Bottom of the Barrel swimming in wine

[Victoria Treadway]

How long had it been? Weeks. No the. Days? She didn't know she stopped counting and when she had a death stick in one hand while someone found something else to put in the other she lived in a fog.

Her name, she didn't need one all she needed was credits and a little work here and there got her what she needed to fund her habit. She lay on the bed of her one room it reeked of sourness, her hair scraggly unkempt, dark circled gave away her lack if sleep, with drugs to sustain her she rarely ate. Tori was too thin much longer like this and she would die.

She laughed at the thought. Who'd miss her the dealer, she held up the magazine. There was Claire beaming from the cover. Yeah. She didn't look for her. Why? Busy being a fashion queen oh wouldn't her parents be proud.

She laid back looking up, she needed a score she had to get up.

Feth

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

​

Nar Shaddaa, such a beautifully garish and opulent planet. Perfect for a little R & R. Bryce had just landed the Starr, his prized medical corvette, at one of the underground's many shadow ports. Even thought the underground had decided to put down roots and defend the Kathol Outback the organization never forgot its' roots and still maintained all of their various secret outposts. BB ran his hand along his newly refurbished ship, with all the work he had put into it BB could have bought a combat frigate, but the little medical ship was all he needed and he preferred to keep his crew small at any rate.

With some time to kill while his ship refueled BB ventured into one of his old haunts, the Romping Rugger. A small joint that though not as big or glamorous as some on Nar Shaddaa did hold some sentimental value for BB as it was where he had shared his first kiss with a young Togruta a few years ago. He still thought of her from time to time as hero work, though exciting, doesn't always leave room for more intimate contact...

Slipping the hostess a sizable bill BB requested the table where he and Z had shared a meal. The one close to the stage but still intimate enough should another wish to join him....

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

She worked where she could when she could, and when she wasn't there she was with [member="Jen"] who provided her ways and means. Everything was a learning process one that at times she felt she was becoming a success, but any credits earned she eventually blew on the drugs.

Tonight she was waiting on tables while the others danced. Yes dancing, Ms. Porterhouse would cringe if she knew about this place, there was no such thing as the rules for the two step here, no this was dancing on a different level. Engagement was the answer. They more they were engaged the more they hoped they'd get a few more chits.

She headed in wearing the clinging outfit required for her job, it covered everything. She had not sunk so low yet that she was willing to bear everything to the galaxy for coins, though that time might be coming soon enough.

Stepping inside the Romping Rugger her boss gave her that look, you know that one that said you're late get to work, and do it NOW! Without ever uttering a word.

She picked up her tray and headed to the floor the music was soft and luring right but she knew the setup, soft in between hard and driving when performing. She looked towards her station not too many over there she didn't get the good stations. Only if she would expose a bit more would they do that.

She looked around quick and pulled the death stick from her pocket with a quick light and a couple of puffs she was ready for work.

She sauntered her way over to the solitary table with a newly arrived customer, "Good evening welcome to the Romping Rugger, can I interest you in something to drink?" She smiled.

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Jen]

wrong thread. I'm so sorry))

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Distractions like there were a welcomed rarity. I mean a life of adventure is fun and all but one needs a little down time and BB was sure to make the most of this stop over before he needed to return to the outback. Looking to the stage he saw the band wrapping up its' final number and wondered who would be coming on next, but before he could ponder that thought he felt someone walking up to him.

BB look up from the stage at the raven haired server. She seemed, well hurried. Her smile was nice but forced, and her posture said, I'm here, let's get on with it. Not the normal level of service he had come accustomed to but hey, nobodies perfect.

"I'll have a tall water and a shot of tequila, the good stuff, Bostic will know what I mean. Oh and a menu, if you don't mind, gonna be here a bit and need to fuel up myself."

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

She nodded, "Water, tequila and a menu. I got it I'll be right back" She smiled again trying really hard not to force it. She needed some good tips tonight.

She walked away trying to get the stiffness from her walk, to add some softness into her face. How was she to do this tonight? She felt her hands shake one more time, feth! She got the water, and the shot making sure it was the brand he wanted. He knew his stuff that was good, and bad it meant she'd have to work hard at pleasing him tonight,

She started to walk and stopped, MENU! She turned to get the menu shaking her head berating herself, stop being ridiculous.

She clutched the glass a bit tighter not wanting to drop it on him or the floor. She could already feel the perspiration beading on her brow, goddess she had to make it through the shift.

"Here you go, water" She set it down carefully making sure not to spill it, "shot" careful, "menu" She held it out even as her hand shook she worked hard to hold it steady.

"We have a couple of specials would you like to hear them?"

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

BB took the menu from the girls shaking hand. He looked up at her with concern, she was now looking beyond rough. Fever, trembling hands, sweating, these could all be signs of a serious medical condition.

"Hold on the specials, how are you feeling miss?"

BB didn't wait to answer he pulled out a small medical scanner under the table and away from prying eyes. Kark she was burning up, pulse was through the roof as well. A full scan of her body showed she was way to lean, closing in on 5% body fat. It also showed strong traces of drugs on her barely clean clothing. Feth, she was a tweaker and one that looked like she was well on her way to killing herself. This is when good ole, save the day BB kicked in, even though he didn't know this girl he began for form a plan.

Breaking out a sleazy grin, one that pained him to use he looked the girl over before saying.

"Cause if you're looking for something special, I think I have just the thing, well that is if your willing to do something special for me that is."

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

[member="Bryce Bantam"]​

For a moment just one moment she thought this could be a nice guy, he asked how she was she smiled but that smile quickly faded away. Do something special for me....yeah she had not quite sunk that low had she. Why was it every guy that walked into this place thought his thing was special. That he had the most special in the galaxy. Lord she had fought off a bunch of these guys in the last 6 months.

Was she willing to do "special" things for what she wanted, needed, had to have. I mean he looked ok even if he was in here to eat. He was clean, almost antiseptic clean She knew if she did it once she'd lost her distaste for it and then it would just get easier and easier to sell...ones..........pride, did she have any pride left in her? She had some if she closed her eyes and thought of something else maybe...

Course all of this debating in her mind made her look like a statue there before this guy. "When you say special for you.....what exactly do you have in mind?" The temptation of some easy credits loomed in her mind. She could reason this all out later if she had to, that is if she decided to treat him 'special'

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Oh thank the force she didn't just say yes blindly, BB thought at her reply. She may not be as far gone as he thought, quickly BB adjusted his strategy a bit more. Threw on the sleaze a little too thick and all, let's back off and just play it cool.

"You know, keep my drinks full and flowing, food hot and ready. Just good service stuff, I'm a rather picky customer but if your able to do that in all this commotion I take care of those who care for me. Credits aren't easy to come by on Nar Shaddaa so I reward special service with big tips is all."

Wow, that still sounded shady, but some back peddling was in order. He was hoping to play off his youth a bit dial down the creep factor some after that home run swing failed to connect. Still she didn't flat out smack him for offering so there is a deep desperation in there somewhere, just must not have full control of her yet.

"Oh and the name is Doctor Bryce Bantam, people call me BB for short. What can I call you?"

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

"Food and drinks I can do." Feth that was her job he wanted her to do her job, ok. Maybe he was taking something. Maybe she should share what she took with him, might make things...easier. HAHAHA she laughed to herself. But made sure if he was looking he would only see that her eyes sparkled a bit with humor but no smile caressed her lips. Take care of those who take care of me...she told herself not to laugh, he was...well...interesting even if he did sound a bit tongue tied.

Doctor. She froze. Doctor. What kind of doctor?

BB?

What kind of nickname was BB, oh yeah got it [member="Bryce Bantam"] she expected him to roll around now for some reason. "Doctor BB, I got it, I think" Who was she, well there was no need to lie, "I'm Tori" She didn't say Victoria, and she didn't give a last name. He just wanted a name to call her by. She was growing a little wobbly, she'd need to sit soon before she fell over.

She took a breath though, and steadied herself.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

BB noted her less than stable stance and stood up quick to help her. Reaching out his hand he quickly placed on her back in between her shoulder blades for support. With his other hand, he gestured to seat beside him as to offer her a seat.

"Ah woe there, easy Tori. Looks like your pushing yourself a little too hard. Why don't we have a set and continue this conversation."

BB meant what he said, he knew medically the stress her body was under. Not to mention the chemical imbalance she was fighting. So his thoughts here were genuine and he hoped she would accept his offer, or else she may literally fall down on the job.

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

No no. "I can't sit I'll get fired and I need the job" She did appreciate his concern, "only the working girls sit well you know entertain" she hoped he got the meaning.

She trembled then reached for the back of a chair, yes she was in trouble. She was beginning to sweat, her skin was no longer creamy white, her eyes were darker rings underneath. She rubbed her face.

She was light headed, hungry and in needed a fix.

She smiled not her best probably her worst.

"Order?" A question not a demand. He had to understand how tough it was. He had this look in his eyes, he.........cared. not knowing a thing and he wanted to help.

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

"Listen, money isn't worth your health, and I got plenty so if I get ya fired I'll work something out with you now for the love of the force sit your shebs down."

As BB spoke he was realizing mando'a was sneaking into this vocabulary. To much time around [member="Ijaat Mereel"] and [member="Runi Verin"] he supposed but his choice of colorful vernacular didn't matter as mush as [member="Victoria Treadway"] 's health. Besides, he knew the staff pretty well, if they tried something like that he was the funds and contact to help her land on her feet. So that only left one option to get her off of her's so she would rest a bit and get better.

"You're only hurting yourself Tori..."

 

[Victoria Treadway]

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

She arched a brow and sat down with a hard thump. Staring at him, well she had never met anyone that could say they had lots of money, lots? really what is lots? But the hard truth of it was, she hoped she wasn't fired and that she would need his money, because then she'd owed a debt, and feth then he'd surely want her to do something for it. Not that it would be anything intimate but he'd be in her life and surely not approving of many things in it.

"How am I hurting myself?"

Ok, she took a breath he wanted to talk there were already looks coming their way. She saw them but tried hard not to let the panic in her bubbled too far and out of control. She pulled her legs tighter against her chair, she felt....exposed.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Bryce looked at her knowingly, cocking his head to the side in annoyance looking away from her. Signaling the manager over he intercepted the angry boss before he got to the table.

"Tori is sick, I want her to take it easy tonight." BB said the man as he leaned in to his ear.

"Bantha Poodoo, that girl is just a strung out tweaker. If I let her get away with this I'll have half the girls in revolt." The manager replied.

"Well if I added a little something extra to their tips tonight would that help?" BB asked pulling out a credit clip and beginning to hand the manager a number of large bills.

"I see your point Doc, best listen to the advice of a medical professional right?" He said gleefully taking the cash.

With that all handled, BB went back to the Tori who sat awkwardly in her seat. Sitting down along side her, he leaned into her and said..

"Seriously how long have you been using?"

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

She just stared at him, "What do you care really, what's all in this for you. Acting like you know me, that you're responsible for me." She was edgy, cranky, and really beginning to feel the need growing inside her.

Desperation would begin soon she already felt it's claws digging in and egging her hunger for the drug. She had attitude now and she didn't know why really, a little kindess could go a long way. But first the anger of someone invading her space would need to be dealt with.

She didn't move though something inside her had to know this was all for her own good.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Bryce never really like using the direct approach, however, he knew he would not be able to say long on Narshadda. So he proceeded to address her in the most direct way he could think. Taking a vial of Oursdate from his medical kit he placed it on the table about two-thirds the way to Tori. Then he stood up and walked over his side of the table.

"What's in it for me, a little fun and games I guess. Your right I don't know you from any other server in here, what I do know is that demon you're fighting. The one that whispers in your ear every day telling you to bury your problems behind some death sticks or worse. What I put on the table in front of you is a little something called Ourdate, or OD for short. A karking powerful battle stim that just a bit will help wounded soldier back into action. Taking the whole thing will make you feel invincible for twelve hours or so and I bet it is a damn bit better quality than that poodoo you've been getting off the streets.

So here is the game, as you can see it is much closer to you than me and if you are able to grab it then it is yours. However if you go for it and I grab it first then you are mine for 24 hours, and need to do whatever I tell you to do in that time. So what do you say, game on?"

As Bryce finished speaking he smiled at her and placed his hands down on the table. It would be his force speed vs her addition...

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

Fun and Games?!

Then he explained he was offering her a free bee all she had to do was, grab it.

And he wanted control over her for 24 hours...to do anything he said....she heard about guys who liked control but she believed she was faster than him. She ran her tongue over her teeth as she thought about it. If she lost she could end up chained like a dog with a collar naked subject to any number of acts he might want to perform or have performed, or she could win, that thought made her smile, and she'd be in oblivion for hours.

She could do this. She was quick enough.

"Ok, so, do we count or something and than reach for it?" Or was she to be slick and just grab it now.

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

She was at least coy about it, but as expected Bryce could feel he attention on it. Drugs were powerful things, in the hands of those who use them for good they are wondrous things that can save lives and heal the sick. But like anything they also had their "Dark side". Misuse will lead to dependence, then on to addition, and finally death. The same power they can instill, they could also take away. Such was the truth in everything Bryce was beginning to understand.

"I'll can count it off, one, two, three and all. We'll go on three, or when we see the other move ok?"

A faint smile came over Bryce's

"One two..."

[member="Victoria Treadway"]

 

[Victoria Treadway]

"Three!"

Tori reached as fast as she could thinking she saw her hand land on it first but when she pulled her hand away and looked into the palm, there was nothing there. She stared at her palm willing it to produce.

Scowling she looked at Bryce, "Did you get it, or did it fall on the floor?" She immediately began looking around on the floor for it, if it had fallen it would still be good right, three second rule applied to drugs as well, right?

She was ready to get on her hands on knees in hopes, but she looked across the table and waited

[member="Bryce Bantam"]