Complicit and Compliant -- PM for invite

[Toni Nova]

Iridonia. The planet had recently started to come to a windfall, in the grand scheme of things. The planet bred natural warriors and hunters, some of the galaxy’s best. Toni had visited once as a child, just at the start of this new era. They came to see the natural beauty. As Toni made her way through the streets of Irola, she was struck by how many new buildings there were. Of course, every planet these days had more new buildings than ever before. The constant war wrecked devastation, but this was different.

Toni had changed her clothing slightly, only just enough to blend in with the rest of the populace. A bright blue and gold sari covered her form, wrapped around her body as the dark haired woman made her way closer to her destination. It wasn’t just a fashion statement, it was functional. The folds of the blue fabric helped hide her pistols, daggers, and stun baton she needed for this job, along with her tight fitting black crop top and shell spider silk leggings. A blue scarf wrapped around her head provided the hired gun with a sense of autonomy in the crowd.

Her job here was pretty simple; someone wanted to get the princess [member="Tarana"] of Iridonia out of the castle. It was a simple matter of slipping in, getting into her chambers and breaking her out. The hard part would be doing it without killing anyone. What would happen after that, Toni wasn’t too sure. This wasn’t a bounty since she didn’t have to cash her in somewhere, and it clearly wasn’t a kidnapping. She would just have to figure it out from there.

The castle loomed before her, the setting sun behind her cast it in a golden light. Toni halted and surveyed its defenses, picking up the best entrance. A few people were milling away from it as the native Iridonians prepared to return home for the night. For a fleeting moment, the raven haired gun for hire appreciated the castle for its beauty, not just for its defendability.

Then just like that her moment of common humanity was gone. She slipped behind one of the Zabraks going into the castle and followed him in. He was a perfect stranger, but if Toni had learned anything from her years serving in the Commenori Forced Recon, it was that a confident walk and a crowd were the best disguises. She followed him to a T-crossing of halls before slipping away into a side passage.

And just like that, she was in.

 

[Tarana]

Tarana stared at the ceiling of her chambers as she lounged, her arms wrapped tightly about one of her many pillows as thoughts dashed through her mind. It was a couple of days before she was to take her trial; a challenge set up for when an Iridonian comes of age. She was meant to have the trial years ago, but the coming of her death, her revival, and her recuperation took that time away from her. Now that she was back, everyone was dashing about to get ready for the trial, and Tarana was left alone to her own devices, waiting for something interesting to happen while the entire palace got prepared.

Tarana reached over to a bowl of fruit that way on the floor nearby and grasped one of the more ripe ones, taking a bite of it while she contemplated what sort of beasts she may have to face in the ring. She prayed for a challenge, that her father would give her a dangerous obstacle to overcome so she could prove her worth; that her father wouldn't give her an easy target just so she would be guaranteed to win and survive. Tarana was sure her father didn't want to live through the torment of losing the same daughter twice, but that didn't change the fact that she'd rather face death head-on than being guaranteed to pass.

Most of her day was spent like this; in contemplation of the challenge to come as she waited for something exciting to happen. The redhead had already spent the last few days with her sister as she had wanted to see what was new around the palace. Another bite was taken from the fruit as she lay amongst a sea of pillows in her sunken bed, awaiting what would come.

[member="Toni Nova"]

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]Toni’s first step would be to find out where and how this princess was. Out of the folds of her sari, Toni pushed a data splice stick into one of the data terminals at the end of the hall. The blue screen devolved into static of a fraction of a moment, before once again becoming legible with a series of options. Her fingers flitted across the screen, navigating through the commands before at last a route to the Princess’ room filled the screen. After committing it to memory, Toni yanked her data splicer from the port and made her way back into the main hall.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She turned down a hall, then up a flight of stairs, crossing a massive atrium. She hurried as quickly as she dared without attracting undue attention. She knew that hacking into the mainframe would only go unnoticed for a matter of minutes, at best. Already she could see the local security officers moving hurriedly to act and initiate a soft lock down of the castle thanks to her little escapade. Sweat beaded on her brown under the scarf that was wrapped around her head and adrenaline pumped through her veins. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]At last Toni made her way to the final turboshaft, the last step before she was homeward bound. The doors couldn’t open fast enough as the hired gun casually stepped onto the lift. A guard at the end of the way saw her, his Zabrak face twisted into a scowl of recognition, “You, on the lift! Halt!”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He pulled the pistol strapped to his side up, aiming at the agent. She dove for cover as a volley of blaster shots scorched the wall behind her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“She’s over here, we found her!” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The sound of footsteps clamoring down the way filled her ears, Toni smashed the control panel and the doors clanged shut as she was launched up the lift tube. The sweet sound of elevator music filled her ears, calming Toni for a few minutes. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. That was too close.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When the doors to the princess’ chambers opened, Toni stepped out, pulling her scarf and Sari away, revealing her more traditional uniform.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Hey, princess,” Toni said at last with a nod, “I’m your Uber. Let’s get the hell out of here.” She heard the sound of several guards storming up one of the side passages, probably an emergency access to her quarters for--well moments like this. “And now, please.”[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Tarana had been at the ready, crouched down amongst the pillows as soon as she'd heard the gunfire. Spear in hand, the Dathomir woman slowly made her way up the steps and out of the sunken pit that housed her bed, prepared for whatever might come through the doors, though she was a bit surprised when she found it was not what she had expected or rather, what [member="Toni Nova"] had to say was unexpected. Someone had come to take her from the palace? It piqued her interest, and she'd been bored all day long so the sudden uproar this merc was causing was certainly up her alley.

The door behind Toni locked with a soft click as the sounds of the guard drew nearer. Fine. Tarana's voice would invade Toni's mind as she moved from her crouched position, though the princess herself was as silent as the dead with no movement to her lips at all. You're the only interesting situation I've seen all day, so I'll play along. I do expect an explanation though. You're not getting out of this completely scotch free. A wicked grin crossed Tarana's painted face as she waved the hired gun over, making her way towards the balcony that sat at the far end of her room. It looked out over the southern part of the palace grounds and part of the city.

Tarana turned to face Toni, waving to the balcony with that same wicked grin plastered to her face. Unless you have any other ideas on how to get out of here? The voice once more invading the mercenary's mind, definitely with an air of amusement. She gave the door once last look, sending a quick mental message to her twin before she turned her attention back to the intruder once more.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]The young princess looked less like a captive than Toni would have expected for the sum of money she had been given to get her out of here; Tarana was even wielding a spear. And she didn’t exactly say anything either to greet her. The royal blooded young woman led her to the balcony nearby overlooking the flat topped houses and sprawling city streets below. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You know how bad[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] of an idea this is right?” she asked shooting the younger girl’s face a look. Judging by the giggly smile that was across her lips, “Well I guess not, then.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The sound of boots on the stone were only getting louder and closer, Toni knew she was running out of options. “Well screw me then. Hold on to your chastity belt, Princess.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni wrapped her arms around her prize, jumping off the balcony just in time. The doors to the room literally exploded, sending a spray of stone and metal chunks into the room as the pair were sent spiraling through the air. Toni felt herself flip in mid air, diving head first. She arched her back as hard as she could to swing herself back around. The former gymnast knew how to fall from high places, but adding the extra weight of another person and removing her ability to use her arms made it a thousand times harder.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her feet hit the branches of the tree just under the window, Toni felt the foliage whipping angrily at her legs and torso as their plunge was slowed, then halted by a thicker branch. The impact jarred her legs, but Toni was able to absorb the shock by bending her knees. However, she hadn’t counted in for Tarana’s extra weight and instantly began swaying face first towards the ground again. She reflexively let go of her prize, steadying herself with one hand on a nearby limb. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Damn it,” instant regret hit Toni, her free hand lunged out, grabbing hold of whatever it could of Tanara.[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

If Tarana could have laughed, she would have. Well, it's not like she didn't actively laugh, but more so that when she did the sound was missing. She hadn't expected this intruder to grab a hold of her to make their descent, but it only made the situation she was in all the more interesting to her. She felt her heart race as they fell through the branches of the tree below her balcony, the excited and mischievous smile never once disappeared from her features. The Iridonian princesses attitude never changed, even as the mercenary let go of Tarana to catch her footing on the branch. Tarana didn't fall far before she noticed Toni had realized her mistake and reached out for her. She responded in kind, throwing out her hand to grasp onto [member="Toni Nova"] 's arm, holding on tightly as she swung in the air. That was close. Words once more entered Toni's mind, as well as what seemed to be a mischevious, excited laugh, that lasted for a moment. We may want to hurry up though, the guards won't be far behind.

With the two of them now at a halt, and way closer to the ground than they had been before, she decided to take action. Tarana slipped her hand from Toni's grasp to fall to the ground, landing in a quiet crouch in the grass. The redhead peered up at the mercenary and waved for her to follow suit, wanting to get out of there before the guards caught up and ruined the chaos.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]Toni felt the weight of Tarana’s body gently ease them both down as the branch bowed under their combined weight. When the princess’ soles were inches over the ground, she let her go before quickly dropping down on her feet lightly beside her. They were just outside the palace, but far from in the clear.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“We should get moving, the guards won’t be far behind,” Toni said echoing the thought in her mind. “That was way too close for my comfort.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She pulled one of the pistols from her side, thumbing it live. They were out now, but the hard part would be when the city went under lock down. You didn’t just while the princess away without there being major consequences. Getting her out of the palace was easy, getting her out of the city would be hard.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni grabbed Tarana’s arm and began guiding her through a back alley. As the adrenaline wore off, a sharp pain began to pulse through her left foot with every step. Soon the hired gun found herself limping as they stepped out into the second street.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“We need to find a disguise for you,” She said glancing over to the princess, “And for God’s sake stop smiling, your starting to creep me the hell out.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni weaved her way through the streets before finding her way into a small boutique that was still open after the sun had dropped before the horizon.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Can I help you two?” asked the sole teen working the sales floor with a wide, eager smile.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Just taking my sister here out for a much needed fashion upgrade, thanks,” Toni said trying to tug Tarana away.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The teen looked at Tarana, her eyes narrowing for a brief moment, “Hey, don’t I know--”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes, she made the Holonet’s top 5 for worst fashion in Iridonia,” Toni snapped, “Its kind of a sore subject if you must know. Come on, do you want[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] to start a fight and have us leave.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Sorry, so sorry,” the teen turned a bright crimson before hurrying away.[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Tarana gave the mercenary a curious eye as they left the grounds, wondering why the woman either ignored or repeated everything that the Iridonian Princess has said to her. The redhead followed [member="Toni Nova"] none the less, wondering where this adventure might take her as they navigated back alleys and the like.

Tarana's body shook slightly as she silently laughed, watching the embarrassed store clerk leave before she turned to the hired gun. I do have a cowl, you could have just waited and asked me to pull it up? the Dathomir woman smiled at Toni, tilting her head to the side out of curiosity. I did also tell you I'd need an explanation, when am I going to receive that?

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]Toni’s eyes didn’t leave the teen until they were out of sight past a line of eclectic racks. She turned back to Tarana. “Yeah, sure you could just put your hood on, but your a big wig around here. We need you to look normal. Or did you forget your, ya know, kinda a princess?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She grabbed a soft grey top off one of the racks tossing it at Tarana, “Try this on, it looks your size and is a good color. It might--”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni furrowed her brows and took a limped step away from Tarana. Her lips etched itself in a scowl across her face. The princess hadn’t said a single word in the few moments there were together, she would have remembered it. But still--it was almost---almost like--[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“No way,” Toni said adamantly. She balled her fist, punching the side of her thigh, “No. No. Way. it’s not possible.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She grabbed a nearby clothing rack of leather jackets. She could feel herself getting light headed and woozy. There was no way she could hear a voice in her head. She was stronger than this, too strong to lose her marbles. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Shut it down, girl,” Nova said to herself, “So your hearing voices? Oh well. How normal right?” She jammed her pointer finger against her forehead, “Is that you or skipping my med’s starting to finally catch up with me?” She waved her hand away, “Yeah, yeah, sure, whatever. Explanations after sanity. My question is more important.” [/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

The redhead frowned as she stared up at the finger that poked her in the center of her forehead, turning her gaze back to the hired gun after a moment before the voice invaded Toni's head once more. Yes. I've been talking to you this entire time. I lost my ability to speak and make sounds, so I use my affinity in the force to speak telepathically. I apologize for freaking you out; I tend to forget not everyone knows my... situation.

Tarana let out a sigh, once more without a sound except for her breathing as she tried on the grey top [member=[/FONT]"Toni Nova"] had tossed to her, not even bashful as she basically stripped her shirt off in between the racks. The Dathomir woman left her original top hanging over a nearby rack as she pulled the grey one on, staring down at it with a satisfactory glance. I will say, though it isn't my normal style, this one is interesting. It's been such a long time since I've shopped for clothes. Though this shows a bit more than I'm used to... Tarana trailed off as she looked into a nearby mirror to stare at her own throat. Usually, the Iridonian princess wore scarves or cowls to cover the angry scar that crossed her throat, a constant reminder of the fact that she'd been killed and the resurrection ritual hadn't been one hundred percent successful, costing her the ability to make any sound at all.

The redhead stared at her scar for another moment or so before she reached for her original top and removed her cowl from it, wrapping it around her neck and up around her head to cover it all up. Now. I'll say it again. Tarana turned towards the mercenary this time, her hands on her hips as the words echoed through Toni's mind. Please explain to me why you decided to remove the Princess of Iridonia from her home?

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=12pt]Toni blinked, “Well, damn.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]At least she knew the PTSD hadn’t fully pushed her out of the game yet with voices in her head. Then again she might have already and Tarana was just smart enough to not argue with the woman holding the guns. Or maybe she was already further gone than that, curled up in a padded room hallucinating the whole thing. Only time would tell. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Toni didn’t look away as the girl stripped herself bare and re-clothed herself again. She had worked too hard to get her hands on Tarana to have her disappear with a simple trick like that on her. The scar on her throat made Toni arch an eyebrow. She wouldn’t have expected something like that on the body of royalty.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Yeah, well I can’t have you looking like a convent nun anymore, it doesn’t fit in,” Toni motioned to Tarana’s form, “We do need to fix that skirt as well though.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She shrugged at Tarana’s question. The sad part for her was that as wild as it was for the princess, it was just another job and another day in the life if the gunslinger. Today she was kidnapping a princess, tomorrow she could be killing a CEO. While some people had an eye for numbers or were quick enough with their hands to steal, Toni was just good at killing.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“It’s just a job, kid,” she said flatly. “I get paid to not ask questions. Someone said to get you out of there, and once I did there would be further instructions. But, if I were[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] to guess,” Toni gave a sigh through her nose, “I’d say someone on the inside, anyone else would be indifferent to collateral damage, which I was told to specifically [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]not[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] do.”[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

A frown crossed Tarana's face as [member="Toni Nova"] spoke, crossing her arms over her chest. I don't look like a Nun, and I'm not a child. The Princess bared her teeth at the mercenary for a moment before she turned to look at a rack of clothes, staring down at them in thought. Someone had hired this woman to kidnap Tarana and take her from the palace, someone on the inside? Who? The redhead turned her gaze back over to Toni, hesitating for a moment or two before she spoke once more, her voice slipping once more into Toni's mind. And it was me that they requested? Not my twin sister? Tarana had been killed then resurrected, and she didn't think too many people knew she was alive once more. If it truly was someone from inside the palace then they'd know Tarana was alive once more, but then there were so many possibilities as to who it might be. Why her though? The Dathomir woman took a pair of pants from the rack, looking them over as she contemplated everything.

Have they contacted you yet? Tarana looked at Toni once more, her smile gone as she kept an extremely serious expression. Believe me, I know this is your job; I understand that, but I'm not willing to cost innocent lives at the palace. The moment something goes wrong up there, I'm out of here. Got it? That was her family up there, she was not about to jeopardize their safety.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]Toni held her hands up defensively, “Alright, alright, don’t get your chastity belt all in a wad. Sheesh.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She sighed and shrugged. She didn’t even know that Tarana had a twin sister, but she wasn’t about to tell her captive that. The less holes she seemed to have in her knowledge the better that was. It probably pretty obvious this rough-around-the-edges soldier had no idea how to talk to royalty. “They gave me a specific name to take; Tarana. They said I can use any force necessary, as long as I don’t kill anyone on site and cause minimal harm to you.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni crossed her arms, her face twisting in a contorted shape. She hated trying to get involved in the job, the more distant she stayed, the less she cared. When she tried to figure things out with why, who, what and how… she got involved. “Why--I don’t care. If you want me to figure it out, you have money and it can talk for you. I am supposed to check in now that I have you. Grab you something to finish the outfit and stay close by.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni took a few steps away, thumbing her commlink live. She kept a wary and not-so-subtle eye on Tarana. The princess had been easy to work with so far, but Toni wasn’t about to test that. A garbled, staticky voice came through on the line, “Do you have her?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yeah, I have your little golden child. It would have helped if you’d told me, you know, that she’s a damn mute telepath,” Toni hissed angrily. “That would have been damn brilliant.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“And yet you got it done?” said the voice in a challenging tone, “Was anyone injured?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“No, but the city is going wild. I need you to give me a drop off or something before we get caught here. I need a game plan.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“There is village named Wellsinger not too far away. The grey brown barn on the outskirts of town will have your next instructions.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The line disconnected and Toni stuffed her comm back in her belt. The gunslinger made her way back to the princess. “I try to keep the collateral damage to the minimum. There’s a barn a few miles away that we need to get to quickly but we need a speeder and I would swear they are probably putting up search points out of the city. This is where things get genuinely hard.”[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Tarana's expression continued to darken as she watched [member="Toni Nova"], keeping half of her attention on the clothing. You don't need to treat me like a delicate little flower. I've literally been to hell and back; nothing could be more difficult than that. And I don't care about how you speak to me, but this chastity belt thing is a bit annoying. Don't assume my situation just because you know I'm a princess. The Dathomir woman let out a breathy sigh, nothing more than the sound of her breath leaving her as she picked through the clothing on the rack, finally deciding on some pants and switching the top she'd been given so she wouldn't have to wear her cowl anymore. Tarana changed into the outfit and looked into the mirror nearby, nodding in satisfaction before she turned back to the mercenary. Also, could you possibly tell me your name? I'd rather not have to continue to call you "lady" or "you" as much as possible. She removed the proper amount of credits to pay for the clothes, collecting her actual items as she went.

Tarana turned to the clerk to pay for her new clothes, giving her a little more than enough to cover it. Her hands rose into the air as she signed "thank you" to the employee before looking over at Toni. Alright, I'm ready when you are. The Iridonian Princess reached up, adjusting her hair so that it laid in a different style to make movement easier.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]“I don’t think you’re a delicate little flower,” Toni said flatly, “I think you’re worth over 500,000 credits to me, plus any future contracts. And let’s be honest, if I get holed up with you, I’m sure as hell gonna use you as a bargaining chip to get out alive. Damn, even maybe as a hostage if I gotta.” Toni shrugged and looped her thumb through her belt, “But message received.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni smirked, letting out a genuine half-laugh. Lady? That was new. No one had ever called her Lady[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] in a non-sarcasting tone. Now ‘queen’... she’d heard that plenty. “They call me Toni, or you can call me by my call sign, Huntress 4[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] I’ll answer to either.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]They moved out of the shop, Toni would have paid for the clothes but apparently Tarana was faster with her wallet. She stood looking from the corner of the street. Things were still chaotic, and there were more patrolmen getting on the streets. She would have to think fast. A single speeder with the two of them was sure to get caught and flagged. There was no chance of them enlisting someone’s help either. As for sneaking or disguising their way past? That was also out of the question. They would have to hitch a ride from an unsuspecting helper.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Even under lock down, there were a few industries too important to cut off. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Come on,” Toni took a turn down one of the back alleys. A direct route to the hospital would have taken all of five minutes, but with dodging the soldiers and doubling back three and four times to avoid being tracked, it took six times that. “One of these ambulances will be our best bet out.” One of the four wheeled heavy trucks of mercy revved to life and began inching towards the shadows Toni had picked for them to hide. The gunslinger pulled a pair of magnogrip clamps from her belt. She offered one to Tarana, “I only brought a pair, sorry. Good luck.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When the ambulance came close enough into the shadows, Toni sprang to life. All she could hope was that Tarana wouldn’t stab her in the back here.[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Though she didn't agree with [member="Toni Nova"] 's way of doing things, this entire endeavor had been more exciting than what had been happening at the palace, though the thrill of the adventure didn't push one important topic from her mind; the possibility of a traitor in the palace. Why would someone want Tarana, of all people, to leave? Whatever the reason, it was something she was determined to figure out and put an end to. She followed the mercenary with ease, using the magnogrip when it came time. She'd never really used one before, that she could remember anyway, but she wasn't about to ditch this opportunity for information.

We need to have a serious chat when we reach our destination. Too much going on to try and hold a conversation now. The Dathomir woman's voice echoed in Toni's mind, the redhead sticking close to the hired gun the entire time. I'll follow your lead.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]Toni sprinted forward, catapulting her small frame upward with her momentum. She was already short at is it was, so she needed all the help she could get. Her fingertips barley grabbed on the edge of the Ambulance’s roof, she pulled herself up over the top and offered Tarana a hand up if she needed it. If the princess had her own stow away plan, well that was great too. She thumbed her magno grip clamp active and held on for dear life, lying flat on top of the ambulance’s roof.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She heard Tarana’s words in her head as they whizzed through the streets hiding in plain sight. “Right, a chit-chat.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She didn’t know if Tarana could hear her thoughts as well as send them, or if she could hear Toni’s words over the engine, but it was at least worth a shot. The ambulance had no problem making its way past the checkpoint, the soldiers checked inside but there was no real reason to check the top or bottom, only a deranged psycho with a death wish would hide up there.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Once they were past, it didn’t take long for them to reach Wellsinger. The farm town was a quaint stop light and four street intersections, it didn’t even have a hospital, just a Kzerka Tech general store and a fuel up station. The gunslinger slinked off the top of the ambulance at the stop light, careful to stroll through the streets. There wasn’t anyone around to mention in this farmer’s town, and the streets were as empty as could be. Toni hooked one of her thumbs in her gunbelt as she swaggered through the streets towards the barn they were told would be the solution to their problems.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Ok, you wanna talk? Now is the best time to give it a shot,” Toni said as they passed the one fuel station, “There’s no telling what will be waiting us when we get to the barn.” She sighed, “But If this is the part where you tell me you realized you love me deeply, please spare us both the bother.”[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Tarana spluttered slightly at [member="Toni Nova"] 's words, the only sound escaping her being a snort from her nose as she laughed silently. Don't go and start to crush my hopes now, Toni. A mischevious grin crossed the redheads' features as she walked alongside the mercenary, arms crossed over her chest. No, my "serious chat" is about the situation as a whole. Someone wanted me out of the palace. I want to know who and why so I can deal with it accordingly. Help me do this and I'll not only pay you, but I'll make sure that you get the money you've been promised by your contractor and this little escapade won't come back to bite you in the ass. Whether or not the job you were hired for gets completed depends solely on the purposes of my extraction. Either way, you will get paid.

The Dathomir woman glanced about their surroundings as they made their way along the street, hoping that she was proposing a mutually beneficial offer. Her gaze drifted back to Toni, staring at the slightly older woman as her words once more rang through the mercenaries mind. I think its quite a fair deal. It does mean you're going back on your current jobs contract, but its this or I make it extremely difficult for you. Your choice.

 

[Toni Nova]

[member="Tarana"]


[SIZE=11pt]“Right, I am sure you had high hopes,” Toni said with a tone laced in sarcasm, “Was it my charming personality? Don’t even try to throw osik[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] at me, it’s my f’ing rocking body.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Toni listened to Tarana’s proposal, which was more of the kind she suspected from someone with power and influence. She had been threatened and been offered bribes, and better pay and all kinds of wild even psychotic offers. Toni was used to it. Iridonia was a powerful planet located as close to the center of the galaxy as many could get. She wasn’t scared of Iridonians, or of Tarana’s threats. She was attracted to the money.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“First of all, I didn’t sign a contract,” Toni said raising a finger. “Which is piss poor. If I had, I would say hell no [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]to your offer[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Professional integrity and all. Second, since I haven’t signed a contract, I will always follow the money. So after I rob this prick blind with the credits they owe me for my work, yeah, sure, I’ll go on your little witch hunt.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She turned down the dirt road that lead them down between a pair of wheat laiden fields. The wooden barn they had come for loomed ahead of them at the end of the dusty, brown road through the twilight dusk. The last lingering rays gave way to the stars pressing through the purple-black blanket of the night sky. “I mean, it’s a crappy deal for the other guy but I don’t care. I will get the better end,” she shot Tarana a sideways warning glance, “Even if you decide to try to screw with me.”[/SIZE]

 

[Tarana]

Tarana snorted and shook her head, staring over at the barn that sat at the end of their path, a faint smile across her lips. Contrary to what I'm suggesting you do, I stick to my deals, so long as my people don't get hurt. That's the only reason I'm doing this. If someone plans to betray my father and hurt the people here, then they'll get what's coming to them. The redheads' eyes narrowed, her arms uncrossing and dropping to her side as she walked along with [member="Toni Nova"]

Also, I completely agree with you. Who hires someone for a job and doesn't make them sign a contract? Whoever it was that hired the mercenary to take Tarana from her home clearly wasn't thinking properly, or wanted to stay completely anonymous so as to not be traced back to the entire incident. They're either extremely foolish or taking a calculated risk...