Public Discord in the Alley

[Mavo Cortuga]

"I don't know! Really, I don't!" blurted the Sullustan. His pale pink skin was soaked with sweat, blood from a fresh wound climbing down the side of his cheek.
"Come on, Kigio." Mavo forced her forearm into his neck, slamming into the opposite wall. "I've done my research. You've done yours. Don't make this difficult."
"What're they paying you for this, huh, Mando? I can match it, you know. Give me a week. T-two weeks. I promise."
"You've made too many promises." She slung her slugthrower off of her back and pressed the barrel into his chest, once again pinning him against the wall. She could feel through the metal rifle his heartbeat pounding.

Mavo didn't use to be violent. Although her parents were steeped in a violent lifestyle, they encouraged her to stray from it. Engineering was more sustainable. But, once she turned fifteen and her mother was taken, she didn't try to avoid it anymore. Not only did she begin tagging along with bandits and bounty hunters, but she also developed an incredible knack for pissing people off. Her mood soured, and she felt the random and frequent craving for fights. Bounties, bar fights. Just somewhere for her to put her fist. But, as she stared at the quivering Sullustan, the craving was nowhere to be felt--not a good time to feel sorry when you're a bounty hunter. In response, she only pressed harder into his chest.

"Naboo! He went to his apartment in Naboo, okay?" he finally blurted out. Through the gun, she felt his heartbeat quicken. Mavo narrowed her gaze at him, then drove a fist into his stomach. He doubled over, coughing and groaning.
"Why're you lying, Kigio?"
"What?"
"You know what?" she unclamped her cuffs from her belt. "I'll take you to my employer and he'll ask you personally."
"No! Wait! Please, I can't say! He'll--" Mavo raised the cuffs to above her head, threatening to whack him with the heavy metal binders. "Alderaan!" Silence. She knelt down and matched his gaze. "I-I'm not lying this time, I promise."
"You know I know where to find you, right?"
"I know. I promise, he's on Alderaan. King's Pass."
Mavo waited for a couple seconds, still analyzing him. Then, she stood up.
"Thanks, man! Hey, you're a good guy. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." She walked off, waving as she shouldered her slugthrower again. Whoever is passing would have heard part of the conversation and struggle, and would see Mavo exiting the alleyway and the Sullustan still on his knees.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto was nearby when he had heard the commotion, his lone ear perked up while he approached near the alleyway. He was capable of taking in more of the conversation than most would have been. Due in part to his biological hearing and through use of the force. While he had no idea what or who or even to the why. A small chuckle seeped past his lips before spying Mavo Cortuga as they emerged. And almost immediately, Laphisto let that all too familiar teal blue glow run across his eyes, peering into the girl through the force. Pulling at her alignment to it - if she had one, that is-

It was a strange thing at times, to see the world through the force, but by this point in his life it had become second nature. Replacing the way he was able to experience the world. Carbonite freezing had done a number on his eyesight, and he was sure the signs were there for those who could recognize it.

"Bounty hunting can be such an invigorating walk of life, now, can't it? But what if I were to tell you, there was a path for you that had a bigger meaning. One that was more impactful and long-lasting"

Laphisto stepped forwards. His arms crossed over his chest as he peered down at them with the same teal glow. Adorned in his LO-56A MKII armor. The Symbol of the Lilaste order on the left shoulder, and the mark of Clan ordo on the right. his wings gave a small rustle as he walked on his digit graded legs to close the distance between the two. Albeit in a friendly manner. Leaving his Broad Saber mag locked to his hip

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

At his first sentence, she jumped back, drawing her blaster in a flash. She was immediately taken aback by his striking appearance. She could tell right off the bat that he was one of those people, Jedis or Sith or whatnot that dabble in their strange witchcraft. She could tell as much when she saw his eyes. He had the gait of someone who clearly thought themself to be important. He would see, in return, little to no connection to the force. Young and angry. Something electrical that pulled at her nerves--muscle spasms, twitching fingers. Not ideal for a woman who owns a multiple ranged weapons. She seemed startled and slightly agitated. After realizing he wasn't attacking, her shoulders relaxed.

"I'm not interested." Her tone was irritated as she began walking off. If there was a road longer than this, it wasn't an appealing idea.
Whoever or whatever he was, he was recruiting for something, and she was definitely not interested. Political campaigns, light versus dark, "saving" the galaxy. They were always pulling at anyone that could spread their gospel. Plus, he hadn't exactly witnessed a kind action from her. Anyone who wants to recruit a bully isn't bound to be good news. She didn't know much, but what she did know is that she didn't want to know. Her biggest concern was how she was going to scrape together the credits for fuel.

Her job wasn't close to over. All she had at this point was a hologram of the target and his general location. She had the feeling it would be pushing it to squeeze the exact coordinates out of poor Kigio.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto had expected such a reaction from the girl his eyes darting down towards her blaster before then flicking back up towards her face with a small chuckle pushing from his lips. He paused and didn't make a move towards her till after her shoulders relaxed and her weapon dropped. Taking notice of the twitchy nature of her body and fingers, spice usage? Or perhaps some other type of damage? He couldn't be sure.

"This is more of an offer to do something better with yourself, I reach out to you as fellow mando'ade"

In truth he was mostly guessing based on the demeanor and the body language the girl before him if she really was mandalorian or not, he relied heavily on the way certain cultures carried themselves the way certain people carry themselves to determine more about them ever since he lost his eyesight due to Carbonite freezing.

With a small winch he grabbed at the bridge of his nose rubbing at the corners of his eyes as the teal glow faded from his gaze and he stared at her eyes narrowed either in a squint or glare with unconfirmed

"You are a strong and capable warrior that much is to be seen but you're alone how much longer till fuel starts running low credits go dry and the jobs stop paying as much as you need I am offering more than just a job but a home"

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

Mavo slowly came to a halt and turned back towards him. Her eyes weren't visible but instead obscured by a Mandalorian helmet. She thought about it... it depended on whether it was free. Even so, something "bigger than herself" was far too much of a commitment. There was always something going on, some sort of war or struggle happening between governments, religions, factions. There was always someone who wanted something from her. Always someone she needed to help. Her expression beneath her helmet soured. She could hardly help herself.

Plus, the jobs weren't slowing down. Just as there was always political issues, there would always be people who needed something delivered or someone disciplined. Her problem regarding money was temporary. Once she got on her feet, once she was stronger, then she wouldn't need to worry. She just needed to get to her next target. Then again... she looked at the moon in the sky, doing a mental check of the time.

"Tell you what, Mando. You buy me a drink and I'll hear you out."

 

[Laphisto]

laphisto gave a small smile and a light bow before bringing a closed fist to his chest as he introduced himself " High Commander Laphisto Gix of the Lilaste order. At your service. I have a few credits to spare if you have a bar that's got a string of enough drinks to knock out a rancor."

laphisto watched the woman carefully eyes darting around her armor, looking for a clan mark something he could at least try and recognize before taking a few steps forwards once again. "and if your a gambling man- er woman you might be able to swindle me out of some of my hard earned credits.. without the need of to much physical violence"

Laphisto let a chuckle roll past his lips before shaking his head gently arms crossed over his chest before extenting one hand outwards to gesture fo rher to lead the way towards a tavern she was most comfortable in.

Mavo Cortuga

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

"Mavo Cortuga, Clan Eldar." She waved him along as she began walking towards a local bar. "What kind of gambling we talking about?"

Her guard was still up, though. These Force witches always did their best to seem kindly, but she'd heard stories about how they really were. Plus, she had no idea about the Force--she'd never seen a real Jedi, but as far as she was concerned, it was all bull. But at least she was going to get a drink out of the guy (plus some extra cash).

She led him towards a nearby cantina. One that was nice and crowded, so that if she needed to she could make clean escape and be obscured by the other patrons. As soon as they walked in, they were hit with thick smoke and loud music. Beings of all shapes and sizes laughed boisterously, talked loudly, discussing bounties and heists like there wasn't a care in the world. Mavo weaved through them like it was second nature, sliding into the bar and patting the stool next to herself.

"Give me something nice, real top-shelf stuff. On him," she said to the barkeep, pointing a thumb at her new acquaintance. The bartender, a besalisk man, grumbled something in Huttese and went off to the back room to find some expensive liquor.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto didnt recognize the clan, but then again there were so many new clans out there since the last time he was awake he wasnt suprised. though he gave a small nod thier way as he announced his clan "Clan ordo. as as for gambling, well we will have to see what the festivitis look like, after all im sure this part of the galaxy rarly sees a mandalorian, let alone two of them."


Laphisto chuckled lightly at his words his eyes still holding that teal blue glow as he tried to make sure he could at least see where they were going. he followed her to the tavern taking a look around before then settling his eyes on teh bar and aproaching, before ordering a drink " ill take a Manaan Blue Drop. "

the bar tender looked at laphisto with a mix of confusion and concern " we dont serve what ever that is here."

frowning laphisto rumbled lightly to himself trying to think of another drink " what about Republic red stripe. no? " with a small frustrated growl to himself laphisto meerely pointed to Mavo Cortuga " ill just have what shes having then" this was the first time Laphisto had actually been to a tavern. or any type of bar for that matter since he had been awakened. and not the first time he had to adjust to the times.

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

She raised an eyebrow at his obscure drink orders. He wasn't from around here, that was for sure. The two received their drinks soon after, and Mavo removed her helmet. With one hand she took a sip of her drink, with the other she absentmindedly started messing with an implant, one of two pieces of ancient machinery embedded into her skull. They were incredibly small, and whenever she touched them her shoulder jolted, as if they were directly messing with her nerves.

She took a sip of her drink. It was a deep red and it burned her throat, starting to clear her head and fill it with a pleasant buzz. She cleared her throat and looked at the liquid, a smile creeping onto her face.

"Okay, High Commander," she said, "What do you have to offer me?"

 

[Laphisto]

laphisto turned to look at The Mandalorian grabbing a similar drink to the one she had, his eyes watched her twitch with a raised brow. While he didn't exactly know what was causing it. though, he had begun to make a few assumptions. Pulling the cup to his lips, he took several large gulps of the liqueur a small satisfied sigh parsing his lips. Eyes calling closed as he felt the fluid burn down his throat. While alcohol didn't have the same effect on him as most, it was still a pleasant taste nonetheless

"my offer is a place within the Lilaste order, free room and board. Fresh cloths, a clean place to sleep plenty of food weapons armor and repairs. the Order is a military based organization. proud warriors. plenty of jobs to be found there as well. lots of mercenary work with lots of benefits. even more for full members"

Mavo Cortuga

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

Mavo whistled at his offer, almost like she was mock impressed. Really, though, she considered it. Living out of her ship was no way to live. Free repairs, too... it seemed too good to be true. But if she was part of the Order, then they'd surely want her to participate in some sort of cause. Opposing some government, fighting for a cause.

"What's the catch?" she asked.

She took another sip. She couldn't down very much at a time because of how rich it was, and even the small sip she took made her stifle a cough.

 

[Laphisto]

"no different that what you are doing now, follow orders go where your deployed and to a degree do as your told. we are a military after all. "

Laphisto turned to face her taking a large gulp of the drink in his hand, somewhat unaffected by it. Placing it back down, he gave a small chuckle " as a member of the order you have free access to all Lilaste tech, weapons medicine, tools and materials. So long as you obey the laws and rules of the order."

he had no ill intentions towards his words. no secret ploy or plot. in truth he was simply trying to bring her into the fold, to offer a home and a purpose to her skills. the Lilaste order - least in his eyes- had grown to be a formidable force. but they needed manpower. bodies to fill ranks and top operate thier ships and tanks. while local recruitment from kalinda and their outposts brought in a small steady supply. it had begun to dwindle. and they couldnt afford to begin losing more manpower than they gained. "who knows if you keep your head up you could end up as leader of your own company"

Mavo Cortuga

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

She nodded, mostly taken aback by how easily he took a swig of the drink without coughing. She looked at it, then tried another sip, then had to stifle another cough. The guy didn't even seem to be affected by it, which she found kind of freaky.

"That's cool, but..." A Twi'lek woman holding a platter of drinks walked by, and Mavo craned her head to look. She cleared her throat and continued. "I-I'm not really one to fight for a cause. Being a part of that means that I have to commit. Commitment is a little much for me, especially for a cause I don't really care about," she said. "Plus, I don't normally sign up to follow 'laws and rules.' Kills the vibe."

"I've got a question for you now. What's your deal? What's with the wings? And the horns. And, well, everything about you. It's..." she didn't want to say freaky. "... interesting."

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto gave a small nod as he flicked his gaze towards the Twi'lek following the craning of Mavo Cortuga 's neck causing him to shake his head lightly with an amused chuckle "the order operates similar to a military for full members. for mercenaries or hired guns you need only to worry about competing jobs assigned to you and getting paid."

taking another large sip from the drink, he pushed the empty glass forwards, motioning for the bartender to give him another as he listened to her question " I am a Kiev'arian. a species that is all but extinct from my knowledge anyway. As far as I know, I am the last of my kind."

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

"Well, you guys know how to hold your drinks, that's for sure." She watched in disbelief as he finished his drink without so much as a wince. She looked at his new drink with an eyebrow raised.

"Look. It sounds good and all that, but..." she gestured to her drink. "I can't make a sure decision right now. Where could I contact you in case I change my mind? You got a card or something?" She was on the fence, leaning towards a no, but she didn't want to have all doors closed. Maybe she could cash in a favor in the future.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto raised a brow at her gesture towards her drink glancing up then back to the drink once or twice " and here I thought all mandalorians could hold Thier drink"

He half teased the woman. Truth be told to a degree he wished he could get the same drunk feeling most sentients did, but with the hyper aggressive nature of his blood it was broken down faster than it could be absorbed, grabbing at his vambrace and ejecting a small data chip before handing it to her "coordinates to our station in the kalinda system"

Mavo Cortuga

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

She seemed a little irritated by the comment, so she picked up her drink and took a larger sip. She immediately regretted it as her throat felt like it was on fire--it was a sensation that she could feel all the way in her sinuses, like a hot coal sizzling and steaming in her head. She shut her eyes and fought off the urge to cough. No wonder it was so expensive. She took the data chip and stored it in her cuff, clearing her throat.

"Thanks," she said hoarsely. "What are you fighting for, anyway?" she asked. His type always seemed to be after something, whether it was revenge, power, reputation. Some tried to hide it behind just 'wanting to do good.' Mavo knew that the only people who said that were trying to sell something.

 

[Laphisto]

" what do we fight for?" laphisto turned looking at the mandalorian and chuckled at thier eager display to show off that Mandalorian spite that they were so famous for " well the order seeks to pave a path for the galaxy. a new vision that both sides of teh force can work in tandem with one another"

laphisto chuckled with a small growl to himself, his hand gripping his glass firmly sending a small crack crossed its surface as he spoke " the jedi and the Sith are nothing more than children in the grand scheme of things. Neither remembers why they hate the other and each side has cost the lives of trillions of lives, due to thier petty squabbles. Either directly or indirectly. look at every war this galaxy has faced in the last several thousand years. it has always been sith and jedi fighting one another and dragging everyone else into thier tantrums."

Laphsito took a deep breath a small frown pushing over his face as his eyes fell closed. the grip on his glass loosening before turning his gaze away from Mavo Cortuga and stairing blankly ahead " so we will show them. either, they get over their petty squabbling. or we will gather the strength to make them"

 

[Mavo Cortuga]

Mavo looked from him to the glass in his hand that he was about to shatter with a concerned expression.
"Well, it's not the cup's fault, so calm down." She took one last sip of her drink before waving the bartender over for another. "Anyways, I'm not in the business of dictatorships either. Don't care which side it comes from." She leaned back and stretched. Forcing someone to see a point wasn't her cup of tea.
"You made some interesting points, but I think for now it's gonna be a no-go. No offense to you. Now, if you've got any one-and-done jobs I should know about, then I'm all ears." Something nice and non-committal was what Mavo wanted. Someone like him would be generous with the credits, too. "Heists, kills, smuggling. I'm your gal."

 

[Laphisto]

Turning back to the girl a small chuckle flicked from his throat and he gave a small nod of understanding her way. He wasn't going to force the subject any further. Though he did have a few jobs that could use a few more hands " infact we have a small treasure hunt coming up soon. More of a recovery mission of an ancient mandalorian warship called the Tracyn."

Laphisto flicked his gaze back over her way and cleared his throat lightly " more importantly my warship. The order is spread thin as it is but should you be in the area and in need of some credits your services could be put to good use"