Jack the What?

[Nicair Claden]

The night is dark on Corsucant, the back alley a Mandalorian finds himself in is darker still. A dead human female lies at the man's feet, he crouches next to her. Lights from passing vehicles send brief flashes of illumination to the scene giving it an almost hypnotic feel. The woman's throat has been slashed and there are numerous gashes on her stomach, there is far less blood pooling around the latter. Trash litters the alleyway and will occasionally rustle from the air produced by the movement of vehicles. The place is a rare sight for Coruscant, all too still. Not even an echo of chatter finds its way into the space. It's almost suffocating.

Investigating a number of murders was the last thing Nicair ever imagined himself doing. Well, "investigating" wasn't really the correct word. He wasn't so much investigating as snooping, getting to information people would rather he not get to. So, in a way, he's pretty much no different than the reporting bodies of a number of planets. Though, rather than use the information he finds to practice yellow journalism, he's finding the perpetrator. Using that word made him sound so official, he didn't much like it, too stiff. He was tracking a monster, hunting his prey, the most dangerous game in the galaxy- a serial killer.

The local authorities were largely unaware of his presence. The ones that knew what he was embarking on mostly accepted the help, with five females being gutted in a few blocks of Coruscant, they needed all the help they could get. There were a few that thought he was practicing "vigilantism" which couldn't have been farther from the truth. Being a vigilante means someone is taking "the law" into their own hands, it implies an essence of caring. Nicair doesn't. Much like this particular quarry he wants a trophy, a worthy adversary, someone to challenge him. In truth, Nicair is bored.

The latest victim whose name he didn't even know was splayed out before him. This one was new, the blood was just starting to coagulate, he might be able to run and find this "Riper" as a local news outlet that really didn't have a strong understanding of Basic had taken to calling him. But that wouldn't be fun, there's no chase, no hunt, no thrill. Monster hunting monster, it was the ultimate high. This one was human, the first had been Rodian, the second a Twi'lek, the third a Mirilian, and the fourth had been another human. He's found his preference, the time between kills is going to decrease and the ferocity of them is going to do the opposite. Nicair was lucky no one was around to read his thoughts or look under his helmet at the all too eager grin forming on his face.

This was going to be fun.

 

[Poe]

​From my crouched position atop one of the smaller buildings that dotted Coruscant's landscape, I twirled Winter's Breath as I stared at the body of another female; watching the blood flow from the multiple wounds carved into the once beautiful flesh until it coagulated on the street's hard surface. Nobody deserves to die in such a manner, and yet some misguided individual had taken a liking to butchering innocent women. This evil doer was on a rampaging, murderous spree; and this monster deserved my brand of justice.

​Turning my eyes slightly, I took in the individual who was taking an interest in the murder. Was he a cop? A gawker? Or perhaps he, too, was searching for the murder. Regardless of this individual's motives, the streets in this part of Coruscant would remain uneasy until these killings came to a halt.

​I stood up, smoothing out my suit and adjusting the cape behind me. Twirling around and placing my cane's tip on the rooftop, I walked across the rooftop in search of information. The cops would be no help. Despite being a Count of a noble House on Serenno, I had no sway here. Speaking with the families of the victims wouldn't help either; they would be to distraught to talk or ignore me for poking my nose around in business they would believe I had no right doing. That left only one option. Street urchins.

​Leaping down from the rooftop I began walking through one of the dark, back alleys. I knew by my outfit and looks I would make an easy mark for those with criminal minds and intentions; but I harbor deep, dark secrets. Attempt to rob me, and you risk a retribution of insurmountable pain. Attempt to kill me, and depending on when I last fed; I might make you a meal or kill you for your wickedness. I hate evil doers in all forms, but going around killing them would make me no different than this murderer I was hunting. Besides I, like all Venjuta, was civilized.

​Spotting a dirty, sickly looking girl, I produced three credit chips and knelt in front of her as she rested against a dumpster. ​"These are for you little one. In return all I require is information. If you do not have the information I seek, you may keep the credits anyway. So, in your own words tell me about the happenings around your neighborhood."

[member="Nicair Claden"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Nicair Claden"] [member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

But alas someone was there, though not to read his thoughts. She had just come a smuggling run moving weapons from the ORC to a cell in the Coruscant Underground. Was it entirely legal? Maybe not, but it was what needed to be done. Even with the Alliances protection the storied world was a far cry at the end of their territory.

She stumbled into the alley drunk as all hell with her Mon Calamari Co-Pilot Worsh. They joked and guffawed until they stumbled right into him and she stepped back, one hand snapping to her DL-44 at her side. Her Co-Pilot, being more of a stable mind snapped his hand out to cup hers.

"No not here. He's just a random."

That's when her eyes met the mutilated body and she growled a bit.

"What are you doing here guy?"

He may not have been a vigilante. But she definitely was...

 

[Nicair Claden]

Nicair turned up his nose underneath his helmet, the woman and her companion were drunk. He held a certain distaste for alcohol, narcotics, or anything that affected the mind. He was paranoid like that, and so far he was on an unstoppable winning streak against being taken advantage of while inebriated. He also noted that any action keeping said woman from drawing her blaster would be rendered null and void by the dead body lying at Nicair's feet. He forgot sometimes how bad it actually looks standing over a dead body to those lacking context. How to play this? Distraught citizen? Hardly looked the type in his armor and to be honest, he couldn't make "distraught" look real. He could fake many emotions and feelings but that would be too much. It was decided he probably shouldn't divulge the real reason he was out here, some might... misunderstand.

That leaves a number of lies to fill the void. Investigative consultant? Bounty hunter? Enforcer? Shameful fetish? The most disgusting of all... the press.

"I'd take your hand away from that before you miss and mess up my crime scene. I'm with the local security looking into this mess. Hey, buddy, you want to get your lady friend out of here before she does any real damage?"

He made sure to make his voice sound almost arrogant, like if his voice were a walk it would be an obvious saunter to show off his posterior. Perfect.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"] | [member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Nicair Claden"] [member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

"Local crime fighter eh?" She asked, cocking her head. She ignored his arrogant voice. In her line of work there were more than enough pricks and arrogant folk. That didn't phase her. But the body...oh force the body. It was way beyond just a simple disposal, it was violent, bloody and brutal. Feth even she gave Imperials more respect than that when she made her work of 'em.

Worsh chuckled in broken basic.

"We're a team guy. I'm saving you, not her. Whatever we do, we do together." The Mon Calamari replied.

She gave him a look and he nodded. Then both their hands came off the butt of the blaster pistol. She still kept her eyes keenly trained on his hands. She wasn't gonna be next if he was the guy. And she wasn't gonna use the force either. Not yet. That was her ace in the hole.

"Sooooo..... badge, credentials. Anything?"

If he was a local crime fighter for real, this was something she could totally get behind.

 

[Nicair Claden]

"This is Coruscant honey, and not the nice part if here is one. Nobody keeps track of that stuff and nobody around here really cares enough to try. You want my credentials then look at my armor, that's all the badge anyone needs to do the right thing, yeah? Listen, you want to help me get this guy or you want to just stand there waiting for the booze to wear off because this isn't the place to do it."

Her interest in the body and the scene could be taken advantage of. This was someone that cared about what was "right". Nicair had done away with die hard morality a long time ago. There was no right or wrong, only what keeps you alive and what you enjoy doing, the rest is just perspective, more importantly it's what end of it you're on. But what was at his feet? That almost made him rethink his philosophy and it perturbed him.

This one could be useful though. This killer likes killing female humans, she was a female human and what could be described at least as moderately attractive. She seemed to fit his victim pool. But nothing would happen so long as she had the Calamari at her side. That was something he could try to handle later, right now he still had thinking to do and they were getting in the way of that.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Nicair Claden"]

She was satisfied enough. Until he called her honey and then she smirked.

"Ooo Honey. All right baby. You got this gal swooning now!" She jested.

Still he wasn't bad lookin' or nuthin. She ran a hand through her hair and nodded. Booze or no, she could still function pretty well, especially if she had ol' worsh nearby.

"Alright then guy. What's the play? And whats ya name by the way?"

 

[Nicair Claden]

"There've been a number of murders around here recently, the cooldown has naturally been getting shorter and shorter. People are getting concerned. Can't blame 'em. Same method of death for all of them, slit throat and a mince meat belly for show. This one is probably the most isolated of the lot. Call me Nicair. You?"

He had given it some thought on whether he would give his real name. He was sure there were a few unsavory characters that wouldn't be happy he was on Coruscant. But they'd have there fun when he wasn't having his. It would be curious to see how long he could maintain this facade of whatever he was pretending to be. The lies run into each other after awhile. Let this one prove herself, then the monster can be let out.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[GW-01]

Corusaunt. She was off her turf now. The GW Galactic Warden Droid, GW-01 was on the territory of the Galactic Warden. No matter, though. The Galactic All hasn't been a problem before. Why would it now? Not to mention, she was here hunting a serial killer. They should thank her. This serial killer, the "ripper", has killed many, many people and needed to be put to an end or at the very least behind bars.

GW-01 stepped onto the streets, avoiding looking at anyone who may try to stop and speak to her. She was going to the last location of a confirmed killing of the ripper: In an alley. She quickly sped through the streets in order to get to the body. As she quickly stepped into the alleyway, she immediately went on alert when she saw two people next to victim of the killer. She quickly reacted by pulling out her E-11s_sniper_rifle and pointing it at the two unidentified people.

"State your name and identifications now!" She exclaimed "This is a confirmed victim of a serial killing and you are required to step away from the body."

[member="Nicair Claden"] [member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Nicair Claden"]

She nodded.

"You can call me Seraya. Seraya Whisperwind."

She didn't care who had her name. She was a wanted woman in the First Order, and pretty much every Imperial Type database around the galaxy, though SJO and GA could consider her a friend, as well as the Outer Rim folks. Who this dude was she had yet to learn, but he was down to solve a murder, and so was she.

"Got a working theory?" She asked, kneeling to examine the body.

The stomach lacerations were pretty brutal. A couple years on the rim had taught her the difference between weapons. A necessity to know what you were dealing with in any situation. The cuts weren't lightsaber, nor vibroblade. They were too messy. Too bloody.

"This guy is working with a dead blade, no vibro cell. That's weird."

[member="GW-01"]

When the droid showed up she pivoted on the ball of her foot and drew her DL-44 levelling it at it's face.

"Who the Kark are you?"

 

[Nicair Claden]

Nicair look up at the droid that had just entered the alley. His hand instinctively went to the tomahawk at his hip. He kept his reflexes in check by not throwing it, just putting a hand on it. His hypervigilance served him well before, but he had to be careful, there was no reason to get into a contest with the killer by how many people were after them. His face remained unreadable under his helmet, his voice was something that was reflexively cold when put in danger.

"Take it easy. We're here for the same thing you are. Don't push me, though. People might pay well for your scrap."

How easily threats roll off the tongue when annoyed. The woman, this Seraya, got to hear a little of the monster get out. Something as cold as Hoth's winter chill.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"] | [member="GW-01"]

 

[GW-01]

GW-01 watched the two closely, yet the words the helmeted man said worried her. She felt that a fight with him may not be a battle she would come out of so she stopped pointing her sniper at the both of them. She moved her sniper's position to simply hold it, with it pointed to the side. Not pointing her weapon at the two people, she was still inspecting every aspect of them. She was looking at the both of them for any evidence that either of them was the ripper.

"I am GW-01." She said sternly "I am here tracking a serial killer and the fact that you two are standing next to one of their victims makes you both suspects, therefore I require both of your names and identifications, now. I will not be making any negotiations."

[member="Nicair Claden"] [member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="GW-01"] [member="Nicair Claden"]

Seraya smirked.

"Drayn Fett. This is my associate, Rox Calran." She said, pointing to Nicair. Part of being a Warden was never revealing your real identity. Well unless you really, really trusted a person.

"I just arrived on the Scene G-Dubs' and in fact was conferring with my associate who is a trained detective in the Corsucanti Police Force."

Another half truth. but until she knew more about this droid, she couldn't let anything slide. She used the force to enhance her facial expressions, leaving nothing to doubt.

"Oh also, I have been Deputized by Marshal Calran. Soooo.... yeah. Kinda out of your depth huh buddy?"

"

 

[Nathaniel Trumont]

Five murders in his area. None by shotgun blast. This was concerning to Nathaniel, all of the killings recently had taken place near his home, and were becoming increasingly more violent and closer together. One was just across the street. Looking out his window, Nathaniel could see three figures entered, most likely investigating. The beast of a man walked out towards them, grabbing his shotgun as he went. He knew when they found this guy he'd be dead at the end of it. Arresting just didn't happen this far down.


"Got any leads?"

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]
[member="GW-01"]
[member="Nicair Claden"]

 

[Poe]

​The girl had no real information that I hadn't known already. As a nocturnal being, you learn a lot about society when the rich and proper tuck in for the night. The moment those expensive lights wink out, the real side of Coruscant comes to life. I handed the pauper twenty more credit chips, bid her a well night, and left the alley to discover the body, still displayed in the street like a macabre scene in a horror holovid, had gathered more people around her. As I drew closer, an argument was brewing; how disrespectful to the dead.

​"No doubt this young woman suffered in life, gathered by the state of this neighborhood," I said moving closer to the group. ​"The least you can do is afford her some respect in her death. You, droid, shouldn't you have called this in and have the body removed by now." ​I stopped in my tracks, seeing the wounds in a different angle. Crouching down I looked closer, feeling my anger begin to rise. The wounds were similar to those of a string of murders back on Serenno a couple of months back.

"So 'ol boy, you have changed hunting grounds," ​I whispered. House Venjuta had been investigating those murders, only to be hampered and stoned wall at every turn by the security force and other prominent heads of the noble Houses. House Venjuta was not favorably liked by the other Houses; though their reasons were mostly fabricated rumours and accusations tossed about fiendishly.

​I rose to my full height, turning to leave this lot. If these murders were connected to the ones back on Serenno, these people might just be out of their league. The most important thing to do now was to notify the residents to stay indoors when the sun went down; or more murders would ensue.


[member="Seraya Whisperwind"] l [member="GW-01"] l [member="Nicair Claden"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Nathaniel Trumont"]

She shrugged at his suggestion. No so far they had not gotten much of a lead.

"Nothing much man, he uses a deadblade, which is unusual but any criminal element can use that."

[member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

When the Count spoke and then went to leave she weighted down her voice with heavy persuasive tone, courtesy of the force.

"Hold up, you mean this guy is inter system? That's kind of important!"

Then she looked back at the rest of them.

"Well, any assessments or guesses are a good start. What ya got?"

[member="GW-01"] [member="Nicair Claden"]

 

[GW-01]

GW-01 steped towards the body of the victim, looking for any indication of who the culprit could be. They must be very sneaky or else they would never be able to complete this many killings. It troubled her to see her so stumped on finding a criminal. Usually they are loud and obnoxious and in your face but not this time. This serial killer had a brain and he certainly knew how to use it.

There was a certain person in the group who looked suspicious to GW-01. The one that irked the droid the most was [member="C[/SIZE]ount Marlow Venjuta"]. She couldn't put her finger on what it was but something about him irked her. Perhaps it was his attire? Either way he was a suspect. GW-01 felt as if she was safe enough to put her gun away but she didn't. She could take on some of them on their own if they were to fight her but Marlow and [member="Nicair Claden"] seemed in some way, very strong. She did not wish to risk any of them taking her on and winning.

"We need to look for any evidence that may lead to the identity of the killer on the victim." GW-01 avoided answering anyone who were to speak to her as she had no business with them. She only wished to find and contain or kill this criminal as soon as possible.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"] [member="Nathaniel Trumont"]

 

[Nathaniel Trumont]

" I know...knew the victim. Clara Jean. She lived here, and was a prostitute on the side." It was a shame, Clara was one of the few people Nathaniel enjoyed the company of. Whoever did this would take a shotgun blast to the face. The corpse was identified, Clara would have called the police had she not been the victim.

"Mod we know who the other victims are?"

[member="GW-01"]
[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]
[member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]
[member="Nicair Claden"]

 

[Nicair Claden]

"Most of them the same story. He's just recently started experimenting with the slashes on the stomach. He's evolving, learning what he likes, it's a high he won't be able to resist. The curve of the blade as it enters flesh, the blood seeping down. All these things provide him with the rush he needs."

His words were dry and even, no real emotion behind them. If there was anything it was a certain admiration that he had been able to get away with such a specific set of murders like these. Most of the killings around here were with blasters and the culprits were never really found. But these killings displayed a pattern of action and a preference for targets, all the things that make it easier to pinpoint where he will strike and what kind of person he is. Yet, even with all the advanced technology around nobody could find him. This creature, whatever it was, forced the to get into the mind of a killer, and Nicair loved every minute of it.

"See those cross slashes how they form a diagonal that gets wider as it goes down? That wasn't there before, they used to just be random slashes. He's getting better and disemboweling his victims, practicing his craft, getting more confident. Once he has that down, then he can start to focus on avoiding capture. As if he weren't before."

As Nicair spoke about the slashes he brought his hand out in the mimic of holding a knife and mimed the movements as discussed. He admitted to himself that that probably put him in bad light with the others that had gathered to his little solo party but this moment was for him. A merging of the mind with the killer, he had to feel what he felt, do as he did. With all the heat coming his way it was going to be particularly hard to be the one to kill this "Ripper". Best to keep some things to oneself.

[member="Nathaniel Trumont"] | [member="GW-01"] | [member="Seraya Whisperwind"] | [member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

 

[Poe]

​The one that showed the group a demonstration was correct. The killer was evolving, but into what? Back on Serenno the killer had a cetain method in which it would cut the vocal chords before killing the victim; probably taking pleasure in watching them silently scream. There was no signs of the chords being severed, but that didn't mean this wasn't the same murderer. There was only one way to be sure if this was the same one or a new player on the circuit.

​Cautiously, not to arouse everyone's already shaky trust, I slid down this Clara Jeans' pants a bit; revealing an octagon symbol carved into her left hip. Slamming my fist into the surface, I cursed to myself. ​"They call this killer "Ripper" here, but back on Serenno the title was known as "The Ruiner" for all the lives and families this monster destroyed. And yes, lass, this killer get's around," ​​I said standing up.

​"My name is Count Marlow Venjuta of House Venjuta. And let's not call this murderer a 'he' just yet. That symbol is an ancient one, dating back to the times of the Old Empires, where certain members of an Order called The Flames of The Forgotten practiced certain taboo rituals. Both genders appeared in this Order."

​Glancing at the body, there was another distinction missing from this victim from those on Serenno. ​"The other bodies, was there any signs of teeth marks?" ​This Order was known to take chunks of flesh from their victims via biting. The absence of this proved to me that the killer might have been disturbed during the act, being forced not to finish the ritual.




[member="Nicair Claden"] l [member="Nathaniel Trumont"] l [member="GW-01"] l [member="Seraya Whisperwind"]