Coruscanti Blues... (Open)

[The Wayfarer]

The lights that twinkled about the cityscape were near blinding to The Wayfarer and made his head spin. Everywhere he looked dazzling neon signs advertised strange products from everything between blaster rifles to pure simple fried food. Strange beings meandered to and fro, creatures that the wayfarer never could've imagined existed. He couldn't help but ogle at the strange sentients. He was almost slapped by globule fingers as he raised his own to poke a strange green blob that was in fact a living being. He recoiled as another being offered him a tentacle in gratitude when he bought suspicious looking meat from the creature.

He munched on the juicy food stick as he meandered through the lower levels of Coruscant, half enraptured by the magnificent of it all half terrified by the strangeness of it. He found himself a foreigner in these lands and had no clue where to start. Eventually he settled on entering a simple diner. It was titled "Munch'N'Stuff" and the patrons within were of a less savory variety. Even so it seemed one of the more well kept establishments in the area.

The Ronin took a seat at one of the diner stools and waited to be served. He felt something tug on the straw hat at his back and he was sure his pockets had been emptied. But, as he turned to face the pickpocket he found a near human child. It smiled at him with a sharp toothy grin, it's eyes were lizard like and it sported a flat nose. It mimicked with its three fingered hands placing a large hat on it's head. The wayfarer could not help but smirk and removed the straw hat from his back. He pretended it was a flying saucer, even making little whooshing noises until finally it rested safely atop the strange aliens head.

It squealed in delight and clapped it's hands. Running outside it joined a group of other street urchins where it showed off it's new prize. It showed them how it could fly then pointed to the sky. The Wayfarer's heart went out to such children and he hoped one day they might truly fly to the place of their dreams. Turning back to face the counter The Wayfarer was surprised by a large four armed alien with a very large grin. The Wayfarer pointed to the bantha steak on the menu

"I'll have one of these," He said offering the creature a similar smile.

The creature nodded then extended it's hand. The wayfarer reached into his pocket and withdrew several gold coins. He gave them them to the sentient and it eyed them curiously.

"What's this? I need moullerah," The alien said after handing The Wayfarer back his coins.

Oda's jaw dropped, surely such an amount was sufficent! Hand going back into his pocket he dug out more coins, begrudgingly he handed the creature them. It laughed as it looked at the pile of coins in his palm. Understanding dawned on The Wayfarer and he realized his currency was no good here... His stomach grumbled loudly in protest and his face was overcome with a seriousness that spoke volumes

"I can work!"

The alien eyed him up and down and sighed.

"I don't usually do this, but i'm short on hands," Something The Wayfarer thought the four armed sentient would never say. "The dishes need done and the grill must be tended," The alien growled "You have your food handlers card?" He asked the Vagabond and Oda simply shrugged in response.

The alien rolled his eyes and pointed to the back of the diner with a large fat thumb.

"Just don't burn the place down..."

Despite Oda not having a food handlers card he would not let his new boss down. He would show the large meaty alien that he was more then qualified to prepare the most delicious of foods! He went to the back and immediately he began scrubbing the greasy plates with all his might....

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Coruscant... The place of Nyx's birth also the place she hated the most, she figured that had to be the reason she had been ordered by the dark council to try to find contacts on the planet, as far as she knew they had no plans of taking this planet but still it couldnt help to have supporters could it?

As The small sith Disembarked her transport ship she moved swiftly but trod gently upon the dark streets, she had no clue where to start so she began to think, she wanted to avoid the deep underground if she could for if not she would definitely run into those she used to call her family, if that happened it would not end well for them, she would show them the error of their ways.

As she thought upon this she set off for the nearest major diner she could think of, Munch'nStuff. For she not only thought it would be a good place to begin her hunt but she was also starving from her travels. As she neared the diner it began to rain, a cold hard rain that soaked one to the bone and made them feel as if they would never be warm again.

The petite woman reached the door to the diner she removed her hood and stepped through, as she did you could tell the atmosphere changed, it went from very lively to rather hesitant as she took a seat at the counter

[member="The Wayfarer"]

 

[Mauda]

I looked outside and knew I'd made a good decision. I didn't necessarily want to spend my evening sedentary and observing the people I hate. D.E.A.D was a very time consuming occupation but then again, a decentralised arms market can run itself for a while. And I was hungry. And it was now Raining. A good decision after all. I ordered a Bantha stew and as I waited, Observed the diner

Certainly not something I've seen before. First an awfully out of place Ronin of sorts finds a unique way of paying for food, and soon after a woman with the darkness of a Sith enters a common Diner.
My interest was piqued.

Sat in the corner of a lowly establishment, I straightened my posture and made eye contact with who I could only assume was a user of the Dark Side. I had never spoke to a fellow Dark Sider and I certainly didn't want to miss an opportunity. With careful deliberation I probed her mind with the Force and quietly announced my presence.

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="The Wayfarer"]

 

[The Wayfarer]

The soft pitter patter of rain began to echo outside the diner as Oda scrubbed dishes. He looked out the window and watched as the rain streaked across the glass pane. He spied the urchins as they raced away to whatever shelter they had whilst strangers absorbed in themselves adorned jackets and coats. The Wayfarer began working the grill and stopped as he felt a dark signature reverberate throughout the force. He leaned from the grill room to peak out the doorway. He spied the evil and whom it was coming from. A small woman that sat at the edge of the diner. At first Oda's eyes swept over here, for sure such a delicate thing could not be so cruel. But, for true she was infected by the darkside.

The Ronin was sure of it when his eyes locked with hers and he spied the tell tale signs of corruption in her tainted yellow eyes. He hoped a fight could be avoided, but he found his hand reaching for the katana at his hip regardless. His hand grasped empty air and he remembered the four armed alien had placed it behind the bar counter when he agreed to work the grill. The smell of smoke brought him out of his thoughts and Oda realized he had forgot to flip the steak! He rushed to the grill and turned the meat so that it would cook evenly... Or at least not burn any worse then it already was.

Having finished the steak Oda placed it on a plate and the big alien pointed to the small woman in the back. Oda sighed as he prepared to serve her. He stalked across the bar and at the same time attempted to sense her intentions in the force. He placed the burnt food before her and eyed her curiously.

"Your fo-" He stopped short as he sensed another in the force.

Surely she had sensed it too. This one rank with rage. Wild and unadulterated. It reminded Oda of the wild stalion's he used to break back home. He sighed as he was sure a fight would break out in the diner. That's when things went from bad to worse. The street urchins from before stormed into the diner for shelter. The four armed aliens booming laughter could be heard throughout the diner and he shouted between chuckles

"We've got some new customers!" He began serving the urchins simple sandwiches and then beckoned to The Wayfarer. "The rush is coming to a close, I think you've earned your meal," He said as he placed a similar sandwich on the counter for Oda.

The Wayfarer made his way back to the counter. He took a seat at the diner next to the children and began eating the delicious morsel. The younglings added a new dynamic to the mix. Oda could not simply start swinging his sword around with them in the diner... His face one of contemplative thought he eyed the young alien which still adorned his old straw hat. The little alien offered him another toothy grin, which made Oda smile despite the situation. Perhaps his worry was for nothing, perhaps the darksiders had truly simply come for food... And perhaps Oda was a fool.

[member="Orex Mauda"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Mauda]

Carefully sipping my stew, I watched as the second figure of interest reappeared, bringing food to the Dark Sider. I switched my focus to him and felt his being. Sad. Wrought with grief and pain and yet, a man of light and righteousness. This was just getting more and more curious by the minute.

I sat watching him, feeling his mind when, like a whisper in my ear, I felt a connection to him snap into place. He was aware. Not only was he also force-sensitive, but he felt both the woman and myself. My focus was entirely drawn. The rain faded, the people all but disappeared and all I saw, was the triangle before me. We were connected and we were aware. The atmosphere was slowly getting heavier and I was feeling more and more pulled to my lightsaber. Thoughts of the immediate future began racing in my mind. Was a conflict due? perhaps a conversation? I intended to avoid the former and move toward the latter. The Sith was my focus. I felt a great need to converse with her at the very least.

The Ronin and I had very conflicting motives. I felt his tension but his good intentions were deafening. If there were to be a conflict, the light would be put out first. My anger began to stir as I analysed the Ronin and my focus was increasingly drawn until I was thrown out of my stasis by the sounds of children. I looked over and saw the group of street urchins burst through the door and take advantage of the chef's generosity.

My hatred for all things had no exception. Rage was an emotion I used to my benefit to exact revenge, but any living thing that found itself in the headlights of my pain was going to be caught in the wind. And Children held no more meaning to me than a pebble to a tsunami. Of course I had no intention to fight. I was simply hungry. But the possible future remained present in my mind.

Soon I realised how consumed I was in the force and quickly wheeled back to a more subtle presence. My anger had been leaking and my print in the force was likely significant. Yet again, my anger had clouded me. Where there was once a whisper in the force, there was now steady chatter. A chatter filled with pain and malice. Hopefully this would not cause any problems. I sat back, silenced myself and resumed my Bantha Stew.

[member="The Wayfarer"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Carmine Lucretz]

She knew the mission would be a long one. But she had only been on Coruscant for a year before she learned she hated it and couldn't wait for it to be over. it reminded her too much of her home. She was to insinuate herself into the lower level society and become a regular in order for her to learn about certain seedier elements. she was to insinuate herself into one of these organizations without becoming suspect and begin gathering information.

That was her mission and to her it seems like she hasn't even begun, even though the first part of her mission was complete. She had been there for a full year as a down on her luck spice dealer and had gotten to know the area and the inhabitants pretty well. Her personality designed and crafted by herself to fit her role perfectly. from the time she woke up, to the time she woke up again she was Carmine Lucretz. day and night, conscious and unconscious she was someone else, something else. Even her private life couldn't escape this makeover in case she had already been noticed and people sought to know more about her.

She was walking the sidewalks on the lower levels when it began to rain... again. Did it ever really stop? She couldn't complain, she liked the rain and it always made her feel better. But Carmine couldn't simply appreciate it the way her true self could and she was forced to take cover from the almost instant downpour. She turned to the side and went to a diner that she had frequented often. The Munch'N'Stuff. she was a regular there even though she never bought anything to eat, preferring the drinks. But she was well acquainted the with the owner and was always able to glean much useful information from the well connected Besalisk about her targets and the people she was to eventually connect herself with.

She walked in not a few moments after a group of urchins rushed in to take shelter as well and to take advantage of the good hearted Besalisk's generosity. she shook the rain off her coat and took in the whole scene in a single glance, her highly trained yet disguised gaze missing nothing.

She first noticed the strangely dressed human that was now seated with the urchins. From what she gathered he was a well built almost middle aged human who had just worked in the kitchen for the sandwich he now enjoyed with the urchins, judging by his hands how they were slightly pruned from washing dishes and scorched in a few places from working the grill. detecting the smell that was street vendor food from the wiped grease on his trousers told her he was a foreigner or tourist.
One who was slightly tense from a recent altercation with one of the other guests in the establishment and was used to having a heavy weapon in the sash at his hip.

Second she noticed the petite yet brooding girl that seemed to be the source of the depressing atmosphere in the room. Carmine immediately noticed her robes and marked her as a dark force user, detecting the telltale lumps where lightsabers would be hidden underneath the robes. She could tell the girl was native to Coruscant by the way the girls shoulders tensed by a practiced caution of turning your back to anyone or any door. the girl couldn't have been much older than Carmine, but if using herself as any indication... age was deceptive.

The other guest of the diner was different from the other two, besides the fact she could easily peg him as another dark force user by the facial tattoos, his tense posture and his own lightsaber lump. But what made him different was she was actually somewhat familiar with him, working the streets and hearing word of the brutal scavenger with amassed wealth and power. She was slightly surprised to see him in Munch'N'Stuff but knew that she had to be cautious around him. She saw him focusing and watching the other two guests very intently, most likely doing so through the force as well as that is how these people tend to operate.

By the way all of them regarded each other and the foreigner she was also able to discern that the tourist was also a force user, probably a Jedi or light side user of some kind. Her own figure not all that assuming, a young red headed human girl that was just shy of "skinny as a rail" hidden behind a light trench coat designed for concealing her wares, but which now concealed only two blasters on her hips and several items remaining in her pockets.

In keeping with her character she moved boldly forward, showing no sign that she noticed or hid anything.
sitting down at the bar a few seats down from the tourist and giving the owner a warm greeting, "Hello Killian! lucky I got caught in the rain outside of YOUR diner, eh?"
The Besalisk, Killian, gave his now characteristic laugh and greeted her, "Of course, Miss Lucretz! though it would be even luckier if you actually bought some food. Your usual?"
She responded in kind, "You know it, Killian."
The Besalisk filled a glass with a strange liquid and slid it to her.

[member="Orex Mauda"]
[member="The Wayfarer"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[The Wayfarer]

Oda sat staring at the darkside force users within the bar and sighed as another entered the diner. An unassuming woman who seemed of little note. The Wayfarer could sense an immense rage emanating from the darksider and he had to steel himself lest it infect his own self. Things were going to get bad and The Wayfarer knew it. As Killian served the newcomer the Wayfarer reached behind the counter and grasped hold of his blade. He stuck it between his waist band and then turned to the street urchins.

"Would you like to play a game?" He asked the little alien still wearing his straw hat.

The alien shook his head in a clear no and The Wayfarer facial expression became one of obvious perplexion.

"Why not?" He asked dumbfounded, knowing full well that the younglings very lives could depend on whether or not he got them out of the vicinity.

The young aliens face turned to one of terror and he whispered to the Drifter

"Motta will find us!" The Wayfarer was surprised by the sudden fear and knew more was at play here then he had originally thought.

"Who is Motta?" He asked innocently and the young aliens jaw dropped in surprise.

"He's the baddest Nikto in the area! He rules the Black Sun!" The street urchin shouted louder then he had intended.

He quickly placed his hands over his mouth, but Oda was already connecting the pieces. These children were run away slaves. Oda knew they would not get very far, but he also doubted this Motta was looking for them yet. Still Oda decided something must be done about this...

"Tell me where this Motta is and I will make sure he never bothers you again," The Ronin whispered to the young alien. It stared at the ground and Oda could hear a faint whimpering as the child began to cry.

"Wh-why would you help us?" He asked solemnly. Oda smiled.

"Because i'm a super hero," He offered as a simple solution and the child looked up to him with gleaming eyes

"You mean, like a Jedi?" He asked and Oda nodded whilst still smiling.

"I will show you..." The alien said quietly, a hint of fear in his voice.

Oda's face turned to one of seriousness and he said sternly "And I will keep you safe..."

The urchin grabbed the Wayfarer by the hand and began to lead him into the pouring rain.


[member="Carmine Lucretz"]
[member="Orex Mauda"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Mauda]

Well that was that. My imprint on the atmosphere was irreversible. While rage and anger often serve me well, this situation has likely only been worsened. I closed myself off further but knew I'd already leaked enough emotion to be easily noticeable. I sat berating myself when yet another interesting figure evacuated the rain and entered the Diner. I began to watch her closely, noticing the analytical nature of her eyes. They were deciphering each of us. When they glanced over me I switched my focus on the other two, avoiding her gaze. With that I noticed the Ronin. He certainly wasn't happy and I watched as he reached under the counter for what I could only assume was an item I wouldn't agree with. I finished my Bantha Stew and took it to the counter to give to the Besilisk.

Everyone was in close proximity now. I approached the counter, nearing the Ronin, The Redhead and the Sith. The energy was only reinforced and I felt the Tension Triangle between Myself, Ronin and Sith broil in intensity. A fight was at the forefront of my mind, and yet I simply wanted to talk.

I was about to return to my seat when I heard one of the Urchins almost shout

"He Rules The Black Sun!"

Being in the business that I was, the Black Sun was something I was very familiar with. And having the past that I do, the Leader was someone I was especially keen to get my hands on. Motta was just as good as any Slaver I've killed. But getting to him isn't easy, so I've had to leave that one alone.

Upon hearing this, My ears pricked and I listened to the now very interesting conversation. I couldn't make out the whispers of the Ronin but the child was much less cautious. He began to cry.

"Why would you help us?"

I put two and two together and made the assumption that the Ronin was going to get involved. Something I certainly intended to do. I walked back to the counter, placed my hand on the Ronin's shoulder,

"Perhaps I could be of some assistance?"

[member="The Wayfarer"]

[member="Carmine Lucretz"]

[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Carmine Lucretz]

Carmine overheard the child as well. She was familiar with Motta and had a mental file on him and his connection to the Black Sun here on Coruscant. Motta was not her mission though, and she was not inclined to help the people of Coruscant be rid of a pest like the Black Sun. the youngling was scared of course, but to her experience with even young escaped slaves, the fear inspired more caution than this child was exercising. perhaps the man the child spoke to had that effect on people and was easily able to garner the childs trust? But Carmine sensed something else at work here... a quickening of the pulse that did not match the smell of fear. On top of this, she thought she recognized the little creature, but for some reason could not clearly ID him.

She gulped on the juice she was given and listened closely while also carrying on a conversation with Killian to hide her interest. She was slightly surprised when [member="Orex Mauda"], after a moment of indecision, put his hand on the tourist and offered his aid to help the urchins be free of Motta just as they were rising to leave. She mentally raised an eyebrow to herself. The bloodthirsty scavenger has a heart? But again she sensed something more at work. She could detect the unspoken lies that Orex told himself.

She weighed the option of joining them in taking down Motta. Such a feat would definitely make her well known in the area, but it may up her timetable too much too quickly. and she also didn't yet know if the people she was to connect with had any connection with Black Sun, and if an assault on the Black Sun either endear her to the organization, or put a target on her back. As of yet she had too little knowledge to act out of the ordinary. So she simply tracked everyone in the room by smell and hearing for now, waiting to see if new information came up, or a confrontation ensued.

[member="The Wayfarer"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[The Wayfarer]

The Wayfarer was preparing to leave the diner with youngling's in tow when something peculiar happened. One of the darksider's had approached him and he hadn't even noticed. He chided himself for his lack of senses. Lightning fast his hand fell to the hilt of his blade, but before he could draw another peculiarity happened. The darksider offered him help. The Ronin was cautious to accept the man's aid at first, but he knew to that he could not take on the whole of the Black sun alone. More than that he sensed something more at play here. The younglings seemed to eager to go back to their captor, and the darksider seemed to eager to help. He reasoned it was more then likely a trap.

Whether it be by this Motta or Orex he did not know. He took a moments to channel his aura. He breathed deeply in and out attempting to feel the intentions of Mauda. He sensed no deception in the man. Perhaps he was after something else then? Maybe even redemption? Whatever it was his offer aid was truthful and sincere.

"It would be an honor to have your help, my name is Oda," He spoke plainly, the same casual grin on his face.

He offered a hand to Orex and hoped the man would accept it as a sign of good faith.

Then the youngling spoke again "Quickly now, before Motta catches us first!" He said cautiously and the drifter simply grinned and nodded.

Together the three would walk through the pouring rain. Cross alleys and corridors filled with junk and trash till finally they descended to even lower levels of Coruscant. One where the rain let alone the sun didn't even reach. Beady eyes peered curiously upon the outsiders from the shadows and others kept heads low whilst they stood around barrels lit with flame. The buildings here were seemingly pieced together by ancient junk and the whole place was rank with filth. Beggars rushed the newcomers and the drifter felt a pang of sympathy for them, but he had nothing to offer them and when they realized this they spat at the three and made way to find another way to get the drugs they so desperately sought.

Finally they entered a small alley with only two entrances. The younglings ran in either direction and The Wayfarer sensed the trap was here. Eight armed thugs entered. Four in front of them, four behind them. They pointed blaster rifles and pistols at the duo and The Wayfarer sighed. He knew the best course of action would be to allow these goons to lead them to their leader so he dropped his blade to the ground and raised his hands to the air. He only hope his companion would see the wisdom in his choice. Otherwise they may never find this Motta.

[member="Carmine Lucretz"]
[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Mauda]

Can't say I didn't expect it. As I placed a hand on the Ronin's shoulder, his hand flew to his blade. As I conveyed my offer, I began instantly to feel and probe his every joint and tendon, just incase the weapon were unsheathed. Fortunately for both of them, it was not, and when offered, we shook hands.

"Oda. My name is Orex. I'm sure we share intentions"

I finished with a small smile, hoping to disarm [member="The Wayfarer"] of any assumptions. Seemingly to no avail as Oda regarded me with suspicion and caution. Nevertheless, I followed him and the urchins out the diner and into the lower levels.

I hated it with every fibre of my being. It was a sprawling slum, planet wide and just as deep with the most wretched scum for population. We walked alleys and streets very familiar to me. Some dregs and criminals recognised me, after all It was me who supplied them with the weapons and garments they brandished as we passed. I'd certainly made a name for myself down here. Mostly as a Killer. What I left for them was nothing but terror. Some of these came home to find friends and family, twisted and contorted. I liked to think it was their fault.

Beggars. I felt nothing for them. Indeed I was once in their position, albeit worse. But they deserved no respect. Weak, useless and at the mercy of this useless government. Indulging at the slightest opportunity. As I walked, my anger grew. Some beggars insulted when we refused. When one decided to spit at us, I waited for Oda to wander ahead, turned and force pulled the beggar towards me, catching him by the throat.

"Listen closely scum, your existence to me matters less than the cracks I currently walk on. To spit at me is to spit in the face of your meager life. You would do well to consider who you disgrace"

I locked eyes with the beggar and reversed his left leg with the force, dropped him, and continued walking.

We took a corner into an alley. Once we stepped between the buildings, my senses were stimulated. It was a trap. With the thought came 8 armed thugs. Black Sun no less. They all aimed their weapons at the duo as the urchins dispersed. Oda let out a sigh and dropped his blade. The goons then turned to me. Indeed surrender wasn't the first thought on my mind but my Commenor training came to mind. My mentor's lectures came flooding back. The best course of action was to simply use their own minds against them. They would likely take us deeper, perhaps even straight to Motta. With this, I placed my lightsaber on the floor and calmly lifted my arms. Looking around I noticed one thug was using a rifle manufactured by none other than my own company, DEAD. I couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation.

[member="Carmine Lucretz"]
[member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[The Wayfarer]

The Wayfarer was somewhat surprised when his companion dropped his blade. It seemed the being of rage had a more tempered spirit then Oda had expected. One of the goons stepped forward and grabbed both weapons while the rest kept blasters trained on the duo. The drifter was cuffed with magnalocks and the thugs led them towards a speeder and ushered them in. They drifted through open speed ways and the drifter marveled at how far down the chasm beneath them went. He also made mental note of how the other vehicles seemed to avoid their own.

It would seem the locals knew Black Sun when they saw them, but why were the authorities doing nothing about them?

The wind whipped around the speeder as they flew onward and sometime later they reached the place The Wayfarer could only guess was their head quarters. It appeared to be an abandoned smuggling dock. They were usured out of the speeder and led by a pair of thugs while the rest went about their business. The drifter made note of the large freighter on the landing platform. He could not discern it's make, but assumed it was their smuggling vessel. Large containers lay all over the dock and inside armed thugs watched over the meek as they cut the spice to be sold later. He peered into one container and saw the urchin with his straw hat huffing on a stick of the stuff and felt pity for the child.

These workers were not slaves at all... They were simply addicts.

The Wayfarer had never been so distraught, but was resolved to put an end to this. Finally they passed the docks and entered the true spice labs. The rooms were lit by a eerie green glow. Here is where the chemist perfected their drugs. The smell of the stuff gave Oda a contact high and he found it disturbingly pleasant. Tables lay strewn with beakers and burners as men in hazmat suits went to work. Analyzing, and correcting. Their test subjects lay slumped in corners as they insnufulated each new batch the chemist made. Finally as they left the spice labs they were ushered into a dank room that was ill lit.

It smelled of fecal matter and sorrow. It was here that they would be placed in cages. But, as they were about to be caged the Wayfarer leapt into action. He spun and kicked the guard's weapon out of his hand with his right foot. Once his leg descended to the ground he jumped and performed a roundhouse kick upon the guards head knocking the man out cold. He hoped his companion was quick enough to deal with the other guard.

[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Mauda]

We were going awfully deep. The deepest I'd gone in many years so I wasn't looking forward to where we would end up. Nevertheless, the deeper we went, the more important the location was. Hopefully straight to Motta's residence, so I'd have an excuse to destroy him.

Eventually we arrived. It was a loading dock where they were shipping crates of spice. I looked around and spotted a crate of DEAD weaponry amongst the myriad drugs and illegal commodities. Well, at least my business was thriving. Looking other directions I lay eyes on children like the urchins from the diner. Most were huffing from crates and residue, some were passed out or immobile, strewn around the dock. I looked at Oda to see what he made of it. Fair to say he was torn up. I can imagine. He likely wasn't used to a raw criminal underworld. Especially not that of Coruscant.

I began probing and feeling every joint, bone and tendon in the guard behind me. My anger was growing and everything in this dock was going to feel it. No exceptions. The guard pushed me forward into a spice lab where I was hit with a wall of chemicals in the air. It almost threw me off my concentration. I couldn't avoid inhaling residual spice and raw toxins and the high was making me lose focus. But soon enough we were out the other end.

The guards put us in a dark, dead room that sent painful flashbacks of slavery and suffering flooding into my head. Too many times I'd been left in rooms like this to rot during my childhood. My anger couldn't be overstated. Put in this room, as if we were cage animals, as if I were still a pitiful slave boy, had me seething. Pure anger clouded my head and I began to feel the body of the guard behind me.

Deep in furious thought, I was snapped out of it when Oda spun and sent his guard to the floor, unconscious. With that, my rage was stimulated. Without turning around, the guard behind me, who was seconds away from shooting Oda, had his spine twisted in all directions, his knees reversed and his ribs collapsed.

Orex let out a quiet breath, turned and ignored the writhing mass of twitching flesh at his feet. He looked to [member="The Wayfarer"] for the next move.

 

[The Wayfarer]

The Ronin watched in horror as the darksider utterly destroyed the guard behind him. He had twisted the man into a pulp and Oda found his use of the force... Disturbing, but he was only troubled for a moment. He had seen worse on the battlefield. Quickly moving towards his guard's unconcious form he began searching his body. He found the key within the bandolier layed across his chest and then removed his cuffs. Tossing the key to Orex, he thought on their next course of action. He looked around for a nearby terminal and found one in the corner of the cell block.

He approached it and tapped in a few commands. He quickly found a map layout of the area and downloaded it to his datapad. He looked to Orex then spoke in hushed tones

"Our weapons are likely in the armory,"

As he finished he took another look at his map and made mental note of the fastest route. He walked towards a door on the far side of the prison and it slid open with a slight hiss. Peering down the hall and finding no one he began to make his way forward. Their were many doors on either side of them and Oda reasoned this to be the guard quarters, which meant the armory was probably at the end of the hall. He made his way towards the door at the end of the hall and found it locked.

"Stand back," He said to Orex.

What he was about to do would awaken the guards within their quarters, but he could see no other way to open the door. He cocked his hands to his side and stepping forth sent a great ball of the force forward blasting the door open. Immediately alarms began ringing throughout the building and Oda charged into the armory. He quickly found his sword leaning against a locker along with Orex's lightsaber. He picked up his sword and tossed Orex his lightsaber. Turning round he found the halls were flooded with at least a dozen guards. He needn't tell his companion they were in trouble.

He removed the magnetic hilt from it's cooling rod, revealing a volatile glowing katana of pure light. Without waiting he charged his enemies.

[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Ronak]

Ronak had stepped off the ship that brought him to Coruscant and went to the first shady establishment with some other hirelings. The smell or rather bestial stink of the city was almost overwhelming for him and made his head spin for the first minutes upon arrival – grime, dirt, sweat, fear, they all were clearly present for his sensitive nose. Only inside the room which was filled with the smell of sweat, alcohol and testosterone could he finally become a bit more focussed and adapt to the background stink of this planet which he already started to dislike. But it was a large and important planet, his ship fellows had told him and so he hoped to gain some information about the whereabouts of his family.

A beefy looking human tended to the bar and asked him to order a drink. Ronak chose the most interesting sounding one Ondaran willek juice without realizing that this was actually alcoholic. When he asked for a group of three Shistavanens the human started narrowing his eyes and pointed toward a group of 5 local humans looking somewhat dishevelled, but all armed with knives or blasters. Without thinking about it too much, Ronak turned towards them and asked whether they had see three Shistavanen. „You lookin‘ for them, hm?“, asked a human smelling intensely of some kind of spice or chemical substance, while scrutinising the youngster. „What can you offer for that info?“ Ronak was taken aback, he had not thought about having to pay for getting answers to questions. „I could offer to … work for you“, he answered meekly – after all he had little else to offer and needed to find his mother and siblings. At that the man started to grin. „We will take you along then.“

When they led him through the even dirtier and more miserable parts of the city, Ronak was starting to regret his decision. Dirty figures were slumpt in corners of the street, standing around fire buckets burning horribly stinking stuff he did not want to analyse olfactorily. Finally, they arrived at a place which looked like a dock, filled with crates and grimy looking people. The disgusting smell of the chemical present on the human was even more intense around here, almost dizzying again – so that Ronak had to concentrate and willingly focus his attention on the present situation. „Welcome home. We will get you to Motta – he will decide, if we keep you or get rid of you. But first, hand over your weapons! You will get them back, as soon as you start working for us.“ Ronak hesitated, his weapons were among his few valuable possessions. „Do you want that information or not?“, the human demanded. Finally, the Shistavanen gave in. Learning about his family was more important and he was in no position of fighting anyways.

The leader and a second thug led him onwards. When the other three left, his sensitive ears could pick up a part of their conversation. „… seen any wolf-men.“ „Nay, but who cares ...“ So this was a trap, they had lured him here and now thaken his weapons. When he followed the leader to the next rooms filled with what looked like chemical equipment to him, the smell of the substances intensified a thousend-fold, leaving him completely dizzied and unable to get a clear thought, while they led his through rooms and hall ways the through which he could not focus on to remember.

Suddenly, an alarm shrilled and the thug darted off into a side room leaving him alon with the leader who was carrying his weapons. Even with a foggy head, Ronak realised his chance and jumped at the distracted man – burrying his teeth in his neck and shoulder while reaching for a weapon at his belt. A stifled yell escaped the man when large wolf teeth grabbed his neck and he desparately reached for his blaster or knife. But the wolf-man had been faster, knocking the thug over the head with the weapon‘s butt. Deftly, Ronak took his own and weapons back, placing them in their holsters on his belt, before taking the man‘s weapons along as well.

The sound of screams, blaster fire and a whirring sound he had not heard before reached his ears from the direction the thug had run off towards. For moment, Ronak hesitated whether to join the fight or flee. He did not like to deal in violence, but „The enemy of my enemy is my friend“ – and he could need a friend now. Finally, he turned in the direction of the fight, blaster and vibro knife in his hands.

 

[Mauda]

Orex caught his Lightsaber just as the thugs burst into the room. He spun and ignited his sabre simultaneously. An intimidating black beam extended, surrounded by a red corona that seemed more like a mist than a layer of light

The thugs all opened fire and Orex happened to be nearest to the group. He swung his Sabre in minimal movements, deflecting bolt upon bolt of deadly energy. If he slowed his defence, he would die. Knowing this he focused purely on the blaster bolts directly ahead of him and hoped something would intervene. Orex had only just began official training on Commenor and knew he could not hold his ground for very long.

Orex switched his style and began deflecting the bolts towards the thugs. Orex managed to take out two or three of the scum before a bolt found its way through his guard and grazed along the right side of his face. Orex twisted, stumbled and threw up his charcoal hand. His anger poured out and he pushed the thugs back. The break in their offensive was valuable time for Orex to restore himself and Oda to engage the gang.

Orex clutched his face and rushed back towards [member="The Wayfarer"]:

"Now! Kill them All!"

In the seconds Orex had to compose himself, He looked beyond the thugs, who were preparing to resume their salvo, and felt fear. Someone here wasn't meant to be, and he was leaking fear.

[member="Ronak"]

 

[Ronak]

The sounds of the fight intesified, as he rushed throught he corridor in a slightly ducked way. Suddenly, he felt an intense wave of anger sweeping over him in a way he had never felt it before. These were not his own feelings, yet they felt more intense than his brother‘s rage in any fight had ever felt. For a moment he stumbled and hesitated. „Now! Kill them all!“ - the shouts boomed through the hallway. The shout together with a misled blaster bolt ricocheting off the wall next to his ears kicked him back into reality. Focussing on dodging any purposeful or stray attack in his direction, he rounded the final corner separating him from the room beyong which seemed the center of the fight.

Quickly, his eyes scanned the scenario before him. Among the thugs, spread across the room, two men stood out clearly – both bearing weapons he had never seen before and only ever heard stories about, one glowing in pure light, the other a red gleaming darkness with a sinsiter glow of its own. The thug who had guarded Ronak on his way through the hallways was just aiming his weapon at the head of the man with the dark weapon who already had a charred mark in his face. Without further hesitation, the Shistavanen brought his blaster butt down on the back of the thug‘s head. A cracking sound showed that he had actually more force than intended, as the man lifelessly fell to the ground before him.

Two thugs close to him spun around, as they realised the new source of danger. Diving under the shots in his direction into cover, he returned the fire without aiming precisely. A pained shout from a thug indicated that at least one shot had found its target nonetheless. The sound of whirring and lessening blaster fire showed that the other two were also gaining on the thugs. Throwing a piece of scrap from the ground in the air to distract his attacker, he quickly lest his cover killing his opponent with a single well-placed and focussed on shot which surprised Ronak himself.

Not under attack himself anymore he turned around to regard the current situation in the room.

[member="Orex Mauda"] [member="The Wayfarer"]

 

[The Wayfarer]

Oda watched as his companion was almost struck by a blaster bolt. He fell to the floor and Oda leapt in front of the man. Deflecting bolt's with a master precision. Then Orex pushed the gaggle of goons back with the force, men and weapons not tied down in the room were sent flying. Oda knew his moment when he saw it. He ducked low and with both hands on hilt he charged. He swung at one thug and the man was cut cleanly in half by Oda's blade. He front flipped over then man before his body could even finish it's descent to the ground. His front foot came crashing down upon the next man's head sending him to the floor unconscious.

Oda ran towards the next guard and with two well placed swipes cut him through the chest. Another guard sought to charge him from behind and Oda shoved his sword backwards with both hands, then yanked forward withdrawing it from the man's form. Gunfire could be heard in the halls and Oda rushed forward to help dispatch the next set of guards. But, it would appear they were not alone as two of the guards were already dead, with smoldering blaster holes in them. Enhancing his speed with the force Oda ran forth, leaving behind him a trail of dust as he did so. He cut the final guard's head clean off and with the last of the enemies dispatched he placed his hilt on the magnetic cooling rod.

He looked towards their savior and gave the wolf man a nod of gratitude.

"My companion in the other room needs help..." He said solemnly.

He ran back into the room where Orex had been and knelt next to him.

"Hold still,"

Then raising his hand to the man's head he began to heal the wound. He was no healer, but it was only a superficial burn.

[member="Ronak"]
[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Ronak]

The man armed with the light weapon decapitated the last thug standing at the entrance to the room.
A quick nod made Ronak understand that he recognised him as not being an enemy. „My companion in the other room needs help“, he said with surprising calmness, before turning back to take care of the other man. The wolf-man tried a friendly smile in response, before remebering that humans typically did not react well when a more than 6 feet tall wolf-man bares his teeth.

Ronak had thought about offering his help, but then watched in amazement, as the wound started healing in completely sped up timing, as the light weapon man held his hand close to it. Only stories had ever told about such abilities, but he had never witnessed them in action. Strangely he felt a change in his surroundings without being able to discern what he actually felt – it was not heat or cold, no emotion or smell, yet it felt real.

When the wound looked like it had had some days time for healing, he could finally quench his curiosity enough to focus his attention on more practical things. One of these thugs might have a key or some means or clue for getting out of here. Digging through the pockets revealed some packets with a strange smelling substance – the stuff he had smelt before in the hallways. Disgusted, Ronak threw it away. This stinking stuff had already done him enough harm. A pack of cards with strange and interesting motives distracted him for a few moments while scanning through them, before putting them in a pocket for further inspection later on. A data pad finally looked more promising.

Sounds behind him indicated that the other two men were about the room by now.

„Look here! Could this help us in getting out?“, he shouted over his shoulder, starting to type on the data pad.


[member="The Wayfarer"]
[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Mauda]

Orex knelt with his face in one hand, watching as [member="The Wayfarer"] cleared the rest of the thugs. A pleasant site to behold as limbs were cut and men beat into unconsciousness. Orex knew he need not involve himself further and so he simply knelt and watched. While he observed, he looked again beyond the immediate conflict to see a wolf being take the corner and recklessly engage what was left of the guards. Orex was certainly impressed by the wolf-man's spontaneity but still felt his emotions like a chatter in his ear.

The wolf-man managed to clear two or three guards and soon, Oda had finished the last with a graceful decapitation. Orex's first real fight, and he was satisfied. Oda returned, bringing the wolf-man with him.

"Hold Still..."

Some could say Sadism. Orex called it trophy-bearing. Wounds were a show of experience and an example to learn from. Orex looked down at his right hand. His left was soft flesh, his right was black, broken and had a consistency similar to that of charcoal. His mentor on Commenor had tested his will. Firing a bolt of lightning, Orex barely passed, and suffered a reminder of failure. The lightning had fried his hand, like a darkside hand shake. He looked up and batted [member="The Wayfarer"] 's hand away.

"I will keep it. It will help me."

The blaster had torn across his face, opening the right side of his mouth into a permanent grin and burning his cheek bone. Orex loved it and would cherish it as a memoir to his proven worth.

[member="Ronak"]