World of Ice [Hutt Bounty]

[Aleksandr]

​

The interior of the assault fighter IG-9000 is cold, metal, and a little bit evil—just like its pilot. That was how one of the rogue Imperial assassin droid's captives described the inside of his personal vessel in the past. But the interior of the IG-9000 was not as cold as the ship's next destination: the ice world of Belsavis. The assassin droid and Hutt Cartel bounty hunter IG-2000 guided the ship down to the central spaceport on Belsavis, in a small settlement known as Plett's Well. As he did this, the droid wondered how his Gand partner, R'Kayza Moor, would take to the cold, and what he thinks of the droid's ship. Good thing that the Gand wears a special mask on a regular basis, as most of the IG-9000 does not have life support equipped, since the droid does not need it. The only part of the vessel that does have life support is the small hold, which contains several prison cells that the droid used for keeping his captives. But IG-2000 assumed that R'Kayza would rather stay in the cockpit instead of a holding cell so he did not see any reason to bring it up to him.

As the ship landed at the spaceport on Belsavis, IG-2000 thought of how difficult it would be to track down their target on this planet. Darael Nyine, a former Rebel who is now attacking Cartel targets, is their quarry. He is wanted dead or alive for nine thousand credits. IG-2000 figured that it was going to be a simple mission, although tracking the man and his group down may be more of a challenge than fighting him.

"Once we find this meatbag, should we just kill him," the droid asked his partner in a metallic voice as they left his ship, "or do something humiliating to him?"

 

[Nor'baal]

His companion had hardly been a great conversationalist on their journey here, or at least, they had spent very little time talking - R'Kayza being asleep for most of the journey. Walking down the ramp to the icy planet below, the Gand Bounty Hunter clearly shuddered, before pulling his robe a little tighter about his frame, the cold weather clearly getting to him.

The IG Unit, who R'Kayza had taken to calling 'IG' was obviously keen to get started, and the Gand was also, so he replied quickly ''I say we just kill him quick, and get outta here before I freeze to death.'' before drawing his rifle - standard Cartel issue - from his back. ''As for finding him, I say we start in the local town, see if any weapons trades have been made in bulk recently for the Quarry and his pals?''

Shuddering again, the Gand popped back inside, grabbing another coat for warmth, before coming back down the ramp. ''Good to go?'' he said, before heading toward the nearby towns marketplace, not waiting for a reply.

 

[Aleksandr]

IG-2000 was programmed to be efficient and direct. Due to this, the droid appreciated the Gand's directness and enthusiasm to getting started. He also agreed that killing the misguided moron would be the best way to send a message to any other trouble makers. He took his Panther M99 slug-thrower rifle (a rare Hapan weapon that he managed to find on the black market) from the inside the ship and joined his Gand comrade outside.

"I agree," he replied in his typical metallic manor. "And yes, I am programmed to always be good to go."

The assassin droid started off after him.

 

[Nor'baal]

The snow beneath his feet crunched slightly as the Gand headed toward the town with his erstwhile companion. Turning, he looked at the IG Unit, looking him up and down and saying ''You don't, talk much, do you?'' he inquired, due to the droids somewhat direct nature. He had to admit, the Droid was somewhat unsettling to be around, it just didn't feel right.

As the entered the town, the usual style of settlement, a few sparse market shops and the usual Cantina, R'Kayza felt a need to hop in for a drink, always a good way to break the ice with a new partner, but he couldn't even do that with a Droid. Maybe I could offer him an oil bath? he muzed to himself, as he approached the Gun store.

''After you bolty!'' he said, slapping the Droid on the back and gesturing for him to enter the store.

 

[Aleksandr]

"Social courtesies are not my primary programming," IG-2000 replied matter-of-factly. "Although I could speak more if that would make you more comfortable. I remember that meatbags have certain emotional needs."

As they approached the weapon shop, the assassin droid entered the shop and proceeded to look at the racks of blasters, blades, explosives, and all sorts of other gear. He brought up on of his metallic arms and gestured for the Gand to follow him as he approached the main counter, making a slight clanking sound as he walked across the floor of the shop.

 

[Nor'baal]

''Maybe you could sing a bit of Sly Snootles?'' he said sarcastically, aware that sarcasm would probably be lost on the Droid ''Anyway, that aside, let's get on with it.'' he said, noting the Droids impassive gaze.

Now inside the shop, he wandered up to the owner, and slapped his hands down on the table saying ''Alright my friend, we need to see your recent sales record. My friend here, I call him Bolty, is in a bit of a hurry, and doesn't like people saying no to him, so - why don't your just scurry along and do as we say eh?'' The shopkeeper paled when R'Kayza ran his hand along his rifle, and grinned, his finger on the trigger. Within moments, the sales records had been produced, and the Gand handed them to the IG unit, to see what it made of them.

 

[Aleksandr]

IG-2000 was rather indifferent to the Gand bounty hunter's remark, but he had to admit that he appreciated the man's ability to threaten people adequately, especially since it was an honest threat. The assassin droid could have just shot the man and took what the pair needed. But that may have gotten them some attention that they did not need. As his partner handed him the records, he looked through them, processing the information so that he would not have to look at it again. After examining all of it in a few minutes of silence, the droid turned to R'Kayza.

"It appears that our friend and his colleagues have made purchases of rifles, pistols, and ammunition in bulk," he told him, finally breaking the silence. "It details here the locations of where the shipments were delivered to precisely. Darael Nyine appears to own a large warehouse in the southern district of Plett's Well. It may not be his group's headquarters, but at least that is where the goods ended up. We can probably find what we are looking for there or nearby."

After relaying the information to the Gand, he turned to the store owner. "Thank you for your cooperation. I trust that you will forget what transpired here today," he told the man in his usual metallic voice, and turned away to walk out of the store without waiting for a response.

 

[Nor'baal]

''He doesn't talk much.'' piped the Bounty Hunter as he made a casual wave with his rifle at the terrified store owner, and followed IG-2000 out of the shop. ''Have a great day pal.'' he said, flashing the man a smile, before closing the door with a thumbs up. Already the Droid was storming off to the next location, and the Gand had difficulty keeping up with him, having to adopt a jog at several stages as they made their way to the warehouse.

It was not a very remarkable looking location, a simple door set into a large metallic warehouse - no external Guard in sight. Readying his rifle, checking it was loaded, and the sights where aligned, the Bounty Hunter spoke to IG-2000 ''Bolty, you like smashing meat-bags right? Well, I think you should go in first - in fact, I think it is imperative you do.'' he said slyly.

 

[Aleksandr]

IG-2000 agreed, though he did not pay attention to his use of the nickname. If the weakling meatbag went in first and got shot, he would be burden since the droid would have to protect the wounded Gand -- or he may even get killed (although if that were the case then the process might even speed up a bit). But if he got shot he would just continue fighting like it was nothing. He can just be repaired and he never felt pain or fatigue, unlike organics.

As he opened the door and cautiously entered the warehouse the droid realized that their concern was unwarranted. The building was mostly empty except for a janitor, who looked up at them as they entered and seemed to be disturbed at the sight of an armed assassin droid and a Gand. IG-2000 cut to the chase. "Have you had contact with a man named Darael Nyine recently? A Human male, wears a white Rebel uniform, we're told."

The confused man regained his composure and answered, "Yes, I have. Their lot rents this building out sometimes. I spoke with him last a few days ago. You have business with him?"

 

[Nor'baal]

Even in the modern Galaxy, with Droids a plenty, out here in the outer-rim the ancient trade of the janitor was still going strong. Of course, this particular janitor probably would have preferred to be any other profession right now, as the two Bounty Hunters bared down on him from across the room. R'Kayza smiled behind his mask as the janitor spilled the beans on his boss, trying to play it cool all the while.

Sighing to himself, loud enough for the man to hear, R'Kayza spoke to the man ''We are business partners of his, very close ones. You have anyway of getting in touch with him?'' inquired the Gand.

 

[Aleksandr]

"Well, he and some of his . . . colleagues . . . work out of a small house not far to the east of here. He told me that's where he usually is."

IG-2000 did not say another word to the man upon hearing that and turned around to leave, causing more clanking sounds as he walked across concrete floor. "Let's get going," he told his comrade.

 

[Nor'baal]

As IG-2000 headed out of the room, R'Kayza decided it would be best if their informant was not in a position to inform on them if his boss came look, and drew his blaster, switched to stun setting. He fired it at the Janitor, ''You know how it is pal.'' he remarked, watching as the man crumpled to the floor, unconscious. Walking away, he waited for the barrel to cool before stowing it back in the holster - nabbing the sales information and map from the counter as he walked past - and followed IG-2000, drawing level with him as the left the door.

Outside, he noted a speeder, probably the Janitors, parked up, and hopped inside, hot-wiring it, and shouting ''Hop in bolty.'' to his comrade, before consulting his map and heading to the specified house. The speeder mad good progress, and the pulled up near the House quickly, before the Gand powered down the engine, and turned to his compatriot ''S', he's in there according to the janitor, I say we bust in and crack a few heads?'' before cocking his rifle.

 

[Aleksandr]

IG-2000 usually preferred more subtle approaches, but sometimes going in guns blazing was the best option. They could take them by surprise -- probably -- and kill most of them before they even knew what hit them.

"I agree," he told him simply. He pulled out his Panther M99 slug thrower and walked over to the door, preparing to shoot it down. "Ready?"

 

[Nor'baal]

The Gand rather liked going in all guns blazing, the method was simple and easy to remember. As a wise smuggler had once said, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

To be fair, the Gand didn't have the experience or the equipment to try and more advanced tactics, or indeed any ancient weapons. Sure, if he had a jetpack he could have attacked from above whilst IG-2000 struck from the main door. A few detonators on the walls, maybe even a sniper rifle as well, and they wouldn't even need to go near. He shook his head, focusing on the task at hand.

Gripping his trusty rifle, after a quick check of his blasters, R'Kayza snuck up to one of the main windows, slightly open due to the time of day - and prepared one of his grenades. Nodding to IG-2000, he plonked it through the window and ducked back down.

A few seconds later, a surprised grunt followed by a loud boom indicated the success of his tactic, and he hopped through the window, blasting the first thug he saw, hoping in his head that IG-2000 would react at a similar pace.

 

[Aleksandr]

While his Gand comrade went in through the window, the assassin droid's slug thrower made short work of the front door and he barged inside from the front. The interior of the house was simple, a living room by the front door with what looked like used to be several book cases and pieces of furniture before the explosion, a stairway to his left and a door leading to what appeared to be a kitchen directly opposite of the front entrance. The window that the Gand entered through was to IG-2000's right.

The men were mostly either dead or wounded, but not entirely out of the fight. IG-2000 focused his slug thrower on the nearest one who was still moving and blasted him, sending the body flying with the force of the metal slugs. He repeated the process on another Rebel scum nearby, and looked over to see how the Gand was holding up.

 

[Nor'baal]

As the shreds of what remained of the front door exploded inwards, revealing the imposing form of IG-2000, he had to admit a certain amount of admiration. That Droid certainly knows how to make an entrance, he thought, before making a mental note to purchase a few EMP grenades in future in case they met under less pleasant circumstances. R'Kayzas forward planning however had to take a back seat momentarily, for he had more pressing concerns presenting themselves to him - namely in the form of he remaining thugs in the room. One, holding a rather menacing look repeater rifle, which it was desperately trying to reload, and another, clutching its leg, and firing a pistol sporadically at his location.

Using the distraction the exploding door and sudden arrival of a psychotic killing robot had made, he opened fire on the pistol wielding cripple, taking him out in one shot, before fanning the repeater wielding thug with several shots, slowly closing his range with the man as he walked toward him. By the time he was roughly three feet away, and the magazine had run dry, the mans body was fettered with blaster marks, quite clearly dead.

Sliding a new magazine into place, the Gand burst into the next room, seeing the rather proud form of their target standing facing him, pistol at his side - clearly ready to use it. Waiting for IG-2000 to join him, and keeping his gun still so as not to prompt the target to open up on him, R'Kayza stood still - perhaps bursting into the room in the heat of the moment had not been the brightest thing to do...

 

[Aleksandr]

After putting the remaining guards out of their misery in what used to be the living room, the assassin droid walked into the next one, realizing that the Gand is already there. He's quick, the droid processed, a piece of information that he stored away into the databanks of his droid brain for possible future usage. IG-2000 noticed their target standing in the room with his blaster pistol ready as he entered. However, he made no move to lower his M99. The man would be able to let off a shot or possibly two if he was a good pistoleer before the assassin droid would gun him down, and one or two shots would not cause too much damage to his metal body.

He planned on buying some upgrades for his arms and legs with the credits they would make from this mission anyways.

Given the state that the others were in when they first entered, the droid figured that they were not expecting them, but also thought that not all of the man's associates were in this house with him. Better finish this quickly before any more trouble makers can arrive.

IG-2000 stood silently for a moment before speaking, "We have neutralized your colleagues, as you probably noticed. I would like to know why you are targeting our clients."

 

[Nor'baal]

A few 'mercy shots' so called because they where used to put the dying out of their misery, heralded the arrival of IG-2000, who had finished 'tidying-up' in the other room. R'Kayza smirked as the Rebel in front of them remained deadpan as he listened to the Droid ask its question. The man didn't reply at first, instead turning to face his desk. Immediately, R'Kayza raised his rifle, suspicion building inside him. ''Well, I am sure we can discuss th....'' the rebel said, turning around to face them, something in his hands.

Not taking any chances, the Gand fired the moment their quarry started turning. The shot hit him in the right arm, sending him spinning to the floor, the two drinks he had been holding crashing to the ground as well. Behind his mask, the Gand Hunter grimaces, for it seemed the man had intended to offer them a drink, and talk this situation out. Oh Well, he is still alive I suppose, thought the Hunter, offering an apologetic shrug to his compatriot as he moved up and kicked the Rebels blaster out of reach.

 

[Aleksandr]

Meatbags can be so trigger happy, the droid processed. Sometimes that was a good thing, such as when he handled the guards in the other room, but other times it was not. On this occasion it was probably not. If the man was willing to share information with them, he would no doubt be a bit more reluctant to do so after getting shot. IG-2000 hoped that their Hutt bosses would not be angry.

"The Acquisition Office said he can be brought in dead or alive," the droid told his partner, not bothering to glance down at the rebel's body. "I assume you want to take him alive? I suppose our employers can get some useful information out him."

 

[Nor'baal]

Moving over to the wounded man, and taking out a set of stun cuffs R'Kayza bent down and tied up the man. ''Alive is good, do you have space on your ship Bolty?'' he asked the IG Unit as he pulled the Rebel to his feet, soliciting a wince from the man ''Oh shut it, it's just a flesh wound.'' he snapped at the man, slapping him over the head as he lead him to the door.

''Eyes open Bolty, there may be some of this chaps friends around.'' he said, stowing his rifle and drawing a pistol, a more practical weapon for one handed use.