A Drink at Devaron

[Thew Vullen]

Devaron's Den Dev

I'm sitting at the bar drinking a flameout, watching some gang members play sabacc in the dim light, wondering about all the little things in the galaxy. Why rakghouls wanted to tear me apart, why politics are useless, and other things that make me tick. But it's interesting to dive deep into a history, a culture of a place. Like how this little place, Devaron's Den, came to be, and how it ever succeeded. It's nice. Got a nice bar, some sabacc, and a good view. It's been a long week. It's good to get some rest and some entertainment. I've been coming here for years, watching it grow. Meeting people, learning about how the galaxy is being blasted to bits over little religious splits. So paranoid about power. Kinda like how the community here is so paranoid thinking that some fleet is gonna pop outa nowhere and blast their home into oblivion. Ha. Almost. Like the Republic or Empire would ever care about some smuggling outpost. The only good thing here is the food, and what people bring. The place is relatively new, but attracts all sorts of people. You name it, they got it. Assassins, bam. Hunters or trackers, right over there. Bounty hunters? Look no further. The place is outwardly appealing, but is really full of the scum of the galaxy. I look up at the bartender, a short man with a close shaven head.

"Another! And make it two if you please." I turn back to watch the camera in the ceiling corner and wonder who's behind it. Bah, I'm being paranoid. Too many drinks.

 

[Thresh Sken]

I walk through the well-lit underground hallways. A quaint place, I would say. I've seen about five black market transactions going on in this hallway alone consisting of items both the Empire and the Republic would want dearly; if they even knew it existed. I'm heading for the bar, but have seen plenty of other interesting things going on around me to be of interest. I caught a glimpse of a huge reactor I could only assume keeps this place running when a human dressed as a mechanic slipped out of a heavy-duty blast door to join the slow trickle of traffic in the main halls. It looked big enough to be part of a capital ship, if such a thing were possible. I've no idea how they would have got it down here. As I continue my walk, I notice another camera hidden in the relative shadow of the wall where it meets the ceiling. Man, someone is concerned about security down here. I shudder to think of the command room and the sheer amount of personnel needed if all the feeds were to be streamed live on seperate screens. Suddenly, I notice the Twi'lek that has been walking in front of me for the past minute down the hallway turn right... into a solid rock wall. I slow my steps down for a second, prepared to stop when he rebounds off the wall, and watch as he disappears into the rock wall. Interesting, I think. False walls. Must be some serious smuggler or black market presences that come here to warrant that kind of secrecy. I keep the location in mind, in case I need a place to lie low for a while. No telling what kind of trouble could be stirred up here. I finally reach the are where the bar is located, in plain view of the sabacc players so they are always thinking about getting a drink. Well played, whoever set this place up. I step into the shadows along the wall of the room just as the hallway ends. I take in the room, noting the places cast in shadow along the walls, all the while keeping an eye out for someone specific.

 

[Thew Vullen]

I down the last flameout and put the glass down with a loud clank. I leave some credits on the table and walk out. I tower over the crowd with my eight foot frame. I take the stairs up and pass an old Bp.2 turret on the side of the wall facing the stairs. There must be serious black market deals for such heavy security. I walk up the next two levels and go up to the abandoned citadel. I walk to one of the towers, noting the well hidden turbolasers and missile launchers. Some have blast marks on them and they looked to be salvaged from a major capital ship fight. That or this place has been through a couple fights. I enter the tower and take a seat at a bench inside. I watch the sunset as the golden rays go over the castle walls.

 

[Placeholder 0133]

It was a rare thing for Alexander to walk freely without his armor.

Since being given the title of Imperator there had been two foiled assassination attempts. Not everyone was pleased with the prospect of falling under the Imperial banner, whether it was the only way they would survive or not, and some had sought to end the Imperium by cutting off its head. Unfortunately for those prospects, the neck that held that head in place was particularly thick. It would take more than a few dull blades to saw it off.

Even still, the Imperator felt a sense of dread in a place like this. He used to frequent these dirty little hubs every now and then in the past. He'd been an unknown then; a person of no consequence. Now it felt like everywhere he went there was a target on his back.

He ran his fingers over the familiar lines of the shacklebolt rifle hidden within his trench coat and strolled through the bar. Few ever saw him without a helmet, and none would know him here, or so he assured himself. Alexander was a relatively young man with a shock of blond hair and a mass of scar tissue along his right cheek, courtesy of a Bothan that did not take well to the Imperium's advance.

He followed after [member="Thew Vullen"] in silence. He hadn't informed the Gen'dai of his coming, nor of the fact that the hunter was being tracked by ZNF. That was all part of the game, though. Up the stairs he went, his eyes twin thunderstorms that darted from one shady crevice to the next.

He sat down alongside Thew once they had reached the bench.

"I didn't think this was the kind of place for you soldier," he reached into his coat and fiddled with something. "But I've never been the best judge of character." He quit fidgeting and brought a cigar up to his lips, puffing a tiny cloud of smoke as he grinned at Thew. "Hello Vullen."

[member="Thresh Sken"]

 

[Thew Vullen]

I notice Alexander walk up to the tower and he sits beside me. I'm a little nervous, not many people have seen my face. Or faces of any other Gen'Dai that is. Purple with fang-like teeth and a mass of muscles and skin. It makes for a somewhat terrifying appearance.

"Alexander." I nod. "I'm actually waiting for someone. But they haven't shown up yet, not that I would see them anyways. He's a Defel and can bend light. He's late." I grin as I describe [member="Thresh Sken"] with my sharp teeth showing. "I've got some stuff he might be interested in. An Echani ritual blade, a lightsaber, and my old Matrix armor." I gesture towards the forest where I parked my ship. "Additionally he's an assassin. He's uniquely suited to it, with his shadow thing and all. He could be useful to us. But," I emphasize, "He's a force user. I've heard rumors that he's part of the Silver Sanctum."

"But you are right. I don't like these smuggler places. Full of backstabbing blasted traitors. I've got a bad history with them." I watch as the smoke floats in the air.

I stare at Alexander. "Why are you here though? You don't usually go out to these places." I wonder if he is armed and at the thought I reach instinctively towards my Relbys. I stop though, thinking such a move would frighten either Alexander or Thresh.


[member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Thresh Sken]

As I am scanning the room from my dark corner, I notice Thew Vullen get up out of his chair and walk out of the bar area, into the hall I just had stepped away from. I frown, thinking that something had gone wrong or I had missed a message. This was the area we were supposed to meet in. At the bar. What could have gone wrong? Then I notice a human, walking with determined purpose heading the way Thew just exited. He has blond hair, and a distinct scar on his right cheek. Unrelated incidences? Possibly. But as the suspicious eyes passed unnoticingly over me, I felt a strong urge that he had some purpose here with Thew, be it friendly or not. I gave him ample time to work his way into the hall where I then started my pursuit. When he followed Thew all the way to the surface I was sure of the human's intent at a confrontation of some sort. I saw Thew sitting down and the human walk towards him. I hid in a nearby shadowy bush as I watched the human sit down right beside Thew. Thew doesn't betray much emotion from what I can see, but he does looked surprised and maybe a little nervous. Not good. Some past rival? A duelist for a taste of revenge? I know Thew can handle himself, but anyone that can make him nervous is a force to be reckoned with. I creep closer in the shadows of the underbrush, my short stature helping tremendously. They are in conversation. As I creep closer I hear Thew say

"Why are you here though? You don't usually go out to these places."

I can't decide wether that's good or bad. I decide to stay on the safe side and make my presence known in case Thew needs assistance. I creep even closer and hide in the shadow of a large bush behind where both of them are sitting.

"Thew" I say. "Are you in need of some... assistance, perhaps?" I reach behind my back and curl my fingers around my vibrodagger. The human looks unarmed and unarmoured. One can never be sure though. This place is frequented by so many smugglers I can't count on the human coming unprepared. I crouch into a ready stance and inch my dagger out of its sheath, prepared for a quick strike.

[member="Alexander Ontonas"] [member="Thew Vullen"]

 

[Thew Vullen]

"Thresh? First, I'm not in need of assistance. This here is Alexander of the Zenithian Imperium. He's my commander. And second, you're late. Were you waiting in the shadows again? You've got to stop doing that. It makes for a bad impression for and on other people." I stand up and look around. I don't see him. "You can come out. We're not hostile."

I sit back down and look towards the entrance, waiting for a shadow to pop out. "He's nicer when you get to know him. Or when he's not in a hunting mood." I whisper to Alexander.

[member="Thresh Sken"] [member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

"Sounds like a force to be reckoned with." Alexander mumbled, his arms folding over his chest. He rolled the cigar between his teeth and let his gaze pass from one corner of the room to the other. He was usually rather attentive, especially when it came to spies. If this one was here, then it had eluded his attention.

"I came to speak with you, actually. I don't enjoy calls over the holonet. I'm a face to face kind of man." He paused, "Currently you have no rank Thew. Nothing official. I don't find that fair. The Imperial Army has need of capable leaders given the challenges we will be facing. I came to inform you of your promotion -- congratulations, first lieutenant." Alex flashed his friend a slight smile, or he did until another figure approached.

This must have been the one Thew spoke of.

"Evening son," Alex reached up to pop the cigar from his mouth and into his fingers.

[member="Thew Vullen"], [member="Thresh Sken"]

 

[Thew Vullen]

I'm surprised at the offer. I never really expected to be a leader or officer in the Imperium, but now being offered the position it's quite exciting!

"Really? Me, an officer? I'd be honored! I've got a million questions, but those can wait until later. Thresh, Alexander. Alexander, Thresh." I introduce the two to one another hoping for the best.

[member="Thresh Sken"]

 

[Thresh Sken]

I slide my vibrodagger back into its sheath. Thew's call to me is enough to assure me of safety. A smile flickers across my face. Why not still have some fun, though? I stay in the shadows and walk in a large arc from my current spot to one directly in front of them. I start to walk towards them while they are deep in conversation. I can hear some of it, and it sounds almost like... a promotion.... Wait. Thew is promoted??? He must in some type of military to be a First Lieutenant. Hmm. He had not told me of that. I am still walking forward at this point, planning to startle the two beings sitting in front of me with a greeting. First, a voice behind them, then, a voice in front of them and a shadow-like being appearing. Very disorienting. I am about to call out a greeting, waiting to savor the look of surprise on the human's face, when he speaks.

I stop dead in my tracks. That's a surprise. Most people won't notice me, not even when they know I'm close. This must be a very observant human, and not one to be trifled with. Oh well. No tricks this time.

"Good evening, sir" I respond. "Thew has already mentioned me by name, but it is still nice to make your acquaintance in person. I'm Thresh Sken"

"I apologize for my interruption. I was not expecting another to be meeting Thew Vullen at this hideout. It sounds like you have important business to conduct, more important than I have, so I can be on my way if you don't prefer an audience. I understand military powers are... quite active right now, and although I have not heard of your Zenithian Imperium before, I am sure you are not a small group by any means. And not one to be trifled with, if Thew is part of it."

[member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

Alex waved a hand about in dismissal. "Not to worry. We can get into the details later. Just know that you'll have command over a swathe of troops. I'll trust you not to let them down." He winked at the Gen'dai and turned his attentions to Thresh.

The being was not a natural creation so far as he could tell. Alexander knew the sorcerous power whenever they were at work, and he was sure this creature had something to do with them. Even still, he retained his calm. He was not the type to go ousting those who dabbled in the ethereal realm -- only those who abused it.

"Small is relative, friend. We control a few systems. The southern systems are dangerous place to be this day and age. We're trying to change that." He flashed the being a thin smile. "Stick around. Nothing too important. I keep track of folks who do me right. That's all," he nudged the Gen'dai's shoulder. "How I found you."

He paused. "Not interrupting anything, am I?"

[member="Thresh Sken"], [member="Thew Vullen"]

 

[Thew Vullen]

"The South is not a safe place yes, but neither is the core." I think if all the war, the diseases, the chaos. The inner core is worse than the Southern Systems in some ways. But those are dark thoughts, and this is a happier place. A time to be bright and merry. The future will sort itself out.

I grin as Alexander elbows me when he mentions how he found me. ​"No you're not interrupting at all. You can stay if you wish. I'm just getting rid of some old junk."

I look at Thresh and the billowy darkness around him. I hope that he joins us someday. The Zenith Imperium needs force-users who are smart and capable like Thresh. But I also know that he needs a master to progress and he can't do that in the Imperium. "By the way Alexander, have you noticed such heavy security? These people are quite paranoid. They'd make for a good outpost. Exchange protection for information, goods, and weapons." I think back to the turrets and the cameras. I noticed some of the people who live here are always on guard, and carry blasters all the time. Then again, when you have smugglers in your home everyday you ought to have a good blaster at your side. Maybe that's part of the reason they are so paranoid, that and the fact that most force-users don't like smugglers or bounty hunter and the galaxy has been practically plagued with them recently.

 

[Thresh Sken]

"Junk!?" I say.

"You told me these items were highly-sought-after top-of-the-market materials! Pure matrix crystal alloy? That's not exactly commonplace, is it? And an Echani Ritural Brand? Did you rip me off?"

I catch a glimpse of Alexander Ontonas in my peripheral. "Eh... Ummm..." I clear my throat. "Ex-excuse me Mr. Otonas." I stutter. "I didn't mean to go off on your lieutenant like that. I'm sure he deals fairly and delivers the quality materials he says he will." The last thing I want is Thew's commander not liking me. If he commands Thew... I shudder to think what the human is capable of. And I wouldn't Thew to get in trouble for skimming a few easy credits off of some nobody like me. I'm not sure how the Zenithian Imperium works, but if they have a code of honor like the Jedi... Well, Thew's career could be destroyed.

[member="Alexander Ontonas"][member="Thew Vullen"]

 

[Thew Vullen]

If I could've gone any redder I would have. I sat there for a second, marveling at Thresh's outburst, and then I laugh. Hard. "Hahahaha! Hahaha!" I double over with laughter. I don't know why I find this so funny, but it is! After a minute of uncontrollable laughing I stop and take assert myself. I just hope Alexander doesn't take this behavior or actions badly.

"No it's not junk. But I never really thought of it as special or expensive. You're welcome to have it. I just ask a small favor in return." I think of the Inner Rim and all the unknown threats we have. I look at Alexander for confidence and think of how much easier the war would be with an inside man.

"I'd like you to do some intelligence work for me. Nothing hard of course. Just finding out what's going on with the major alliances. Anything extra would go a long way. Troop movements, numbers, etc." I hope that this isn't asking too much. "If that doesn't sit well, I'm sure we can figure something else out." We really need to know what we're REALLY up against. Not just tales of battles and wars but hard evidence.

[member="Thresh Sken"] [member="Alexander Ontonas"]