gave Byron a conspirational smile. "But since yer so smart... I'll drop a fifty to sponsor, and you get sixty percent of proceeds through the betting manager. Pretty easy rack-up if you know your stuff."

The implication being that he wasn't certain Byron was any good. But Ketel, on the other hand, kept staring at Indy... and she was contemplating just why she was being stared at herself.

"I'll set down a fiver for a starter," she replied easily, shrugging, catching Caleb's attention, and he chuckled, leaning back. "I'll wait for yer answer for about twenty; this round's almost out, it looks like a tie. See ya later, kids."

Caleb walked away, but his companion hovered around, sitting at the bar instead of a table like they were.

Indy waited to take another bite of noodles, head tilted slightly. Normally she wouldn't condone any sort of violence... but then again, there was little in the way of credits she could offer to help.

She just had a feeling this guy hovering around was waiting for Byron to leave... and she would take her time to listen. Meantime, though, she was hungry, and glanced at her companion, giving him a slight smile. "So what do you think? Sounds like an interesting proposition."

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

He looked over at Caleb and Ketel. His eyebrow cocked for a moment in skepticism since they were both acting odd. His eyes looked over at Indy and Caleb headed off to somewhere else, maybe to put in his sponsorship. Byron would make sure that was the case before he ended up putting on any gloves. He wanted whatever qualified as a receipt in this sort of thing.

"Yeah..." He replied to Indy's question before he knew it. Five to one was a pretty good payout and he would be set to go probably for a new ship entirely and then some. "And if I sell off what's left of the scarab then..." He muttered to himself and then realized his noodles were getting cold so he stopped worrying and finished up his food. Even as his meal came to an end he could see the man was still nearby. "Hey so...are you joining then? We're gonna fight one another, is that what you were saying or are you just betting?" The Padawan had never paid much attention to the details when it came to gambling.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

She tilted her head, contemplating as she finished off her own bowl, leaning back to eye the lingering Ketel. "I don't think so... Fighting isn't my strongest suit," she admitted, chewing on her bottom lip thoughtfully. "At least, not that kind," she admitted sheepishly, giving a wry chuckle. "But putting five on you seems a safe bet," she shrugged, then stretched a little.

With some food in her she could think a little clearer, and it was true their previous companions seemed... odd. She didn't get any feelings of malice, just it was strange for such a request. She slid a glance his way, lips twitching in amusement. "Why? Afraid I'd win?" she replied warmly, one violet brow arching to show she was teasing.

He seemed such a serious, earnest kind of guy, she couldn't help poking a little. He didn't seem a bad type, and if her suspicions were correct, it would be interesting to say the least.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

"Thanks...I think." He said and smiled slightly at what he took as a compliment. He finished eating his own food shortly there after. "Hmm?" His brow furrowed as he was confused by the question. "Actually I prefer to not hurt my friends if I can help it." The times he had boxed there were rules and a controlled environment with good sportsmanship. Shock boxing normally was aggressive enough but he wondered how dangerous it could be when in some back alley duke out session. But also he didn't know Indy all that well and he knew that meant she probably could do a lot he couldn't even imagine.

Their food was already paid for up front so he would go over to Ketel and took a deep breath. "Alright so where do I show up and when? What do I have to do for this...match?" He shrugged to let Ketel know he wasn't very familiar with what was expected. He wanted details but he was more or less committed to it. Part of the jedi's mind was telling him this was likely illegal and if caught by law enforcement would look pretty bad. But Byron didn't have a lot of options here and making some money off of something like this didn't seem like the worst thing he could do.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

She smiled when he mentioned not hurting friends... she hadn't considered being someone's friend, not since childhood, and they had just barely met. It was sweet of him, though, and kind of cute. She leaned back, watching speculatively as Ketel turned his head guiding Byron downstairs without a word.

People were roughly shoved aside or stepped out of the way; the din was still raucous, and the further down they would move down the stairs to the basement, the louder it got. His question caught the man's attention, and he turned to face him, finally giving a smile. Three brown teeth peeked through. "You're next. Keep it as clean as ya can," he replied, shrugging.

The basement floor was like something out of a horror movie. Dim, dingy lights flickered over bodies packed tightly around a workable ring; two human men were pounding it out, and it seemed like both of them were on their last legs.

Ketel met up with Caleb, and both grinned, leading him past hot, thrashing bodies of the crowd, both equally booing and jeering in equal, loud measure.

They were led to a small side table, where a tiny, ancient human woman sat, her black eyes sharp. "He the nex' bet?" she shouted over the crowd, arms crossed. "Wha' kinda name ya got, kid?"

While Caleb and Byron would talk, Ketel slipped back upstairs. Without the lug hovering around, the girl was alone. She was sitting calmly as he slid in the seat Byron would have vacated, leaning in. "Interested in making some cred?" he leered at her, and she calmly took a sip of her drink.

"...No thanks," she finally responded coolly, leaning back. "why should I?"

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

THEME​

Byron expected to be given a place or time but instead Ketel lead the two of them, not including the droid, down to where the fight was apparently taking place. It wasn't long before Byron felt he was pushing through a sea of people like he was back at an underground rave in college.

Still Ketel had yet to give him an answer and instead told him he was up next. "Wait I-" A pair of shock boxing gloves were thrust into his hands for him to put on. A loud thwak made Byron look up from the used weapons to see the existing fighters finish up. "Oh boy. Um...you should probably head back to the ship." He said to the rolling astromech that continued to get jostled. It sounded as if it was about to disagree before getting punted back a few meters. "I'll meet you back at the ship." He called over the din.

Meeting up with Caleb again, the group approached an old crone who asked him for a name. A moment of panic overcame him as he realized the name might stick with him but he didn't want to use his real one. "Byron Skiffback" He said knowing he had thought of several worse options in the dragged out moments before his fight. The Jedi made sure his gloves were fastened and ready to use. Looking over his shoulder he didn't see Indy nearby. Maybe she had gotten lost in the crowd or was still upstairs. He wasn't sure but Byron knew he wasn't in a position to go check.

@Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

-Thirty Minutes Later-​

She'd been more or less promised decent cred for fighting as well, but she assumed it wouldn't be against Byron. Oho boy was she wrong. He won, of course... but what a show it made. And her jaw was still sore as the seven hells. And her ribs. Kark, but that man could punch with the accuracy of a surgeon when he wanted to.

She made her way out slowly, mindful of the crowd, and even though some creds were wadded into her hands by sympathetic residents, it seemed Byron was definitely the more fortunate.

He'd even won a karking ship! Seeing his shock at her own identity, however, was something she would treasure forever. The look of surprise made her chuckle again, then wince, the motion jerking pain from both jaw and ribs.

Finally, she made it out, slumping to the nearest bench to close her eyes. Stopping by Hollastin... guess there was a reason after all.

@Darasuum

 

[Orenth]

Someone patted him on the back, a few people yelling curses while others said they were going to buy him a drink. But he ignored that and saw Indy walking away hurt. His winnings were passed to him and a slap on the shoulder made him wince. The Pantoran had given him a few good licks that weren't feeling very stunned at the moment.

"Hey Indy!" He called from down the street since Indy had left to nurse her wounds it would seem. He trotted after her, grunting for a moment and slowed a little since it hurt to run. When he got close he looked at her beat up appearance that had been his doing. "Want to get like...a drink maybe?" His own face wasn't looking any better than when she had first seen him, smeared with grit and black marks from his ship. "Credits are tight right? Oh! We can check out my new ship if you want?"

@Killa Ree