Private A Sticky Situation

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Location: Denon

After what felt like weeks being on the run from Jeeli the Hutt, Jorrann and Scerra found themselves on the planet: Denon. Like Coruscant, Denon was a city planet though on a small scale. The two of them had got into some trouble when Jorrann ended up double crossing Jeeli in one of his get rich quick schemes. He planned on taking some purified coaxium that was smuggled to the lower levels of Coruscant and present it to the Cybersouls gang in exchange for 250,000 credits. More than enough to lift Jorrann and Scerraout of their impoverished situation and out of the planet where he and Scerra can be in control of their own destiny. Working for Jeeli was equivalent to slavery, long hours, pay so bad that the two of them could barely afford them a decent meal, and of course the fucking mocking and insults from Jeeli. It drove Jorrann insane, he wanted out of level 1313 his "home", he wanted a better life for Scerra. More importantly, he wanted to explore the Galaxy something that he long thought was a myth given that he lived all of his underground.

When Jeeli sent his goon squad after Jorrann and Scerra, the two of them ran towards a random Freighter located in the old spacesport. They quickly hid inside the cargo hold where Jorrann saw that it was taking them to Denon. Now here they were standing awkwardly in the city limits with a small cantina in the form of an old train standing in front of them. "So according to the map I stole from the pilot. It's located on the borders of the Outer Rim territories. All we need to do is to find a way out from Denon and into the Outer Rim."

The young man shook his head. "The problem is," he said. "We're broke and I don't think we should chance hopping into another freighter like we just did."

If only they had a ship where Jorrann can start smuggling. "Maybe we can go inside that cantina and ask around?" Jorrann asked Scerra.

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

"I was going to suggest that," Scerra replied quietly. She said nothing of the rest of his words; she knew their life sucked at the moment, and hearing it in words just made it worse.

The young woman glanced over her shoulder skittishly, violet locks bouncing in the sudden twitchy movement. She felt like they were always being followed, the hair on the nape of her neck standing up uncomfortably. Someone was after them, and Scerra was hyper-aware of their surroundings. Uncomfortable, she inched closer to Jorrann, seeking the safety of his nearness. If it wasn't for him, she'd probably have been dead a long time ago. Her survival instincts were lacking, despite the paranoia she felt.

"Do you think they have a scrapyard where we might be able to repair something and use it?" she asked. Her voice wavered. She rarely said so many words at once. Her hand moved to grasp his, and she squeezed as tightly as she could. With a gentle tug, she guided him toward the cantina's door. Maybe she could have a few drinks while they were in there. That'd calm her nerves.

Scerra wondered if they even had enough credits for a drink or two. Probably not, but maybe she could put her body to use and find an admirer that wants to pay for her booze. She tilted her head upward to look at Jorrann, her painted lips pursing together into a thin line. A suggestion came to mind, and she opened her mouth.

"What if we find someone with a ship that I can charm into taking us somewhere? I'll just tell 'em you're my brother."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt nausea rise in her stomach. Jorrann was nothing like a brother to her, and the thought disgusted her. It was her idea, though. Softly spoken, just as all her words were. She was a woman that wanted to blend into the shadows, unseen by everyone. Scerra squeezed his hand again, seeking comfort.

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Jorrann rolled his eyes when Scerra told him that she could try to seduce other people to get them transportation. She is attractive and she wore basically a pink bikini, fishnet leggings and brown boots. No doubt it drew the attention to many men though Scerra would often hide behind Jorran. "Seriously?" Jorrann asked chuckling while raising an eyebrow. "Come on Scerra let's not do that again! I don't want you to get kidnap by those damn Hutts! Considering that they're now forming a Kingdom of sorts in the Outer Rim. And before you suggest that I am not going to clean septic tanks again."

He shuddered thinking about the unfortunate mishap that happened last time they worked the sewers. "No way!" Jorrann said. "I didn't flee from Coruscant just to break my back cleaning some dishes." He placed his hands on Scerra's slender shoulders a grin spread to his face. "You gotta start thinking big if you want to get a better life!" he said.

Though what kind of jobs that this cantina was offering, Jorrann didn't know. "All I want," Jorrann said. "Is to be a pilot and considering that we're pretty much blacklisted from the Alliance thanks to Jeeli, the only thing that's left is to do what we do best. Smuggle chit."

But first thing they had to do was to get a starship. Jorrann didn't know how to get one, but they needed some credits if they were to even think getting one. "Let's get inside," Jorrann said rifling through his pockets. "I got some credits left about 200, that's enough for some food and drink."

Jorrann stepped inside the small cantina only to be greeted by a sound of large gears being grinded together. If Jorrann had to guess it was almost as if the train was still functioning. Some of the ceiling lights above were flickering and there were at least three people drinking what appeared to be coffee while reading the newspaper. A Rodian leaned against a jukebox jamming to the jazzy beats of music that came from the radio, As Jorrann sat down looking around the interior, he saw a television that was displaying the Holonet News.

After intense fighting on Cato Neimodia, the New Jedi Order and the Silver Jedi Concord has created a foothold in the Capital City where they are continuing to engage the Brotherhood of the Maw. Blaster fire from both sides light the sky as anti-air guns fired by the Maw are preventing the Jedi Alliance from sending air support. In addition while many bombs that were planted in key areas around the city have been successfully removed by the Jedi. There are still some bombs left that can make a devasting impact to the general population if denotated.

"Agh, that's all on the news now and days," a deep voice appeared from the back. He was a rotund Besalisk with 4 arms and a grin. "War, war and more war! I miss the days when the only things that happened was when some Coruscant teen overdosed on Deathsticks."

Jorrann shrugged. "Yeah, I guess it sucks," he said not really caring for the Jedi. "But what can you do with a senate who cares more about devastating planets for profits?"

The Bessalisk shrugged. "Yeah, the Galactic Alliance loves a good war!" He said. "It serves as a good distraction from the things that the senate should be doing like helping us. Anyway my name is Pald Nill what can I get ya?"

"Can I have the Branta Burger along with a Jawa Juice?" Jorrann asked before turning to Scerra. "What do you want?" he asked smiling.

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

“The same,” Scerra answered. Her eyes raised to the newscaster holo, and she bit her lip. War brought trouble, and the smuggler hated trouble. Jorrann possessed a strength that the woman could never match, and for that, Scerra was eternally grateful. He was her guardian, always protecting her from the worst bits of the trouble they often got into. Scerra's free hand reached to her hip, where her blaster hung comfortably. Between that and Jorrann, she should be alright… right? As long as she had him, she'd be alright.

The woman wasn't hungry, though she ordered the same meal as Jorrann. When it arrived, she took a big gulp of the jawa juice. The burger, she picked at. She poked the branta burger in front of her until it was cool enough to eat, and then she reluctantly lifted it to her mouth and took a bite. She chewed slowly, savoring the taste of the unwanted meal. Scerra had to eat. Some meat on her bones would benefit her, but they typically went without so much that she couldn't put on any weight. And why was she thinking about that right now?

Another bite and she looked sideways to glance at Jorrann before surveying the room. It seemed to be a rather dingy crowd, and the woman didn't see any promising prospects from them. As she looked on, her gaze met one man's, and he tossed her a sleazy grin. There was not any shortage in the catcalls she received when they went from place to place. She considered for another moment her attire and frowned slightly. Maybe she could cover up some--but Jorrann wouldn't like that.

“I don't see anyone… Do you?” she asked him, taking a third bite before placing the burger back down on the plate. Her stomach still growled, the meager bites she chewed hardly doing anything to sate the organ.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

As Jorrann began to sink his teeth into the Bantha Burger, he smiled sheepishly forgetting that he only had a few credits left and Jawa Juice tended to be a bit pricey. "Um," Jorrann said. "I want to change my drink to water please."

Pald smiled as he looked at the two of them. "Looks like you kids are short of credits eh?" he said.

"You can say that," Jorrann muttered feeling embarrassed at the fact that he was called poor. "We're looking for work."

"Work huh?" Pald said. "Well not much work can be had in these parts. I'm not hiring at the moment and you two don't like people who worked in a kitchen. In fact...."

Pald leaned closer to Scerra forcing Jorrann to get in front of her. "Excuse me," he growled.

"Sorry about that," Pald said. "Just needed a good look at ya! And I see you got a blaster as well!"

Jorrann looked at his blaster that was holstered at his hip. "Yeah?" he said. "What's it to ya?"

"I'll tell you what?" Pald said. "I'll let you have anything food you want for free."

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

Scerra raised the bantha burger to her mouth for another bite, but paused when Jorrann changed his order. A pang of guilt blossomed in her, a soft frown leading her to draw the food away from her mouth. She said quietly under her breath to him, “We can share, or I can get water instead.”

As she spoke, she sat the burger down on its plate and furrowed a thoughtful brow. She wasn't listening to Pald, at least not until Jorrann was leaning in front of her defensively. The young woman suddenly became more alert, eyes widening as she re-evaluated the besalisk. Her right-hand shot to the blaster at her hip. It wasn't until they started another exchange of words that she brought it down. Only this time, she'd heard Pald mention free food. No way!

Her head jerked upward, looking between the four-armed creature and Jorrann. She was known to sometimes hear things, and she couldn't help but wonder if it were her wishful thinking that she'd heard. Her gaze settled on her boyfriend, waiting for him to confirm Pald's words.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Jorrann nodded in response. Where they lived, there was ALWAYS a catch. "Come on what's the catch?" Jorrann spat. "You creeped on my girlfriend and you stared at my gun. Who do you want killed?"

"Killed?" Pald said while Jorrann placed his hand over Scerra's for reassurance as he took the orders he written and gave it to a male Twileak cook. "Who do you I am a Hutt? Nah I just need you to take something back."

Jorrann frowned though a smile starting to creep up. A job that could pay well? Better than washing dishes or cleaning out a septic tank. "Go on."

"This place," Pald explained. "I bought at 851, it was part of a decommissioned Dennon trained which transported minerals from the planet to the city. "Fired her up and give it that unique look as if you're riding a train. It's all thanks to a generator which I pawned as soon as I got place."

Jorrann continued to squeeze Scerra's hand while he listened intently. "A week ago, gangsters wearing red stormed place and cleaned me out taking my profits and my generator now while it's running on back power it ain't gonna last long. Now I'm not going to say kill the bastards, but all I want is that generator. The police are apparently too "busy" to deal with the like of me."

"We'll take it," Jorrann said smiling. "Don't worry I've done this thing before. We can get you that generator in no time! Question is: How much?"

"I can give you half this weeks profits," Pald responded. "About 1,500."

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

Even though Jorrann's hand was tight on her own, Scerra did not relax. She didn't speak either, always eager to let her boyfriend do the talking. When a prospect of a new job came up, a chill shuddered through her back and she jumped slightly, as if spooked. The young woman didn't trust the alien in front of her; she rarely trusted any of them. It was a prejudice that had been instilled by the many times they seemed to tie into it.

When he suddenly accepted the job, and the offer of credits, she was tempted to agree. Something felt wrong to her, though. What if it was going to be an ambush, and she couldn't fire her blaster quickly enough? She pulled her hand out from under Jorrann's and tapped his shoulder. Leaning up on her stool, her lips sought his ear as she quietly spoke to him.

"This is a bad idea, Jorrann. I'm not sure..."

Fifteen hundred credits... That could buy them a decent amount of food for a bit. They definitely needed it. A firm frown fixed itself upon her lips and her arms draped for a moment before curling them around herself in protection.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Scerra was always the voice of reason whenever Jorrann had a zany get rich quick scheme. Sometimes she was right about her gut feeling like that time Jorrann nearly fell for a Pyramid Scheme created by a Duros but other times she was just being overly cautious. The two were lost, hungry, and desperate and sometimes you gotta take risks if you want to progress in life. "Come on Scerra," Jorrann said. "This is the first time somebody offered us a job, we just got gifted an opportunity to make money and a name for ourselves."

He turned to Pald who was busy cleaning a dirty glass. "We just escape the Hutt," Jorrann whispered. "We're free now to do whatever we want so what's the worry Scerra? What about this job that got you spooked?"

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

“It's too easy. Who sends kids into a potentially dangerous situation after seeing they've only got blasters to use. And we're young. What if you die?” Scerra asked, her voice wavering even as she whispered her reply. She hated her gut, hated her instincts for its accuracy. Hated the fact she wanted to avoid taking this job because something about it made her nauseous. Her lips pursed into a thin line and she glanced at Pald warily.

Her hand squeezed Jorrann's again, but not as strongly as before. He would likely feel that it was weaker. With a deep inhale, she prepared herself to speak louder. It was rare for her to speak so to another, but she seemed to find the strength to do it anyway. Running her free hand through her hair, she unfurled some of her violet locks.

“We'll take the job. And your generosity would be welcomed. We're starving so...” she looked down at her plate, the bantha burger suddenly the target of her interests. She then looked at her boyfriend and shrugged her shoulders. If it was a trap and they were going to be killed--which is what she feared--at least she'd die at his side.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

"Does it matter?" Jorrann whispered. "We have to do something to get out of our predicament. I'm tired of walking around and doing menial that don't pay chit! It's time that we move up in the Galaxy and start our own path damn it."

His speech probably worked because Scerra instantly said that the two will take the job. "Thank you baby," Jorrann kissed Scerra on the cheek to calm her down. Whenever Scerra panicked, Jorrann usually was able to put her at ease with a kiss. "I won't die," he whispered. "As long as I have you on my side I'll do everything to fight for us."

And he was certain that Scerra will do the same for him.

"Wonderful!" Pald said! "Why don't you finish eating and I'll let you in on the details in the back."

Jorrann nodded smiling at Scerra. "Things are looking up." he said.

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

Scerra's gaze dropped back to her bantha burger when Pald disappeared into the back. Reluctantly, and hungrily, she reached for the rest of it. It had grown cold from sitting there untouched and she frowned. She reached for the jawa juice and took a gulp from it before going for another bite of her burger. She chewed slowly, mourning the warmth it had before.

The young woman sighed as she put it back down, a few more bites left. Warily, she glanced at her boyfriend again. Her voice dropped lower once more and she dipped her head toward his. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered.

"This better work."

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Jorrann smiled glad that Scerra was on board with the job. 1,500 credits were definitely nothing to sneeze at especially in their desperate situation. "It will work baby," he whispered giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "With your stealth and my crackshot aim, we'll go in get whatever Pald needs and we'll be eating in a fancy restaurant by evening."

It was funny trying to imagine he and Scerra eating at a fancy restaurant with all those super rich people staring at them. "I promised that I will always take care of you," Joraan said kissing neck. "And I'm keeping that promise we just need to take some risks every once in a while okay?"

Jorrann got up and sighed nodding at Scerra before heading towards the back. Time to get paid.

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

It wasn't so much that Scerra was on board, so much as it was that she felt she had little other choice. Jorrann was right. They needed those credits to eat, to drink, to even sleep, if they wanted to, and she wanted to avoid being the negative one. She took another bite from her burger and a gulp from the jawa juice before hopping down off the stool, toward his side. Scerra felt the press of his lips to her cheek, to her neck and tried to relax. He was at her side, and she always felt safer that way.

The young woman followed Jorrann toward the back, her hand reaching into a back pocket for a rubber band. Gathering her hair into one hand, she twisted the band into her hair.

"I'll stay quiet," she murmured. It was nothing new. Anyone who looked their way would see that Scerra was a submissive woman. She didn't like trouble.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Scerra would always try to keep to herself whenever she and Jorrann did negotiations. She would often tie her hair into a ponytail as one of her many coping mechanisms to deal with her anxiety. It was hard for men to not to stare at Scerra given the attire she wore which was practically a bikini with fishnets and boots but Jorrann managed to fend them off. The two descended deep into what appeared to be Pald's basement where he was waiting for them.

"Ah you arrived!" Pald said clapping all four of his hands. "Now let's get to brass tacks shall we? You know that rumble you heard when you entered the cantina?"

"Yeah," Jorrann replied. "It sounded like a malfunctioning engine."

"It wasn't always supposed to sound like that." Pald lamented. "It was usually quiet and it had air conditioning. The engine was powered by a smuggled coaxium. But a Maruarder gang who calls themselves the Red Rockets came in, stole the coaxium and this place sounded like it was ready to crash land. Been losing customers over that."

"So you want us to go in and steal it back?" Jorrann asked.

"Exactly," Pald replied. "They're base is an hour drive from here, they've been taking tolls like highway men it's been tough and Denon police have been slow to respond."

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

When they went to the back and found the stairs, Scerra's lips weighed downward into another frown. Nonetheless, she followed Jorrann, even against her better judgment. Her hand lazily moved to her holster, fingers ready to pull her blaster at a moment's notice. The downward descent of the stairs seemed sharp and long at first, but before she knew it, they were in the basement and the creature and Jorrann was talking to the four-armed creature.

She listened to them, lingering a few steps behind Jorrann. If things turned sour, that would be her cue to turn around, and a few steps advantage could make or break escape. Suddenly, she lifted a pale hand upward, raising her voice above its usual octave to make up for lost distance. "You mean you want us to go into their domain to get it back? Jorrann!" Her mercurial gaze turned toward him. "You can't seriously think we can take on an entire group of them that probably outnumbers us. Surely, that's worth more than he wants to pay."

Scerra's jaw dropped and suddenly, keeping her hand near her blaster was a good idea. Her eyes were incredulous as she turned back toward Pald. "You gotta offer more, my guy," she said.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Jorrann was about to ask where the Red Rocket's hideout until Scerra intervened and expressed doubt that they would be able to retrieve the coaxium. The young man looked at her with shock, he was surprised that Scerra spoke like this normally she would be quiet examining the nearest exit but this time she decided to haggle the price with Pald. "Here's the thing sweetheart," Pald said giving Scerra a sad smile. "Business has been bad lately and I'm getting little revenue coming in."

"I understand," Jorrann said. "We're just people trying to survive during a war, the money is good but I have to agree with Scerra. We need more to justify us infiltrating this gang's hideout."

"I'll tell you what," Pald said stroking his large chin. "If you can get me the coxaium, not only you'll receive free food every time you come here but...."

Pald walked over to the blanket removing it to reveal a red swoop bike. The engine looked outdated, and the paint was drying but it looked beautiful. "Chit," Jorrann said. "That looks beautiful!"

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

"Does it run?" Scerra asked immediately, her gaze on the bike. She didn't trust Pald. She never trusted anyone but Jorrann, and this creature seemed untrustworthy to her. She laid a hand on the bike, as if that would tell her everything she needed to know about both the bike and its current owner. "How'd you even get this down here?"

She cast a glance back at Jorrann, a soft frown weighing the corners of her mouth downward. She wasn't standing back like usual, and she was a woman that liked a gamble, but if the bike didn't work, they would be chit out of luck. Now, she returned to her usual place: a step behind her boyfriend. She nudged him in the side. "You like that bike more than me, don't you?" she asked, a mischievous grin on her lips suddenly.

It was a fast change of mood, but part of her was excited by the potential of a running bike. It could change their life, save their feet some blisters. Pain relief was always a good thing for Scerra, especially since they walked everywhere they went--unless they were on a ship. Her gaze turned to Pald first, then Jorrann, her eyes seeking to understand his thinking.

Jorrann Lanchur

 

[Jorrann Lanchur]

Jorrann chuckled giving Scerra a friendly nudge to her shoulder. It felt good seeing her in high spirits, when she smiled it always made Jorrann's day. "Of couse not," Jorann said pecking Scerra on the cheek. "It just makes the bike the second thing I love the most."

"So we have a deal huh?" Pald said clapping his upper hands. "This belongs to the Jek our cook! He used to be a Swoop Racer in the Denon circuit but injuries ended his career. Managed to barely haul it in and has been sitting on its ass ever since. I would ride it myself but....."

Pald patted his large stomach. "She should be good to go, Jek would always fine tune the engine every now and then. The very least it should take you to the hideout and back."

"Sounds good," Jorrann said giving an approving nod. "How many of these thugs are there?"

"About 50 of them," Pald said. "No heroics, just go in, grab the Coaxium and go out. If they act all tough, we'll be ready for them."

Scerra Cohl

 

[Scerra Cohl]

Again, Scerra's features shifted, this time to show disdain. Could they even sneak past that many? Or would they have to do that heroic thing and risk their precious lives? Not that Scerra found her life to be precious; part of her thought it might be fleeting, and she didn't expect to grow old anyway. Somehow, they'd get in trouble, and it only takes one misstep and the pair of them would be dead. A morbid thought to have, but she had it.

"Jorrann," she began. "We can't take on that many, and I don't know how quiet we'll need to be. My very existence depends on this, and a mistake can easily happen. Is this really worth it to you?

Her gaze swept back to the bike, staring at it with that same frown. It'll get you there at least. Yeah, right. And if it dies? What would they do then? 1500 credits and a potentially broken bike isn't as enticing as she thought it would be. Nor was it worth their lives. Her hand fell to her blaster at her hip, fingers running over it familiarly. She sighed.

Nearing the bike, she ran her fingers over it longingly. It would be so much relief for their feet, and so much easier to get around. That thought kept replicating in her mind. She glanced at Jorrann, who was excited about this job. Another sigh. "Again, how are we getting the bike out of this room? she asked.

Jorrann Lanchur