Hunting a Bane

[Zenva Vrotoa]

As the young half breed got his data pad set up, Zenva finally pulled herself to her feet. She eased the hammer of her revolver back to it's originally position and put the gun away. Pulling her hood back up to cover her injury, she watched the man start to sweat as the call continued to go unanswered. She should have shot the little liar in the knees when they were still in front of one another. Than the call was answered. "Well no chit." She whispered.

When the older Bane demanded the Hunter be put on the line she could hardly believe her target had been telling the truth. "You heard the man, baby Bane. Shut up and go stand in the corner. Don't forget those rules we talked about."

As Zenva stepped up to the data pad, her eyes stayed on Sage. This was when most people tried to pull punches and bolt, while the Hunter was distracted with a potential client. Her coat remained open, one hand resting on the grip of her blaster. "Good evening Mr. Bane. Sorry to interrupt your night like this. I was quite certain your brother here was laying. Let's cut straight to the bone on this shall we? It's late. We both have things to see to, I'm sure. "

[member="Sage Bane"]
[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax leaned against the center bar at the Dragon Palace Casino, sipping a Cognac. He wasn't surprised at all when the Holocall from his brother came in. Pissing off one drug lord or another was just another Tuesday for Sage Bane, and his brother had a feeling that he'd eventually be bailing him out. Or burying his body. Whichever came first.

When Sage's bounty hunter stepped in front of the Holocam, he ran his fingers through his blue-black hair and appraised her with a steely glare. The Chiss crime boss looked eerily like his younger half-brother except for his darker hair, bluer skin and red alien orbs. His clothing was expensive and exquisitely-tailored, a three piece pinstriped suit that befitted a wealthy crime boss, and probably cost more than Sage's life.

The Zabrak bounty hunter, muscular and athletic-looking, she smartly watched his brother out of the corner of her eye, her hand on her weapon as a warning to her captor. Cryax smiled. Chances were good that Sage wasn't an easy catch. Unlike Cryax himself who relied on droids and henchmen to protect him, Sage's rough upbringing meant that the scrappy half-Chiss could actually fight, and that spoke volumes about the talent of the woman standing before him. The Red Ravens could use skilled hunters and mercenaries in their ranks. Sage wouldn't be happy with it, of course, but he could go kark himself.

Skipping formalities, the Red Ravens President cut right to the chase. "My brother is the biggest liar this side of the Outer Rim. However, Sage's relation to me was probably the only thing he was telling the truth about." He paused and raised an eyebrow at the Zabrak. "What's your name anyway?"

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

She couldn't help but laugh. Now this was more her pace. "Vrotoa. I don't imagine you have heard of me Mr. Bane. We don't operate on the same scale you and I. Your charming little brother here and those unfortunately similar to him however, know of me. Only he's a lucky one. I'm usually just assigned to kill the little bottom feeders for an outstanding debt. He's wanted alive."

She would turn her head away from the data pad long enough to spit another mouthful of blood to the floor. Straightening again she returned her focus to the conversation at hand, though her gaze never left Sage.

"Look Mr. Bane, this isn't personal for me. I'm just a short-term contract operator in this situation. I was paid to take your brother in alive. Those Ko Hentana morons on the other hand want to make an example of him. Word in my circle is, a lengthy bit of torture before they cut him into little pieces."

Clearing her throat she turned herself toward the data pad only her eyes now toward Sage. "How do you want to handle this Mr. Bane? Four times payment as you agreed is more than enough for me to forget about turning your brother in to the Ko Hentana. Of course I will have to keep possession of him until payment is confirmed."

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

When the Zabrak bounty hunter paused to spit out blood, Cryax couldn't help but smile. Good for Sage. He must have gotten a sucker punch in. He listened to her give him the lowdown and finally when the question of payment came up, he spoke. "I can transfer the money as soon as I get your account number. You can send it to me through your Datapad or his." Cryax gestured to the spot where he assumed his brother was standing. "Doesn't much matter to me. Or we could do this another way."

"Look," he said spreading his hands. "The money is a meager amount compared to what you could make working for me." At the look on her face, Cryax grinned. "That's right, Vroata, I'm offering you a job. If you want, we can consider your payment an advance. Then you don't even need to send me your account. Just show up for work and everything will be taken care of for you."

"Once you join the Ravens, the Ko Hentata will stay off your back for not delivering Sagey here. So, what do you say?" Then sipping his drink, the Chiss gave her a look that said that she had about three seconds to make up her mind.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Was this whole family insane? Zenva was stunned at the job offer. First baby Bane is buying his way out of a beating. Now the elder is trying to contract her? The stunned look turned to one of annoyance rather quickly however. "It's Vrotoa, Mr. Bane. Zenva Vrotoa. Let's try not to be lazy with names during our next conversation shall we? I will send you the account number with in the hour. I don't trust the security on your brother's data pad. I'll see you soon about my contract with the Ravens. Good night Mr. Bane."

With a small smile, Zenva blew the elder Bane a kiss just before ending the call. Her right hand still rested on her blaster as she turned back to Sage. "Alright baby Bane grab your chit, we're leaving." With that she turned on a heel and went to check the exit while her paycheck gathered his things.

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

Sage smirked, grabbing his Datapad and a few bags of drugs. When the Zabrak turned her back, he briefly considered drawing his weapon on her. He'd had a blaster pistol on him the whole time, but was too busy getting pummeled by her to reach for it. At this point, there was no use in fighting with her. His brother was going to cough up the credits, and he was going to get a free escort off of Nar Shaddaa, a place where he was no doubt being hunted by more of her kind. The situation as it stood, was a win-win for both of them.

He followed her to the exit and gave her a playful nudge. "Yo, Zabrak," said Sage. He opened up his jacket and pointed to the pistol on his hip. "I have one of these, you know. I know you'd like an excuse to get up close and personal again, but I'd prefer to keep it on me this time." He shook his head with a twisted smile. "I know what you're thinking, but don't worry. I'm as eager to get off this rock as you are, beautiful."

"Guess our date's just getting started huh? What's next, dinner and a Holo?"

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Yo? Who the kark said yo anymore? But she turned to look at the young half breed all the same. Her gaze following his gesture to the pistol on his hip. Thank the stars she had been going for rib shots earlier. If she had punched that she might have broken her hand. Leaning in toward the man, her eyes stared into his. A smile spread over her full lips. When she spoke, her voice was low and sultry, "Wow. Showing a girl your piece and complimenting her all in one breath. You really know how to get a Zabrak's hearts beating huh? Ok pretty boy. Which part is beautiful?"

Her right hand came up briefly to draw his attention before she started tracing it up the line of her body. "Is it the tight leggings I have on? Maybe the little skirt?" Brushing her coat back, her right hip turned in toward him. Her hand continued up her side. "No, it's the corset right? Really shows my curve don't you think?" Her hand came up as she trailed a finger across her lower lip. "I'm told i have very kissable lips. Is that what had your attention?"

Her eyes stayed on his, making sure his gaze followed her hand or came back to her's. "Come on Sage, pick a part you like the most. Talk to me about it, all sweet like. Just remember I'm Zabrak while you talk."

All the while her left hand slowly drew a knife from it's oiled sheath. The blade came free with out the slightest sound. "But if you don't compliment my nine inch chit-sticker that's beside your manhood," The tip of the knife would tap against the man's thigh. Her voice suddenly becoming venomous, "I might get insulted. You got lucky when you cracked me over the head Bane! Cut the chit talk and bragging. IF we have another dust up on the streets I will KILL you. You want a rematch once we are off this mud ball planet, fine. We can dance again. You win that the best you get is a handful of soft flesh. In the karking mean time let's pretend there are people who want you dead and get out of this system a.s.a.p. deal?"

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

What a temptress, thought Sage as she gave him an eyeful of her shape in its fetching outfit. The hybrid watched her with an amused half-smile on his face as she gave him a fun little show, his eyes lingering on her curves, and the finale with the knife didn't phase him in the slightest. In fact, when someone like Sage was challenged it usually made him want something more fiercely. On the other hand, he also wanted to keep his manhood intact. When Zenva tapped the knife on his thigh, his gaze never left hers, but his eyes flashed crimson for a moment and then back to brown. Once she was finished, he giggled and shrugged a shoulder. "Deal," he answered. "I'm a lover not a fighter, beautiful. I was only defending myself, remember?"

Then Sage reached out a hand very slowly, and let it gently brush her cheek, wiping away a stray spot of blood. "Sorry about braining you," he said, letting his hand drop and giving Zenva a grin that said the opposite. "I have no intention of inviting you to a rematch." Here, he raised an eyebrow. "As much as I'm sure you'd like to get your hands on me again."

Then he nodded to the street, where there were various speeder taxis with drivers barking at them them for fares. He hailed one and stepped forward, sweeping his hand out in a mock-chivalrous gesture. "After you, Miss Vrotoa."

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The insufferable little cretin! To stand there ogling her and not even bat an eye when her knife touched him! "Stop calling me beaut..." Zenva's body locked up as Sage's hand brushed her face. Her eyes widening. Beaten, broken, bruised, bloody. Each a constant and repetitive sensation in her life since her earliest memories. A caress was something she had never truly experienced. Even among the select few that had shared her bed, none had been gentle or caring. She had been ready, mentally and physically prepared, for a rude or violent response. That simple touch was beyond the Zabrak's ability to anticipate. She simply stared blankly at the young man as he opened the car door for her. Stepping inside with out so much as a word to the half-chiss.

Once seated, Zenva ordered the driver to the spaceport where her shuttle was being kept. An out of the way small scale operation used almost exclusively by mercenaries of her caliber. Her great coat was pulled over her and her hood came up. Leaving only her boots visible. Once the vehicle was in motion she would pull a small personal com from her pocket. Putting it to her ear, "F-three, run a systems check and get the engines warmed up." Her voice remained flat, almost emotionless. Than the device was returned to her pocket.

After several minutes of silence and starting straight ahead, the hood turned slightly toward the young man, "Never touch my face again kid."

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

Sage slid into the seat next to Zenva and lit a deathstick, blowing pink smoke rings which dissipated instantly when the speeder driver punched it. He kicked back in his seat, putting his feet up near the back of the driver's head which earned him a stern look from the man. When the Zabrak warned him not to touch her face, he simply held the deathstick between his teeth with a grin, and put his hands up. "Whatever you say, beautiful."

With some time to kill, Sage leaned back in his seat, turned his head towards her and made small talk, flirting relentlessly, of course. "What's your story anyway, Zenva?" He let his name roll off her tongue purposefully. "How does a gorgeous creature like yourself become a bounty hunter?"

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The hood shifted toward Sage. Hate and rage burned like a firestorm in Zenva's belly. The teachings of her childhood made crystal clear in that one shining moment. The path to the dark side of the Force. By all the gods she wished she could touch the Force for an instant. To crush and shatter and destroy for only a second would be so welcomed as she looked at Sage. Instead she raised a finger slowly to point at the deathstick in his teeth. "That smell is offensive. Get rid of it. Now."

She resumed facing forward. "Zabrak are warriors boy. Hunting baby faced junkies is just a miniature war. Once the battle is over you calm yourself and focus on remembering all the details of the battle. You learn, and better yourself for the next war. Like watching for steel pots. You wouldn't understand. Your not Zabrak."

She turned in the seat, her body angled toward him. "Why do you do that chit anyway? It's ruining your body. You got a real warrior hidden under all that bad hair and drugs kid."

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

By the Maker he made her angry, Sage thought with a grin. He loved seeing beautiful women and men getting all hot under the collar with him. It reminded him of the days when he used to have those pesky things called feelings. Lately Sage tried to care about himself and others, but a thick numbness had settled in like a comforting friend and seemed hellbent on wearing out its welcome. His brown eyes watched her as he sucked in the rest of the deathstick. Then raising an eyebrow timed with a flick of his fingers, he threw it out of the speeder.

He could respect the warrior mindset. Might as well be a villain rather than a victim. Seemed like the galaxy only had room for one or the other. He was painfully aware that he was the latter most of the time. His childhood or lack of it made sure of that.

When Zenva asked why he did drugs, Sage's face tightened and his eyes flashed red for a half-second. "Story time," he said with a sharp laugh. "When I was ten I was sold into slavery and chained to a Hutt for eight years. When I was eighteen my Master died and I became the property of another Hutt." He looked down at his thin hands, absently peeling at the black polish on his nails. "I had never touched spice before I was sold to her. My new Master forced me to take it because I was, well, such a handful I guess. It made me more 'obedient,' she said." He shrugged. "It's not like I haven't tried to get off of it. Unfortunately fear of death isn't that convincing an argument for me."

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Her eyes narrowed as Sage finished his deathstick. Some distant, logical portion of her mind tried to point out that he couldn't see into the deep shadow of her hood. The thought was bludgeoned to death by her growing anger. He was much less annoying when she was beating his insides to jelly. She would have to remember to put a clause in her contract, protecting Sage again would void her employment with the Ravens. No. Maybe, if contracted to protect Sage giving him a concussion was accepted punishment for his smart mouth. That thought made her smile and even chuckle for a moment.

"Let me see if I understand you properly here, boy." Zenva's head tilting to one side. "You keep pumping your body full of that garbage because your a coward? It's just simpler to keep doing spice and glitterstim and deathsticks and whatever other chit you can shove down your throat, because stopping would be what? To hard? To frightening?" A cruel laugh bubbled out from beneath the hood. "That's pathetic and weak. Where's your spine baby Bane? Where's that demon I was fighting earlier?"

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

Oh, now the gloves were off. Sage's eyes narrowed at the Zabrak as the half-Chiss's formerly amused expression transformed into a scowl. He jabbed a thin, pale finger in her face. "You try being forced to ingest that stuff day after day for fething years and then kick the habit. It's not a walk on Naboo. Addiction's a queen." He laughed scornfully. "Besides, as someone who does killya for a living, you hardly have the moral compass to talk, darling. At least I'm not harming anyone but myself. Can't say the same about you, kanwonah."

"Ah space it, you wouldn't understand," Sage said, with a dismissive shrug, turning away from her as if to say "we're done here."

As they pulled up to the Nar Shaddaa Spaceport, the speeder stopped at a taxi drop-off point, and the driver whirled around asking in Huttese for his fare. "Ride's on her," he said gesturing towards Zenva with his thumb, and hopped out of the taxi.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva simply smiled beneath her hood while the man had his little rant. When the taxi stopped and the man stormed out, Zenva just laughed to herself and paid the driver. She climbed out of the vehicle and scanned the spaceport quickly. She caught up to Sage in a few short steps. Putting all her strength into grabbing his arm and spinning him back to face her. "You can kill yourself in inches on your own time. For now you need to listen to me if you want to get off this planet with you skin still attached."

Zenva pulled her coat off and spun it over Sage's shoulders. "Pull the hood up kid. This is my kinda port remember. You can beat your sweet arse someone here knows your wanted. Stay close and don't talk to anyone."

Zenva flashed her sweetest smile and brushed past the young half breed. Drawing in a deep breath, she stood enjoying the fresh scent of the night air for a few seconds. When she started moving forward again her smile had become a wolfish smirk. Her stride turned to a harsh measured march. Despite the blood smeared on her head, she moved like she owned the port.

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

When she spun him around to face her, Sage simply raised an eyebrow and smirked. He toyed with the idea of making a joke about getting her goat, with her horns and all, but thought better of it. He was still sore between the legs, and didn't relish an attack on his sensitive parts again anytime soon. As she put the cloak around him, he giggled, "Aw isn't this sweet? You gave me your coat. Does that mean we're going steady now, beautiful?" Sage chuckled as he drew the hood up over his head. Then the feisty Zabrak took off, making a beeline for her ship. He dutifully followed along closely behind, his long legs closing the distance between them.

"I hope you show my brother a bit more respect than you've been showing me, girl. He'll take your head off for all of that mouth." Earning not even a glance from her, he continued on as he strode beside her. "You know what, Zenva. I like you. And because I like you I'm gonna let you in on a little secret about my brother. One that might just save your life. I'll tell you, but you have to promise to be nicer to me, damnit."

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva cut through the port like a lightsaber through flesh. Grizzled mercenaries of every race and creed moved endlessly around the pair as they moved deeper into the port. Most ignoring them, others ducking out of view when catching sight of the angry Zabrak. From time to time one would give a nod or even greet her with a salute and "Vrotoa." She ingored all but the last, and those where only nodded to in acknowledgement. Yet there was a whisper that trailed behind them. A whisper spoken behind covering hands to those who asked about the woman moving in this land of men. Whispers of "The Blood Taker." Still Zenva kept moving. Her eyes forward and her face void of any expression.

"You want respect kid, earn it. You want nice try a Twi'lek. I don't do nice. Act like an adult and I will treat you like one. It's pretty simple. Was I not courteous to your brother? Don't answer that. I did hang up on him. In my defense, he got my name wrong thirty seconds after I introduced myself."

Presently they entered a hanger containing a rather battered looking Lambda class shuttle. The belly and wings were scorched by small arms blaster fire in a hundred places. Beneath the view port was the Vrotoa clan's emblem. A blood red set of sharp teeth on a field of amber. The craft's ramp was down, it's engines humming steadily. At the foot of the ramp a droid stood waiting. An antique FIII Footman painted to match the house, the teeth centered on it's chest. As the pair approached the droid stepped forward, "Good evening lady Zenva. Congratulations on the capture of the criminal element, Sage Bane."

"Save it F-three. We need to get off world. Now." The Zabrak continued up the ramp and moved to the pilot's chair. After checking a few systems and readings she stood up and ordered the droid to take the controls. "Your on co-pilot Bane. This way we can talk about what exactly makes you think I should be nice to you. More to the point, how am I not being nice right now? You don't listen for chit, and I let you keep running your mouth. I'm being pretty karking polite really."

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

"Yeah, save it, F-three," Sage repeated to the droid, pushing his way past it up the ship's ramp. Then he followed Zenva into the cockpit and slid into her copilot's chair, kicking his boots up on her navicomputer and lounging back in the chair with a grin. "Whatever you say, El Capitano." He gave her a mock salute.

Sage shrugged at her last question. "Why shouldn't you be nice to me? I haven't done anything wrong. I just happened to be the unlucky chuff-sucker that got his name drawn out of the big fishbowl of fate. I didn't ask to be hunted, darling." He waved his hand dismissively then his expression took on a deadly serious demeanor. "Anyway, nice, not nice, you're gonna treat me like a dirty addict anyway so just forget I said anything. You have more important things to be concerned about anyway. Like this business with my brother. Just a word to the wise. Keep him at arm's length. He's an extremely dangerous person. Don't take any positions that put you in too much direct contact with him. Trust me."

Before she could stop him Sage took a baggie from his pocket, quickly dumped out a few lines of spice and, using a small straw-like device, proceeded to snort them right off the surface of her navicomputer.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva watched as Sage sucked up a few lines of spice. She didn't yell, didn't scream and curse. It didn't matter. She knew his type and knew that there wasn't much she could do to stop an addict of Sage's caliber. So she just waited for him to finish. "F-three put us in a low orbit please. Than take Mr. Sage's data pad and extract the contact information for one, Cryax Bane. Send my drop account number to him via our own communications please." The droid responded with it's standard affirmative, Right away lady Zenva.

When Sage finished, she moved up beside him and calmly started getting him to his feet. Her voice was calm and quite. Much like one would expect from a disappointed mother instead of the hardened warrior she was. "Let's go baby Bane. On your feet. If your going to do that chit, you do it on Digger's table. Not my console. Drop my coat there please." She pointed to another chair as she moved to the main room of the shuttle. Rows of bench seats filled much of the main room. In one corner there stood a wooden table with four chairs around it. She dropped into one of the seats and pointed at the seat opposite her. "Sit and behold Digger's table. You know when the empire used these ships this was an officers table. Mercs don't have officers but sometimes we get men like Digger. A man you respect enough to give the table to while he drinks his morning stim-caf." Her hand ran across the scared table, her gaze drifting to some long ago memory.

The table was simple wood. Knife scratches criss crossed it in a dozen places. Rust brown stains marred it all over. The stains of years of spilled blood.

When she spoke next her voice was a ghost of itself, lost in some haunted past. "This table has heard it all kid. A dozen prayers to a dozen gods. Whispers to the Force. Thirty year veterans weeping like babies. The death cries of a dozen men begging not to die, while Digger tried to take shrapnel out of them." The eyes snapped back into focus, seeking Sage's gaze. "So pour yourself another line kid. The table understands. We had a rule at this table though. I know, I know. For cut throats with no moral code we have a lot of rules. No judgement when your sitting at Digger's table. He wouldn't have judged you so you don't judge the person sitting across from you."

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

When Zenva helped Sage up, he limply acquiesced, eyes glazed, a euphoric grin spreading across his face. Removing the cloak, he draped it over the chair haphazardly. Sage floated over to the table like a ragdoll and sat down where the Zabrak bade him. Letting his fingers play lightly along a jagged crevice in the middle of the table, he listened as she talked of its history and the table's namesake, Digger. Digger sounded like a pretty cool guy, especially his tendency to not karking judge people like everyone else in the galaxy. Sage could get with that.

For a moment the young addict wondered what happened to Digger. As the Maker's cruel joke, Digger probably died some stupid death, like he didn't look both ways before crossing the street and got hit by a speeder taxi or something. Fate was a harsh mistress. Once Zenva was finished, the half-Chiss lifted his head, looked into her arresting red eyes, and smiled sweetly at her.

"What time is it outside?"

Sage was really, really high.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]