Private Following the Trail

[Venku Bralor]

Location: Lonesome
Objective: Find Rocho
Tags: Rocho Kreslin Westwind

Months had passed since Venku had chased Rocho through the snow of Ilium. He continued to chase him, albeit at a much slower pace. Trailing rumors and stories of him from system to system, following flashed from the force when the rumors went dead. When news of the situation on Mandalore reached him, Venku threw himself harder into the search in a desperate attempt to distract himself from the suffering of his people. If he were to open his communicator, he would see several messages from his brother, asking if he was okay. But he didn't check his communicator, having disconnected it from his helmet interface for these exact reasons. He couldn't have the distraction. He had to find the bounty hunter to attack his friend. Now, the Togorian had finally caught up with him. Almost. He had tracked the Trandoshan to Lonesome, but couldn't seem to pinpoint where he was through hearsay or the force. It seemed he would have to do it by hand.

The togorian searched his surroundings once more, seeing nothing but the dreary street of the capital city drenn. Everything here seemed dreary, cast in shadows or lit by stark white lights. Even the people seemed to possess this stark contrast. The well off lingering in their upper districts, with shinning lights and room to breath. Others living day by day, breathing masks worn around the edges. Living in the narrow darkened streets of the lower levels, bustling through crowds with a hand on their wallets as they make their way to whatever jobs they hold. He had no idea why Rocho would be on this planet, but despite the state of the city itself, he was glad for it. Tracking a Trandoshian bounty hunter was difficult, but the fact that other people were here would at least give him possible witnesses, unlike the last few planets he had been on.

Arms pulled the heavy cloak tighter, the chilly air making his fur stand on end and press uncomfortable against his armorweave. While the mandalorian wore his helmet as it had a breathing mask built in, he had opted for as much stealth as possible. Covering his beskar'gam with a long sleeved shirt and loose pants followed by a thick dark grey wrap over his torso to help stave off the cold. He kept the hood up, covering his helmet and giving his head an odd shape. He almost regretted not wearing the skinsuit, but he had yet to clean all the sand out of it and he didn't want that stuff rubbing against his fur and getting under his skin. It would take months to get out.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Locate target
Tags: Venku Bralor

Cold was such an ugly thing. But it had ways to survive it. The Trandoshan wore a heavy cloak. He wore a breath mask, though he hated the thing. He had practiced ways in the force to avoid using these, but the Trandoshan avoided relying on it too much. That was the type of thing that sith and jedi made the mistake of doing. As a hunter it was vital he know how to utilize a wide range of skills rather than forcing himself into mastering a single style.

The cloak and mask didn't exactly hide his identity of course. They weren't meant too. He was taller than most and trandoshans weren't exactly known for subtlety, even if he had somewhat more than others of his kind at times. He had found another contract, which led to this planet. It was not particularly interesting. The individual he was after could probably be taken down if the authorities were decent. But he was nearby and figured he might as well take advantage of the price. It was more just to get a little bonus of cash than it was anything else. The target was a madclaw wookiee. Dangerous for sure. But he relied too much on his strength and speed to overpower opponents and scare them into submission. Apparently he had a droid with him most of the time for communication purposes, who was armed with a blaster pistol. But by all reports it was essentially just an amped up protocol droid.

At present, Rocho didn't sense Venku Bralor 's presence. He was following his own hunt and its leads and Venku wasn't yet close enough or showing enough to tip off the trandoshans senses. He was too focused on the current objective having heard word of the madclaw being spotted in an almost shacklike store trying to make a deal. Seemed like he'd tried to go into smuggling.

Spoiler: Equipment

heklerkok-tdl-1-tempest (strapped to his back, extra ammunition on straps.)
PS-1 Particle Shotgun with extra ammunition on belt and legs
t-7-vibro-brace (left arm.)
g-11-shield-gauntlet (right arm)
heklerkok-la-2 light armor (Isn't wearing shoes, helmet, or gloves.) (wearing a thicker cloak over all this)
The Beast: (Worn on back)

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: Pinpoint Rocho's ship
Tags: Rocho

The cloak swirled around Venku as he questioned people about a trandoshian. He was becoming reckless, though he'd never admit it. So close to his prey, the closest he's ever been. Where before he had move from bar to bar, as those where were most bounty contracts were found, now he trailed after whispers and rumors and the answers of the people around him. He was so close. He couldn't risk lurking in bars for hints when the trandoshian could leave while he was here. If that even worked, no body had seen anything. Maybe if he checked the hanger? There was a chance Venku could recognize his ship. It was a better option than wandering around asking strangers, especially in a place like this.

Mind made up, Venku turned back to the hangers, cloak swirling around him as he did so. Honestly he hadn't been using the best plan. Even if he did have most of his armor covered, the helmet alone would be easily recognizable. Not to mention his species, there weren't that many togorian mandos running around. But then again, Venku hadn't been thinking straight lately. Things kept getting worse back on mandalore and he didn't even know where his family was. Sure he stayed in contact with his brother, but he couldn't tell him where he was. He was doing the exact same thing as when his mother died. Pulling in on himself and focusing single mindedly on one thing so he didn't have to think about all the painful stuff. Last time he had his family to help him out of it.

Arriving in the hanger, Venku began a systematic search. He had gotten a look at the sip Rocho had back on Ilium. Although it wasn't the best look, considering it had been shooting at him. Hopefully what he had seen was enough, if he even brought the same ship.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Locate and destroy target.
Tags: Venku Bralor

Rocho pushed his way into the shack, glancing around, he could feel anger, not from those visible, from a back room. An employee looked up to see him, and then he could feel fear. He narrowed his eyes at them approaching them and holding out his hand to reveal an image of the madclaw, "Shri'rook. Wookiee. He has a bounty on his head and I'm here to claim it. Where is he." the employee hesitated and Rocho leaned forwards narrowing his eyes at him as he let out a warm breath. They cowered and pointed to the back. Rocho put the item away and left, "Thank you for your help."

He shoved the doors open to see the Wookiee arguing with the shop owner who was surprisingly chill about it in spite of being a rather short human. Rocho chose to interrupt holding out his shotgun towards the wookie, "Shri'Rook you have two options, alive or dead."

The wookie looked at him and gave a growl while holding up his arms, the droid moved pretty fast. Bringing up its blaster. But that was hardly enough. He pulled the trigger twice. The droid was practically in pieces and the wookiee had several holes in him. Rocho didn't even wait to see if there would be a change of mind. The axe on his back was removed and thrown in an instant decapitating the beast before returning to his hand. The shop owner looked stunned.

"Keep out of trouble or you could end up like them." He said with a grunt, grabbing the wookiees head and tying its hairs to the body, and then grabbing it and the droid by the legs and pulling them behind him after removing their weapons and valuables. He pulled out his comm unit calling the most local bounty authority, "This is Rocho Krul. I have the madclaw Shri'Rook and his protocol droid." he showed them the corpses. "Job completed. You can come pick up the body."

If Venku continued his search he would eventually locate The Challenger. Although the vessels exterior design wasn't unique, it was still rare to see them as they belonged to what Rocho considered a now failed empire. Naturally, the ship would be locked and under guard. However the NN-2 Front Droid was once again aboard Robber's Crown rather than the smaller ship. Rocho had made sure that if anything were to come actually to his ship that wasn't him, he get a comm call, as he wasn't intending for anyone to head there alone.

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: Steak out the ship
Tags: Rocho

It was obvious from a distance that approaching the ship directly was a bad idea. To many people milling around with a number of guards around the hanger and ship. All he needed to do was find an inconspicuous place to watch it. Not for the first time Rocho wished he had a more human like physique. It would be easy to blend into the crowd then. Instead he had to worry about some one spotting him lurking if he stayed in one place too long. With a sigh, Venku retreated from the ship, thinking he could make his was to one of the upper levels and watch from a vantage. He didn't have his sniper riffle, but then he wasn't trying to kill him.

Realizing that being on an upper level wouldn't be conducive to a quick chase, he eventually settled on a shadowed alleyway with clear view of the ship. Settling himself on the ground in a position that would allow for a relatively quick start, albeit somewhat awkward. It was in the quiet moments like this that he wondered what he was even doing. Varloc hadn't asked him to do this. He wasn't even sure what he'd do with the Trandoshian once he found him! It' not like he was doing the job for himself. No, all the info he could find pointed to someone hiring him. Sure he probably took it for the challenge, but he was still hired. He doubted the bounty hunter would tell him who hired him.

Thoughts spiraled in a downward circle, until it took someone almost stepping on his tail to drag him out. That wasn't good. he needed to be focused for this. He had to find this guy. Venku focused on calming himself down. A form of meditation that he had learned as a child to help with anxiety and pre-fight jitters and such. Helping to center him in the here and now. With his thoughts and presence calmed, Venku brought his attentions back to his surroundings, eyes scanning the people and droids around him, lingering on the ship he was watching before continuing to move.

Beneath his helmet, his ears twisted this way and that. Picking up on the sounds of those around him

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Return to ship
Tags: Venku Bralor

Rocho delivered the corpse and retrieved his reward. Selling what was left to a nearby shop for a good price and stowing the credits away. And so he made his way towards The Challenger. Giving them a call to alert them he was on his way and to make sure there wasn't anything in the way of his ships exit. However, his entrance would not go undisturbed.

Venku might see the trandoshan coming. It wasn't exactly easy to miss and Rocho did consider that an occasional issue when it came to hunting. You made a lot of enemies, and that meant you sometimes got some of them sent after you. However, that was all part of the challenge. That was the point of it. Many times, the hunt itself was a waste of time. So it was those assassination attempts that made it better, rare though they had become.

The hunter made it into the station and could see his ship, then paused. He sensed a presence. It wasn't extremely familiar, but he knew he'd sensed it before. It was that of another force sensitive. He had sometimes run into comrades or aquantinces on outings like this before. But it was not commonly another force user. And since it was less familiar, there were only so many ideas.

He went back to walking. His senses heightened, as he looked towards every guard and felt for an attack. He gave one turn around to see if there was anyone behind him immediately. Too much looking and he could scare them off. He started looking for any signs of explosives on his ship first, for now, all he could do was prepare to leave. And find out if he was about to have to deal with an assassin or not.

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: Get Rocho... preferably without being shot.
Tags: Rocho

It didn't take long for Venku to notice the trandoshan. Eyes tracking his movements as he looked around. "Osik!" He muttered under his breath. He must have sensed him him. He wasn't the best at hiding his presence yet. Slowly making his way to his feet, Venku eyed the guards at the ships. He really hoped they wouldn't interfere, although he doubted it. Slipping into the crowd of people passing through the hanger, Venku hoped that the crowd would help conceal who he was for a little bit further. This would be almost impossible if Rocho discovered him before hand.

Thirty feet away, twenty, fifteen.Part of him wanted to get closer, but he knew that he'd been seen for sure. Nonetheless, stopping in the crowd made him pretty easy to spot, especially with the odd shape the hood gave his head.

Spoiler: gear

• 7 Kushute grenades
• TDW m-a shotgun
• 8 gauge taser rounds
• Beskar'gam
• his regular gear

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Discover the intentions of the familiar presence.
Tags: Venku Bralor

The person was getting closer. That was definitely obvious through the force. Identifying people was always a useful strong-suit. But there was nothing yet, no call, no telepathic push, no feeling that Rocho was being attacked at that instant. He looked at the guards. It was their job, they were here. But at the same time, if this was a force sensitive, there was no certainty they'd survive if this did turn into a conflict. Mercy wasn't exactly a common trait of the Trandoshan, but they didn't need to sign up for this. Rocho opened the ramp to his ship looking into the crowd,

He walked up to a guard, whispering into their ear as he crouched down, "There's someone in here I recognize. A force sensitive. Keep your eyes out, however, understand that I will not necessarily ask you to risk your lives more than necessary should they turn their attention too much toward you."

The guard looked at him, they were a little confused, but they got the message. And reached for their comm to send that to the others. In that case, they were essentially put to protect others and property. Not so much Rocho himself. The Trandoshan turned to the crowd, "I recognize your presence!" he shouted at them, "If you want to talk. Do so now. If you want to fight-" He pulled the Tempest from his back, "-I have some thermal detonators and blaster bolts for you."

No doubt that'd get the crowd moving. If he left with them, Rocho would simply go to his ship and leave again. But if not, this should provide an obvious look at whoever was hiding amongst them.

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: ....
Tags: Rocho

As the crowd scampered around him to get away from the threat, Venku remained frozen, albeit this time out of indecision. He wanted a fight, he wanted to run himself ragged against his prey after this chase. And yet.... yet he knew that fighting wouldn't get him the answers he wanted. So as the people scurried off in a whirl of coats and cloaks and the sound of hurried feet and names called. Venku pulled his hand back from his collapsed staff on his back and raised it to his hood. Best to do this peacefully.

The hanger lights reflected off Venku's helmet, bright enough to blind him if he didn't have the HUD to help control the light intake. Soon they were alone, leaving only silence before Venku spoke up, the helms voice mod distorting it. "I'd prefer to talk, but if you'd rather duke it out I wouldn't turn down a good fight." A feral grin broke across the mandalorian's face beneath his helm. He was sure the Bounty Hunter would be a worthy opponent. Not that he would test him.

Silence reigned as Venku waited for a response. Tail twitching behind him, betraying the tension otherwise hidden by his armor. He wasn't sure if this was some trap to get him out into the open just to attack him anyway, and was ready to leap out of the way of any oncoming bombs.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Indeterminate
Tags: Venku Bralor

Ah, that explained it. This was the one from Illum. When he was after Darth Varloc's student. Familiar, but not so familiar as to have been instantly recognizable as who it was. He looked at Venku in thought as he responded. Watched the twitching tail. He didn't doubt that Venku was perfectly willing to fight, but he had said talking was preferable.

"And I'd rather fight. But I'm willing to talk." He responded simply. He watched, especially to see if Venky intended to move any closer. "I remember you. If you're asking why, it's because I was paid. But more because of the context of the hunt. The danger it involved. Exactly the same reason I'd be quite willing to 'duke it out' here."

The Trandoshan stood relatively still, aside from a hand that rose and released his robe from him. So that should a fight occur, he was not further impeded. "But if that's your choice. Keep in mind, I've been doing this sort of stuff my entire life. You'd hardly be the first to take issue with it."

His voice did not come out pridefully. It came more like a note. On the one hand, it could be taken as dissuasion from attacking him. But on the other, it could be seen as a prompting to continue. Naturally, Rocho wouldn't see such a statement as a deterrent to himself personally. In fact it would only further prompt him to want to fight. Mandalorians tended to have that kind of personality too. But he wasn't sure yet if that was this ones intention. So he was simply on guard.

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: gather information
Tags: Rocho

In the stillness of the hanger, Venku felt like his fur was standing on end under his armorweave. He would definitely need a nice long trip to the 'fresher after this. Around him he could feel the guards' presences. Waiting on the sidelines ready to step in if necessary. This could be it, he could finally figure out who sent the bounty hunter after Varloc's apprentice.

Whiskers twitched in a pseudo smirk. "Oh, I'm aware of why you took the hunt. I just want to know who you took it for." In response to the challenge, Venku lifted his head, pointedly showing his throat in a gesture he knew the other predatory species would understand. Just like he knew he would realize the set of his shoulders and languid flick of his tail would change the motion from that of submission to a dare. Maybe he shouldn't be playing with fire like this, not when he needed the info, but this could be it. This could be the end of the hunt. A lead to the real culprit. His adrenaline was running and Venku felt alive for the first time in months. He couldn't help but take a few risks.

In his pocket, his communicator buzzed, pulling his thoughts temporarily from the moment. It was likely just his brother again. He needed to focus on the here and now. He was so close! So close! He wouldn't- couldn't let anything distract him.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Patience
Tags: Venku Bralor

Rocho raised an eyebrow. He wanted to know the person who hired him. Technically, the bounty had been open to be taken. It was just that Rocho was the first to do so. Which meant he was unsure where that made him stand in regards to employer privacy. He chuckled though as he saw Venku lift his head. There were two signs that meant, one was a taunt, the other however was submission. Although he was quite sure that currently it was more taunting. Rocho didn't often engage in similar methods of communication on the regular unless he thought it advantageous. The military he spent time with for years wouldn't exactly understand it. So it was only times like this that it really came around.

He kept his eyes trained on Venku, not moving as he heard a buzz from the pocket. He considered, and then he finally spoke, "There is the question of loyalty isn't there. Always the issue with hunting. Can't tell when or when not to divulge information every time. The bounty was general. I just was the one that took it. You might find it, if you scour the holo-net with key words."

He gave a slight pause before finishing, "Or, I could give you the bounty request information, naturally most of mine remain stored. Whether or not they told me their real name however is not for me to say. But I would need to have reason as for why I should give that too you. It's true, with enough search you could probably find that information anyway. So it's not a betrayal on my part. That means all I'm saving you is time. The question comes down to what that time is worth to you, and worth to me."

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: gather information
tags: Rocho

The mandalorian repressed a shiver, cold air seeping through his armor and clothes. It was freezing here, a fact accentuated by The hard duracrete floors and the metal walls. It was hard to belive anyone would choose to live somewhere so cold. But then again, some of these people didn’t have a choice, they had no way to get off the planet and go somewhere else.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Venku glaced downat the communicator. It continued to buzz, vibrating against his leg until Venku reaches down to flick it off. "What can I do for you?" He knew this information wasn't gonna be free if he got it the easy way, but this could save him months of work. It would be worth it. He just hoped the Trandoshan would be willing to share.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Determine value
Tags: Venku Bralor

The Trandoshan watched Venku closely. He asked what he had to offer, or could do at least. Rocho considered it. "A good question. I have little interest in credits. Honestly I could probably make more if I tried to kill you than what you'd give me." he thought the matter over, "Two things then. Information and an item. I want to know about you and the teacher. And the item simply has to be something of value, preferably a weapon, or perhaps a worthwhile droid. I'll decide more specifically depending on what you have to offer. I have little need for a ship. For my occupation of have more than necessary. If that seems acceptable we can go elsewhere. Give these people a rest from their stress."

The request really might not sound like much. But there were times in the past that Rocho had done work in order to gain information, he still remembered the bugs. That was a truly interesting adventure. And the reason that his ship was called The Challenger. The request for the item wasn't entirely unfounded either, he was open to suggestions and was interested what someone like Venku could try and come up with. Also he wanted to gauge the value Venku put in this.

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: Gather information
Tags: Rocho

The helmet dipped in a nod, exaggerated for the sake of visibility. "That seems doable." He wasn't sure what items he had to offer that had any sort of originality, except for his staff, and he wasn't giving that up for something he could find on his own. None the less, he was willing to share some info about him and Varloc. Within reason at least. "Where we headed?" For the sake of his safety, Venku wouldn't be following him into anywhere less than public, though he doubted a public place would deter the hunter. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Rocho]

(Didn't seem to alert me about this)
Objective: Negotiations
Tags: Venku Bralor

The Trandoshan smiled and nodded with a wave to the guards to back off. He shut the ramp behind him, and pulled his cloak on as Venku agreed. Then replaced his weapons places. "Down the street to the left is a restaurant inside. I have little interest in staying in the cold." he said walking, his weapons were still in easy access. But he believed he'd gotten enough of an idea what this individual wanted and it was easier if Rocho was alive to give it to him.

Rocho would begin to head out, past Venku, "It won't matter. But I am Rocho Krul. Used to have a title, I gave that up. Doesn't mean much to serve a failing empire. Sometimes I go by the name of my ship, Challenger. Short story for that." In spite of less than amicable terms. Rocho clearly showed little interest in hiding details. "Surprised the teacher didn't come. It was his student after-all."

 

[Venku Bralor]

Objective: Information
Tags: Rocho

"Yes, well he's busy. Running a government and all takes a lot of effort. I'm doing him a favor." That was a lie. That was about as much of a lie as he could get. This wasn't a favor. He didn't even know what this was.

Arriving at the restaurant drew him out of his thoughts. "You can call me Bralor." It may have been his last name, but it was also hundreds of others last names. Clan Bralor was extensive, one of the largest clans of the Mando'ad. Though one of the poorest too. Not that it'd be too hard to track him don anyway. Not that many togorian mandos compared to humanoid ones.

 

[Rocho]

Objective: Negotiations
Tags: Venku Bralor

"It does seem that way." He responded simply on the matter of running a government. Not commenting on the idea that teaching someone must also take a considerable amount of time, especially in regards to the force.

Bralor gave him his name. The more official way of identifying someone, rather than based off of their presence. Not that he'd rely on it. Could be just lying. He'd remember it anyway, just in case. "I'll keep that in mind Bralor." he responded simply. He walked into the restaurant and quickly had a seat waving over a droid waiter to alert them they were present and to get a menu or whatever they needed to do.

The Trandoshan removed Tempest seating it next to him intending to sit opposite Bralor. "Naturally I'd advise against trying anything here either. Even under the table." he warned as the waiter droid came over. Rocho would order whatever steak they had and have a whiskey with it. Whatever Venku was getting would be on his own tab. "Now onto the matter of payment. What do you know about the teacher. Sure, I'm sure someone in that position could be studied. But you are a force sensitive and are clearly relevant, either to him, or he to you. I would be incredibly disappointed if you end up lying about these things, we've made a deal on this and I'll follow through on my end like I always do."

He held up a hand, "Wait, perhaps you'd rather figure out the item first. Information can be given after that is decided."

 

[Venku Bralor]

Tags: Rocho

Settling himself into the chair, Venku looked over the menu, using the time to figure out what he would offer Rocho. He didn't have much, and there was no way he would offer his staff or his armor. This wasn't that important to him. Knowing his time for thinking was up, even if he hadn't figured it out, he turned to the droid and ordered a steak with as much spicy sauce as they had. It likely wouldn't be much, but it would be something familiar, and right now he needed something familiar.

Deciding to start with the east part, Venku opened his mouth to begin talking about Varloc. "Well-" only to be cut off by Rocho's raised hand and comment. Osik. Of course he had to start with the hard question. There wasn't much he had to barter, and not much he wanted to give away. Deciding to start with the gun he used the least, Venku gave his reply. "I've got a Jackle Sniper rifle." It was a decent gun, though he doubted Rocho would jump for it.

Momentarily, Venku wondered if this was a good idea. After all who knew how much value he'd find in this information. He wasn't as worried about his gear, aside from the staff and armor, it could be replaced. Although it'd be a pain is the shebs to do so.

As he spoke, he watched Rocho's reaction, trying to judge his opinion of the item. He didn't want to over price and give too much away or under price it and risk making the hunter annoyed. It didn’t help that he hadn’t bartered much. He was practically going on blind.

 

[Rocho]

Tags: Venku Bralor

The Trandoshan leaned back in his chair as he heard Venku's response. a sniper rifle. Rocho had two sniping rifles of different designs, and a hunting rifle for smaller, closer, game. So it wasn't a big game changer. He tapped his fingers on the table, avoiding pulling them back and scratching it. It wasn't that he couldn't use it. It was just a redundancy. "Sorry, but I don't really think that would change much for me. I don't really have much need right now for another of that type."

He let out a hum, really there was only so much he could use. He never used pistols and rarely used regular rifles. He looked over the armor, he'd not ask for that. He knew that Mandalorians valued their armor. "Do you know someone I could convince to sell me a lighter set of Beskar armor? Not necessarily the full set, I'm mostly interested in the material. If not," he leaned back trying to consider it, "Perhaps a more disposable weapon, explosives, not thermal detonators I have plenty of those."