Triplecross

[Paradox]

Encoded Transmission Incoming
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Recipient: Bahati Rehn
Subject: Friend of a Friend

<Ms. Rehn, you have no reason to trust me or anything I have to say. But that's to be expected of people who live the lives we do in the world we choose or that choose us. My name is one you may have heard, I am Locke; otherwise known as the Shadow of the Outer Rim or captain of the Midnight Special. I prefer Lock first, Captain second, and Shadow never. It's the Imps name for me and a bit pretentious. Now to business. Through my connections I hear many things and I know you're looking for a ship's Power Supply with a ventral 'L' shaped coupling that would fit your ship. A tall order considering the rarity of that particular part, but I am a man of means and I have acquired what you are looking for. What do I want in return? Simply your time. Your name is also well known in certain circles and you have influence whether you know it or not. I want to have a sit down and discuss something with you. If this terms are agreeable, meet me at these coordinates on Dressel. I look forward to seeing you there. I'm pretty good at reading people.>

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End Transmission

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Dressel, Old Smuggler's Hideaway

"You really think she'll show, Captain?" Urun said in his native tongue as he walked down the beach from their temporary camp and landing site. His large black eyes reflecting the crystal waters and breathtaking landscape of this once bustling smuggler's den. He stopped near Locke, raising a hand and staring towards the heavens as if he could see a ship in orbit.

"Though I couldn't possibly know, I do. In other words; yes." The pirate ran a hair through his messy, chestnut hair. His long hair was held back by a silken red headband with some held in a loose style with several strands blowing in the wind wildly. His skin was dark and scarred. His black eyes gazed over the beautiful beach and he smiled slightly. His clothing was half elegant and half practical; armor with silk and cloth. He turned his head without looking at his old friend, "Go check on the others. We should have company soon and with any luck, a new ally."

 

[Darkwasp]

The sun was just cresting over the horizon, as the calming roar of waves breaking upon beach echoed from the nearby cliffs and peaks. Exotic birds, with their multi-colored plumage, shouted their mating calls while soaring and dancing overhead. There was a soft breeze that blew off of the ocean to cool what looked to be a warm day. It was a particularly nice place to die, Bahati thought as she travelled along the sand.

The beautiful smuggler had recently received a message, detailing the location as a place to meet for a troubling part that she had been hunting for; for a better part of a year. She couldn’t think of anyone who would go through so much trouble to trick her into walking into a trap. The only people that she had wrong so much – and had left alive – were the owners of a bank that she had robbed 11 years ago. Surely if they had even connected her with the crime, they would have gone through other methods; such as a nice fat bounty on her head. She had checked. There were disappointedly no bounties placed on her. Like any good smuggler, she had lived her life in obscurity; only the necessary people knowing who she was or what she did.

Someone had definitely picked a serenely gorgeous place to meet… or die. Either way she was enjoying her leisurely stroll down the impressively dazzling beach. Perhaps she would return here one day. From what she’d heard; this place used to be a smuggler’s den. It would be great to revitalize that image in such a perfect area.

The breeze gently tossed her curly locks about her head. Her flawless caramel skin shone under the kiss of the sun’s first light, as her hips swayed melodically. She was dressed in her usual flight outfit that left little to the imagination; her name brazenly emblazoned on her midriff. Her trusty heavy blaster was at her side; nestled comfortably in its holster and ready for action at any time. It was something within the exotic human that exuded a sense of both beauty and danger.

She smiled, as figure stood out along the beachfront. She couldn’t quite see the details of the figure, but she was certain that this was the one that she was supposed to meet. Well this was it; either acquiring the long awaited power supply that she sorely needed, or death on an elegantly pleasant day.

”Locke?” she called out over the distance, in an attempt to be heard over the crashing waves.

 

[Paradox]

"Indeed I am." Locke turned with a small smile, standing easily on the beach as he faced the woman. He rested his left hand easily on a duelist's vibrorapier on his hip. He ran a hand through his hair as he studied the woman. Her skin was dark like his but smoother and less scarred. His black eyes looked into her brown eyes as he fixed a few loose strands not held back by the headband. He raised an eyebrow, "You came alone? Either my reputation precedes me or you like to live on the edge. I prefer to think the latter as those are my type of people. I'm also fond of your choice of blaster. But before we go any further, proper introductions are in order."

With a flourish he bowed to the woman and rose back up. "I am Locke, Captain of the Midnight Special, and it is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms. Rehn."

"Now we can either discuss business first or see if Slassk is done with the food then move towards business. Or you can just take the part you need, hear my proposal, and then be about your merry way whatever you decide. Personally I hope to get more out of this little meeting than words but I may seem biased." Locke chuckles slightly. He looks to their camp at the other end of the beach where two Jawas were arguing with a protocol droid pretty loudly. He rolled his eyes at his crew, but did so with warmth in his black eyes. "Cut the shit! We have a guest, so be on your best behavior and calm the hell down! Especially you two, calm waaay down!"

"Sorry," he said turning back to Bahati. "Crew, friends, family; always embarrassing me."

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati pushed some of her frosted brown hair from her face, as she looked over the man before her. He looked to have seen quite a few battles; his coffee colored skin was peppered with scars. She was sure that each one of them had a fascinating story; a story that he’d most likely further embellish, if she asked him to tell it. Her hand fell naturally to the top of her blaster, as she rested on her right hip. It lay in a nonthreatening manner, but one in which it could become threatening should the situation arise.

”I think I’d be in the wrong business, if I didn’t like livin’ on the edge.” the smuggler admitted from a distance just outside his weapon’s reach.

While she was fairly confident the man hadn’t invited her all this way to kill her, she was darn sure that she wasn’t going to make it easy if he tried. Her eyebrow arched high on her head, as the man bowed before her. It wasn’t really a standard greeting when acquiring ship parts, but she’d take it. Her gloved hand moved to her chin as she considered the man’s offer.

”Ya made me breakfast Captain Locke? How could a girl refuse?” she commented in a facetious and flirtatious manner.

She would normally laugh the man right out of his armored, cuffed boots, but he was trying really hard… and he had something that she needed. At least he claimed to have something that she needed. She took a small step, hesitated, and then completed her approach toward him, as he yelled at his crew. It was that action that brought a legitimate smile to the smuggler’s face. There was nothing more interesting to her than someone who was real, and willing to speak their mind.

”That’s why I travel alone.” she said jokingly. ”Come. Let’s see what ya’ve made me.” she continued, holding her left elbow out, so that his arm could hook into it.

 

[Paradox]

He motioned to their camp and led the way as the woman followed him. He wasn't sure what yet to think of her, she didn't seem to take him seriously but he supposed he couldn't blame her for that. She had already extended a great deal of trust in just meeting him in the first place, so he didn't mind. He figured she would discover who he was on her own as he wasn't too sure of that himself. And in truth he wasn't sure of her either. He was good at reading people and liked what he had seen so far, but trusting too quick or too easily in this life meant death. For all she knew this was an elaborate trap and for all he knew she had friends just waiting in the treeline for an ambush. They entered the camp where most of his crew was sitting, standing, or arguing.

Two Jawas were speaking rapidly to themselves but sneaking glances at the woman. One said something that made the other one push him and laugh. A Rodian was taking apart a blaster rifle, or three, and assembling them. He looked up to nod once to the newcomer and to the Captain before returning to his work. A woman with white eyes and silver hair was hanging over a Trandoshan as he was grilling. She was smiling, whispering something to the man. A protocol droid 'sighed' as they walked up to camp. There was a chairs and makeshift chairs in a circle around the firepit.

Locke smiled as he sat down, "The two who never stop talking are Kawwa and Zawwa. Yes, I know. Kawwa and Zawwa the Jawas. The man over by the 'armory' is Urun Radell, more colorfully known as Urun the Black...

"Hey," said the Rodian suddenly looking at them and pointing barrel at Locke. "What did I say about calling me that Shadow?"

"Alright, alright. Point Urun. That lovely couple is Inarria and Slassk. She's a smuggler much like yourself and he's a hunter; of many different kinds. AL over there is our navigator and our nanny. He makes sure we have our showers and meals always on time every night. Don't you buddy!" Locke called over to the droid whose only answer was a stream of colorful curses that would make a professional swearer jealous. "That's about everyone and now for what you came for."

He reached over to what appeared to be a bench, but was actually a cargo container half buried in the sand. It opened widely, sand spilling off to the sides to reveal a power supply with a ventral 'L' shaped coupling rising to where she could inspect it. He smiled as Slassk brought them food and motioned towards the object. "I keep my word Ms. Rehn. There is what you've been looking for. I trust it meets your needs."

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati was a little disappointed when Captain Locke travelled ahead of her towards the camp, instead of locking arms with her own. It wasn’t that she had any interest in him courting her. She was just curious to see how far he would take the “Dashing” act; which apparently wasn’t very far. The lovely smuggler sauntered behind the Captain, gratefully drinking in the beauty of Dressel. The light of the rising sun warmed her skin; making the sporadic whispers of the wind all the more welcomed. Something about this place called to her; it’s lapping waters, rolling sands, refreshing breezes, its strategically placed beaches; it was perfect. Perhaps after she finished fixing up Miss Fortune she would set her sights on revitalizing the smuggler’s den of old, becoming a queen of the Smugglers. A single corner of her luscious lips rose, as she succumbed to the pleasures of her vision.

The Captain’s crew seemed to be a varied sort. The two Jawas bantered back and forth with herself being the obvious subject. The Weapons’ Master was a Rodian who briefly acknowledged them, before returning to more important matters. The Trandoshan, and the woman draped over him, did not allow their attentions to stray from what currently occupied them; each other. There was a droid, whom seemed to be thoroughly annoyed by the fact that; either he was here on this planet, or that Bahati had been taken into camp.

Taking a seat next to Captain Locke; she listened as the man introduced his crew. The caramel colored thief chuckled at the mention on the Jawas’ names, but a pang of disappointment showed on her face when Locke robbed her of her sassy joke. When Urun Radell was introduced as Urun the Black however, the man pointed a gun in Locke’s direction. Bahati’s hand moved quickly – really quickly – to the grip of her blaster. It was not because she held any affinity for, or wanted to protect, Captain locke, but because she thought the weapon was about to be pointed in her direction. She could care less if the crew wiped each other out. Worse case scenario; they’d kill each other and she would end up without the power supply that wasn’t in her possession anyway. Her reflexes were something to be admired. If Urun’s barrel had continued towards Bahati, there was a good chance that the two would have fired simultaneously. The barrel, however, did not move in her direction, and Bahati did not draw her weapon. Instead, the Smuggler slowly released her weapon, and placed her hands comfortably back in her lap.

The Captain presented a large container; its hinges slowly unfolding to reveal the rare power supply that she had sought for so long. Bahati’s exotic eyes grew wide, as she leaned forward – nearly falling over – to get a better look at the part. It was gorgeous. It was perfect. It was finally right there in front of her. All she had to do now was pretend to listen to some boring pitch, or perhaps make a monetary offer; if her answer wasn’t to his liking. Bahati sat back with giddy anticipation as she turned to face the Captain.

”It’s nice to meet ya.” she responded, almost dismissively to the crew, as she stared at the treasure within the crate. ”That seems to be what I was lookin' for. I trust it was easy to find.” she countered, already maneuvering her chess pieces for a negotiation.

 

[Paradox]

"You have no need for posturing here Ms. Rehn, it's already yours. We were simply guarding it for you." He sat back in his seat and looked at his crew with a soft smile. "This life...it's a dangerous but rewarding life. But it's not just the treasure that makes it all worth it. No. It's the adventure, the journey, and camaraderie. It's the rush of narrowly escaping a star destroyer. It's the story you embellish. It's...so much more than people think."

"The rest of the galaxy sees us a plague or evil; pirates, smugglers, and mercenaries. We're not the same as raiders or thugs. We have a code. We have rules. Maybe they're not written down and maybe they vary person to person, easily bent. That we may be criminals but we are free." Locke looked to the horizon, watching the waves crash and sunlight play on water. "People seem to forget that. What we were. What we still could be! They're losing themselves, in more ways than one. Whether we admit it or not, we're dying out. Between the Hutts and the Imperials hunting us down; we're killing ourselves. Compromising our values or resorting to double crossing our allies."

"Devan Took, Gwar Xan, the Velvet Thorns; they're all gone. Lone wolves or bands of brothers, it doesn't matter." He sat forward look to Bahati, wondering if she even understood; hoping he hadn't pegged her wrong or that she believed this was all a game. "It's time. Time to stop running and take back what we've lost. Rebuild what has crumbled and strike some fear back into the established pricks. Cause a little chaos, have a little fun. But together. We need to organize, that's why I wanted to meet you. You are an exceptional smuggler and fighter. You like to appear as helpless or flirtatious with nothing between your ears because you like to be underestimated. And I understand why some and yourself may prefer to work alone. But times are changing and so must we. The past is the answer to the present; band together or die alone. But maybe you have your reasons for being alone or not trusting anyone, maybe you know better than I."

"It's just an idea in the initial stages right now, but if it interests you I'm sure you would be able to help a great deal." Locke smiled, he wasn't eating as the others were and stood up as he offered Bahati a hand. "Now, you've listened to me ramble quite enough. You've fulfilled my request so feel free to leave at your discretion. You don't have to say yes, no, or anything at all to receive the part. Like I said, it's yours. Thank you Ms. Rehn; for listening. If you need help getting it to your ship or installing it, we would be happy to help."

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati’s attractive features did little to hide the displeasure of the man calling her out on her posturing. Captain Locke sure had a lot to learn about how to treat a lady… and keeping knowledge close to the vest. Even if you know someone is trying to play you for a fool, you don’t let them know that you know. She repeated the phase once more in her mind to make sure that she had gotten it correct. With a quick nod of reassurance, she resumed paying attention to the Captain; who had seemed to have launched himself into some sort of lengthy sermon. The caramel skinned beauty patiently waited for the man to complete his; taking in the amazing scenic view, as she did so. Locke surprised her when he offered her his hand. She quickly accepted the invitation placing her gloved hand in his and rising from her seat.

”My dear, Captain Locke, how long did you rehearse that speech?” Bahato began, placing her left hand underneath his to prevent him from withdrawing his hand. She looked deeply into his dark eyes, her face drawing near enough that he could feel the heat of her breath on his skin. ”I am a simple woman.” she said quietly before puling away. Her right hand formed a mock mouth that opened and closed in rhythm to what she said next. ”Blah blah blah… Fun Stuff… Blah blah blah… People died because they were stupid… Blah blah blah… Bahati you’re so great and beautiful.” Her hand fell to her hip, as her face became more serious. ”This is the simple part, where ya tell me I will have adventures and credits beyond my wildest dreams if I…” she left the sentence unfinished, urging him to continue it. She waited for him to respond before continuing. ”See? Simple. I just need to know exactly what you want of me, and what I get out of it. All the rest of it is just fluff.” she said with a bright smile.

As she considered everything that the Captain had brought forth, she meandered to the chest; where her part rested. She stared down at it, mentally diagramming its location and fit. She would have to take him up on the offer to help her get the power supply back to her ship. The part was far from lightweight, and this particular cove didn’t have easy access to a large freighter; such as hers. She had landed a few clicks to the West and didn’t want to have to attempt to drag the thing all the way back to Miss Fortune.

”I’d love the assistance, but you still haven’t offered me any food y…" her sentence was cut short, as a green bolt of light flashed past her. It impacted the sand next to the chest with a heavy thud, showering her and the part with sand. Great! Now she’d have to thoroughly clean the power supply when she got back to her ship.

”I believe what you’ve got there belongs to me!" A shout rang out, hidden amongst the nearby rocks.

Bahati took the time to dive behind the half buried chest. If this part belonged to someone else, surely they wouldn’t want to see it destroyed. She un-holstered her blaster and held it in the ready.

”Noo… Nope. This is definitely mine." she replied hesitantly, hoping that the faceless voice would believe her and go away.

 

[Paradox]

”My dear, Captain Locke, how long did you rehearse that speech?” Bahato said as he helped her to her feet. She placed her left hand underneath his to prevent him from withdrawing his hand. He looked down, not yet meeting her eyes. Too many memories that he didn't need to think about right now flew by. He looked back up and she looked deeply into his dark eyes, her face drawing near enough that he could feel the heat of her breath on his skin. She was close enough to notice the intricity of the tattoo on his right cheek and a soft, crescent shaped scar on his chin. ”I am a simple woman.”

"Oh, really?" He smiled very slightly. The wind caught a few strands of his chesnut hair and also caused his three earrings on his right ear to jingle softly. He always liked that soft sound. He tilted his head and nearly whispered, "Now I did say people like us do love to embellish. No one is simple. Nothing ever is."

”Blah blah blah… Fun Stuff… Blah blah blah… People died because they were stupid… Blah blah blah… Bahati you’re so great and beautiful.” Her hand fell to her hip out of his as her face became more serious. He raised an eyebrow from amusement and curiosity. ”This is the simple part, where ya tell me I will have adventures and credits beyond my wildest dreams if I…”

"Help me bring smugglers, pirates, and mercenaries together. Help me make sure we don't die. And I don't mean only our lives, but our way of life. The walls are closing in and we're spread too thin." Locke look at her deadly serious as well. "Being alone means you never get hurt, never risk getting betrayed. But it also means you're alone when you need help. There are just somethings we can't do alone. And I can't promise anything. It won't be easy."

”See? Simple. I just need to know exactly what you want of me, and what I get out of it. All the rest of it is just fluff,” she said with a bright smile.

"Not simple, just easily explained." He smiled in return. "And it's not fluff if I believe in it wholeheartedly...okay, maybe a little bit of fluff."

”I’d love the assistance, but you still haven't offered me any food y…" her sentence was cut short, as a green bolt of light flashed past her. It impacted the sand next to the chest with a heavy thud, showering her and the part with sand. Instantly every crew member, Locke, and Bahati were taking cover. They drew their weapons and waited, but they wouldn't have to wait long.

”I believe what you've got there belongs to me!" A shout rang out, hidden amongst the nearby rocks.

”Noo… Nope. This is definitely mine." she replied hesitantly, calling out to an all too familiar voice.

"Kriffing hell," muttered Locke. He nodded to Urun who nodded in turn. Things were about to go badly very fast. He moved out of cover and stood up completely exposed. He saw movement by some rocks down the beach. He rested a hand on each of his weapons, one on his rapier and one of his blaster. "Why don't we stop playing games! Here I am..."

"And here I am!" A strange looking man walked out from the rocks. His hair was short and spiky, colored with a dark red with black streaks. He had tattoos all over his body. They ranged from simple icons, to Sith markings, to pictures of women, and copies of artwork. He was leisurely strolling down the beach tapping the side of his head with a vibroblade while a DL-44 blaster pistol rested at his hip in his other hand. "Locke baby! You're looking good! Not as good as me or those two sexy bitches with you, but good! You know why I'm here! I've gotta kill you, well maybe torture you first. No one can cross me and live! You know that! I gotta reputation to keep! But that doesn't mean we can't chat and be civil about your impending DOOOOOOOOOM!!!"

While the man was ranting Locke spoke to the others and Bahati without looking at them. "Zawwa, Kawwa. Help Ms. Rehn get to her ship with the part and then circle back around to the Midnight Special. Qur is already there. AL go straight there and prep the engines. Urun, right flank. Slassk, sniper position. Inarria, the left."

"Bahati," he said as his eyes snapped to the caramel skinned woman. His face didn't move, but his eyes smiled with a farewell. He wasn't aware that he had called her by her first name for the first time. "Go with them, they'll get the part installed in a few minutes. Leave and forget you ever came here. That you ever met this crew. Forget you met me. It seems my problems are trying drag you into a mess that isn't yours. Thank you for listening, but you've fulfilled your part. You've no need to stay."

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati glanced over toward Captain Locke -who had also taken cover- and then back to the chest that she was hiding behind. She hoped that the person that was firing at them wasn’t desperate, or stupid, enough to take another shot in their direction. She was beginning to regret her choice of cover. High powered bolts of energy that pierced the containment casings of ships’ power supplies tended to have fairly disastrous results; like, reshaping this section of the cove kind of results.

Just as she was about to suggest finding another form of cover, Locke stepped out into the open. Bahati squinted and turned her head slightly; expecting a brilliant green blaster bolt to go plowing through the man’s chest. There was no familiar screech of blaster fire flying through the air, nor a heavy thud of the Captain’s body hitting the sand. It was an intriguing turn of events.

Bahati opened her eyes and peeked over the edge of the case. A man, paneled in various colorful tattoos strolled casually down the beach. His only weapons appeared to be a rapier and a DL-44 heavy blaster; a weapon whose accuracy was severely hampered at his current range. There must have been a second shooter who took the first shoot.

”Umm… Could you tell your man to kindly Stop shooting at the charged ship’s power supply, before we all end up a smoldering crater?” she requested, shouting loud enough for him to hear her at their distance.

Bahati rolled her eyes at the flamboyance and Pomp and Circumstance in which the strange man presented himself. ”Oh. Just shoot him already.” Bahati urged Locke. ”Wait…” she spat, her nonchalant look becoming more stern and aggressive.

Bahati rose from behind the case, placing her blaster neatly in its holster. For a woman like Bahati, it made the weapon even more deadly. For some reason, unknown to her, she was far more accurate when drawing the weapon, than when it was already un-holstered. The caramel skinned smuggler moved casually around the container; her hand resting lightly on top of her blaster; as it had been when she met Captain Locke. Her head was cocked slightly to the left and she held a look of contempt and confusion; as if she was trying to discern if the man had been serious or not. At that point Locke’s orders became muffled; a background noise that attempted to distract her from her current goal.

”I’m quite sure ya were referrin’ to the Jawas when ya said ‘Sexy Bitches’, right? she offered, giving the man a chance to retract his statement. If looks could kill, there would only be a singe mark where the tattooed man stood. ”I mean. The only bitches that I’m seein’ around here are the men ya got hidin’ in the rocks.”

 

[Paradox]

Locke shook his head as Bahati antagonized the man and moved out of cover. Her nonchalant look becoming more stern and aggressive, ”I’m quite sure ya were referrin’ to the Jawas when ya said ‘Sexy Bitches’, right?"

He knew this was a dangerous situation, especially given he knew the man but he could barely contain his laugh at her statement. If looks could kill, there would only be a singe mark where the tattooed man stood. Locke was about to warn her of what she was getting into, when she continued. ”I mean. The only bitches that I’m seein’ around here are the men ya got hidin’ in the rocks.”

"Oooh! Feisty! I like it!" The obviously insane figure drew his rapier, which looked much crueler than Lockes and raised it to his face before licking the edge. Blood sprang from the new cut on his tongue and he licked his lips to slather them in blood. He smiled with red teeth and pointed the blade to Bahati. "It makes me want to skin that pretty flesh from your body. To wear it as I dance about your convulsing corpse. Maybe I'll even have a little fun with that fleshy bit when I'm alone in my quarters later! Hahahahahaha!"

"Be careful," he said whispering to Bahati and becoming more serious himself. He had known all along that he hadn't come for them alone and he knew exactly who he was working for. "His name is Sadir. Also more infamously known as 'Sadist.' He's a sick, twisted monster. Some say even worse than a Sith because at least they believe in something. Him? He just likes to kill, torture, and destroy for no reason. If he was sent after us, I guess Gallei is more pissed than I believed. You don't have to stay. This is our fight. You've no loyalty to us and already fulfilled your obligation."

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati’s luscious lips parted into a mischievous grin, as the winds tossed her curly locks across her face. With a tilt of her head and the enticing allure of her Devil-Eyes, the exotic smuggler shifted her hips seductively. She was quite sure that a man as insane as the one who challenged her wouldn’t be seduced by her charms. Even if he didn’t lust for her, her actions were so wholly opposite of what one might expect that it would probably enrage the painted psycho. It didn’t matter to Bahati which occurred, as long as the man was off his game and losing control of the situation.

”Oh. That sounds like fun. Why don’t you come closer, so that you can show me this dance of yours?” Bahati taunted, as Locke finished his quiet warning.

Sadir had already proven to be bone crazy, or at least made people think so. Running his tongue along the sharp edge of his rapier was a cunning use of intimidation, or flat out psycho; she couldn’t decide which just yet. She would need more information if she was going to discover his game. It didn’t matter really. People that knew the prideful smuggler knew that fear was a word that she had no comprehension of. Whether it was an act or real, really had no bearing on what was about to transpire.

”Isn’t this the adventure you were promising me?” she responded softly to Captain Locke, momentarily shifting her bedroom eyes to him before looking back toward Sadir. ”You wouldn’t want to break your promise, would you?” she asked, teasingly.

 

[Paradox]

"No, I suppose I wouldn't." Locke smiled at the woman. He had obviously made the right choice by contacting her. It seems she indeed had the spirit he had been looking for and wasn't just another pretender. Even if things weren't going exactly as he had planned. He spoke with a bit of amusement, "Especially when you are looking at me like that."

Sadir was making a face. He was growing bored with all of the ceaseless talking and annoyed that the woman seemed to be trying to seduce him, or just make fun of him. He spit blood and scowled, "Ugh! So boring! All of this fucking talk!"

"Besides," he pointed his blaster at Bahati and smiled bloodily. "Look at that slut! She's obviously ready to go and so am I! Aright, boys! Let's make cry! Hahahahah!"

With that a group of mercenaries burst from the underbrush, at least three dozen. Most stayed in cover behind trees and rocks along the beach, but about a dozen rushed onto the sand surrounding their insane leader. Four of them dropped deployable cover and started firing at the camp. Two of the barriers dropped on the beach also had mounted guns. Suddenly the beautiful cove was a battlefield with a wall of blaster fire filling the air. But the crew of the Midnight Special was no stranger to battle.

Slassk had fallen back and circled back to a ridge behind their camp that overlooked the entire beach. The Trandoshan hunter hissed as he fixed his scope on the escalating firefight, he focused on one of the heavy gunners at the portable barricades. A single shot rang out and the gunner fell back with a hole in his head. But now they were aware of the sniper and a few started to fire at his position, so he shifted his attentions to them. Inarria and Urun were catching them in a crossfire, while Locke began to fire himself. He knelt in place but was edging towards cover as the enemy's shots became more accurate and numerous.

Sadir was dancing; literally. He was dancing across the sands, firing wildly. He was getting closer to the camp but was still a few yards away. At one point a mercenary got in his way and he casually decapitated him. He laughed maniacally and kept dancing while firing wild shots towards the camp.

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati smirked slightly as she stared down Sadir; men were so gullible. As if to punctuate the crazed man’s cackle a myriad of mercs sprung from their hiding places. It was exactly what she needed. Her eyes coolly scanned the battlefield as a hail of blaster fire kicked up the sand around her. The first one she spotted was behind rocks along the shoreline. It was like a single motion; her Deathhammer emerged from its holster and a red bolt of death launched from its barrel. The mercenary’s head jerked back, as his carbine flew through the air. She started to casually move toward the vacated position; blaster fire still pummeling the beach at her feet.

What she saw, which the others may or may not have seen, was that most of the weapons were out of range of their ideal accuracy; making their chancing of connecting with their target more luck than skill. Bahati was picking out the targets that presented the most threat, while allowing her the best chances of hitting. She spotted the sniper in back, his scope moving from her, as he was getting annoyed at her range of movement. Though his weapon could easily strike at the few hundred yards that separated them, even the smallest amount of movement at these close ranges would cause him to have to reacquire and readjust his sights.

Another mercenary wandered into her range. Two red flashes erupted from her muzzle. The first contacted the man’s shoulder, causing him to reel in agony. The second shot hit him square in the chest. Though he had armor, the firepower of the 434 Heavy Blaster was too much for it; it cracked and its alloy mesh melted into the man’s chest wound. A single bolt came dangerously close to the side of her head. In fact; if she hadn’t jerked her head clear, everything from her right eye socket to her right ear would be missing. This forced Bahati to put a little more urgency in her movements. She sprinted toward the vacated rock position, raining blaster fire on Sadir’s group that marched down the center of the beach. From the rocks (closer to the breaking waves) she could get a flanking position on the group, if they continued to advance on Captain Locke’s position.

 

[Paradox]

The firefight was escalating in intensity. Sadir was still dancing across the sands, narrowly avoiding blaster fire and laughing all the while as he closed the distance to Bahati's position. He fired off seemingly random shots but proved to be very accurate. The mercenaries along the beach began to push the barricades to inch closer to their camp for better shots. Slassk was doing well keeping the heavy guns pinned but more and more marksmen began to keep him from making more accurate shots. A merc ran and dove for a heavy gun and began to fire of a hail of shots.

Urun and Inarria had solidified their crossfire, cutting down a few more of the attackers. But as the portable barricades inched forward their plan began to encounter problems. The men started to fire on the Rodian and the woman, but Locke saw the potential problem and burst out of cover. He quickly drew and fired three quick shots. Three men dropped with smoking craters between their eyes. He smirked and dropped back behind the bench as focused switched to him.

"That's it," he said to himself. He then called out to the others, "They're unfocused! Everyone wait for the break when their focus shifts and then lay into them!"

 

[Darkwasp]

The exotic smuggler dived behind the craggy rock formation, as the monsoon of blaster fire pelted her location. She propped herself up on her left elbow, as she lay on her stomach behind the cover. Bahati swore. The salt-rich waves that broke against the shore were rather cold, and flowed up to her lower ribs. It wasn’t the water’s temperature that upset the feisty thief. It was the fact that the water would most likely harden and crack her nice, expensive boots.

A small chunk of rock that broke free from the blaster fire bounced unceremoniously off the smuggler’s head; diverting her attention from her leather boots, back to the battle at hand. She leveled her ‘DeathHammer’, and skillfully took aim from a convenient split in the rocks. A red bolt charged through the air, hitting an advancing Merc in the shoulder. The man dropped his weapon and fell to the sand, clutching his wound. Bahati switched sides of her cover, quickly firing a couple of blind shots to prevent anyone from advancing on her from that side. She moved back toward her nifty little niche; this time taking aim at the wildly flailing – Guess some might call it dancing – Sadir.

Sadir head passed right where she needed it to be. She pulled the trigger. Her heart pounded as the shot flew true through the air. Everything was perfect. The shot would land right between the insane pirate’s eyes. Unfortunately for her, some fool wandered aimlessly into the path of the superheated plasma. Chunks of armor flew from the man’s chest, as he fell lifelessly to the sandy beach. Bahati swore again.

”Sadist, My Love? If you get any closer, I’m going to have to kill you.” the caramel skinned thief called out over the noisy blaster fire. ”It’s nothing personal. I just really enjoy my personal space.” she continued, as she replaced the energy cell of her blaster.

 

[Paradox]

"Hahahaha! Oh baby!" Sadist was in his own little world as he danced and skipped down the beach. For whatever reason he wasn't getting shot despite the fact of the battle raging all around him. Slassk seemed to notice the psychotic figure getting close to the smuggler woman. While personally he wasn't emotionally invested in the woman, he knew his captain would be upset if she died. So he targeted the man who had been the nemesis of the Midnight Special for three years and smiled. A lethal bolt flew with deadly accuracy...

...but seemed to hit something a foot before killing Sadist. The Trandoshan cursed and hissed a warning to Bahati over an open frequency. "He'ssssss got a persssssonal sssssheild. Watch yourssssself, ssssssmuggler."

Locke fired off another barrage of shots after cutting down a merc who had rushed in to foolishly challenge him to a duel. The dark-skinned man was the one who was really dancing. He danced a dance of death, moving with cold but fierce determination. He moved among the crimson, green, and blue streaking across the air along the shore. The dying light of the setting sun accent his features as he played a game with fate and took the lives of four more men as he made his way towards Sadist with grim determination. He cut down another mercenary as he closed in on Bahati's position at the same time Sadir did. "Sadir, Sadist, whatever you go by; it's time we end this little rivalry."

"I completely agree!" Said the madman with a wicked grin. He drew his blade with flourish and aimed his blaster at Bahati as well, "But I never play fair dear Locke!"

 

[Darkwasp]

With a replaced energy cell, more shots rang out from Bahati’s blaster. One shot connecting with the side of a Sullustan’s face, as he peeked out from his tree cover. Another man’s shin was separated from the rest of his leg, as the red bolt connected with his kneecap.

”Your running out of men, Sadi dear!” she called out, after hearing the notable reduction in return fire.

The warning came through the com on Bahati’s hip. The voice startled her for a second, before she realized where it was coming from. She thought that someone had managed to sneak up behind her. She was actually rather surprised that the water-soaked com unit was still functioning. Well… now she knew the device was water resistant.

From the exaggerated and extended ‘S’s’ she could only assume that the message came from the one that Captain Locke referred to as Slassk. An energy shield huh? She scooped up the sharp, jagged rock that had smacked her on the head earlier, and weighed it in her hand. She peeked around her rocky cover. The insane pirate had gotten far too close.

”With so little men, if we concentrate our fire on you; two DeathHanners and Rifle, she calculate. Your shield will be gone before you can say, ‘Arrgh’. If I were you, I’d take this glorious time to retreat. But you’re not me, and so you’re likely to end up a nice red stain on this beautiful beach.” she called out to Sadir.

With that; she hurled the small heavy rock. It sailed through the air with incredible speed and accuracy. Personal Energy shields protected from blaster fire, not kinetic weaponry. The jagged projectile move quickly and was difficult to spot with the rain of blaster fire surrounding it. Once again Bahati smiled; proud of her gifted hand-eye coordination. The rock was on course, rocketing to Sadir’s right eye.

 

[Paradox]

"Argh!" Yelped Sadist as the rock struck his forehead hard. He had seen it coming but hadn't ducked quickly enough to avoid it. At least he hadn't been blinded but he certainly was pissed. He turned his gun to Bahati's position, firing wildly while cursing her the whole time. "You disease infested whore! I'll rip out your eyes and eat your intestines! You are going to suffer a slow, painful death for that bitch!"

"Oh, but Sadir. I thought you were saving this dance for me." Sadir's gun went flying as Locke took the sands next to him, swinging his vibrorapier with a flourish. The psychopath sucked on his knuckles, bloody from where the pirate had raked them when knocking away his blaster. Locke grinned as the all too familiar dance began. His dark, scarred skin glistened from the sweat fueled by the adrenaline of combat. He smiled slyly, "It isn't nice to point your weapon at a beautiful woman all half cocked. You might go off before the main event, but rumors abound that happens a lot in your case. No wonder you like to tie your partners down. No one interfere; he's mine."

Sadist roared as the two began to duel. Their blades flashing and ringing, even over the din of the battle around them. The moved among the sand in a deadly dance as old as time. Each fought so differently yet so similar. Sadist used force and brutality, while Locke fought with grace and agility. Sadist's face was contorted with anger, Locke was calm and collected. As the two men dueled the shots echoed out even fewer. The insane figure noticed this and began to back away from the camp using the fight as a cover for his retreat as their blades continued to connect.

 

[Darkwasp]

Bahati ducked behind the safety of the rock formation; allowing Sadir’s volley of blaster fire to defuse against its sturdy surface. A confident smirk was plastered across her smug face, as she waited for the man’s anger to subside. Eventually he too would run out of power for his blaster and be force to change his energy cell; that’s when she would make her move to a cover at a more comfortable distance. It never came to that however. Captain Locke had drawn the wild man’s attention; pulling him into saber duel.

The caramel skinned beauty scoffed at Locke’s comment. Though he seemed to have ambition, he had far too much honor for her taste. Those who played the honor card tended to end up spaced or buried in the ground. She rarely if ever gave up any advantage that she held.

”Fine. Fine.” she complained; focusing her attention on the remaining members of Sadir’s crew.

It was apparent that the group was no longer attempting to advance; most content with the cover they had, and some even retreating. Bahati unleashed another volley of shots, most of which hammered the cover that the mercenaries took refuge behind. She moved to a more stable shooting position; the cold sea water still swashing over her as she scouted her next target. The brash thief spotted a perfect candidate for her next shot. She leveled her DeathHammer, and just as she was about to take her shot… THWAP! There was a bright flash as the Duraplast casing of her blaster shattered. She rapidly flicked her gloved hand, as if doing so would rid her of the sudden pain.

”Ow!” she yowled, uselessly sucking at her gloved index finger.

What had happened? Had her trusty blaster backfired? Glancing about, she spotted a handsome man with dark hair and chiseled features staring at her. His elongated blaster pistol was pulled up to his shoulder, and he smiled and winked at her. Moving to a better positioning so that the man could no longer draw a bead on her, Bahati smiled. It had been obvious that if the man had wanted her dead, there would have been nothing but the darkness of the void, after seeing the bright flash. Besides, there was something that she saw in his eyes; something that she could only assume was admiration. She took an extra peek, but he was gone; lost among the darkness of rocks and trees. She pouted at the fact that she could no longer get a second look. Instead she chose to fiddle with the remaining pieces of her blaster, as the battle raged on around her.