Boost High-Speed Acquisition [Hutt Space Consortium / Crimson Dawn]

[Varm Nul]

The Team:
Varm Nul | 5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano | Amun | Ghorua the Shark

Faction Leaders:
Aktur Seii | Gorba the Hutt​

 

[Varm Nul]

NADIEM
WEST MOUNTAIN FLATS

The planet Nadiem was relatively unknown.

It wasn't important on a galactic scale, but it still provided a solid planetary infrastructure and economy for its people, through a Government that made reasonable choices. The planet itself was mainly tropical, save for some regions having snowy winters, specifically the western hemisphere. Technology was comparable to any other planet, it boasted a decent trade, but specifically served a purpose in the sector as a prison transfer hub; and the means for doing so involved several highly guarded and secured holding facilities, which all linked to a central prisoner extradition port, via prisoner train lines.

The trains were like high-speed tanks, with thick and durable armor, and followed on mag-rails with no stoppage between facilities. Compliments of guards were onboard, armed and prepared to fend off attack, with port starfighter support being available if things got out of hand. The train itself boasted energy cages, reinforced walls, and provided rows of containment space for any number of prisoners at a time - often hundreds.

Security along the lines was high, too. Routine patrol sweeps before every train departed a holding facility, as well as multi-point sensor and radar systems in place, to detect even the stealthiest of ships that passed through the sky overhead. The mag-lines utilized a lower altitude, passing through canyons and other narrow passes, to purposefully interrupt attempts at using flight-capable vessels to hinder the transporting efforts.

But that was also its one weakness.

"Listen up, I'll go over the plan one more time--"

Varm Nul stood on the edge of a rocky outcropping, deep within a canyon pass in the western mountain flats. Dressed in his usual garb, with long coat and wide-brimmed hat, he also wore some thermal layering to fend off the chill of the snowy air. The Duros had been asked by his boss in Crimson Dawn to provide assistance on the job, since it involved assisting an ally, the Hutt Space Consortium. It wasn't wholly altruistic, though, as the individual in question - Kle'wa Ju, a Twi'lek - had stolen sensitive information that could implicate both groups.

"Because of the heightened sensor presence above the canyons, we're usin' high-altitude swoops to approach from below."

The Duros motioned to the collection of hover bikes nearby. They were converted to allow for higher levitation ranges, which would allow the group to reach the mag-rail elevation and pass through the upper portions of the canyons and passes. The swoops looked... a little rundown, scratched and dented, but the supplier had assured them the vehicles would do the job.

"Prisoner train will be passin' along the mag-rail about three clicks ahead of our position. When it's close, we'll hop the swoops through the passes, get close and attach... you all remembered magno-grip boots, right? Luckily, these guys haven't figured anyone is stupid enough to catch a ride willingly, so there's no set exterior patrol. But... we keep alert, just in case."

Varm Nul didn't particularly like talking a lot, so his expression was that of a sneer, though his voice didn't hold any agitation, despite sounding like metal on metal and coarse. A gust of cold and snow-filled wind sent the Duros' long coat billowing, as he turned and walked back toward the assorted group assigned to the job. Each of them had something to offer to the task, assuming they all reached the train in one piece...

"Target is in the middle compartment, in cell F-1028. But, before we bust Kle'wa out, we need to secure the whole compartment, to give our slicer time to bypass the security and pop the cage... then, we secure the target, restrain him, and call in the armored transport waitin' for our comm ping."

With a sigh, Varm Nul looked between the faces of the others and stared with his red eyes.

"Hardest part is avoidin' detection. Need to do that as long as possible, otherwise we'll have starfighters from the extradition port comin' in hot... and that means our ride gets blasted, and we get swarmed with guards. Not ideal. So, we aim to keep a low profile, for as long as possible - maybe even get through this without any alarms, but I'm not countin' on that."

The Duros glanced down to the chrono on his wrist, as he estimated the time. Soon.

"It's almost time. Suggest you check gear. Any questions before this kicks off?"

5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano | Amun | Ghorua the Shark​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: NADIEM
CURRENT EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
OBJECTIVE: ACQUIRE TARGET

There's a pressure in our trade to be the best.

Everyone feels it. From the kid leaving home with their pa's blaster pistol to the Number Two in the galaxy, all of us knowingly or unknowingly chase the title of 'best bounty hunter'. We wanna rack up the most jobs. Pursue the biggest bounties. Get the best weapons.

It's funny, then, that we hunters work together so often. Despite our natural arrogance, we make teams, and we make 'em well. Because if there's one thing a bounty hunter knows, above the desire to be the best at what we do, it's how to use the tools we're given.

I'd also like to think there's some mutual respect, game recognizing game, but that might just be me.

​

Ghorua had been in the business for nearly thirty years. His career had outlived many empires that had hired him. He'd bagged an untold number of targets, stood up to a fair share of Sith Lords and Jedi Masters. Prison breaks, large-scale warfare, infochanting, and good old fashioned detective work, the Shark had done it all.

But in all those years of activity, never had he performed a classic train heist. That had to be remedied.

The imposing beskar-plated behemoth rose over the forms of the other bounty hunters. His armor wasn't particularly warm, but the Herglic's deep-sea biology kept him toasty enough. His helmet was at his hip, cradled by a massive arm, leaving his face open to the elements.

Ghorua's bottomless eyes followed Varm Nul as the Duros spoke, lips drawn into a thin line over his maw of distressingly sharp teeth. He'd had his reservations about the plan, particularly concerning his size. But they'd stress-tested the bikes, and they did support his weight as long as his anti-gravity belt was active.

"Good to go," Ghorua said simply, his smooth tone unconcerned. He'd already checked and double-checked his gear, too many weapons and doo-dads for one person, and tested them for the weather. The Shark wasn't one to leave much to chance.

He had a reputation to maintain, after all.

- 5-WCH (Switchblade) - Gandra Vano - Amun -

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

Infiltrate the Train
Acquire the Twi’lek
Turn in to Consortium
Profit

————————————
​

The droid stood on the snow-covered mountaintop, processing the cold air through his sensors. Rigid and freezing winds ripped across the small makeshift camp, possibly chilling the other hunters to the bone, but he would not be affected by such weakness.

He surveyed the group that was out before him. A Duro, a Togruta, a Helgric, and a Kyuzo. Formidable hunting species on there own, but hopefully their collected efforts would prove this chase to be valuable.

Listing closely with his sensory “ears”, the droid could tell the train was approaching shortly. It wouldn’t be long before they group mounted their respective swoops and rocketed towards the canyon below.

“The transport is four miles and nine hundred sixty-five feet out. It is closing on our position fast. Let’s get ready.”

Varm Nul | Ghorua the Shark | Amun | Gand​

 

[Amun]

Who would have ever thought up of the planet Nadiem? None save for outlaws to make this a haven to shelter them from the law. Unfortunately for a particular Twi’lek, there were some individuals above the law and even going their own ways in violating it. A team of five to hunt down this spy for playing smart around the Hutts and the other syndicates. Brave he was for crossing them, but wildly stupid. As if the Hutts wouldn’t exhaust any expense in getting vengeance on their enemies.

The only familiar face in this team was the Herglic, though Amun never shared a moment of dialogue with the Shark. The rest were names spoken within the Consortium, crime lords praising for their work which earned the ear of the many bounty hunters. Naturally, in a crowd like this the Kyuzo took caution of. There was plenty of disgraceful hunters in the profession, always willing to step on their peers just to gain the glory and credits. He wondered which one it would be between his four companions.

Time was short as they were to execute the first step of this unconventional operation. Questions he didn’t have except for one.

“Any repercussions should the target die?”

He would honor the terms of the hunt as much as he could, but he also wanted to know what consequences there was should anything so sudden happened.

Ghorua the Shark | Varm Nul | 5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano​

 

[Gandra Vano]

High Speed Acquisition
​

Equipment: Combat jumpsuit, magnetic boots, blaster rifle, vibro sword, blaster pistol (Specific models pending).
Tags: Amun Ghorua the Shark Varm Nul 5-WCH (Switchblade)
She didn't like working with other hunters, in fact, she down right hated the idea entirely; but then again, she had bills to pay. It would be a big score if they pulled it off, but the snag with these things was almost always execution. Arms crossed, Gandra looked between her fellow members, wondering if any of them were green. She sure as heck hoped not. She hadn't a clue about anyone around her, but she was certainly praying she didn't get stuck with a bunch of deadbeats; because this would be the shortest mission of all time if that were the case.

Patting her magnetic boots, she fiddled with her goggles in kind, securing them just to be certain. "I am guessing we have a plan in case we lose our transport, or are we assuming this goes perfectly with no need for a backup?" She asked, looking for an explination and not getting one.

 

[Varm Nul]

NADIEM
WEST MOUNTAIN FLATS

The assembled crew were all capable in a range of skills, not the least of which was killing, so Varm Nul felt confident in the plan. For the most part. It was true there was a lot of room for deviations to the events anticipated, especially when it came to dealing with a high speed train moving through mountainous canyons filled with prisoners and guards. A lot could go wrong, yes, but the Duros didn't approach jobs with a pessimist mentality and preferred to trust in the plan - until things went sideways, as they tended to.

Trust in the plan, Varm Nul thought wryly. Until it changes.

When it came time for final checks, Varm Nul looked between each team member after the other. Ghorua was a monster, there was no other way to describe the Herglic, but he seemed ready to go with no real concerns. The next was the droid, 5-WCH, who seemed every bit as mechanical as ever, as the droid offered up an update on the train location. Helpful. Then Amun, a fellow Bounty Hunter that Varm Nul knew by reputation mostly, and had heard was reliable asked a question about repercussions if the target died.

"The job says alive, can only assume Gorba wants to make an example, so better not deny that opportunity," Varm Nul muttered, as he rubbed at his chin in thought. A good concern, which needed a good solution. "Since the target's vulnerability has come up, this is what I had in mind--" The Duros turned his red gaze to the Herglic. "--Ghorua, you're covered in armor platin' and look like you could carry a bantha, makes sense you could handle the restrained Twi'lek. Carry him, shield him, that kinda thing, while stayin' combat effective. Good with that?"

As the conversation shifted, the Torgruta - Gandra, a lesser known entity for Varm Nul, but still with her own budding reputation - asked about a backup plan if things with the transport escape didn't go well. That was fair, the Duros supposed, since pre-planning was a thing and knowing some fallbacks was in everyone's best interest. Last thing they wanted was a panic, from any of the crew.

"Nope, assumin' it goes sideways with the transport," Varm Nul said, as he raised an arm and motioned to one of the gauntlets he used. "Our swoops are slave-driven, so we can keep them close in a pinch. Only issue is we need elevation out the canyons, for the transport to collect us, and the swoops don't go that high... so that means a long chase an' evade scramble through the mountain passes until we can find a way up. But--"

Varm Nul smirked as he shrugged.

"--at least it's another exit, even if it takes longer and we run the risk of starfighter support chasin' us directly. They'll still be stuck at higher altitude, though, so it's not all bad. We just need to lose 'em first, before we can call in our ride. So not ideal, but doable."

The Duros walked over to one of the swoops, as he lifted a leg over and sat on the seat. A press of the throttle, a twist of the acceleration grip with revving, and the vehicle roared to life with a burst of heat and flame from the back exhaust. The power in the bike was obvious, as the mighty engine rumbled, and Varm Nul looked to the others and nodded--

"Anythin' else? Train's approachin' fast."

--to which the Duros remembered something and added, with a raised eye-ridge.

"Oh, and I need the best long range shot ridin' with me, just in case we need to take out drones or train guards when we're approachin'. Hard to make those shots while weavin' through mountain canyons, I imagine. Whoever it is, jump on back, and have your rifle ready."

5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano | Amun | Ghorua the Shark​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: NADIEM
CURRENT EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
OBJECTIVE: ACQUIRE TARGET
​

"--Ghorua, you're covered in armor platin' and look like you could carry a bantha, makes sense you could handle the restrained Twi'lek. Carry him, shield him, that kinda thing, while stayin' combat effective. Good with that?"

"Leave the old man to lug around the target." The Shark smiled wryly at the Duros, leaning on a hip. He probably was the best one for that job, not just because he had the biggest muscles. Plenty of his tech prioritized keeping himself and those around him standing. "Sure."

On first impressions, Ghorua liked this group. Varm Nul took control well. The man had a vicious reputation, but so far, he had been nothing short of accomodating. Amun , the Shark also knew by association. A by-the-books individual, with a guild mindset. Exceedingly rare to find these days. Out of the entire team, he was the one to trust.

Ghorua had to research the eager 5-WCH (Switchblade) and cautious Gandra Vano before the mission. They had both managed to stay low to the ground, for the most part. All going well, this could be both of their breaks into the big leagues.

The Shark would be happy to help them survive long enough to do so.

Ghorua placed his helm upon his head, and swung his leg over a speeder. The vehicle labored for a moment, before growling with the same zest as Varm's.

He cast his eyes over 5-WCH and Gandra, giving them a casual nod. "Stick close, kids." Despite the joking tone, there was a twinge of care in his words.

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

Infiltrate the Train
Acquire the Twi’lek
Turn in to Consortium
Profit

————————————
​

One hand placed firmly on the ground, the droid felt the vibrations coming from the mountainside train. Their target would be coming into view any minute now. Servos within his legs whined as he rose from the ground. Reaching down towards his hips, the droid checked both of his blaster pistols one final time before holstering them. After that was his rifle check, which proved to be clean.

This mission would most definitely be stored in within his memory logs. All four of these hunters had decent reputations, in one way or another. Switchblade had fallen off of the radar for a while, but now it seems like bounty hunters are needed now more than ever. Galactic empires and religious force orders need to be put in there place. He planned on helping lead that charge. If this mission proved to be a success, then more possible team-ups such as this one could appear more often in his future.

"Unless there is any objection, I will join you Varm. My stabilizers will steady my shots at the high speeds."

Swinging his leg over the side of the bike, the droid readied his rifle. No point to waste precious seconds now when patrols could fire at them within seconds. A small thump could be heard as his legs magnetically clamped onto the speeder. It was time to rock and roll.

Varm Nul | Ghorua the Shark | Amun | Gandra Vano ​

 

[Amun]

If Gorba wanted the target alive, then alive he shall receive him. The Kyuzo would do everything and anything in his power to accomplish that; however, not everything could go perfect without a hitch. He just hoped Gorba would accept the head should the target died from some inconvenience; even if the reward was cut for not meeting the requirements.

Almost volunteering himself to be Varm’s shot had the droid assassin not spoke up first. If the droid think they had the better shot, then by all means.

No more questions came to mind and went to mount on his own swoop bike, awaiting for Varm’s cue.

“All ready when you are.”

Ghorua the Shark | Varm Nul | 5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano​

 

[Gandra Vano]

High Speed Acquisition
​

Equipment: Combat jumpsuit, magnetic boots, blaster rifle, vibro sword, blaster pistol (Specific models pending).
Tags: Amun Ghorua the Shark Varm Nul 5-WCH (Switchblade)

None of this was a normal run for the Togruta woman, though she would be in the minority it seemed no matter what she thought. Looking to the lot, she shrugged, clasping her helmet on over her head and straddling the swoop, shaking her head in disbelief. This was probably going to get them all killed. “Right, well. Ideally we don’t all end up in cuffs or nice individual boxes.” She muttered, turning on the comm in her helmet, before switching her swoop on.

Truthfully, she hated driving swoops. The tech never felt right handling, then again, she hated most forms of travel that didn’t involve natural creatures. She looked to the rest of the group, suppressing the nerves within her as she just needed the signal to get this show on the road and put the worries aside.

 

[Varm Nul]

NADIEM
WEST MOUNTAIN FLATS

The crew were set, the swoops were revving and ready.

All that remained was to make the perilous trek through the mountainous terrain to then intercept and board a train moving at high speed.

Simple.

It was anything but.

With the droid perched on the back of his swoop, Varm Nul nodded and reached up to remove his hat, before he stuffed it into his jacket. He also took out a small comm, which he clipped to his collar, and then flicked several switches on the vehicle.

"Remember, lower is better," The Duros said dryly, as he pushed down on the peddle with a boot, kicking the swoop into gear. "Let's go."

Varm Nul twisted the throttle, the swoop launched out over the chasm, and immediately began to fall. The engine began to whine, then the compensators for higher altitude kicked in and the Duros - along with his droid passenger - began to fly at speed through the narrow mountain passages. While not the best pilot, at least with starships, Varm Nul had had his share of land vehicle use in pursuit of various bounties, so his reflexes and adequate skill were enough to stay below sensor height and avoid crashing.

"We're attachin' to the rear-most car," Varm Nul said through the comm on his jacket collar. The wind whipped past his face, as he squinted his large red eyes. "Less chance of bein' seen. Then we're movin' along the top - those mag-boots will get some use then."

Ahead, a rocky archway required some evasive riding, to which Varm Nul sent his swoop lower and under it, to avoid going too high. And once the pair came back up to height, Varm Nul knew that the train was exactly one mountain parallel to the group. With that, the Duros glanced back and spoke to 5-WCH directly:

"I'm goin' to bring us up fast behind. You see any guards, drop 'em."

Then, following the natural topology of the ranges, the swoop came out alongside the train line. The rail was overhead, with the train several dozen meters in front of the group, to which Varm Nul aligned the swoop flight under the rail itself and began to pursue. When they were closer, Varm Nul gained some height beside the rail itself, then gave 5-WCH the time he needed to make any shots into the rear-most car or exterior...

5-WCH (Switchblade) | Gandra Vano | Amun | Ghorua the Shark​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: NADIEM
CURRENT EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
OBJECTIVE: ACQUIRE TARGET
​

With everyone ready to disembark, the Shark couldn't keep an excited grin from his concealed face. He always felt this way before a job; the feeling that all the careful prep-work and training could either pay off in a big way, or be for naught.

Herglics were known for their gambling addictions. While Ghorua stayed away from cards, and did all he could to minimize risk, he couldn't help but feel the thrill of random chance.

Ghorua stepped on the gas, his vehicle crackling with power, propelling him forward, and through the canyons.

Of course, the large Herglic's bike puttered along at the back of the pack, having to deal with the most weight, and having to slow down to avoid the momentum crashing him into a nearby rocky outcropping. But he was able to keep up for the most part, until the train was directly in front of them. Following Varm's lead, the Shark waited for their droid counterpart to retire any guards in the caboose, hanging back and low before they made their next move.

- 5-WCH (Switchblade) - Amun - Gandra Vano - Varm Nul -